Hidden Marriage

CHAPTER 11: Announced

Days passed so quick and today it was their haldi ceremony.

Morning
Sehrawat Villa

The golden rays of the early morning sun streamed through the windows of the Sehrawat villa, a stark contrast to the tense atmosphere brewing inside. Isha was in her room, meticulously getting ready for college. Today was her last day attending as an unmarried woman. Dressed in a simple yet elegant salwar suit, she grabbed her bag, preparing to leave before the day's festivities took over.

When she came downstairs, her parents, Rajveer and Shivani, were seated on the couch, engrossed in discussing the arrangements for the evening's haldi ceremony. As their eyes fell on Isha, the chatter died down, and their expressions immediately turned sour.

"Where are you going?" Rajveer asked, his voice laced with anger but restrained.

"Co... co... college," Isha stuttered, unsure of how to phrase her reasoning without setting off a confrontation.

"Why? Do you not understand it's your haldi today?" His voice grew louder with each word, his temper threatening to boil over.

"I... I just need to submit my leave application," she managed to defend herself, fidgeting under his glare.

"Hmph, fine. Go," Shivani interjected curtly, her tone dripping with disapproval.

Isha lowered her gaze, biting her lip to hold back a retort. She hurried out of the house, feeling the weight of their resentment settle heavily on her shoulders.

---

On the way to college, her car hit a snag. One of the tires went flat. Annoyed but resigned, Isha stepped out and saw the driver already inspecting the damage.

"How long will this take?" she asked, her voice tinged with impatience.

"Five to seven minutes, ma'am. I'm replacing the tire now," he replied, focused on his task.

Isha nodded and leaned against the car, watching as he worked. Her mind wandered to the evening's haldi ceremony and the suffocating expectations that came with it. She sighed in relief when the driver finally finished.

By the time she reached her college, she was running late. Rushing to her class, she paused outside the door, her heart pounding. From the small glass window on the door, she saw Abhinav, her professor-and fiancé-already delivering his lecture. Gathering her courage, she knocked lightly before pushing the door open.

Abhinav turned to look at her, his expression unreadable. "You're five minutes late, Miss Sehrawat," he said, his tone firm yet calm.

"Sorry, sir. My car's tire got punctured on the way," she explained, her head bowed in embarrassment.

He nodded curtly and gestured for her to take her seat. Isha quickly slid into her usual spot, keeping her eyes on her notebook to avoid his gaze.

---

Abhinav wrapped up the lecture earlier than usual and turned to face the class, clearing his throat to get everyone's attention.

"I have an announcement to make," he began, his voice steady.

Isha froze in her seat. She had a sinking feeling she knew what he was about to say, and her heart began to race.

"I'll be taking a week's leave starting tomorrow," he continued, scanning the room.

"Why, sir?" a student asked, puzzled.

"Well," Abhinav said with a faint smile, "I'm getting married in two days."