Ekta's POV
"Eku, you're coming, no excuses!" Shalini di declared.
"Di, what will I even do at that party?" I groaned.
"I want you to meet someone special," she said mischievously.
"Who?" I asked, intrigued.
"You'll find out soon enough," she teased, loving the suspense.
"But-"
"But what, Eku? You know there are only two important people in my life: you and him. Tomorrow is the perfect occasion for you to meet both." Her voice softened with a hint of sadness.
Shalini di isn't my blood sister, but she's more than that to me. She has been my favourite person since childhood. We met when she visited my orphanage with her grandmother to distribute essentials, and our bond has been unbreakable ever since.
Her parents never truly cared about her-just because she was a girl. I know it sounds absurd in this era, but while generations change, mindsets often don't. To them, she was a responsibility, and her brother? He doesn't care about anyone, not even their parents. Ironically, he's the one who gets all their attention.
Shalini di owned a designing company—Shalini Fashion—a name as graceful as the woman herself. She'd built it from scratch, pouring years of passion and patience into every stitch and silhouette. Her younger brother, on the other hand, worked in their father's business. I had met him a few times before... brief encounters, mostly at events or family gatherings.
But each time, something felt off.
There was a restlessness in his gaze, a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. I couldn't explain it clearly—not even to myself—but around him, my instincts always whispered one thing: be careful.
"Fine, Di. As you command," I finally agreed.
She squealed in excitement. I could never bear to see her sad.
"Let's go shopping!" she said, grabbing my hand.
✨
We headed to the mall and entered a luxurious boutique.
"Di, this shop looks really expensive. I can buy my dress from the local market near my PG," I hesitated after seeing the price tags.
"Don't worry, Eku, I'm getting this for you. You're coming to the party for me, after all," she said firmly.
"But, Di, I can't-" I tried to protest.
"Eku, please! I'm your sister. It's your right, not a favor. Don't say no," she said, giving me her best puppy eyes.
I sighed. "Okay, Di. But why do you always call me Eku? My name is already short!"
"Hmm, yes, just like your height," she teased.
"Di! I'm 5'2! It's not my fault that you're 5'5! I'm not talking to you!" I folded my arms dramatically.
She laughed. "Acha, sorry, Eku. I call you that because I like it. Now, let's go!"
After shopping, we grabbed a bite at the food court.
"Di, I need to leave. I have classes," I reminded her.
"Okay, I'll drop you off," she said.
She parked outside my PG. "Eku, be ready by 7 PM tomorrow. I'm sorry, I won't be able to pick you up."
"It's okay, Di. I know you'll be busy. Don't worry, we'll meet at the party. Bye!" I said before heading inside.
✨
I changed into casuals and went to tutor my students. By the time I got back, it was 8 PM. Luckily, tomorrow was Sunday, or I would have had to cancel my classes.
I don't have my parents since childhood; I don't know how they look. My masi, who is a caretaker at an orphanage, told me that my parents died in a car accident, and after that, their family sent me here. I don't feel anything for them; how can I feel for someone I don't know, I don't know what they looked like, how they spoke, or if they ever held me. How do you miss someone you never knew? You can't. Or maybe you can, in a way that aches without reason.
After my 12th class, my masi told me to live on my own because I can't live with them; since I became an adult, they gave me some deposit for my future. Shalini Di helped me find a PG and college. I feel embarrassed to make her worried about me, so I started giving home tuition so that I can earn on my own, and the amazing part is that I got a scholarship from the college. After my graduation, I will complete my master's from Chauhan Dream University itself, and then I'll do a private job in any company. My future is set.
"Where were you this afternoon?" Archana asked as I entered.
I live in a PG with my roommate, Archana. She's my age, and we've been sharing this space for two years. Her family lives in Chandigarh, and she's here in Delhi for her studies. We both go to Chauhan Dream University, though she's studying medicine, while I'm in business management. We're in our second year.
"I was with Shalini di. She invited me to a party tomorrow," I said, setting my bag down.
"Wow, you get to eat rich people's food! Lucky you!" she grinned.
I giggled at her excitement. She and food are inseparable.
"Yep, and I'll send you pictures of all the delicious dishes," I teased.
"You're mean," she pouted.
"Acha, I'll make it up to you. Next Sunday, I'll treat you to a feast," I offered.
"You're the best!" she beamed.
"I know. Now, go get our dinner."
Our PG provides meals, which is a blessing because cooking is not my forte. I can barely make Maggi and pasta!
"Here's our dinner!" she said, bringing the plates.
We enjoyed our meal, chatted about random things, and later snuggled up to watch Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara. Since tomorrow was Sunday, we stayed up late, making the most of our night.
Little did I know, tomorrow would change my life forever.
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