---

After two days, Mass and Kk were in the bedroom.

Mass had just uploaded a carousel of their wedding and family photos on Instagram, a rare moment of him sharing his personal life online.

Kk: "Do you use social media?"

Mass: "Yeah, I do. But I go by a different name there, not Mass. I like keeping my privacy."

Just then, his phone began to ring sharply, cutting the soft silence of the room. It was a conference call.

His friends: "When did you get married, man?! Do you have a kid now? You never invited us to your wedding! How the hell did you land such a gorgeous woman? You seriously don’t deserve her!"

Mass: (chuckling while shaking his head) "Relax, guys. Just calm down. I’ll explain everything when you all come over in four days, alright?"

While Mass was laughing and talking with his friends, Kk quietly stepped onto the balcony, the soft breeze brushing through her hair as she dialed a number.

Kk: "Hey… how are you?"

??: "I'm good. But it looks like someone conveniently forgot to tell me they were getting married?"

Kk: (with a guilty smile) "Yeah... my bad. I’m really sorry."

??: "It’s all good. Just surprised, that’s all."

Kk: "We’re having a little reunion—figured it’s time. Surya called everyone, and I thought it'd be perfect to see each other again. Come by in four days."

??: "Alright. I’ll be there. But tell me—does your husband know you’re talking to me?"

Kk: (after a small pause) "No. Why? You know him too. I’ll tell him later."

??: "Nope, don’t mention my name. I want to surprise him."

Kk: "Okay, cool."

??: "See you soon."

---

Four days have passed. Night falls.

The room was dimly lit with soft ambient light. Mass was seated with his laptop on his lap, working intently. Kk was seated by the vanity, quietly doing her skincare routine, her reflection soft in the mirror’s glow.

After finishing his work, Mass shut the laptop gently and placed it aside.

Mass: "Come here, Kat. I want to talk to you."

She walked over, curious. As she reached him, he gently pulled her hand, and she landed softly onto his lap.

His arms wrapped around her waist, his eyes locked with hers. Their faces were inches apart, breath warm, hearts syncing.

Kk: "What do you want to talk about?"

Mass: "Why are you always at home?"

Kk: (slightly confused) "What do you mean?"

Mass: "I mean… it feels like you’re not chasing anything anymore. Like you’ve stopped wanting to achieve your dreams."

Kk: (gazing down for a moment) "I don’t have any dreams."

Mass: "What? That can't be. What did you want to do after college?"

Kk: (softly smiling) "My only dream was to have a small, peaceful family. And I already have it. That’s enough for me."

Mass: "But if you ever feel like doing something, I’ll be here. You can even join my company—your experience from working with your dad could be valuable. Or start something of your own. I’ll support you."

Kk: "Actually… I’ve already started something. I have a small business. The money I earned from my property—hotels, clubs—that’s what I’m managing now."

Mass: "It’s not about the money, Kat. I want you to build something… something that echoes your name. Something you’ll be proud of."

Kk: (a glint of determination in her eyes) "I’ve been thinking of taking over Kero’s company. Re-launching the brand… right here."

Mass: "Now that is a brilliant idea. Just say the word, and I’ll help with anything you need."

Kk: "Okay, Mr. Husband."

They both burst into laughter, their joy echoing softly between the walls. They laid down together, his arms wrapping around her tightly.

Kk: "Will you be going to the office tomorrow?"

Mass: "No. I’ve taken the whole week off. No work."

Kk: (teasingly) "Ohh... so your friends are really special, huh? The workaholic finally takes a break."

Mass: "Yes, they are. We haven’t met in 8 years. That’s a long time."

Kk: (smirking) "Then I’ll get my answer tomorrow."

Mass: "What answer?"

Kk: (playfully) "Whether you’re a playboy or not."

He leaned in and kissed her lips gently.

Mass: "Once you get your answer, you’ll realize you have a very nice husband."

Kk: "Let’s see tomorrow. When will your friends arrive?"

Mass: "Mostly afternoon. What about yours?"

Kk: "They’re coming in the morning."

Mass: "Alright."

Kk: "Are they all men? Or women too?"

Mass: "Why do you ask?"

Kk: "I just want to know."

