His parents were standing right in front of her while she was in a wet robe.

"Oh," Vritika managed to squeak " Uh, please come in. I'll just... I'll just get him."

She ushered them inside awkwardly, gesturing toward the living room. "Make yourselves comfortable. I'll... I'll be right back."

Bolting down the hallway, she rushed into the bedroom where Rohit casually scrolled through his phone.

"Rohit!" she hissed.

He looked up lazily. "What's up, Rits? Is the food here?"

"No!" she snapped, her voice laced with panic. "Your family is here!"

Rohit's brow furrowed in confusion. "What are you talking about? They're coming on the 15th, not today."

Vritika flung her hands in the air. "Rohit, today is the 15th!"

"Oh... Oh no. Right, tomorrow is the final on 16 so today must be 15" He sat upright, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. "I might've..."

"Forgotten?!" she interrupted, her tone sharp. "Damn it, Rohit! How can you forget such a thing?!"

He winced at her words, looking thoroughly chastised. "Okay, okay, it's my fault. But it's not the end of the world, Rits! We'll handle it. Just... relax."

"Relax?!" she hissed. "Your parents, your entire family, are sitting in the living room and I received them in a damp robe. That's going to make such a great first impression!"

"Alright, calm down. You get changed—"

"And OMG!!! What about the food?! There's no food prepared for them!!"

"Relax...I will just order for them too"

"Order?!" Vritika's voice rose an octave. "Rohit, you don't order food for your family when they've come to visit for the first time! That's... that's so—"

"Practical?" he offered.

"No! That's ughhhhh! Completely inappropriate!" She paced for a moment, before stopping to point at him. "Just... go and greet them. I'll change quickly and then come out." Just go and greet them. I will change quickly and then come out."

Rohit took a deep breath, bracing himself as he stepped into the living room.

"Ah, finally," his father raised an eyebrow. "We were beginning to think you forgot we were coming."

"Sorry Papa, who kal final hai na, uske chhakar main yaad nahi raha."

"Haa usi ke liye toh aaye hai yaha."

"Rahul bhaiya nahi aaye?"

"Woh kyu aayega? Uska aur hamara abse koi rishta nahi. How dare he lie to us about everything? And we like idiots believed him.Humne tumhare saath kitna galat kiya uski wajah se!"

Rohit looked between his parents. He opened his mouth to respond, but before he could, Vritika entered the room, her hair neatly tied back, and wearing a simple but elegant kurta that brought out her natural beauty. She looked calm but Rohit could tell she was nervous.

"Maa, Papa...this is Vritika, my finance. "And Rits," Rohit continued, walking over to her and gently taking her hand, "this is my mom and dad, my sister Kriti and her husband, Rajat."

Vritika offered a warm smile, folding her hands in a namaste. "It's so nice to finally meet you all. I've heard so much about you." Lie.She had heard almost nothing from Rohit. She wished she could glare at that idiot!

Mrs. Sharma was the first to step forward. "So, this is Vritika," she said warmly, taking Vritika's hands in hers. "You're even prettier than Rohit described."

"Thank you, Aunty," Vritika replied.

"Do you live here too?" Rohit's father asked.

"Oh no, uncle. I live in my apartment in Borivali. Rohit just called me here so I could finally meet you all."

"Yeah, I was gonna order food as usual but Vritika insisted that she would prepare everything herself." Rohit added

"Really? You're going to cook for us, beta? That's so thoughtful of you."

Vritika smiled, though inside she was mentally cursing Rohit."I thought it would be a good way to welcome you properly."

"Such a sweet girl," Mrs. Sharma said, glancing pointedly at Rohit. "You're very lucky."

"Yes, very lucky," Rohit mumbled, avoiding Vritika's piercing side-eye.

"So, what's for lunch?" Kriti asked with a grin.

"Well," Vritika began hesitantly, "I was thinking of..."

"Paneer butter masala!!" Rohit blurted out

Vritika froze for a moment, her eyes widening in disbelief. Paneer butter masala?! Where did that come from, you idiot?!

"And with... uh... jeera rice, dal tadka, some rotis, and salad." Rohit added.

"That sounds perfect!" Mrs. Sharma exclaimed. "It's been so long since we've had a good homemade meal. Traveling can be so tiring."

