Chapter 2: Playing the Good Girl

After I sent that message, silence hung like Delhi fog. I kept checking my phone, half-expecting a reply, half-hoping I’d scared him off. These boys act so bold online, but one cheeky comeback and their circuits short out. I could almost hear Kabir’s brain frying from here.

Instead, Arjun’s name flashed on my screen.

On reflex, I straightened my hair, sat up, and switched on my “good girl” act—Dadi would have called it my best sanskari performance. Arjun likes his fiancée desperate, so I decided to give him a double dose of sweetness.

I picked up immediately: "Baby, why are you calling me first? Do you have time to meet this weekend?"

Even as I spoke, a tiny smile crept onto my face—the type that makes your eyes crinkle. I wondered if he’d catch the change in my tone or just ignore it, as usual.

Arjun paused, his voice chilly: "Hmm. Didn’t you always want to meet my friends? I’ll take you to meet them this weekend."

I caught the challenge in his voice. The silence on the line was thick, like the air after a family fight. My heart drummed.

"Huh?" I replied, feigning cheer. "So you’re accepting me now? You like me a little? Are you thinking about marrying me?"

I made my voice even sweeter, picturing his irritated face. In our culture, girls are supposed to be shy and grateful, but I always enjoyed poking his patience.

This time, Arjun’s silence dragged even longer.

"Heh. Just wait and see."

His abrupt click was classic—cold, dismissive, Delhi-boy rudeness.

I stared at my phone, waiting for the beep to fade. His attitude wasn’t new, but a small part of me still wished he’d soften, just once.

But I didn’t get angry—Delhi drama is the norm. I shrugged, feeling a strange victory. I’ve survived worse from nosy aunties and uncles. One cold fiancé? Ha, bring it on.

Heh, just putting on a show.

Let’s see how long you can keep up the act, Arjun.

I mentally reminded myself to call my bestie later and gossip about all this—sound effects included. The real drama was only just beginning.