Unfinished Stories, Unhealed Wounds

Chapter: Unfinished Stories, Unhealed Wounds

Pragya's cheeks glinted a vibrant joy , her pupils dilated with excitement as her brother stepped back into her life after five long years. With an air of pride and enthusiasm, she introduced him to her finance..

“ Shaurya bhaiya…I told you I’d let you meet my finance,” “ Pragya’s tone carried warmth “ Here he is..” she gestured towards the man standing near her “ This is Mayank…Dr Mayank Bansal “

A courteous smile graced Shauryash's lips as he nodded, feeling a little uneasy at the vibrant atmosphere surroundings him .

Mayank's eyes crinkled in awe .“ It's truly a wonderful meeting to you, Mr.Shauryash . Pragya talks about you often and thanks a lot for your amazing life-performance “ he exclaimed, his voice lilting with genuine enthusiasm.

Nevertheless, Shauryash returned a slight smile , his features a hint of unrest —arrogance and pride but beneath the facade something remained unsettled— his fractured trust and conflicting emotions.

Then , just as his gaze darted towards Sanyogita. He took slow deliberate steps..each infused with an almost magnetic intensity as he approached the woman who he had once considered his everything— with whom he’d envisioned a future, days occupied with crafting melodies of joy and agony together, now replaced with a symphony of deceit.

Just as their eyes met , he noticed a subtle shift in her demeanour; her jaw lightened, fists clenched slightly, yet a shadow of shame scintillated across her face as she looked away. His intense gaze shifted to the imposing figure that stood beside her like a steadfast sentinel shielding her hidden fratilties— guarding her very betrayal that had shattered him .

“Kaise hain …” Shauryash's lips curled into a mocking smile “ Bade bhaiya? Suna hai ..aapki shaadi hoagyai hai !”

Fury boiled within Prithvi , yet his composure remained calm .He chose silence, not because he was incapable of handling Shauryash’s irony; rather out of sheer disbelief at his audacity to appear out of nowhere as though everyone’d been, waiting earnestly for his brazen entry into the party.

Without waiting to see Prithvi's reaction, Shauryash turned his attention back to Sanyogita , his gaze a cauldron of warmth and disdain, waiting for a reaction that would reveal the truth beneath the surface

Caught in a whirlwind of embarrassment, Sanyogita felt herself shrunk under the weight of Shauryash's fuming glance.

The sarcastic smirk deepened in his lips , dropping inexorably , “ Namaste…ah!” he said, bringing his both hands together in mock formality , accentuating each word like a theatrical performance. “ Bade bhabhi”

Sanyogita's heart hammered desperately, attempting to appear unfazed . Yet, his words unraveled slowly, each layer laden with sarcasm , aimed solely at her.

“ Ah! Aapko toh main bahut aache se janata hoon !” he taunted, his eyes glinting treacherous mockery.

Prithvi’s expression hardened, shooting a sharp glance that could slice through Shauryash's flesh .

Shauryash’s merely expression softened, a deceptively faint smile glinting in his lips “ I mean, aap ke toh kahin dewane hai …and mein toh un sabse agey hoon. “

Sanyogita stood frozen, cheeks flamed with humiliation. Prithvi's fist clenched tightly he opened his mouth but Sahuryash's word cut him off —

“I’ve heard all you launched songs" he said, his eyebrows arching playfully, while his hands slipped into his trouser pockets . “But “ his tone shifted, taking on a conspiratorial air — “ Why is it that there wasn't any singing before you became Singhaniya?” His words were venomous, framed with jibes only Sanyogita could truly perceive.” Is there a particular reason behind this,..Bhabhi?”

Sanyogita's heart plummeted, disbelief washing over her . Yash insinuated that she had leveraged Singhaniya's name for her success — despite knowing she would never pursue someone's power and authority for her ambition.

A tightness gripped his chest , he even wondered about his words, how they could be delivered easily.

Sanyogita swallowed hard , her lips trembling , breathing coming in quick gasps as she fought to compose herself. Before she uttered a word , Prithvi's hand slid against hers, fingers interlocking with a steadiness that contrasted Sahuryash's poisonous barbs .

