Vedika's POV:

My phone buzzed right when I was arranging sample swatches on the dining table.

"Maggie," I answered, already half-focused on the linen shades.

"Everything's done," she said efficiently. "Bookings are confirmed. Both venues are locked for next month's weddings."

"Perfect," I replied. "Send me the final checklist. I'll review it tonight."

I disconnected and leaned back, rubbing my temples. Three-bedroom apartment. Quiet. Peaceful. Mine.

One room is mine. One was Ma's-still untouched, still smelling faintly of incense and old sarees. The third belonged to Moksh whenever he came back from his hostel.

And Dad......

The doorbell rang.

I didn't need to check the camera. Ritika never knocked softly. She entered like a storm-heels in hand, bag sliding off her shoulder, hair a little too undone for someone who claimed she was "totally fine."

I looked up. "Okay. Who hurt you?"

She collapsed onto the couch dramatically. "My father."

I snorted. "Again?"

"He fixed another blind date," she said flatly.

I burst out laughing. "You? Blind date? Ritika, at this point even the universe is tired of trying."

She shot me a murderous look. "This is not funny."

"It is," I said, grabbing my keys. "Come. Let's buy some fruits. You need sugar before you start cursing fate."

The evening air was warm as we walked toward the fruit vendor. Ritika was unusually quiet.

"You know," she said suddenly, "I really don't believe in arranged marriage."

I glanced at her. "Since when?"

"Since always," she said. "Especially after him."

Her voice tightened. I knew who she meant. The toxic one. The one who disguised control as love. Who slowly convinced her that jealousy was protection and isolation was affection.

"I'll never gave myself a chance to love again," she continued. "I really did. But now? I don't want marriage at all."

I stopped walking. She stopped too.

"I don't want to end up trapped," she said quietly. "I don't want love. Or nothing."

I understood that silence too well.

"My past wasn't any better," I said. "Narcissists don't shout, Ritika. They smile while they destroy you."

She looked at me, eyes soft. "That's why you don't want arranged marriage either, right?"

I nodded. "I want choice. I want safety. I want a life where I don't have to beg to breathe."

"People often tease us, saying that we're the last ones remaining single while everyone else has moved on and gotten married."

I laughed because it's true - I really don't mind staying single. Not after giving someone a chance and ending up with a narcissist. I swear, they're worse than anything; they make you feel like you're the one at fault, and escaping from them isn't easy at all.

She suddenly stepped in front of me, grabbing both my hands. That's when I knew I was doomed.

"Please," she said.

"No," I replied instantly.

"Pleaseeee."

"No."

"I'll manage the next wedding alone."

"No."

"I'll take care of vendors, clients, brides, grooms, tantrums-everything."

"No."

"I won't ask again."

I sighed. Deeply.

She smiled.

"Go to the blind date instead of me."

I laughed. "You've lost your mind."

"Just once," she pleaded. "Scare him off. Say no. I need time."

"Go on the blind date for me... because I already survived childhood without a mom, I can't survive my bestie skipping this for me too. If you don't go, I'll sulk all week and text sad songs... and you know you can't handle my sulking."

I stared at her dramatic, desperate face.

"Last time," I said finally. "And I mean it."

She hugged me like she'd won a war.

Back at my apartment, we dumped the fruit bags on the kitchen counter.

Ritika glanced around. "Where's Aunty?"

"Went to Vaishno Devi," I replied. "Took Moksh with her."

Her eyes widened. "Wait... Moksh agreed to go? That's honestly unexpected......and i can't believe he is twenty now. That feels illegal."

I smiled softly. "He'll always be the kid who hid behind me."

She hesitated. "How's... everything?"

I knew what she meant. My father. We left him last year, and my mom managed to divorce him. She went through so much... it was just too much for her. It took me 11 long years to reach this point. It wasn't easy-I had nothing, yet I kept going.

"It's peaceful," I said. "Too peaceful sometimes. But Moksh....he is...."

She nodded slowly. "You raised him, Vedika. You and your mom survived hell."

I didn't respond. Some truths didn't need words. She suddenly snapped her fingers. "Okay. Plan."

