Author's POV

A girl sat on a park bench, her heart brimming with a quiet joy. The vibrant green of the park, a symphony of rustling leaves and chirping birds, filled her with a sense of peace and wonder. Each ray of sunlight filtering through the leaves felt like a gentle caress, and the scent of blooming flowers filled her senses with a sweet, intoxicating aroma. She was so lost in the beauty of it all, that she didn't notice someone calling her name.

"Niyati!" A voice, full of energy and a hint of amusement, broke through her reverie. She turned to see Aniti, her best friend, her face lit up with a mischievous grin. Aniti's eyes sparkled with excitement, and she ran towards Niyati, her laughter echoing through the park. Niyati, her own smile widening, rose from the bench and met her halfway. Aniti enveloped Niyati in a tight hug, her warmth a welcome contrast to the cool air.

"Let's go to a cafe," Aniti said, pulling back and wiping away a stray tear of laughter. "I have something to tell you." Niyati, her heart light and her curiosity piqued, nodded eagerly. They both set off towards a nearby cafe, their steps light and their hearts filled with the promise of shared secrets and laughter.

In a Cafe

Niyati was placing her order, her mind focused on the menu, while Aniti sat across from her, lost in her own world. Niyati couldn't help but notice the tension radiating from her best friend. Aniti's usual vibrant energy seemed dimmed, replaced by a cloud of worry.

"Aniti," Niyati said, her voice laced with concern, "What's wrong? You seem so…tense. What happened?"

Aniti looked up, her eyes filled with a mixture of apprehension and something that looked suspiciously like a plea. She grabbed Niyati's hands, her grip surprisingly tight.

"Niyati, promise me you won't be angry with me for not telling you before," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Niyati's heart skipped a beat. Something was definitely wrong. She placed her other hand over Aniti's, her touch meant to convey reassurance. "What happened, Niyu?" she asked, her voice laced with concern. "Wait…wait a second… Don’t tell me Sarthak broke up with you and now you want him back… I can’t believe you really…"

Niyati's voice trailed off, her words laced with a mixture of disbelief and a touch of hurt. She couldn't imagine Aniti going back to Sarthak after all that had happened.

"No, Niyati," Aniti said, cutting her off, her voice strained. "It isn’t like what you are thinking." She squeezed Niyati's hands, her eyes pleading for understanding. Niyati shut her mouth, her own emotions a jumble of worry and curiosity. She indicated for Aniti to continue, her silent plea echoing the urgency in Aniti's eyes.

Niyati's POV

I’m feeling so nervous about what Aniti is going to tell me. When she asked me not to be angry, my heart dropped. I know I shouldn’t, but sometimes I can’t help but feel like I’ve spoiled her by always swooping in to solve her problems.

But honestly, it’s getting overwhelming. First, she keeps everything bottled up inside, and then when things spiral out of control, she comes to me like I’m some kind of magician who can fix everything with a snap of my fingers. It’s like I’m stuck in this cycle, and I’m not sure how to break free from it. The weight of it all is just so heavy, and I can’t shake this feeling of frustration mixed with concern.

Aniti's POV

I know I should have told her before, but I just couldn't find the courage. Now, I feel this overwhelming urge to share my heart with her, even though I'm so nervous. She means the world to me; she’s the only one who truly gets me, even more than my own family. It’s like she’s my sister, and I feel incredibly blessed to have her in my life.

God sent me such a precious diamond, and I had to go through so much struggle over the years before I finally found her. The thought of opening up to her fills me with both excitement and fear, but I trust her completely. I know that once I share my feelings, it will bring us even closer. 💖

Author's POV

“Aniti, spill it! Don’t be all shy now. You know I’m here for you, right? Why today of all days? You can tell me anything, no pressure. I trust you with my whole heart, and I’m not going anywhere,” Niyati said, her eyes sparkling with curiosity as she held Aniti’s hands tightly.

Aniti took a deep breath, feeling her heart race. “Okay, Niyu, you know Sarthak and I went on that trip a few days ago. And… he kissed me.”

“What?! No way!” Niyati gasped, her voice rising like a rocket, making heads turn in the café. Aniti's face turned crimson as she quickly whispered an apology, looking down in embarrassment.

“Seriously, Aniti? You two kissed? Am I dreaming right now? This is wild!” Niyati said, her excitement bubbling over. Aniti opened her eyes, feeling a mix of fear and excitement as she met her friend’s gaze.

“But Niyu…” Aniti tried to explain, but Niyati jumped in, her voice playful and teasing, “Hold on! Are you telling me you want to kiss him again? Like, for real? Just go for it! I bet he’d be all in! This is like a rom-com waiting to happen!” Niyati’s enthusiasm lit up the moment, and Aniti couldn’t help but smile at the thought, feeling a rush of courage.

