Chapter 4

Chapter 4 – Decisions and Secrets

The afternoon sun spilled into Vidi’s room, painting everything in a warm golden glow. She sat on the edge of her bed, her fingers clutching the phone in her lap. The news her parents had shared last night still weighed on her heart—but now, she had made her decision.

She would go through with it.

But on her terms.

Vidi exhaled slowly, trying to steady her racing thoughts. “No one will know,” she whispered to herself. “No big functions, no friends, no college… only the court. It will be private.”

Her phone buzzed again—it was Amaya.

“Hey, Vid,” Amaya’s voice was warm yet cautious. “How are you holding up?”

Vidi smiled faintly, a mix of nervousness and resolve. “I’ve decided,” she said quietly. “I’ll marry him. But… it will be completely private. Court marriage only. No one can know—my friends, college, no one.”

There was a short pause. Then Amaya’s voice came, calm and supportive.

“That’s smart. No one needs to know until you’re ready. I’ll support you, Vid, no matter what.”

Vidi felt a wave of relief wash over her. “Thank you, Ammu. You always know what to say.”

Amaya chuckled softly, but there was a sharp edge beneath it. “I just want to make sure you’re safe and that your life stays your own, at least for now. If anyone finds out about this marriage, it could complicate everything—college, friends, the company…”

“I know,” Vidi replied, her voice steadier now. “That’s why it will be secret. No one will attend, and no announcements will be made. Just the court. I need to focus on my studies and the company—GOALS. Kunal’s company is… excellent. Reputation, business, everything—it will strengthen us.”

Amaya’s tone softened, almost sisterly. “Then it’s settled. You’ve thought about it carefully, and I’ll stand by you. Always.”

Vidi closed her eyes, letting herself absorb the comfort. Her decision wasn’t easy, but it was practical. And in the quiet of her room, she allowed herself to hope—perhaps one day, she might even like him.

For now, she had strength. She had strategy. And she had Amaya.

“Thank you,” she whispered again, voice barely audible. “For everything.”

“Always, Vid,” Amaya replied. “Now… get some rest. Tomorrow starts a new chapter.”

Vidi placed her phone on the bedside table and lay back, staring at the ceiling. A small smile tugged at her lips. She didn’t know Kunal yet. She didn’t know if this marriage would bring happiness, pain, or something in between.

But one thing was certain—she was ready to face it, quietly, smartly, and on her own terms.

---

The sun was just beginning to dip below the horizon when Vidi entered the living room. Her parents were seated, quietly discussing papers and the preparations for the upcoming court marriage. The house felt unusually tense, the air thick with anticipation.

Vidi took a deep breath and spoke carefully, her voice steady but tinged with nervousness.

“Maa… Papa… I have a request.”

Her parents looked up immediately, their expressions softening at her tone.

“Yes, beta?” her mother asked, concern lacing her voice.

Vidi walked closer and sat down across from them. “I want Amaya to attend my court marriage,” she said firmly. “I need her there… for support. It would make things easier for me, having someone I trust beside me.”

Her father exchanged a glance with her mother, both silent for a few moments. Then her mother smiled gently. “Of course, Vidi. If her presence will comfort you, there’s no reason not to let her come.”

Her father nodded. “You’ve made this difficult decision bravely, beta. If Amaya’s support will help you face it, we agree. She can be there.”

Vidi felt a small wave of relief wash over her. “Thank you… Maa, Papa. I just… I need someone I can trust, especially since this is going to happen quietly. No one else should know, but I need her support. That’s all.”

Her mother reached over, squeezing her hand. “We understand, beta. You’ve thought carefully about this. She can be there for you, just as we’ll be.”

Vidi nodded, her eyes reflecting both gratitude and a hint of nervous anticipation. “And… Kunal said he would bring his friend, Kartik. I think it’s… fine. It will be safe, and I trust that their presence will make things smoother.”

Her father smiled faintly. “Very well. It seems even the smallest details have been planned meticulously. You’ll have your friend, and he will have his companion. It will be a quiet, controlled affair—exactly how you wanted it.”

Vidi exhaled, feeling a weight lift from her shoulders. “Thank you… I feel better already. At least I won’t be completely alone in this.”

Her mother leaned closer, her voice soft and reassuring. “Beta, we’ll be with you. Amaya will be with you. And in the background, everything will proceed exactly as you want. You’re stronger than you realize, Vidi.”

Vidi smiled faintly, feeling a mix of comfort and determination. For the first time since her parents announced the marriage, she felt a sense of control. Even if the world around her was moving in ways she couldn’t predict, she had allies—Amaya, her parents, and even the rules she had set for herself.

And that was enough… for now.

---

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***