Chapter 1

Subhadra was late to her friend's wedding. Latha had needed a last minute saree and of course Subhadra had jumped at the opportunity.

While she had been walking, after buying the saree, a car had splashed mud on her new lehenga and the driver had the audacity to scold her in return. She had been too shocked to scold him back, so she only said the only thing she could think of at that time.

"Inge Mande Sooye Naaye!" Subhadra herself didn't know what it meant, but it sounded offensive and to her great delight, the man looked offended as well.

So basically, she was late because of that arrogant car driver.

She took off into a sprint to reach the function hall and just to her luck, she tripped on a stone and nearly fell flat on her face. She looked here and there to check if anyone saw that and resumed her run.

She was only focused on reaching the place, and just like that, she collided into someone and fell down for real this time.

"Fuck." He cursed.

It wasn't his fault. She wasn't watching where she was going.

"Here." Subhadra took his hand and got up.

"Sorry." She apologized sheepishly and took a good look at his face.

"Don't apologize. Are you hurt?" His voice was smooth and he had a look of concern on his face, trying to check for injuries.

"I'm fine. Really."

"Alright." He smiled and she was taken aback. He looked so....pretty. There was no other way to describe his long lashes, straight nose and plush lips.

They started walking side by side.

"Who invited you?" Immediately realizing the question sounded rude, she amended her question.

"I mean from who's side are you attending the wedding?"

"The groom is my childhood friend."

"And you're late because...? If you don't mind me asking?"

"Because I crashed into a beautiful lady."

She laughed. "Does this line always work Romeo?"

"If it impressed you, then yes. If not, then no. Vikram, by the way. Vikram Satkar."

He held out his hand for her to shake.

"Subhadra Krishnan."

"Pretty name. Classical."

"Thank you." They shook hands, lingering for a few second longer, but she didn't think too much of it.

Finally, they reached the function hall.

"So...." He looked at her.

"So....?" She looked at him with an arched brow.

"See you in the marriage."

They both parted ways. Vikram entered the groom's room and Subhadra entered the bride's room.

She was ambushed as soon as she stepped past the threshold.

"I'm going to kill you." Hands wrapped around her neck and lightly squeezed.

Subhadra shrieked.

"Someone please get this crazy lady off me!"

Her neck was released and Subhadra couldn't help, but laugh.

"Who would've thought sweet, kind Latha would turn into a bridezilla."

The ladies in the room laughed.

"I'll show you bridezilla Subhadra. Show me the saree."

Subhadra took the Kanchipuram silk saree out of the bag and put it on her friend's shoulder.

"Subha....it's beautiful." The red and yellow saree looked so good on her. The bottom of the saree had a thick gold border and the rest of the saree was covered in a gold fern leaf pattern.

"You got this last minute?" Latha asked her.

Subhadra flicked her hair over her shoulder.

"I have my sources bridezilla. I don't kiss and tell, but it's new. Don't worry about that."

Her friend rolled her eyes.

"Of course I know it's new. Help me put it on."

Latha took out a gold saree blouse that was heavily embroidered, which would match perfectly with the saree.

"Why did you need it at the last minute? What happened to your other saree? The one you were supposed to wear?"

Latha started undressing.

"Charlie thought my saree was a chew toy and she ripped it to shreds."

Said Border Collie lay against the far wall, head between her paws. Subhadra couldn't help but laugh. Charlie was a hellion.

"Did that lady put you in a timeout baby?" Subhadra's baby talking voice only came out with dogs.

Charlie started furiously wagging her tail as she started petting her.

"She's getting spoiled because of you Subha." Latha tsked.

"Oh please. As if you can resist this."

With a final scratch behind her ears, Subhadra got up to help Latha. It took nearly two hours for Latha's hair and makeup to get done.

"Latha, do you know all of Aryan's friends?" Aryan was her fianceè.

"I know most of them. Why?"

"Do you know Vikram?"

Latha gave her full attention to her now and wiggled her brows.

"He's caught your interest, hasn't he?"

"Well, not really. I'm just curious is all. I bumped into him outside. Speaking of which, the whole reason I'm late is because of some asshole who splashed mud on me."

"I forgot the fact you were late darling. The saree took my breath away."

"Hurry up then. Aryan can't wait any longer."

"He's waited years for me. I'm sure he can wait for a few more hours."

Subhadra laughed. "You're such a brat."

The marriage went by smoothly, with lots of fun added to it. Subhadra caught eyes with Vikram many times and she couldn't help, but smile every time she saw him.

When she saw him alone, she decided to approach him.

"How many other girls did Mr. Romeo meet today?"

He frowned. "Mr. Romeo had eyes for only one woman. Romeo only has eyes for Juliet. Vikram only has eyes for Subhadra."

She giggled at that.

"You're a smooth talker."

"You would be the first person to say that."

"So did I earn your number?"

Subhadra thought about it.

"You earned my I*******m."

"Damn. It's fine. I*******m will do....for now." He winked at her and Subhadra looked around to see if anyone was observing them.

Marriages were elder women's playground in India. It was the hub for gossip. But, luckily, no one was observing them.

"Here, I'll send you a request." She told him and proceeded to do just that.

She got a notification that he accepted her request and smiled at him.

"So what do you do?" She asked him.

"First and foremost, I breathe."

"Haha. Very funny." She said sarcastically.

He laughed. "I'm an accountant. What about you?"

"Credit Analyst."

Subhadra heard Latha calling her.

"We'll keep in touch right?"

He nodded. "Of course."