Arya's P.O.V.

The anticipation is building up as Independence Day draws near, and we've been tirelessly practicing for the upcoming celebrations. But Mis Nakchadi, my innocent yet clueless sister, still hasn't returned to her usual self. She's putting on a façade, attempting to fake her laughter and taunts, but she can't fool me. I see right through her act because I understand what she's going through.

This college was her last beacon of hope for a better life, a chance to be independent, or perhaps even find the freedom to marry someone she truly desires. And now, as all her dreams and hopes crumble before her eyes, how can she be expected to behave as if everything is normal? Because nothing is normal anymore, it never has been, and perhaps it never will be.

"Breakfast is ready," my mom's voice echoes from the living room.

"Okay," I respond, quickly running the comb through my hair one last time.

As I enter the dining area, I see my mom bustling about in the kitchen, and Meghna, my sister, standing near the dining table, dutifully serving breakfast to our father.

"Good morning," I mutter to no one in particular, taking my seat at the dining table.

My father clears his throat, and my mom emerges from the kitchen, carrying a glass of juice. Their shared look tells me that something important is about to be revealed. Oh God, here it comes.

"So, yesterday, we had a conversation with Nidhi aunty," my dad begins, extending his glass toward Meghna. Without missing a beat, she pours juice into it.

"Really? What did she say?" My mom feigns excitement, but my sister and I refuse to show any enthusiasm. Of course, my mom already knows the news, but they want it to reach us, so they stage this little charade.

My father clears his throat once again. "Yes, she mentioned that there's a family interested in Meghna. They want us to meet them-" He steals a glance at Meghna, but her expression remains impassive, as if she couldn't care less. But she should care! This isn't some game that you can reset if things don't go your way. In life, you have to forge your own path when things go against you.

Seeing Meghna's lack of excitement or the typical blushing response, my dad looks at my mom, who shrugs. Undeterred, my father continues, "But I made it clear that the decision is up to Meghna. We are not the kind of parents who will force their daughter into a marriage."

Yeah, sure, the decision is up to Meghna. But we all know they'll do whatever it takes to make her say yes. They're such hypocrites! But, Meghna, you deserve better. You deserve someone who truly understands you, someone who is willing to fight the world if you're by their side. But for that, you have to be by their side!

Dii rushes into the kitchen, seeking refuge from the endless praises my dad is showering upon the boy's family. According to him, everyone in that family is a prodigy-a doctor, an engineer, a successful businessman like they're long-lost relatives of Elon Musk, Donald Trump, and Mukesh Ambani combined. Stupidity!

I follow her into the kitchen, dropping my plates into the sink in frustration. "Why can't our family be as cool as Dev's mom? She didn't even bat an eye when there was a girl in her son's room." I recall the sly smirk his mom shot at me-clearly, she was shipping us together.

Apologies, Tanu Aunty, but I'm already shipping your son with someone else. Don't take it personally, he's really adorable, but he's too delicate for someone as wild as me. Raj would take care of him perfectly. I've noticed the shared looks and exchanged smiles between Raj and Dev during our practices. They always manage to find their way to each other, offering water, snacks, and everything else.

Meghna musters a forced smile, focused on cleaning the burner.

"Di," I say softly, placing my hand on her shoulder, "Everything will be alright." I give her shoulder a gentle squeeze.

She scoffs and lets out a laugh that conveys the sentiment, "Sure, everyone says that, but deep down, we all know nothing's good and nothing will be alright."

I step closer, pressing my shoulder against hers while still lightly squeezing her shoulder. "It's not an empty wish, it's a promise that everything will be alright... I can provide you with an opportunity, and you already have a reason... but dii, no matter how many reasons you have or how many opportunities come your way, it's ultimately you who can make things right." I tap her shoulder and step away, ignoring her furrowed brow.

Mom and Dad are still whispering to each other, likely plotting how to manipulate dii into agreeing to the meeting.

I shake my head and head out of the house, feeling my phone vibrate in my pocket.

Finally, they're ready for another inquiry meeting... Please make sure she attends this one. After this, even I won't be able to handle it. Please! Don't let her ruin her life. Let me know the date when you're certain she can make it.

Finally, some good news. Dude, I can't even imagine what he went through to convince his dad about this inquiry meeting. He's genuinely a great guy for you, dii. Don't let anyone else decide your fate. Don't let him slip away.

"August 25th," I take a deep breath and send my reply.

You can do it, Arya. After the drama night on August 15th, she has to be there. She must! I won't let her destroy her own life just because she's scared. Her fear doesn't make her wrong. If she doesn't have the strength to speak up, I'll be her strength.

...

The auditorium buzzes with an electric atmosphere, alive with the collective energy of students passionately engaged in their tasks. Everywhere I look, there's a sense of purpose and dedication.

A group of students huddles together near the corner, their sleeves rolled up, brushes in hand, meticulously adding vibrant colors to an intricate set design. The strokes of their brushes dance across the canvas, transforming the backdrop into a vivid tapestry of imagination.

On the stage, another group gathers, their attention focused on the meticulous details of costumes. With nimble fingers, they sew, adjust, and adorn each garment with care.

Meanwhile, a few students move about the stage, their voices reverberating as they recite lines from the script.

The Python guy and his group wander about the stage, rehearsing their lines. Well, maybe he wasn't the best choice during auditions, but I guess we can make it work. He's definitely not as good as me, but I'll have to manage.

Raj and Divya are busy supervising everything, and true to her reputation, Divya is unleashing her bossy side on everyone.

"ONLY FOUR DAYS LEFT, AND THE FAIRY DRESS IS STILL NOT READY???" she yells, her voice echoing through the auditorium.

