Reception party 🎉

3 years ago

Mikky

@MidnightLibrary

Ariyan’s room he got a message from someone, he opened WhatsApp, and seeing the profile picture of the person, he took a lump. It was Kashish, the way she posed in her DP, Ariyan hardly could take his eyes off of her. It was a good night message that he got from Kashish.

At that moment, he got another message, from a person who had written

“Hey, Shona !! Did you have dinner I miss you so much !!! I'll meet soon” with a heart emoji.

Ariyan stared at the name for a few minutes, a soothing smile crept on his lips, and typed

“Miss you more …love you “

The entire Malhotra mansion was decorated as if it was the queen of a kingdom, all those different coloring lights, and flower garlands on the large entrance gate were her ornaments. Pools of relatives, friends, guests, and business partners of the Malhotra industries are starting to come.

The main attraction of the event was the new bride and groom who were standing on the stage and welcoming the guests with their happy faces. Sanyogita was reflecting all shades of the new bride, she was looking like a glowing bright moonlight in her gorgeous heavy golden lehenga with the same matching two-thin strip lace blouse and the same colour dupatta hanging from her right shoulder, whereas Prithvi gleaming and dashing in his cream Indo-western. Seeing them everyone whispered “perfect match “
Prithvi introduced Sanyogita to their honourable close guests, she welcomed them with clasping hands politely.

Sanyogita’s eyes fell on her mother, her cousin brother Karan, his wife, and his son Ariyan who was 11 years old and responding to a good prognosis of his disease.

Seeing them she walked toward them and hugged her mother “ Maa, Bhaiya, Bhabhi now you came…we were eagerly waiting for you all so much!”’ Sanyogita complains about it with a puppy face
Prithvi touched the feet of Nilima[ mother of Sanyogita ]

“Arrey bass bass beta “ Nilima caressed the head of Prithvi and gave the blessing to him and continued “A mother's blessing always remains with her son “

Prithvi smiled while exchanging a soothing glance with Sanyogita and continued ““ Maa…Bhaiya,bhabi why are you so late, I already sent the driver to pick you up then ?”

“Beta, the driver hasn't any fault I just doing Puja to mandir for you two that’s why we got late and along with this you're aware of the fact how much Mumbai’s roads are busy “ Sanyogita’s mother replied

“ Maa,..again …give some rest to Godji every day you are doing new Puja “

Sanyogita nodded her head, put her hand on the shoulder of her mother
Everyone grinned.

“Hatt! Pagali, I’m all doing this for my son and daughter, you will understand this when you will be a mother “ Nilima responds in her typical Indian mother style

Sanyogita made a face while Prithvi smiled. He felt relaxed and blessed finally Sanyogita’s mother also accept him from her heart

Ariyan came ahead within a blink hugged Sanyogita, with his small hands “ Aunty “

Sanyogita caught him and maintained her balance, she bent down on her knee so could reach up to the height of Ariyan who continued with his cute childish voice “ Aunty you are looking like a Queen “

“Ohh!!! Really “ Sanyogita held Ariyan by her hands and nodded her head with chuckles

“Yes “ Ariyan nodded his head

“Thank you, sweetheart !” Sanyogita held the cheek of little Ariyan and kissed him there. Her lipstick marks paste on the soft cheeks of Ariyan who came forward and kissed his Aunty back
Although Prithvi enjoyed the bonding between Sanyogita and her little nephew. He noticed everything but made a fake face to tease his new wife.
Prithvi also bent down on his knee “So, all the best compliments and kisses for Aunty only, Ariyan now forget his best friend “

Sanyogita gave a teasing gaze to Prithvi and giggled “ Mr. CEO you are so jealous”
Prithvi narrowed his eyes and pulled Ariyan closer to him

“No, Prithvi I can’t forget my best friend

“ Ariyan replied, enclosing one arm around the neck of Prithvi and leaning closer to Prithvi, and kissing his cheek.

“Look who is now getting jealous”

Prithvi teased Sanyogita and kissed Ariyan back, he fondled him in his arms. Sanyogita gave a fake smirk.

