Tejran- Three meetings,One secret

Indeed , Destiny

She perked up suddenly, almost childlike. "Please don't tell my mom and dad I drank a little."

"A little?" he smirked. "You think they won't notice?"

"How would they know if we don't tell them, haan?" she argued with mock confidence. "We'll ring the bell and I'll run to my room upstairs."

He chuckled. "Okay, sounds like a plan."

But her steps betrayed her bravado—she stumbled, and he caught her, steadying her until they reached the front door.

Her parents looked worried when they saw her condition, but said nothing. Karan guided her upstairs and left her in her mother's care, before returning to the living room.

"Thank you, beta," her father said warmly.

"It's okay, Uncle," Karan replied. "It's late, I think I should leave now."

"At least have some tea or coffee?"

"No, thank you. Next time. Maybe just a glass of water."

As he sat down, her father studied him. "What's your name, beta? Where are you from?"

"Karan Kundrra, from Amritsar."

Before he could say more, Tejasswi's mother returned. Karan's eyes widened in surprise. "Wait—you know Satpal and Suneeta Kundrra?"

"Yes they are my parents, how do you know them?" Karan asked excitedly

Her father's face lit up. "Arey Neetu, he's Satpal's son! We were good friends back in the day. Your father helped me when I wasn't well. How are your parents? You have three sisters, right?"

Karan smiled, astonished at the coincidence. "Small world! Yes, they're doing great. They live here in Mumbai now. My sisters are in the States."

Her father beamed. "I would love to meet them again."

"Then let's surprise them," Karan suggested. "I'd love to invite you all for dinner at our place."

They exchanged numbers, and Karan stood. "I should get going."

Her father patted his back. "You're just like your father—helpful and considerate. Drive safe, beta."

Karan touched their feet respectfully before leaving.

All the way home, his thoughts circled back to her. The loyalty she had shown in her relationship amazed him. She wasn't just the lively girl people saw on screen; she was layered, deep, and heartbreakingly real. Maybe her pain mirrored his, maybe that's why he felt so connected. Whatever it was, his soul seemed to have recognized hers.

Back in his room, curiosity got the better of him. He searched for Akash Malhotra and, sure enough, wedding pictures were already floating across social media. A surge of protectiveness hit him—he wished he could wipe those pictures off the internet so Tejasswi would never have to see them. Then he found her Instagram. Sparse activity in the last three months. Quiet. Withdrawn. He fell asleep thinking of her words by the water.

⸻

The next morning, he made plans.

"Mom, we'll be expecting three guests today. Ask the cook to prepare biryani and chicken. I'll order some snacks too."

His mother eyed him suspiciously. "Who's coming? Do we know them?"

"You'll see when they arrive," he said with a grin.

Her eyes narrowed. "Is it the girl and her family?"

Karan froze. "How do you know? What do you mean?"