"Yes, maa," Rohit chimed in ignoring the mental daggers Vritika was throwing his way. "Rits makes the best paneer butter masala. You'll love it!"

"Really?" Mr.Gurunath asked. "I'm looking forward to it. It's good to see someone who still believes in the value of traditional cooking. These days, everyone just orders in or eats out."

"Bhabhi, you're going to spoil us all. I hope bhai is as good a cook as you are."

"Bhai can barely make Maggi," Vritika muttered under her breath, forcing a tight smile.

"Hey, I heard that!" Rohit quipped.

"And it's true," Vritika shot back sweetly. Rohit knew he was in trouble. Because the smile was too sweet. He rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly, looking away.

"I'll get started right away," Vritika said, standing. 

 "I will help you, Bhabhi," Kriti offered enthusiastically, already halfway out of her seat.

"Oh no, no. It's okay," Vritika protested quickly, waving her hands. "You just relax and enjoy."

"When you're doing all the work? That's not fair!" Kriti insisted.

 "Haan, Kriti. Remember, we have a tour scheduled soon, don't we? You shouldn't tire yourself out now."

Kriti raised an eyebrow. "Bhai, the tour starts tomorrow evening. Stop making excuses."

Mrs. Sharma laughed softly. "Let the poor girl help if she wants to, Rohit."

"No, no, really," Vritika interjected, forcing a bright smile. "It's honestly no trouble. I'd feel terrible if a guest had to work. Besides," she added, throwing a pointed look at Rohit, "your brother has already volunteered to help me in the kitchen."

Rohit spluttered.

 "Rohit, help me reach the upper jars, would you?"

"Of course," he replied eagerly, already sensing the lecture coming his way.

As they walked into the kitchen, Vritika rounded on him the moment they were out of sight. "Paneer butter masala? Dal tadka? Are you trying to get me killed?!" she hissed under her breath.

"Arey I only said it because you make the tastiest. I had loved it so much when you had made for me."

"There's a difference between making it for a simple person and so make people. My rotis don't even come in circles.

"Rits, trust me, no one cares if your rotis look like the map of India as long as they taste good."

She glared at him, hands on her hips. "You think this is funny? Your mom just called me thoughtful and sweet, and now I have to live up to that!And I have never prepared food for so many people."

He stepped closer, trying to soothe her. "You are thoughtful and sweet. And talented. You've got this. Plus, I'm here to help."

"Help me burn down the kitchen you mean."

"Very funny," he replied "I am sure we will manage. I will help you. Tell me what to do."

Vritika started pulling out pots, pans, and spices, mentally cursing herself for agreeing to this impromptu cooking session. Rohit trailed behind, clearly trying to be helpful but managing to knock over a jar of cumin seeds within the first thirty seconds.

"Rohit!" Vritika scolded, glaring at the scattered seeds on the floor.

"Oops," he said sheepishly. "I'll clean it up."

"No, you won't. Just... chop the onions," she ordered, thrusting a knife and cutting board into his hands.

"On it, boss," he said, saluting her.

As Rohit began slicing the onions with care, Vritika set to work on the paneer butter masala. 

"Rits, these onions are making me cry," Rohit complained holding a tissue to his eyes.

"Good," she said dryly. "Now you know how I feel right now."

"Wow, the sass," he muttered, but there was a smile on his face. He returned to his task only to overturn the plate of flour the next moment.

Rohit froze, staring at the cloud of flour now coating the counter, his shirt, and the floor. "Uh... oops?" he ventured with a sheepish grin, but one look at Vritika's furious face wiped it right off.

"You... get out!" she yelled, pointing towards the door with a spatula in her hand like it was a weapon. "I don't want you in my kitchen, Rohit!"

"Hey, hey, calm down," he said. "It's just a little flour."

"Little?!" she hissed, gesturing to the mess around her. "You've done nothing but create chaos since you walked in here! YOU..GET OUT"

"I...I will just stand hear okay? I will not do anything."

"No no, I don't even want you near me. Go entertain your family or something."

"Don't lie darling. We both know how near you want me to be. So near that you have to beg..."

 "Rohit!" she screeched "Get out before I actually throw something at you," she warned.

"Fine, I'll go. But just remember darling, I'm always just a call away if you need me... or miss me."

