After parting ways with Dean that night, Sejal quietly returned home with Ken. The past few days had been filled with laughter, shared routines, and comfortable silence—simple, peaceful moments that made their time together feel easy and light.
Now back in college, Ken and Sejal slipped into their old routine again. Their bond still carried the same essence of childhood friendship, but something had shifted slightly after spending time together at home. The connection had deepened—but only for one of them.
One day, Sejal's parents called Ken.
> "We know both of you are back at college,"
her father said gently,
"but it's time you bring your parents over to our house. We want to talk about your engagement."
Ken froze for a moment.
That same evening, Sejal's mother called him into a separate room for a private conversation.
Ken couldn't hold it in anymore.
> "Aunty," he began in a calm voice,
"Sejal… doesn't love me. Would it really be right to marry her against her will? That wouldn't be fair to her. Love shouldn't be forced."
Sejal's mother looked surprised.
> "Then… is she in love with someone else?" she asked.
Ken lowered his head.
> "Aunty, I can't say that for sure. Maybe she is, maybe she isn't… But if you want the truth, it should come from Sejal herself."
There was a long silence. Then her mother said firmly,
> "Alright. Call her right now."
Ken took out his phone and dialed Sejal's number.
At that moment, Sejal was sitting in the college canteen when her phone rang.
> "Hey, film star! Why didn't you show up to class today?"
Ken teased playfully as she answered the call.
But before she could respond, a new voice came on the line—her mother.
> "So this is how you talk to your future husband? Calling him 're-re' like that! Is that any way to behave?"
her mother snapped.
Sejal's smile faded in an instant. It was as if lightning had struck from a clear sky.
Her heart began to pound.
> "Do you love someone else, Sejal?"
her mother asked, her tone sharp and piercing.
Caught off guard, Sejal stammered,
> "No! I—I don't! Why are you even asking this?"
But her mother's voice only grew firmer.
> "If you're not in love with anyone, then we've invited Ken's parents today. We'll discuss your engagement. And if everything goes well, we'll finalize the date for next week."
Sejal sat there, stunned.
Her heart sank. A storm of fear and helplessness rose inside her, gripping her chest.
In that moment, her world shifted—and not in a way she had ever prepared for.
---
To be continued…