Chapter 1 2 years ago

AUTHOR POV:

The sun is setting, casting an orange glow in the office where a man in his mid-twenties stands with all his glory.

~Aviyan's pov~

I am standing by the window, admiring the view when my phone vibrates with a message.

"Aviyan beta, I know you are busy, but it is your brother's wedding with your best friend. I understand why you do not want to attend, but you must fulfill your duties as a brother and a best friend. I will be waiting for you," Dadu texted me.

I sigh and close my eyes.

**Flashback: Two Years Ago**

"Dadu, you do not need to worry about me. I do not want to get married this early," I said.

I was in my car in Mumbai, trying to get to a friend's wedding. My car got stuck in the middle of the road, and the driver was checking why. On top of that, it was raining outside.

"I am not saying you need to marry right now. I want you to find someone, get to know her, date her, and then marry her. I want you to experience love because It will not come back this time," Dadu said gently.

"I understand, but you must also understand my side." I sighed.

"You want me to find someone, but what about these blind dates?" I was frustrated.

"What is wrong with going on a blind date?" Dadu asked firmly.

"I want to find that person by myself, so please stop setting up those dates for me," I replied, feeling angry as I ended the call.

I planned to call her back later. I was tired of her pairing me with girls, as if my life would end tomorrow. I knew she was worried about me. I had never dated anyone. It is not that I am not good-looking or cannot date; I always focused on my studies. When I had time, there were never any girls I liked.

I opened my window to clear my mind. The raindrops were calming. I closed my eyes.

"Do not do that... You will get what you deserve... come here!" I heard a girl's melodious voice.

I looked outside to see who it was, and there she was, playing with some street kids and her friends, dancing and laughing. I was mesmerized by her.

Her smile, her dark eyes, the sound of her bangles, and the way she twirled in her dress captivated me. I stepped out of the car to see more of her.

In that moment, everything else faded away. It was just her and me.

"Sun Shristy, tujhe bukhar ho jaye ga, chal wapas chalte hain." [Listen, Shristy, you will catch a fever; let us go back.]

Shristy. As beautiful as her name.

"What are you doing standing in the middle of the road in this heavy rain?" I shook my head to clear my thoughts, but her voice got my attention again.

"Do not worry; I will take some medicine, but I cannot resist this rain. Kya pata kal ho na ho." [Who knows if there may be no tomorrow.]

I chuckled and shook my head.

"Yeeeeeeeee, oiiiiihoiiiiiiiiihhhhhhay!"

My heart raced. I had never felt this way before. I could not take my eyes off her. I believed I had found her.

"Sir, let us go; the car is working again." The driver held an umbrella, but it was too late; I was already soaked from the rain-the rain of love.

I nodded at him and took one last glance at her. I promised myself that I would find her and make her mine one day. I hoped we would meet again. Until then, I wanted her to keep her smile.

**Flashback Ends**

I remain lost in that moment. I lost my heart to her, but she is not mine. I cannot have her.

I picked up the wedding invitation from my desk.I opened the envelope and saw "WEDDING" written in large letters:

Groom: Aveer Malhotra And

Bride: Shristy Singh

Yes, Shristy-the same girl I loved so much and always will. I cannot claim her. Fate has played a cruel trick on me, and I have lost everything. But I have to let her go for her happiness. It is difficult for me, but I must think of my brother and her relationship. I am happy she is happy, even if her happiness does not include me.

I should go to the wedding for one last time. Maybe if I see her marry my brother, I will be able to move on more easily.

I called my assistant's number, and after two rings, he answered. He knows that if he does not pick up within three rings, it could be my last call. I sometimes enjoy that tension.

"Arrange my jet; I am going to Jaipur," I instructed.

"Yes, sir," he responded, and I ended the call.

I built this empire myself; I am the leader of the AV group. I have everything, but I still feel empty inside. My heart aches whenever I think about her. I sit at my desk to focus on work as usual. After a while, my assistant texts that my jet is ready. I finish my work and leave the office in my car, which is in her favorite color: red

Soon I reach the airport, and the plane takes off as soon as I get in. I am here to finish what started long ago. It's time to let you go and find your happiness.