"I will never miss you," she snapped, glaring at him as he finally left the kitchen.

"We both know that's a lie, love."

Once he was gone, Vritika let out a frustrated groan, muttering under her breath. "Why did I ever agree to this madness?! The audacity of that man...." She narrowed her eyes. "Will have to teach him a lesson."

Half an hour later, the kitchen was spotless. Vritika placed the last dish on the dining table, straightened her kurta, and took a calming breath before calling everyone to eat.

"Food is ready," she announced, her tone polite but clipped, not sparing Rohit even a glance as she headed back into the kitchen to fetch water.

The family gathered around the table, admiring the spread. Mrs. Sharma looked delighted. "Oh my, this looks wonderful! You made all of this yourself, Vritika?"

"Yes, Aunty," Vritika replied

"Impressive," Mr. Sharma said as he settled into his chair. "It smells delicious."

"Looks amazing, Rits," Rohit chimed in sitting in front of her. He reached for the paneer, only for Vritika to subtly move the dish away, pretending not to notice his hand.

"Uncle, please try this," she said sweetly, serving Mr. Sharma a generous helping of the dal, completely ignoring Rohit.

 "This is so good!" Kriti exclaimed. "You're an amazing cook, Vritika."

"Thank you, Kriti," Vritika replied.

Mr. Sharma cleared his throat. "Vritika, this is all wonderful. But tell me, beta, what do you do?"

"I just graduated from IIT Bombay as a Bachelor of Technology. And I also have a startup company."

"You don't have a job? Did you not get a placement?" Rohit threw a warning look at his father and the hold on his spoon tightened.

"No, uncle," she said. "I didn't sit for placements. I've been working on my startup for the past year, and it's something I'm deeply passionate about."

"But startups are risky, aren't they? Wouldn't it have been safer to secure a job first?"

"Rits, would you get me a warm roti please?" Rohit asked.

Vritika pursed her lips. "Okay," She went inside mentally cursing Rohit again. Can't he see I have done so much? "The nerve of that man! Can't he just get his own roti? I've cooked an entire feast, and he still has the audacity to..." She shook her head, grabbing a fresh roti and warming it on the tawa.

Outside at the table, Rohit rounded up on his father, "Papa, what the hell are you doing?"

"Arey, I am your father. I have to make sure the girl you are going to marry is worth you or not. And I have to say....she doesn't look very impressive, does she? Despite the IIT degree."

Rohit's spoon clattered against his plate as he slammed it down. "Papa, that's enough."

"Beta, I'm just being practical," Mr. Sharma replied in a condescending tone. "Marriage is a lifelong partnership. A girl who hasn't even secured a job after IIT—what does that say about her priorities? She may be passionate about her startup, but passion doesn't pay the bills."

 "You're wrong. Vritika is more than impressive. She's brilliant, ambitious, and brave enough to take risks. Do you know how hard it is to build something of your own while everyone questions your choices? She's doing what most people don't have the courage to even dream about."

Mr. Sharma raised an eyebrow. "Beta, you're blinded by emotion. Practicality matters in life."

Rohit gritted his teeth. "Before saying anything else you should be aware that the watch around your wrist is made by Vrititka's startup company. It's one of their flagship products. The same 'risky venture' you're questioning right now."

Mr. Sharma froze mid-sentence, his hand instinctively moving to the sleek watch on his wrist. "This watch? What are you saying?"

"Exactly what I said. Vritika's startup designed and manufactured that watch. It's part of her brand—innovative, high-quality, and already gaining traction in the market."

"But... this was a gift from one of my business partners. They spoke so highly of it."

"Of course they did," Rohit replied sharply. "Because it's her product. The same girl you just tried to dismiss has already created something so impressive that even you're wearing it. So before you start insulting her, you better decide whether you want to be invited to the wedding."

That shut his mouth up quickly.

Vrtiika came back with the rotis and placed one on Rohit'ss plate. Rohit winked at her and gave her a sexy smile causing Vritika to narrow her eyes at him. The audacity of this man, she thought, after everything he had just pulled in the kitchen.

"You're unbelievable," she muttered under her breath.

"What was that, darling?" Rohit asked, leaning slightly closer to her. "Did you just admit I'm irresistible?"