“Ariyan, how many times told you don’t take his name he is your Uncle “ Ariayn’s mother shouted

“Bhavi, don’t worry, Ariyan and I are best friends so I loved it more when he called me by my name “ Prithvi got up and picked up little Ariyan in his arms
Sanyogita too got up and looked at Ariyan’s mother and nodded her head with assurance.

Prithvi walked away towards the stage where the cushions for both bride and groom were arranged,
on the way
Ariyan asked while folding Prithvi’s neck by his small arms

“Prithvi, Mammy told me that from now onwards Aunty will be staying at your house, not with us. Why so ?”

“ because Aunty and I are now married that’s why “

“But why did Aunty have to leave her house after marriage, Prithvi, why couldn't you stay with us at our house ??“

Prithvi looked at Ariyan for a moment and go through the deep inner meaning of his question looking at his cute face, Prithvi hold Ariyan’s chin with affection and said “ If you want I’d stay with you then okay now onwards we’ll stay together “

Ariyan made a circle on his head and said with a foolish laughter “ Prithvi how could you stay at our small house ?“

Prithvi smiled gently and said “ Ariyan, our house doesn't our heart should be bigger “

They reached the stage Prithvi took a seat on the cushion and made Ariyan seat on his lap

“You mean this heart “ Ariyan turned his head towards Prithvi and showed him his left chest

Prithvi gently oscillated his eyes over the innocent face of little Ariyan “ Yes, dude this heart “ he kissed the head of Ariyan who giggled.

“Prithvi you are talking like my Aunty “
“Really “

“Yes…by the way …Do I have ice cream tonight here ?”

“Yes you can “

“Chocolate, pastry, cold drinks, Video games, ….

“Yes, You can have everything tonight “

“Yeh…hurrah..” Ariyan brought his fist closer to Prithvi who too did the same both their fists hit a little in cheers.

Sanyogita took her maternal family with her to a side, Shambhavi was talking to them.

Sanyogita noticed how Prithvi and Ariyan were laughing, smiling, and cracking jokes together. Her heart was overwhelmed with emotions.

“Bhaiya is looking so happy today, 5 months ago the scenarios of the Malhotra mansion weren't lesser than a lonely desert “

Sanyogita felt the touch of the hand of her only younger sister-in-law, Anushka who was looking elegant in that lavender floral lengha .

Sanyogita turned and saw the glistening eyes of Anushka who didn't stop and continued “ Thank you so much Bhavi …don’t know how much happiness you’ve given us. Bhaiya will never be like this, as you knew he was always busy in his world parties, clubs, drinking…but now it feels like a version of him and I believe he knew all because of you “

Sanyogita kept her hand over the palm of Anushka, she blink once and said “ It’s not me ..your Bhaiya also fill my life with everything ..not only he , infact my entire family fills up those void with their pure love, affection …thank you so much “ Sanyogita’s eyes were twinkling with water

Their sweet conversion was broken by the voice

Anushka got a hit on her head, it was Ariyan her brother

“Why are you making my bhabhi cry ?”

“Bhabhi see this, every time he scolds I’m not a child anymore, Now soon I’m going to be the doctor than wait how I’ll give you an injection “Anushka was giggling

“ohoo…Doctor…before that completes your primary school, you kiddo ”Ariyan teased once more

Sanyogita was laughing seeing the banter of brother and sister.

Nevertheless, she told them “ Ariyan …stop it, why are you teasing her ?”

“Bhabhi…” Ariyan kept his hands on his waist glancing at her with a fake angry gesture “so, you now pulled Bhavi at your team “

“Bhavi is already in my team, since the beginning “ Anushka showed a smirk, she circled her arms around Sanyogita who tried to stop the fight between sister and brother

“Bhavi, this is not fair, it's cheating you promise me you’ll be in My team only “ Ariyan complaint like a child

“Noo…she is in my team ..you potato “ Anushka tease

“Bhavi said to her you are in my team …you pumpkin “ Ariyan pulled the ear of Anushka

Ariyan and Anushka’ banter goes on for a moment more.

