As the atmosphere settled in, Nisha felt like a criminal.

It was as if she had disappointed her parents deeply. The fears instilled deep within her awakened. 

Her lips quivered as she tried to form her next sentence, "Maa... Baba... I—"
"If you had him in mind, you could've told us. Why did you sneak around this way? Jafrin sent me this video. What do you think? She'll show this to many others and you'll become a laughingstock. Your sister's marriage had put enough trouble on her. We thought we'd marry you off to a great family but..."

She held back her tears at the sharp words that left her mother's tongue. 
"Maa... I promise, I wanted to tell you but... I was scared that you'd react negatively and force me to marry someone else. After seeing how Priti-pi fought for years to marry the one she loved, I didn't dare to do the same thing and put you both through the same again... I know what you expected of me all along."

"Nisha, we both are your parents. You're an adult but whatever you did was indecent. Roaming around with a guy on the streets? That's enough of a reason for people to talk about you... look how there's even a video of you both. You should be mindful of these things and do proper things." Her father spoke, making her look down.
"Baba... why should I worry about what people say about me? They always find things to say. And when there's none, they'll make something up." 

"You don't even know whether he's serious about this. He would've been here by now if he intended to marry you." Her mother spoke.

"Maa..." Nisha was about to speak but said, "This was the last thing I expected from you. How come you disappoint us at an age where we expected nothing but your goodwill?" 
"She's right. Nisha... you lied to us as well with all the suitors. I feel as if my efforts have been in vain." Her father completed, leaving the room as she opened her mouth to speak. 
A heavy burden pressed into her chest, causing her to take two steps back. 

Her mother got up and gave her a brief look before exiting the room. The gloomy atmosphere made an impact on her thoughts. Just a while ago, she was fine.
Until now. 

The looks of her parents repeatedly flashed at the back of her head, causing an electrifying pain to hit her chest. 
Was she wrong? She feared her parents' disappointment, yet was too afraid to face the obstacles that would come. 
But now, she wondered what would've been the right choice.

If she told her parents beforehand, instead of hiding it, would the situation have been different?

"It wouldn't have been any different if I told them earlier." She whispered.

Because that was the truth.

Whether now or then, they would disapprove of Kabir as they had set their standards for the specific category they wanted for Nisha. And that was nowhere near where Kabir stood. 

"What happened?" Adil's voice reached her but no response left her mouth. Adisha and Bindu were right behind but they remained quiet, sensing the situation. 
She could hear the three whispering nearby but had no energy to ask. Her mind was too busy wondering about other things. 
Specifically, the future.

What was going to happen now?

They were disappointed. In no way were they in approval of Kabir. 
Did that mean she'd have to fight the way Priti did?
"That wouldn't work again. Priti already fought for hers... they won't let me do the same thing." She whispered, walking out of the room, leaving the three dumbfounded figures. 

As Nisha closed the door of her bedroom, she heaved out a soft breath, feeling the pressure residing deep within her chest.
"How will I face this now?"

— Time skip —

Kabir stared at the picture in his phone, a smile adorning his face.
"We both look adorable." He whispered to himself, admiring the picture for a few more seconds.

Of course, it was a selfie of him and Nisha. Why wouldn't he be happy watching it?

"She's inactive. What happened?" He whispered to himself and sent a quick text.

kabir_95: Whereee areee youuuu???☹☹☹🤕

nisha00: Just busy working. You?

kabir_95: nothing much. What are you working on?😊😚💌

nisha00: Better themes for your studio.

kabir_95: Are you too busy?🥴🥴

nisha00: Not really. Can we meet though? I had something to talk about.

kabir_95: What happened?? Spill. Right. Now.

nisha00: Let's just talk when we meet. That's fine, right?

kabir_95: Yes, of course. But if it's urgent, I can come to you right now.

nisha00: No, no! It's fine. It's manageable.

kabir_95: You sure?

nisha00: Trust me.

kabir_95: I do.

