Unmatched

✨Terms and Conditions✨

RISHI'S POV:

When I said I had a condition—that Shanaya and I should go out a few times before making any final decision—everyone fell silent.

My parents. Her parents. Even Shanaya.

The room, which seconds ago had exploded with congratulations and smiles, now sat in stunned, scandalized silence.

Because asking to date your arranged match? Not exactly page one of the traditional marriage playbook.

But they didn't know the truth.

The request wasn't for romance. It wasn't about falling in love.

It was a loophole.

A clever little detour Shanaya and I could take while the rest of them were busy planning this rishta.

Time.

That's what I was buying—for both of us.

Time to prove that we were the worst match made in horoscope heaven.

"I mean," I added, putting on my most diplomatic tone, "we just want to get to know each other before taking such a big step. It's a lifetime decision, after all."

Still no one moved.

Shanaya opened her mouth, clearly about to shut the whole idea down.

"We agreed to—"

I stepped toward her, taking her hand in mine like the perfect gentleman groom-to-be.

But as I leaned in, I dropped my voice low, only for her ears.

"I'll explain. Just go with the flow."

She blinked at me.

Once.

Twice.

And I saw it—right there in her eyes.

Murder. Swift and fiery murder.

But also... grudging understanding.

Maybe.

Hopefully.

I felt her stiffen slightly under my hand, but she didn't pull away.

Small victory.

Her parents exchanged a quick look — the kind only seasoned, culturally calibrated Indian parents could pull off. Confused, mildly horrified, but trying to be modern about it.

My mother, on the other hand, looked like I had just dropped a chicken burger on her vegan thali.

"A few... dates?" she repeated, blinking.

I nodded. "Yes, Ma. Nothing dramatic. Just to understand each other better. I mean, compatibility is more than just a horoscope match, right?"

Smooth, I thought to myself. Very smooth.

Her father cleared his throat. "But beta, everything already matches perfectly. What else is there to know?"

Shanaya finally found her voice. "Exactly!" she said a little too quickly, her smile twitching. "So perfect, right? I'm sure a few meetings won't hurt."

I could see her jaw clenching even as she smiled.

My father let out a cautious chuckle. "Well... maybe the kids are right. Let them talk. Get comfortable."

"Yes, yes," her mother chimed in, adjusting her saree nervously. "These days, youngsters like to be sure. As long as everything stays respectful."

"Of course," I said, hands up in mock surrender. "Purely respectful. Promise."