"Veda... ugh! That's enough. My eyes hurt!" Meera complained, squeezing her eyes shut as Veda deftly wielded the mascara wand near her lashes.
"Hold still, Di!" Veda chided, laughing as she gave her sister a gentle nudge. She stepped back to admire her handiwork, her gaze appraising.
"You have such flawless skin, Meera. You really don't need much. Just a bit of eyeliner to make your eyes pop, some mascara, a light layer of foundation, powder, and a touch of lip gloss. See? Simple yet stunning."
Meera rolled her eyes, a reluctant smile tugging at her lips. "You act like this is some art form, Veda."
"Well, beauty is art." Veda replied with a dramatic flourish. She surveyed her sisterâs face one more time and nodded approvingly.
"Wow, Iâm telling you, Ranveerâs jaw is going to hit the floor the moment he sees you. He might even go down on one knee right there!" She winked mischievously.
Meera gave her a withering look, though the blush creeping into her cheeks betrayed her amusement. "Don't be ridiculous, Veda."
But Veda wasnât finished. With a wide grin, she continued.
"Seriously! If you look this good with just a touch of makeup, imagine when you go all out with bridal makeup someday. Ranveer will be ready to worship the ground you walk on!" She dissolved into a fit of laughter, ignoring Meera's glare, which had only intensified.
"Youâre impossible." Meera muttered, though a small smile slipped through her annoyed façade.
Just then, their mother appeared in the doorway, pausing to take in the scene. Her eyes softened as she looked at Meera, pride and love lighting up her face.
"Oh my goodness, Meera!" she gasped. "You look absolutely stunning."
A shy smile spread across Meeraâs face as she looked down, feeling a warm glow from her motherâs praise. "Thanks, Ma." she murmured.
Veda crossed her arms smugly, shooting Meera a satisfied look.
"See? Even Ma agrees. I told you I know what Iâm doing."
Meera sighed, finally surrendering to the moment, and shook her head with a small laugh.
Their father walked into the room, his eyes softening as he took in the sight of Meera dressed in her elegant peach suit, her dupatta draped carefully over her shoulder.
"Papa." Meera greeted him, a small smile playing on her lips, though her heart was racing.
He sighed, walking toward her with a look of pride and concern.
"You look beautiful, beta." he said, his voice filled with warmth. Then, a hint of regret slipped into his gaze. "I know how much pressure this is for you right now, and Iâm sorâ"
But before he could finish, Meera reached out and gently held his hand, stopping him mid-sentence.
"No, Papa, you did nothing wrong." she assured him, squeezing his hand. "Thank you for always thinking of me. This isnât a burden. this is a choice we all agreed on. And if itâs the only way to move forward, then Iâm okay with it, truly." She offered him a reassuring smile, hoping he could see her determination beneath the nerves.
Her father pulled her into a gentle embrace, patting her back. "Youâre braver than you know, Meera." he murmured, his voice full of love.
After a moment, he pulled back and looked at her closely.
"You remember the restaurant, right, beta?" he asked, his tone growing practical as he released her.
She nodded, then frowned, her mind wandering.
"But, Papa⦠why did he pick such an expensive place? Seems unnecessary." She tried to laugh it off, hoping to mask her nervousness.
Her father chuckled. "Well, I have no idea. Maybe heâs trying to make a good impression. Just go, enjoy yourself, and see where things lead. And remember, weâre all praying things work out for the best." He reached out and gently kissed her forehead.
Meera closed her eyes for a moment, feeling the warmth of his blessing, and then let out a small hum of acknowledgment.
The gesture reminded her of all the love and support her family gave her, and it calmed her nerves a bit.
Veda, came over, and helped Meera to adjust her dupatta over her shoulder, fussing over the folds and making sure it looked perfect.
"Thank you, Veda." Meera murmured, smiling as her sister stepped back to admire her work.
"Go knock him out with your elegance, Di!" Veda teased with a mischievous grin. "But donât make him fall too hard, okay?" She winked, laughing, her eyes sparkling with playful excitement.
Meera rolled her eyes, half-amused, half-embarrassed, and gave her sister a look that tried to be stern but came off as more of a gentle warning.
"Behave, Veda."
As Meera turned to leave, she could hear her familyâs laughter trailing behind her, their chuckles filling the house.
***
Meera paused in front of the luxurious restaurant, taking a deep breath as she stared at the illuminated name above the door. She felt her stomach flutter with a mix of nerves and excitement.
Gathering her resolve, she made her way to the entrance, where the doorman gave her a courteous nod and opened the door.
