Nalani sipped her cold coffee while Vidha strolled before her. Vidha stopped before giving Nalani a huffed look. "I don't get it." Vidha shook her head. "I'm finding it difficult to comprehend how you developed feelings for my brother. It seems more logical for it to be the other way around, as you are friends with Vedant Bhaiyya."

"But Hridyanshu bhaiyya?" Vidha threw her hands animatedly. "Wow! Who would've imagined it?"

"Well, it doesn't matter who falls first," Nalani said, placing the mug down. "Now, what is important is 'How we should make your brother fall in love with me.' That's our priority."

Vidha let out a sarcastic laugh. "Honey, I'm scared shit of Hridyanshu bhaiyya when it comes to his love life. No code works now. I don't want him getting hurt, nor, can I see you getting hurt."

"Babe, everything will be alright. Someone has to get hurt to have something. Right now, I have to make sure that your brother comes on those dates."

"Hmm..." Vidha hummed, taking her seat. "Have you two decided when you are meeting each other?" Nalani nodded her head. "I will be staying in Jaipur for the next ten days. I have a plan." There was a smile on Nalani as she thought about the first date.

"No... Do not let my brother suffer in the name of dates." Nalani rolled her eyes. "Nope, he isn't going to suffer." Vidha narrowed her eyes. "Uh-huh?"

"Yet."

*

Hridyanshu scratched his face while he waited for his father. Padmanabh walked in, holding a bottle of wine. "Hey..."

"Hey, Dad." Hridyanshu's gaze went to the wine bottle. "I picked up this on my way. I hope it's still your favourite." Hridyanshu chuckled, nodding his head. Padmanabh took his seat. "Thank god."

"I have bought the food," Hridyanshu said, placing the takeaway boxes on the table. "Thoughtful of you. I was planning to have wine and dine with you."

"I know, Dad." They decided to meet at Hridyanshu's office as it is the only place where men don't get disturbed by family members. They got into setting-up mode before Padmanabh's gaze fell on the roses he had brought. "Huh, before I forget." Hridyanshu looked at the hybrid tea rose that Padmanabh was handing him. "I got them for you."

Hridyanshu was surprised. "Umm―Thank you." He took the flowers. Padmanabh smiled watching his son look at the flowers he had brought. "I went to the florist to get your mum and girls the flowers. I decided to bring your favourite flowers."

"You know my favourite flowers?" Padmanabh chuckled. "I might need your mum's help a little to remember your birthdays, but I don't forget your favourites."

"I remember how you used to mark our birthdays on your calendars."

"I still do..." Hridyanshu smiled. They started eating their takeaway and sipped their wine. Padmanabh was relaxed but he could sense Hridyanshu's stress.

"Is something bothering you?" Hridyanshu sat quietly and looked at the flowers. "It must be Nalani."

A sigh left Hridyanshu. "I don't understand how you came to an agreement with Mom on this." Padmanabh waited for him to finish. "You know how I have felt about Nalani all these years."

"It seems like you and Nalani weren't very close. It's possible that the emotions you experienced weren't genuine or what you truly desired to feel." Padmanabh swilled his drink. "I noticed that the two of you have grown closer over the past three months, and I could tell by the way you looked at her." Hridyanshu was surprised. "Before you' say something, it was a parent's intuition and I believe you should get to know Nalani before making a decision."

"I will respect your decision when the four dates end." Hridyanshu nodded his head whilst thinking of the reasons why Nalani had chosen him. "She is fiery. You might not be the perfect one for her or vice versa. But I know you two would balance each other. No one is perfect for each other, except unless you try from your side and balance things."

"I'm scared that things might be awkward if it doesn't work out."

Padmanabh chuckled, "Yes, it would be awkward, but how long will it be awkward?" Padmanabh looked at the passing cars. "It would be awkward for a period of time. Once time passes, you two will be with someone else. If you try, you will be able to overcome the awkwardness and be happy with your partners."

