Her eyes sparkled despite the pain, despite the machines keeping her alive.
“I’m excited, Kav.”
And in that moment, I felt something crack inside me. Because I didn’t know how to tell her that the stage was gone. That the lights were gone. That everything I loved had been traded for hospital walls and false promises. But if lying kept hope alive in her heart then I would lie a thousand times
I swallowed hard, my throat tightening as my chin trembled. I struggled to meet her gaze. Only when she spoke about my dance did her eyes light up; the rest of the time, they looked dull, lifeless like someone waiting without hope.
“Kiki…” I whispered, softly holding her hand. Her skin was pleasantly warm, and that warmth terrified me. “There is a very, very important thing I want to share with you.” I tried to sound cheerful, but my voice betrayed me.
She raised her brows slightly. “More important than your dance?”
I nodded quickly. “I’m getting married!” I announced. The words felt foreign on my tongue.
Her expression stilled. She paused, then released a long, tired sigh. “This is good news, Kav,” she said gently, “but what about your dreams? You won’t be able to achieve them once you get married.”
She fell silent for a moment, gathering her strength. The doctors had strictly forbidden her from talking too much, but every time I sat beside her, she broke all their rules for me.
“Dreams are important,” she added softly.
Something twisted painfully inside my chest. “You forgot,” I said, forcing a giggle that sounded unpleasant even to my own ears, “my dream was to marry a handsome man and have lots of kids.”
“You’re stupid,” she said, rolling her eyes weakly.
I smiled, relieved she was still teasing me.
We stayed quiet for a few minutes. The machines filled the silence. Then she looked at me again, her gaze suddenly sharp.
“Pa is not selling you this time, is he?”
My heart skipped.
Shit.
She knew Pa too well. She knew Kavyansh. She always did.
“Are you crazy?” I laughed nervously. “Why would he sell me?”
“He tried earlier, didn’t he?” she asked carefully, watching my face.
“It was a misunderstanding, Kiki,” I replied too quickly. “Now leave this subject.”
She didn’t argue. Instead, she studied my face for a long time. I kept my smile intact, afraid even a flicker of truth might shatter her fragile heart.
“Who are you marrying?” she asked finally. “Is he the same prince charming you always dreamed about?”
I nodded, widening my smile. “He’s an Air Force officer,” I said proudly, like rehearsed lines from a script. “And he’s the most handsome man I’ve ever seen in my life. You’ll like him, Kiki. He’s… a nice person.”
“When are we meeting him?” she asked, tightening her grip on my hand. “I want to meet him, Kav. Do you have his photo?”
“Yes,” I said quickly.
I pulled out my phone and opened my gallery. Thankfully, I had taken a selfie with Saurav at the temple. My hands shook as I held the phone in front of her. “Here he is…”
She stared at the photograph for a long time. “He’s too handsome for you,” she said seriously. “I mean, look at him. Doesn’t he give off the vibe of a rich brat who plays with women’shearts?” She glanced at me before looking back at the picture. “But you look genuinely happy with him.”
My breath hitched. “I’ve been in love with him for a year,” I whispered absentmindedly. “I’m glad I’m marrying him.” The lie slid out too smoothly.
“Really?” She looked surprised, then her face softened into the most beautiful smile. “I’m so happy for you. I can’t wait to become the maasi of my little nephews and nieces.”