Page 7 of The Secret Bride
Puneet.
My best friend. My constant support system. The one person in this world who had never treated me like I was less than anyone else.
I had known Puneet for as long as I could remember, since before I had even learned to speak. Our families used to live in the same neighborhood when my parents were still alive. We grew up playing together, going to the same school, sharing secrets and dreams. When my parents died and everything in my life fell apart, Puneet was the one who stayed. Through all my thick and thins, through every difficult moment, he had been there.
I dialed his number immediately.
He picked up on the second ring.
"Viya? What's up?"
"Puneet, I got it," I said, unable to keep the excitement out of my voice. "I got the job at New Gen Corp."
There was a brief pause, then he let out a loud whoop that made me pull the phone away from my ear.
"Viya! That is amazing! I knew you would get it. I told you, didn't I? I told you they would be idiots not to hire you."
I laughed, feeling warmth spread through my chest.
"Can you meet me? I want to tell you everything. I need coffee and someone to celebrate with."
"Of course. The usual place? I can be there in twenty minutes."
"Perfect. I will see you there."
I hung up and practically skipped the rest of the way home. I needed to change and freshen up before meeting Puneet. When I reached the house, I slipped inside quietly, hoping to avoid Aunty for now. I wanted to savor this happiness a little longer before reality came crashing back down.
I changed into a fresh kurta, washed my face, and tied my hair back into a simple ponytail. Then I slipped out again, making my way to our usual coffee shop. It was a small place tucked away on a quiet street, nothing fancy, but it had comfortable seating andmade decent filter coffee. Puneet and I had been coming here for years.
He was already there when I arrived, sitting at our favorite table near the window. He stood up when he saw me, a huge grin on his face, and pulled me into a tight hug.
"Congratulations, Viya. I am so proud of you."
I hugged him back, feeling tears prick at the corners of my eyes. I blinked them away quickly and pulled back, smiling.
"Thank you, Puneet. I still cannot believe it is real."
We sat down, and he ordered two coffees from the server who came by. Once we were alone again, he leaned forward, his expression turning serious.
"So tell me everything. How did the interview go? What will you be doing?"
I told him about the interview, about the panel of people who had asked me technical questions and reviewed my portfolio. I told him about the projects I would be working on, the team I would be joining, the salary they had offered. With each detail I shared, his smile grew wider.
"This is incredible, Viya. You deserve this. You have worked so hard for this."
I nodded, feeling my chest swell with pride and gratitude.
"I know. It feels like finally, after everything, something good is happening."
Puneet reached across the table and took my hand, squeezing it gently.
"This is just the beginning. This is your chance to build the life you want. A life that is yours."
His words settled over me like a warm blanket. He was right. This was my beginning.
"Did you tell your uncle and aunt yet?" he asked.
I shook my head.
