The Veiled Hearts

🌹The Engagement 🔪

Why is his grandmother looking at Noor like she's some sort of ugly duckling invading her posh party? I watch her roll her eyes away, not even bothering to hide the disdain. My gaze follows hers, settling on Noor, who's standing a few steps away, her eyes fixed in one direction.

I follow Noor's line of sight and see Aarav and Avni on stage. Aarav, of course. Always so composed, so focused. But when it comes to me? It's like I've done something unforgivable just by breathing in the same space as him.

This is the third time I've crossed paths with Noor since stepping foot in the Singhania mansion. The first was during the weapon test, where I had to prove myself. Then again on the day of the results. And now, here, at this grand celebration that feels more like a battlefield.

The more I see her, the more she surprises me. Despite not knowing who I really am, despite the possibility that I could have ill intentions as an invader should, Noor has been nothing but kind. Today was no different. She didn't hesitate to stand between me and Aarav when he shot that death stare at me. She didn't know what was going on between us, but she still chose to protect me, or at least deflect some of his rage.

When it comes to Aarav,I just don't understand why he is so angry with me. Yes, I'm an outsider. Yes, I have my own reasons for being here, reasons that I can't reveal. But what does he see when he looks at me? A threat to Yash? Someone who's come to tear down the walls of this perfect empire they've built?

I get it-he loves his brother. Maybe too much. But that doesn't mean he has to treat me like I'm a terrorist every time I step near them.

As my eyes stayed locked on Aarav, I suddenly felt a shift in the air-a different gaze, far more intense. My attention snapped to the person standing next to him on the stage-Yash.

Why was he looking at me like that? Like I was the only living thing in the room, like no one else existed. And why did his gaze always carry that strange softness, like I was some sort of fragile doll he'd never dare to break? It made no sense, this familiarity, this connection he seemed to think we had.

Wait. Hold on. Did he just wink at me? And smile? In front of everyone?

How dare he!

There were at least a hundred people here, his grandmother speaking into the mic about some alliance between Tanya's family and theirs, but I couldn't care less. For the next few minutes, it felt like a silent, unspoken battle. A staring contest between me and Yash. Neither of us looked away. He stood tall and calm, while I was boiling with irritation and confusion.

And then, out of nowhere, I saw her. Tanya. Sliding up beside him like she belonged there, slipping her arm possessively through his. I didn't even realize it at first, but something in me wanted to pick up that enormous vase next to me and hurl it right at her head.

Tanya looked at Yash with some lustful desire in her eyes, but he didn't even flinch. He didn't spare her a single glance, not even a flicker of attention. His gaze? Still on me.

He seemed so sure, so confident, as if with just a look he was telling me not to bother with her. That none of this mattered. Only us.

And that was exactly what bothered me the most.

And suddenly, Savitriji's words echoed through the room-or maybe they echoed through my universe.

"Let's start the engagement."

I clenched the fabric of my saree tightly in my hands, as if it would somehow anchor me, keep me from falling apart. I didn't want to watch this scene unfolding in front of me. I couldn't explain why, but the idea of them standing together, rings in hand, made something twist uncomfortably in my chest.

I couldn't bear to watch.

Turning to Noor, who was standing next to me, I forced a smile and said, "I'm feeling thirsty. I'll go grab a drink. Do you want something?"

She shook her head gently, her expression slightly anxious. "No, but please come back fast. Avni's on stage, and I don't know anyone here."

I nodded, cupping her cheeks in an attempt to soothe her nerves. She had known Avni for years, yet here, in this crowd of Singhania elites, she looked like she wanted to disappear. "Don't worry. I'll be back soon," I promised, though part of me wanted to disappear too. Anywhere but here.

As I turned back towards the stage, I saw Yash, now facing Tanya. He was holding the engagement ring in his hand, finally looking at her. He didn't seem thrilled, but he was going through the motions nonetheless. And before he could slide the ring onto her finger, I turned away.

I didn't care to watch.

I didn't want to know.

He could slide that ring on her finger, on her toe, or even into her mouth for all I cared. I was done. I was thirsty, and I just needed a drink to clear my head.

I walked to the drinks counter, ignoring the sound of applause erupting behind me. I didn't need to look to know what had happened. They were engaged now. The deal was done.

I slumped into a seat at the counter and said, "One orange juice."

The bartender came over, asking way too many questions. "Yes mam, what will you like to have?Classic Orange Juice,Orange Juice Smoothie,Orange Juice Spritzer,Orange Sunrise,Mimosa , Screwdriver,Blood Orange Martini , Orange Margarita ,Harvey Wallbanger......."

I blinked at him, my brain still processing the flood of options. Before I could ask him to repeat everything, a male voice spoke up from behind me.

"'Just a freshly-squeezed, classic orange juice, chilled to perfection with exactly two cubes of ice—just enough to cool it down the drink and Vanya's mam temperature."

I turned around, already sighing in frustration. Of course. The guy standing there, tall, impeccably dressed in an expensive suit, hair styled perfectly, and holding a wine in his hand-was none other than Ishaan.

Of all people. I should've known he'd show up at a moment like this.

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