Aniti shook her head with a playful grin and said, “Niyu, wait a second... you won’t believe this! He actually proposed to me for marriage!”

Niyati’s eyes widened in shock, her mouth dropping open as she gasped. “Oh my gosh, Aniti! That’s incredible! You and your love are about to embark on this beautiful journey together! But hold on... what about your consent? Are you really ready for this big step?”

Aniti looked at her, a mix of excitement and nerves dancing in her eyes, and nodded slowly. Niyati couldn’t contain her joy; she jumped up and enveloped Aniti in a tight hug, exclaiming, “I’m over the moon for you! You should be ecstatic, but honestly, I’m so happy I might burst! Finally, my one and only bestie is getting married! And thank goodness, I can finally breathe knowing you’ll be taken care of!” She dramatically wiped her forehead as if a heavy weight had been lifted.

Aniti playfully nudged her, laughter spilling from both of them. As Niyati settled back into her seat, Aniti’s mischievous side kicked in. She grabbed Niyati's hands, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

“Niyu, just imagine... when I’m married, what will you do all alone? You absolutely need to find a partner too! How about I play matchmaker? I mean, wouldn’t it be perfect if you became my sister-in-law? You and Harshad would make the cutest couple! Just think about it—us together forever, planning double dates and family gatherings!” Aniti said, her voice filled with excitement and a hint of teasing.

Niyati yanked her hands back, the sudden movement sending a jolt of frustration through her. "I'm done," she declared, her voice tight with annoyance. "I have a mountain of work, and I'm not wasting another second on your silly banter." She snatched her bag and phone, ready to escape the stifling atmosphere.

But Aniti wasn't having it. She grabbed Niyati's wrist, her touch a mixture of playful mischief and genuine concern. "Oh, come on, Niyu," she teased, her voice laced with amusement. "A little teasing, and you're ready to storm off? You're such a drama queen."

Niyati didn't budge, her gaze fixed on the door. Aniti, sensing her stubbornness, let go of her wrist and stood up, her own frustration simmering beneath the surface. She walked around the table, her steps deliberate, and stopped in front of Niyati. She cupped Niyati's face in her hands, her touch gentle but firm, forcing Niyati to meet her gaze.

"I'm sorry, Niyu," Aniti whispered, her voice soft and apologetic. "I know I was being a jerk. I just… I get carried away sometimes. Please forgive me. You know I can't live without you, and you know I can't live without you either. Why are you making this so hard? Please, just forgive me," she pleaded, her eyes filled with a desperate hope.

Niyati, caught in Aniti's gaze, felt a flicker of guilt. She had always been quick to anger, but the sight of Aniti's vulnerability, her genuine remorse, stirred something within her. She sighed, a low rumble in her chest, and finally turned back to Aniti, her expression softening.

Niyati's POV

She always does this! First, she teases me, and then she throws in an apology like it's a magic wand, and I'm just supposed to forgive her. But not today! Today, I'm standing my ground. She always brushes off my anger like it’s nothing, but not this time.

Seriously, first Armaan, and now Harshad? What is going on? Am I just a toy for her amusement? I mean, I get it—Armaan likes me, but I don't feel the same way! He was just a friend, and I was cool with him until he got all touchy-feely. It was like every time he had an excuse to invade my personal space. And then I found out about his feelings. I tried to ignore it, but he just wouldn’t quit!

He keeps trying to chat me up or sneak in a touch, but... ugh! Let’s just drop that topic before it ruins my vibe.

Now, onto Aniti. She wants my help, but she’s being all mysterious about it. I can tell she’s trying to get me to help her convince her parents about her wedding. I mean, come on, I’m a genius at this stuff! But her family? They’re strict as a drill sergeant and definitely not going to agree.

Sure, I’m willing to help her, but here’s the deal: I want her to apologize from the heart first. Only then will I even consider it!

Aniti's POV

Right now, she’s sitting in front of me, her eyes locked onto mine like I’m some kind of prey, and she’s the predator. Honestly, I’m feeling a mix of fear and excitement. Yes, I’m scared. I always took her anger lightly, but today, I can feel the weight of my teasing crashing down on me. Regret is creeping in like a shadow.

I desperately want her help, but I can sense that she won’t forgive me so easily this time. I have to work my magic to convince her. So, Aniti, brace yourself for the chaos about to unfold. Get ready to hear some epic roasts because Niyati is the queen of comebacks, especially when it comes to roasting me.

“Niyu, please forgive me. I’m really, truly sorry,” I say, my heart racing, only to be met with her blank stare. I know what’s coming next.

“Oh wow, so you think you can mess with me and then just say sorry? What a performance! I’m just your little toy, right? Play with me until you need something, then throw me a half-hearted apology!” Niyati snaps back, her anger simmering just below the surface. But wait… is that a hint of playful sarcasm in her voice? It’s like she’s teasing me, and I can’t help but smile at her fierce charm.

