A ripple of applause went through the room, and cameras flashed in succession as a staff member handed them a glass of wine.
Kartik held up his champagne flute and spoke in a tone full of nostalgia. ‘You know, in these hard times of fleeting bonds, I’ve been fortunate to have a daughter as obedient and steadfast as Siya.’
His gaze flickered to her, and she knew he was assessing her for signs of rebellion. Obedient? She could play that role in her sleep.
She gave him a bright smile as she interjected with an anecdote. ‘My dad is being modest. I’m the lucky one to be his favourite little girl. Suck on that, Kashu,’ she said, making a funny face at Kashvi who played her part by feigning offense.
The sisters were well-versed in acting like devoted daughters at a moment’s notice. To survive in the Kashyap household, it was a necessary skill. That had been a huge reasonSiya had moved out as soon as she could afford it, taking Kashvi with her.
Kartik basked in the attention, letting the applause feed his arrogance like fuel. He waited until it died out, then he mused. ‘Love though, love can surprise you. Imagine my surprise when Siya came to me confessing she’s been married to Abhay for two years. Believe me, I was heartbroken.’
Siya felt her stomach churn, and her fingers tightened around the glass. Kartik tried his best to look like the doting father, but to Siya it looked like a mocking mimicry of affection.
‘Of course, I was skeptical. I had to be. After all, not one person present here is unaware of our rocky past. I even brought Kashvi into the picture to make sure Siya wasn’t being impulsive.’
The words hit Siya like a blow and her nails dug into her palm. She heard the veiled threat in his tone. He was reminding her that Kashvi was at stake. As though he could feel her agony, Abhay traced little circles with his thumb on the inside of her wrist. His solid presence behind her grounded her like gravity.
‘But she was just so… sincere and devoted to him. The love in her eyes was unmistakable. As a father, all I want for my kids is to find love and stability in life, and I couldn’t be happier to see Siya find it all with the love of her life.’
He turned his attention to Abhay and his smile seemed genuine. ‘Abhay, I’m so proud that my daughter has chosen a strong, ambitious man like you, and I see in you the same determination that has made your family great.’
‘And to my dear, dear daughter. How will I live without my baby girl when she leaves me?’ he said, emotionally. Siya almost laughed at his remark.
‘Does anyone believe this? No one can be that stupid, right?’ Abhay whispered in her ear.
Instead of answering, Siya subtly gestured to the woman standing closer to her father, gently dabbing at her tears to not ruin her make up. She looked seconds away from sobbing loudly, and so did a few others.
Abhay casually remarked, ‘That doesn’t prove they believe him. They might just owe him money that they’re trying to pay up in TRPs.’
Siya had to smother the smile tugging at the corner of her lips.
Kartik said, ‘And with our blessings in tow, Abhay and Siya will soon lead a new jewellery line as co-chairs. It will be created in line with the heritage and heirloom concept, and you will also see some bespoke vintage pieces from our family vaults.’
A loud cheer erupted and Siya and Abhay clapped along too.
When she looked back at Kartik, she was shocked to see tears shimmering in his eyes, and his voice cracked as he said, ‘All I can say is that if Arohi were here today, she’d be proud of the woman you’ve grown up to be. I hope you continue to make me proud too. Here’s to our families coming together!’ Kartik held up his glass in toast and gathered praises and whistles from the guests for being the father of the year.
The hypocrisy of it was suffocating, and she could feel her pulse pounding in her ears. But what threw her off was the cold rage she felt radiating off of Abhay. Was he angry at her behalf?
She didn’t miss the pointed glance her father threw at Mihit, who then stepped forward. He took the mic Kartik passed him,and cleared his throat. When he raised his glass, a hush fell upon the crowd.
Unlike Kartik’s flamboyant and performative tone, Mihit seemed much more calm and composed. He spoke with a rich gravitas. ‘Today marks a celebration of more than just a union of business and legacy. It’s about the joy of witnessing two people choose each other for the rest of their lives.’
Mihit continued, ‘My son has grown up to be a man I respect and admire, and to see him standing next to this amazing young woman who brings such grace and stability in his life makes my heart full.’
Siya could see the sincerity in the way he looked at his son, and a pang of envy rushed through her.
‘And to Siya, welcome to the family,’ Mihit said, raising his glass in her direction. ‘We’re lucky to have you. Thank you for tolerating my son. You’re a brave woman with the patience of a saint.’
A surprise laughter erupted in her chest and she murmured a thank you. She hadn’t expected Mihit to take a dig at Abhay. The resigned expression on Abhay’s face as they clinked their glasses told her this was a common occurrence. In a better situation, she could see herself getting along with Mihit.
When he handed off the mic, Siya barely had time to sigh in relief that it was over, when a familiar voice shouted from somewhere back in the room. ‘Speech from the groom!’
Everyone whooped at the demand and joined in with similar chants.
Siya narrowed her eyes at Luv just in time to see him smirking like a devil.
‘I don’t know why we’re friends with them,’ Abhay muttered under his breath.