"Don't push it," she said through gritted teeth, giving him a pointed glare before moving to serve the others at the table.

"You know, Rits," he whispered as she passed him again, "you might want to ease up on the glaring. Everyone's going to notice how much you adore me."

She gave him a saccharine smile. "Oh, I don't know about that. But they certainly will see how much you love me."

Rohit frowned and Vritika resumed her seat. He casually picked up his spoon and took a sip of dal. "Mmm, Rits, this is delicious," he drawled, looking directly at her. His voice was low and teasing meant just for her ears.

Vritika wanted to wipe that smug smile off his face. Oh, how had she imagined a romantic candlelight dinner with him...but he had to ruin it!

Rohit winked at her again still drinking his dal.

Oh, two can play this game, she thought, her eyes narrowing slightly.

She leaned back in her chair, letting her bare toes slip out of her sandal under the table. Slowly, she stretched her leg out until her foot lightly brushed against Rohit's ankle. 

Rohit froze and coughed slightly, trying to recover, but his eyes darted toward Vritika. She didn't even glance at him. Calmly, she reached for her glass of water and trailed her foot further up his leg.

"Everything okay, beta?" Mrs. Sharma asked, noticing Rohit's sudden stillness.

"Y-yeah," Rohit stammered, shifting in his seat. "Just, uh... hot dal."

Vritika almost smirked but caught herself just in time. She pressed her foot lightly against his thigh, relishing the way Rohit squirmed in his seat.

"So Rohit prepared for tomorrow's final?" Mr Sharma asked.

Rohit tried desperately to focus on his plate. But Vritika's foot was impossible to ignore, tracing lazy circles on his leg.

"Oh yes, Uncle," Vritika chimed in sweetly before Rohit could respond. "He has been practicing so much. Haven't you, Rohit?"

Rohit nodded vigorously, not trusting his voice. Vritika's foot had now found its way to his inner thigh, and he was gripping his fork so tightly his knuckles had turned white.

"That's wonderful," Mrs. Sharma beamed. "We are so excited about tomorrow!"

"Oh, bhai, you must be confident, na?" Kriti chimed in. "Think you will win the trophy?"

Rohit nodded again, his jaw clenched. "Y-yeah... very confident," he said. Under the table, his hand shot down to gently push her foot away, but she only pressed harder against his thigh.

"Finish your dal, Ro."

"Y..yes." Rohit picked up the bowl to drink from it. Her foot went straight to his center.

Rohit choked on his dal, sputtering and coughing as he set the bowl down with a clatter. All eyes turned to him in concern.

"Are you okay, beta?" Mrs. Sharma asked, her brow furrowed in worry.

"Y-yeah!" Rohit sputtered, waving a hand dismissively. "Just, uh... the spices. Bit strong today."

"Oh, I didn't think it was that spicy," Mr. Sharma remarked, taking another bite of the dal.

"Me neither," Kriti added, eyeing him suspiciously. "Are you sure you're okay, bhai?"

"I'm fine!" Rohit insisted\. He shot a desperate glance at Vritika, who was sipping her water with an air of innocence, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

Stop it Rits

Make me!

Her foot pressed against him again, sending a jolt through his body. He was getting hard.
She rubbed her foot into him again and he almost moaned. He bit his lip hard, desperately trying to stifle the sound threatening to escape.

"Rohit, beta, you look flushed," Mrs. Sharma said. "Are you feeling feverish?"

Rohit's face turned crimson. He couldn't believe what Vritika was doing under the table—her foot was making it nearly impossible for him to focus on anything but her. He quickly shook his head, trying to appear unaffected.

"N-no, Maa" Rohit managed to stammer out. "Just... just a bit warm in here."

"Should I open a window, Ro?" Vritika asked sweetly, her foot never ceasing its torturous movements.

"Y...Yes please." MOVE RITS, GET OFF ME!

Vritka eased her foot a bit and Rohit breathed a sigh of relief even if not having the pressure was a torture in itself. 

"No Ro, the winds are too cold tonight. What if you get a cold or something?" Vritika said trying to be innocent and chose that moment to press her foot even more firmly against him, causing Rohit to jerk in his seat. The movement knocked over his glass of water, spilling it across the table and also a bit on his thigh.

