"What? You want me to marry this guy I've never even met?!"
Roshni was furious. Her parents had arranged her marriage to some old man.
"Don't be so immature. The groom's a bank manager and his family's well-off. Trust me, it's the best for you."
"But I'm not even 18 yet. How can I legally marry?"
"We've already taken care of that. Take a look at the birth certificate. You're officially 18 now."
Tears welled up in her eyes. Her parents had gone so far as to forge her official documents.
'Am I just a burden to them?'
She stormed into her room and slammed the door shut.
It was the worst day of her life. She knew her father had been searching for a groom because of her stepmother's constant nagging, but this early?
'If only mother was alive.'
Her eyes drifted to the crooked photo of a bald man.
"Why do I have to marry this baldy? He's rich, so what? I'm the top girl in my class. I can definitely earn more than him in the future."
Unlike other girls her age, Roshni had self-respect. She didn't dream of marrying some crazy rich man with a prince-like face. A guy her age with a decent personality and looks was enough.
As she wiped her tears, she glanced up at the ceiling fan.
'...Should I just d–?'
She slapped her own cheek lightly. She wasn't someone who'd give up on life because of others' whims.
'I'm a strong girl with a bright future. I have to get out of this mess.'
Several knocks came from outside.
"Stop the drama. The groom's family is coming this afternoon. Make sure to put on some makeup on that pathetic face of yours."
Her stepmother, who had always been jealous of Roshni's looks, never let her use makeup or girly things. But now she was more eager than anyone.
'I won't meet that bald bastard.'
She glanced at the open window.
'No one cares about me in this house. I'll just flee and start a new life.'
She packed some clothes and essentials into a bag. Using a tied bedsheet, she climbed out the window.
Since she lived on the first floor, the escape was easy. As she walked along the footpath, her thoughts spiraled.
'Where should I go? Friends' houses? No—that'll lead my family straight to me. Living on the streets...'
She shuddered at the thought. Stories of assault and abuse flooded her mind. It wouldn't take a month for her to end up as a street prostitute.
'Isn't Rahat living alone? But... living with a guy...'
Her bright face dimmed. She clenched her fists.
"He's the only option. If I have to, I'll marry him."
She made up her mind and sent him a message.
"You just ran away from home... and now you want to live—here?!"
Rahat was in shock. He nearly said "live with me," but quickly corrected himself out of embarrassment. He'd never had a friend over, let alone a girl.
"I know it's hard for you to accept. I'll get a job and cover my expenses. You don't have to worry."
She was desperate.
"That's not the issue. What if someone sees us? People will talk. It'll ruin your reputation."
"Fine. I'll marry you. That way, there won't be any rumors, right?"
She tried to sound calm but failed miserably.
Rahat scoffed. "Are you out of your mind?"
Her sudden proposal threw him off completely.
She pouted. "What's wrong? Am I not good enough for you?"
"No! I mean... you can't just marry an orphan like me. I can barely manage my own expenses. How can you even consider marrying me?"
It felt absurd to Rahat. He had always focused on work, unlike most boys his age, chasing a dream of building a happy family one day. Now, his classmate—who'd just run away from home—was proposing to him.
"You don't have to feel inferior. I lost my mother too, so I understand. You've struggled alone all these years. You're the perfect guy any girl could wish for."
She gave him a gentle pat. Since Rahat wasn't much taller than Roshni, it almost looked like an older sister comforting her younger brother.
"I'll be 17 next month. Are you okay with that?"
Roshni was stunned. 'I thought I was the youngest in class... he's actually younger than me?!'
"What's your age on documents, then?"
"Well... I increased it by three years to apply for jobs," Rahat said awkwardly, brushing his hair.
"Huh! Doesn't matter. I've made up my mind. You're not changing it."
Her resolve left Rahat speechless.
"Take some rest first."
The room was a mess—trash all over the floor, dust in every corner, spider webs hanging above.
'Looks like this is where I'll be living now. It's nothing like I imagined... but to gain something, you have to sacrifice something first. Let's clean it up.'
She started picking up empty biscuit packets, chips wrappers, and instant noodle cups.
'Is this all he eats? No wonder he's so skinny and pale.'
Rahat was focused on his PC, probably doing some web design work. The old machine hummed and whirred, giving off hot air like it was breathing hard.
Roshni stood behind him quietly, watching.
"You're calm for someone who has a runaway girl at his house."
"What? When did you get behind me?!" He jumped, startled.
"Anyway... when are we going to the registry office? You're not planning to... you know, sleep with me and kick me out, right?"
Her boldness made him uncomfortable.
"Okay... let's do it this afternoon. But are we really going through with this?"
"Do I look like I'm joking?"