*

Vedant patted Nalani's head as they were sitting in the bar. "I'm not a kid, honey." Vedant frowned. "Eww, I'm not honey." Vidha chuckled and checked her phone. "So is your Aadya joining us?" Vidha asked.

"She texted back saying she would but I don't know," Nalani replied. Vedant looked in between the girls in confusion. "Aadya? You mean the girl who used to be your dance rival?" Nalani looked at Vedant. "Not anymore. We are best friends and she is my partner."

"What? When did this happen?" Vidha chuckled. In Toronto, they took part in a dance competition as a team."

"Wow..." Nalani finished her drink and called the server. "I advise against attempting to flirt with her."

"Why?" Vidha took her drink. "Someone is trying to pursue her."

"Is trying and there's scope for me." Nalani and Vidha shared a look. "Good luck." They got into a conversation before her gaze went to the lady who was walking towards their table. Vedant had already left when his friends arrived.

Aadya's smile widened when she saw Vidha and Nalani. "Aadya!" Nalani got off the high chair and pulled Aadya into her arms.

"I missed you." Nalani embraced her warmly. "I missed you so much." Aadya pulled away from the hug to hug Vidha. "How are you doing, girl?" Aadya smiled. "I'm doing well and you?"

"As you can see, I'm great." Aadya smiled, taking her seat. "So tell me, how are you here in Jaipur?" Nalani asked. "We were surprised when you called me."

"I know it was a sudden plan and I had to land here."

"You were going somewhere?" Vidha asked. "Yeah, the original plan was to Himachal but had to cancel things."

"Cancel things? Why?" Nalani asked, a smile playing on her face. "You already know it."

"Know what?" Vidha asked. Nalani chuckled. "I assume he was already waiting for you at your hotel?" Aadya rolled her eyes but nodded her head.

"Why don't you give the man a chance?" Vidha asked. Vidha had hung out with Aadya and the trio got closer than ever. "Nah, my sister is crazy about him and I don't want my family breathing down on my neck all over again."

"She hasn't over him?" Nalani asked. "Nope, she lost it when she saw him with me."

"Doesn't she know that he is crazy for you?" Aadya sighed. "Maybe she does but she chooses not to believe it."

"Sis is blind," Vidha commented. "When it comes to him."

"Forget about me. How're things going with you two?" Aadya ordered her drink.

"The same... The usual..." Vidha replied. "But someone over here has got feelings for my brother." Aadya's eyes widened. "Wow, on the second one?" Aadya asked, looking at Nalani. Vidha laughed. "Nope."

"Don't tell me you are hitting the younger one." Nalani laughed. "What's the problem with my younger brother?" Vidha asked.

"Don't get offensive, babe. He reminds me of a golden retriever and Nalani is all about pitbulls."

"Well, she got feelings for the pitbull." Aadya's eyes widened in a comical reaction. "The elder one? Bro, what have you chosen?"

"I'm prepared for it," Nalani said. "Good luck, sis. We are one call away if something happens."

"You are staying in Hyderabad?" Nalani asked. Aadya nodded her head. "Shifted to a new place. Apparently, my sis needs all the space in the house for her business."

"Good thing, you are moving out."

"Yeah, had to." The trio spoke before moving to the dance floor. They had a good time. Aadya laughed out loud when she heard Vidha's jokes.

*

Hey, everyone! The Royal Commoner is eligible for the 2023 Wattys Awards. I have submitted the story but I need your support🥺.

You can support me by voting for the chapters and leaving comments. There are 600 readers, but only 70 or fewer votes per chapter. I have been writing on Wattpad since 2017 but it took me years to have a base. But right now, everything's going down and I don't want to stop writing.

If you want me to continue my writing journey on this platform, I hope you all vote for the story and if possible you can share it on your bookstagrams/ bookclubs/ booksgroups.

Thank you,

Varsha.