(this book is under going editing but you can still read it)
Inayat, a 25-year-old with a heart of gold, has been navigating life solo since a tragic accident took her parents and her memories. Raised in an orphanage, she stepped into the world at 1...
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INAYAT POV: -
Everyone is gathered in the garden, except for Veer and Mahir Bhai. There's a sense of familiarity, as if this isn't the first time we're sitting here. "Inayat beta, have you decided what you want to do now that you've completed your studies?" Vikrant Uncle asks. "Uncle, I've been working at a dance studio. I haven't thought about pursuing any particular career," I reply.
"You haven't changed a bit. When you were little, you always danced and made us join in," I turn around to see Mahir Bhai and Veer approaching us. Mahir Bhai engulfs me in a brotherly hug, which I return wholeheartedly.
"It's good to have you back, Inayat," he says, his voice thick with emotion.
As for Veer... he hasn't even looked at me since he came. His eyes are focused on something else entirely.
"Veer, is everything alright?" Uncle Vikrant asks, concern etched on his face. But Veer just nods, not meeting my gaze.
I look at Veer trying to read his expression but as if sensing my gaze looks at me with an expression of hurt, as if he wants to say something but can't.
I sit back down beside Meera Aunty. "Veer, come sit," Raj Uncle invites him, patting the space beside him. Veer follows his instruction and sits down next to him. This time, I didn't divert my gaze from him. "We have finalized your marriage with Inayat," Uncle announces. "REALLY!!" Mahir Bhai exclaims, causing Veer to look up and our eyes meet.
"Inayat is ready for marriage but she said she needs some time before the wedding so we will only do the engagement for now and will proceed with the wedding when you both feel it's the right time," Meera Aunty explains. "So it's final that the engagement is on Saturday," Raj Uncle confirms. "And you will accompany your mom, Inayat, along with Niya for shopping tomorrow," he adds while Veer continues to hold my gaze. "Inayat, you must be tired. Niya beta, show Inayat her room," Meera Aunty suggests but Veer interrupts and says, "I'll show her."
He takes my hand, helping me to stand up. "Come, I'll show you your room." As we walk towards the house, I feel a knot forming in my throat. I want to apologize to him, to tell him that I'm sorry he has to carry the burden all alone in these years and I'll never leave him. But the words won't come out. Instead, I just hold his hand tightly, silently promising him that he will never have to worry about losing me again.
He remains silent as we walk through the halls of the mansion. I don't know how he has felt all these years and I can't even do anything to make him feel better because I don't know anything.
"We have reached," Veer announces as he opens a door. There are two more doors opposite this one. "Thank you and good night," I say before heading inside. "Inayat," Veer whispers from behind me. I turn around and suddenly find myself engulfed in a tight hug. I stand there rigidly as I can feel his heart thumping against mine which feels like it's about to burst but then I realize: sometimes, a hug is worth more than a thousand words.
