Manya made it her mission to shield Dhruv, a freshman in her college, from any possible bullying or ragging. But once, she decided against it, when Raisha mentioned the idea of the freshers going shirtless. Amidst embarrassment, Dhruv's physique garnered higher ratings and fans. "He's committed! With me!" She warned the campus.
"All the best, dude. And if anything, blame your destiny." Everyone consoled Dhruv.
"Why would I blame her?" Dhruv said.
They all burst into laughter. "And they have only been together for half a week."
Every time a security camera on campus crossed her path, she would smile at it. Before heading off to college, she saw tons of screens in Atharv's room, all showing a live feed of her college.
"Is this even legal? How did they allow you?" she said.
"Just imagine, what will a person do if you have their sensitive information?" Atharv said.
"Definition of misusing power," she said. He giggled like a child. "You know what's tonight, right?" she smirked while killing all his excitement.
Manya had forced Atharv to go on a date with their neighbour, Purvi, who had always given him hints of affection, but he only cared about his niece, his duties, and cars.
Setting up a date for Atharv got Manya all pumped to go on one with Dhruv, too. She insisted on choosing a place and time, as Dhruv was new to everything, but he leaned closer and kissed her. "Can we do it today?" he said. "And I'll organise everything."
"How could I say no to this?"
***
She dug through her cabinet, which was packed with clothes she'd seen a million times. "There's nothing decent!"
Atharv leaned on the door, enjoying her frustration.
"What?" she dove into the pile on the floor.
"Nothing. It's my niece's first date. How can I not get excited?"
Atharv was a total mystery to her. She perceived his actions as not meeting the expectations of a grown-up male family member. He differed from the ones she read about or watched. He was weird. "Isn't your blood boiling? Seeing your niece going out with a man."
He shook his head.
"I still doubt you to be my real mamu."
"I'll give a plus one on that. I am a demon, who is waiting for her prey to achieve the desired weight and body mass before I could, eat it!"
"Stop wasting time! And help me!"
He leaned over beside the heap of her mess.
"I think the red one would look good."
Placing the dress over herself, she gazed in the mirror and was amazed by her appearance. "Are you having a secret affair?"
A smile spread across his face.
"Ok, red slip, white wool over and white sneakers. What are you staring at? Get out!"
"Just wondering how much I have to clean later," he said.
She pushed him outside. "I'll do it!"
"Yeah, like you always do," Atharv said. She gave a furious stare. "You know I am still single, right?"
"I would have killed you already, if not for that."
By the time she reached the bottom of the stairs, the clock struck 6 pm. Atharv was standing with a camera and shoot through umbrellas already set up.
"How in the world you became a cop?" she said.
"Shut up and give all forty."
"I don't have time. He'll be here any second."
"Give it lady! Or forget the date."
"You want forty? Let's see what you've got."
She kept changing her pose every second, thinking it would be a challenge for him, but it was pointless because he was loving every second. And all the stories and lessons she had devoured in a year echoed one undeniable truth—girls had to leave their family to start a new one. Tears welled up in her eyes.
"Hey, was it the flash? I am sorry," Atharv said.
She shook her head. "I am just tired."
Atharv's eyes gleamed with pride as he showed her the photos. Every single one was flawless, with no imperfections. "Why do you have to be so perfect at everything? You are an amazing cook, homemaker, and above all, best Mamu."
"Want to guess it?" he said. She shook her head. "So, you would compare every guy with me and settle for the best one, or end up alone." A cunning smile spread across his face.
"Jokes on you, I found one," she said. Atharv's gaze drifted away. "You said you were ok with our relationship?"
"Manya," he placed his hand over her shoulder. "No matter how modern I behave, I will always be possessive for my girl." He looked away and when he turned his face back, tears filled his eyes.
"And I'm supposed to be the kid," she said. A silver reflection fell on her; a silver luxury car was standing by the entrance. She glimpsed a bottle of fake tears. "Don't worry, I know you'll manage alone." She patted his shoulder and stepped towards the entrance.
"How can you leave your mamu and his tears? You are heartless."