Come on, Divya, why don't you lend a hand instead of just shouting? But no, she prefers to supervise from a distance, a coffee cup in one hand and her fingers running through her hair, acting as if the world would crumble if she didn't descend upon the planet.

Over in the corner, Dev and the red-haired girl from the canteen-what was her name again? Piya!-sit on the last row, strumming the guitar and practicing their song. It all started with Dev planning to sing a solo, but it turned out we needed a duet. And considering our collective lack of singing talent (except for Dev), that week was an excruciatingly tense one as we desperately searched for a suitable female voice.

That afternoon, Divya, Raj, Asim, Dev, and I found ourselves sitting in the canteen, contemplating our musical predicament. Dev started looking for something, his eyes scanning the room.

"What's the matter?" Raj leaned closer to Dev, asking softly.

Ah, these lovebirds, always lost in their own little world.

"Can you hear it? Who's humming that?" Dev wondered aloud, his gaze still sweeping the canteen.

I couldn't fathom how he managed to discern any humming amidst the chaotic chatter of the canteen. Suddenly, a stunning red-haired girl-less stunning than me, of course-approached our table, carrying our snacks. It was she who had been humming that delightful melody.

"You have such a beautiful voice," Dev exclaimed, his eyes widening in awe as she placed our order on the table. Her cheeks flushed with a tinge of red, and for a brief moment, I thought she might be blushing.

"No, really, it was lovely. Would you sing a few lines for us?" Divya interjected, her bossiness shining through.

"Excuse me?" The red-haired girl recoiled slightly, taking a step back. I mean, honestly, who did Divya think she was, ordering people around like Queen Victoria?

"It's actually for our drama. We're in need of a female singer, and you sounded really good," Raj chimed in, trying to smooth things over.

"No, I'm not interested in participating," she replied with a polite smile before turning to leave.

"Please, Piya, just a few lines. I'm even singing in this drama," Dev pleaded, standing up from his seat. And oh my my...the girl halted in her tracks, caught off guard by his request.

I had been a regular at this canteen for years, yet I didn't even know her name. But now, she turned back towards us, a shy smile gracing her lips. "Alright, I'll sing a few lines, but only if you sing with me," she replied, her voice carrying a hint of mischief.

Dev's eyes darted around the bustling canteen, filled with a mix of anxiety and excitement. "Here?" he asked, a touch of apprehension in his voice.

"Yup," Piya responded, her shy smile transforming into a sly grin. Okay, this girl was intriguing.

Raj leaned forward in his chair, his fingers subtly inching across the table until they found Dev's, intertwining with them. Dev didn't need to turn and look at him, but the simple touch seemed to calm his nerves, a smile gradually spreading across his face.

"Okay," Dev sighed, a sense of relief evident in his voice. "Same song?" he asked, seeking confirmation.

Piya nodded, and she began humming the melody. After a few seconds, Dev joined in, their voices blending together seamlessly.

And then, they broke into lyrics. Oh, what a powerful and melodious song it was! The lyrics were beautifully written, and I, who was already a fan of Dev's voice, couldn't help but be captivated by Piya's talent as well.

As Dev sang, the entire canteen turned their heads towards our table, drawn in by the enchanting duet. Dev became aware of the gazes fixed upon him, and he tightened his grasp on Raj's hand, finding solace in the connection. Raj reciprocated the gesture, squeezing back gently. I noticed Dev's shoulders relaxing, the tension dissipating, and his breaths becoming steady.

Finally, they finished their performance, and in a scene straight out of a movie, the entire canteen erupted into applause. The sound reverberated through the air, a resounding show of appreciation.

"Okay, so will you sing for us? Please say yes," I interjected quickly, not giving Divya a chance to utter any snide comments.

"Please," Dev chimed in, his charming smile on full display.

And who could resist that smile? Just like that, Piya nodded, her decision made. She was officially part of the team.

As Dev spots me, a bright smile spreads across his face, and he waves eagerly. I can't help but wave back, feeling the excitement in the room wash over me. The atmosphere is contagious, and I can sense my own anticipation building up. It's hard to contain my enthusiasm-I've always been a bit on the crazy side.

Divya claps her hands, demanding everyone's attention. We gather around her, the actors forming a circle. I can't help but fidget in anticipation, my heart beating faster with each passing moment.

"Okay, let's practice the ending scene today," Divya announces, her voice filled with energy. We all lean in, eager to hear her instructions.

"In this scene," she begins, her voice carrying excitement, "Princess Rashmika and Rajan are badly wounded. They will run from opposite directions towards each other and embrace, while..."

I can't help but smirk at the irony. I had written that scene, envisioning myself hugging some incredibly attractive and charismatic guy. Little did I know that I would end up entangled with this python of a person. Life works in mysterious ways, doesn't it?

"And then Dev and Piya," Divya continues, "will come on stage to sing. That's how it will conclude. Is everyone clear?"

A chorus of nods and affirmations fills the air, signaling our understanding.

"Alright, you guys go to your designated spots," Divya instructs, and we disperse, each person finding their place on stage.

As the scene begins, I find myself falling to the ground, pretending to be severely wounded. Dev swiftly positions himself, balancing on his elbows on either side of me, his knees settling between my legs. It's a vulnerable and intimate position, but there's no awkwardness this time. Instead, we both burst into laughter, unable to contain our amusement.

It's reminiscent of our first encounter-the accidental collision that brought us together. Now, in this rehearsal, we relive that moment, except this time there's no rush to separate. Laughter fills the air, bridging the gap between strangers and transforming us into fast friends.