“Ariyan, Anu…stop now. why are you two fighting like kiddo “

Ariyan and Anushka looked at Sanyogita with round round eyes.“Okay, I’m in both teams now happy “Sanyogita replied with a giggle

“By the way Bhaiya I and Bhavi were talking about why you become haddi all time “

“Oyeee…I forget to tell you Mom is calling you “

“Why ?””

“Don’t know but she said that just called her “

Anushka looked at Sanyogita then Ariyan said “ Don’t look at Bhabhi it’s her special occasion, go and help Mom”

Anushka showed her tongue to her brother before leaving.

Sanyogita smiled gently and whispered “ why the mood of my younger -brother-in-law like this “

“No, Bhabhi. nothing like that” Ariyan sounded as if he wanted to hide something

Sanyogita chuckled “ so how the things like that ?”’[with raising eyebrows ]

“Bhabhi “

“Yes, I’m yours Bhabhi that’s why asking you, for a few days I've been watching even before the wedding of Prithvi and me, you are hiding something. In the morning I saw you upset, tell me what happened ?”

“No, Bhabhi whatever you are thinking, nothing like that, everything is alright “
“Is it?”

Ariyan looked at Sanyogita and the gesture of her face told him she wasn't conceived with his reply

“Ariyan, you think of me as your friend then why this hesitation, have you fought with your girlfriend ?””

“Bhabhi …woh ..” Ariyan was quiet for a moment

“Ohh..I was right “

“No Bhabi…we didn't fight ..”

“So you have a girlfriend !”

“Yes, Bhabhi..”Ariyan gave a revelation glance

“What’s her name and where is she ?? Why didn't she come to our wedding? Have you invited her or not ?” Sanyogita chuckled at her last question

Ariyan smiled gently “ Bhabhi ..she is Meera ..she was eagerly wanted to, meet you two and also joined the wedding but Meera’s father's condition isn't going well, even she wanted to come today but there at her family, she is only by her parents' side that's why I told her to take care of him. I wanted to visit there but Meera advised me that it was my brother's wedding. How could I miss it? it's one of the most special occasions of his life being a brother I should be a part of his happiness too “

Sanyogita looked at Ariyan for a moment with guilt and asked “ what happened with her father exactly? I feel bad for her! I want to meet her “

“Brain hemorrhage “ Ariyan was quiet for a moment

Sanyogita paused too.

Seeing the gloomy face of Sanyogita
Ariyan said "Don’t worry Bhabhi, one week ago, Meera’s father fell from the stairs. And died in hospital. I visit there just once but she told me not to inform about it to my family as she didn’t want to spread the gloominess once again, as Prithvi Bhaiya too has taken 5 months to cured after his accident, she knew everything about our family, that’s why she didn't want to add us in her misery “

Sanyogita motioned her eyes over the gloomy face of Ariyan and said “ The girl who is caring about us, our family, even our wedding even had that courage to give support to her family in one of the worst situations. Indeed she is a strong woman and also a pure soul. I believe she loves you so much. I want to meet her, even to her family “

Ariyan tried hard to smile “ yes Bhabhi ..even though I wasn't in the mood to meet my old friends, it was Mira who insisted on meeting them at least once. I miss her so much Bhabhi …Meera is an amazing girl her personality makes me fall for her more “

Sanyogita was listening to Ariyan carefully “ Hmm..I can witness that in your eyes ..how much you love her ..Promise me Ariyan you’ll never hurt her. As the girl who cares for you so much, and thinks about your family so much …she deserves love every moment. “

“Yes, Bhabhi Soon I’ll talk about her to my family . Now she wants to study for higher education . Before that she couldn't think about marriage. She is very determined about her dreams. Meera loves to help people, that's why she chose medicine, and I respect her thoughts “

Sanyogita was listening to Ariyan with full concentration and indeed respect built up in her heart before meeting Mira. “By the way, your bhaiya, does he know about this or not ?”

“No Bhabhi he doesn't”

“Why so?”’

“Bhabhi, Bhaiya just get his happiness a few weeks back, when the things got normal then Mira’s father is…” Ariyan’s voice choked

Sanyogita patted Ariyan's back “ Don’t worry everything will be alright “ although she knew there was a very rare chance for Meera’s father to cure .

