"He said that we went along?!" Nisha stared at her mother in disbelief who nodded. Her father was busy talking to someone on the phone at a near distance. 
"Maa... I don't know what he said but I told him I don't like him and don't wish to proceed with this." 
"Huh? But his parents —" 
"I don't know what they told you but that's a lie." She shook her head vigorously, feeling a huge burden weigh on her head.

She should've hit his head with a brick before coming. 

— Flashback —

"I think we get along, though. Why are you rejecting me? Do you have a boyfriend?" The man asked as Nisha flashed a fake smile.
"I don't. But I just don't wish to marry right now. Plus, you'll be leaving for abroad in a few months and I don't wish to shift there either." 
"That's not a problem, though. You can stay here." 
"I don't wish to marry you. That's the thing." She said after a pause of two minutes because his persistence was starting to get on her nerves.

"You do have a boyfriend, then."
"I told you I don't." Nisha sternly spoke as he nodded, unconvinced. She stayed quiet, not wanting to create a fuss and look suspicious. 
The man tilted his head, "If you don't, what's the problem?"
"It's personal. I don't want to marry. So, now, if you excuse me. It was nice meeting you." She got up and was about to leave but his last words rang in her ears, causing her to hold back a slap.

"So then I don't see any problem. Unless she has a boyfriend."

— End of flashback —

"I'm not interested in him, Maa." She said as her mother hummed, "So he lied." 
"Of course! That's not a good sign." 
"What happened?" Nisha's gaze shifted to her father who entered the bedroom with a confused look. She sighed, looking down in misery.

— On the other hand —

"Kabir!" The high-pitched feminine voice reached Kabir's ears as he internally sighed, flashing a fake tight smile at the people around. His father stood beside him, greeting the other people as Kabir sighed.

Visiting his hometown filled with toxic people waiting to bite each other's necks wasn't anything pleasant.
"Aunty! How are you?" He asked in a cheerful tone, making her smile.
"I've been well, dear. You?"
"Pretty good. I missed you all."

He could've sworn on his entire life he didn't. He was more than glad they weren't around.

"You were away for so long! How come you didn't visit us? Hasn't it been months since you've been back?"
"It's been somewhat six months." Another uncle spoke, approaching them.

Amidst the socialization, Kabir's head diverted back to his parents from time to time.

"I just need to get this thing done properly. And we'll be fine." He whispered to himself, sitting in a corner of the dining room. He could hear a few screams coming from the nearby room.
"How come they're fighting already?"

The lawyer entered the house and he made awkward eye contact with him.

— Time skip —

"Why didn't you inform us, brother? We would've visited! Kabir was away for so long... we'd have searched for a girl for his wedding as well." One of his aunts spoke, giving him a weird look.
His father smiled, nodding, "I wanted to but sickness and busy life got to me."
"Oh, those are just excuses!" One of them spoke.

"Kabir, have you planned on marriage yet?"
"Um, no? I can just think about it later."
He tried to sound casual but their looks said otherwise.

Nobody took it casually. They started to talk about the 'marriage' topic and he sighed. Being an unmarried adult in a desi household meant death.

"Kabir bhaiya!" A young voice reached his ears as he noticed a kid in shorts and an oversized t-shirt run towards him. He crouched down, hugging the child and asked, "Ah, Muttadi! How are you?"
"How many times should I tell you it's Muddasir, not Muttadi?"

He pressed his lips awkwardly, "Ah, sorry kid! I keep forgetting. How old are you this year?"
"Eight." The kid sighed, shaking his head.
"Yeah!"

"You're no use." The boy sighed before asking, "Where's my chocolates?"
"I already sent them though."
"Wow, no chocolates for our first meet?"
"Oh well..." Kabir got up, walking towards his backpack on the sofa. He searched a few pockets, knowing well there would be nothing.
Just for the sake of satisfying this child.

"See there's nothing—" His voice halted as he took out his hands, staring at the pile of chocolates. Where did these come from?
"I can see many things." The child pointed at his hand as he blinked twice.

"But..."
He snatched the chocolates from Kabir and smiled cheekily, "Thanks."

