It was late afternoon in London. A young woman walked briskly down the street, her phone pressed to her ear.

"Where are you right now?" the voice on the other end asked.

"Just out grabbing some groceries," she replied, weaving through the crowd. "Don’t worry, I’ll be back soon."

She was so focused on the conversation that she didn't notice the figure right in front of her.

With a sudden thud, she bumped into someone.

She looked up and froze. The man was towering—at least 6'2"—and had an intimidating presence.

But his height wasn't what stunned her; it was his eyes.

They held a depth that stopped her breath.

"I’m sorry, I wasn't looking where I was going," she mumbled, quickly snapping out of her trance.

"It’s okay, Miss," he replied.

He offered her a small, polite smile before walking away into the crowd.

She remained rooted to the spot, unable to move as she watched him disappear.

"Hello? Kriti?" Isa’s voice crackled over the line.

"I’m sorry, Isa. What were you saying?" Kriti asked, her mind still elsewhere.

"I said it’s our graduation next week! We need to go shopping," Isa reminded her.

"Right, that. We’ll go tomorrow. I’ll text Inayat and Safiya to join us," Kriti said.

She hung up and stepped into the grocery store, but her mind was still stuck on the man from earlier.

'Why does he feel so familiar?' she wondered. 'Where have I seen him before?'

After grabbing what she needed, she headed back to her apartment.

The moment she walked through the door, a huge smile lit up her face.

Two familiar faces were waiting in her living room.

Inayat and Safiya stood up, and Kritika immediately pounced on them, pulling them into a tight hug.

"Look who’s here!" she exclaimed.

Then, pulling back, she narrowed her eyes playfully.

"I see how it is. Once you both got married, you forgot all about our girl gang!"

"How could we?" Inayat cried dramatically.

"We didn't forget you, Kriti," Safiya added, a soft blush creeping onto her cheeks. "It’s just that Asad has been home, and he’s been demanding all my attention."

"I need to have a word with Asad Bhai," Kritika teased. "How dare he keep my bestie away from me!"

She then turned to Inayat. "And what’s your excuse?"

Inayat looked like a deer caught in headlights.

She offered a sheepish smile. "My brothers wanted to spend some sibling time while they were in town, and Zohaib was being clingy too. I’m sorry! But we are all yours now."

"Are you staying the night?" Kritika asked hopefully.

"We’re here for a full girls' night," Inayat replied enthusiastically.

"Cooking, movies, and just chilling."

"Great. Give me your phones." Kritika held out her hand.

Inayat and Safiya exchanged a confused look but cautiously placed their phones in her palm.

Kritika quickly opened WhatsApp and typed the same message to both of their husbands:

'I am at Kritika’s place for a girls' sleepover. Do Not Disturb.'

Inayat and Safiya’s jaws dropped.

"Kriti! Was that really necessary?" Safiya exclaimed.

"They stole my best friends from me; it’s time for a little revenge," Kritika said with a mischievous grin.

"Besides, girls' night means no boys allowed—even if they are your husbands."

We were all gathered in my kitchen, which was currently a chaotic mess of delicious smells.

Inayat was busy baking my favorite chocolate cake, while Isa worked on her signature pasta.

Safiya was focused on rolling her famous chicken rolls.

As for me? I was relegated to sitting on the counter, swinging my legs and trying to "observe and learn."

They refused to let me anywhere near the actual cooking, claiming I’d only create a disaster. I just pouted in response.

Despite the laughter around me, my mind kept drifting back to the man I had bumped into earlier.

"What’s on your mind, Kriti?" Inayat asked, noticing my silence.

I looked at her, debating whether to bring it up.

I trust my friends completely, but I hate burdening them with my random thoughts when they have enough of their own.

Still, the curiosity was eating at me.

"Has this ever happened to you?" I started. "You bump into a random stranger and feel like you’ve seen him before? Like you already know him?"

The moment the words left my mouth, I realized I had asked the wrong person.

Inayat gave me a knowing look, and I felt like hitting my forehead.

You see, Inayat met her husband, Zohaib, exactly like that.

She felt a connection the moment they met, even before she knew who he was.

A sudden, magnetic pull.

"Who did you bump into?" Inayat asked, her interest piqued.

Suddenly, all eyes were on me.

"Was he handsome?" Isa asked excitedly, leaning in.

"He was about 6'2" and looked pretty intimidating," I admitted.

"But what was really strange was that he actually smiled at me. He didn't look like the kind of person who smiles at strangers."

"Maybe he knew who you were," Inayat suggested.

It was possible, especially considering my family background.

"Or maybe he was a fanboy!" Isa teased with a smirk.

