Kumkum Bhagya: Rishton Ki Ankahi Kahani - Chapter 108 updt on pg 22 - Page 9

Chapter 68

A Confrontation Unfolds

Pragya and Priyanka stood face to face, their eyes locked in a furious glare. Breaking the silence, Pragya turned toward Abhi and shouted, "This is the truth, Mr. Abhishek Prem Mehra! Priyanka is the one responsible for everything that happened to Shahana on the night of the fashion event. The real target was never Prachi—it was Shahana all along!"

A stunned silence filled the room as everyone absorbed her words. Abhi frowned in disbelief. "Wait, what is this nonsense? Why would Priyanka do such a thing?"

Pragya's voice grew sharper. "Because she believed that Shahana came between her and Rishi!"

Abhi hesitated. "Wait a minute… isn’t Rishi the one obsessed with her? That’s why…" He suddenly stopped himself. Until now, he had never revealed Priyanka’s molestation case to anyone except Purab. Clenching his fists, he exhaled sharply before finally blurting out, "That’s why he molested her!"

Gasps echoed through the room. Purab shut his eyes, shaking his head in distress.

Pragya immediately countered, "No, Rishi never molested Priyanka! It was she who molested him!"

Abhi stared at her in shock. "No way! I saw Rishi leaving my office in a disheveled state, and when I stepped inside and saw Priyanka…" He paused again, his breath hitching. "I feel ashamed even to say it out loud…"

Pragya’s voice trembled with anger. "Well, now you should feel ashamed—to realize that your niece is a psychologically disturbed, obsessed woman, just like…" She stopped short, biting her tongue before completing the comparison. However, her hand pointed directly at Aliyah. Aryan and Purab exchanged tense glances.

Regaining control, Pragya continued, "Priyanka is so blinded by her obsession with Rishi that she can stoop to any level to get what she wants. And on the night of the fashion event, it was that very obsession that drove her to orchestrate a sinister plan against Shahana—and against her own sister, Rhea!"

Abhi shook his head. "I don’t believe you, Pragya!"

Pragya exhaled deeply, her expression firm. "I knew you wouldn’t. You always let your emotions cloud your judgment when you shouldn’t. But I have proof—evidence that exposes Priyanka’s obsession with Rishi!"

Everyone tensed. Abhi and Rhea stiffened, uncertainty creeping into their expressions.

Flashback: A Meeting with Sunny

Pragya recalled her conversation with Sunny.

"Maasi," Sunny had said, "when you tell Chachu about Priyanka’s obsession, he won’t believe you."

Pragya frowned. "Chachu? Since when do you call him that? You always called him Chucks."

A humorless smile crossed Sunny’s lips. "Back when I was part of that family, I was his favorite. But the day Purab Khanna chose someone else over my mother and me, I lost all my ties with them. It’s true—I hate Mr. Purab Khanna, but I still respect Mr. Abhishek Prem Mehra. That doesn’t mean our relationship is the same. Outside of work, he’s just Chachu. Not Chucks."

Pragya’s heart ached at his words, but Sunny quickly changed the subject. "Anyway, the important thing right now is making Chachu realize the truth about Priyanka. And that’s going to be next to impossible because, you know how he is—he’ll never believe you."

"Then what do we do?" Pragya asked.

Sunny smirked. "Maasi, do you remember the Mehras and Kohilis' housewarming party?"

Pragya nodded.

Sunny recounted how he and Sanju had been at the party on Priyanka’s insistence. "I overheard her muttering to herself while glaring at a blade in her hand. She said, 'Now let me settle the scores with the self-respect of the woman trying to steal my Rishi from me!'"

Pragya’s eyes widened in horror.

Sunny continued, "That’s when I knew she was planning something against Shahana. I warned Aryan, but…"

Disha, who had been listening, interrupted in shock. "Wait… Sunny, you’ve met Aryan?"

Sanju muttered under his breath, "Well, Mummy-ji, you don’t know that even Aryan knows his identity."

