Reborn to Ruin the UPSC Topper
Chapter 6: Political Fires and Cold Weddings
6
My father disliked Arjun, but I fanned the flames: "He’s scheming, questionable. He wanted to marry my maid—he could have done it quietly, but made a public scene. Everyone thought he was marrying the politician’s daughter, but ended up with her maid. If not for Kabir, I’d have become Delhi’s laughingstock. He’s the Chief Minister’s topper—he should be above reproach. I suspect he’s already sided with your political enemies, Papa. Be careful."
I chose my words with care, knowing how to spark my father’s old political instincts. In Delhi, suspicion is a currency, and now I was rich.
My father listened, stroking his beard, eyes narrowed. He said nothing, but I could see the calculations in his mind.
I shared similar doubts with the Chief Minister’s son, half-complaining, half-suspicious. He immediately took a dislike to Arjun.
The Chief Minister’s son is Kabir’s cousin—we’re close. We played together as kids, shared school memories. There’s an easy camaraderie, a language of old jokes.
When he heard I was engaged to Kabir, he grinned. "Thank Arjun! If not for him, Kabir wouldn’t have rushed to propose."
He laughed, slapping Kabir’s back. “Sometimes, even troublemakers do some good.”
He added, "Kabir, what do you want? I’ll give you a congratulatory gift."
Kabir grinned, quick as ever. "Chachu, bas ek chhota farmhouse de do Gurgaon mein!"
The audacity! The room burst out laughing. Even the old aunties grinned behind their hands.
The Chief Minister’s son was shocked. "Do you know how much that farmhouse is worth?"
He stared at Kabir, half angry, half amused. “Pagal ho gaya hai kya?”
Kabir, a little embarrassed, said, "Priya is afraid of the cold."
He looked at me, eyes softening. It was the first time he admitted it in front of everyone. Warmth spread in my chest, stronger than any heater.
Yes, I fear the cold. Arjun knew, which is why he chose the thing I dreaded most to kill me.
The memory rushed back—the biting chill, the terror. Kabir’s words were a promise: he would always keep me warm.
