It was a beautiful Sunday morning. We were all having breakfast together — everyone except Sarthak.
As usual, Manya and I had slipped into our habit of complaining about him, not realizing he was already on his way downstairs.
Manya:"He is so cruel to us. We're 21 now — we can go to clubs, order drinks, even have boyfriends if we want. But he still treats me like I'm in 12th grade. Right, Samira?"
Before I could reply, a deep voice cut through the air.
Sarthak:"Oh, so I'm cruel to you, am I?"
Manya froze. He was standing right behind her.
Manya:"Y-yes… I mean, no! Brother, I was just joking, you know…" she stammered, laughing nervously.
Sarthak sat down beside her, his face still hard.
Sarthak:"No jokes. Your internship starts today. I want you at the office. Get ready."
Without another word, Manya jumped up and ran to her room like a cheetah escaping danger. Everyone burst into laughter, except Sarthak, who simply sipped his coffee.
Mother broke the silence.
Mother:"Sarthak, Aarne is back. Her grandmother was asking when you both are getting married. You're 31 now — you shouldn't wait too long, or people will start calling you an old uncle."
Sarthak:"Alright. I'll go with Samira to her hotel later and bring her here. Please have a room prepared for her."
I looked up quickly, my heart sinking.
Samira:"Brother, I can't come with you. I have college."
Sarthak:"But it's Sunday."
Samira:"I have a charity event. Sorry, I have to go. Bye."
I left before he could question me further.
That evening, when I returned home, everyone was already seated for dinner. My heart clenched as I saw Aarne sitting in my place — the seat beside Sarthak. I quietly sat next to Mother instead.
Samira:"Hi Aarne, welcome back. How was your PhD?"
Aarne:"It was amazing, thank you. And how are you, Samira?"
Samira:"I'm fine. So… when are you and Sarthak getting married? I ask because I'll be abroad for two years — pursuing my own PhD in history."
My voice cracked despite my best efforts to sound cheerful.
Mother:"We are so proud of you, Samira. You achieved one of your biggest dreams."
Samira:"Thank you, Mom. But that's why Aarne and Sarthak should marry soon — before I leave."
The words stabbed my own heart, but I forced a smile.
Mother:"That's wonderful! Two celebrations at once — your success, and Sarthak's marriage."
Sarthak turned sharply toward me.
Sarthak:"Samira, why didn't you tell me about this competition? About studying abroad?"
Samira:"I only told Mom and Manya. No one else."
His jaw tightened.
Sarthak:"We don't need to rush into marriage. We'll get engaged now and marry after eight months, when samira visits during her vacation. That way, you'll be here."
Father clapped his hands.
Father:"Good idea. I'll call Panditji right away."
He made the call on speaker.
Panditji:"Namaste. Let me check… yes, 22nd September is a very auspicious day for engagement."
Father:"Perfect. Thank you."
He hung up and smiled at the table.
Father:"So it's decided — Sarthak's engagement will be on the 22nd of September. Samira, when is your flight?"
I swallowed hard, my chest tightening.
Samira:"On the 21st, Dad. I… I won't be here for the engagement. Sorry."
The table went silent. I stood up, forcing a smile while blinking back tears.
Samira:"I'm done with dinner. I'll go finish my homework now. Goodnight, everyone."
I rushed upstairs to my room. The moment the door closed behind me, I collapsed on my bed, tears streaming down my face.
He was my first love.And now, he was my first heartbreak too.