Embers of The Heart

13|• PAST

''Pranav pov"

"I stood there, frozen, as her question hung in the air. "Mr. Malhotra?' she called me , her voice softer this time.

I couldn't meet her gaze. I didn't know what to say. My eyes darted around the room, searching for an escape.

But Janvi's eyes were fixed on me, waiting for my response. I could feel her gaze on me While I looked away, unable to answer her. I feared what If she read my face if she kept looking like this.

Just as the silence between us was becoming unbearable, a voice cut through the tension. 'Pranav !' Tia exclaimed, her voice dripping with honey.

I turned to see Tia approaching us, a bright smile plastered on her face. Janvi's eyes narrowed slightly, her gaze flicking between Tia and me.

She came, grasping my hand in hers. She turned to Janvi. 'Hey... um, I'm so sorry, i forgot what was your name again?' she asked

I pulled my hand away and glared at her because I know she's acting like this purposely.

Janvi's eyes flashed with annoyance, but she maintained a polite smile. 'Janvi,' she replied.

"So janvi, how do you know pranav?" She asked.

Janvi's eyes met mine ' Actually I've something important to do. You can Ask him,' she replied and left.

~~~

The Party went smoothly. Now only the family members and Aditi inlaws were present, Everyone was gathered and all of them were waiting for me to speak.

I took a deep breath, scanning the room as I prepared to speak. The air was thick with anticipation, and I could feel the weight of everyone's expectations on my shoulders.

I spotted Janvi standing near the edge of the crowd, her eyes fixed intently on me. Tia, still clinging to my side.

I took a deep breath "Everyone is aware of the... arrangement that's been proposed. And for the sake of my sister and my family, I'm ready.' I paused, the room falling silent as all eyes bore into me.

As soon as they heard the news, the room began to buzz with activity. The elders were hugging each other offering congratulations and good wishes. Aarav was unpleased and left as soon as I finished off speaking.

Aditi's expression was more subdued, a mix of happiness and sadness warring on her face. She was happy that her own wedding was back on track, but her eyes betrayed a deep concern, which was i guess for me.

Maa came to me and caressed my head giving me blessings. "Thank you for listening to me and for doing this for us, for our family".

I forced myself to smile and nod, accepting the congratulations and good wishes. But my heart wasn't in it. I felt like I was living a lie, like I was trapped in a nightmare from which I couldn't wake up.

So many things happening around, but i could only think about her. What was happening to me? Why was I so drawn to her, especially now, when I'd just committed to marrying someone else?

This wasn't good. Not good at all. I am going to marry someone else who's not her and I needed to focus on that. Whatever the situation is, this is the truth. I had to be in control of my feelings. This is temporary and will go away.

"Can we talk?" Tia whispered.

"what now to talk?" I asked in a casual tone.

"First of all, I'm sorry for doing all this" she paused waiting for me to react. But continued when i remained silent " Pranav, I'm your friend i know you very well, I'll prove to be a good match for me. Trust me." She took my hand in Hers. "Say something"