For a few seconds, Dev could not comprehend Aman's words.
His marriage? Aman's marriage already arranged?
But once he did, it seemed like lightning struck on him. His entire being collapsed on the ground.
With a loud cry, Aman got up from the lounge chair and kneeled beside Dev. "Dev, are you—are you alright?"
Dev held Aman's hand and grasped it tightly. "You are joking, right?"
"Just say it! Tell me it's a prank! Tell me, Apple!"
Sadly, Aman could only shake his head. "I am sorry, Dev. No one in the world wants more than me for it to turn out as a joke. A cruel prank."
"Yet, it's all truth. My engagement will be held in a week."
Dev asked shakily, "With whom?"
Aman didn't meet his eyes. "Prince Som Takshaka."
Dev whispered almost inaudibly, "How?"
Aman looked at his hands. Tears were threatening to spill outside of his eyes. "It happened two days ago..."
*******