Stepping inside, Meera was struck by the ambiance. It was cozy and intimate, yet sophisticated.
Only a few tables were occupied, and each seemed to host only two people, all engrossed in conversation.
The theme was sleek, with glass accents and rich wood paneling, giving the whole place a warm, timeless elegance. Her earlier anxiety melted away a little. she already loved the place.
As she scanned the room, she caught sight of a man seated at a table near the far corner, his back turned to her.
He wore a light blue suit that seemed to fit him perfectly, accentuating his broad shoulders. His hair was a warm shade of brown, cut short and slightly wavy, and he appeared focused on his phone.
Gathering her courage, Meera walked over, stopping just beside the table. Clearing her throat softly, she waited as he looked up, and their eyes met.
His piercing blue gaze was familiar, stirring a sense of nostalgia in her.
The moment his eyes locked on hers, he broke into a warm smile, and Meera couldnât help but notice the dimples that appeared as he did.
Her heart gave a little leapâRanveer had changed. He was even more handsome than she remembered.
His features were sharper now, with a defined jawline and a hint of stubble that made him look mature, grounded. He was taller, with a strong, athletic build that suggested heâd been spending time in the gym.
"Meera?" His voice held a warmth that made her feel instantly at ease, and he smiled wider as he recognized her.
She felt her cheeks flush.
"Hey, Veer." she replied, her voice almost a whisper as a small smile formed on her lips. The nickname slipped out so naturally. After many years
His grin deepened, his eyes crinkling at the corners.
"You still remember, huh?" he teased lightly, making her blush deepen with the gentle teasing.
Ranveer chuckled, clearly amused, and stepped around the table to pull her chair out. The gesture was unexpectedly gentlemanly, and Meera felt a flutter in her chest as she took her seat.
"Thank you." she said softly, settling into her chair as he took his seat across from her.
"Youâre even more⦠beautiful now." Veer said, his gaze lingering as though he couldnât quite believe it.
Meera felt her cheeks warm.
"Thank you, Veer. You look incredibly handsome too." she replied with a shy smile. "How was London?"
He was about to respond when the waiter approached, interrupting them. "Good evening, sir. Are you ready to order?"
Veer looked at Meera. "Oh, yes. Meera, what would you like?"
Caught off guard, she hesitated. "Um⦠I donât know, you pick?" she said, her voice wavering slightly.
It felt so differentâArjun had always just ordered for her, without even asking. The thought sent a ripple of unease through her.
Veerâs expression softened with concern. "Are you okay, Meera?"
She forced a small grin and nodded. "Yes, I'm fine."
"Are you sure?" he asked, his eyes searching hers.
"Yes." she insisted with a nervous laugh.
She glanced down at the menu, picking something familiar and ordering it. Veer surprised her by ordering the exact same dish.
She raised an eyebrow. "Why did you order the same as me?"
His dimples deepened as he smiled. "Iâve missed home food. London didnât offer anything quite like it."
She smiled back, feeling a flicker of warmth. "So⦠why this place? Itâs beautiful, but it must be really expensive." she said, looking around.
"Do you like it?" he asked, his gaze intent.
"Well⦠yes. Itâs cozy and beautiful. Justâ"
"Then I made the right choice." he said with a soft smile.
"Donât worry about the cost. A friend of mine owns it, and I chose it because I knew youâd appreciate the warmth here. Itâs simple, yet elegant. I remember how much you love places that feel welcoming, connected."
Meeraâs eyes widened in surprise. Had he really remembered so much about her?
"Howâs school?" Veer asked, his expression turning serious. "Your dad mentioned you have about a year and..few months left?"
"Yes⦠almost done." she replied with a sigh.
Veerâs eyes narrowed slightly. "Is everything alright?"
She hesitated, then bit her lip. "Veer⦠you know why weâre here, right?"
He nodded, giving her an easy smile.
"Yes, Meera. Your father and I talked about it. I always liked you a lot, even back then. But London⦠it was something I had to do, to build a future for myself."
She nodded slowly. "I understand, Veer. Itâs not that Iâm against the idea, itâs justâ¦" she took a deep breath, feeling a wave of nervousness. "Can you⦠wait?"
Just then the waiter came and serve them their orders and left after a little bow.
Veer leaned forward, his gaze tender. "Meera, I think the real question here is⦠do you like me?"
Meeraâs heart skipped. She looked down at her hands, feeling the blush on her cheeks.
"I liked you a lot back then...But, weâve both grown up now. I thinkâ¦perhaps, we should take some time, have deeper conversations, see if we still connect?"