“Sanyogita, let's come. There are many important guests we need to attend at the party . “ Prithvi's words, conveyed with cold precision, loaded the implications directed at Shauryash . "We don't have time to waste on useless people!”

She snapped immediately , a look of disbelief coursed through her face , at Prithvi's abruptness . However, she didn't interrupt him , her pace quickening as they glided smoothly amidst the crowd.

Shauryash's sarcastic smile faded instantly, his jaw tensed as he swallowed his insulted pride , feeling the weight of countless eyes — both familiar and judgemental, fixed upon him.

Then, just slightly amidst the sea of familiar faces, one gaze anchored him , fierce and unyielding. A mixture of longing and rebuke flickered in her eyes. He choked back the pang of emotion that clawed at his throat, unable to withstand the intensity of her stare.

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Shauryash thought about leaving the party, but with Pragya’s insistence, he decided to stick around at the haveli. Sanjeev and Varsha decided not to comment until Shauryash learnt to behave and not tarnish the family image, for that Pragya took that responsibility to her heart .

In the midst of everyone's uncertainty, one person was genuinely delighted, and that was Ishita,Shauryash's mother .

The ring ceremony went off without a hitch, and Pragya's smile was radiant. Siddharth embraced his daughter , planting a loving kiss on her forehead.

Soft music filled the air as Mayank approached her for a dance .

Mayuri kept a watchful eye on Shauryash, hoping he wouldn't ruin Sanyogita's life. Rishabh chatted with Prithvi and Sanyogita, however she barely could manage to join in. She tried to focus on the conversation between her father and her husband , albeit, two intense gazes kept drawing her attention, which felt like a sting in her skin.

Once Rishabh excused himself , Prithvi found Sanyogita looking a bit shaken. He spoke gently , his words were both comfortable and assuring“ Don't mind Shaurya’s comments.. He's just being rude and doesn't know how to respect a family “

Sanyogita snapped immediately, searching for his face, and though his expression was calm, his words carried an undercurrent of disrelishness.

Her eyebrows puckered with confusion . “You know him?” She whispered , then regretting her question, how couldn't Prithvi know about Yash , being a Singhaniya himself.

Prithvi exhaled sharply, trying to keep his cool. “ Haan , and that's why I'm warning you, stay away from him . Bas itna janlo, he doesn't belong to this family anymore.

Sanyogita stared at him flabbergasted . Her mind raced with questions as her lips quivered . Before she could say anything else , Prithvi advised “ You don't look well. Why don't you go rest in the room? I'll join you later.”

At first she denied , but after dinner , she decided it was a good idea to slip into their bedroom, while Prithvi was busy with talking to a few guests in the ballroom.

One pair of eyes remained fixated on Sanyogita as she made her way out of the ballroom.

Her heels clicked on the marble floor, and just then, a young boy approached her with a message that someone was waiting for her in the backyard of the haveli . Sanyogita's heart thudded violently. She didn't need to think twice about who the person might be .

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

In the backyard, Shauryash leaned against the railing, watching the spark of lightning cut through the vast sky. However, he felt the rays slice through his flesh like a sharp sword both deep and painful. He never expected to return to Singhaniya's house ; he’d resolved to avoid them , not even wanting to face anyone, not even his own mother. In their eyes , he was just a rude , spoiled brat, but no one checked on him how he 'd face in silence. Tonight, he witnessed the same old disdain in their vision, same filthy mocking glance in their gaze ,that provoked —“ You're an outsider”

Every old wound resurfaced the moment he landed his foot in the haveli, memories rushing back to the time when he first entered into the Singhaniya family.

When he saw plenty of prying eyes looking at him amidst all the unfamiliar faces , his tiny eyes only found comfort in two figures : one his mother and another one was Siddharth Singhaniya. Siddharth wasn't a stranger to him since he often came to meet his mother and also brought chocolates and gifts for him . But whenever he did, Shauryash's tiny eyes flickered to his mother , seeking her approval. He addressed Siddarth as his “uncle”, but one day, he swept him in his arms and asked him to address him as “Papa” . Adult Shauryash often wondered how seamlessly his tiny self melted into Siddharth embrace, feeling so home .

At the age of eight, his world shifted when his mother, Ishita married Siddharth Singhania, a wealthy businessman who had loved her long before either of them married elsewhere.