“Bhabhi doesn't say anything to Bhaiya right now, after completion of the events I’ll tell everything to him. I want to see him happy. Bhaiya loves me so much if he got the information before would obviously quit the wedding for a month..whatever occurs..life never stops , time never waits for anyone “

Sanyogita frowned “Ariyan ..if Prithvi did that too even I’ll agree with him, maybe life doesn't stop nor even time but we are family. If anyone is going through a storm, family is also a part of it. Family doesn't mean duty towards your closer one, it's the love that forces them to be the wall whatever storm comes in front of anyone in their family. Ariyan I want to meet Meera if possible tomorrow. I haven't had any problems. And one more thing, I don’t find any logic in hiding things from Prithvi, your bhaiya will be hurt if you don’t tell him the truth . It’s my command to tell him everything after the end of the party, okay “

Ariyan motioned his eyes over the calming face of Sanyogita, at the end he agreed with her too “ Okay Bhabhi “

Sanyogita nodded her head ..

…………………….

Prithvi was searching for Sanyogita who was standing at a corner alone.

“You are here ?”I was searching for you inside the hall ”

Hearing the voice of Prithvi she turned around him completely. Looking at her gloomy face Prithvi walked closer to her worried

“What happened Jaan ?? Why are you looking upset ?”

“No, I’m fine “

“Hey, I know this technique of yours hiding things “ Prithvi swift his arms around her waist and pulled her closer to his chest

“ No, I just wanted to..” Sanyogtia’s voice choked. “ I’m missing Papa “ she hid her face in his chest. Hearing about Mira, Sanyogita recalled to her father how he died.

Prithvi stroked her head and back, his heart was aching too “ Jaan ..I know ..I could understand how it feels to lose someone closer to your heart..but the thing is that crying isn't the solution to everything “He felt the wetness in his chest

Sanyogita reminds Prithvi’s mother who died at a very young age when he was just 10 years. She opens her eyes and looks up at him.

Prithvi cupped her cheeks in his hands and wiped her tears, he didn't want to spoil her Kajal, not even all her make-up.
“I’m sorry Prithvi I should understand it, I’m your wife now I should care about your every happiness”

“Hey, who said that we get married? That's why you have to think about your husbands all the time. If you break down I’ll always be there with you, as usual. We two vow together, togetherness doesn't mean only being attached with the happy moments, it's also the part of sharing problems. “

Sanyogita stared at him with moistened eyes, she nodded her head “ I know you too miss your Mom..we two miss our closest one, one of the biggest moments of our life is today and ..

“And we hope where they may be in the cosmo they are watching us and wanted us to be happy, smiling always “ Prithvi complete her sentence

She nodded her head in agreement. She moved closer to him more, he is 6 ft in height still wearing heel boots, she is too wearing bridal heels, uplifted on her toes to reach his cheeks, and kissed him there.

Prithvi smiled at her action, held her by her waist, and kissed her forehead.

“Now let’s go, everyone is waiting for us inside “

She nodded her head, but before leaving “ Prithvi stop “ she held his arms

“Now what ?”He motions his eyes with confusion

Sanyogita came closer to him and wiped her lipstick marks from both of his cheeks with her handkerchief.

Prithvi smiled and took his face near her gazing at her romantically. He was about to close her mouth against him but she put her hand on his mouth, and he kissed her palm. She blushed.
Now let’s go..she whispered with shyness

…………………

Inside the party, everyone started to dance, and Prithvi was enjoying the event to its fullest. Everyone noticed how happy he was. He brought Sanyogita to the stage and started to dance with her in so many romantic duets.

Ek Dil Ek Jaan - Padmavati

https://youtu.be/c64I9HNpiOY

Jeena-Jeena – Badlapur

Dil Diyaan Gallan – Tiger Zinda Hai

Nazm Nazm – Bareilly ki Barfi

Jab Tak – M.S. Dhoni -The Untold Story

Kaun Tujhe – M.S. Dhoni -The Untold Story

Ishq Wala Love – Student of the Year

And many more..