Veerâs face softened as he smiled. "I think thatâs a wonderful idea, Meera." His dimples deepened, making her heart flutter. "Weâll take it one step at a time."
She blushed, her chest filling with a warm sense of hope she hadnât felt in a long time.
Veer laughed warmly.
"Well, I guess you already know my name" he started "but there's more to know. Iâm the co-founder of LenXtech, and weâre expanding our brand to India. Iâve also taken over my fatherâs business and grown it considerably, branching out across a few Asian countries. Andâ¦" he paused, his gaze intent, "Iâve met the most beautiful woman I want for myself. I just hope sheâll want me too." His eyes met Meeraâs, a spark in his gaze, and she quickly looked down, blushing.
She heard him chuckle softly.
"You sound like a really busy man." she said, looking back up with a small smile.
"Maybe, but I want to build something stable. I want my wife to have everything she could ever need or want." he replied, his voice genuine.
"Thatâs thoughtful of you." Meera nodded. "But what if she wants to work, to earn her own money?"
Veerâs expression softened, and he leaned back. "Of course, if thatâs what she wants. Sheâd always have a place in my company if she wanted it. But Iâd support her in whatever she chose to do."
She took a deep breath, impressed with his openness. "And⦠kids?"
He smiled thoughtfully. "That would be her choice too. Iâd never pressure her. Whenever sheâs ready⦠or if she decides she isnât, thatâs fine with me. Her happiness is mine, and I just want her to know she has a voice in our marriage."
This was refreshing, Meera thought. Everything about Veer was considerate, understanding, and kind. Her kind of man. There was a warmth to him that made her feel safe and heard. She couldnât help but smile, already feeling herself growing fonder.
"Any⦠exes?" she asked with a teasing grin, which made him laugh.
"No, Meera. When I like someone, itâs with marriage in mind." His words held a quiet sincerity, and she found herself smiling even more.
"And you?" he said, tilting his head playfully. "Iâm sure you have admirers. How many have expressed their feelings so far?"
The playful question caught her off guard, and her thoughts immediately drifted to Arjun.
Should she tell him? Or maybe it was best left unsaid⦠Lost in thought, she didnât realize how long sheâd been quiet until Veer gently called her name.
"Meera? Are you okay?" His eyes showed genuine concern. "You donât have to answer; I was just teasing."
She shook off her thoughts and smiled at him, grateful for his sensitivity. "Itâs fine. Thank you, though."
"Good. By the way" he added with a warm smile, "Iâd love to get your number if thatâs alright. I didnât want to ask your dadâI thought Iâd ask you directly. That way, we can stay in touch." His smile widened, soft yet confident. "Iâll be waiting, hoping I pass your test." he teased, making her laugh.
"Alright." she replied with a grin, feeling a pleasant flutter in her chest.
"Now, finish up." he said gently. "You barely touched your food."
They spent the rest of the meal in easy conversation, sharing little stories and teasing each other.
As she laughed with him, Meera realized how refreshing it was to be with someone so understanding and genuine. Each small moment, each glance and smile from Veer, made her heart warm in a way she hadnât expected.
***
Veerâs sleek black BMW rolled to a smooth stop in front of Meeraâs house, the headlights illuminating the cozy entryway.
As she unbuckled her seatbelt, Veer quickly stepped out of the driverâs seat and rounded the car to open her door. He gave a little bow, flashing a playful smile.
Meera laughed as she stepped out.
"Youâre ridiculous." she said, shaking her head but clearly amused.
"Anything for you, milady." he said, his grin widening as he shut the door behind her.
He then extended his hand, and Meera, smiling softly, placed her hand in his as they walked toward the house.
Just as they reached the front door, it swung open, and there stood Veda, leaning against the doorframe with a mischievous smirk.
"Wow, Di! You look happy. Glowing, even." she teased, her eyes twinkling. Meera immediately shot her a glare, silently willing her to behave, but Veda just smirked, clearly enjoying herself.
Veer chuckled and turned to Veda. "Veda, youâre all grown up now! Look at youâa whole new level of sass." he teased, playfully raising an eyebrow.
Veda grinned, unfazed.
"Oh, you have no idea, Veer. Weâve got some upgrades over here." She winked, and Meera groaned inwardly, but Veer only laughed, looking completely at ease.
"Goodnight, Veer." she said, playfully heading back inside.
Meera rolled her eyes at her sisterâs antics.
"Thank you for tonight." Meera said quietly. "I had⦠a really good time."
Veer smiled, a gentle warmth in his gaze.
"So did I. Thank you for sparing your time with me."
