CHAPTER 4

At the Restaurant — Before Sirat Arrives

The restaurant was already half full when Avneet’s family arrived. They were warm, polite, and well-prepared—just like families usually are when they come with expectations. Soon after, Loveneet arrived with his parents. He greeted everyone respectfully, his calm presence filling the table.

Deep, however, was missing.

“He’ll come,” someone said casually. “Traffic, maybe.”

Tea was served. Formal smiles were exchanged. And slowly, conversation began to flow—not waiting, not questioning, just moving forward the way elders often do when they believe they know best.

Avneet sat quietly beside her mother, her hands folded in her lap. She looked graceful, composed, saying little but listening carefully. Loveneet glanced at her once or twice, polite, reserved—nothing dramatic, nothing loud. Just two people placed beside each other by destiny.

“This is a good match,” one of the elders said thoughtfully.

“Yes, very suitable,” another agreed.

“Both families are from Mohali, values match, background matches.”

Without realizing it, the conversation shifted.

Talk of education turned into talk of the future. Compliments became assumptions. And assumptions slowly hardened into decisions.

“No need to wait so long,” an elder said. “If both families agree, what else is there?”

Avneet lowered her gaze, her heart uncertain but silent. Loveneet nodded slightly—not out of certainty, but out of respect. No one asked them what they truly felt. No one paused long enough to notice hesitation.

Before anyone realized it, the words were spoken.

“Then it’s settled.”

A smile passed around the table. Sweets were ordered. A decision was made.

And somewhere outside, stuck in traffic, fate delayed two people—

just long enough to change everything.

The Arrival

Sirat’s family finally reached the restaurant, a little late, a little rushed. Apologies were exchanged, chairs were pulled, and greetings filled the air. Everything looked normal—too normal for the storm quietly forming beneath.

Sirat walked in behind her mother, her dupatta resting neatly on her shoulders. She felt her heart beating loudly in her chest. Her eyes scanned the table nervously—and then she saw a girl sitting there.

Avneet.

Sirat didn’t know her, but something about her calm presence made Sirat offer a soft, polite smile. Avneet returned it gently. Two strangers. Unaware of how deeply their lives were about to intertwine.

Then Sirat’s gaze shifted.

And she froze.

Loveneet.

The moment her eyes landed on him, her breath caught. Her cheeks warmed instantly, a deep blush spreading across her face. He looked exactly like the boy from her screen—but somehow more real, more… overwhelming. His presence felt heavier in real life.

She quickly lowered her eyes, afraid he might notice her staring. Her fingers tightened around the edge of her dupatta. She couldn’t bring herself to look at him directly again.

She had dressed beautifully today—not loudly, not boldly—but with care. Every detail chosen with him in mind, even if she would never admit it out loud.

Elders began talking again—about families, values, expectations.

Sirat listened quietly, stealing brief glances when she thought no one noticed. Each glance made her heart race faster.

Just then, footsteps approached.

Lovedeep arrived.

The moment he stepped in, his eyes fell on Avneet.

Time stopped.

Three years.

Three long years since they had last seen each other. Since misunderstandings had broken something neither of them had healed from. Their eyes met—shock, pain, memories crashing in silently.

Avneet stiffened. Lovedeep’s chest tightened.

But they said nothing.

Not a word.

Lovedeep took his seat calmly, masking everything behind a composed expression. No one noticed the history sitting quietly between them.

As elders continued talking, Lovedeep’s gaze shifted—and landed on Sirat.

He noticed how nervous she was. How she sat quietly, hands folded, eyes lowered. Something about her unease caught his attention.

He glanced at his mother, who was smiling, deeply engaged in conversation.

Then the words came.

“We like Sirat,” one of the elders said.

“We are ready to move forward.”

Sirat’s heart leapt.

Joy rushed through her—but she kept her face calm, her eyes lowered. Inside, she felt like crying, laughing, praying all at once. Her family exchanged relieved smiles, happiness glowing quietly in their expressions.

Sirat told herself to breathe.

She believed this moment was meant for her.

She had no idea…

that fate had already chosen a very different path.

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