Entangled by Fate

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.

~Shristy's pov~

"Mama, you know I prefer simple and elegant jewelry over heavy pieces,"I confidently stated to my dad, who was sitting next to me, looking for his support. He shook his head in response.

"Darling, take a look at this! I think it will suit you perfectly," my mom exclaimed excitedly.

"Yeah, it's great," my dad agreed. They both seemed focused on their choices, so I decided to take a moment to gather my thoughts.

We were out for last-minute shopping. My mom had already bought me beautiful jewelry for the wedding, but suddenly, one of our aunts chimed in, insisting that I also needed matching jewelry for my saris at my sasural, just like typical aunties do. Unsurprisingly, my mom agreed and started to panic!Now, while everyone else was heading to the wedding venue, we were still here, determined to find the perfect jewelry.

I called my would-be husband, but he didn't pick up my call. We have been together for almost a year and a half, and my parents have decided to arrange our marriage, which we both agreed to. I was very happy to have him as my future husband. However, for the past few days, he has been avoiding me and only making small talk. At first, I thought it was due to the pressure of our upcoming wedding or his new business project, but it now feels different.

Whenever I try to talk to him, he tells me he is busy or comes up with excuses. I don't know why, but his behavior is making me feel strange.

I take a deep breath. Okay, Shristy, today you will confront him.

I went back to my parents, who were covering the bill. Soon, we arrived at my wedding venue in Jaipur.

I tried calling my fiancé, but he didn't answer. We've been together for almost a year and a half, and my parents believe it's time for us to get married, which we both agreed to. I was very happy to envision him as my husband. However, over the past few days, he has been avoiding me and only engaging in small talk. At first, I thought he might be feeling pressured about the wedding or focused on a new project for his business, but now it feels different.

Whenever I attempt to talk to him, he either claims to be busy or gives me excuses. I don't know why, but his behavior is making me feel uneasy.

I take a deep breath and remind myself: today is the day I confront him. I rejoined my parents, who were finalizing the bill as we arrived at the wedding venue in Jaipur.

The evening sky was a breathtaking tapestry of pink and orange as the sun set. The haveli looked stunning, perfectly prepared for our wedding. Tomorrow marks the start of the rituals, and on the fifth day, we will celebrate our marriage.

Lost in thought, I was suddenly enveloped in a hug from behind. I recognized the voice instantly. "Shristu, Shristu! I'm so happy!" Mahira exclaimed, bouncing with excitement like a kangaroo. She's my childhood best friend.

"First, tell me what has you so thrilled?" I asked, genuinely curious.

"Becauseeee..." she turned to face me, playfully pinching my cheeks. "Mere yaar ki shadi hai!" (It's my friend's wedding) she declared before breaking into dance.

We laughed, and I wrapped her in a tight hug. I missed my other best friend too. It puzzled me why the men around me suddenly seemed distant, like I was contagious.

" ane do dono bhai ko, batati hu" [I'll let them both come. Both brothers really are the same,] I told myself.

One by one, our family and relatives arrived-my in-laws among them. Dinner was a joyful affair, but soon everyone retreated to their rooms to rest after the long journey. I learned that Aveer would arrive late tonight.

Mahira and I shared exciting gossip in my room for a while, but she eventually drifted off to sleep. I settled onto my balcony, eagerly waiting for Aveer and checking my emails.

An hour later, I heard a car horn. I placed my laptop aside, sprinted out of my room, and made my way to the sitting area. The dim light made it hard to see, but I knew it was him. I ran up to him and hugged him tightly, inhaling his musky, crisp cologne.

"Did he switch up his perfume today?" I wondered.

"I miss you so much," I said, my voice full of emotion but laced with confidence, overwhelmed with joy after so many days apart.

He hugs me, but there's a long pause before he does. I melt in his arms as his head rests on mine. I may not be very short, but he is taller than me-he's 6 feet, and I'm 5'4". My head rests against his firm chest, and the sensation feels different.

"I was missing you so badly," I say, giving him a playful slap on the shoulder. "Why weren't you picking up my calls?" He holds me even tighter, as if he is afraid that I would be vanish the moment he loses his grip.

He didn't respond to my question: "Aveer, are you angry with me, baby?" He relaxed his grip and stepped back, but I held my ground and looked him in the eyes. His silence told me he was upset, but I needed to know why. I was deep in thought when someone switched on the lights, and my gaze locked onto his dark brown eyes. I now understand why he pulled away. I am not sure how I feel right now, but after seeing him for the first time in almost eight months, my heart hurts. I am dealing with a lot of emotions-shock, confusion, and embarrassment. We are looking at each other. He clears his throat to break the silence.

"Hi, Shristy," Aviyan said with a forced smile.

"How are you, Dulhan? It looks like my brother is bothering you! Just tell me, and I'll take care of him," he said in a strong voice.

I noticed some moisture in his eyes. Is he crying?

"Are you crying?" I asked him.

His smile disappears. He checks his eyes with his finger and says, "No, maybe something got in my eyes." Maybe I am thinking too much. I know now I recall that I was angry with him too, so I cross my arms and glare at him.