"Oh no!" Kriti exclaimed, jumping up to grab a cloth. "Bhaiya, get up. You are getting soaked!"

"I'm fine, I'm fine!" Rohit said hastily, waving off Kriti's concern. He couldn't stand up now – not with the obvious bulge in his pants. "Just... just pass me a napkin."

"Rohit just go and get changed." Mr Sharma said.

Rohit hesitated, knowing he couldn't stand up. Vritika decided to take pity on him.

"Rohit, I'll grab a towel for you," Vritika offered, Before anyone could protest, she was already on her feet, moving towards the kitchen.

"Beta, be quick. He's drenched," Mrs. Sharma called after her.

Rohit shot her a glare, shifting uncomfortably in his seat As she passed behind him, she whispered low enough for only him to hear, "You're welcome."

Once Vritika returned with the towel, "You might want to cool down a bit before you get up," she whispered.

Rohit clenched his jaw, muttering a strained "Thanks" as he snatched the towel and tried to cover his lap.

"Rohit, you better change. You are dripping....with water." Vritika smirked at him.

"Yeah, thanks for pointing that out, Vritika," he muttered under his breath, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

She tilted her head, her smirk widening. "Anytime, Ro," she teased.

"Go on, beta," Mrs. Sharma urged, clearly oblivious to the charged tension between them. "You don't want to catch a cold."

"Right, of course, I'll just... go change quickly," he mumbled, avoiding eye contact with everyone as he hurried out of the room.

In the safety of his room, Rohit shut the door and let out a deep sigh. Running a hand through his hair, he muttered to himself, "She's going to pay for this."

"Rits? Where did you keep my pants?" He shouted.

Vritika entered the bedroom, closing the door behind her. "Your pants are in the--"

Before she could finish, Rohit grabbed her arm and pushed her against the wall, pinning her there with his body. His eyes were dark with desire as he leaned in close.

"You are in so much trouble," he growled softly, his breath hot against her ear.

Vritika's heart raced, but she kept her composure. "I don't know what you mean," she replied innocently, though her voice was breathy.

Rohit pressed closer, his hips grinding against hers. "Oh, I think you do. That little stunt under the table? In front of my parents?"

"I was just being hospitable," Vritika said with a coy smile. "Making sure you were enjoying your meal."

Rohit's hand slid down her side coming to rest on her hip. "Hospitable, huh?" he murmured, his lips brushing against her neck. "Is that what you call torturing me?"

"Torture?" she repeated, feigning innocence. "I thought you liked a little excitement, Ro."

"Oh, I do," he admitted, his hand tightening on her hip. "You practically set me on fire."

"Did I?" she murmured. She reached up, her fingers trailing lightly along his jawline. "You seemed to handle it just fine. Though I'm surprised you didn't spill more than water."

"Oh, you're bold now, huh? Let's see how bold you are when the tables are turned."

Before she could retort, he dipped his head, capturing her lips in a searing kiss. It was demanding and possessive, leaving no room for games. He pulled back after a while. "Not so smug are you now?"

"Whatever. I already won today.""

"But you forget one thing, Rits."

"And what's that?" she asked.

"I always get even," he whispered, "It was pure torture." he began placing light kisses along her neck.

 "You deserved it," she whispered, tilting her head to give him better access. "After everything you put me through today."

"Did I now?" Rohit nipped at her earlobe, eliciting a soft gasp from Vritika. "And what exactly did I do to deserve such cruel and unusual punishment?"

"You forgot about your family coming," Vritika said, her hands coming up to rest on his chest. "You made me cook an entire meal with no warning. You..." Her words trailed off as Rohit's lips found a sensitive spot on her neck.

"I what?" He prompted and his hand slid more firmly around her waist.

Her breath caught as he lifted her off the ground effortlessly, pressing her back against the wall. "Rohit!" she exclaimed, her hands instinctively gripping his shoulders.

"Yes, Rits?" he asked innocently, his lips brushing against hers but not quite meeting them. "Something on your mind?"

"You wouldn't dare," she whispered, "Your family is just outside."

"Oh, sweetheart, you should know by now—I always dare."

Before she could respond, his lips claimed hers again, "Now," he murmured against her lips, "are you ready to surrender, or should I make you beg for mercy?"