There was a pause, a kind of unspoken understanding hanging in the air between them. Finally, Veer spoke.
"Iâll see you soon, Meera. Text me if you need anything, alright?"
"Alright." she whispered, her heart racing. Veer smiled one last time, giving her a gentle nod before heading back to his car.
She watched as he drove away, a quiet warmth settling over her. When she walked back into the house, Veda gave her a knowing look, and for once, Meera couldnât hide her smile.
***
Meera sat in the cozy warmth of her familyâs living room, she felt the gentle yet curious gazes of her parents and sister on her. Her father finally broke the silence.
âSo? Do you like him?â he asked, his eyes full of anticipation.
Meera lowered her gaze, a shy smile playing on her lips, and nodded.
âYes, Papa, I like him. But⦠I still have university, and he agreed to wait until I finish.â
Her motherâs face softened, a glimmer of relief mixed with excitement.
âThatâs wonderful, isnât it?â she asked, her voice warm.
Meera nodded, feeling her cheeks flush.
âSo, are you two⦠compatible?â Veda piped up with a teasing grin, clearly enjoying her sisterâs shy moment.
Meera laughed lightly, shrugging. âI think so. But⦠weâre taking things slow. Just getting to know each other better.â she replied, her voice full of hope yet cautious.
They all nodded in agreement, sharing her hopeful tone, but a shadow passed across her fatherâs face. His expression hardened briefly. âAt least now, maybe Arjun will finally get off our backs.â he muttered, the room suddenly thick with tension.
Meeraâs hand instinctively tightened around her dupatta as her fatherâs words settled over them, her heart beating a little faster.
âYes, Papa. I hope so too.â she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Suddenly, her phone rang, breaking the silence. She glanced down at the screen, her stomach twisting.
It was Arjun. Speak of the devil.
She looked back up, meeting her familyâs concerned expressions, then rose slowly. âItâs⦠itâs him.â she murmured, excusing herself to her room.
Closing the door, Meera took a shaky breath and answered, âHello?â
âMeera.â Arjunâs deep voice filled her ear, each syllable causing a shiver to run down her spine. She swallowed nervously, feeling trapped by the weight of his voice.
âHmm.â She managed, her voice quiet and tense.
A long silence hung between them, a silence so thick it felt as if the air itself had turned solid. Just as she began to wonder if heâd hung up, his voice cut through.
âI missed you.â he said softly. Meeraâs heart clenched, her grip on the phone tightening.
âUm⦠how was your day?â he asked, his voice gentle but unnervingly intense. The sweetness in his tone makes Meera uneasy.
âGood.â she whispered, her voice barely audible. She just want to get the call over with.
âTalk to me, Meera.â he demanded, his tone sharpening slightly.
âI want to hear more. I need to hear your voice.â There was a heavy desperation in his voice, she could almost picture him pacing, his breathing uneven.
âI-it was⦠good. I just did a few things with family and few other things to finish up with. Nothing much, really.â she stammered.
âWhat other things?â he pressed, his words laced with impatience.
Meera took a deep breath, choosing her words carefully. âJust⦠some university stuff.â
âUniversity stuff? That sounds boring.â He chuckled, the sound both light and dark, his mood like a pendulum.
Meera rolled her eyes, frustrated by his habit of belittling her life.
âI actually enjoy it.â she replied, a hint of defiance slipping into her voice.
âCuteâ he murmured, almost to himself, making her skin prickle.
Clearing her throat, Meera took her chance. âI⦠I should go. I have early lectures tomorrow.â she said quickly, hoping heâd take the hint.
A growl escaped him, but he didnât argue. Instead, his voice softened in a way that sent chills down her spine.
âI love you, Meera.â he murmured, his tone both possessive and pleading.
She froze, every instinct urging her to hang up, but she forced herself to remain calm. âGoodnight, Arjun.â she whispered before ending the call.
As she lowered her phone, she pressed her hand over her chest, feeling the rapid beating of her heart.
âThis has to stop.â she said quietly to herself. âTomorrow, Iâll tell him⦠I have a fiancé now.â The thought filled her with both dread and relief.
Just then, her phone pinged with a new message. She glanced down and saw Veerâs name, her heart lifting.
It was a simple message, just a âGoodnightâ with a smiling emoji, but it felt like a breath of fresh air in her otherwise suffocating world.
As she stared at the screen, her mind whirled, torn between Arjunâs dark control and Veerâs genuine warmth. All she knew was that, for once, her heart beat with hopeâfor the life she wanted, away from the shadows of Arjunâs world.
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