Together Forever

Chapter 25

Anika's POV

The next day arrived with a heavy sense of dread. My parents are set to leave tonight. Just around midnight, but before they leave I am supposed to meet the man they'd chosen for me. .

"Anika, he's really a nice guy," she said, her tone soft but firm. "We only want the best for you. You'll be very happy with him." she added, as if her words could somehow soothe the pain that felt like it was seared into my soul.

A bitter smile played at my lips as I shook my head, my voice barely above a whisper. "I won’t be happy with anyone except Uday."

"Anika, stop it now," she snapped, her eyes narrowing. "I don’t want to hear Uday’s name from your mouth anymore. Once I leave today, you won’t meet Uday.  You'll move on and start fresh."

I swallowed hard, the finality in her voice sinking deep into my chest. "Now, I won’t be able to meet his eyes for the rest of my life... meeting him is out of the question." My voice wavered, the realization hitting harder than ever.

She sighed, her shoulders dropping as she listened to my words.

It was as if she couldn't quite understand why I couldn't just let go, why my heart seemed stubbornly tied to someone they hadn't chosen.

"We'll talk to his parents when we return, and then we'll make arrangements for the wedding," she said, her tone leaving no room for argument.

I stared at her, my throat tightening with the words I couldn't say-the love and heartbreak that they'd never understand. But as much as I wanted to fight back, to scream that I didn't want this, I was too drained, too broken to argue anymore.

"Now you are ready to go," she said, her tone sharp yet final. "Talk to him nicely. Whatever he asks, answer properly."

I didn't say anything, didn't even nod. Instead, I turned away, each step heavy as though I was walking toward my own doom.

I grabbed my car keys and headed outside, the cool air hitting me as I sat in the driver's seat. Just as I was about to start the car, my phone rang.

The number was unfamiliar.

"Hello?" I answered, my voice barely hiding the exhaustion I felt.

"Hi, Anika. It's Aarav," came the voice on the other end.

"Aarav?" I asked, caught off guard.

"The guy you're supposed to meet today," he clarified, a chuckle laced with nervousness in his tone.

"Oh, yeah," I muttered.

"I've reached the café. Are you on your way?"

"Yes, I'll be there in five minutes," I replied flatly, not bothering to hide my indifference.

"Okay, see you then."

I didn't say anything further and hung up with a sigh, gripping the steering wheel for a moment as I gathered my thoughts.

The drive to the café was quiet, but my mind wasn't.

Every red light, every turn, my thoughts wandered to Uday.

What was he doing?

Was he okay?

Did he hate me now?

The ache in my chest grew stronger with each passing moment.

When I reached the café, I parked the car and stepped out, my feet feeling heavy as I walked inside. I scanned the room, trying to match Aarav's face to the photo my mother had shown me.