I groaned. "No."

"Yes," she insisted. "Business Proposal style. Rachel-Samantha energy."

"That was ridiculous," I protested.

"Exactly!" she said. "Bold makeup. Short dress. Act unpredictable."

"I am not embarrassing myself."

"Think about it... you had no better option, and he just thought you were crazy and ran away." She clasped her hands dramatically.

"Please. Rich arranged-marriage boys hate chaos."

I stared at her. Then sighed.

"Fine," I said. "But if this backfires-"

"I'll take full responsibility," she grinned.

I didn't know then-

***

The calm didn't last.

My phone rang again-this time loud, shrill, urgent. Unknown number.

I answered without thinking.

"Is this Vedika Malhan?" a strict male voice asked.

"Yes," I said, already standing up.

"This is H-Hostel administration. Your brother-Moksh Malhan -was involved in an incident."

My heart dropped straight to my feet.

"What incident?" I asked, gripping the edge of the table.

"He hit his scooty into another vehicle and ran away," the man said. "No one is hurt, but this is serious. If the other party complains, police could be involved."

For a second, I couldn't breathe.

"I'm coming," I said immediately. "Please don't escalate anything. I'll handle it."

The call ended.

"We've managed everything for now, but stay cautious - this is serious, and he's already in trouble

Ritika stared at me. "What happened?"

"Moksh," I said, voice shaking. "He hit someone with his scooty and ran."

She slapped her forehead. "Oh my God."

Then suddenly, realization dawned on her face.

"...That's why he agreed so easily to go with your mom," she said slowly. "I was wondering why he didn't argue even once."

Anger replaced fear instantly.

I dialed Moksh.

He picked up on the third ring.

"Are you out of your mind?" I shouted the moment he said hello. "Do you know what you've done?"

"Didi-"

"Don't didi me," I snapped. "You hit someone and ran? What if someone got hurt? What if there was police? Do you think life is a movie?"

"I panicked," he muttered.

"You'll panic more when you come back," I said coldly. "I promise you that."

I hung up before he could respond.

My hands were shaking.

Ritika came closer, softer now. "He's safe. That's what matters."

I nodded, but my chest still felt tight.

She studied my face for a second. "Okay... what happened now?"

I realized I was biting my nail. She snapped her fingers. "Blind date."

I stared. "What?"

She nodded seriously. " Ready for blind date."

I laughed despite myself. "Now? Are you joking?"

"That's exactly why I came to you," she said, grabbing her bag. "Let's get ready."

"No," I said firmly. "Not today. I have an appointment with Apex Constructions. They want us to handle their project launch event."

She froze. Then-

"Pleasepleasepleaseplease," she begged instantly. "I'll go to the meeting. You go to the date."

I crossed my arms. "You don't even know the client details."

"I'll figure it out," she said confidently.

"You've handled worse."

I hesitated.

"Vedika," she said quietly, "just go. Say no. Come back. End of story."

I exhaled.

"Fine," I said. "But if this ruins my life-"

"I'll take full blame," she grinned.

***

An hour later, I stood in front of the mirror. Bold makeup. Sharp liner. Dark lipstick.

I loved it.

I never understood why people acted like makeup meant bad character. Confidence scared people-that was all.

Ritika whistled. "Wow. You look dangerous."

"Good," I said. "That's the point."

She shoved a short dress into my hands. "Wear this."

I glared. "It's freezing outside."

She shrugged. "Imagine this: short dress in freezing winter....He'll probably just think you lost your mind."

Twenty minutes later, I stepped out-and immediately shivered.

"Oh my God," I groaned. "I'm freezing."

Ritika took off her coat dramatically and shoved it at me. "Remove this. Remember Shin Hari."

I laughed. "You're ridiculous."

"That's the energy," she said proudly.

***

I entered the restaurant thirty minutes late on purpose.

Showing up late on a blind date? That's already a huge red flag.

Blind date.

Not even mine.

Ritika's.

Why did I agree to go instead of her?

Because I'm a people pleaser. Because I lack self-respect in crucial moments.

