12. A new beginning

Advay’s POV:

As soon as I parked the car, I handed the keys to my driver. “Take this car to the Agrawal mansion,” Just then, my phone vibrated with a message from Roohi: “It’s been 40 minutes. Why isn’t my car here? Send it ASAP!” I couldn’t help but smile.

“I'll take the car ” I said to the driver, taking the keys back.

I quickly typed a reply, chuckling to myself: “As you know, my car isn’t exactly in top shape right now, so I thought I’d use yours until then.” She saw the message but left me on read, and for some reason, that made me smile even more. Roohi… she always kept me on my toes.

Before I could go inside, my mom stopped me. “Advay, have you had lunch?”

I nodded. She continued, “We’re going to the Agrawal mansion for dinner tonight.”

I nodded again, making my way to my study. Once there, I picked up the phone and dialed Reeyansh. “How much longer?” I asked, impatience creeping into my voice. Just then, the door opened, and Reeyansh stepped in.

“Had a meeting,” he said with a shrug. I handed him a file. “Your work is done.”

“Thanks,” he muttered, though it didn’t come naturally to him. I didn’t expect gratitude from my brother.

“Pull out your shares from Ahuja Enterprises,” I said, bluntly.

His eyes narrowed. “Why?”

“Just do it.”

He paused, then smirked. “Is this for Roohi? For the first time Advay Birla is Playing dirty, and that to for his fiancé who he claims to hate”

I gave him a look, knowing he must’ve heard something from Vivaan. “first of all i never said I hate her , and Who told you?”

“I have my sources,” he replied, a hint of pride in his voice. He continued, “But why am I the scapegoat here?”

“If I pull my shares, Ahuja will go crying that Roohi is manipulating me. He can say what he wants about me, but I won’t let him drag her name into it. With you pulling your shares, he’ll know I’m behind it, but he won’t be able to say a word about Roohi.”

He nodded. “Fine, I’ll do it. Oh, by the way, there’s a juicy rumor—looks like the Ahuja brothers are fighting amongst themselves, just a piece of information.” With a smirk, he left. This was enough to show Ahuja who he was messing with.

Moments later, Reeyansh came back, as he forgot his file. But then he stopped at the door, turning back with a thoughtful expression.

“Advay, Brotherly advice ,” he said slowly. “I think it’s time you stop ignoring your feelings for Roohi. It’s obvious you care about her. If you keep pushing her away, it’ll hurt her—and maybe it’ll be too late. You’re putting Ahuja in his place because of what he said about her. You’ve never cared about what people say about you, yet look at you now… so involved, you never lost your clam yet you today fought with Ahuja infront of people.”

I remained silent, processing his words as he continued. “I hope you’re smart enough to know it—before it’s too late.”

With that, he walked out, leaving me alone with my thoughts. Could he be right? Was I… avoiding my feelings? Roohi had slipped past all the walls I’d carefully built, and I didn’t want to hurt her. I couldn’t deny it any longer.

Roohi's POV:

The moment I got home, Mom informed me, "The Birla family is coming for dinner tonight."

That was all it took-I snapped, "Is there anything else you'd like to surprise me with today?" I immediately regretted it.

Lately, it felt like everything in my life revolved around Advay. I wasn't even Roohi anymore-I was some accessory to his name, this engagement. As if, before him, I didn't even exist. And it's exhausting. I love my family, but sometimes... sometimes I feel like a burden to them.

Just then, the door flew open, and my girls piled onto the bed, hugging me from all sides. "Oh god, relax, guys!" I laughed despite myself.

Aadya raised an eyebrow, catching onto my mood immediately. "You had an argument with Aunty, didn't you?"

I sighed and nodded. Navya smirked, looking at both of us. "You two really need to get a grip on your tempers."

Simultaneously, Aadya and I rolled our eyes, snapping, "Shut up!" Ishaani burst into laughter, watching the three of us with amusement.

"So," Ishaani began, "are you all going to the Diwali party?"

Aadya flopped onto the bed, stretching her arms. "Whose party?"

"The Goenkas, of course," Ishaani replied.

Yes the Goenkas every year had the one of the popular Diwali party I would be all blast politician, top burrcrats,  businessmen and all celebrity.

Navya shrugged, "I doubt I'm even invited."

I nodded in agreement. Aadya, Ishaani, and I all came from business families, but Navya's family were all doctors, save her bureaucrat uncle.

Aadya said ," I am not even interested in any party "

Navya said , "are you sure you are not interested after knowing shivansh will also be there "

Ishaani said, "are you still not over with your stupid bet aadya "

Aadya said " Guys I am out of that bet okay I realised that was stupid "

I said "Thank god you did "

Then Aadya nudged Navya. "But don't you think you'll get an invite?" Navya glared to her

"Who?" I asked, curious.

Before Aadya could say anything, Navya cut in, "Even if I'm invited, I won't be going." She then turned to me, her face softening. "Now, tell us what happened. You seem off this day."