The media was clicking pictures of the bride and groom celebrating their special events from their souls. Everyone was wondering about glimpsing the happiness of the new bride and the groom, gleaming like a diamond.

Shambhavi, Annaya, Anushka, Ariyan, and even Little Ariyan, Prithvi's grandfather, everyone was dancing and laughing from the core of their heart. Prithvi’s father was happy and his eyes moistened seeing the enjoyment of his family and his only child .

Shambhavi and Adityanath (Prithvi's grandfather) danced on
Ban Ja Rani - Tumhari
Suluhttps://youtu.be/Lx4ESwFT9mk

Everyone jumped into the dancing, even all the guests of Prithvi's friends…
Sanyogita's best friend Radhika, Ariyan…also joined

Dil Chori Sada Ho Gaya - Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety
https://youtu.be/xWi8nDUjHGA

Sanyogita pulled her father-in-law to the stage and started to dance with him too.
Sanyogita’s mother was very happy, her heart was overwhelmed seeing the family accept her daughter.

Reporters were talking with the Malhotra family about how they felt on these big occasions. They asked them lots of questions.

Prithvi was busy with his college friends group as they hardly met or meet rarely in a year, maybe only a single time.

Anannya was calling Sanyogita on the way a reporter asked her “ Mam , just a few minutes “

Sanyogita turned around seeing the reporter she paused for a moment she had a huge feeling she had already seen him before but where her brain was going through to reminisce, then the man asked

“Mam, how you are feeling after all the chaos, finally you and Mr. CEO Prithvi Malhotra heirs of Malhotra company, knot in a tie”

Sanyogita was gazing at the report without blinking then her eyes fell on the id card of the man “ Rishi Chawla “ whom she went to meet at a restaurant upon the several insistence of her mother who choose him as her perfect suitor but she reject Rishi on his face on the very first place .

“‘Maam?”” Rishi asked . Rishi cursed his tongue to address the woman who once could be his wife if she agreed with his proposal, but his heart was burning with furry watching Sanyogita with one the richest Buisness tycoon of Mumbai, Prithvi Raj Malhotra.

Sanyogita got back her sense “ Haa ..”

“Mam I was asking …” he repeated his question

“I felt very happy, He was cured by the blessing of God”

“Okay Mam another question ..after so much chaos finally Mr CEO marries you even if his family accepts you without caring about those trolling on the social media “

Sanyogita furrowed her brow, the weight of the questions pressing down on her. With a quick breath, she muttered “excuse me” and attempted to sidestep the escalating tension. However, Rishi was relentless, his curiosity driving him to delve deeper into the sensitive issues that hung in the air like a storm cloud.

“Ma'am,” he began, his voice steady but urgent, “we’ve received some troubling information regarding your sister’s attempt at suicide. Can you shed light on this? Was she feeling guilty, perhaps, that she felt the need to resort to such drastic measures to escape her reality?”

Sanyogita’s frown deepened, her discomfort palpable as Rishi pressed on. “What do your parents think about your sister’s occupation? How did they react when they discovered what she has been involved in?” He leaned in slightly, watching her expression closely. “What must have gone through your father's mind when he learned that his daughter was engaging in such a risky lifestyle, luring wealthy men?”

The intensity of the questions left Sanyogita feeling cornered, but Rishi showed no signs of stopping. He continued, “You married a successful businessman yourself, so one could assume you find satisfaction in that kind of life, correct? How does that reflect on your views about your sister’s choices?”

As if his inquiries weren’t heavy enough, Rishi’s next question cut through the tension like a knife. “Do you believe your sister had any part in your father’s death? Do you think the shame surrounding her actions was too much for him to bear?”

Each query piled upon Sanyogita, leaving her grappling with emotions of anger, sorrow, and uncertainty. She struggled to find her words amidst the barrage of pointed inquiries, the shadows of her family’s struggles looming large over her thoughts.

Sanyogita's demeanor had escalated into a concerning level of impatience, her anxiety palpable to those around her. As she stood amidst a throng of reporters, the tension in the air was thick. One particular journalist, eager for a scoop, posed a question that pricked at the raw edges of Sanyogita’s emotions.

