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Tami's POV
One summer evening, during a family barbecue at their place, I found myself alone with Mihir for a brief moment. The sun was setting, casting a golden glow over the garden. He was setting up the grill, and I offered to help. We worked in comfortable silence for a while, and then he turned to me with a warm smile.
“You’re a great help, Tami,” he said.
My heart skipped a beat. “I’m just trying to be useful,” I replied, my voice barely above a whisper.
He chuckled. “You always are.”
Those words stayed with me long after the evening ended. It was the first time I felt like he truly saw me, not just as Gaurvi’s younger sister, but as Tami.
The air was crisp, leaves were turning shades of gold and red, and everyone was in high spirits. I was fifteen, and Mihir was almost nineteen.
Years passed, and my crush on Mihir only grew stronger. Gaurvi never saw him more than as a friend and there were no signs of budding romance from her side.
Then one fine day, Gaurvi and Mihir engaged, and I became more distant, focusing on my studies and future. I watched him from afar, admiring his love, dedication, and kindness.
Then came the day of Gaurvi and Mihir's wedding, but fate had other plans. Gaurvi left Mihir waiting at the altar, choosing to elope with Shlok instead. The pain in Mihir’s eyes was unbearable to witness. He had always been strong, but that day, I saw him break.
In the chaos that followed, our families tried to salvage the situation. It was then that our parents suggested the idea of Mihir marrying me. It was a marriage of convenience, an attempt to save face and bring some semblance of normalcy back to our lives. I agreed, hoping that with time, Mihir might come to love me.
He was still hurting from Gaurvi’s betrayal. I tried to be patient, giving him space and hoping that one day, he might see me as more than just a replacement for my sister.
Living with Mihir was both a dream and a challenge. I loved him deeply, but he was distant, lost in his own world of pain and memories. I did my best to make our home warm and welcoming, hoping that he would eventually open up to me.
Though his behavior was getting better with me and I had a feeling that soon, we might start our life together, I just wanted him to love me even if it was just half of how much he loved my sister.
Once I was feeling normal again, I freshened up, washed my face applied some light makeup, combed my hair, and came out as it didn't feel right to be locked in my room when we were on a picnic.
Mahi saw me coming and asked me if I was all right. I nodded and assured with a smile that everything was fine.
" Then why did you go away like that for so long?? Are you not well? Shall I tell bhai to check you? " Mahi asked.
" Don't be silly, I am absolutely fine, I was just missing my family and friends after hearing all those lovely memories that you all were telling me. " I was saying that and just then we saw a familiar car coming in and my heart jumped with joy. It was Siddh's car.
As it stopped, Sri, Siddh, and Parshav came out of it.
Seeing them arrive lifted my spirits immediately. It felt like a breath of fresh air, a reprieve from the complex emotions swirling within me.
Sri rushed to me and hugged me tightly. Siddh also came with his arms open and hugged me as always. Once he removed his arms, I saw Parshav was about to hug me too but he just
then Mihir joined us, he shook hands with Siddh and Parshav smiled at Sri and then came to stand by me.
I don't know why but Mihir's presence felt somewhat stiff, and I could sense something was bothering him, as the beautiful smile on his lips that was very much there half an hour ago, was missing altogether and I could see a frown instead, but I couldn't pinpoint what it was.
What was bothering him?
Ron Jiju came and smiled at me, "So, Tami, did you like my surprise? I invited them as it was a family celebration so your family was also supposed to come. " He said and I thanked him with a genuine smile as I was happy to have them around. But somehow both Mihir and Vihan looked annoyed with Ron Jiju.
As the evening progressed, we saw another car coming in and were shocked to see that Gauravi, Shlok ji, and Sagarika came in. I was happy to see Sagarika but shocked to see Gaurvi and Shlok ji. I knew it was going to be a very awkward moment for Mihir to see them here so happy with each other.
As expected, the arrival of Gauravi and Shlok sent a visible ripple of discomfort through Mihir. He tried to mask it, but I knew him well enough to notice the tension in his shoulders and the forced smile on his face. Seeing them together was a stark reminder of the love he once had and, perhaps, still harbored for my sister. It stung to see how her presence affected him, especially when I had loved him quietly for so many years.
Shlok ji, Gauravi, Myra, Raj ji, Ron ji, and Mahi were mingling with each other, their joy and excitement palpable. Their happiness made me ache with longing. I wanted that kind of relationship with Mihir—a genuine, loving partnership.
While chatting with Siddh and Sri, I noticed Parshav watching me. He often flirted with me, but it was harmless—he was just naturally charming.
However, tonight, his attention felt more scrutinized under Mihir's gaze. I realized how he was glaring at Parshav, maybe he was doing it to avert his attention from Gaurvi Parshav’s eyes lingering a bit longer, his smiles a bit wider, and while it was flattering, it didn’t mean anything to me. My heart was with Mihir, even if he didn’t realize it.
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Please let me know what you think about this chapter.
My book Hired fiance has passed aw an exclusive book on good novel. It can be read only there. You can read it very soon.
Have a nice day.
Thanks
Chhavi.