If she was really angry, she wouldn’t have said a word. Great, she’s pretending to be angry. She doesn’t know that I just caught her.

“Niyati, I'm really very sorry. I didn't know you would get so angry over just a little teasing,” I said, trying not to laugh at her puffed-up face. The way she was trying to hide her smile, it was just too adorable. I raised my hands in surrender and said, “Okay, Niyu. I caught you again.”

She looked at me, her eyes sparkling with mischief, and didn’t say anything. I continued, “Niyu, don’t act now because we all know that when you’re truly angry, you don’t talk. But now you just did. You’re just pretending to be...”

I paused, looking at her, waiting for a response, and she finally said, “Okay, Aniti. I’m just a little upset with you because you always tease me.” Her voice was a little shaky, but I could hear the laughter in it.

“I’m sorry if you didn’t like it. From next time, I’ll tease you with Armaan, is that okay?” I tried again to lighten up her mood, but she just shook her head, a playful smile dancing on her lips.

Author's POV

“No way! I mean, you always tease me with Armaan’s name, but today, Harshad? Seriously? I wasn't expecting that at all!” Niyati exclaimed, her eyes wide with surprise. Aniti couldn’t help but chuckle, her mischievous grin growing wider. “Oh, come on! I totally saw it coming. I figured you were getting bored of Armaan’s teasing, so I thought, why not shake things up with Harshad? And guess what? Your expression was priceless!”

Niyati rolled her eyes, trying to hide her smile. “Okay, okay, but what were you really talking about? My help?” Aniti nodded eagerly, taking Niyati’s hands in hers, her voice dropping to a serious tone. “But first, promise me you’ll help me no matter what. This is huge!”

Niyati paused, feeling the weight of Aniti’s plea, and after a moment, she nodded, determination in her eyes. “Of course, I’m in!”

“Okay, here’s the deal,” Aniti began, her voice trembling with excitement. “I need your help to convince my family about my wedding. You know how it is these days—my family doesn’t believe in love anymore! But Sarthak and I? Our love is real, like a beautiful melody that started during our toughest times. We want to shout it from the rooftops and show everyone that true love exists! But it all hinges on getting our parents to agree. Can you help me make them see what we have?”

Aniti's voice was laced with desperation, "Niyati, please, I need your help. I know it's a lot to ask, but I'm sure my parents would listen to you. Just make them believe me, and I promise, no more teasing!" Her eyes were pleading, a mix of fear and hope swirling within them.

Niyati sighed, a hint of weariness in her voice, "Okay, okay, stop it. I'll help you. But promise me, you won't come running to me when things get out of hand. Tell me when it starts, and we'll face it together." She extended her hand, a gesture of solidarity, and Aniti grasped it tightly, a silent vow passing between them.

"Now, I have to listen to you, and I have to go. I have a surgery to perform, and I can't risk my patient's life. I can't be late," Niyati said, a touch of urgency in her voice as she stood up, gathering her things.

Aniti rose too, and they embraced, a comforting warmth spreading between them. As Niyati turned to leave, her phone rang. Her eyes widened as she saw the caller ID, her mother. The worry on her face was palpable, replacing the carefree smile she'd worn moments before.

She hesitated, her hand hovering over the phone. The voice on the other end was a familiar one, but the words she heard sent a shiver down her spine.

"Niyu, where are you? I told you to stay at home!" Rekha's voice crackled through the phone, a mix of exasperation and worry. Niyati winced, her heart sinking. "Maa, I had a surgery to do today, so I came to the hospital. But I promise I'll be home on time." "You better be, or else you know what will happen," Rekha warned, her voice turning icy. "And today, he and his family are coming, so you better not be late!" The click of the call ending echoed in Niyati's ear, leaving her with a knot of anxiety in her stomach. Niyati sighed, running a hand through her hair, her mind swirling with memories of past days. Suddenly, a hand gently rested on her shoulder, startling her.

Niyati's POV

I was incredibly nervous when I got my mother's call. It isn't that she beats me or hates me, but sometimes, the weight of wedding pressure makes her stressed, and she ends up acting this way. I could hear her voice crackling with worry, and it made my heart sink.

Everyone knows I got my job as a surgeon, and there's nothing left to achieve, so my family is practically pushing me to get married and settle down. But over the past few months, I've met some boys my family chose for me, and honestly, none of them felt right. It was like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole.

It wasn't just an excuse; it felt like my voice was getting lost in the chaos of expectations. I could almost hear their whispers, thinking I was just stalling. I sighed deeply, feeling the pressure building inside me. I was lost in thought, my mind racing with all these emotions when I suddenly felt a hand on my shoulder. It jolted me back to reality, and I turned to see a familiar face, hoping for a moment of understanding in this whirlwind of family drama.

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