Taking a deep breath, I told them everything-about Advay, the engagement, and the confusion that had settled in my heart.

When I was done, Aadya shot Ishaani a triumphant look. "See? I told you I had my suspicions!"

Ishaani shook her head, clearly baffled. "Are you serious, Roohi? When he told you he didn't want this marriage, why didn't you listen?"

Defending myself, I replied, "I told him he should tell his family he didn't want it."

Navya gave me a look. "But he told you directly, didn't he? And let's be honest, Roohi, will you really be okay in a marriage where your husband doesn't even care to make an effort?"

Aadya scoffed. "This is ridiculous. If you won't stop this, I will." She looked at me firmly, and her tone softened a bit. "You deserve better, Roohi. You should tell both families that neither of you wants this."

I nodded, realization dawning. "You're right. It's not like I even matter to him. I'll talk to everyone tonight at dinner."

Ishaani hesitated. "But don't you think he likes you, Roohi? Remember how he carried your heels when you were hurt? And he even came along for your shopping. Plus, during our staycation at farmhouse-he was so... attentive."

Aadya laughed, patting Ishaani's shoulder. "Ishaani, sweetheart, your perfect couple is far from perfect." She glanced at me with a sympathetic smile. "I didn't like him from the start. All the Birla brothers, and even their cousin Reeyansh, are arrogant as anything."

Navya chuckled. "Less arrogant than you, Aadya."

Before Aadya could retort, Navya held up her hands. "Alright, alright, let's just watch Friends. It's been ages."

Their laughter and chatter did wonders for my spirits, even if just for a while. Spending the afternoon with them reminded me that, no matter how complicated things got, they were my rock.

Later, as we were getting ready, Navya got a call. Hanging up, she informed us, "Aunty said we should get ready. They're coming over soon. And she specifically asked you to wear something decent, Roohi."

Rolling my eyes, I laughed, "It's not like I wear indecent clothes!" I turned to Ishaani, "Help me pick something out? As both of them seem like no help." I said pointing at navya and aadya they just ignored my comment and continued searching clothes for themselves in my closet.

As I did my makeup, Aadya leaned over, her voice reassuring. "Don't be nervous, Roohi. You're not the one making this difficult. If Advay Birla can't take a stand, that's on him-not you."

Navya, watching me closely, offered her last piece of advice. "Before you say anything to the families, talk to him in private."

I hesitated. "Why would I? It's not like he wanted this engagement in the first place and anyway he would ne happy hearing this."

Just then, my phone buzzed again-a message from my PA about Ahuja's shares taking a nosedive. A cruel smile crept onto my face. "Serves him right," I muttered.

But as I looked around at my friends, laughter still ringing from our time together, a hollow ache filled my chest. I was wrong to think that maybe Advay and I could make this work. Foolishly, I'd allowed myself to like him, to hope that maybe he would grow to care. But how can I stay with someone who won't even stand by me?

Maybe it was destiny. But I knew one thing for sure: tonight, I was going to put an end to this.

My heart felt heavy as I prepared myself to end this engagement. I knew Advay hadn’t wanted this from the beginning, but a part of me had hoped we could make it work—that maybe, just maybe, things were starting to change. But now I realized that staying in a relationship where my own husband barely acknowledged my existence would only lead to more hurt. I didn’t expect a fairytale, but was it really too much to expect the bare minimum? To feel like I mattered, even just a little?

As I walked into the hall, nerves surged when I saw the Birla family arriving. I gathered myself, then went over to greet Dadi and take her blessings, followed by Advay’s mother and chachi. His father and chachu gave me side hugs instead of letting me touch their feet, which felt comforting. They’d always been so sweet to me—if only Advay had put in even a little effort. But I couldn’t let myself soften.

And then, Advay walked in.

He wore a perfectly fitted tuxedo and looked…well, distractingly handsome, like something out of a dream. His sisters, Avya and Shivika, flanked him, laughing at something he’d said. Stop it, Roohi, I chided myself silently. I’m ending this engagement tonight; I can’t let myself get caught up in him, in this strange pull he seems to have over me.

The girls greeted me warmly, and soon, we all joined my friends and cousins, who were laughing and chatting. But, as always, the talk soon drifted to marriage. I looked over at him and couldn’t help but snap, “Where are my car keys? You took them this morning and said you’d send the car back right away.”

He shrugged, a half-smile tugging at his lips. “Oh, I forgot to bring it back.”

“You forgot?” My patience was thinning. “I swear, Advay, I’ll kill you. Tell your driver to bring it, ASAP.”

“They’re all here,” he replied casually, that infuriating smirk still on his face.

“I don’t care how! Just bring it.”

With a casual shrug, he replied, “What’s the big deal? Can’t I borrow my fiancée’s car?”

That was it. My simmering temper finally boiled over. “What fiancée? You won’t even have a fiancée after tonight.” The words slipped out before I could stop them, and the room went silent. Thankfully, the elders were nowhere around.

