Vaishali's POV –

The room felt calm.

Too calm.

And somehow... that made my thoughts louder.

Marriage.

The word still didn't sit right inside me.

Before I could think further...

The door opened.

Rudraksh walked in.

Calm. Composed. Unreadable.

But something in his eyes...

Felt final.

He stopped in front of me.

"We're getting engaged in two days."

Just like that.

My breath caught.

"Two... days?" I repeated softly.

He nodded once.

"Everything is already arranged."

Of course it was.

Because he had already decided.

I looked down, my fingers tightening slightly.

"I... I don't want it to be big," I said quietly.

Silence.

He didn't interrupt.

So I gathered courage.

"Please... don't tell anyone outside. Not in college... not anywhere."

My voice dropped.

"I don't want people asking questions... I'm not ready..."

For a moment...He just looked at me.

Deep. Observing.

Then..."Fine."

I blinked.

"It'll be private," he said calmly.

Relief hit me instantly.

"Thank you..." I whispered.

He ignored that.

"Anyone you want there?"

I hesitated.

Only one name came to mind.

"Aishu... my best friend."

A pause.

Then..."She can come."

Simple.Final.

I nodded slowly.

Something inside me eased.

Time Skips – Engagement Day

Vaishali's POV –

The mansion was glowing.

Lights. Flowers. Soft music.

It wasn't grand like I imagined...

But it was still beautiful.

Too beautiful for someone like me.

I stood in front of the mirror.

Soft pink lehenga. Light jewelry.

-Vaishali's Outfit-

I barely recognized myself.

A knock came.

Before I could respond...

"VAISHALIII!"

Rhea burst in.

"Oh my God..." she gasped dramatically.
"Bhabhi, you look stunning!"

I flushed instantly.

Kavya walked in behind her, smirking.
"Bhai is gone. Completely gone."

Before I could reply...another voice came.

"Vaishu..."

I turned.

My eyes widened.

"Aishu?"

She stood there.

The same.Familiar.Safe.

Before I could stop myself...

I ran to her and hugged her tightly.

She held me just as tight.

"You okay?" she whispered.

My throat tightened.

"I don't know..."

She pulled back slightly, looking at me carefully.

"But you're safe, right?"

I nodded.

"Yes."

That was the only thing I was sure about.

Meera ji walked in just then.

Her eyes softened seeing us.

"Your friend?" she asked gently.

"Yes..." I said softly.

"She's family then," Meera ji replied.

Aishu looked surprised.

I just... felt something warm settle inside me.

Rudraksh's POV –

Everything was ready.

Controlled.Perfect.

Guests were limited.

Only family.

Exactly how she wanted.

I stood near the center of the hall.

Dressed in a black sherwani, perfectly tailored to my frame, with subtle gold embroidery tracing the collar and cuffs. The fabric sat sharp against my shoulders, adding to my already commanding presence. A sleek watch rested on my wrist, and hair was styled neatly, giving me that effortless, powerful look.

-Rudraksh's Outfit-

Raghav beside me.

"All arrangements are done, sir."

I nodded.

But my attention wasn't here.

It was upstairs.

Then...

Voices.Footsteps.
And I looked up.

She was coming down.

Vaishali's POV –

My heart was racing.

Each step felt heavier than the last.

But when my eyes found him...

I stopped thinking.

He was already looking at me.

Like nothing else existed.

And for some reason...

That made it easier.

Step by step...

I walked toward him.

And stopped in front of him.

Rudraksh's POV –

She looked nervous.

But she didn't step back.

Good.

"Scared?" I asked quietly.

She nodded slightly.

I reached out.

Held her hand.

Soft. Cold. Shaking.

"Don't be," I said.

Her eyes lifted.

"I'm here."

Her grip tightened.

Not out of fear this time.

Something else.

Engagement Ceremony 

The rings were brought forward.

Voices blurred.

People watched.

But none of that mattered.

I took the ring.

Slid it onto her finger.

Slowly.

My touch lingered.

Her breath hitched.

Then...

Her turn.

Her fingers trembled.

But she didn't stop.

She placed the ring on my finger.

Soft.Certain.

Applause filled the room.

But I didn't look away.

Because she didn't step back.

Vaishali's POV –

It was done.

And yet...

I didn't feel lost.

Because he was still holding my hand.

I tried to pull away.

Gently.

But...

He didn't let me.

I looked at him.

Confused.

He leaned slightly closer.

"Don't," he said quietly.

"Why?" I whispered.

His gaze didn't move.

"Because I don't want to."

My breath caught.

Simple.

But it felt like something more.

Rudraksh's POV –

She stayed.

Right where I wanted her.

I leaned slightly closer.

"You said yes," I reminded her softly.

Her voice barely came out...

"Yes..."

"Then don't step back."

Silence.

Then slowly...

She relaxed.

And that was enough.

Author's POV –

The evening ended in warmth.

In laughter.

In quiet acceptance.

A promise had been made.

Not loud.
Not perfect.
But real.

And somewhere...

Far away...

A phone screen lit up.

Her engagement picture.

A slow smile appeared.

"So... it's official now."

A pause.

Then darker...

"Let's see how long that happiness lasts."

The screen went black.

And the game...
...had already begun.