Mass: "Both."

Kk: "Hmm. Just don’t forget me after they arrive."

Mass: "How can anyone forget to breathe?"

Kk: (laughing) "That’s such a cheesy pick-up line."

Mass: "Okay. Time to sleep now."

He placed his hand over her stomach, pulling her closer.

Mass: "Goodnight."

Kk: "Goodnight."

---

The next morning.

They were in the dining area, seated for breakfast, warm plates of food laid out in front of them.

A while later, her sisters entered, their voices filled with cheer.

Aaisha: "Good morning, everyone!"

Kk: "Oh! So you finally decided to show up!"

Mass: "Come on, join us for breakfast."

The sisters pulled out chairs and joined the table, smiles and laughter filling the room.

Kk: "Where are the others?"

Nargis: "They’ll be here in the afternoon."

Just then, the kids came in, grabbing their bags and slipping on their shoes.

Children: "Dad, Mom, bye!"

They were off to school and college. Jadav followed shortly behind.

Nargis: "Where are your friends, Jivs?"

Mass: "Afternoon. They’re all coming then."

Kk: "Alright, I’m done eating."

Mass: (raising an eyebrow) "Excuse me? What did you eat? Even a kid eats more than that."

Kk: "I’m on a diet."

Mass: "Why a diet?"

Kk: "I just feel like I need to."

Mass: "You don’t need it."

Kk: "No, really."

Mass: "Eat your food, Kat."

Kk: "I gained two kilograms. I need to lose it."

Mass: (grinning devilishly) "I don’t care if your figure changes from 36-24-36. I’m still strong enough to carry you."

She stared at him, eyes wide, trying to process what he just said. He smirked at her.

Her sisters burst into laughter.

Aaisha: "Jivs, I love you for this pick-up line. I’m stealing it!"

Nargis: "Seriously, we need pickup line lessons from you."

Kk: "Shut up, both of you!"

After breakfast,

they all moved to the living room, the day beginning with joy, teasing, and anticipation for the reunion to come.

Her sister plays with the baby. He is working on his laptop. Kk is scrolling on her phone.

After some time,

??: "Good morning. Mafia woman."
Kk: "Abhimanyu?"
Aaisha: "You said you would come in the afternoon, so why come early?"
Abhimanyu: "My meeting wrapped up earlier than expected, so I thought, why not surprise her?"

They hugged each other tightly, the warmth of old bonds rekindling.

By afternoon, Mass's friends begin arriving, one by one.

All are coming alone.
Mass greets them personally, a smile trying to hide his nervous energy.

Sinem and Ali arrive together.
Kk gives them a warm hug, her expression lighting up.

The living room fills with conversation and laughter as Kk's and Mass's friends mingle.

Kk: "I’m going to check the baby."
Aaisha: "Please bring her here."
Kk: "Okay."

She walks toward the baby's room, her pace calm but her mind wandering.

Surya's friends include Aamir, Rohan, Vihan, Kabir, Zahir, Ishan, Priya, Isha, Heer, and Seya.

Vihan: "Now, tell me, how did you get this beautiful woman?"
Surya: "His dad is also a mafia. And..."
Rohan: "Wow, a daughter with a mafia background. Cool, man."
Zahir to Aaisha: "You two are twins, right?"
Aaisha: "Physically, only our eyes and hair differ, but personality-wise, we’re completely opposite."
Ali: "Imagine Aaisha as a romantic comedy and Kk as an action movie."
Ishan: "But still, I can’t believe you got such a beautiful woman."
Nargis: "Same here."
Surya: "What’s your problem, guys? I’m married to her!"
Ishan: "She deserves better."

Surya rolls his eyes, clearly irritated, choosing to ignore their jabs.

They burst into laughter when suddenly, someone steps into the living room. Surya’s expression hardens—his relaxed posture stiffens into fury.

??: "Good afternoon, everyone."

Surya stands abruptly from the couch.
Surya: "WHY ARE YOU HERE? WHO CALLED YOU HERE?"
??: "I’m not here for your reunion."
Aaisha: "Jivs... he is..."
Kk comes down the stairs. She spots the man.