"Could have at least hidden the bottle of tear drop. How do you even? Let's forget it." Reaching the entrance, Dhruv's car surprised her. He was supposed to be broke after running away from home. A smile spread across her face. It will definitely impress mamu. Nice move. But all Atharv offered was a stern gaze. Dhruv exited, wearing a black tux and was about to lean in for a kiss, but froze when he spotted Atharv approaching.
"She should be back by 9 pm," Atharv said.
Dhruv couldn't overcome his nervousness in his presence. He nodded. "Yes, sir."
Manya planted a gentle kiss on Atharv's cheek. "Please don't go on your date like this."
"What's wrong with these trousers and this t-shirt was a gift from you?" A t-shirt with "Best Mamu" imprinted on it.
"Do whatever you want. Just remember one thing, the one who's in charge of the food now is me."
Atharv flinched and bowed. "Yes, your highness."
Manya faced Dhruv. "When did you arrive?"
"I was here right at 6:00 pm," Dhruv said.
When she turned to Atharv, he had already moved out of her attack range. "Just wait for me to return this tenfold!"
She took a quick look in the rearview mirror as the car drove off. Atharv was standing there all alone, with that adorable smile of his. She couldn't understand his reason for being single. He wasn't asexual, as she had seen him flirting in the shopping district. The only thing on her mind was him being an introvert who's too afraid to approach women. Or. That he might be single because of her.
Why the hell am I thinking about him while being with Dhruv? Hate you mamu!
***
Dhruv's eyes darted around, trying to capture everything at once. She grabbed his hand and gave him a comforting smile. After playing traffic games and jamming to romantic music, they finally made it to one of New Delhi's upscale restaurants.
"We are here," Dhruv said.
"How are you able to afford all this? Aren't you supposed to be a runaway?"
"I am, but I also have my bank account."
"Don't rich parents usually block them so that their kids could learn the suffering of the real world?"
"In fiction, yes," he leaned in for a kiss. "But not in reality. Right?"
"I doubt all this to be real," she forced herself on him for a kiss.
"We can do this all night, but all we have are two hours."
In a matter of minutes after ordering—they were both lost in their intense game of love glare—which ended the moment a familiar figure entered the restaurant.
"What's she doing here?" she said.
Dhruv couldn't take his eyes off this gorgeous lady in her 30s, with captivating hazel eyes, perfect skin, beautiful chestnut hair and a curvy body.
Manya gave his hand a hard pinch. "Ow, that hurts," Dhruv said.
The woman smiled at Manya; Manya returned the gesture.
"Who is she?" Dhruv said, grinning.
"Forget about her. Tell me this, how did you find this place?"
"It was intriguing. On the way to your home. I received a call from this restaurant about a coupon I had won for a free dinner! And like you told me to never trust scammers, I called them, and it was… legit."
She let out a chuckle. How could she let him know that he was tricked? By a man who just entered the restaurant with a victory smile: wearing sneakers, trousers, a black blazer and t-shirt with a text written over it "Best Mamu".
Trapped on a threshold, not sure if she should smile at Dhruv's innocence or just straight up to kill the person—walked by with a smug grin.
"He played us both," she whispered.
"Did you say something?" Dhruv said.
Game on! She grabbed his hand. "I love it when you talk to me while looking into my eyes."
Dhruv's eyes sparkled as he leaned forward. "You do?"
She had turned him into a newly married, charming groom, who couldn't bear to be apart from his wife, not even for a second.
The way the crowd was staring puzzled her—their attention wasn't on them. But towards the couple behind, who were currently her enemies.
Atharv had brought his chair nearer to Purvi; and was nurturing her like a devoted husband, with utmost conviction and attentiveness. With his thumb, he wiped off the food from her lips and then licked the thumb clean. A chill travelled down her spine. Gross!
"Isn't he your? With her?" Dhruv said.
"You are noticing it now?"
It's my day! Having no other choice, she did something on a first date that very few females would ever dare to do in their life. Won't it be like extreme? But I can't let him win!
