??????? 37

                                        

                                              

                                

                                    
                                
                                  
                                      
                                  
                                  
                                    
                                      
                                      
                                    
                                  
                                 
                                
                                
                              
                              
The plan was discussed thoroughly, and everyone seemed satisfied with the strategy. They dispersed to focus on their respective tasks, while Saad, Aisha, Radhika, and Manvi drove to the hotel where the Joshi family was staying. 
The ride was unusually long, thanks to Saad deliberately taking an extra hour to arrive, yet Aisha still sulked, thinking it was far too early to be here. Her irritation was palpable as the car finally came to a halt.
Saad glanced at her with a knowing smirk. "Still too early, huh?" he teased.
Aisha shot him a glare before stepping out of the car, followed by the others. The group walked confidently toward the rooms they had booked, heads held high. 
Aisha's mood had somewhat improved as she took comfort in not encountering any of the Joshi or Rastogi clan so far. However, her relief was short-lived.
Her expression soured the moment she spotted Mr. and Mrs. Joshi walking toward them from the opposite direction. 
She groaned inwardly and attempted to take a sharp turn, muttering under her breath, "I'll lose it if I have to confront to them."
Before she could retreat, Saad grabbed her arm, his voice firm yet calming. "Come on. I'm here this time. You've got this."
Aisha exhaled sharply, her shoulders dropping in reluctant acceptance. Together, they continued forward.
The Joshi couple noticed her immediately, their expressions hardening into disapproval. Mr. Joshi's voice was sharp as he barked, "Aisha! Where the heck have you been? I've been calling you nonstop. Don't you have the decency to acknowledge your father's calls?"
Aisha didn't break stride, rolling her eyes in disdain. "No," she replied flatly, brushing past them without so much as a glance.
"Aisha, stop right there-" Mr. Joshi's hand shot out to grab her arm, but before he could touch her, Saad stepped between them, his glare as icy as his tone.
"If I ever see either of you speaking to her like that again, I will personally ensure you lose your tongue." His words were calm yet laced with venom. "And for the record, you should be grateful she's even considering getting married. If it were up to me, I would never have let this circus happen."
The Joshi couple flinched at his words, their fear momentarily flashing before their masks of indignation snapped back into place. 
Mrs. Joshi recovered quickly, turning her attention to Radhika. "Radhika," she began, her tone clipped, "tomorrow is her haldi in the morning. Make sure she's ready on time. I'll send her outfit to your room."
Radhika gave a tight nod, not trusting herself to say more. Saad didn't bother hiding his contempt as he followed Aisha, who had already walked off. Manvi and Radhika trailed after them silently, the tension lingering in the air like an oppressive cloud.