Chapter 8 - The fake engagement

Scene: Rhea's House

As Rhea stepped into the living room, she instantly felt every eye turn toward her. The air was unusually quiet, thick with anticipation. Everyone was seated, as though waiting for some sort of verdict.

"Is he good?" Mrs. Sharma asked eagerly the moment Rhea took her first step inside.

Rhea blinked. "Huh? Do I stand here and do the whole convo?" she asked, slightly out of breath, still adjusting to the ambush.

Before she could take another step, Daisy practically skipped over and threw her arm around her shoulder. "Forget her, aunty. I'll tell you—he's perfect for our Rhea. Tall, rich, handsome... total dreamboat!"

"Woww, then why don't you marry him?" Rhea quipped, rolling her eyes and walking further in.

Mr. Sharma chuckled, sipping his tea. "Well, jokes apart, be ready by 7 PM today. Your soon-to-be in-laws are coming to finalize the engagement and wedding dates."

Rhea choked on her water. "Huh? So soon?"

Mrs. Sharma nodded, trying to hide her grin. "Yes, beta. That's how things go when everything clicks."

"Clicks? Seriously? Daisy, what have you told them?" Rhea whispered to her, pulling her aside.

"I may have... slightly exaggerated the mutual sparks," Daisy said innocently. "But look, it's going to happen anyway, so let's just make the best of it."

Rhea gave her a tired stare. "Fine. But if this turns into a circus, I'll wear clown shoes to my own wedding."

Scene: 7 PM, Sharma Residence

The humming of expensive car engines echoed in the driveway. Everyone straightened up.

"The groom's family has arrived. Everyone, be ready," Mrs. Sharma called from the kitchen, wiping her hands on her apron in excitement.

Soon, the Malhotras entered the house, radiating elegance and charm. Mr. Malhotra's booming laughter filled the space, while Mrs. Malhotra smiled warmly, her saree sparkling with every movement. Reyansh walked in silently, his usual suit crisp, his hair perfectly styled, and his expression unreadable.

"Rhea!" Mrs. Sharma called.

Cue cinematic moment.

Rhea descended the stairs slowly, dressed in a pastel peach suit with silver embroidery, jhumkas swinging gently, and her hair open in soft waves. Her eyes scanned the room, but quickly locked with Reyansh's—his expression flickered, something unreadable passing through them both.

Kabir nudged Reyansh. "Bhai… bhabhi looks fab but just look at my girl (daisy) ."

Reyansh shot him a glare, and Kabir raised his hands in surrender with a smirk.

Everyone settled into the sofas, snacks and sweets being served one after the other. After a few casual pleasantries, Mr. Malhotra cleared his throat.

"So, can we decide the dates? I think we should do the engagement as soon as possible, and the rest of the rituals gradually."

Rhea furrowed her brows. "All rituals?"

"Yes, dear," Mrs. Malhotra replied gently. "Reyansh is our only child, and it's always been our dream to have a grand wedding for him."

The priest, sitting with his small diary, chimed in, "If everyone agrees, how about we keep the engagement the day after tomorrow?"

Kabir nearly dropped his tea. "Day after tomorrow?! Sir, that's a sprint, not a wedding plan!"

"But isn't that too soon?" Rhea asked. "Preparations, guests—"

Daisy raised her hand, interrupting. "What if the engagement is a small, family-only thing? Just us. Then we can go big for the rest."

Everyone nodded.

"That would actually work well," Mr. Sharma agreed. "We'll keep it intimate and focused."

"I'll order a ring today," Mrs. Malhotra smiled. "It should be perfect."

"Make that two," Mr. Malhotra added proudly.

Scene: Engagement Day

The sun dipped low in the sky, casting golden hues across the venue—a beautifully decorated rooftop garden, lit with fairy lights and soft music playing in the background.

Rhea walked in wearing a stunning emerald green lehenga, her look completed with minimal jewelry and a confident smile, though her heart fluttered with nerves. Across the lawn, Reyansh stood tall in a black sherwani, his eyes trailing her every step.

Daisy stood beside Rhea, gushing like a true best friend. "You look like a queen. If you don't get a viral reel out of tonight, I'll cry."

Kabir walked over, grinning. "And what about me? Don't I look dashing enough to trend?"

Daisy smirked. "You look like a side character trying to steal the spotlight."

"Side character? Excuse me! I'm the comic relief AND the hidden heartthrob," Kabir winked.

She rolled her eyes, but a small smile crept onto her lips.

" My dear soon to be arrogant husband! Smile a bit for the sake of our family " Rhea stood beside reyansh.

Reyansh said nothing but gave a sarcastic smile soon The priest began the ceremony, and the moment finally arrived. Reyansh gently slid the ring onto Rhea's finger. She hesitated for half a second, then slipped the ring onto his. Their eyes locked.

No words, no sparks—just a silent, mutual acknowledgment of the strange path they were walking together.

Applause filled the garden.

"Congratulations, beta!" both families cheered.

Daisy and Kabir clinked glasses of juice.

"To jiju and jiji," Kabir toasted.

"To a contract they'll definitely break," Daisy whispered mischievously.

"Because love is contagious?" he asked.

"No. Because stubborn people always lose to fate," she replied, smirking.

And somewhere, in the middle of forced smiles and heavy glances, a new chapter began.