Sunny’s tone turned cold. "Ma, I told you—I have no ties with that family anymore. So why does it even matter?"

Disha fell silent.

Still confused, Pragya asked, "But Sunny, didn’t you say you and Sanju need to maintain Priyanka’s trust? If you reveal all this, won’t she suspect you?"

Sanju smirked. "Maasi, neither of us is going to say anything."

Pragya frowned. "Then how will we expose Priyanka’s obsession?"

Wordlessly, Sunny played a video. It was footage from the housewarming party, showing Priyanka deliberately tearing the back of Shahana’s dress while sneering, 'Now let’s see how you show your face to Rishi ever again!'

Pragya, Disha, and Sanju watched in stunned silence.

Sunny turned to Pragya. "Maasi, sometimes you have to play dirty to outsmart the dirty. The event manager at the party was a friend of Hritik Uncle’s, and I managed to get this footage from the security cameras."

Disha nodded, confirming Sunny’s words.

"And this," Sunny declared, "is how you will expose Priyanka!"

The Truth Unveiled

Back in Mehra Mansion, Pragya inserted a pen drive into the TV. The video played in front of everyone, revealing Priyanka’s cruel act at the housewarming party.

Pragya turned to Shahana. "Do you remember this happening to you?"

Shahana recalled the incident and nodded hesitantly.

The room erupted in shock. Pallavi gasped, covering her mouth. Abhi and Rhea stood frozen, horror dawning on their faces.

Rhea turned to Priyanka, her voice trembling. "So… it was you? You plotted against me? How could you? Aren’t you my sister?"

Priyanka remained silent, unable to meet Rhea’s gaze.

Pragya intervened. "Rhea, when someone is this obsessed, they don’t care who they hurt—not even family." She turned to Abhi. "I told you before—she needs help! You need to send her—"

Priyanka, now desperate, interrupted. "No, Chucks! Don’t listen to her!"

Abhi’s patience snapped. "Priyanka, enough! And show some respect—she is my wife! The mother of my daughter!"

Pragya and Rhea looked at Abhi in shock. The rest of the family smiled, except for Aliyah and Priyanka, who scowled in frustration.

Realizing she could no longer manipulate Abhi, Priyanka turned to Rhea, falling at her feet. "Rhea, I’m sorry! I used you, but I did it for love! Wouldn’t you have done the same for Ranbir?"

Pragya cut in sharply. "Don’t you dare compare yourself to Rhea! She may be your sister by relation, but she is my blood, and I know she would never stoop as low as you!"

Rhea’s eyes filled with tears, but she quickly turned away.

Ignoring Pragya, Priyanka continued pleading. "Rhea, please! I’m your family! Only family can help me!"

Abhi hesitated. Rhea, swayed by emotion, looked up and whispered, "Dad, she deserves one last chance. Let her stay with us."

Pragya clenched her jaw. "Rhea, you’re making the same mistake your father did—" Again, she stopped herself from mentioning Aliyah.

Abhi sighed. "Fine. One last chance."

Pragya shook her head in frustration. "If she ever comes near Rishi again, I will hand her over to the law!"

Everyone fell silent as Pragya turned on her heel and stormed out. Prachi and Shahana followed, while Rishi shot Priyanka a look of pure disgust before walking away.

Priyanka smirked. The game was far from over.

Next Morning – MMIS College

Sanju wandered through the college corridors, grumbling under his breath. "I must have committed some grave sins in my past life to be stuck working for the lunatics of Mehra Mansion. First Rhea Mehra, then Priyanka Rane, and now Sunny Khanna! And to make matters worse, I have to juggle this madness along with my studies. What the heck?"

Just then, he spotted Aryan approaching from the opposite direction. Sunny’s words from the previous night echoed in his mind: "Sanju, apart from the two of us, no one should ever find out that Aryan and Shahana love each other. You have to make sure it stays that way."

As Sanju snapped out of his thoughts, he noticed Shahana walking toward Aryan, waving at him with a bright smile. Keeping a cautious distance, he edged closer, eavesdropping on their conversation.