Avya looked at me with wide eyes. “Bhabhi, you’re joking, right?”

I forced a small smile, excused myself, and turned away. But before I could get far, Advay stepped in front of me, blocking my path. “We need to talk,” he said firmly.

“No, you might want to talk, but I don’t,” I snapped, but he grabbed my hand, pulling me outside to the garden. I yanked my hand free as soon as we were alone. “Don’t you ever pull me like that again,” I seethed.

“What did you mean back there?” he asked, his voice calm.

I took a deep breath, letting out the hurt I’d been bottling up. “I meant exactly what I said, Advay. I’m ending this engagement. Isn’t that what you wanted?”

His face softened. “Roohi, it’s not like that—”

“Oh, of course, it’s not,” I interrupted, my voice trembling with hurt. “Silly me, thinking you’d care enough to actually say something.” I took a shaky breath, feeling the pain spill out. “Do you know how it felt, standing beside you like a burden in that office while Ahuja called me a gold digger and you said nothing? I’ve spent my entire career proving my worth, showing I’m more than just the Chairman’s daughter, but today…” My voice cracked. “You just stood there, silent. You couldn’t even correct a simple lie.”

Advay’s eyes darkened with regret. “Roohi—”

“No.” I reached up and grabbed his collar, emotions flaring. “For a while, I actually thought we could make this work. I thought you might be reserved, but at least you’d try. But no, it was just me. You didn’t put in any effort. I didn’t expect much, but don’t you think I at least deserve the bare minimum? And if you hated this engagement so much, you could’ve just told your family. It’s not like I forced you into it.” I released his collar, took a deep breath, and turned to walk away. “Let’s go inside and tell everyone that we both tried, but we’re not meant for each other.”

But he didn’t move. Instead, he gently tugged me back, and before I knew it, I was in his arms. His hand held my waist. “I don’t want to break this engagement.”

“What kind of game are you playing?” I demanded.

“I’m not playing any game,” he replied.

I looked up at him, confused. “I don’t understand you.”

His gaze was steady as he said, “I want to marry you, Roohi.”

A tear slipped down my cheek as I looked away. “You don’t care for me, Advay.”

But he cupped my face, wiping away the tear. “I care more than you know, Roohi. Even I was confused at first; I didn’t know how or when it started. But ever since our engagement, you’ve been on my mind constantly. I tried to ignore it, to act like it didn’t matter, but I can’t anymore.”

His voice softened as he looked into my eyes. “You’ve become a part of my thoughts, Rooh, and I can’t pretend otherwise.”

When he said “Rooh,” it felt like I’d been transported to another world.

“I don’t want to lose you,” he continued, “not because of a misunderstanding, not because I was too stubborn to say anything.” His grip on my waist tightened as he added, “I like you, Roohi. A lot.”

I blinked, taken aback.

Then he wiped another tear that fell. Why am I even crying? I tried to push him away, but his grip only tightened, and I lightly hit his chest. “You drive me crazy, Advay. I don’t know what to do.”

He gave a small smile, and I lost all my resolve. “I’m sorry,” he murmured.

I sighed, my heart softening. “I don’t want to forgive you, Advay, but…why do I want to believe you so much?”

“Believe me, Roohi,” he said, pulling me into a hug. I hugged him back, his woodsy, masculine fragrance enveloping me.

“Just promise me,” I whispered, my cheek pressed against his chest, “never make me regret this.”

He leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss to my forehead. “Never, Rooh. Never.”

Just then, Shivika came into the garden and gasped. “Oh, sorry! Please, continue.” Embarrassed, we pulled apart.

“You remember when I told you not to wear blush when you’re with me?” he teased with a smirk.

Embarrassed, I glared at him. “Give me your phone.”

Without a word, he handed it over, and I set it on the table with a timer. “Come here,” I said, and he joined me. We took a few pictures, and in one, he leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to my forehead, making me smile.

“Let’s go inside,” I said, trying to move away as he held me by my waist, but he didn’t budge.

I placed my palm on his forehead, mocking him, “Advay, you’re making me concerned. Are you sick?”

Just then, his phone rang, and he released me to answer it. I made a face, thinking he just proposed to me—shouldn’t he cut the call? Then I reminded myself, Okay, Roohi, you’re overreacting. His work is his priority. But before I could walk away, I felt his grip on my hand. He was still talking on the phone, but his gaze was on me. He finished the call, and just then, our house help appeared, saying that my mom had called us for dinner. Hand in hand, we walked inside.

All eyes were on us as we entered. My cousins, his sisters, and my friends had expressions ranging from shock to barely concealed laughter. We took our seats at the dinner table, feeling lighter and a little more like ourselves.

And for the first time in a long time, I felt truly happy.

Girls hanging out

Rooh

Garden

Advya and His Rooh

Happy Diwali, everyone! I hope you’re all enjoying this chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it. I’d love to hear your thoughts, so feel free to share your reviews! Enjoy the celebration!