His eyes wandered with admiration and awe as he took in the grandeur of the new house . He clung to his mother during the early days , watching her try to cheer him up , as few people came to speak to them .

One day, a kid shot him a curious glare while hiding behind his mother. Later , he learned the lady was Ragini, his step father's younger sister. And the boy who was hiding behind her was her only son , Rudraksh .

His memories of his old school were hazy , but a lingering feeling remained like an untouched notebook,filled with neglected memories.He stood at the door for a second… gripping the strap of his bag. His eyes scanned the room , and everyone was wearing the same uniform as his, yet he felt a little out of place. Suddenly he stopped. Relief hit him instantly. Without thinking twice he walked straight towards Rudraksh.

Rudraksh sat quietly at the front, accompanied by a girl. Shauryash chose to sit next to them, eager to connect with anyone familiar. As he placed his bag on the desk, the girl glanced up briefly and remarked, “Hey, don’t sit here !”

He blinked, confused “…kyun?”

The girl didn’t even look up properly.Now she looked at him, fully , her tiny hair tightened perfectly with blue ribbon, swinging with each moment of her head.

“Because this seat is not for average people,” she said flatly. “Yahan sirf woh log baithte hain those who have ambition and dreams in their life ”The girl said her words carried an unfamiliar audacity which passed over Little Shauryash's head.

Shauryash couldn't help but stare at her, intrigued. How did she manage to tighten her hair so neatly, unlike his own , which always stayed shortened.. caught in the act , his face flushed as he released she'd seen him . Her cheeks puffed up like a tiny squirrel.

Rudraksh snorted under his breath. “Ignore her , dude, and have a seat “ he whispered.

Shauryash slid on the seat adjacent to Rudraksh who was half-leaning over the desk, clearly trying to peek into someone’s notebook.

The girl snapped her book shut . “ Rudra,” she hissed,”Stop copying my homework.”

“I’m not copying!” Rudraksh lied immediately.

“You’re literally leaning into my notebook.” She complained firmly.

“Bas thoda sa dekh raha hoon—”

“NO.” She shook her head ,and pulled the notebook closer like it was a national treasure.

Shauryash watched them, confused… but also a little fascinated. “Who talks like that? words slipped out without any effort.

“Waise tum kaun ho?” she asked suddenly, turning to him again.

“S-Shauryash.”

“Woh” She tilted her head. “ You're that Shauryash about whom Mom and Dad were discussing.”

Shauryash blinked innocently. He felt a little apprehensive without any reason.

The girl's words were let out immediately. “ Anyways, have you done your homework?”

He froze, “ No “

She leaned back slightly, unimpressed.“Expected.” Then with a full attitude she said “By the way, I’m Reyansha.” It didn't sound like an introduction but an announcement instead.

Suddenly she pulled out her notebook from her back and offered it to him .

Shauryash looked at her confused.

Reyansha said , but her attitude was unwavering. “ Do the homework immediately, unless Miss Malini turns you into a monkey.”

Rudraksh looked at her with aghast , unable to comprehend what exactly had happened. “ When I asked , you don't let me copy through it ..but you allowed Shauryash to do it .”

Reyansha rolled her eyes, a tiny smirk curled in her lips “ Because he is a newcomer and you “ she pointed her tiny index at Rudraksh's “ Never do it . Turning it into a habit to rely on mine .

Rudraksh glanced at her baffled, his brow furrowed with both anger and astonishment.“I forgot to do it, Reyan! Please let me copy it, or unless Ma'am will beat me.”

“ No way.” She shook her head , hands clasped together on her small chest “ That's your problem. “ Her words suddenly become indifferent “ Do you know what Dad always says, those who can't remember their homework can't be an entrepreneur."

“Kya..,pa-o-ner ?” Rudraksh scratched his head with confusion, struggling to even articulate the world ..his confusion was evident.

“Ugh , Rudra…” Reyansha rolled her eyes in disbelief, “ You don't even know this . Entrepreneur means business owner“

Shauryash tilted his head slightly, looking at Reyansha and Rudraksh's.

“ What would you want to be, Shauryash?” Reyansha's words froze him. He didn't reply, since he didn't know what she tried to mean.

