“Thank you, Jai. For the gift. For caring. For everything,” I say, even though my heart feels heavy.
“Can I put it on you? I want to see how it looks on you.”
I hesitate for a second before holding out my wrist. He takes the bracelet from the box, his fingers brushing against my skin as he carefully fastens it around my wrist.
“There,” he murmurs, his eyes tracing the bracelet before meeting mine. “Perfect.”
Before I can respond, the door swings open.
“You just can’t stay away, can you?” Aditya’s voice cuts through the room, and I close my eyes for a brief second. Just my luck.
When I look up again, he’s already stalking toward us, his gaze darkening as they flick between me, the bracelet, and Jai. Jai pulls his hands back instantly, but the damage is already done.
Jai and I rise to our feet as Aditya closes the distance between us, his hand wrapping around my waist possessively. He glares at Jai, his jaw tightening with barely restrained anger.
I sigh, placing a hand on Aditya’s chest in an attempt to keep things from escalating. “Aditya, before you lose your temper, Jai is here to give me my engagement gift.”
Aditya scoffs, looking at me. “Engagement gift? How thoughtful.” His tone drips with sarcasm as he turns to Jai. “Should I expect a wedding present too? Maybe a honeymoon package?”
Jai offers a small, almost amused smile. “Relax, man. It’s just a gift for a friend.”
Aditya’s fingers tighten slightly around my waist as he tilts his head. “Right. And I’m supposed to believe that’s all you feel—pure friendship?”
Jai chuckles dryly. “Believe whatever you want, man. I don’t owe you an explanation.”
Aditya glares at him, his body tensing as he takes a step forward, but I quickly step between them, pressing a hand to his chest. “Will you stop?”
Jai clears his throat, drawing my attention. I glance over my shoulder at him as he offers a small smile. “Take care, Sana. And congratulations,” he says, his tone calm.
I nod in acknowledgment, watching as he turns and walks away.
As the door shuts behind him, Aditya lets out a sharp breath. “I don’t like him.”
I roll my eyes. “Why are you always like this?”
In a swift movement, Aditya cups my face, his thumbs grazing over my cheeks, his intense gaze locking onto mine. “Marry me. Now.”
Between the pounding of my heart and my nerves going wild, I manage only one word. “Now?” I blink up at him, thinking I must have heard him wrong.
He leans in, his forehead almost touching mine. “I don’t want to wait, Sana,” he murmurs, his voice raw. “I want to marry you right away. Let’s go to a temple.”
I press my hands against his chest, feeling the rapid beat of his heart beneath my palms. “Aditya,” I whisper. “I’m yours. You know that.” I let my fingers splay out. “Marriage is just a license—whether we get it today or in a few days, it doesn’t change what we are to each other.” I look into his eyes, hoping he understands. “And remember, we’re doing it right. With our parents, with proper rituals, the way we’ve always planned.”
“I know… but…” His voice falters before he continues, “I don’t know why, but I’m scared.”
My heart twists at the confession. I gently cup his face. “Talk to me.”
He exhales shakily. “My mom told me about coming to your house with the wedding clothes and the conversation she had with you.”
Oh damn.I murmur the words under my breath, my shoulders stiff.
“Yes, sweetheart,” he confirms, his arms wrapping securely around my waist, pulling me closer. The intensity in his gaze sends a shiver down my spine.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” His voice is steady, but I can hear the frustration simmering beneath.
“Aditya, I didn’t want you to stress. It was something I was able to manage.”
His jaw ticks. “You should have spoken to me.”
