Chapter 8

"She didn't want to be forced into a marriage. Unlike some people, she values her freedom and doesn't just latch onto the first available man."

A gasp escaped from Mandira and Sunaina. Anurag and others shot Aashi a warning look, but the damage was done.

Seher's eyebrows shot up, her initial amusement replaced by shocked disapproval. "Aashi! That's uncalled for. Even if you think it's true, you don't say something like that to someone's face." She turned to Anurag. "What had happened?"

Before Anurag could formulate a response, a voice sliced through.

"What happened is none of your business." Ved snapped, climbing down the stairs. His youthful face was a mask of anger, his jaw tight. "How many times have I told you not to poke around matters that don't concern you."

Seher recoiled slightly, a flicker of hurt registering in her eyes.

Naira was surprised to see Ved's usual composure lost in front of Seher. She had heard about Seher from Kriya. Seher spent all her time with this family since childhood. Rohan and Kriya were her closest friends and Aashi loved her no less than a sister. Anurag and Payal were like her own elder brother and sister. And with Ved they went to the same school, they were in the same class, and they even now went to the same college. Kriya had said Ved and Seher weren't really friends. But Naira could sense, Ved hated Seher. Or did they both hated each other?

"Ved, I was just asking..."

"Asking what? Enjoying the gossip?" Ved's voice rose with each word. "You missed the wedding because of a family emergency, right? Well, maybe you should focus on your own family instead of sticking your nose into ours!"

"Ved!" Rohan interrupted. "Why are you shouting?"

"Why is she always here to discuss our family matters? I don't like her lurking around my house all the time like she owns the damn space!" Ved couldn't control the fury ignited within him. He turned to Seher "Tamannah ran away, okay? She left Bhaiya standing at the altar. And Naira," he said, turning to Naira, "saved the day."

Naira felt a surge of gratitude towards Ved. She thought he would never accept her in the family, but now she realised, he was genuinely trying.

"Anurag Bhai got married to her for both the family's reputation." Ved completed.

Seher's face hardened.

"That could have been explained to me a little decently. I don't think I have done anything wrong by putting that question forward. Anyone could grow curious. It's not my fault your family drama is so fascinating."

"Curious enough to humiliate my Bhabhi?" Ved retorted, taking a step closer to Seher. "She is trying her best to fit in here, trying to be a part of this family that she just married into, and you are adding to the pressure with your insensitive questions! The whole town knows, so don't pretend like the gossip didn't reach you."

"No it did not!" Seher shouted back. "My grandmother was ill and we were at the hospital. I didn't have time to gossip! As soon as I landed today, I rushed here. I didn't know what had happened."

"Do you really think I would take that? You are constantly glued to Rohan Bhai and Kriya. They spill everything in front of you!" Ved spat like venom.

"Ved, that's enough!" Anurag finally found his voice. He turned to Seher, his expression apologetic. "Seher, I am sorry on Ved's behalf."

"I'll come back later, Bhaiya." She left and no one stopped her.

Scoffing, Ved retorted to his room while Anurag glanced at Naira, his eyes pleading for understanding. Naira forced a smile, but inside, she felt a wave of despair wash over her. Would she always be the replacement bride, the topic of hushed whispers and awkward conversations? The festive atmosphere of the Singh household had again completely spoiled.

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The grand ballroom was bathed in warm golden light, the crystal chandeliers glittering overhead like a thousand tiny stars. Anurag stood at the entrance, adjusting his tie, a faint smile playing on his lips as he caught sight of Naira.

Naira, radiant in her deep maroon lehenga embroidered with gold thread, was gently conversing with a group of relatives. Her eyes sparkled with excitement, but there was a subtle nervousness beneath her composed exterior.

"Hello," A voice cut through Anurag's thoughts. A tall figure had approached—a man extending his hand.

"I am Dev, Naira's cousin."

Anurag stepped forward, extending his hand. "Nice to meet you. You wweren't at the wedding?"

"I live abroad. Don't get leave from work often. But when I heard about Naira's wedding, I couldn't stop myself. I am more closer to Naira than I am to Tamannah and Mahek.

Before Anurag could formulate a response, he saw his wife running towards his direction.

"Dev!!!!" she jumped on him and Dev had to walk few steps backward to hold her, he was smiling happily.

"I can't believe you are here. I mean, you said you couldn't come for the wedding. How come you are here? I am so..."

"Take a breathe, sis!" Dev laughed. "I missed your wedding but wanted to be a part it anyway."

"Thank you!"

Anurag saw Naira's eyes sparkled as she talked to Dev. She laughed at one of Dev's witty remarks,and Anurag felt a sudden shift. The glow from her smile seemed brighter than before.

Naira glanced back at him, caught in the moment. A blush rose to her cheeks, and her heart fluttered with a strange warmth.

Dev, noticing the subtle exchange, smiled knowingly. "It's wonderful when two people start to see what's been there all along."

The music swelled, and Dev excused himself to greet other guests, leaving Anurag and Naira alone in the soft glow of the evening.

Neither said anything at first, but the silence was comfortable, filled with unspoken understanding.

Finally, Anurag spoke, "I'm glad tonight is different."

Naira nodded, her voice barely above a whisper, "So am I."

And in that moment, amidst the sparkling lights and joyous celebration, a quiet connection blossomed — the very first spark of a love that had long awaited its chance to shine.

"Naira," Anurag called and she looked up at him.

"As promised, I am going to give you everything you deserve as my wife. And the beginning is the ring ceremony we are going to have today."

Naira looked into his eyes - it had something she couldn't decipher but one thing that took his breathe away was the honesty in his voice. It was finally going to happen, she was finally ready to embrace Anurag as her husband. It was now time, to be herself and open her heart to and for him.

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To fully understand the characters, plot, and underlying themes, it is highly recommended that you read the other book(s) in the series. The stories contain references to events and relationships established in other installments which may be confusing or incomplete without the prior context.

Aashi and Kriya's story - Against all Odds [Available]

Rohan's story - Beyond all Measures [Available]

Ved and Seher's story - Crossed Lines [Coming Soon]