“Thanks to Maasi, everything is finally resolved,” Shahana said. “But Aryan, I think your brother had a hand in exposing Priyanka’s truth. The day before yesterday, Maasi got a call from him.”

Aryan hesitated for a moment, recalling his secret deal with Sunny. “Yes, he was involved,” he admitted. “He knew Priyanka was behind everything. In fact, he warned me about her plans against you even before the housewarming party...”

Aryan trailed off, both of them suddenly recalling the moment he had kissed her shoulder that night. A blush crept onto their faces as they instinctively averted their gazes. Quickly changing the topic, Aryan revealed the promise he had made to Sunny.

Shahana frowned with concern. “But what if he asks you to do something that causes you great pain?”

Sanju listened intently, intrigued.

Aryan exhaled deeply before replying, “I’ll do whatever it takes for my brother… because everything he has suffered in his life until now was only because of my mom and dad.”

Sanju, for the first time, felt a pang of sympathy.

Shahana studied Aryan’s face carefully before asking, “And what’s the most important thing in your life?”

Aryan was caught off guard by the question. His eyes locked onto hers, and an intense silence stretched between them.

Sanju, witnessing the growing tension, smirked before awkwardly turning away—only to freeze in shock as he spotted Prachi and Ranbir heading toward them. Panic surged through him as he remembered Sunny’s condition. Without thinking, he shouted at the top of his lungs,

“Oh hello, my jaane-man, Prachi!”

The sudden exclamation jolted Aryan and Shahana from their moment, making them jump apart.

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To be continued.

Chapter 69

MMIS College – The Confrontation

Aryan and Shahana startled at the sudden outburst of Sanju’s voice, quickly moving apart. However, Prachi and Ranbir, oblivious to their presence together, frowned in annoyance upon spotting Sanju in their college.

Sanju kept a watchful eye on Aryan and Shahana while his mind raced. "Oh god! If these first two lovebirds catch sight of the other two, they’ll definitely grow suspicious about their relationship. How on earth am I supposed to stop that from happening?"

Determined, he edged closer to Ranbir and Prachi. Aryan, too, took a step toward them when Shahana grasped his hand, stopping him.

“Wait, Aryan. I need to show you something,” she said. “I’m sure Ranbir can handle that fool!”

Aryan glanced between Sanju, who was approaching Prachi and Ranbir, and Shahana, who looked at him expectantly. With a silent nod of approval, he turned away and left with her.

Meanwhile, Sanju reached Prachi and greeted, “Hi, Jaane—” but before he could complete his sentence, Ranbir stepped forward and delivered a resounding slap across Sanju’s face. The force of it nearly knocked him off balance.

“She is NOT your Jaane-man!” Ranbir roared. “Don’t you dare call her that again!”

Just then, Rhea arrived at the scene, witnessing the confrontation between Ranbir, Prachi, and Sanju. Clutching his stinging cheek, Sanju muttered in exasperation, “Fine! I won’t call her that.” He took a few cautious steps back, putting some distance between himself and the fuming Ranbir.

Ranbir glared at him. “What the heck are you even doing in our college?”

Sanju rolled his eyes. “What do you think people do in college? Study, right? Well, I’m here to study too!”

Prachi and Ranbir exchanged stunned glances. “Study?” they asked in unison, equally baffled. Rhea, too, appeared taken aback.

Sanju smirked. “Yes, I’m pursuing a Diploma in Textile Management. After all, I am the textile in-charge for your designer, Sunil Sharma!”

Ranbir furrowed his brows in confusion. “Wait… so Aryan was actually telling the truth the other day? You really are involved in the textile business? You’re the one bringing in materials from Hoshiarpur for our staff and Sunil?”

Sanju hesitated. That was just a lie Aryan cooked up to cover for his brother… but now it’s turning into reality! After a moment of silence, he forced a nervous smile and replied, “Ah… yes!”