She knelt down on her knees. Within seconds, she had the entire crowd's attention, creating a wave of gasps around her. She clutched onto Dhruv's hands. Dhruv had no clue what to do, so he just copied her stance.
"Dhruv," she felt Atharv's gaze at her, "Since the day I met you on the train's roof, my life has changed in the most beautiful way possible. You've brought care and love into my world, and I can't imagine my life without you."
Dhruv just couldn't hold back the tears. The men in the crowd seemed uncomfortable, seeing a ripped dude crying like a kid.
Dhruv sobbed, "I. I love you too."
But when did I say I love you? The entire crowd was waiting for her response. "I love you." The crowd burst into applause and cheers as they witnessed the heartfelt proposal at the restaurant. Some of them were crying tears of joy.
Manya wiped away his tears and leaned in for a kiss. The crowd and restaurant staff urged them to dance to a romantic song. She was relieved that the crowd settled on the proposal other than the marriage one.
Dhruv had regained his usual self, standing tall and giving off an intimidating look. "Shall we?"
Her gaze fell on Atharv—recording everything on his phone. He whispered his congratulations to her. She was so embarrassed, she never imagined that the night would become the most awkward and unforgettable night of her life. What she longed for was a standard date, where they could talk and take a long walk together. In Atharv's eyes, she could clearly see it. The mischievous look on his face indicated her victory and defeat simultaneously.
Dhruv pulled her closer into a dancing stance. His hand resting on her waist. The aroma he was surrounded with had both a mysterious fragrance and sweat. Even he was displaying a warm smile—his eyes held the fear of performing in public.
"When did you learn to dance like this?"
He smirked. "Right no—" he coughed. "It is essential to familiarise oneself with the basic principles of life."
"Wealthy brats."
Minutes into their close to perfect dancing sequence—they both lost themselves in each other's eyes. The world faded away, leaving only an eternal void of love. Her brows furrowed. Everything was perfect, but she felt a big piece of something missing. That all this happiness and love—were fake.
"Manya?" Dhruv said. Breaking her trance of doubt. The warmth of his hands and breath absorbed her, making her feel a sense of belonging.
Stop overthinking.
Dhruv pulled her closer, his lips finding their way to hers. A sudden applause interrupted them, bringing them back to reality. The crowd once again was not focused on them. Manya glanced towards Atharv's table and found it empty. Did they leave? At least he realised his mistake.
"Wow," Dhruv said.
She looked at Dhruv. His eyes were sparkling at something happening behind her. When she turned, she stumbled upon a dance performance that was a symbol of art. Made by none other than Atharv and Purvi. The magic of their graceful and intricate movements enveloped the senses of everyone present. A phone flash interrupted her. You monster! But I can't miss this! She grabbed her phone and started recording it.
Atharv ended his performance with a long kiss.
While the restaurant was busy applauding to Atharv's performance. She grabbed Dhruv and pulled him outside.
"We have to hurry," she said.
Dhruv stopped her. "Why?"
"We don't have much time left. It's 8:30 already."
He pulled her closer.
"What?" Manya said.
Dhruv peeked past her. Atharv and his date were walking out of the restaurant, their laughter filling the air. Dhruv rushed to him, exuding confidence. And a sense of intimidation.
When Atharv looked at him, he flinched? It was a weird. She had never seen him dominated by someone else. Was it because Dhruv just showed up out of nowhere, or was Atharv too caught up with his date to notice him coming? She couldn't fathom.
Approaching Atharv, Dhruv went back to being all nervous and clueless about what he did. "Can I get another hour to spend with your niece? I promise I'll drop her off at 10:00 pm sharp."
Atharv glanced at Manya, who silently mouthed "Yes."
"Sure," Atharv said and gave Dhruv a pat on the shoulder. "Be cautious."
A heavy, invisible force wrapped around Manya. But vanished after a few seconds. The ground swung—her surroundings blurred into a dizzying whirlwind of colours and shapes. Dhruv looked like he was about to fall, wobbling like a tightrope walker.
"Manya!" Dhruv said. Just before drifting off to unconscious, she caught sight of him running towards her.