The study was dimly lit, the only sound the soft rustle of papers as Arnav scanned through a file he wasn't really reading.
A knock came—quick, familiar.
Before he could respond, Arav pushed the door open, followed closely by Ranav.
"Still working?" Ranav asked, glancing at the clock. "It's night already, bhai."
Arnav closed the file. "What do you want?"
Arav exchanged a look with Ranav. "You're getting ready."
"I'm not," Arnav replied immediately.
Ranav sighed. "Don't say no before hearing us out."
Arnav's eyes narrowed slightly. "Where are you planning to drag me?"
Arav leaned against the desk. "Shubham's bachelor party. Tonight."
Arnav's jaw tightened. "I'm not in the mood."
Ranav straightened, his tone softer now. "Bhai, we missed half his wedding rituals. Engagement, haldi, sangeet—everything. He didn't complain even once."
Arav added, "He's been our friend since college. If we skip this too, it'll hurt him."
Arnav stood up, restless. "You know why things have been… complicated lately."
Ranav nodded. "We do. But that's exactly why you need to step out—for one night. No prophecies. No tests. Just being Arnav."
Silence stretched.
Arnav walked to the window, staring out into the dark lawn below. After a long moment, he exhaled slowly.
"Fine," he said at last. "But we don't stay long."
Arav broke into a grin. "Done."
Ranav clapped Arnav's shoulder. "That's all we wanted."
As they turned to leave, Arnav paused, a strange unease settling in his chest—an unexplainable pull, as if the night ahead was already waiting for him.
---
The port was alive with lights—white and gold reflecting off the dark water as luxury yachts lined the dock. Music thudded faintly from somewhere farther in, muffled by distance and sea air.
At the entrance, Ranav, Arav, and Arnav handed over their passes. After a brief scan, the security guard nodded and waved them through.
As they stepped onto the yacht, Arav let out a low whistle. "Shubham really went all out."
Ranav smirked. "Bachelor party of the year, apparently."
Arnav said nothing. His gaze drifted briefly across the deck, something restless stirring beneath his calm exterior—an unease he couldn't place.
---
A little distance away, near the edge of the port, Pranati stood beside a smaller docked boat, her dupatta clutched tightly in her hands. Siya was with her, worry etched across her face.
"Thank you for coming with me," Pranati said quietly. "I don't think I could've done this alone."
Siya studied her. "You still have time to walk away," she said gently. "Pranati, if it's about money—I can help. You can repay me whenever you want. Or not at all."
Pranati shook her head slowly. "It's not about repaying anything."
"Then what?" Siya asked, frustrated now. "Why are you putting yourself through this?"
Pranati's eyes glistened, but her voice stayed steady. "Because if I don't show up… that Neil—or whatever his name is—won't just let it go. People like him don't forget insults. He'll make it personal."
She swallowed. "And he won't come after me first. He'll go after my mother. Her name. Her past. Her dignity."
Siya's expression softened. "You shouldn't have to carry this alone."
"I know," Pranati said. "But I won't let anyone drag my mother through mud again. Not for my comfort. Not for my fear."
A beat passed.
Siya reached out and squeezed Pranati's hand. "I'll wait here. Whatever happens… you won't be alone."
Pranati managed a small, grateful smile. "That's enough."
She straightened her shoulders, lifted her chin, and stepped toward the yacht—each step heavy, resolute, and against everything she had sworn she'd never do.
Unaware, fate was already aligning its pieces on the same deck.
To be continued...