I opened my eyes as sunlight hit my face through the window. I blinked a few times, trying to clear my vision-and then I saw her. My swarg se utri hui apsara... I mean, my sister Shreya, standing there in a beautiful, simple blue saree paired with a black blouse, her arms crossed over her chest.

"Good morning, Miss Sleepyhead! Wake up!"

She said with a chuckle.

"Morning! Wahh... apsara..."

I winked at her playfully as I got off the bed, and just like that, her cheeks turned red.

"Shut up! Go get ready. You should leave before they come."

Eheheh... she knows me too well. I don't want them to see me, nor do I want to meet them. I walked to my wardrobe, picked out my clothes, and headed toward the downstairs bathroom.

Her soon-to-be in-laws are coming with a marriage proposal, and she's excited nervous too. I can sense it perfectly. But she's brave... I know she'll handle everything.

A few minutes later, I stepped out of the bathroom wearing my casual outfit a loose T-shirt and a pair of pants.

"Mummy! Main breakfast bahar kar lungi!"

(Mom! I'll have breakfast outside!)

I said while walking past the living room, grabbing my phone as I headed out of the house. Gotta go to my best friend's place... hehe. But first a café.

I found a corner seat near the window and sat down, ordering a chocolate sandwich. Pulling out my phone, I started scrolling through it casually. After a few minutes, a staff member placed my plate in front of me with a genuine smile.

I smiled back and nodded, Picking up the sandwich, my mouth was already watering. I took a bite and damn, Heaven.

Sunlight hit my face as I stretched my legs, leaning back on the couch. Papa and chacha were seated nearby, while my eyes followed Maa's every movement. She looked cute when she was excited.

Chachi was beside her, helping, while Maa kept giving instructions to the staff as everyone prepared for Saurabh bhai's marriage proposal with his girlfriend, ah... my soon-to-be sister-in-law, my future bhabhi ji.

I was genuinely happy that my brother was marrying the one he loved, but... I was still sleepy as hell. I just wanted to go back to sleep, but Maa had already made it clear that I had to go with them and saying no to her wasn't an option.

Just then, I saw Saurabh bhai coming down the staircase, his hair messy from sleep. He walked over and sat on the couch across from me.

"Wow... Maa, aapne toh puri tayari pehle hi kar li..."

(Wow... Mom, you've already done all the preparations...)

He said, looking around the living room with a chuckle.

And then there he was. The face that could ruin my entire morning. Arnav.

"Good morning, everyone!!"

He said with a smile as he rushed down the stairs and took a seat beside Saurabh bhai.

Before he could say anything more, Maa's voice echoed from the kitchen

"Everyone! Come, breakfast is ready!"

Everyone stood up and headed toward the dining area.

Thank God Maa called us in before Arnav could start his nonsense.

Aradhya and her mother Rashmi chachi were also there, along with Uday chacha's family. Aradhya, who's fourteen, had come all the way from abroad for Saurabh bhai's special day. After all, everyone in the family wanted to be part of such an important moment. Uday chacha couldn't make it due to his busy schedule, but they still made sure to be present.

After breakfast, I was already seated in the passenger seat, watching as the staff carefully loaded gifts and shagun items for bhai's girlfriend. Maa had already decided that she would perform the shagun ceremony there itself.

I glanced at one of my men, and he gave a subtle nod everything was secured and under control.

As soon as everything was set, Papa, Maa, Saurabh bhai, and I fastened our seatbelts. The driver started the engine, and the car moved forward.

I looked into the front mirror, a satisfied expression settling on my face as I saw nearly fifteen to twenty-five bulletproof cars surrounding us both ahead and behind.

Everything was safe.

Everything was under control.

I took a seat beside Hitansh.

"Shreya hai kaha? Bulao usse, shagun ki rasam kar lete hain..."

(Where is Shreya? Call her, let's complete the shagun ritual.)

Maa said with a smile, looking at Shreya's mother. She nodded and went to call her. After a few seconds, I tilted my head toward the direction of the kitchen as Shreya walked out with her mother. Maa gestured for her to sit beside me.

I gently took her hand in mine and pulled her closer, making her sit next to me. Maa began the ritual-applying tilak on both of our foreheads, then giving her gifts, jewelry, dresses, and other items.

Papa took out a bundle of cash, placed it on her palm with a warm smile, and patted her head. One by one, everyone from my family gave her small gifts.

And then, It was Hitansh's turn.

"Hitansh, what have you got for your bhabhi?"

Usama chachi asked.

He stepped forward and placed a long red velvet box on the table. I narrowed my eyes slightly payal? Anklets, maybe...

"Open it, bhabhi."

His voice was calm, serious... but there was a faint mockery hidden beneath it.

Shreya picked up the box and slowly opened it and my eyes widened instantly, the entire room went silent.

A few people visibly gulped, tension rising in the air. Inside the box......was a knife, Not just any knife a beautifully crafted one, detailed like a royal piece, something that looked like it came straight out of an auction.

For a second, the atmosphere turned heavy

but then Papa let out a soft chuckle, clearly amused.



"If he does anything you don't like, stab him right there with it."

Hitansh slid his hands into his pant pockets, a smirk playing on his lips.

"We'll handle the case!"

Arnav chimed in, winking at Shreya, while Papa nodded in agreement.

They were literally planning to kill their own son. Wow. Just... wow.

"You all are seriously planning to kill me?"

I asked with a playful, shocked expression.

"Nah, bhai. That was just a warning."

Hitansh said with a genuine smile. I knew he was joking. I let out a sigh of relief as Shreya giggled beside me.

"Ahh... thank God."

I placed a hand over my chest, right where my heart was racing like an express train. Shreya held my hand, laughing at my reaction.

"Don't worry, I'm not actually going to kill you!"

She said, squeezing my hand gently.

God..her touch. It felt like home.

Fuck it I love her. I don't even know how much, but I love her so much that words can't explain it.

I chuckled softly and nodded at her.

Soon, both families started discussing the engagement where it should be held.

"In the house, of course!"

Maa said confidently.

"No, no, somewhere else!"

Aradhya chimed in excitedly.

"Yes! Not in the house, please!"

Arnav agreed with her.

"My venue."

Hitansh's deep voice cut through all of them.

"Yesss!!! Venue!!"

Aradhya jumped off the couch and rushed to sit beside Shreya.

"Bhabhi! What do you say? Venue then?"

She asked eagerly.

Maa giggled softly. "If Shreya agrees, then venue it is. After one week, the engagement will be held at Hitansh's venue."

She said, patting Hitansh's cheek affectionately.

Hitansh owned several properties-venues, resorts, villas so it made sense. It would be secure. Controlled. Perfect.

"Done."

Shreya and her family agreed, and just like that, both families finalized everything the venue, decorations, invitations everything fell into place.