Tami's POV As the hours passed, I sat there watching the friends and siblings teasing each other, laughing, and having a good time. The bond they shared was incredibly strong, and even though I was enjoying myself, I couldn't help but feel a pang of longing for my own family and friends. I wished someone like my sister Sri or my friend Sagarika were here so I could share in the joy just as much as everyone else seemed to be.I felt out of place when the Kapoors talked about their family or childhood memories. Mahi’s stories about her childhood with Mihir, Manik bhai, and Ron ji were particularly isolating. Ron ji was Manik bhai’s friend and a part of her childhood, just as Mihir was a significant part of mine. I remembered the days when Mihir, Vihan, and Roohi used to come to our place for group studies. I’d find excuses to stay home just to catch a glimpse of Mihir. Back then, I thought he liked Roohi since they were always so close. But slowly, I realized his eyes were always on Ga
Tami's POV One summer evening, during a family barbecue at their place, I found myself alone with Mihir for a brief moment. The sun was setting, casting a golden glow over the garden. He was setting up the grill, and I offered to help. We worked in comfortable silence for a while, and then he turned to me with a warm smile.“You’re a great help, Tami,” he said.My heart skipped a beat. “I’m just trying to be useful,” I replied, my voice barely above a whisper.He chuckled. “You always are.”Those words stayed with me long after the evening ended. It was the first time I felt like he truly saw me, not just as Gaurvi’s younger sister, but as Tami. The air was crisp, leaves were turning shades of gold and red, and everyone was in high spirits. I was fifteen, and Mihir was almost nineteen. Years passed, and my crush on Mihir only grew stronger. Gaurvi never saw him more than as a friend and there were no signs of budding romance from her side.Then one fine day, Gaurvi and Mihir engaged
Tami's POV When Gaurvi and Shlok made their way over to Mihir and me, I braced myself. Gaurvi greeted Mihir warmly, and I could see the old pain flickering in his eyes. He responded politely, but the exchange was strained. Standing there, I felt like an outsider, witnessing a past love that had never quite faded away.“Mihir, how are you? It’s been a while,” Gaurvi said with a soft smile. “Good to see you,” Mihir replied, his voice tight but cordial.“How have you been?” Shlok asked, genuinely interested.“Good. Busy with work,” Mihir said, glancing at me briefly. “And you two?” he asked for the sake of asking. “We’re doing great, though morning sickness is worse now. ” Gaurvi said, her eyes shining with happiness. “And Tami, how are you?” she asked and hugged me with a broad and genuine smile. “I’m good, thanks,” I replied, trying to sound upbeat. “It’s good to see you both.”They moved on, and Mihir let out a breath he’d been holding. I reached out to touch his arm, trying to o
Tami's POV As the night wore on, I found myself scanning the party for Mihir, but he was nowhere to be found. My heart sank. He was already so upset, and I needed to find him. I stepped outside, breathing in the cool night air, and there he was, standing alone on the terrace.He must have sensed my presence behind him because he turned to see me standing there. His eyes were distant, lost in thought.“Mind some company?” I asked softly.He shook his head, trying to smile. “Not at all. I could use some.”I joined him, and we stood in silence for a few moments, just taking in the beauty of the night. The stars twinkled above us, and the sound of crickets filled the air. There was a certain tranquility to the moment that made me feel closer to him than I had in a long time.“Mihir, I know this isn’t how either of us imagined things would turn out,” I began, my voice trembling slightly. “But I want you to know that I’m here, and I’m trying my best. I know you’re hurt, and I understand w
Gauravi's POVParking my car on the porch, weariness settled in after enduring a marathon of duty hours covering for a colleague. Longing for the solace of sleep, my anticipation shifted abruptly upon entering our home, where a symphony of aromas enveloped the air, the whole house was bursting with aromas of different delicacies. Tami(Gautami, my younger sister) was arranging fresh flowers in the vases while orchestrated household tasks at the same time. " Hey, what is going on? " I inquired. " Di, Mihir Jiju and his family are coming for the dinner. " Tami revealed." All of a sudden? On a weekday?" I queried. " Gautam uncle called up to tell us they are coming for dinner. " She replied with a smile. Exhaustion and irritation clashed within me. " But why? I am so tired, almost dead on my feet, I just wanted to eat something and sleep. " My maternal aunt ( chachi) teasingly declared, " Oh, c'mon, you will be as fresh as a flower as soon as you see Mihir. " Protesting my fat
Gauravi's POV "Fine, then listen. We can't get married." I said it bluntly. The words hung in the air, and I could see the shock etched on Mihir's face. "We are getting married, love," he said, attempting to play it off with a smile."No, we can't. It doesn't feel right. I don't want to get married," I confessed.Mihir's expression shifted from surprise to concern. "Why not?" he asked, his voice gentle."I don't know. I am not excited about it. I feel that we are just friends, very good friends. I don't have any romantic feelings for you," I explained, my gaze fixed on the floor. I didn't want to break this heart as I knew he loved me, but I could not think of him as my life partner. He took a moment, absorbing my words. "Gauravi, we've known each other since kindergarten. Our families are practically one. I love you. This... it's what we've always planned," he said, his voice a mixture of confusion and hurt." No, Mihir, I never planned it. I have always considered you as my frie
Gauravi's POV " Shaurya? As in Shaurya? Sagar's son?" Dad asked me, absolutely shocked. His eyes seemed to be coming out of his face. " Yes, Dad! " I said and all the color left his face. " No!! You are kidding... Right? You and Shaurya have always been like enemies. " Ron said. " I am not kidding. " I said firmly. " You are lying, just to avoid getting married. I know, you can't fall for him." Mihir said. " No Mihir! I am not lying." I said looking into his eyes. " Shaurya?? Like really?? He is a certified Casanova. Every other day, we see him with a new girl. How can you think that I will allow him anywhere near you? Sid, get my gun. " Dad asked Chachu to get his gun. " No, dad!! Please don't say anything to him. " I requested. " I will not say anything to him, I will go and shoot him between his eyes. " Dad said. " Mom, please try to make him understand. " " Sweetie, stop this prank, now. You are just like your dad. But let me tell you this is not funny stop this nons
Gauravi's POV "I agree that Mihir is a nice man but he has feelings for you, not for Tami. " Mom said. " But he is a good man from a good family... A good son, a good brother, and a good friend." I argued. " I'm sure he would be a good husband," Dad said. " Yes, I am sure, but he would not be my husband. " I said firmly. " There is no rush, I think that you panicked as we were fixing your wedding date, take some time and think about it for some time. I want you to think of all the pros and cons of this. " Dad said and Mom nodded. " Dad, Mom, trust me I am saying this after thinking all these things. I don't deserve his unconditional love when I can't reciprocate his feelings. " I said and Mom looked into my eyes, I averted my eyes away as I knew she was trying to read my mind as she had this magical power to read people's minds, now even Tami had inherited that trait. I wish I could read people's minds and know what they were thinking. " Gautam, stop this! There is no use,