Rudraksh grinned deliberately, “ Ask him what I want to be ?”

“What?” Reyansha asked curiously

He laughed like a goat “ mein baada hoke.. Principal banunga…aur tab sab teachers ko homework dunga . Tab pata chalega inko!”

Reyansha looked at him dumbfounded. “ Tumse toh baat karna hi bekkar hai !”

Rudraksh's expression turned annoying.

The class began and ended in a blue , but Shauryash barely managed to concentrate on the lecture. His thoughts meandered back to his old school, where shadows from the past looked large.

During recess , when he was sitting alone, munching on his usual tiffin, something suddenly plopped onto his shoulder . In a panic, he flung it away without even glancing to see what it was .

Nearby a boy was walking ahead, a shout sliced the air , making Shauryash's flinch. When his gaze landed on the figure he realised the boy was Vardhan. Someone told him he was his elder brother. He was eight years older than him.

“How dare you throw a caterpillar at me!” he barked, his eyes blazing with fury.

Fear gripped Shauryash as he stood before Vardhan, towering over him like a sudden storm, anticipation coiling in his stomach of an impending punch or a kick. To his surprise, Vardhan shoved him to the ground, his clothes getting filthy, and his knee scraping as a trickle of blood flowed from the fragile skin. And his tiffin box was thrown on the ground like an abandoned child.

Vardhan leaned in, his dark eyes narrowed“ And listen , if you squeak at anyone , I'll tell Dad to lock you in the store room . There you'll be chowing with rats , lizards and ghosts will eat you .” he threatened ominously.

Shauryash's throat went dry , as he watched Vardhan strut away . Pain shot through his legs , making every step towards the stand on his legs a struggle. As he was trying to take slow steps towards the corridor, a voice whispered quietly.

“ Hey, how did your clothes get so dirty?”

Shauryash's taken aback. When his eyes flickered upwards he saw another familiar figure. He was taller than the other boys, still half-child, half-adolescent, carrying the confidence that hadn't yet been shaken by the complexities of family life . Shauryash heard someone in the family address him with the name “Prithvi” .

“ Aren't you Ishita Aunt's son ?” Prithvi asked with a casual grin

Shauryash nodded , a little sheepishly.

With a slight laugh, Prithvi quipped, “ Don't you even know how to stay clean at school?” His head tilted in disbelief.

Shauryash stood bowed , unable to speak, feeling smaller than ever , he tried not to look at him.

Suddenly, Prithvi's demeanour shifted; his eyes narrowed, “Hey, your knee’s cut . “ He knelt down, examining the wound with gentle care . “ Come with me .”he said, leading him to the medical room , where he cleaned the cut with Dettol and bandaged it with surprising tenderness.

“Next time, be more careful. You can't let yourself be a fragile boy .” he advised, although his tone wasn't threatening nor did it feel taunt, rather it brought a flicker of warmth to Shauryash's innocent heart.

Five years had slipped by since he found himself alone once again . He stripped the trust in people who once felt like family . He thought of Rudraksh, his best friend, whom he hadn't contacted since leaving Singhaniya house, and their fake shelter. Prithviraj Singhaniya's words, still haunted, echoes in his mind — heavy and cold . Nobody tried to ask for the reason behind his deed; they just saw the aftermath and announced him as accused.

And he had broken yet another bond— It was with Reyansha.

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Heels clicking echoed in the desolate space, jarring Shauryash's from his tumultuous thoughts. A surge of anger and betrayal gripped his chest , but his gaze remained fixed on the sky above . Though the rain had ceased , the temperature of the atmosphere suddenly became pleasant, a cold breeze crashing against his clothes.

“ Aayo , Sanyogita ayao ..” his jeer, his words were laced with taunt, “ Oops! “ He spun to confront her fully, his expression darkened. “ What should I call you ? Mrs Sanyogita Singhaniya , or maybe …” his leaned in with a wicked grin “ Bewafaa?”

