I Never Asked ..

Chapter 15

"Want to Know a Secret?

Someone out there can't stop thinking about you.

You are beautiful.

Don't ever believe differently."

– Drake

_________________________

Dad's surprise

Misha's POV

Secrets can indeed hold a certain allure, and sometimes their revelation can alter the course of our dreams and happiness. In my case, while both families had agreed to the marriage, there were still secrets lurking beneath the surface.

When Karan dropped me off at home, I was greeted by an unexpected scene. Sahil was lounging in the living room, engrossed in Netflix, and Dad was busy in the kitchen, cooking. Dad's radiant happiness and the way he resembled the father I remembered from years ago, before Mom's disappearance, was a pleasant surprise.

As I ascended to my room, I noticed that everything looked different. Shopping bags were scattered in my walk-in closet, and some of my furniture appeared to be new. Before I could react, Sahil bounded up the stairs.

"Hey, sorry I forgot to tell you, Dad and I made some changes in your room. I also found out your little secret today, thanks to your friend Tanya, so consider this your reward," he said, catching his breath.

"Really? And did you find out that my crush and the person Dad proposed for marriage are the same person?" I replied sarcastically. I was baffled by my dad's unusual behavior and wanted to ask Sahil why Dad was acting so differently today. However, I couldn't muster the courage to do so. With so many secrets unraveling today, I decided to give Dad some time with his own emotions.

I began to inspect the new clothes and items in my closet when Sahil surprised me from behind. "So, did you like it?" he asked, pointing to a dress I was holding.

"Like what?"

"All of this," he said, gesturing to my room. "I came home earlier and saw some people working for your in-laws. They delivered these things for you. And like you, I was surprised when Dad told me that he had moved some of your old clothes and furniture to the guest room. Mish, Dad looks so happy today, but I don't know why. He wants to surprise us with a special dinner, as you already saw him preparing."

My mouth hung open in shock. Did he just mention that Dad had a surprise planned for us? Why did I have a feeling that it was good news? I hoped my intuition was right.

After Sahil left to get ready, I took a quick bath and changed into one of my sleeveless blue tops with a designer jacket and jeans, an outfit I had bought with Tanya shortly after moving to New York. With a bit of makeup and my hair styled, I descended the stairs, only to hear the doorbell ring, prompting me to rush to the entrance.

"Welcome, Mr. and Mrs. Malhotra. It's a pleasure to see you again after so long," Dad greeted the guests.

Before me stood a beautiful couple in their forties, with Karan looking dapper in a suit. The woman's eyes seemed familiar, and she was the first to notice me in the room. She offered a warm smile before whispering something to the tall man beside her, directing his attention toward me. I reciprocated with a smile before moving closer to Sahil.

"So, this is Misha," Karan's mom said, taking a step closer to me.

"Yes," my Dad confirmed.

Suddenly, she embraced me, pulling me into a warm hug that took me by surprise. I closed my eyes, feeling safe and comforted in someone else's arms for the first time since Mom's absence. When she released me from the embrace, I realized a small smile was lingering on my lips.