Kk: "Oh, finally you’re here!"
She walks straight to him and hugs him tightly.
Kk: "I MISSED YOU. FEROZ."

Surya's eyes widen, disbelief flashing across his face.

They pull away from the hug.

Aamir: "Do you know him?"
Kk: "If I called him, obviously I know him. He’s my only friend in the mafia world."

She glances at Mass and notices the way his expression darkened.

Kk: "Do you know him?"

Silence grips the room like an invisible fog.

Mass doesn't answer—he just glares at Feroz.

Feroz: "We were in the same group at college."
Kk: "Friends or just classmates?"
Feroz, wanting the answer just as much, stares blankly at Surya.
Priya: "Best friends turned enemies."
Kk: "What? Enemy? How?"
Mass: "That’s a long story. I’ll share it with you later."
Feroz: "And I want to hear your version too."
Surya: "What, you think I’m going to lie to her?"
Feroz: "I didn’t say it... but if the shoe fits, wear it."
Surya: "Don’t you dare."

Surya storms forward toward Feroz.

Kk quickly steps in between them.

Kk: "Don’t."

Mass halts where he is, tension written all over his face.

Kk: "Let’s go. Both of you. I want to talk."

They follow her out to the garden.

Inside,
Abhimanyu: "Do you all know Feroz?"
Heer: "Surya and Feroz were best friends since school."
Shagun: "Why did they become enemies?"
Seya: "Feroz and Shaili were in love. Her father didn’t approve. He wanted her to marry Surya because of a business deal. Surya planned to divorce her after securing the deal so she could marry Feroz. But Feroz didn’t know that. Things spiraled out of control. Her father and Feroz had a fight. Her dad ended up murdering Feroz’s family. Feroz believes Surya knew. That ended their friendship. Feroz left for Afghanistan. Surya went after him to explain, but he didn’t believe him. Then someone killed Shaili’s parents—and Feroz was blamed. Surya and Shaili believe he did it."

Sinem: "If they were friends, why didn’t they talk it out?"
Kabir: "Surya asked him, but Feroz neither accepted nor denied it."
Isha: "I hope Kk can end this cold war."
Nargis: "She can. But there’s a problem."
Ishan: "What?"
Ali: "Shaili."
Shagun: "Kk hates Shaili... deeply."

Outside,
Kk: "Whatever your reasons, Surya, one thing is clear—Feroz is my friend. I won’t tolerate him being disrespected in front of me. And Feroz, whether he’s your best friend or your enemy, he is my husband now."

Neither of them responds.

Kk: "Hello? I’m talking. If it bothers you so much, should I change the reunion location?"
Surya: "No need."
Feroz: "I’ll adjust."
Kk: "Good."

They head back inside.

Surya: "You all go and rest. We’ll meet at dinner."

Everyone proceeds to their rooms.

Mass pulls Kk aside.

Mass: "Kat, why didn’t you tell me Feroz is your friend?"
Kk: "Did you ever ask?"
Mass: "How would I know he’s your friend?"
Kk: "How would I know he’s your enemy?"
Mass: "When did you meet him?"
Kk: "Kero and I went to Afghanistan for a deal. That’s where I met him."
Mass: "Then let this be the last time."
Kk: "Excuse me? Who do you think you are? I decide who I meet."

Mass: "Kat, he sees me as an enemy."
Kk: "But I’m not his enemy. He won’t hurt me."
Mass: "I know. Still..."
Kk: "Enough. I’m not listening to this."

She turns to leave.

Mass: "Where are you going?"
Kk: "Aaisha’s room."

She walks to her sister’s room. Her friends are inside, Feroz absent.

Ali: "What’s wrong? You look furious."
Kk: "Mass told me not to meet Feroz again. He's his enemy, not mine. I don’t even know what happened between them."
Nargis: "We do."
Kk: "How?"
Shagun: "While you were outside, we asked his friends."
Kk: "Tell me."

Abhimanyu shares the full story.

Sinem: "So, who do you believe?"
Kk: "That’s just Mass’s side. I want to hear Feroz’s too."
Abhimanyu: "You’re right."

Someone knocks.

Kk: "Come in."

Feroz enters.

Feroz: "Talking about me?"
Kk: "Yes. You and your best friend."