"I would never beg!"

"Oh?"

His lips trailed down her neck, sending shivers coursing through her body. She tried to maintain her composure, but the way his hands moved to cradle her thighs, holding her securely against him, made it increasingly difficult.

"You're playing a dangerous game," she murmured

"And you're the one who started it," he replied, his voice low and teasing. "You really think I'm going to let you get away with that little show at the table?"

"Someone had to put you in your place," she shot back, her fingers curling into his shirt.

Rohit chuckled darkly. "Oh, I'm exactly where I want to be, Rits. But the question is... how long can you last before you crack?"

"Longer than you think," she challenged. Rohit attacked her succulent lips, and his tongue slid against hers with an urgency that left her breathless. Vritika's hands gripped his shirt tighter, pulling him closer even as her mind screamed at her to regain control.

His kiss was dominant, demanding, and utterly intoxicating. He tilted her head slightly, deepening the kiss as his hands roamed her sides, igniting sparks with every touch. Vritika moaned softly against his mouth, and Rohit smirked into the kiss, knowing he was unraveling her.

"Bhai, are you done? We all were about to leave." Kirti called from outside.

They both sprang apart. Vritika quickly grabbed Rohit's spare pants. "Here, change quickly."

"Bhai?" Kirti called again, her voice louder this time. "Did you fall asleep or something?"

Rohit straightened up, reluctantly letting go of Vritika, who quickly adjusted her hair and clothes, trying to appear composed. He shot her a warning glance. "This isn't over," he whispered.

Vritika quickly made her way outside.

"Leaving already?" she asked seeing that all of them were ready to leave. 

"Yes, we have booked the suite close to the stadium and want to stay there. This place is too far."

"Oh."

Rohit emerged from the room a moment later.

"You've outdone yourself, beta," his mother said, patting her hand. "Rohit's lucky to have you."

Vritika's cheeks flushed slightly, and she glanced at Rohit, who stood silently, watching her with an unreadable expression.

Once the door shut behind his family, the apartment fell into silence. Vritika turned to find Rohit leaning casually against the wall, arms crossed, watching her with an intensity that made her heart race.

"Looks like we're finally alone," he said, his voice low and teasing.

"Don't get any ideas," she replied, trying to sound stern but failing to hide her smile.

"Oh, I already have plenty," he said, pushing off the wall and walking toward her with deliberate slowness.

Vritika backed away. Before she could take another step, he lunged forward and threw her over his shoulder.

"Rohit!" she shrieked "Put me down!"

"Not a chance," he replied.

Carrying her with ease, he strode into the bedroom and dropped her onto the soft mattress. Vritika bounced slightly, glaring up at him as he loomed over her, a smug grin plastered across his face.

"You're impossible," she muttered, trying to push herself up, but Rohit was faster.

He crawled onto the bed, his strong arms caging her in as he hovered above her. His face was mere inches from hers. She twisted her body and, with a surprising burst of strength, flipped him onto his back. Rohit let out a startled laugh as Vritika straddled him, pinning his arms down with her hands.

"Don't think I've forgiven you yet," she said. "You spring your entire family on me without so much as a warning, make me cook an elaborate meal on the spot, and then you expect me to let this slide?"

"You handled it like a champ."

  She released his wrists and sat back, crossing her arms. "You never told me what's up with your family—not a single thing!"

Rohit pushed himself up slightly. "You're right," he admitted, surprising her with his sincerity. Before she could respond, he gently pulled her off balance, shifting her so she was seated beside him. Without a word, he rested his head in her lap, looking up at her with a boyish grin that made it impossible to stay mad. "I'll tell you everything," he promised

And he did. As Vritika's fingers instinctively found their way to his hair, Rohit gently massaged his scalp, opening up about his family. He told her the entire tale and then fell asleep relaxing as her hands slowly massaged his head.

Vritika looked at his sleeping figure. She didn't understand how his own family could have forced him to do something like that. He had shown nothing but respect towards them today but she knew it must have hurt deeply. 

She brushed his hair. He deserved better. Sliding her hand, she traced his cheek lightly. 

No matter what Ro, I promise to always be there for you and give you all the love in this world.

******

A/N: Next in the match and prep for the wedding!!!