The villa hummed with activity. Strings of marigolds hung from the pillars, fairy lights twinkled along the balconies, and the scent of fresh flowers mingled with the aroma of sweets being prepared in the kitchen.
Suman and Vedshree moved among the workers, making small adjustments here and there, their hands busy but their minds wandering.
"It's amazing," Suman said, tying a golden ribbon to a flower garland. "The Rathores agreed so easily for the engagement. God must really be on her side."
Vedshree smiled, her eyes softening as she adjusted a vase. "Yes… and I'm so glad I found her—Ruby, my late friend's daughter. To see her now, about to be married into our family… it feels like a blessing."
Suman glanced at her, nodding. "I hope everything stays positive, Vedshree. With the way things have been, it's hard not to worry."
Vedshree's gaze lingered on the bustling preparations, the golden lights, the laughter of the staff, and then on the windows where Arnav's silhouette stood silently, watching from the balcony. "I know," she murmured softly, almost to herself. "But for now… let's just be grateful."
The two women shared a quiet, understanding smile as the villa continued to come alive around them, the day filled with anticipation and hope.
---
Pranati moved between the tables, a notepad in hand, taking orders with a smile that didn't quite fade even when her arms ached. The sunlight poured over the food truck, catching the metallic lettering of "Jassi & Pranati Kaur – Spice & Chutney", making it gleam like a promise she had worked hard to achieve.
The chatter of neighbors, the clinking of plates, and the occasional laughter from children created a comforting rhythm. For a moment, everything felt… right.
Then her phone buzzed sharply against the counter. She glanced down.
It was a message from Jassi: Come home immediately. Now.
Pranati frowned, her pulse quickening. Something about the abruptness of the message made her stomach twist. She nodded to Siya, who was helping a customer, and said softly, "I'll be back soon. Keep things running, okay?"
Pranati closed the food truck, wiping her hands on her apron, and stepped out onto the dusty lane of the chawl. That's when her eyes caught a parked car.
She paused. "I didn't notice when this car arrived," she murmured to herself, frowning. "Maybe I was too caught up in work…"
A sense of unease prickled the edges of her joy, though she pushed it down, convincing herself it was probably nothing. But her pace quickened as she headed toward home, each step carrying the faint weight of anticipation—and worry.
Pranati stepped inside her home in the chawl and paused, her eyes adjusting to the unexpected scene.
"Mom?" she began cautiously.
Jassi, practically vibrating with excitement, beamed at her. "Pranati! Come, come quickly. Let me introduce you properly."
On the sofa sat two elderly people, impeccably dressed, smiling warmly.
"Beta, this is Mr. and Mrs. Motwani," Jassi said, gesturing. "Neil's parents. They've come all the way to meet you."
Pranati blinked, registering the names slowly, and then her gaze fell on him.
Neil Motwani.
The man who had cornered her on the yacht. The one who had threatened her, humiliated her, tried to force her into doing something she could never have agreed to. And yet, here he was, smiling politely, as if nothing had happened.
Pranati forced herself to step forward, her voice calm and respectful. "Good afternoon, Mr. Motwani. Mrs. Motwani. It's nice to meet you."
Neil inclined his head slightly, his smile polite but unreadable. "Likewise, Pranati."
Jassi clapped her hands together, eager to move on. "Beta, come, let's talk inside. I want to explain everything without them hearing. Come."
Pranati glanced at Neil briefly before following her mother into the small room at the side. She closed the door behind her and crossed her arms.
"Mom," Pranati said evenly, trying to keep control of her voice, "what's going on? Why are they here? And why… why is Neil here?"
Jassi's eyes sparkled with anticipation. "Ah, beta, finally! Sit, sit. Relax. Everything's going to change for us, for you! I can feel it. This is the beginning of something big."
Pranati narrowed her eyes. "I don't want vague feelings or excitement. Tell me clearly. Why is Neil here?"
Jassi leaned back, folding her hands in glee. "He came with a proposal, beta. For you. For us. This… this is a chance to secure everything, to finally live properly. You'll see, you won't have to worry about money ever again. Imagine it—all the freedom, the stability, everything we've dreamed of."
Pranati's mouth went dry. She took a careful step back. "A proposal? For me?"
"Yes! Can you believe it?" Jassi's words tumbled out, breathless, almost as if she had been rehearsing them a hundred times. "Neil Motwani, beta! The family! They came personally. They want you to—well—you know."
Pranati held up a hand. "Mom, wait. I need to understand. What kind of proposal? Marriage? Business? Or… what exactly are you saying?"
Jassi's grin widened. "Marriage, beta! Can't you see? This is it! Our lives are about to change forever. You'll be married into their family. Neil is perfect, smart, wealthy… everything we've ever needed. Don't you feel excited?"
Pranati's voice was quiet, almost measured. "Mom… you're saying I'm supposed to marry Neil?"
Jassi nodded eagerly. "Yes! That's right, beta. Isn't this wonderful? Think of the security, the opportunities… the respect we'll finally have. This is our chance to rise."
Pranati stayed silent for a long moment, her gaze steady on her mother. "And you thought it was okay to decide this without even asking me first?"
Jassi waved a hand dismissively. "Beta, I just wanted the best for you. For all of us. You'll see… this is for the best. Neil is a good man. He'll take care of you. He'll take care of us."
Pranati exhaled slowly, steadying herself. "I see."