Kabir stared at the boy walking towards the dining table and sitting peacefully, eating the chocolates as if they were his.
More than the kid's boldness, he was surprised by the presence of the unexpected chocolates in his bag. Taking out his phone, he started typing in.

kabir_95: Did you put the chocolates in my bag?

nisha00: Yep. Have you found it already?🤭

kabir_95: When? I never noticed?!🤨

nisha00: Secret.

kabir_95: What are they for?

nisha00: Sweets boost your mood and feel good when you're down.

kabir_95: Guess I'll be down the whole day then.

nisha00: Why?

kabir_95: *sent a photo*

nisha00: Who is that kid? He's cute.

kabir_95: My cousin. He found the chocolates and looted me.

nisha00: 😂😂😂

kabir_95: Haha! Very funny.😐🙄

nisha00: I'll give you more when you return, okay? Stop sulking.

kabir_95: ok.

nisha00: Stop sulking, Kabir Zaid.

kabir_95: I'm not? 🙁

nisha00: Okay.😗 How's everything going there so far?

kabir_95: Pretty well... it's very awkward and they've all fought twice by now. Baba is very normal about it and I have no idea why.

nisha00: I guess adults are used to certain things.

kabir_95: I feel like I'm still a kid sometimes.

nisha00: You are one, though. A very annoying kid. But, it's fine. We all learn through such strange experiences.

kabir_95: Don't know if I should appreciate you for comforting me or feel offended because you called me a kid.

nisha00: 😂😂whatever you wish, sir.

kabir_95: Okay, I have to go now... Baba's calling. Love you❤

nisha00: hmm, take care🦋

kabir_95: you too💌💟

Nisha sighed, turned off the phone and glanced at her parents talking. 
"If I ask them to stop, they won't listen. But if I tell them about Kabir, they'll explode—" She stopped as a thought hit her head.
"What if I indirectly ask them and see their potential reaction? I can do that too. Then I'll know if they truly won't approve of Kabir or they're just pretending." 

She abruptly rushed towards her parents, fake coughing as their gazes diverted to her. She sat near them on their bed and asked, "Maa, Baba... I get that you guys are worried about my marriage right now. But, Priti-pi got married just 9 months ago. We can start searching next year." 
"We're just seeing the proposals right now. You can get engaged and delay the marriage for a year or so. That's up to you guys." 

"Then what's the point of this rushing?" She whispered to herself, fixing her expression when her parents' gazes fell on her. 
"How about I search for someone known to us? You see, strangers are a little... weird. I know you both believe that I don't have any love life, even I did all my life but still, it's better to marry someone we know than someone we don't at all. They could be an undercover evil or psycho. Like, that guy lied to his parents though I rejected him. That's not a good sign." 

"Which eligible guy do we know?" Nisha's father asked as her mother shrugged, "Nisha's age? No one." 
"Maybe, older than me works too?" She pried, trying her best to analyze their expressions as they thought for a while.
"Atif, Ajay... they're single though." Her father spoke as she smiled, thinking to herself, 'Okay! This is going on the right track.' 

"But they're... like her elder brothers." 
"There's another guy though... Wahi!" 

She pressed her lips, waiting for her awaited name to be pronounced when her mother said, "Kabir recently returned. He's a good guy and all but I don't think he's interested in marrying Nisha. Moreover, his job is a little... unguaranteed. No insurance, pension or whatsoever. What about his future? That's unprecedented, too. At least the rest have jobs or a legacy to carry." 

"Right... that's true." Her father said as Nisha replied, "But if he has bigger plans for a more stable future, then, that's fine too. Nobody grows into something big overnight." 
"You don't like him, though." 

She nodded, unsure as to why she did.

She disliked him, right? But 'disliked' in the past tense. She was floating in the air, swimming in the ocean of love for Kabir right now. What about that?

"Maa... what truly matters is that he's a good guy—"
"Kabir is too playful and fazil... he doesn't seem mature enough. Enough of talking about him. Let's think about more suitable people." 

Nisha stared at her parents, feeling her heart becoming heavy.

From which angle was he not mature enough?

"Okay, suit yourselves. I have something left to do, I'll come back later." She said and got up, exiting her parent's room. 
"I can't tell them I've been dating Kabir for a few months and already want to marry him. They don't even feel safe about him. Tsk, why do a future career and legacy matter so much? I know they're worried that because of his unprecedented career, my future would be affected too as I'd be his other half but still..." She whispered to herself, entering her bedroom and plopping on the bed with a groan. 

"Right. Let me start creating a portfolio for myself. I need to earn too. Having a dad with loads of money isn't helping." She said to herself and got up, grabbed her computer glasses and sat down for work.