Noticing Rhea standing nearby, Prachi subtly motioned toward her. Ranbir understood and turned his attention back to Sanju. “It’s bad enough that we have to see your face every day now, but let me make one thing clear. Even if you’re in the same college, stay away from Prachi. Get it through your thick skull—Prachi is MINE! Understood?”

Both Rhea and Sanju looked visibly upset at his words. Rhea’s gaze lingered on Ranbir, a flicker of emotion crossing her face. Prachi noticed and felt a pang of concern.

Ranbir dismissed Sanju with a firm, “Now, get lost!”

Still holding his cheek, Sanju picked up his bag from the ground and stormed off.

A Sister’s Pain

Once Sanju left, Prachi hesitantly stepped closer to Rhea. “I’m sorry, Rhea,” she said softly. “I misunderstood you before, but Ma was right. You could never do something so cheap. After all, you are…”

She paused, locking eyes with her sister before continuing, “…you are her daughter. My younger sister. And I promise, from now on, I’ll always think of you that way.”

Rhea’s expression darkened. “Oh, just leave it, Prachi! You can never be my sister!” she snapped. “I have only one sister—Priyanka! I will never accept you or your mother as mine because…”

She suddenly faltered, panting as tears welled up in her eyes. “Because all my life, I waited for my mother. I longed for her. But she never came. She had you. She loved ONLY YOU. She never even thought about me! If she had, she would have come searching for me. But she didn’t! And that shattered me! Now, all of a sudden, if she comes and claims to be my mother, how do you expect me to accept her—and YOU—just like that? It’s impossible!”

Prachi’s heart clenched at Rhea’s painful outburst, tears streaming down her cheeks.

Rhea quickly wiped her own tears and scoffed, “You may not realize it, Prachi, but you’ve always been luckier than me. First, you got Ma. Then, my dad. And now… even my love.”

Both Ranbir and Prachi stiffened at her words.

Rhea forced a smile, masking her anguish. “Congratulations, Prachi. Even though we were born as twins, you were always the lucky one… while I was the unlucky one.”

With that, she turned abruptly and walked away.

“Rhea, wait! There’s nothing like that… please wait!” Prachi called, running after her. But before she could go far, Ranbir stopped her, shaking his head.

“Let her be, Prachi. I’ve known Rhea since childhood. She needs time.”

Tears streamed down Prachi’s face. “But how can I, Ranbir? She’s my younger sister… How can I just let her go?”

Ranbir gently pulled her into his arms, holding her close. Stroking her hair, he whispered, “Shh… I’m here.”

Prachi clutched his shirt, her silent sobs muffled against his chest.

MMIS College – Outside the Library

Sanju paced back and forth, rubbing his cheek where Sunny had smacked him earlier. His mind raced with frustration.

"I don't know what mess this Sunny Bhai has dragged me into. I have to spy on his brother and his so-called lover, and on top of that, deal with that pain-in-the-neck Ranbir! And for what? Prachi? I don’t even want her anymore!"

He stopped and glanced around. "Now, where the hell is Aryan? If he’s still with that girl, I’ll have to make sure no one spots them together."

Lifting his gaze, he noticed the signboard above him. Library. His brows furrowed.

"People usually come here when they want to be alone, away from distractions. Did he really bring her inside?"

With that thought, he cautiously stepped forward, determined to find out.

Sarita Behen’s House

In the warmth of her home, Sarita Behen sat across from Pragya, her expression troubled.

"Till now, I thought your daughter was responsible for what happened to Shahana," she admitted, her voice quivering with distress. "But the more I think about it, the more I realize... it was all Priyanka. That girl did all of this just to trap my grandson Rishi. She even tried to frame him for molestation before. Pragya, I’m really worried for him!"

Her face grew pale with fear. Pragya reached out, trying to reassure her.

"Come on, Sarita Ji. Even if no one in that house listened to me, I made it clear—I won’t let Priyanka get away with this again. If she tries anything, I will take strict action."