He gets confused by my glare. First, he looks to his left, then to his right, and finally checks behind him. When he finds no one, he points a finger at himself. I nod and continue glaring at him.

"What did this poor soul do to you?" he asks, bending down to my height and getting close to my face.

"Ask yourself... huh?" I reply, turning my head away.

"Hmmmm... If I had known, I wouldn't have asked you, munchkin," he mocks me.

[ Munchkin - short person]

Look at the audacity of this fucker, First, he ignored me like I was nothing to him; now he is mocking me. like I am nothing to him now he is mocking me. I just want to bang his head on the nearest wall. I give him a piercing glare.

"If something makes you feel good, embrace it and take action," he urges with a determined gaze.

""What?" I whisper-yell.

"you want to bang my head to the nearest wall,Go ahead, do it," he said with a playful grin, shrugging his shoulders in encouragement.

And my jaw dropped to the ground. How does he know? Am I thinking too loudly? "No, you don't," he shakes his head.

"Then how do you know what I was thinking?" I asked, furrowing my brows.

"It's like your expression is so obvious that I can read your mind," he replied with a smirk, patting his shoulder as if he had just won an Oscar.

My blood boiled in my head, I can't control anymore, I grab his coller and throw all my anger on him " first you didn't pick my calls , second you came like a guest to your best friend wedding, now you are asking me what did you do, seriously, ohhhh you also didn't came to my engagement. What do you think I will forgive you, no never in this life." I was panting after unleashing my torrent of anger in one breath. Yet, through all my shouting, he simply stood there, staring at me as if I was singing his favorite song. It was infuriating and confusing. How could he look so calm while I felt like I was about to burst? It was as if my words rolled off him, absorbed in a way I couldn't comprehend, leaving me feeling even more enraged. Idiot

He chuckled and said, "Done, or do you have anything else to say?" I opened my mouth to unleash another wave of frustration, but the words failed me. I took a long breath and decided it was best to leave him for now.

As I turned to walk away, he straightened his shirt, took my hand with one of his, and slid his other hand into his pants pocket. When he pulled out a box, I couldn't believe my eyes. Raffaello! My favorite chocolate!

In an instant, all my anger vanished. He placed the Raffaello in my hand and said softly, "I know you're very angry at me, and I'm sorry for that. I won't make excuses; you can be angry with me for as long as you want. But for now, please calm down. You're the bride, and it's not good to hold onto so much anger. Take this." He gestured toward a bag beside him, "It's all yours." He tucked a lock of hair behind my ear and winked at me with that mischievous smile that always made my heart flutter.

I was completely amused by his gesture. My heart clenched, but in a good way. He left me there with a bag full of Raffaello, and I couldn't help but smile. I took the chocolates and headed to my room, feeling lighter.

For a moment, I forgot about everything else, even my wait for Aveer. All I could focus on were his genuine words. The girl who ends up with him will be incredibly lucky, I thought, as thoughts of Aviyan filled my mind. With a bright smile, I drifted into a deep slumber, the weight of my anger lifted, if only for a little while.

~Aviyan's pov~

I rushed to my room because if I looked into her hazel eyes for more than a second, I might lose control. This worried me. My heart was beating faster than usual. When she ran toward me, my heart skipped a few beats.

When she hugs me, I forget everything. My world stops, and it feels as if my breath is caught in my throat. I can't help but reach out to her. I hug her back, and for a moment, I forget that she is not mine. I hold her tightly, as if she will disappear if I lose my grip.

"Aveer, are you really angry with me?"

As soon as I hear Aveer's name, I snap back to reality. I release my hold and step back from her. She mistook me for Aveer. For a moment, I genuinely thought she was addressing me.

I step inside and open my bag, pulling out a bottle of alcohol. I take one gulp; the burn in my throat is intense, but it's nothing compared to the ache in my heart. I have to keep myself together. I can't show my feelings and ruin their happiness. I've caused enough damage to their lives-no more. After this marriage, I will go far away from here.

ughh

That's why I was keeping my distance from everyone. I sat in the chair on the balcony, drank from the bottle, closed my eyes to relax, but the memories of her flooded back.

**Flashback: Two Years Ago (On My Birthday)**

"beta sham main jaldi aja na, we will go to shopping together"Mom is shouting from the kitchen.

"[Son, come home early in the evening!"

"Okay!" I reply to her.

I was their adopted child, but they loved me more than their own. Sometimes, Aveer and I get into fights about that. No, not real fights, but friendly banter. I always tease him by saying, "Mom and Dad chose me because I'm cute, and you? You're the unwanted child who came into our lives without any invitation."

My parents always agreed with me and said, "Yes, he is right." Aveer would always cry after that.

I opened the car door sat in the front seat and smacked Aveer sighed and said, "Let's go now, we are already late, idiot." I really love to tease him, and I also know that he really loves me too.

"Aah, my hair!" He tried to fix his hair, but I, being me, messed it up again.

