Memories

22

Shivani

Next Morning

The morning sun spilled into the living room, casting long golden streaks across the marble floor. Granny's voice echoed from the kitchen, already planning the wedding menu with the kind of energy that could put an entire event company to shame. Anjali was buzzing around too, holding her phone against her ear, alternating between squeals of joy and stressed-out notes about decorators.

And me? I sat on the edge of the sofa, nursing a cup of chai, forcing my heartbeat into calmness.

Because last night... last night had changed everything.

The feel of Karthik's lips against mine, the warmth of his hands cupping my face, the words he whispered—I love you—still pulsed in my veins like electricity. Every time my eyes flicked to him across the room, my chest tightened, remembering how the world had melted away under the stars.

But now, under the bright scrutiny of morning, we had to pretend. Pretend like nothing happened. Pretend like the hug in the garden was just friendly, the kiss didn't exist, and our hearts weren't tangled in a secret the family could never know.

Karthik was leaning against the dining table, scrolling on his phone, his expression unreadable. To anyone else, he looked casual, detached. But I caught the subtle flick of his eyes toward me, the ghost of a smile tugging at his lips. My fingers tightened on the teacup. I wanted to run to him, to kiss him again, to tell him I didn't care if the whole world knew.

But I couldn't.

Because that's when Sonu walked in.

Her heels clicked sharply against the floor as she entered, her eyes scanning the room with the precision of a hawk. Dressed immaculately as always, she radiated authority—the kind that wasn't requested, but demanded. She didn't even acknowledge Granny's cheerful chatter as she came to stand near Karthik.

"Karthik," she said smoothly, her voice dripping with false warmth. "You're up early. I thought you didn't like mornings."

He stiffened, just slightly. "Old habits die hard, I guess."

Her gaze flickered to me. For a moment, her lips curled into something resembling a smile, but it didn't reach her eyes. "And Shivani... always around, aren't you?"

I forced a polite smile. "Someone has to keep things running around here."

"Hmm," she hummed, eyes narrowing ever so slightly. "Yes... always helpful." The word lingered in the air like smoke, heavy with suspicion.

I looked away, sipping my tea, trying to steady myself. She knew something. Or at least, she sensed something.

Sonu shifted closer to Karthik, her hand brushing against his arm in a way that was far too familiar. My stomach knotted. Karthik, to his credit, stepped aside subtly, pretending to reach for the water jug on the table. But the gesture wasn't lost on me—or on her.

She noticed everything.

Granny's voice cut through the tension. "Sonu beta, have some breakfast. Today is special—we're starting Anjali's and Rahul's wedding preparations!"

Sonu's smile returned, wide and insincere. "Of course, Granny. Anything for family."

But her eyes stayed on me, sharp, probing. Like she was peeling back layers, searching for cracks in the mask I wore.

I couldn't sit there any longer. The walls felt too close, my secret too loud. Setting the cup down, I excused myself. "I'll go check on Anjali. She might need help with the decorator list."

As I walked past Karthik, my hand brushed against his—just for a fleeting second, hidden from everyone else. The contact was brief, accidental to anyone watching. But for us, it was enough. A reminder of last night. A silent promise: we're in this together.

Behind me, I could feel Sonu's eyes burning into my back. Watching. Waiting. Calculating.

And in that moment, I knew—last night's kiss was our salvation... but it might also be our greatest risk.