But Sarita Behen still looked unsettled.

"Pragya, have you thought about what I mentioned before?" she asked hesitantly.

Pragya frowned. "What do you mean?"

"Rishi and Shahana’s alliance," Sarita Behen reminded her.

Pragya was momentarily stunned. Her mind flashed back to the conversation they had earlier—when Sarita Behen had proposed Shahana’s hand for Rishi.

"I haven’t spoken to Shahana about it directly," Pragya admitted, "but when I asked Prachi, she said Shahana does have feelings for Rishi."

Sarita Behen sighed in relief. "Then why not move forward with the proposal? Are you hesitant because you feel you're marrying off your younger daughter before your elder one?"

Pragya shook her head. "No, Sarita Ji, not at all. It’s just that before taking any step, we need to confirm their feelings. Rishi and Shahana should decide for themselves."

Sarita Behen nodded in agreement. "Fair enough. We’ll talk to them first. But if they both say yes, then I think we should proceed with the marriage as soon as possible."

Pragya remained deep in thought.

Fusion Beats – Purab’s Cabin

Inside the music studio’s office, Abhi and Purab were engaged in conversation when the door creaked open.

"May I come in, sirs?" Vikram asked with a teasing smile.

Abhi rolled his eyes. "Abhay! Enough of your childish pranks. Just tell us, why did you call us here?"

Vikram strode in, grinning. "Well, what else? We need to discuss our kids’ marriages."

Abhi and Purab exchanged stunned glances.

Vikram raised an eyebrow. "What? Why are you looking at me like that? Haven’t I talked to you about this before?"

Before they could respond, there was another knock at the door.

"May I come in?" Sunny asked.

Vikram gestured for him to enter.

Purab, still caught up in Vikram’s words, turned back to him. "You did mention Aryan and Mishti’s alliance before, but I’m still unsure. I don’t know if Aryan is ready for marriage."

Hearing this, Sunny subtly shifted his attention to their conversation, pretending to focus on the designs he had brought for Vikram.

Vikram scoffed. "Not sure? Did you even ask Aryan?"

Purab shook his head.

Sunny smirked, listening carefully.

Vikram continued, "Then how will you ever know? Look, Purab, I have a strong feeling my daughter likes your son. And I think it’s mutual."

Purab still looked unconvinced.

Vikram sighed. "Oh, come on. Don’t tell me you’re still worried about his future! Purab, I have two kids. Abhi has two daughters. But you—you have only one son."

A tense silence filled the room.

Sunny felt a sudden chill run down his spine. His grip on the file tightened before he accidentally let it slip from his fingers. The sound of papers hitting the floor broke the moment.

Vikram picked up the file and handed it back to him. "Hey, be careful! These designs are exclusive—you can’t afford to lose them just like that."

Then, turning back to Purab, he said, "So, as I was saying… Whatever is yours will naturally go to your one and only son. So why are you hesitating?"

Sunny felt suffocated. He quickly composed himself and asked, "Sir, if the designs are finalized, may I take my leave?"

Vikram beamed. "Finalized? Your designs are so brilliant, there’s nothing to improve! In fact, outside of designing for our singers, you should also design for our kids’ weddings!"

At this, Sunny immediately stiffened.

"No, sir. I’m not a part of your family to do that," he said coldly.

Abhi, Purab, and Vikram exchanged puzzled looks.

Without another word, Sunny walked out of the cabin. But as he stepped into the hallway, his eyes darkened with rage.

"Of course, Mr. Purab Khanna has only one son. Because he KILLED the other years ago. And one day, I will make sure he loses his remaining son the same way."

MMIS College – Inside the Library

In a secluded corner, Aryan and Shahana sat close together, away from prying eyes.

Aryan whispered, "Shahana, why did you bring me here?"

Shahana unzipped her bag and pulled out a black-beaded bracelet with the word Friends engraved on it. She reached for Aryan’s wrist and gently slipped it on.