— Time skip —

nisha00: So, the papers are signed? 

kabir_95: Yeah. And Baba took his share of the money already. We'll be leaving in a few hours, I guess. It's suffocating in here. 

nisha00: It's already past seven pm. The air might be a little cold there. Stay warm.

kabir_95: I know, love. What are you doing? 😗

nisha00: Face mask. Skincare. What about you? Have you eaten all day?

kabir_95: Of course. We'll be having dinner in a few minutes, I guess. Then we'll leave.

nisha00: Alright.😌😌

kabir_95: I sneaked out to a shop nearby and brought some tangeries for you. The tiny tangerines they sell here are so sweet and nice. 🍊🍊

nisha00: Huh? Why would you take that trouble?

kabir_95: A few days ago, you told me you craved tangeries so.😅

nisha00: Are you sure you're just that good or is this your trick to coax me? 

kabir_95: Both.😚 Why would I miss the chance to make sure you don't find a man as great as me? 

nisha00: I never intended to find a man greater than you either. You're on another level.

He didn't reply for the next few minutes, confusing her. 

kabir_95: How's work?

She chuckled, seeing his reply.

nisha00: Are you blushing? 😂😂

kabir_95: No. How's work?

nisha00: So you are.

kabir_95: Answer me?! 🙄

nisha00: Well, I already contacted a web designer I know and she's helping me create a page for my interior designs. I'm thinking of advertising this on social media and making data on my previous works and projects. Let's see how it goes...

kabir_95: I'm so proud of you. The way you dealt with a loss and came back stronger than ever is just admirable. 💯💌

nisha00: You also inspired me in ways so...

kabir_95: Inspiration is one thing. Mainly, your strength is what brought you here. 

kabir_95: You didn't tell me about that recent suitor.

nisha00: Long story. I'll tell you face-to-face, okay? 

kabir_95: When are we meeting?

nisha00: Don't know.

kabir_95: Alright. Let's see when we're free and plan a date, okay? I have to go now since Dad's calling again. Ugh. Bye, love! ❤❤❤

nisha00: Bye! Take care.😗😌❤

— A week later —

"Kabir!!" Nisha ran towards the familiar figure, letting herself fall into his arms as he chuckled, holding her firmly. 
His hands wrapped around her torso delicately, pulling her close as he subtly sniffed her hair, "The floral scent I like." 
"Huh?" She asked, earning a small shake of his head.

"I missed you so much." She whispered, resting her cheeks on his shoulder blade as he smiled, pressing a light kiss on her temple. 
"I missed you too, Nisha. How was your week?"
"You know it all. We talked every day until midnight. Or... way past midnight." She smiled.

He watched her quietly, nodding amidst her words.

"Now are you going to stand outside my office like this or come in?" He asked as she grinned, "Come in, of course." 

She rushed inside, leaving a smiling Kabir behind.

"I brought some snacks for you. In case you end up overworking again, then you'll have some snacks for you."
"Is it chips?" He asked hopefully as she scoffed.
"Dried fruits, nuts... and chocolate biscuits. Oh, I also brought a few fruits after washing them properly and dicing them into bite sizes... like apples and guavas. I also got some woodapples for you since you like them. Oh, I also got you some coffee but not too much. There's teabags in it too."

"Uh... did you bring whatever came to your mind?"

"When I was in the market, my brain stopped functioning momentarily so yes, I think." She shrugged as he smiled, watching her unpack the bags and organize everything.
"You have a mini fridge in your office so I'll use it too, okay?" She asked as he nodded, "Everything here is yours, including me. Feel free." 

She gave him a side eye and started working on the things as he stared at her, leaning against the desk. His hands rested on the cold marble surface as he watched her store the fruit boxes in the mini-fridge along with the fruit-flavoured drinks she bought. 
She kept the jars on a nearby shelf and said, "You keep losing weight. But you shouldn't eat unhealthy as you'll become sick. So, eat a lot but healthy." 
"Okay." He nodded, restraining a smile at how adorable she looked as she kept the bag aside and looked around, analyzing the room.

"This room is too small. Your new studio needs some more space and enough ventilation. This stuffed-up place will give you a headache. No wonder you say you have a headache a lot these days. What else is the—" A soft gasp escaped her lips when she felt a pair of arms slowly sneak around her waist from behind, holding her tightly. 
She tilted her head to the right slightly as he snuggled into her neck, pressing a soft kiss there. 