At that moment, Prithvi, who had been observing from a short distance, hurried over to support her, sensing her distress. However, before he could utter a word in her defense, Sanyogita interjected, revealing a depth of feeling that caught everyone by surprise—even those closest to her, including her mother.

With a voice trembling between anger and grief, she demanded, "How did you come to learn about what happened to us? What makes you so certain? And please, tell me who my sister was and what she did for a living! What do you truly know about her? How many journalists, how many individuals have claimed to know her story? How dare you point fingers at her when you don’t know the full truth? You are human, aren’t you?"

Sanyogita's words rose in intensity, her emotions swirling around her like a tempest. "My sister was a vibrant soul once, filled with joy and laughter. But now, all I see is the blame heaped upon her for things she never did. Can you even begin to fathom the torment she faced? The haunting struggles she endured? Do you have the capacity to imagine the pain she carried? To truly understand, one must possess a heart—something that appears conspicuously absent in this gathering. Yet here you all are, turning her into some sensational story, a product to be marketed, as though her life—to you—is merely a golden key for your advancement!"

Her voice quaked with emotion, a fierce mix of protectiveness and sorrow, as she called out the insensitivity of a world that had reduced her sister’s life to headlines and tragic narratives.

"And you! How can you possibly have the audacity to pry into what my family has gone through? Have you ever thought about how your own family would feel if they were put in a similar situation? Imagine, for a moment, if your sister were to endure such a tormenting and horrific ordeal—could you really find the strength to stand here in front of me, looking me in the eye, and pose such a callous question? She too was a vibrant human being, deserving of compassion and respect! I beg you, let her rest in peace; stop the relentless gossip and rumors circulating on social media! I insist that this stops immediately!"

Sanyogita's voice trembled, nearly breaking as she spoke, her desperation palpable.

A reporter continued to snap photos furiously, capturing the tense atmosphere surrounding them. Rishi stood at the edge of the scene, a wave of guilt washing over him. The weight of his male ego pressed heavily on his chest, a reminder of his inability to gracefully accept Sanyogita's rejection, especially in light of her recent marriage to Prithvi. The anger and shame intertwined, leaving him visibly unsettled.

Nearby, a young female reporter had positioned herself to ask an all-too-intrusive question. “Excuse me, ma’am... could you tell us what exactly happened to your sister?” she inquired, her voice steady yet probing, eager for a story.

Suddenly, the atmosphere shifted dramatically. Prithvi, who had been standing protectively beside Sanyogita, erupted in anger. “Enough! No more questions!” he snarled, his voice slicing through the air like a hot knife. He swiftly took Sanyogita’s arm, guiding her away from the intrusive reporters, who stood wide-eyed, caught off guard by his fierce protectiveness.

Nilima watched and heard everything, her eyes were too damp with salty water . Shambhavi was with her
“Nilima, we know everything ..don’t feel bad . Sanyogita gives a tight response to the reporter “

Sanyogita burst out in a cry in the chest of Prithvi

“How many days ?? How many days have I to hear this? What is the fault of my Dii? Why is everyone blaming her? Those who were behind her disaster are roaming around the city without any guilt or shame, but here society is accusing my sister of making allegations against her. She was innocent, she was the victim, but neither one is ready to accept the truth “

Prithvi stroked her back and head. He never imagined the media was still chasing the case which he stopped many days ago.

“Jaan, we know everything, I trust you, we do believe she was innocent “

“I wished I could punish all the culprits .”

“If it possible I’ll be with you, I promise “
Sanyogita looked up at him, Prithvi cupped her cheeks and wiped her cheeks and eyes.

Anannya, Anushka, and everyone felt bad for Sanyogita as she had to hear those abusive things about her sister repeatedly , especially at her reception party. They tried to enlighten her.

As Prithvi strolled down the dimly lit corridor, his footsteps echoed softly against the walls. He paused when he heard the animated conversation ahead. It was Sanyogita’s sister-in-law, Shalini, who was Ariyan’s mother, deep in discussion with Sanyogita’s closest friend, Radhika.