Feroz chuckles.

Feroz: "Let’s hear the story then. How someone who’s brainless ends up with someone who’s useless?"

The room processes the insult for a beat—and then laughter erupts.

Kk: "Wait—did you just call me brainless?"
Feroz: "Yes. You should’ve stayed single."
Kk: "Seems like I committed a crime by marrying him."
Feroz: "You did. Now tell me—how did you end up with him?"
Kk: "I don’t want to."
Shagun: "I’ll tell him."

Shagun tells the story.

Feroz: "You fell for him in six months? Unbelievable."
Sinem: "No, no. She didn’t even speak to him for months. Only started talking two months ago."
Feroz: "Then why’d you marry him? This is all so confusing. Weren’t you pregnant before marriage?"
Ali: "We didn’t know the whole story either."
Abhimanyu: "Now I’m curious too."
Kk: "No need. It’s our personal matter."
Feroz: "Oh, really?"
Kk: "Yes."
Ali: "Come on, Kk."
Kk: "No. I don’t want to."
Sinem: "Celebrate the reunion on your own. We’re leaving."
Kk: "Then go."

Everyone stands, preparing to leave.

Aaisha: "Wait. I’ll tell you."
Kk: "Aaisha."
Aaisha: "Relax. It’s not like anything's changing at this moment."

Everyone sits back down, the air thick with anticipation.

Every detail was shared by Aaisha and Nargis with the group. Everyone’s expressions shifted from confusion to shock.

Abhimanyu: “What the hell? Why the hell didn’t you tell us before?”

Ali: “How could you even think of hiding something like this?”

Shagun: “Kk, this isn’t just a mistake. This is... this is a cr;me.”

Sinem: “He f0rced you? How can someone do that to someone they claim to love?”

Feroz: “Are you fuc-ing kidding me right now? You seriously didn’t know the difference between being f0rced and making a m!stake?”

Kk: “It’s my personal life. You don’t have any right to interfere in it.”

Feroz: “To he|| with your personal life! How could he even think of doing something so disgusting? I swear, I’m not going to sit back and ignore this—I’m talking to him.”

Kk grabs Feroz’s hand tightly, her eyes bu®ning but steady.

Kk: “Stop right there. First, that past—it’s long gone for me. I’ve buried it. Second, I’m happy now—with him and with the family we’ve built. Whatever needed to be done, I already did. He paid for it.”

Abhimanyu: “Then tell me, why did you marry him after all that? Why go through it?”

Kk: “Because I didn’t want to terminate the pregnancy. That was my choice.”

Ali: “So, what now? Everything we know—was it all a lie?”

Feroz: “No. Tell me the real reason. The truth.”

Kk: “That is the truth. And this topic—this pa!nful chapter—ends here. Right now. If it’s opened again, I swear I won’t be able to take it. If anyone here can’t respect that, then you’re free to leave.”

Kk walks to the door without looking back.

Feroz: “Kk, wait, listen...”

She opens the door and walks out, her silence louder than any argument.

Everyone slowly returned to their seats, their hearts heavy with questions.

Feroz: “There’s more to this. I’m sure she’s hiding something.”

Nargis: “Why do you think that?”

Feroz: “Because she’s not the kind of woman who stays quiet after something like this. Kk fights. She always fights.”

Ali: “I felt the same. Something just... doesn’t add up.”

Nargis: “After they got married, he did everything—everything—to win her over. He changed.”

Feroz: “That’s after marriage. I know he’s good to her now, and no one’s questioning that. But what was the trigger? What made her go through with the wedding in the first place?”

Feroz: “I’m sure Surya saw how much she loved children. That’s why he used the pregnancy to corner her. But Kk... she’s not someone who’d choose anyone over her self-respect.”

Nargis: “You’re right... but what can we do now? She truly loves him. And he? He’ll never leave her.”

Feroz: “Exactly. Not until he takes his last breath.”

---

Later that night… They had their dinner in silence and sat in the living room, the atmosphere heavy. Kk hadn’t spoken a word to Mass since the incident earlier.

Kk: “Let’s go for a walk. I need some air.”

Zahir: “That’s actually a great idea.”