Because I make terrible life decisions.

I took a deep breath, remove my coat, and marched in like I was walking into my own execution.

Table number six, I reminded myself.

Scare him. Make him say no. End of mission.

And then I saw him.

Oh.

Oh wow.

He was already sitting there-tall, broad shoulders stretching his coat slightly, posture relaxed but alert. Sharp jaw. Brown eyes. Calm expression. The kind of handsome that didn't scream for attention yet stole it anyway.

My brain went blank.

Why is the universe personally attacking me today?

I stood there too long. Like an idiot.

He noticed me.

Our eyes met.

I panicked.

"HI!" I said loudly-too loudly-like I was greeting a long-lost cousin at a wedding. "I'm Vedika Malhan."

He blinked.

I blinked back.

"...Ritika," I corrected immediately, waving my hand aggressively. "Ritika Sethi. Sorry. Multiple personalities. Happens."

I sat down before he could react.

He opened his mouth.

I didn't let him.

"So!" I said cheerfully. "You look... very expensive."

He closed his mouth.

Good.

"I don't usually do blind dates," I continued rapidly. "I prefer emotionally unavailable men I meet accidentally and then regret for years. Much more my type."

His eyebrow twitched.

Progress.

"What's your name?" I asked. Then instantly interrupted myself. "Actually don't tell me yet. Mystery is hot. We'll reveal later. Like a plot twist."

He inhaled to speak.

"No wait," I added quickly. "Before that-why did you agree to a blind date? Peer pressure? Or Blackmail?"

He stared. Silently. Calmly.

Like a monk.

I was sweating.

"Should we order?" I asked suddenly. "Because I stress-eat. Emotionally. Professionally."

That's when he finally spoke. "Aren't you cold?"

His voice.

Deep. Smooth. Criminal. Ahhh kill me now. Hey! Vedika don't go for looks. Remember?

I laughed too hard.

"Cold?" I scoffed. "No, no. This is just my body vibrating with anxiety. I shake when I'm alive."

I demonstrated by shivering dramatically. He looked amused now.

Encouraging.

"Oops-sorry! I forgot to introduce you to my babies," I said proudly, pointing at my breasts, "meet Rachel and Samantha."

He literally choked, coughing, as the shock hit him. His face went pale, eyes wide, and he just sit there, unable to speak for a few seconds.

"What??"

With a laugh dripping in attitude, I snatched my drink like it was the most important thing in the world, watching him process the chaos I'd just caused.

"They help me emotionally," I clarified. "Don't judge. Everyone needs support."

Silence.

Pure, horrified silence.

I leaned closer. "Rachel is sensitive. Samantha is bold. Balance."

His lips pressed together. But now. He was trying not to laugh.

I couldn't stop now.

"I usually name things," I continued. "I usually name things... my body, for starters. And some other parts? Well... that's a story you probably can't handle."

He coughed.

"Are you... always like this?" he finally asked.

"Yes," I said instantly. "Worse, actually. This is me on my best behavior."

His shoulders shook slightly.

Victory.

I kept going-no brakes, no mercy.

"I don't believe in marriage," I announced. "Hookups are fine. Marriage is suspicious. Also, I talk too much. As you can see."

He nodded slowly.

"I also snore," I added helpfully. "Yes! And I... I have this ritual of sniffing my shoes before I wear them. Because I love their smell... so refreshing."

He laughed. Actual laughter. As he knows I'm lying. I literally can't make myself any more embarrassing. If he still likes me, he's crazy. Nice one, Vedika!

But he smiled?! Oh my God... but why? Oops.

Abort mission? No.

Now I'm shivering. God help me. Please!

"And... I sometimes practice dramatic fainting in my room... just in case someone insults me. You never know when life will require it. Yesterday, I nearly knocked over my lamp while practicing."

Double down.

My phone rang. Ritika. Perfect timing.

I picked up immediately. "Hey babe!"

Pretending that I'm talking with my boyfriend. But there was a pause. Then Ritika whispered furiously, "WHAT are you doing?"

I frowned. "What?"