“ Yash!” Sanyogita shot back, her voice rising like a fiery arrow. raised high “Same thing shouldn't I ask you as well ? Her jaw lightened, eyes burning with fury and disbelief “Where were you ,..huh ? “ Her index finger pointed at him before dropping at her side. “You hid your identity from me, lied to me …yet you dare to label me as a traitor ? ”

Shauryash's expression twisted in disgust, “ I lied to you because I already buried my past. But what did you do? You promised me you'll always stand by me . pad khair chodho tumne toh kuch meih no mein hi sab kuch bhola diya …zindagi bhar kya saath kya nibhati. After everything , you choose greed over love . Just like a child tossing aside old toys for something shiny and new .”

Sanyogita stepped closer , holding his T- shirt in a fierce demand “ I never married Prithviraj Singhaniya willingly ! I did it so we could finally be together, to unite us!” she pushed him away , glaring fiercely.

Shauryash stared at her, perplexed.

“Where were you ..huh? She continued , her lips trembled with desperation. When my Dad was fixing my marriage I called you endlessly , searched everywhere,I talked to you friends , I even checked on your apartment but no one knew anything about you ! Do you even understand how difficult it was ? I felt trapped, wishing for death rather than this marriage. I tried to connect to you but I found you nowhere.” Sanyogita's voice cracked. "If only you hadn't disappeared, perhaps today's story would have been something else .”

Sanyogita stared at him with disbelief. Her eyes welled up with warm tears but none of that dared to spill.

Shauryash looked at her startled, unable to speak for a moment. His throat bobbed up and down as he swallowed hard the pang of bitter truth . Finally , his voice emerged through clenched teeth, words lurking out with frustration . " Pucho aapne Baap se..! “ He spat , each word dripping with resentment “ where I was…!” He strolled around her as watching her suddenly take aback.

Sanyogita looked at him startled, standing frozen on the ground .

He moved past her , watching her flabbergasted. His body tensed as he cornered her with the same abhorrence .” Your Dad kidnapped me. “

There was silence, blanketed them , heavy and almost suffocating.

Sanyogita's thought ground below her feet shifted at a corner of the world.

“ I hid my identity because I already had left my family and surname behind. I want to build my life on my terms and conditions . I yearned to be a rising superstar— not just another name tied to the Singhaniya's legacy. I tested your loyalty, spinning a tale of a poor boy . But I was surprised when you gave me the money; I had every intention of returning it . But fear gripped me — what if you'd rejected me after knowing the truth. All I wanted was someone to love me for who I truly am, not because of a family name.”

“When I saw you in Bangalore , that day I wanted to connect with you anyhow. We both have the vision to see the world. When I met you , I realised life can be so beautiful. Only to test your love and you weren't suspicious of my identity I brought the topic that I was in a cross of money. But you were still there with me. I realised you aren't spending time passing with me...you genuinely care about me."

His voice suddenly dropped quietly, helplessness and anguish reflected in his words ” Alas! When I was returning to my apartment one the way someone had kidnapped me . I was held captivated for how long I didn't know. Two men used to come to deliver meals, twice in a day. They snatched my phone but never revealed the truth . Earlier , I thought they sought ransom money , but one man revealed the truth finally : Rishabh Goyal kidnapped me only to keep me away from his daughter's life. Day’s blurred together in my prison since I didn't know when the sun rose and the sun dipped to the horizon , Shauryash's voice paused as he added the last words “ until one day, a man came to tell me it was your wedding day . When I was finally released, a whole month had already slipped away.”

Shauryash's chest ached; he couldn't look into her for any longer as if doing so would shatter him once again.

A solitary tear carved a path down Sanyogita's cheeks , warm, honest and bitter. She stood motionless, grappling with the weight of his words, each one like a blade driven into her heart .

Suddenly, as if breaking free from a spell , he turned to her , his eyes swimming with unshed emotions. He approached slowly, his hand reaching hesitantly for hers. “ yehi haath pakad ta haina woh tumhare?”

Sanyogita flinched back , he released her arm, the air thick with unspoken words.“Sanyogita…” His voice, laden with emotion, struck her like a sharp blade.

With trembling hands , it cradled her face , his eyes blazing with determination “ I might not have much right now …I can't give you grand luxuries , but I promise I can hustle to give you everything you deserve. If you get sick, I'll take care of you without sleeping night after night. If you find yourself struggling with something I'll support you , and face the problem together. I may not offer you an opulence bed , but my chest is yours; a safe haven to lay your head.