Everyone was about to get up when Surya’s voice broke through the stillness.

Surya: “Wait. Someone’s coming.”

Kk: “Who?”

Isha: “We’re all here. Who’s even left?”

Suddenly, someone stepped into the room.

Kk: “Why the fuc- is she here?”

Kk / Feroz: “I’m going outside.”

Mass: “Kat, wait—please—”

Shaili walked in just as Kk and Feroz were heading to the door. Their eyes locked in a tense, silent battle before Kk and Feroz brushed past her coldly.

Shaili glanced back, clearly unsettled.

Shaili: “How could you let him enter?”

Surya: “He is Kat's friend, Shaili. I can’t stop her.”

Shaili: “They looked at me like... like if you weren’t here, they’d te@r me apart.”

Aaisha: “I don’t know about Feroz. But yeah—if Jivs wasn’t here, Kk would have.”

Shaili awkwardly joined her friends on the couch.

Ishan: “Didn’t you tell Kk that Shaili was coming?”

Surya: “If I had, do you honestly think Shaili would’ve even d@red to show her face here? Come on.”

Everyone chuckled, breaking the tension.

Shaili: “Your sister’s... unbelievably rude.”

Aaisha: “Oh, she is. But trust me, be grateful you haven’t met her real side.”

Surya: “And God help us all if that day ever comes. I’m already at my limit.”

Laughter filled the room once again.

Nargis: “Jivs, I don’t think you know... letting her go out with Feroz might not be a great idea. Did you know he’s in love with her?”

Ali: “Relax. She turned him down.”

Surya: “Still, I know Feroz—he’s never crossed any lines.”

Shaili: “Yes. He’s respectful, always has been.”

Surya: “When were you going to tell me this juicy piece of information?”

Sinem: “I swear to God, there’s so much about her you don’t even know.”

Shagun: “Let me sum it up in one line—Every single guy in our friend circle proposed to her. She rejected all of them. But still remained their friend.”

Aaisha: “Also, whenever she says she doesn’t have friends—that’s her biggest lie. She had a whole army of people who’d literally live and die for her. We had a group of 22 real friends.”

Surya (turning to Ali and Abhimanyu): “Don’t tell me... you two were part of that club?”

Sinem: “They were. Both rejected.”

Everyone burst into laughter. Ali and Abhimanyu exchanged sheepish glances.

Shagun: “But Abhimanyu’s story? B®utal. Legendary.”

Abhimanyu: “No. Don’t you d@re—”

Surya: “Oh, I need to hear this now.”

Vihan: “We’re all ears!”

Rohan: “Let her tell it!”

Shagun: “Okay, so—last week of school. Everyone was headed to college soon. Abhimanyu was madly in love. Overconfident, since he and Kk were childhood best friends. He thought he had it in the bag.”

“He decorated the school. Lights, flowers, music. Got down on one knee in front of everyone.”

“Kk walked in. First thing she said—‘I don’t like red roses.’ The crowd went silent.”

“He opened the ring box—gold ring. She said, ‘I don’t like gold.’”

“He begged, ‘Please see my feelings, not the things.’”

“She said, ‘How can I like someone who doesn’t even know what I like?’”

“He said, ‘There’s no guy like me. I always cared about you.’”

“She replied, ‘You have only one girl to chase. I have thousands of boys after me. YOU HAVE TO CREATE YOUR OPPORTUNITY, AND I HAVE TO CHOOSE MY OPPORTUNITY FROM THOUSANDS OF OPTIONS. You’re not a man. You’re just a boy.’”

Kabir: “I would’ve d!ed from that level of humiliation.”

Sinem: “Well, he almost did.”

Shagun: “Yup. We were in class after that, and he never showed up. Next thing we know, emergency alarms. He was on the terrace, threatening to jump if she didn’t say yes.”

“Teachers, students—everyone begged Kk. She walked up and said, ‘Then jump. What are you waiting for?’ She said that and went inside the school. We were running towards the terrace when we saw Kk there. Kk k!cked him. Although the fire brigade was present, he fell from the terrace and ended up on the safety net. His hand was fr@ctured. And walked away.”

“The fire brigade rushed in, and he actually fell... onto a safety net. Broke his hand.”

