Prologue

“Can I tell you a secret?” asks Riddhima. 

“Yeah!” replies Muskaan.

“Armaan and I were dating a while back.”

“I knew it!” says Muskaan. “I always always always knew it!”

“You did!?” Riddhima sounds shocked. “Weren’t you in love with him.”

“No way!” snaps Muskaan. “I just wanted everyone to think that I was in love with him.”

“But, why?”

“You will find out one day,” Muskaan winks at her.

“You know,” continues Riddhima. “I pretend to be this innocent person who has never done anything with anyone because she is waiting for true love, but the truth is that I just don’t feel attracted towards anyone.”

“Not even, Amaan?” asks Muskaan.

“No…” sighs Riddhima. “I feel that is just aesthetic attraction. There is no sexual chemistry between us, you know.”

“And whom do you share that sexual chemistry with?” asks Muskaan. 

“Well, no one, as such,” replies Riddhima. “But, back when I was medical school, I felt I had a lot of sexual energy, you know…”

“Same…” says Muskaan. “Girls hostel did something to me. I was so happy all the time. Something felt right about everything.” 

“I feel as if I don’t belong here, you know,” says Riddhima. “I am tired of pretending, performing and romancing Armaan. I am pretty sure he’s into me just because I am wifey material. I mean, his mother would love to have me as her daughter-in-law and he doesn’t want to let go of me because of that.”

“Riddzy!” says Muskaan. “You know, the thing about these casanovas is that they will sleep around with everyone, but marry the women of their mothers’ choice.” 

Riddhima coils Muskaan’s curly hair around her finger. 

“I really like talking to you, you know,” she says. 

“So do I,” says Muskaan. “Now, let’s go downstairs. There are too many mosquitoes on the terrace.” 

“I am so glad you decided to attend my parents’ wedding,” Riddhima smiles at Muskaan. 

“How could I leave you alone, Riddzy!?” exclaims Muskaan. 

Riddhima thinks about how blessed she is to be able to watch her biological mother get married to her adoptive father. Having Muskaan by her side during all of this only adds to her happiness.