Chapter 9: Hidden Secrets and Unwanted Boundaries

The night had fallen, and Reet and Abeer were lying silently in their room. A single bed, a distant sofa, and a soft glow from the night lamp filled the air with stillness. But their minds weren’t as calm.

Reet turned on her side, facing away. Abeer sat up suddenly, rubbing his forehead.

Abeer (softly): "Yeh sab toh theek hai... lekin Reet, ek baat kehni hai."

Reet (curious): "Haan? Kya baat?"

Abeer: "Apne classmates ko yeh shaadi waali baat mat batana. Kisi ko bhi nahi."

Reet paused for a moment.

Reet: "Main toh kisi ko nahi bataungi... sirf Preet ko pata hai. Woh meri best friend hai."

Abeer (relieved but serious): "Preet ko keh dena kisi aur ko na bataye. Mere dost Arjun ko pata hai... but same goes for him. No one else."

Reet gave a small nod.

Reet: "Waise hum kal hi jaa rahe hain hostel, na?"

Abeer: "Nahi... parso. Tumne packing kar li?"

Reet: "Main toh kal kar lungi. Tumne?"

Abeer (yawning): "Main bhi kal kar lunga. Abhi toh so jaate hain."

They both turned to their own corners—Reet slipping under the blanket of the bed, and Abeer adjusting the pillow on the sofa. The silence settled again, this time softer.

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Next Morning

Reet woke up early. The rays of the sun filtered through the curtains. She walked quietly to the kitchen where her mother-in-law was kneading the dough.

Reet (hesitantly): "Mummyji... woh main aur Abeer kal hostel wapas jaa rahe hain. Exams hain toh—"

Her mother-in-law stopped mid-motion.

Mother-in-law (sharply): "Kya? Tum wapas jaaogi? Ab is ghar ki bahu ho tum. Padayi ghar se bhi ho sakti hai."

Reet was stunned into silence. Just then, Abeer walked into the kitchen, reaching for a bottle of water, and he overheard everything.

He turned to face his mother, his tone steady but respectful.

Abeer: "Maa... humein wapas jaana hi padega. Exams sir pe hain. Reet ki padhai utni hi zaroori hai jitni meri."

His mother looked displeased, but didn’t argue further. Abeer turned away and walked back to their room.

Reet looked down for a moment, then quietly finished her kitchen duties before returning to the room.

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Later That Day

The next morning came. Reet and Abeer were dressed casually, bags zipped, shoes on, ready to go. They rolled their suitcases into the living room. The air was stiff with disappointment from the elders. No smiles, no warm send-off.

Father-in-law (disapprovingly): "Shaadi ke baad koi ladki hostel nahi jaati. Sab ulta ho raha hai."

Mother-in-law (to herself): "Kya zamaana aa gaya hai..."

But neither of them responded. Abeer and Reet just exchanged a quick glance and headed toward the car. The silence was louder than any words.
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Thank you for reading Chapter 9!✨
What’s waiting for Reet and Abeer at the hostel? Will their classmates discover the truth?
Stay tuned for Chapter 10.✨