Strangers Turned Fiance's

✨ 3. SIBLINGS ✨

After Vihaan dropped Naina off at her home, she felt a wave of loneliness. She wasn't sure what to do with herself, so she decided to browse pictures of wedding and engagement dresses to get ideas for what to buy tomorrow.

A few hours passed, and she was still scrolling. Normally, she didn't allow herself much time on social media, but today she felt she deserved a break. It was a good distraction from the overwhelming thoughts about the upcoming events. Whenever she thought about her engagement or wedding, anxiety would creep in. The same question kept haunting her: What if he's like my family? The thought circled around her mind, making her doubt her decision to marry him.

As she scrolled through her phone, an unknown number flashed on the screen. Curiously, she answered the call, "Hello?"

The voice on the other end replied, "It's been a long time since I heard your voice, but it sounds a bit more stern than before."

Naina didn't recognize the caller, but there was something familiar about the voice. It was a man. "Who the hell are you?" she demanded.

The person chuckled. "You've changed a lot, I see. You used to be so polite."

Naina rolled her eyes. "Look, I know all the tricks to pretend like you're an old friend, so cut the crap and tell me who you are."

The voice sighed. "Kian Mehta, your childhood friend and your only cousin brother."

Naina froze. She remembered him, though faintly. His voice had completely changed-there wasn't a trace of the boyish tone from her memories. He was the son of her father's best friend, someone she used to play with as a child. After a deep breath, she asked, "Kian? How did you get my number?"

"From your husband-to-be," Kian replied.

Confused, Naina asked, "How do you know Vihaan Malhotra?"

"He's my best friend," Kian said casually.

Naina finally understood. "Oh, I see."

"Yeah, so... I wanted to talk to you. Can we meet?" Kian asked.

Naina hesitated. "I don't think that's possible. You know how my dad is. He'd be furious if he found out."

Kian sighed in frustration. "You seriously still care about what they think? They've done nothing for you, and yet you obey them like an idiot. You're really stupid."

"Watch your language, Kian," Naina snapped. "I'm not stupid or an idiot. I'm just more mature than you."

"Oh, please. I'm way more mature than you," Kian retorted.

"Whatever. Anyway, I really don't think I can meet you," Naina said firmly.

Kian tried a different approach. "Okay, how about this-you tell them you're meeting Vihaan, and instead, meet me."

Naina frowned. "I don't lie to my parents."

His tone softened, almost pleading. "Don't you want to see me after all these years? I flew all the way from London when I heard about your wedding-to my best friend, no less. I want to talk to you, Naina."

Before she could respond, Kian added, "I'll text you the hotel and time. We're meeting today." And with that, he hung up.

Naina stared at her phone, her thoughts spiraling. She hadn't spoken to Kian in years, and now, out of nowhere, he wanted to meet her? She was confused about what to do regarding her parents. It's not a big deal to handle. They don't care what I do all day, and I'm sure they won't even today unless I ruin their status in society.

She was still thinking when a message popped up on her phone-a link to the hotel with a time underneath: 8:00. Don't be late. Naina sighed. She didn't know what to do, so she decided to distract herself by scrolling again.