Aryan raised an eyebrow, a playful smile tugging at his lips. "What’s this for? Aren’t we already friends?"

Before Shahana could respond, Sanju entered the library and spotted them. His eyes narrowed as he observed their closeness.

Shahana met Aryan’s gaze and said softly, "It’s just a small gift… for everything you’ve done for me. As a friend."

Then, after a brief pause, she added, "But… are we just friends?"

Aryan was taken aback by her words. His heart pounded as he processed the question. Instead of answering, he rested his head on her lap, just as he had the day before.

"You know," he murmured, "when I did this yesterday, I realized something."

Shahana’s fingers brushed against his hair. "Me too," she whispered.

Their eyes locked, the world around them fading away.

Sanju, watching from a distance, smirked. "These two are so deeply in love. Any moment now, they’ll confess, and my job will be done."

Relieved, he turned away, but his satisfaction was short-lived.

His eyes widened in shock as he spotted Mishti walking toward them. Panic surged through him. No, it’s not over yet!

Desperate to divert her attention, he abruptly shouted, "Hey, Mishti! Did you come here looking for Aryan?"

The entire library fell silent as heads turned toward them.

Aryan and Shahana instantly pulled apart, startled by the sudden disruption.

Mishti frowned, annoyed. She approached Sanju and hissed, "You idiot! Why are you shouting? And how did you know I was looking for Aryan?"

Sanju muttered under his breath, "Because I know you like him."

Mishti’s expression shifted. "What did you just say?"

"Nothing," he quickly covered up as Aryan approached them.

Mishti’s irritation melted into a smile as she turned to him. "Aryan, would you mind joining me for a coffee?"

Aryan hesitated, his instinctive reaction being to glance at Shahana.

Mishti remained unaware of this, but Sanju caught it immediately. He noticed how Shahana subtly shook her head, signaling Aryan to refuse.

Taking her cue, Aryan turned back to Mishti. "Uh… actually, Mishti, I have some important notes to go through in the library. I’m a bit busy right now. Maybe another time?"

To soften the rejection, he gave her shoulder a light pat before stepping away.

Shahana, watching quietly, smiled and followed him.

Mishti, on the other hand, clenched her fists in frustration. She shot Sanju a glare before storming off.

Sanju shrugged. "Well, what do you expect me to do if he doesn’t want to have coffee with you?"

With a sigh, he checked the time. "Anyway, my classes are over, my work is done… Hopefully, this is the last day of this nonsense."

Evening – Sunny’s Workshop (Garage Near His House)

The dimly lit garage echoed with the sound of billiard balls clacking against each other. Sunny, cue stick in hand, lined up his next shot as Sanju stood nearby, recounting the day's events.

"Bhai, I don’t think I need to spy on Aryan anymore. It’s obvious—he’s going to propose to Shahana tomorrow. And once that happens, everyone will find out, so—"

Before he could finish, there was a sharp thwack!

Sunny struck the cue ball with precision, sinking another ball into the pocket. He leaned on the table, his expression unreadable.

"No," he said coolly. "Aryan will not propose to Shahana tomorrow."

Sanju frowned. "What? Why not?"

Sunny simply smirked, his eyes dark with something sinister.

Sanju swallowed. Whatever Sunny was planning… it couldn’t be good.

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To be continued.

Chapter 70

Sunny’s Workshop – The Ploy Unfolds

Sanju sat frozen, his eyes widening in sheer terror as he absorbed Sunny’s plan. His heart pounded.

"But… Bhai…" he stammered, but Sunny cut him off.

"Don’t worry about yourself," Sunny said coolly, placing a firm hand on Sanju’s shoulder. "Just do as I said—direct Aryan towards me. I’ll handle the rest. My target is HIM, not YOU. So trust me, he’ll never even think of questioning you."

Sanju, still unconvinced, swallowed hard. "Bhai, all this is fine, but…" He hesitated, then continued, "Since the time I joined you, I’ve always considered you like my best friend, Bitoo, from Hoshiarpur. Not like Rhea and Priyanka, with whom I’ve worked before. You know why? Because I always believed that whatever you did, you had a just reason for it. But this…"

Sunny smiled, draping an arm around Sanju’s shoulders. His voice was firm, yet laced with emotion.

