Together Forever

Chapter 22

Anika's POV

As soon as the wedding was over, we performed the final rituals with Nitya at Masi's house. By the time the morning light broke, I was back home with my parents and Piya.

But there was a heavy weight on my mind, one that I couldn't ignore.

Since the conversation with Mom last night, Uday hadn't even glanced my way. He'd heard everything, and his silence was unsettling, gnawing at my heart with every passing moment. I knew I couldn't let things hang in the air like this—I had to talk to my parents and clear everything up.

After changing into fresh clothes, I made up my mind to approach them. But just as I was reaching for my sweater, my phone rang. It was Uday.

Without hesitation, I answered, barely able to keep the worry out of my voice. "Uday?"

His voice was low and tense. "I'm in front of your house. Come out. Now."

"What?" I asked, caught off guard. "What are you talking about, Uday?"

"I said, come out, Anika." His voice held a finality that made my heart race.

"I can't, Uday. My parents are at home. I can't just leave like that."

He didn't miss a beat. "Will you come out yourself, or should I come in and get you?"

I swallowed hard, the seriousness in his tone unmistakable. "Okay, wait. I'll come."

With that, he cut the call, leaving me staring at my phone, nerves pooling in my stomach.

I hurried downstairs, heart pounding, and was about to slip out when my mom called out, "Where are you going?"

"I'll be back in just a bit," I managed, plastering on a smile and quickly closing the door behind me.

As soon as I stepped outside, I spotted him leaning against his car, arms crossed, looking disheveled and worn.

He hadn't even changed from last night; his clothes looked messy, and there was an undeniable redness in his eyes. As I approached, the scent of alcohol hit me, and my heart sank. He'd been drinking.

I steeled myself, knowing I had to tread carefully.

He reached for my hand immediately, gripping it tightly, but I quickly pulled away, glancing nervously back at the house. "Not here, Uday. Can we move your car down the street? We can talk there."

He paused, then gave a brief nod, allowing me to breathe a little easier.

We both climbed into the car, and he drove down a quiet street, parking away from any prying eyes. The moment he turned off the engine, he turned to me, his gaze intense and unwavering.

"So," he began, his voice low and edged with a simmering frustration, "you're going to get married this year?" He pulled my hand toward him, his thumb tracing circles over my skin, his gaze piercing. "And to someone else? Is that right?"

I swallowed, feeling his thumb brushing my skin in a way that was both gentle and painfully accusing. My throat went dry.

"Answer me, Anika." His words cut through my attempt to explain, and I could feel his frustration bubbling to the surface.

"No...no." I said stuttering.

"Then why did I hear your mother saying it?" He released my hand, but his eyes remained locked on mine, searching for answers.

"Uday...my mom, she just...she didn't ask me," I tried to explain, my voice trembling slightly. "She's trying to arrange things her way, but I don't want it. I haven't agreed to anything."