He sighed at the texts and looked at the time. It was nearly midnight.

"She doesn't sound that fine." He mumbled to himself.

— Next day —

Nisha stared at her home screen. It had been ten minutes since she was waiting for Kabir.

"How do I bring this up?" She muttered under her breath, raising her gaze to the window glass nearby.
When she was exiting her house, her mother kept on giving her a side eye and ignored her.

Despite her attempts to have a small talk with her parents, she failed. They were passionate about ignoring her. 
She noticed the familiar figure enter the cafe and waved at him. He was talking to someone on the phone but hung up as he stopped in front of her. 
"Nisha." The name rolled down his lips effortlessly, making her smile slightly.

"You're here."
"I'm so sorry for being late. Something came up at work."
"What happened?" She asked as he took a seat across from her. He shrugged, "They were having trouble consulting a client and stuff. Also, some new materials need to be bought for the new studio we'll move into. So, there's some work going on." 

She nodded.

"Anyway, did you order?" He asked. She shook her head. 
He analyzed her face briefly and spoke, "You wanted to tell me about something. Is everything alright?" 
"My parents got to know." 

His soft smile turned blank as he frowned at her.
"Huh? Know about what—" He was interrupted by his ringing phone.
"Ah, sorry. Just a second." He picked up the call and started speaking as she patiently formed words to say to him.

"Huh? Again? I don't know about it."
"I'm already in enough stress... I don't want to indulge in any more." 
"Yeah, I know I know.  The studio's planning will be done in a while anyway." 
"The property issues are resolved now... I'm expected to face some backlash after all that fight about the money anyway. It's fine. Just focus on work." 

She quietly listened, feeling the heavy burden in her heart press down with a greater force as his words sunk in. He was already in enough trouble. 
Was she going to add in more for him? 

Some of her suggested that telling him would be the best thing she could do right now. But another voice said that she'd be selfish for it. 
She wasn't indecisive. 
But when it came to him, she hesitated about the littlest things. Adding to his burdens sounded far worse than facing it on her own. 

He hung up and focused back on her, "Sorry... people keep calling. Anyway, what did your parents get to know?" 
She stared at his face, acknowledging how worried he seemed. 
"You can tell me." He spoke again, reassuring her. 

She nodded, smiling ever so lightly that even she was in doubt whether she smiled or not.

"My parents got to know about Priti and Shams... dating from high school. They didn't know the person who Priti dated back in school days and got grounded for was Shams." She said with a light chuckle.
He gave her a pensive look, "That's all? Tsk, you sounded so worried."

She knew he wasn't convinced but with a chuckle, she shook her head.

"Of course not. They doubted me for it too. They thought we all were in this. Though I was, that was only... way later. I originally called you to finish the studio project. It's almost done anyway... plus, I have an appointment soon... with a website designer. She'll be helping me with the data so I have some important files to take care of." She said.

His sceptical look eased as her words sunk in. 
"Then that's fine. I thought you were beating around the bush again." He smiled and continued, "We should start soon. First, let's order something. Have you eaten all day?"

She shook her head and smiled, watching him walk towards the cash counter as he checked the menu. 
"What do you want? They have bagels! You like them!" He spoke as she got up and approached him, "I can just order from here. Why are you mouthing that to me from so far away?" 
He shrugged, "I guessed in case you wouldn't wanna get up."

'I can tell you later. After all, I don't want this smile to be replaced with an anxious and worried look where you'll feel pressured to appear in front of my parents before you're ready and confident.' She thought to herself.

Almost over an hour passed by as they were busy finishing the design.
"So, this chair looks better, right? You can find it in the shops... also, this will be more space efficient." Nisha said, fixing her glasses as Kabir smiled, resting his cheeks on his palm. 
"Are you even focusing?" She frowned.
"I am." He smiled, letting his eyes take in her face.

