Chapter 7 : A Game Of Mask

The clinking of cutlery and the murmur of polite conversation filled the dining hall. Meera sat stiffly in her designated seat, sandwiched between Arjun and Ishani. The table was set elaborately, adorned with crystal glasses and silver platters. Guests had arrived for lunch, and the Malhotra family was hosting in full splendor.

Meera tried to keep her gaze low, focusing on the plate in front of her. The vibrant dishes—paneer makhani, biryani, and an array of side dishes—looked as overwhelming as the company around her. She could feel the weight of curious eyes assessing her every move, every gesture.

"So, Meera," one of the women at the table spoke, drawing her attention. It was an older woman in a rich silk saree, her jewelry shimmering with every movement. "Arjun is quite a catch, isn't he? You must feel so lucky."

Meera forced a smile, her palms sweating under the table. "Yes, I do," she said softly, glancing at Arjun for support.

He didn't look at her, instead busying himself with his food. The silence from his end felt deafening.

Another guest chimed in, this time a younger woman with a sharp gaze. "You know, Kavya was always so lively. She had such a bright personality. You're... quite different from her, aren't you?"

The words struck like a slap. Meera's chest tightened, but she maintained her composure. "I suppose everyone is different in their own way," she replied, hoping her voice didn't betray her unease.

Shalini, ever the graceful host, stepped in. "Meera may be quieter, but she has her own charm. It's refreshing, isn't it?"

The subtle dig in her tone wasn't lost on Meera. She forced another smile, this one feeling more like a grimace.

Across the table, Ishani was watching everything with a smirk playing on her lips. "Bhabhi," she said, her tone deliberately casual, "why don't you tell everyone about how you and Arjun met? It's such a romantic story, isn't it?"

Meera froze, her mind racing. Romantic? What could she possibly say without slipping up?

"I... It was unexpected," she began hesitantly. "We met at a family event, and things just... fell into place."

Arjun finally spoke, his voice smooth but distant. "It wasn't traditional, but sometimes life surprises you."

The way he said it felt like a warning, both to the guests and to her. Meera nodded, grateful for his intervention, though it did little to ease her nerves.

The conversation moved on to other topics, but Meera could still feel the undercurrent of scrutiny. Every now and then, someone would glance her way, their curiosity evident. She had never felt more out of place.

Later, as the guests mingled in the garden, Meera found herself cornered by Ishani.

"You handled that well," Ishani said, her tone laced with sarcasm. "But you should really come up with a more convincing story about how you met my brother. The whole 'unexpected' angle won't hold up for long."

Meera's heart sank. "Ishani, I'm trying my best..."

Ishani crossed her arms, leaning in slightly. "I don't doubt that. But the thing is, bhabhi, I can tell when someone's hiding something. And you... You're hiding a lot."

Meera looked away, her throat dry. "I don't know what you're talking about."

Ishani's smirk widened. "Sure you don't. But don't worry, I'll figure it out soon enough."

Her words felt like a challenge, one that left Meera more unsettled than ever.

Later that evening, Arjun found her sitting alone in the garden. The guests had left, and the house was finally quiet.

"You looked like a deer in headlights back there," he said, taking a seat beside her.

Meera sighed, the weight of the day pressing down on her. "It's harder than I thought it would be."

Arjun leaned back, looking up at the stars. "You need to toughen up, Meera. People like my family don't just accept things at face value. They'll keep digging until they find what they're looking for."

"And what happens when they do?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Arjun turned to her, his expression unreadable. "That's what we need to avoid. You wanted a chance to fix things, didn't you? Then fight for it."

His words stung, but they also sparked a flicker of determination within her.

"I will," she said, meeting his gaze.

"Good," Arjun replied, standing up. "Because giving up isn't an option."

As he walked away, Meera stared at the stars, her mind a whirlwind of emotions. She didn't know how long she could keep up this charade, but one thing was clear—she wasn't ready to give up just yet.

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