Author's pov:

As the sun rised below the horizon, painting the Mumbai sky in hues of , Meera found herself gazing at her reflection in the mirror. The events of the party still echoed in her mind, particularly the dance with Agastya, which felt both like a dream and a bittersweet reality. She could still feel the warmth of his hand on her waist and the weight of his gaze upon her. Yet, their connection remained tangled in a web of unspoken words and hidden emotions.

The next morning, Meera awoke earlier than usual, her heart racing as she remembered the mixed signals from Agastya. She dressed in a simple yet elegant kurti and jeans, trying to shake off the feelings of confusion. As she prepared breakfast, her mother-in-law Geeta entered the kitchen, noticing Meera’s distracted demeanor.

“Is everything alright, beta?” Geeta asked, her voice filled with motherly concern.

Meera forced a smile, “Yes, Maa. Just a bit tired from the party last night.”

Geeta nodded knowingly, “College life can be overwhelming. Remember, it’s important to communicate with Agastya. He cares for you.”

Meera’s heart fluttered at her mother-in-law’s words, but she felt an internal struggle brewing. How could she express her feelings without crossing the boundaries of their relationship?

Later that day, Meera met up with Vaani and Yug at college. They were buzzing with excitement, discussing the previous night. Vaani leaned closer, her eyes sparkling. “So, what happened between you and Agastya sir huh? You both looked so intense on the dance floor!”

Meera shrugged, “I don’t know, Vaani. It was just a dance. He’s my professor , we barely know each other.”

Yug chimed in, “But there’s something there, Meera. You can’t deny the chemistry. Maybe you should talk to him?”

As the trio headed to their first class, Meera couldn’t shake off the weight of Yug’s words. That evening , she resolved to have a heart-to-heart with Agastya.

When she arrived at their home, she found Agastya in their bedroom, grading papers. He looked up, and for a moment, their eyes locked, igniting the same spark from the party. Gathering her courage, Meera approached him, her heart racing.

“Agastya, can we talk?” she asked hesitantly.

He set his papers aside, the warmth in his gaze encouraging her.“ Yeah, sure. But about what ?”

Meera took a deep breath, “About the party last night… I felt something between us. Can we just… talk openly?”

Agastya’s expression shifted, a mix of surprise and something deeper flickering in his brown eyes. “Meera, it’s complicated. I never wanted to complicate your life with my feelings.”

The hurt was clearly visible on Meera's face

Just then, the doorbell rang, interrupting their moment. Agastya stood, frustration flickering across his face. “I’ll get it.”

As he opened the door, Meera’s heart sank. Standing there was Kavita ma'am, her flirtatious smile plastered across her face. “Agastya! I thought I’d drop by to meet auntie” she said, her gaze lingering on him a bit too long.

“Kavita? Beta what are you doing here? ” Geeta asked coming out of her room. She looked totally disturbed at Kavita's sudden arrival. “ Auntieee!! Namaste. How are you? ” Kavita asked touching Geeta's feet.“I'm completely fine beta, why you came here at this hour? ” Feeling embarrassed Kavita didn’t say anything but suddenly she side hugged Agastya. “I came to meet my love auntie. We are getting married soon that's why.” Agastya freed himself and shifted towards his wife.

Meera’s stomach twisted with jealousy, but she forced a smile as Kavita turned to her, “Oh, Meera! What are you doing here?” Kavita was totally surprised to see her student there. Specially noticing the vermilion on her.

Before Meera could say anything Geeta replied immediately“ Oh you don’t right? That's why you are talking rubbish about marrying my son.”

“What do you mean?”

Geeta side hugged Meera with proud gleaming in her eyes. “Meera is Agastya's wife,legally. Actually beta we kept it private. They got married 4 months ago. And they are very much happy together. ”

“What the fuck is this Agastya? My father told me you'll marry me only me then how could you just marry this ugly child?” Kavita screamed. Shock and rage visible in her eyes.

“It's your father's problem that he lied to you. I never said anything about marrying you.And don't you dare call my WIFE ugly!” Agastya said calmly emphasizing the word ‘wife’. He was now completely furious after hearing abot Meera. Madden by the obsession Kavita started ranting “I don't care. Idgaf abou your marriage. I don’t believe it. You are supposed to be mine and I will make you mine. How can you marry her Agastya? Look at her, look at her skin! So dark and dirty. She is not even that curvy or sexy. Her eyes looks like coal. Ewwww! She looks like a crow. Agastya look at me, I'm so beautiful. More than her. I don’t see any reason to marry her. Then why? Is she that good on bed. I knew from day one she is a total hoe. I get it now she seduced you to marry he. Such a slut. You are truly a little bich Meera, a hoe and a ugly slut. You should rot in hel—”

“Enough! Shut up! Don’t you dare to say another word about my wife Kavita. You don’t have any rights to shout on her. You said enough. I always think of you as a good friend. But never thought that you'll could say such bad things about my wife! Leave from my eyesight right now. ” Agastya interrupted Kavita. He was shouting loudly.

“Kavita, beta I thought you as a good person but you proved me wrong. I've never seen such a disrespectful girl. I always adored you but today you made a big mistake saying bad things to my daughter. I won't forgive you for this. Get out of my house right now. And Don’t you dare to come here AGAIN! ” Geetanjali scolded.

Feeling embarrassed by her action Kavita left the house in tears.

Geeta turned to comfort Meera but she wasn’t there. “Agastya! where is Meera? ”She asked worriedly. She knew how much Kavita's harsh words pierced Meera's heart. “Maa, she was here a few moments ago. ” Agastya replied being confused.“Wow what a husband you are? Really Agastya? I didn’t taught you this. Go find her and comfort her. She is hurt. Go now” Geeta shouted on her son in anger. She was more concerned about Meera than him right now. Nodding at his mother Agastya left looking for his wife.

Meera cried silently.Kavita's words still replaying in her mind. Each and every word she spoke toward her broke Meera's heart. She couldn’t take it anymore that's why she ran away from the leaving room. The insult was making her self concious. She was in her room, looking like a complete crying mess. She cried, cried, only cried.

I posted after a long time. I was busy with my exams so soory for late update. Also I'm thinking of posting on Wattpad. I'm not sure. Anyways Enjoy the chapter. Don’t forget to like and comment.