𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐒𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢

8. Unspoken Desires

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Author's POV

Shrayn stepped into the mansion, her sudden return leaving everyone puzzled.

"Shrayn bete, aap yahan?" Ratnawar asked, his brows knitting in confusion.

Shrayn pressed her lips together, thinking of a quick response. "Uh... actually, my friend had some urgent work and had to leave the city. Since we had already met, I thought I should just return home," she said, hoping they wouldn't question her further.

Before she could react, Naveer and Arshi grinned mischievously and tackled her into a tight hug. The sudden force made her lose her balance, and the three of them tumbled onto the floor, laughing uncontrollably.

"Careful, you three," Ratnawar chuckled, shaking his head at their antics.

As they stood up, dusting off their clothes, Ratnawar turned serious. "Shrayn bete, your dadu wants to talk to you about something important. If you're free, come to my room-I need to discuss something with you as well."

Shrayn, noticing the shift in his tone, nodded and followed him.

-

Inside the room, Gurdas cleared his throat. "Umm... promise me you won't get mad after hearing this."

Ratnawar let out a small chuckle, while Shrayn narrowed her eyes. "Why would I be mad, dadu? Don't tell me you ate my Kinder Joy!?" she gasped dramatically.

Both men facepalmed.

"Yeh ladki bhi na..." Gurdas muttered under his breath.

"It's serious, Shrayn. Just listen without interrupting," he said in a firm voice.

Shrayn crossed her arms but nodded. "Fine, fine. I'm listening."

Gurdas took a deep breath. "What do you think about Arthur?"

The mention of his name made her roll her eyes so hard it was a miracle they didn't fall out. "Dadu, THIS is the 'important baat'?! And why are you even asking me about him?"

Gurdas sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Just answer me, Shrayn."

"He's a walking storm cloud. Rude. Annoying. A certified grump. He even yelled at me for talking too much and didn't buy me a Kinder Joy! Who does that?!" she huffed dramatically.

Gurdas looked at her with pure disbelief. "Shrayn, are you sure you're 24? Behave like one! You know very well how I meant that question."

She pouted, looking away like a scolded child. "Still, my answer remains the same."

Ratnawar sighed. "Alright, let me get to the point. Your dadu and I have decided... you and Arthur will get married."

A pin-drop silence filled the room.

Shrayn blinked. Once. Twice. Processing.

Then-

"ME AND THAT CHOOZA? NO WAYYYY!!!" she screamed so loudly that even the walls might have flinched.

Ratnawar widened his eyes at the sheer volume, while Gurdas on the other end of the call sighed, already regretting his life decisions.

"Shrayn, lower your voice! This is not up for discussion," Ratnawar said firmly, rubbing his temples.

"Not up for discussion?!" Shrayn shot up from her seat, hands on her hips. "Dadu, have you lost it? ME? Married? To that walking thunderstorm?!"

Gurdas sighed through the phone. "Shrayn, sit down."