𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞

7| the fight

Ayaansh's POV

I still can’t believe I’m doing this. Sunday—the one day I look forward to, my one day of peace—and here I am, being dragged out for wedding shopping. For my own wedding.

If it were up to me, I’d be spending today in my room, getting through my book or maybe just wasting the day in bed. But no, I’m heading out with Ruhi, my cousins, and my best friend. And as if losing my Sunday wasn’t bad enough, I’ll have to deal with her too.

I mean, it’s been a week since the engagement, and we’re already set to get married next week. The whole thing still feels surreal, forced, and like the worst idea my family’s ever had. A wedding with someone I used to consider my sworn enemy? Who even does that?

I glance at my watch and sigh. They’ll be waiting for me downstairs, and I’m sure I’ll be given a hard time if I stall any longer. So, reluctantly, I pull myself together, slip on my shoes, and head out. I can already imagine Ruhi’s annoyed face when she sees I’m late, her classic eye roll reserved just for me.

Dragging my feet to the elevator, I think about how ridiculous this is. Shopping for a sherwani that I probably won’t even look at twice after the wedding. I can only hope she doesn’t make this any harder than it already is. Knowing Ruhi, though, she’s bound to make it worse.

I finally make it to the living room, and it’s like walking straight into a trap. My cousins are scattered around, lounging on the couches, and Anaya—my twin, the one who takes her role as my personal tormentor way too seriously—spots me first. Her eyes light up with that mischievous glint that only means trouble.

“Oh, look who finally decided to grace us with his presence!” she says, folding her arms as she leans back against the couch. “And here I thought you’d stand us all up on your big shopping day.”

The others snicker, and my best friend, Yash, shakes his head, grinning like he’s just won a bet. “What took you so long, man? I’m pretty sure Ruhi’s going to think you bailed on us,” he says, nudging my shoulder.

“I didn’t even want to come,” I mutter, trying to keep my annoyance in check. “You guys are the ones making this a whole event.”

My cousin Rudra, who’s never missed an opportunity to poke fun at me, raises an eyebrow. “Come on, Mr. Groom-to-be, this is supposed to be your special day. You should be more enthusiastic.”

I roll my eyes. “Special day? It’s just shopping. And all of you are acting like it’s a life-altering experience.”

Anaya smirks. “It kind of is when it’s for your wedding, Ayaansh. You know, the one none of us thought you’d ever have?”

More laughter, and even Yash joins in. I sigh, glancing around at the lot of them. They’re enjoying this way too much.

“Yeah, yeah, get it all out now,” I say, waving a hand. “Can we just get this over with?”

“Ah, now there’s the groom’s excitement we were looking for!” Rudra laughs, standing up. He claps me on the back, nearly knocking the breath out of me. “Let’s go before you change your mind and lock yourself in your room.”

As we head out the door, I wonder if this wedding will be harder to get through than I thought. With all of them—and her—involved, I have a feeling my peace is only going to get worse.

The mall is packed, and the sight of it only deepens my regret about coming. I glance around, trying to spot the group we’re supposed to meet, when I finally catch sight of her.

Ruhi, standing there with Arav and Kiara, laughing and eating ice cream like this is just a regular day. She hasn’t noticed us yet, but of course, Anaya and Alisha make sure that doesn’t last long. They practically sprint over, squealing and waving, before pulling Ruhi and Kiara into a hug that’s so tight I’m surprised they’re still standing.