“Thank God Sanyogita had the sense to reject that Rishi right from the start,” Shalini exclaimed, her voice laced with relief. “Who knows what kind of trouble he could have brought into her life?”

Radhika nodded vigorously in agreement, her brow slightly furrowed as she recalled the earlier events. “I must admit, I was furious with Sanyogita for turning him down initially. But looking back, it’s clear she made the right call. Rejecting him might have been like giving him a much-deserved verbal slap!”

The intensity of their conversation caught Prithvi’s attention, and he couldn't hold back his curiosity any longer.

He approached the two women, his expression serious and inquisitive. “Rishi? Rejection? What exactly are you two talking about?” he asked, his voice commanding yet curious.

Both Radhika and Shalini turned sharply to face him, their expressions shifting from surprise to concern. They hadn’t expected Prithvi to overhear and approach them, and the weight of the conversation suddenly felt heavier in his presence.

“Jiju,” Radhika began, her voice trembling slightly as she carefully chose her words, “Rishi is the same boy who Sanyogita visited once, at a restaurant, on the insistence of Nilima Aunty. But she turned him down, despite the pressure. The truth is, she is deeply in love with you, even though she didn’t know your name at that time. Strangely, she had feelings for you long before you even met.” She glanced at Prithvi, sensing the tension building around him, aware of the storm brewing within.

“Yes, Bhaiya,” Shalini chimed in, her eyes wide with the weight of the revelation.

“Sanyogita has turned down numerous proposals. There were times we even questioned whether she loved anyone at all. But she never confided in us about her feelings. It was only after she returned from her business trip to Malaysia that we learned about you. She spoke about you with such admiration and warmth, sharing details that made it clear how special you are to her.”

Radhika nodded solemnly, her expression serious. “Jiju, please refrain from asking her anything right now. She’s already in a fragile state after everything that transpired tonight. I could see it in her eyes when you were in the hospital. People around her have been unrelenting—taunting her mercilessly. Boys from her locality would tease her, some even going to the lengths of reaching her home, hurling insults at her, and asking demeaning questions, like how much she would charge for an hour. It’s cruel, and it breaks my heart to witness it all. She feels trapped and guilty, but deep down, she is fighting her own battles and doesn’t have the strength to confront anything additional at this moment.”

As Prithvi listened, a surge of anger coursed through him, causing his blood to boil. He clenched his fists tightly, the knuckles whitening as he struggled to contain his rage. “Who were those boys? Do you know them?” he demanded, his voice tightened with a mix of fury and concern.

Radhika felt a wave of dread wash over her at Prithvi’s expression, which was dangerously volatile. She could see the storm brewing behind his eyes, a fierce protective instinct raging within him.

“Jiju,” she began cautiously, her voice trembling slightly, “Sanyo made me promise not to share anything about that incident with you. She knows how intense your anger can get, especially when it comes to matters involving your family’s reputation.” Radhika took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves as she continued. “If you find out who they are, I fear that you won't hold back your fury, and it could lead to serious trouble.”

She paused, gauging his reaction before proceeding. “All she wanted was for you to be happy and safe, especially in light of everything going on. Sanyo hoped that if you could just see life normally for a moment—without the chaos and the tension—maybe it would bring you some peace. That’s why she endured those awful words and taunts, to shield you from this mess.” Radhika’s voice softened as she added, “She wanted your happiness above all else.”
Prithvi stood quietly, his gaze fixed on Radhika as she spoke. Each word she uttered wove a tapestry of concern and vulnerability, but his mind drifted momentarily as Sanyogita’s words echoed in his thoughts. “I don’t care about the world; I only care about your happiness, your well-being.” He closed his eyes for a brief moment, trying to quell the surge of emotions that threatened to engulf him, his heart racing like a tempest within.

After a moment of silence, he opened his eyes, focusing intently on Radhika. The calmness in his voice was a mask, concealing the storm of anger and protectiveness brewing inside him.

“Radhika… who were those boys?” he asked, striving for a semblance of composure, though his insides churned with frustration and worry. The image of her distressed face ignited a fierce determination within him to uncover the truth.

To be continued......