"The studio design is on the laptop screen, not my face." 
"I'm more interested in your face." She sighed, holding back a smile at his cheekiness. He got up and shifted closer to her, "Is everything okay? You seem a little down today."
"I'm fine. I told you I was busy working on the data and portfolio to show my website designer tomorrow."
"Is it so important?" He asked.

"Of course." She said, "The deadline is tomorrow. She's a very professional and busy person. If I miss this appointment, I'll have to wait for another week." 

"Alright." He nodded and said, "After this studio, should we discuss another one?" 
"What else is there to design? Do you want an alternate design of the studio?" She asked.
He shook his head, "One for a home... an apartment." 
"Apartment?" She asked.

"You know, after we marry, we'll need one anyway." 

A soft gasp escaped her lips as he chuckled.
"Stop clowning around. I'm serious when it comes to work." She firmly spoke.
"I wasn't clowning around. I was seriously suggesting." He said in a serious tone as she held her breath briefly, wondering about what to reply. 

With an apprehensive glance, she cleared her throat. 
"Or, we could wait if you want to think more about it." He smiled.
"Well, if we get married... why would we live alone? What about your parents?" She asked.
"Already worried about your in-laws? Not bad... but Maa said she'll kick me out the day I get married. We have two apartments in the building... one's still empty so I'm getting it once I get married." 

"Woah... you're not only getting a wife but also an apartment." 
"I'm more into my wife, though. The apartment can be yours." He said as she let out a breathless laugh, "You're corny for no reason." 
"At least I saw you laugh. I missed it." He said, rather to himself as she took a few moments to process it. 

Suddenly, her phone started ringing, diverting their attention. 
"Why did Adisha call me?" She frowned, took the phone and picked it up.

"Yes, Adi?"

Her face straightened as her younger sister's words reached her ears.
"Excuse me for a moment." She mouthed to Kabir and got up, walking to the other end as he watched her patiently. 
She glanced at him to see his attention divert to the studio design that he had paid no attention to for the past twenty minutes. 

"Maa and Baba are getting ready to go somewhere... but I have a feeling it's related to you. I think they'll visit Priti's house and start something." 

A soft gasp escaped her lips. 
"Stall them somehow. I'm coming." She hung up and was about to approach Kabir but he was busy talking to his phone. Why did he always get calls? 

He seemed serious as the phone was attached to his ears. His gaze rose to Nisha and the seriousness in his eyes made her wonder. 

But she had no time to waste.

"I'll go now. I'll be back later." She said and rushed outside as fast as she could, not having the time to wait for his reply.

— Time skip —

"What happened?" Nisha asked hurriedly, as soon as she entered the house. Bindu shook her head, "Your parents...."
She rushed inside and saw both of her parents walking out of the room, dressed in formal attire.
"Where are you guys going?" She asked.

They both gave her a brief look as her mother sighed, "Did you misinterpret us going to our relative's house and come rushing in the middle of your date?" 
Nisha heaved out a sigh.

She was relieved but knowing well how right her mother was made her feel guilty.

She was wrong. She knew it.

"Maa... Baba... just let me t—" 
"You went to meet him, didn't you?" Her father asked as she looked at him. The look in his eyes depicted disappointment. But why were they disappointed? All she did was date someone secretly. Was that a crime? 

"You don't care if we're disappointed, do you? I thought you'd at least stay home and try to explain to us. But you're not the same Nisha anymore, is it? You've done the same thing your sister did." 

She stared at them, feeling the back of her eyes sting as they both left.

Her gaze remained darted at the floor as fat tears rolled down her cheeks. She felt guilty for hurting her parents but what did they mean with those words? Try to explain? She had done more than enough.
Every time she approached them, they gave her a cold shoulder. Late at night, she had knocked a few times on their bedroom door but they didn't respond. 
During breakfast and lunch, she was yet again avoided by her parents. 

And now, they were blaming her and saying that she had disappointed them.