Sanyogita's head tilted slightly, as her watery eyes remained transfixed at him. As he reluctantly let her go, a strom brewed in his eyes, threatening to overflow.

Her words dropped slowly “ it's true that I didn't marry Prithviraj Singhaniya for love” she confessed , her voice steady yet haunting fragile. “Nor did I want his money . It was an escape from Dad's cage . “ She paused, wiping the tears that dared to fall .“ I thought I could sabotage this marriage, prove I was unworthy of it and we would go our separate ways.”

Her breathing hitched, a surge of doubt washing over her. She wasn't even able to muster the courage to bring into words — a promise of togetherness with Yash . As if an invisible barrier held her back.

Shauryash caught her gaze, his pulse quickened, anticipation coursing through his vein . He stepped closer slightly, his thumb brushing tenderly across her cheeks “ Sanyogita…can…you “ his voice wavered , heavily almost hesitant “ Can you leave Prithviraj Singhaniya and choose me? I want nothing but you …”

His guarded pride shattered as he pulled her into a fierce embrace, as if she were the very essence of life . “ I love you…Sandy,I love you a lot…. please return to me “

Sanyogita's face went pale , she stood frozen, however her heart was racing so much it hurt. She felt caught in the wind-loop of past and present, unable to return the warmth of his embrace.

The world around them faded, leaving only the two of them, teetering on the edge of a life-changing decision.

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Sanyogita stepped into the haveli , anticipation coursing through her veins as she made her way to her father's room , to talk to him . Her mind was a tempest of emotions, her skin pricking with a sense of betrayal — not from an enemy , but from the man who had been her protector. She was struggling to choose which path to take . Little children's laughter echoed in the hallway , while she was dissolved in her thoughts so deep she collided abruptly against the wall. And The wall was her husband's large physique. Her posture faltered, then his strong arms swooped in to steady her .

“Where were you lost?” he exclaimed, concerned about lacing his voice. “You almost knocked over that vase!”

Sanyogita's body stiffened instantly, her eyelashes fluttered once ,then twice , sensing the tension. “ Oh, I was just…lost in thought ,” she managed to reply, trying to mask her inner turmoil.

Prithvi brows knitted together as he studied her carefully,“ What's really going on?Didn't you say you were going to our room ?” The voice was filled with concern.

Sanyogita's pulse quickened, she licked her lips once , fingers nervously brushing the nape of her neck “ Ah…I was …talking to Mayuri .”

Prithvi's expression softened, but concern remained ” Alright , now , let's go inside. “

She nodded .

As they entered the room, Prithvi stood before the dressing mirror, started removing his wrist watch with practised ease .Sanyogita, however , stood near the window, staring out into the distance . Shauryash's revelation echoed, still fresh in her mind , setting fire to her thoughts.

“ What does he think he is ?” Prithvi spat, his voice thick with loathing. How desperate and shameless he has become!”

Sanyogita's head shifted, bewilderment flaring in her chest. “Who are you talking about?”

Prithvi approached her , his footsteps echoed in the empty room . “ Aur ? …that Shauryash . If it weren't for the party, I'd have thrown him out of this house already!”

A chill ran down Sanyogita's spine , looking at him dumbfounded she asked “ Why are you talking like this ? He is a family…isn't he ?”

Prithvi's jaw tightened, a bitter smirk curled his lips . “ Pehle woh Singhaniya toh ban jaye…phir he will be considered one of us.”

Confusion rumbled inside her like a brewing storm." Aap aise kaise bol sakte hain?”

Prithvi turned to her sharply. “ Five years away, and he's still the same rude, irresponsible and reckless boy .”

Sanyogita stared at him sharply, struggling with her inner battle. However , something inside her couldn't bear the resentment in his words so she conveyed it almost involuntarily. “ Aisa bhi toh ho sakta hai ,…Viraj , something unusual had happened to him . Why would he abandon his family without a reason?”

Prithvi gaz stiffened, with gritted teeth he said , almost like a warning “ Whatever it was , I have a zero tolerance for him. And one caution for you …stay away from him .”

“But why ?” Her tone was ready but filled with defiance .

