Chapter 52

The day of the college reunion had arrived, and despite her initial plans to avoid it, Niharika found herself preparing to go. Meera had messaged her relentlessly, asking her to come, and after much back-and-forth, Mayank had insisted that they should attend together. Even though she was still anxious, she agreed. The event had been lingering on her mind all week, and now, standing in front of the mirror, she could no longer avoid it.

She took a deep breath and chose a simple thigh-length dress. It had sleeves that stopped just above her elbows, offering just the right balance of comfort and elegance. She let her hair fall freely, a soft wave framing her face, and slipped on a pair of shoes that were modest but chic. She wasn't planning on drawing any unnecessary attention, but she wanted to look good for herself.

Mayank was waiting for her in the living room when she stepped out. He was dressed casually in a crisp white shirt and jeans, looking effortlessly handsome. He turned toward her and his eyes softened at the sight of her.

"You look beautiful," he said with a small but genuine smile.

"Thanks," Niharika replied quietly, feeling her cheeks warm at his compliment. Despite the fluttering in her chest, she could still feel the weight of her nerves.

"Ready?" Mayank asked, his voice soft but steady.

Niharika hesitated for a moment, then nodded. She wasn't sure if she was ready, but she had to go. It was happening now.

They drove to the venue in silence, Niharika staring out the window, lost in thought. Mayank occasionally glanced at her, but he didn't say anything until they reached the parking lot.

"Are you sure you're okay?" he asked, his voice gentle but laced with concern.

"I'm fine," Niharika murmured, though she didn't feel fine. Her nerves were in full force now.

Mayank parked the car and turned to face her, his expression serious. "Niharika, if you need to leave at any point, I'll be right here with you, okay? We don't have to stay if you don't want to."

"I'll be fine, Mayank," she said, but her voice wavered slightly. She wasn't sure what was making her more anxious—the possibility of facing her ex or the fear of how she would feel seeing people she hadn't spoken to in years.

Before she could second-guess herself again, Mayank added, "Do you want to...?"

Niharika glanced at him, confusion flickering in her eyes. "What?"

"The mangalsutra," he said softly, "It's your choice. But if you want, you can wear it."

She paused, her fingers grazing the mangalsutra she had worn during their wedding. She wasn't sure if she wanted to make it so public, but something told her she needed to take the leap. She reached for it and held it in her palm.

Mayank smiled and pulled a small bracelet from his pocket. "Wear this instead."

It was the same mangalsutra bracelet she had worn during the Kolkata wedding, the one that had felt strange when they had newly married, but now it seemed like an extension of herself. She nodded as she took it from him, then let him gently tuck a small pinch of sindoor into her hairline. He worked his hands on her effortlessly—as if he'd been doing it forever. Hiding the sindoor properly in her hairline, he pulled back.

"Now you're ready," Mayank said softly, a smile dancing on his lips.

Niharika's heart fluttered at the gesture. She smiled back, feeling the warmth of his affection and support.

They both got out of the car, and as Mayank opened the door for her, Niharika's anxiety rose again. This was it. She couldn't back out now.

Inside the venue, the atmosphere was lively and filled with people. For a moment, no one paid them any attention. Niharika took a steadying breath, trying to calm her racing heart. But as they walked further into the hall, Meera spotted them.

Meera's face lit up, and she practically ran to Niharika, giving her a tight hug. "You made it!" Meera exclaimed, pulling back with a grin. "I'm so glad you're here!"

"I almost didn't come," Niharika admitted, feeling a little out of place. "But here I am."

Meera turned to Mayank with a knowing smile. "I see you brought your husband. Hi, Mayank!"

Mayank smiled and nodded in acknowledgment, his eyes meeting Meera's in a silent understanding. "Hey, Meera. It's good to see you."

Meera glanced between them, noticing the way they interacted. Then, she looked back at Mayank. They have spoken to each other—but Niharika can't know that. So she nodded in that familiar, "We've met before" way.

"He's the one who pushed me to come" Niharika added, her voice firm, and though it was still a little new to her, saying it out loud made her feel proud.

Meera's smile widened. "Well good job! it's nice to meet you, Mayank," she said with warmth, though there was something slightly knowing in her gaze. She glanced between Niharika and Mayank—their romantic awkwardness with each other. It was clear she understood the bond between Niharika and Mayank without needing further explanation.

As they continued talking, Niharika excused herself to meet her professors. Meera looked around the room and leaned in slightly, lowering her voice and addressing Mayank. "The people you're worried about? They're over there."

Mayank followed Meera's gaze, his stomach tightening in a knot when he saw a familiar group of people from Dubai Mall—her ex-friends. His fist tightened and jaw clenched, and he couldn't help but stiffen.

Just then, Niharika came back—unaware of the conversation that had taken place. She smiled and Mayank instantly relaxed. Meera too.

"Alright, you two walk around," Meera said, with a knowing look. "I'll be back in a bit."

As Niharika and Mayank continued to walk around the room, Niharika excused herself to grab a drink. When she returned, Mayank was standing near the bar, scanning the crowd. That was when she saw him—Shubh. Her ex. Their eyes met across the room, and she felt her pulse race.

I didn't think he would actually come, Niharika thought, her voice barely a whisper. But then Shubh spotted her and began walking in her direction.

Mayank must have noticed her stiffening, because he immediately stepped closer to her. His voice was soft but firm. "You okay?"

Before she could respond, Shubh was there, standing in front of them with a grin. "Niharika! Wow, it's been so long. How've you been?" He looked at her, his eyes scanning her appearance.

"I've been good," Niharika replied, her voice steady, though her hands were trembling slightly. "And you?"

"I've been fine," Shubh said, glancing at Mayank. "So, I guess you've moved on from me. I thought you'd reach out after you went to the US, but I never heard from you."

Niharika's breath caught in her throat. She forced a smile, though her mind raced. Why did he have to bring this up now?

Before she could say anything else, Mayank cut in, his tone clipped. "Actually, she's married now."

Shubh blinked, clearly caught off guard. "Wait, what?"

Mayank smiled politely, though there was a sharpness to his words. "I'm Mayank Datta, Niharika's husband. Nice to meet you."

Shubh's face flickered with surprise, but Mayank wasn't giving him a chance to react. "Will you excuse us? I have to take my wife around." He took Niharika's hand gently and led her away from the conversation.

As they walked away, Niharika glanced at Mayank, feeling a wave of gratitude for how he handled that. "Thank you for stepping in," she said quietly.

"It's nothing," Mayank replied, his expression soft. "You don't have to deal with that alone."

But just as they turned a corner, two familiar faces from her old group walked toward them. Niharika froze, her entire body tense. Her pulse quickened, and she could feel the weight of the situation pressing down on her.

Mayank looked at her, his gaze steady, and without a word, he tightened his grip on her hand, a silent promise that he was there, ready to face whatever came next.

🩷