The One I Denied, The One I Can't Lose

The Chatterjee household was bathed in golden lights, echoing with the sounds of laughter, clinking glasses, and the faint melody of a sitar playing in the background. It was a night of celebration—Shayari and Meghaditya's engagement.

But for Ranveer, it felt like a funeral.

He stood near the entrance, his sharp eyes watching the scene before him like a silent observer, his fists clenched at his sides. Meghaditya was standing beside Shayari, smiling as he accepted congratulations from the guests. Shayari, dressed in a stunning pastel pink saree, looked every bit the graceful bride-to-be. A soft smile adorned her lips, but Ranveer knew now better.

That wasn't her smile—not the one that lit up her whole face, the one that reached her eyes.

He watched as Meghaditya gently placed a hand on Shayari's waist while talking to a family friend. The simple touch made something dark and feral coil inside Ranveer's chest. He hated it.

His mother, Madhavi, stood beside Naveen, her lips curved into a polite smile as she watched Shayari. But there was something unspoken in her gaze—something that made Ranveer's heart tighten.

"She looks beautiful, doesn't she?" Naveen murmured.

"She does," Madhavi agreed. A pause. Then, a sigh. "I just wish..."

Madhavi couldn't finish. She placed a soft hand on her husband's arm, a silent understanding passing between them. She had wished for this moment for years—to see Shayari as their daughter-in-law. But not like this. Not with another person standing beside her.

It was meant to be with Ranveer, but that dream had been shattered, as her own son had been a blind fool.

Ranveer inhaled sharply, his jaw tightening. His mother had wanted Shayari for him. His father had wanted Shayari for him. Shayari had loved him.

And what had he done?

Thrown it all away.

His gaze fell on Shayari once more. She was laughing at something Meghaditya said, but the sound was hollow. Forced.

And in that moment, Ranveer knew.

She wasn't his. She never had been.

She had always been a part of Ranveer—whether he deserved her or not.

And no matter what it took, he was going to fight to be worthy of her again.

The engagement ceremony ended on a good note, but Ranveer's mission had just begun. Ranveer lies on his bed and thinks how to approach but his own guilt stops him from planning to take any stupid step. He sighs and closes his eyes but all he sees is his behavior with her since childhood. He gets up startled and decides to take small steps towards his redemption.

It started at a quaint café. Shayari and Meghaditya had just settled into their corner table when Ranveer walked in. He froze the moment he saw them—but instead of turning around and leaving, he walked to the counter and quietly ordered his coffee.

He didn't sit with them. He didn't even speak. But he took a table just across from theirs, where he could see Shayari laugh. Or try to.

It wasn't the laugh he remembered—the one that crinkled her eyes and made the whole world seem lighter. This one felt... rehearsed.

Shayari noticed him eventually. Her smile faded, and she looked away quickly.

"You okay?" Meghaditya asked, brushing his fingers over hers beneath the table.

She smiled, and nodded. "Yeah. Just tired."

Meghaditya doesn't seem to agree but chose to stay quite.