Pranvi

Since morning, I’ve been running around doing one household chore after another. And on top of that, I have to accompany my brother to meet Misha. Their wedding is tomorrow, but these two just cannot wait. Maa said that after the haldi ceremony, the bride and groom aren’t supposed to meet — so what do they do? Plan a secret meeting at the temple. Wow. Using a sacred place for a date.
Mahadev, please forgive these foolish lovers.

“Bhai, we have to go to the temple, right? Where are you? We’re getting late!” I yelled.

“Yeah, I’m coming, just a minute!” Bhai shouted from upstairs.

“Pranvi,” Maa called out as she came down.

“Yes, Maa? What happened?”

“Nothing. Weren’t you and Sameer going to the temple?”

“Yes, Maa. He’s just getting ready.”

“You’re sure you’re going to the temple, right?” she asked, narrowing her eyes. My heart jumped — please don’t let her suspect anything.

“Yes, Maa! To the temple only. I’m with him, na? I won’t let him meet Misha,” I said confidently.

“Okay, then go and come back soon.”

“We will,” I said, relieved when she walked away.

Thankfully, everyone was too busy with wedding preparations to notice us slipping out.

Misha Birla — my brother’s soon-to-be wife.

Our three families have been close for generations because our dads — Rajesh Maheshwari, Ajay Rathore, and Vikram Birla — have been inseparable since school. Thanks to them, we all basically grew up together.

And now look at this groom, coming downstairs all dressed up as if he isn’t going to marry Misha tomorrow.

When they were dating, they tried so hard to hide it… but how could they? They were so lovey-dovey it was impossible not to notice.

“Bhai, you’re so late! Maa almost got suspicious — I somehow saved you,” I complained.

“Yes, yes, my amazing sister. Thank you. Now get in the car,” he said, grinning.

We reached the temple and before I could even open my mouth, Bhai vanished. Ran straight to Misha, leaving his sister behind. Wow.

“Fine. Since I’m here, I might as well have darshan.”

I prayed to Mahadev — please make tomorrow’s wedding go smoothly; no drama, no disasters.

Just as I stepped out of the temple…

I froze.

No. No way. He can’t be here. He’s supposed to be in London. Bhai also said he wasn’t coming for the wedding. It has to be someone else.

But then I saw his face clearly.

Rishaan Singh Rathore.
The elder son of Ajay and Komal Rathore.
My childhood enemy.
The monster who made my life hell growing up.

He moved to London years ago, so what is he doing here now?

I started panicking — Should I talk to him? Should I run? Should I pretend to faint? — but before I could decide, Bhai suddenly appeared.

“Bhai,” I said quickly and rushed towards him and Misha, completely ignoring Rishaan.

“Come on, Bhai, we’re getting late. You two can meet tomorrow anyway. If we don’t go now, Mumma will get suspicious.”

We were about to leave when Bhai noticed him.
Why, Mahadev, why?

“Rishaan! What a surprise! When did you come to India?” Bhai asked happily.

“Just landed. Maa asked me to come to the temple, so I came. And your wedding is tomorrow — how could I miss it?” he said in that usual emotionless tone. Does this man even know how to smile?

“Oh, wow, what a huge favour you’ve done by coming,” Bhai replied sarcastically. They’ve been best friends forever.

“Come with us, na. Send your driver. You can surprise everyone at home,” Bhai said.

Why? WHY does he need to bring him in our car?

“Yeah, yaar Rishaan Bhai, after so long I’m meeting you! You’ve changed so much… and you’ve become handsome too,” Misha said.

Handsome? Please. He still looks like a fool.
…A handsome fool.

“Yes, Misha, you’ve grown up too. And I always knew something was going on between you two,” he said, making her blush.

“By the way, Misha, I’m more handsome than him,” Bhai added, making her laugh.

I glanced at Rishaan, and of course — he was already looking straight at me. As if he wanted to say something.

I immediately turned away and opened the car door — but then Bhai came.

“Misha, you sit in the front.”

“What? No! Let Misha sit with you. I’ll sit behind,” I argued.

“No. I’m sitting with Misha. And why are you scared of Rishaan? He’s not going to do anything,” Bhai said.

“I’m not scared of him. My ghost would be scared, not me,” I muttered and got into the back seat.

I put on my headphones and blasted music at full volume. Still, I could feel his eyes on me the whole drive.

First, we dropped Misha home, then drove to the mansion.

As expected, everyone was shocked to see RSR — Rakshash Singh Rathore — the nickname I gave him long ago.

After reaching the haveli, Aarav was the first one to notice us. He came towards us.

Aarav immediately started fake-crying. He’s such a drama king.

Anvi rolled her eyes. “Stop it, Aarav! How much drama will you do?”

“Bhai! Missed you so much!” Anvi and Aarav said, hugging him.

“Missed you too,” he replied.

He went around touching the elders’ feet and greeting everyone.

“So, Rishaan, have you come for good or will you return to London?” Papa asked.

“No, Kaka. I’m staying. I’ll handle the work here,” he said — looking straight at me while saying it.

Why? WHAT does that mean?

“Alright, enough talking. Rishaan beta, freshen up and come for dinner,” Mumma said.

Then she turned to me.

“Pranvi, go show Rishaan his room.”

“What??”

“What-what? Go,” she repeated.

And of course — there it was — his smirk.

I walked ahead, trying not to look back, but I could feel his gaze burning into my back.

“This is your room,” I said quickly.

I turned to leave when he grabbed my hand.

“Let’s see how long you can ignore me,” he said quietly. “Sooner or later… you’ll end up in my hands anyway.”

I snatched my hand away and fled. My cheeks were burning. Why does it suddenly feel like summer in January?

Mahadev, please save me from this RSR.