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“Meher—”

“Did you at least buy her flowers?”

I lean against the wall, amused. “Are you done?”

“Not even close! But fine, keep your secrets. Just remember—I want pictures. Lots of them. And they better not be boring courthouse documentation shots, or I swear I’ll make your reception in India so embarrassingly grand you’ll never live it down.”

Before I can respond, Simran emerges from her bedroom, rolling her hair up into a bun. Though she can’t see Meher on the screen, I can tell from her expression that she recognises her friend’s voice.

I hesitate for a moment before asking Meher. “You... you want to speak to Simran? She’s here?”

Meher’s jaw clenches visibly.

“No,” she says firmly. “I don’t want to.”

A glimpse of hurt flashes across Simran’s face before she quickly looks away, swallowing hard. My chest tightens at seeing her pain, but I know this isn’t something I can fix, no matter how much I want to.

“Take care, Vishnu,” Meher continues. “And don’t forget to keep me updated on all the wedding details. I’ll call again tomorrow evening to know how it all went.”

“I will,” I promise, and we exchange goodbyes before ending the call.

By the time I look up, Simran has already disappeared into the nursery to check on Veer. I stand there for a moment, wondering when and how these three friends—Simran, Meher, and Devika—will patch things up.

One thing I know for sure: until they do, this is going to be a bittersweet and emotional journey for all of us. The happiness of my wedding will be tinged with the strain of this broken friendship, and as much as I want to fix it, I know that this is something they’ll need to work out on their own.

CHAPTER 25

SIMRAN

Later at Evening

I sink deeper into the spa chair, letting the skilled hands of the masseuse work away the tension in my muscles. The low hum of calming music plays in the background as I lean back further into the plush cushions. The scent of lavender and peppermint wafts through the air, relaxing me further. A body spa is exactly what I needed. Vishnu had been reluctant to let me leave the apartment today. Typical. Always the protective alpha. But even he had to admit that with Veer teething and my so schedule hectic, pampering myself at home just wasn’t possible. So, here I am, under the watchful eyes of Abhay and my guards, at my regular salon.

A smile tugs at my lips as I think about Veer. He’s back to his cheerful self today, the fussiness from teething having finally subsided. No more crankiness or fever. Knowing he’s with Vishnu and Claire gives me the peace of mind to focus on myself for once. Perfect timing, too. Tomorrow, at the courthouse, Veer might actually let Vishnu and me sign our marriage papers in peace. The very thought makes my heart skip a beat.

Marriage. Tomorrow.

The word sends a flutter of nervous energy through my stomach. It’s strange how different it feels now compared to when Vishnu first proposed. Weeks ago, the idea of marrying him felt like a mountain I wasn’t prepared to climb. But now... now we’re slowly crossing that invisible line, letting go of past grudges, and accepting each other’s flaws. We’re moving forward together and not just for Veer anymore. I can actually see a future for us—a happy one at that.

I run my hand over my freshly waxed arm and smile slightly. The salon and spa treatments have worked wonders. My body feels so much lighter, but my mind… not so much. I’m still wondering if Vishnu will ever tone down his protective jealousy. Especially around my male friends and clients. The possessive glares, the thinly veiled irritation—it’s like dealing with a ticking time bomb. And then, there’s the impending trip to India. Facing Meher and Devika? God, help me.

I haven’t even started packing for it yet. How do you pack for a journey that’s going to change your entire life? What do you take with you when you’re walking into a family that’s both welcoming you and judging you at the same time?

“Ms. Thakkar?” Emilie’s voice breaks through my reverie. “You are all set.”

She holds out my card with a smile, having settled my bill.

“Thank you, Emilie,” I reply, slipping the card into my purse. I feel light and relaxed from the treatments, yet there’s a hint of anxiousness about what’s to come.

As I step out of the salon, the cool air hits my freshly pampered skin, and reality settles in again. Tomorrow. Tomorrow I’ll be standing in front of a judge, signing my marriage papers with Vishnu Walia. The man who both infuriates me and intoxicates me in equal measure will be my husband. Legally. Officially. Forever.

I check my messages, my fingers immediately going to Vishnu’s name first. It’s strange how he’s become my priority now—everything else can wait, but his messages can’t. He’s asking who I’d like to invite from my side to the courthouse wedding. Every couple is allowed to bring three guests, one of whom will serve as a witness. Claire and Abhay are the two obvious choices, so Vishnu wants me to pick the third one from the guest list.

Sliding into the car as Abhay holds the door for me, I continue reading his message as we drive home. I scan through the names he has suggested: Julie, my ever-efficient assistant; Sarah and Emma, my talented designers from the boutique; Peter, who’s been more than just a client over the years, and… My eyes widen at the last name. Zane. Really?

Considering Vishnu’s outright dislike for him, it seems absurd to even think about inviting him to our wedding. Then it clicks—this is Vishnu’s doing. Maybe it’s his way of proving something, making Zane witness the fact that I’m marrying Vishnu, leaving no room for doubt.

Urgh! Men and their egos!