His response was abrupt, calculative.” A person who doesn't know how to value family, thinks about their dignity twice, their reputation…he can be anything but can't get a place in Singhaniya house .”

Sanyogita looked up at him , swallowing hard , breathing unevenly. “ Itni nafrat kyun usey? Woh toh Pragya ke bade bhaiya haina!”

“Step-brother.” Prithvi retorted sharply, the distinction bitter on his tongue.

“So what ? He's still family ” She insisted, her voice rising with determination.

Prithvi's temper snapped short . “ Tumhe samajh nahi aa raha…mein keh raha hoon na jitna tum usey dur rahogi utna hi aach hoga “

Her anger bubbled over . It wasn't his warning but the way it was conveyed felt like a control to Sanyogita and one thing she didn't tolerate was being under control of someone else .“So you’ll decide who I can talk to and who I can't ?”

Silence fell between them.. The atmosphere shifted and became heavy and cold.

This wasn't what he expected. Suddenly his expression softened his tone . He stepped closer to her , putting his hand on her shoulder “ Asi baat nahi hai ... .you just don't know him as I do. And I was telling you for your own good.”

But she wasn’t listening to him anymore. Her thoughts were racing,tangled in Shauryash’s words, being kidnapped before the wedding, the shocking implications of a conspiracy to bind her to Prithvi. The falsehood of her circumstances looked over her, her spirit feeling trapped in a whirlwind. Her breath quickened, anxiety consuming her.

" Bas, Viraj ..bas …” She whispered, shaking her body as if trying to dislodge his suffocating explanation. . “ Family ,... reputation ... .their images...what people will think.... ! Does only these things matter to you? "

Prithvi stared at her confused, " What are you trying to say?"

It was then her fragile sanity cracked. Vulnerability spilling froth in a flood. Her words poured out in desperate waves, lashed out particularly at no-one but to her own crumbling reality.

"Hamari saansein ghut rahi hain ... Viraj” she said , clutching her chest slightly. “Akhir kya kasoor hai hamare jo hum aise jee rahe hain ?” Her eyes glistened with unshed emotions, each one telling a story of anguish . “ Naam , rishtey …family— insaab se bharosa uthe chuka hai . Aur hum mein bardasht nahi kar shakti nahi hai ..”

As the weight of her emotions bore down upon her, she fell on to her knees, her sobs echoing through the room .

Prithvi stood paralyzed, his mind racing. This wasn't anger ; this was desperation. But when her next words cut through the tension, they struck a deeper chord .

“Yeh shaadi… yeh rishte…” she shook her head, defeated “humhe kuch samajh nahi aa raha hum kya kar rahi hoon…”

Something inside him shattered—not out of rage , but from a profound aching sorrow. It landed as though someone had wrapped a vice around his throat.

"Agar hi problem thi…” his voice suddenly hardened, his armour — his pride , pain intertwining . “toh mujhse shaadi kyun Kiya?”

She froze. Unable to utter a word.

His gaze bore into hers, challenging “ Bolo Sanyogita. ? Kya main tumhare saath zabardasti ki thi ?”

Sanyogita looked at him startled. Forget to blink.

He could see the shock wash over her face, memories crashing in like waves. “This marriage was an escape.”

Her breath hitched, and she froze, wide-eyed, unable to respond.

A bitter smile formed in his lips . “Samajh gaya…” he muttered , swallowing hard, forcing the words out of his throat " Aagar tumhari yehi iccha hai… toh hum rishtey ko yahin khatam kar dete hai.."

He stared at her, emotions seeping through him like turbulence , but his lips stayed sealed, suddenly lost the will to withstand any argument.

Her eyes widened in disbelief as she watched him strolling outside, he didn't wait, just turned and resolute. She sat motionless, her mind struggling to process what just happened. Then, it hit harder— the realisation crashing over her like a strom.

He's leaving, without any fight, without waiting to hear her response. Just gone . She felt as if someone had squeezed her lungs out, leaving her choke on breath .

“Viraj—” her lips trembled, but the word came too late . Her chest tightened so tough making even breathing seemed difficult . “ What have I done ?”

This was no longer about Shauryash, not about family, not even about the truth. This was about losing him — and for the very first time , she realised the terrifying reality of what that truly meant.