"Bhai, what's wrong with you? bimbo"

He calls me that because once my mom showed him a photo of me dressed like a girl.

My blood boiled "shut uppp" I got angry.

He chuckled and started the car. We are heading to university for our class. Time flies faster than we thought. We came home, picked up our mom and grandmother from the house, and went to the mall.

At the last moment, Aveer backed out and ditched me, saying, "I have to submit an assignment." We all know which assignment he really means-it's probably about taking his girlfriend out on a date or going to some club for a party.

Meanwhile, my mom and Dadu are wandering around, and I'm following them like a lost puppy. I'm feeling really bored. Suddenly, I got an idea to escape for a little while. I stopped my mom and spoke to her in a serious tone.

"Mom, I think I left my phone in the car. I will be back quickly. You can keep shopping, and I will call you when I'm on my way."

She nodded and said, "Come back fast."

I felt relieved for a moment. I decided to take a nap in the car.

I walked into the parking lot, and it was completely empty except for me. My attention was immediately drawn to a drunk man near a pillar, rambling to himself. I approached him to see if he was actually engaging with anyone.

Suddenly, I stopped in my tracks when I spotted a girl standing alone, visibly shivering. I could see her outline clearly. The drunk man was moving toward her, trying to touch her and making unwelcome advances. "Stop, please," she firmly said, but he ignored her completely. I felt a surge of anger rising within me.

I took three long steps to get there before he could go farther and gave him a punch in his jaw. He fell to the ground.

"Mister, you should stop when she says so." I jerked my hand to alleviate the pain. She was standing behind me, still pressed against the wall. I was about to turn around when the drunk man grabbed me by the collar and pushed me against the wall, causing me to land on her. "Aahh!" she hissed in response to the sudden action.

She held my shoulder to support me before I could do anything. He retrieved his knife and swung it at my stomach, but before it could make contact, I managed to dodge it, I confidently grasped the knife with my bare hand.. Blood dripping nonstop. He twists the knife to cause more. I pushed him backward with my leg and stanched the knife. Threw it somewhere and punched his face again. He fell again on the ground.

I turned to see if the lady was okay or not. I glanced at her face, my eyes widening in shock. Anger coursed through my spine. How dare he want to touch her?

I didn't witness anyone seize him by his collar. And started beating him again with all my strength. My knuckles got numb by the interaction of his face but I didn't stop. More like I couldn't.

She holds my hand to stop me. I stop with her touch, but my focus lands on her tears. She is crying because of this motherfucker. I stood up and kicked him in his nuts.

She again pulls me by my hand. "Stop, please! He will die," she pleaded with her eyes.He again pulls me by my hand. "Stop, please! He will die," she pleaded with her eyes.

"Get lost before I call the police," I shout louder. He flinches and runs away.

"Ughhh! If I hadn't come, something terrible could have happened." I kicked the ground in anger.

"Are you okay?" she asked with her soothing voice. I looked at her, and all my anger disappeared.

She is fine. I sigh in relief.

She looked at my left hand. She came closer and held my hand gently. I felt my breath catch in my throat.

"We should go to the hospital," she said. She took her handkerchief from her bag and pressed it on my wound. I watched her the whole time. "It's okay, it's nothing," I said to comfort her.

"But it's bleeding,"

She looked at me with concern in her hazel eyes.

"Wait, I have a first-aid kit in my car. I can help with your injury," she replied.

I nodded and followed her. I stood by the front of her car while she went inside and came back with a first-aid kit. She placed the kit on the hood of the car.

First, she took a cotton pad and applied some medicine to clean my wound, looking at me with confusion. I felt confused as well. She gestured for me to give her my hand, smiling at me. Uff, that smile-someday it might be the reason for my demise. "Ahhh," I hissed as the cotton touched my injured temple.

" oh sorry, dhuka kya" she asked. [is it hurting]

" nahi nahi, maja aya" I smile at her. [no, no, I am having fun]

She chuckled and gave a gentle blow to my hand to ease the pain while tapping the cotton slowly. When she finished cleaning, she began dressing my temple.

"You shouldn't hold that knife with your bare hand," she whispered, but I heard her clearly.

" yeah I shouldn't, I should have wait till the knife would create a hole In my body, shouldn't I?" I asked sarcastically.

She stopped doing my dressing and looked at me with wide eyes. I smiled, and she sighed and pouted at me.

"Sorry, I didn't mean that," she bit her lower lip, and my heart skipped several beats.

"I'm done," she said as she let go of my hand, and I felt the warmth of her touch disappear.

"Thank you for saving me. I am really grateful to you, and you got hurt because of me," she said, glancing down at her leg.

So she feels guilty.

"Hmmmmmm..." I pretended to think.

She looked at me with amusement.

"If you feel guilty about my condition, then you have to do something for me," I said with a serious expression.

"And what is that?" she asked, confused.

"First, you have to promise you will do it!"

After a long pause, she nodded.

"Words."

"Yes, I will do it," she said with hesitation.

"Will you be my friend?"

***Flashback ends.**

I wish I could rewrite our destiny and erase the part where I fell in love with you.