We were a story written in the wrong chapter
They arrived at the men's studio, waiting for Kiaan's team to show up. For now, it was just the two of them in the room.
"Kiki is so big now," Kiaan said, breaking the awkward silence. "You really took care of her."
Kavi smiled slightly and nodded. "Yeah. I did."
He had already made up his mind. After what Amma said you don't always end up with the person you love he had quietly accepted it.
"After the shoot, I have some things to say. Things that'll work best for everyone," Kavi added.
Kiaan nodded, his expression unreadable. His team arrived shortly after and began dressing him up. Then the studio session for the engagement shoot began.
They were coached into looking romantic, holding each other, smiling for the camera. Poses that once would've gutted Kavi. But this time, he wasn't angry. His heart didn't twist the way it used to. His mind was made up.
Once the shoot wrapped up, Riya and her bridesmaids left the studio first. Kiaan drove separately and parked a street away, waiting for Kavi to join him. His palms were sweating. He didn't know what Kavi was going to say—but his gut told him it wasn't going to be easy.
Kavi slid into the passenger seat and asked that they talk somewhere private.The car pulled out onto the main road.
Eventually, it came to a quiet halt by a riverside promenade—a secluded stretch of path with blooming trees and a soft shimmer of sunlight dancing on the water's surface. It was peaceful. Private. The kind of place lovers ran to when the world became too loud.
Kavi raised a brow. "Where is this? I wanted to talk. Not…" he glanced around. "Not sit in some romantic hideaway."
Kiaan didn't reply. He just opened the door and stepped out. The breeze ruffled his hair as he turned and said simply, "Come."
Kavi hesitated, then followed. The sound of his footsteps echoed on the cobbled path. The air was fragrant with jasmine and lilies. In the distance, a few kids chased each other with kites, their laughter faint but warm.
Kiaan stopped under a tree, leaning against the trunk with his hands in his pockets.
"I used to come here when I felt overwhelmed," he said. "Before everything got… complicated."
Kavi folded his arms. "So why bring me here?"
Kiaan met his gaze, eyes softer than they had been all day. "Because you're overwhelmed now. And I thought maybe… maybe you needed space to breathe."
Kavi looked away, trying not to let those words get to him. He stared out at the water instead, letting the silence settle.
"Do you do this often?" Kavi asked, half-teasing. "Drag your almost brother-in-law to your secret getaway spot?"
Kiaan cracked a faint smile. "Only the ones I can't stop thinking about."
Kavi smirked, but the smile didn't reach his eyes. "I want you to pour all the love you had for me into her," he said, voice steady. "I could've ruined this engagement… but I didn't. Because that would mean outing you and shattering my sister's world. She doesn't deserve that."
He took a deep breath. "I think the best thing is to accept reality. And end whatever we have… had. I've made my peace."
There was a clarity in his voice. No anger. Just quiet acceptance.
Kiaan walked a few steps toward the edge of the promenade, where the stones met the gentle lap of the river. He crouched and dipped his fingers into the cool water.
"I'll honor your wish," he said at last, "if you promise me one thing."
Kavi glanced at him, wary.
"Promise me you'll get checked for eating disorders," Kiaan said. His voice was firm, but there was a tremor of worry in it. "I know something's wrong. I've noticed. And it scares me."
Kavi didn't respond right away. He walked over and crouched beside him, close but not touching.
The breeze picked up, tousling his hair. Kiaan reached up without thinking, gently tucking a strand behind Kavi's ear.
A bitter smile tugged at Kavi's lips. "After your engagement… I will," he said quietly. "I promise."
They stood. Kavi hesitated then opened his arms.
"One last hug."
Kiaan didn't say anything. He just stepped forward and wrapped his arms around him, holding him tightly. Neither of them wanted to let go. But after a full minute, Kavi did.
He pulled out his phone and ordered a ride home.
"Goodbye, Kiaan," he said softly.
Kiaan didn't fight it.And for once it felt like they had both finally accepted it.