| ANGAD |

I wanted to go everywhere but the resort as I was on an auto. Meeta went to the resort before me in her car. I wish I could reverse time and do the maximum damage control. But then, it was no use of sulking.

I was rehearsing what to say to our families when they asked why the marriage couldn't happen. I was thinking that I must either confess it all or have a conversation with Meeta and reveal things in the safest way possible.

And for the first time, I chose the first one.

I stopped at the entrance of the resort, paid money to the driver, and tried to walk with much confidence, but lost them the next moment I saw the Sharmas and Grovers swarmed into the reception with their luggage packed.

"We're sorry, Meeta." It was Mom, holding Meeta's hands with tears adorning the corners of her eyes. "It was our fault. We... We're the responsible ones for what had happened."

"Oh, that's fine, Sujata," Mrs Grover barged in and continued, "It's all over. We'll take care of the wedding expenses. I think it's getting late for your flight."

"But still..." Mom croaked as she broke down in tears while Mrs Grover gave her a side hug and assured her, "It's okay, Sujata. Someone had jinxed our kids." Mrs Grover patted Mom's head while I pushed through the crowd to get inside.

"Hey, asshole!" I stopped midway as I heard Violet calling me. "Where the fuck are you going? Your bags are packed. Your parents are waiting for your cabs. Your flight to New York is at two in the afternoon. Go!"

That was too much information for me in a day. I stood near Renee, who had no idea about what I was hiding, leaned on my upper arm and cried a little.

Swear to God, I will never forget this date: 16th April 2017.

***

| VIOLET |

FIVE HOURS LATER...

I was packing my luggage for the night flight when I heard my mobile ping. There was a long message from Charlie.

Charlotte: Hi, Vee!

I have a bad news for you. I resigned from Vogue. My parents from home asked me to do so. My brother is no longer doing well. He has reached the final stage of brain cancer. So, I am the only one to take care of my family business, i.e. bakery. They are waiting for me in a small city in Scotland, my home country. This means the long distance between us is yet another hindrance to our relationship, other than my homophobic parents.

Yeah, my parents are homophobic indeed.

So, rather than hopelessly waiting for a relationship, I think it's time to end it. I know this is hard for you. But, it would be harder if we continue it. Keep our Tiffany's ring safe. I might come back in the future to get it as your fiancee. If I never did, show that ring to your kids and tell them about the girl for whom you waited for two years.

Don't come and look out for me. I'm at the airport, waiting for my flight to arrive. Also, don't ever come to Scotland. That would reduce the chance of us together to zero.

Charlotte Brown...

P.S.: I still love you.

***

Here we go with the official end of the chapter, guys!

READERS: Why the fuck did you separate Charlotte and Violet?

I understand. But, why not wait for the epilogue? Trust me, there are a lot of surprises waiting for you there.

And... The epilogue will be out on 1/1/2024, 00:00 (IST). Get ready, everyone!

See you soon!

Song Courtesy: champagne problems by Taylor Swift