"A fanboy?" I laughed. "I doubt that."

"Why not? He was probably charmed by the beautiful young princess," she joked.

"Trust me, that man was many things, but a fanboy isn't one of them," I said firmly.

"Alright, leave him be," Safiya interrupted, waving a spatula. "We agreed on a 'no boys' rule tonight, and that includes random strangers."

We all laughed and dropped the subject.

Later that night, we curled up to watch a supernatural movie until, one by one, we drifted off to sleep.

The next morning, I woke up to the delicious aroma of a fresh breakfast.

Looking around, I noticed Safiya and Inayat were already missing—undoubtedly in the kitchen.

I quickly hopped out of the mattress and freshened up.

I peeked into the kitchen and smiled.

Inayat had her back to me, flipping parathas at the stove, while Safiya stirred a steaming pot nearby.

Sensing me, they both turned around.

"You know, this is exactly why I look forward to our sleepovers," I said, pointing at the spread.

"I finally get real food! Otherwise, my life is just toast, eggs, and boring cereal."

They both laughed at my whining.

"Is Izzy awake yet?" Inayat asked.

I shook my head.

"Go wake her up," she instructed. "We’ll set the table while you do that."

I rushed back to the living room and shook Isa, who was sprawled out on the mattress.

She’s the type of person who could sleep through a literal earthquake.

"Isa! Get up! Inayat and Safiya made breakfast," I whispered urgently.

That did the trick.

Her eyes snapped open instantly.

We’re all massive foodies; we’ll gladly trade our beloved sleep for a good meal.

Once we were all gathered at the table, I looked at the feast: hot tea, flaky parathas, and spicy aaloo ki sabzi.

It was simple, comforting, and tasted like home.

"I swear, I’d pay you millions to just be my personal chefs," I said, stuffing my face.

"Their husbands wouldn't allow that," Isa chimed in.

I scrunched my nose.

Their husbands are such attention-seekers.

They totally stole my best friends.

"So, what have you guys been up to?" I asked with a mischievous smirk. "Am I going to become an aunt anytime soon?"

They both turned bright red.

"Not so soon, Kriti! How many times are you going to ask that?" Inayat complained.

"Don’t look at me like that!" I gave them my best innocent expression. "I just want to be a Maasi so I can spoil the kids."

"As if Asad or Zohaib would ever let their children be unsupervised with you," Isa muttered under her breath.

I caught it and glared at her.

"She’s not wrong, you know," Inayat teased. "You’re walking chaos, Princess Kritika Rathore. They probably think you'd teach the kids how to fly cars or burn down the kitchen."

"I have full Maasi rights, and no one can take them from me!" I declared.

Then I paused, realization hitting me.

"Wait! Why are we arguing over imaginary children when we need to plan for graduation next week?"

Their eyes widened.

"What are we wearing?" I asked.

"Let’s do matching styles but in different colors," Safiya suggested.

"Great idea! Let’s wear sarees," I added excitedly. "We can flaunt our culture. It’s decided then—sarees for graduation!"

Just then, my phone rang. It was a video call from Maasa.

"Good morning, Maasa!" I beamed at the screen.

"Good morning, my dear child," she smiled back. "Are Inayat and Safiya there?"

I gasped and looked around the room dramatically.

"Maasa, have you hidden CCTV cameras in my apartment?"

She chuckled. "Your expression always gives you away, beta."

My elder brother, Aadarsh Bhaisa, leaned into the frame.

"Good morning, Bhaisa!" I greeted him.

"Good morning, Princess. How are you?" he asked.

"I’m perfectly fine. How is Bhabhisa?"

"Aren't you going to ask how I am?" He gave me a mock offended look.

"I can see you’re fine, Bhaisa. Besides, I worry more about Bhabhisa. How does she put up with a boring man like you?"

"Boring?" He looked shocked, and I just nodded playfully.

"Princess, I’m sorry, but we won't be able to attend your graduation," he said, his expression turning apologetic. "The doctors have prohibited your Bhabhisa from traveling."

[Let me inform you readers that Samiksha Bhabhisa is pregnant with twins, which means I’ll be a Bua very soon!]

"It’s okay, Bhaisa. I’m excited to hold your little munchkins," I told him with a sincere smile.

"You aren't upset with me?" he asked softly.

"No, Bhaisa. I’d never be upset about this. I would have been upset if you left her behind or made her travel while she's pregnant."

"Are you my sister or hers?" he asked, narrowing his eyes playfully.

"I’m your sister," I winked, "so of course I love what you love."

He couldn't help but smile at that.

"Have fun with your friends. We can talk later." He said.

"Take care." I said with a small smile.

"You too." He said and hung up the call.

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