“The next day, Kk came to the hospital—with black roses. She said, ‘I like black. Not red. And if you ever cross the friend zone again, the safety net might not be there next time.’”

The room erupted in laughter.

Abhimanyu: “Guys, I was a teenager! Leave me alone!”

Seya: “So what now? Would you propose to her again?”

Surya: “Don’t even think about it.”

Zahir: “Come on, man. Just answer.”

Abhimanyu: “No. I wouldn’t.”

Shagun: “Why the he|| not? If I were a guy, I’d risk it.”

Sinem: “Me too.”

Seya: “Same here.”

Surya: “Everyone calm down—she’s married now.”

More laughter echoed.

Surya: “But yeah—I’m grateful I’m the one who married her. It would’ve been an impossible competition otherwise.”

Ali: “No doubt. But you’re still the winner.”

Abhimanyu: “And a lot of hearts were broken because of it.”

Aaisha: “You’ll see just how many—tomorrow.”

Surya: “Wait, what do you mean?”

Nargis: “We called everyone—our entire friend group. It’s a reunion. We’re surprising her tomorrow.

---

Meanwhile, outside in the garden... Kk and Feroz sat under the stars, away from the noise.

Kk: “I just don’t get why he called her.”

Feroz: “Breathe, Kat. She’s his friend. He has the right to invite her.”

Kk: “Yeah, I know... I just didn’t expect it.”

Feroz: “Alright. Let’s not ruin our peace. Tell me something else—what are you doing now? Business? Projects? Where’s your f!re being poured into these days?”

Kk leaned back, her voice softer now.

Kk: “Trying to build something... trying to find peace in the pieces.”

Kk: I’ve made up my mind… I’m going to take over Kero’s company and launch the brand here. But honestly… I have no idea where to begin.

Feroz: Then ask your husband.

Kk: He already told me I can come to him for help anytime I need it, no questions asked.

Feroz: So then… what’s holding you back?

Kk: We already had a conversation about this yesterday. I just didn’t want to bring it up again right away.

Feroz: Hmm. Alright.

Kk: I do have one question, though.

Feroz: Go ahead.

Kk: I heard your story… and I’m wondering… do you still have feelings for Shaili?

Feroz: Are you insane? No. Not in this lifetime.

Kk: Any particular reason?

Feroz: Just because you read the same book twice… doesn’t mean the characters will act any differently or the ending will change. Falling in love with the same person again… it’s like turning back to a chapter you swore you’d never revisit.

Surya: Everyone, head to bed. Tomorrow we’ll figure out the next plan—whether we go out or do something else.

Surya: Here… have some coffee.

Feroz: Hmm… did you make it right?

Surya: Of course. I don’t want anyone saying Surya didn’t take good care of his guests.

Kk: Wait, you made this coffee? With your own hands?

Surya: Obviously.

Kk: How can you be so sure he made it?

Feroz: When someone’s been your friend for more than twenty years… you just know.

Kk: Ohhh… best friends, huh?

Feroz: Shut up. That friend d!ed four years ago.

Surya: My wife hasn’t spoken to me since I told her this would be the last time she’d meet you.

Feroz: She’ll meet me whenever she wants, and she’ll call me whenever she feels like it. Who are you to stop her?

Surya: Yeah… who am I to stop her?

Feroz: It’s better that you don’t even try.

Kk: How could you invite Shaili here? You know I can’t stand her… and still, you brought her. Why?

Surya: Kat… she’s still a part of our group. I couldn’t just leave her out. That wouldn’t be right.

Kk: I’m done for tonight. I’m going to bed.

Feroz: I heard… how you married her. Tell me, Surya. What was the real reason? Why did she marry you?

Surya: What the he|| are you trying to say?

Feroz: I know her. She would never throw away her self-respect for anyone—not even for love.

Surya: It doesn’t matter what the reason was. My personal life is none of your concern.

Feroz: Relax… I won’t meddle. And don’t worry—I won’t hu®t her. Before she ever became your wife… she was my friend. Even if she’s the wife of someone I despise… she’s still my person.

Surya: You don’t have to worry about her. She’s my everything too.

To be continued.....