"You're a huge nag." He whispered against her neck as his hot breath hovered over her skin, leaving an intricate imprint that she craved more and more with every passing second. 
She was about to turn around but he held her firmly, "Stay still for a second. The bag won't run away." 
"I know... but—" She stopped, seeing him smile against her skin. 

"Are you laughing at me?" 
"No. I'm smiling because I like it right now." 

She frowned, "Move away." 

Pulling away from him despite her will, she walked up to the other corner, "We should discuss your new studio soon. I need to know your preferences."
"We already had two meetings on that."
"I know but I think we should be sure and confirm every little detail before I give you the final design." 

He smiled, "Ah, where would I ever get such an amazing service?" 
"Right. Only from me." She reciprocated his warm smile as they shared a brief eye contact.

— At night —

Nisha walked into the house to find her parents with a few guests.
"Ah, Nisha! Come here!" Her mother called as she approached them, greeting them with a smile. 
"This is my daughter." Her father spoke with a proud smile as Nisha smiled, greeting the old man sitting next to her father, "Hello." 

She watched her father and the man laughing around.
Beside him was another male, quite young and muscular, glancing at her from time to time.

"Ah, this is my son, Ashik."

"What a filmy name." She whispered to herself, smiling a little at the man. 
"Well, I just returned... so, I'll come out in a while, if you excuse me." Nisha walked towards her bedroom when she was interrupted.

"Didi." Bindu spoke as Nisha frowned, "Yeah?"
"I don't think this man's here just to meet with his friend. His son is quite an eye candy though. Do you think they'll ask for your hand in marriage?"

"Don't spew rubbish, Bindu!" She frowned.
"Ayhay! Then, will you get married too? What about me?"

Nisha sighed at the other woman, "Shut up and focus on other important things! I am not getting married to this guy at all. Plus, I don't think that's why they're here. Stop being obsessed with my marriage." 
"Well, if you don't tell your parents about your boyfriend, that's bound to happen." 

"Huh?" She asked.

"You know that I know everything, bubu." 

Nisha pressed her lips as Adil and Adisha popped out of the kitchen with sneaky grins.
"You three..." She sighed as they all gave each other glances.
"We are with you. Just take the step." Bindu said as Adil replied, "Me too. After all, I'm one of the ogs of this."
"What's 'og'?" Bindu asked as Adisha replied, "'Og' is a slang which means 'the original'. He means that he's been witnessing everything from the start."

"Alright, guys. Now, leave me alone." 

— Time skip —

"Nisha-pi. Don't you think... maa and baba should know?" Adisha asked as Nisha shrugged, "I don't know... they don't approve of him. How would I tell them?" 
"What about Kabir? Why isn't he proposing to you yet?"
"We just started dating a few months ago and... he's still on his way to stabilizing his work first. I'm working on the new studio for him and once it's done, maybe it'll take another year for him to complete everything and maybe, by then, I'll also be able to finish a few projects and properly advertise my solo interior business. I won't rush him." 

"So, the obstacle is that our parents are dying to find a suitor for you but you like someone else who Maa and Baba don't seem to approve of." 
"I'm scared of telling them and creating chaos in the house." She spoke as Adil sighed, looking at Adisha whose gaze turned to Bindu.

The four of them sat together on the bed, chatting when a knock was heard on the door.

Bindu rushed towards the door, opening it as Nisha's mother entered. She calmly stepped towards the edge of the bed and looked at Nisha, "We need to talk. Come to our bedroom in a while."

Nisha frowned, "You can just say it here."
"Come later." She said and left as the rest gave her a confused look.
"What happened?" Adisha asked as Nisha shook her head, "No idea..."

After a few minutes, she entered her parents' bedroom to find them sitting on the bed, looking distressed.
"Maa? Baba? What's wrong—" She stopped when her father approached her and said, "The last thing I'd expected from you was a lie." 
"I believed that our Nisha was more committed than anyone else in the household. I'm surprised you disappointed me for the first time." 

"Huh? What do you mean, Maa?" She asked, approaching her as she kept her phone aside, looking away.
"Did you see something dramatic on the phone from Facebook?" She asked, picking up the phone from the bed as her blood ran cold.

Every thought that had been crossing her mind ever since the past ten minutes came to a freeze as she watched the video of herself.

The video where she and Kabir were feeding each other fuchkas near food stalls and goofing around.