Chapter 9: Trouble in the Skies

The very moment Monty found out about the sudden honeymoon plan, panic surged through him like a lightning bolt. He rushed to call home, his hands trembling as he dialed.

"Hello, Ma?" he whispered urgently.

"Yes, beta?" came Mrs. Prem's soft voice.

Monty took a shaky breath. "Ma, they're sending me on a honeymoon. With him. With Romi!"

There was a long pause.

"A honeymoon?" she gasped, then quickly regained her composure. "Don't worry, beta, we'll figure something out. Your Papa is right here—I'll talk to him."

Without wasting a second, Mrs. Prem handed the phone to Mr. Prem, who immediately rang up Mr. Roy.

"Please, send Preety back home," he pleaded. 

But Mr. Roy's voice was firm. "She's married now, Mr. Prem. That makes her part of our family. It's our duty to take care of her. And today, Romi and Preety are leaving for their honeymoon."

No amount of convincing worked. Mr. Roy wouldn't budge.

Mr. Prem returned to the call with Monty, worry thick in his voice. "Listen carefully, beta. Whatever happens, do not let him touch you. Keep your distance at all costs!"

Monty groaned. "For how long, Papa? I can't keep doing this forever!"

That's when Mrs. Laxmi snatched the phone. "Beta, listen. If he tries to get close… just tell him you're on your period."

Monty blinked. "…That actually works?"

"Yes, it does!" she insisted. "Just trust your Ma."

With a resigned sigh, Monty agreed, "Okay, okay… I'll try."

After ending the call, Monty checked his messages—his girlfriend Naina had left him several, full of suspicion. But the last one caught his eye: "I'll be busy for the next few days. Won't be able to talk."

Monty couldn't hide his relief. "Finally! I won't have to explain my married life to my girlfriend... what a blessing in disguise!"

Just then, the door creaked open, and Romi walked in. Monty, startled, quickly put his phone aside.

Romi stepped closer—Monty instinctively backed up until he hit the wall. Romi leaned in, his breath tickling Monty's ear.

"Don't get too excited," Romi whispered coldly. "Just remember, we're only going on this trip for show. There can't be anything between us. I have no interest in you—or your body."

He straightened and walked into the bathroom, leaving Monty frozen.

And then… Monty danced.

A little hop, a spin, and a silent victory move—it was exactly what he'd hoped for!

But his celebration was cut short when Romi stepped back out of the bathroom, towel in hand, catching Monty mid-twirl. His brow furrowed in confusion.

"Is she crazy?" Romi muttered under his breath. "I just rejected her completely, and she's doing a happy dance?"

Later that day, they boarded a flight to Switzerland. Monty kept his head low, mentally preparing himself for a few awkward days. But as they took their seats, something caught his eye—someone.

His heart stopped.

Just across the aisle… sat Naina.

Monty nearly choked on his own breath.

Panicking, he tried to hide behind Romi, practically shrinking into the window seat.

"What's wrong with you?" Romi asked, puzzled.

"N-nothing. Just… cold. Very cold," Monty stammered.

Romi rolled his eyes. "We just got on the plane, drama queen."

"Can we switch seats?" Monty asked in a hurry. "I love the view from the window."

Romi raised a brow but sighed. "Fine."

They swapped seats, but Monty kept sneaking glances at Naina, ducking every time she moved, like a spy hiding in plain sight. Romi, growing more confused by the minute, watched silently.

As the captain's voice rang out announcing the descent into Zurich, Monty whispered to himself, "Just a little longer, and I'll be off this nightmare plane."