The fear she had carried her whole life had come true. And it hurt.

"Nisha!" A voice reached her ears but she didn't turn around. 
"You didn't tell me! How did Maa and Baba know? What happened? They seemed so mad... baba told me... I taught you all this. What the hell happened?!" Her elder sister's voice rang in her ears as she felt her heart tighten.

She turned her head, meeting the other one's gaze and whispered, "Priti-pi..." 
"What should I do now?" She let out a sob as Priti immediately hugged her, "Nisha... w-why are you crying? It's okay... we can get out of this." 
"Maa and Baba... I don't know what to do. On one side there's... Kabir... I have to fight for love... but I can't fight with Maa and Baba..." 

And after holding back like she had always done, she started crying. 

— Time skip —

"Nisha... I've been in the same position before. Maa and Baba are mad right now, not because of you. But because that's how our parents have always been. You remember? They barely trusted Shams... until he talked to them, and brought his parents... even after years of that, they didn't approve of Shams. Despite our marriage, I know that to this day, Maa and Baba believe that I could've married someone better. It is their insecurity, Nisha... they want good for us but they forget that we have our own lives and not always do we want the best but what we want is the one that's right for us. And that's what they miss." Priti spoke, taking a deep breath as Nisha sat quietly, listening to her sister.

"We all had a hard life before and our parents are too anxious about us choosing the right partner. But... I know... I've been through this. Their worries make us feel rather pressured and guilty. Because we want to fight for our love like most Desi people do... after all, parents being against you marrying the one you love isn't anything new in this Desi culture. But from my experience, the only advice I have to give you is to talk it out with Maa and Baba. Kabir is in a tight spot right now, I know... but maybe after a few months, he'll be able to talk to Maa and Baba. You should inform him too." 

"I went to inform him today... but, he already seemed too worried so I didn't dare to." She said as Priti sighed heavily. 
"How long will you continue bottling things to yourself, Nisha? He's your partner... you have to rely on him. Just how, if he was in any trouble, you'd be willing to support him, he's always there to support you if you're in any tough spot. That's how it should be." 

Nisha took a deep breath and nodded, "I know, Priti-pi... I'll tell him. I'll tell him everything tomorrow." 
"Good. Now stop crying and get up, I'll cook something light for you. Maa and Baba went to visit Mala's aunt's house. They won't be back tonight, that's why I came. It was only after coming here that I knew about this whole thing... because Adisha called right when I was in front of the house. Look, after Maa and Baba return tomorrow, talk it out... force them to listen or whatever. Do it, Nisha. You can. You've always been a brave person. I know you hesitate right now because this revolves around all the people you love and care about. But trust me, you will be able to pull it off."

Nisha smiled with a small nod.

— At night —

The sound of the heavy rain distracted Nisha from her thoughts as she stared at her phone. 
She had been trying to call Kabir for the past three hours but he didn't pick up. 

She even visited the cafe again but he wasn't there. Neither was the laptop that she left with him. 

"Where the hell is he?" She asked herself and sighed. She was worried about him now. She heard a knock on her door and spoke, "Yes?" 
Priti peeked inside, "Shams called Kabir a few times... he's unreachable. Also, I think something happened. Shams sounded disconcerted." 

Nisha gave her sister a confused look as the elder one sighed, "Anyway, if he doesn't contact you, try again the next morning. Just sleep for now, you've had a hard day anyway. I'll see if Shams can find him." 
She nodded as the sound of the door sunk in. 

She lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling with countless thoughts running through her brain. She glanced at her phone, whispering, "Where are you, Kabir?" 

Her breath hitched when her phone's black screen jolted up. Her phone was ringing.

She immediately picked up the call, 

"Kabir."

The sound of heavy rain came from the other side as she frowned, "Kabir?"

But a frown appeared on her face as the next words reached her ears,

"I'm outside your house, Nisha. You forgot your laptop."