AKSHAT SINGHANIA - A literature professor in Singania Institute of Arts and Commerce. He is soft and caring person
with a tough exterior, who doesn't believe in love or marriage because of his parent's broken relationship and his ex wife's betrayal...
Everyone had taken their seats. The soft murmur of the guests faded as the emcee invited Vedant and Vidhi to the stage. Gentle lights bathed the decorated platform in golden hues, and the clinking of glasses, light laughter, and the scent of fresh roses filled the air. It was an evening dressed in celebration,yet, beneath the surface, a storm brewed in more than one heart.
Vidhi stood beside Vedant, her smile graceful, her eyes scanning the crowd anxiously. She leaned a little closer, her voice barely above a whisper, "Aapne to bola tha plan banaoge... abhi tak kuch nahi socha kya?"
Vedant gave her a calm glance and muttered back, lips barely moving, “Plan simple hai... lights off, then ring exchange. Bas.”
Vidhi nodded subtly but kept her posture straight. Her eyes flicked toward the crowd, where her brother stepped forward, grinning widely.
“Chaliye bhai, ring pehnaiye!” he said cheerfully, nudging Vedant with an encouraging tone.
Vedant lifted the ring slowly toward Vidhi’s finger. His fingers were steady, but his eyes briefly drifted to the crowd. Among the smiling faces, Nikhil stood still, his glare sharp and unmoving. His jaw clenched, eyes fixed solely on Vedant and Vidhi.
Vidhi saw him too, and a flicker of hesitation flashed in her eyes. Without a word, Vedant turned to her again and gave a small nod, an unspoken assurance in his gaze, Everything’s under control.
And then, just as rehearsed, the lights went out.
Gasps echoed in the hall. A few people laughed nervously, others waited for instructions. Vedant used the moment.
In the cover of darkness, he gently slid the ring off Vidhi’s palm and wore it himself.
He turned quickly, He took Vidhi’s ring and reached to hand it over discreetly, his fingers brushing against hers in the dimness, urging her to wear it herself.
But fate had other plans.
The lights flickered back on.
Vedant froze.
His hand was still extended toward Vidhi, the ring halfway between them.
All eyes snapped to the stage.
Vedant's jaw tightened. Perfect timing, he thought bitterly.
He clenched his teeth and whispered under his breath, "Us chhotu ko 2000 rupay diye the... clear instructions ke sath... fir bhi sab gadbad kar diya... ab kya karun? Sabki nazar humpe hi hai..."
He glanced at Vidhi, who stood frozen, surprised by the sudden spotlight.
And somewhere in the crowd, two pairs of eyes watched, one brimming with silent heartbreak, the other with a storm of fury.