"He cancelled the blind date," she hissed. "Ten minutes ago."

My soul left my body.

"...What?"

"Yes," she said. "So who are you sitting with?"

Slowly-painfully-I turned my head.

The man across from me had fully given up pretending now. He was smiling openly.

Enjoying this. I hung up without a word.

Stood up.

Smoothed my dress.

Pulled on my coat like I was reclaiming dignity I never had.

I joined my hands and bowed slightly.

"I am so, so sorry," I said sincerely. "I wasn't trying to be insane for you. You were collateral damage."

He stood too. Tall. Annoyingly handsome. Still amused.

"By the way," he said gently, "my name is Aviyukt Agnihotri."

The moment his name registered-

Aviyukt Agnihotri.

Something flickered in my head.

A memory.

A shadow.

A feeling like déjà vu scratching at the back of my brain.

I've seen him before.

But before my brain could connect the dots, my embarrassment took over.

Then, after a beat-

"And it was nice meeting you... and your....I mean, Rachel, and Samantha."

I wanted to disappear into the carpet.

I nodded-too fast, too stiff.

"Nice meeting you," I muttered.

And then I ran. No dignity. No grace.

Just pure panic.

I bolted out of the restaurant like the floor was on fire.

"Excuse me-wait-listen!" he called behind me. Did I stop?

Of course not.

I nearly tripped on the doorstep, saved myself by grabbing door handle, and sprinted toward my own like my life depended on it.

My hands were shaking as I unlocked my car. I got inside, slammed the door, leaned my head against the steering wheel.

"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH........" I screamed.

"Oh my God," I whispered. "Oh my GOD."

I started the car and drove off like the city had personally offended me.

I called Ritika immediately.

She didn't pick up.

Of course she didn't. I tried again.

Nothing.

Then my phone buzzed.

Ritika: In a meeting. I texted you. Why didn't you reply???

I groaned.

Me: I EMBARRASSED MYSELF.

Me: LIKE-CAREER-ENDING EMBARRASSMENT.

Me: I'M COMING HOME.

Her reply came instantly.

Ritika: WHO WAS HE???

I stared at the screen.

"Nobody," I muttered out loud and typed the same.

But my heart was still racing.

***

I didn't even close the door properly.

The moment I saw Ritika's face, something inside me snapped.

I dropped my bag, marched straight to her, grabbed her collar, and shook her like my life depended on it.

"This is ALL YOUR FAULT," I cried dramatically. "EVERY SINGLE BIT OF IT."

She blinked. "Vedika-"

"No!" I wailed, tightening my grip.

"Don't you Vedika me. I embarrassed myself in ways that will haunt me in my sleep. I introduced my body parts like they were guests at a family function!"

She tried to say something. I didn't let her.

"I named them," I sobbed. "With confidence. With hand gestures. Do you know what kind of person does that, Ritika? A person who has lost control of her life."

I finally let go and collapsed on the couch, wiping my tears dramatically.

"I talked nonstop. I overshared. I told him that I sniff my shoes. I scared a perfectly normal, extremely handsome man."

"You WHAT?"

"I PANICKED," I yelled. "I pointed at my chest like it was a TED Talk!"

Ritika tried so hard not to laugh, she failed.

"I even thought-" I groaned. "I swear, I thought I saw him somewhere before. And then I ran. I literally RAN."

She raised an eyebrow. "Was he hot?"

I peeked through my fingers. "Yes."

She gasped dramatically. "HOT-hot?"

"Annoyingly hot," I admitted. "The kind that makes you forget basic social rules."

She clutched her chest. "And you showed him... that version of yourself?"

"I DIDN'T SHOW," I protested. "I ANNOUNCED."

She fell back laughing.

I can't believe how much I embarrassed myself. I'm terrified of what he must be thinking of me... I just hope we never cross paths again.

Mr. Aviyukt Agnihotri.

****

COMMENT?

If this was your blind date, what would you do?

•Faint from shock 😵

•Laugh till my stomach hurts 😂

•Take notes, I need these survival tips ✍️

•Marry her anyway... because chaos is attractive 😏