"Everything is fair in love and war, Sanju. And this… this is MY war. A war against my own family. So whatever I do is ABSOLUTELY JUST."

Sanju sighed, shaking his head in disapproval, but he knew there was no point in arguing.

Next Morning – Ranbir’s Room

The clock struck 6:00 AM. Aryan stood in front of the mirror, fixing his shirt, adjusting his hair, and making sure everything was perfect. Meanwhile, Ranbir groaned, half-buried under his blanket, annoyed at the disturbance.

"What the heck are you doing so early in the morning, Aryan?!" he grumbled. "Do you have some special class?"

Aryan smirked, murmuring to himself, "Not a special class… but something really special."

His fingers grazed over the bracelet Shahana had gifted him, a soft smile forming on his lips. "Today, I’m going to tell Shahana exactly how I feel about her."

Before he could bask in the moment any longer, a pillow came flying at his face.

"Ouch!" He turned to see Ranbir rubbing his eyes in irritation.

"Idiot," Ranbir muttered. "Waking up early, getting dressed like you’re going on a date… and now asking for perfume? The same perfume you’re ALLERGIC to?"

Aryan chuckled sheepishly.

Ranbir sat up, narrowing his eyes. "Wait a second. If I remember correctly, I gave you a whole bottle of this perfume before the fashion event… and you’ve already finished it? Something’s fishy!"

"Oh, come on, Ranbir," Aryan said hastily. "I’ll explain later. Just give me the perfume!"

Ranbir reluctantly fetched the bottle from the cupboard and handed it to Aryan. Just as he did, something clicked in his head.

His lips curled into a mischievous grin. "Aryan… are you in LOVE?"

Aryan froze. "W-What? No! GOODBYE, Ranbir!"

Before Ranbir could press further, Aryan bolted out of the room.

Ranbir frowned, then smirked. "I’m sure of it now—HE TOO HAS FALLEN IN LOVE. But with whom?"

Sarita Behen’s House – Prachi and Shahana’s Room

Shahana sat on the bed, slipping on the anklets Aryan had gifted her. She rummaged through Prachi’s jewelry box, desperately searching for matching jhumkas.

Prachi emerged from the washroom and gasped. "Shahana! What are you doing? Why are you messing with my stuff?!"

Ignoring her, Shahana continued searching until she finally found the perfect pair. She quickly put them on and declared, "I’m leaving early for college!"

Just then, Pragya entered the room. She noticed how dressed up Shahana was but chose not to question her. Instead, she said calmly, "I need to talk to you and Rishi. Come to the living room."

Shahana glanced at the clock—6:45 AM. She sighed but nodded, following Pragya and Prachi downstairs.

In the living room, Sarita Behen and Rishi were already waiting. As soon as they arrived, Sarita Behen spoke gravely.

"The past few days have been distressing for all of us. And it terrifies me to think that all this happened because of that girl, Priyanka, trying to get MY RISHI!"

Rishi tried to calm her, but she raised her hand, silencing him.

"So, I’ve made a decision. I want to put an end to Priyanka’s EVIL intentions by getting Rishi and Shahana married!"

Shahana’s breath hitched. She felt her bag slip from her hands.

Pragya noticed her reaction, picked up the bag, and gently handed it back. "What’s wrong, Shahana?" she asked.

Before Shahana could respond, Prachi interjected, grinning. "Nothing, Ma. She’s just overwhelmed with happiness! Isn’t that right, Shahana?"

Shahana stood frozen, unable to utter a word.

Sarita Behen pressed on. "Pragya said we should ask for both your opinions before making a decision. So tell me, what do you think?"

Rishi hesitated before speaking. "Nani, to be honest… I LIKE SHAHANA!"

Everyone—Sarita Behen, Pragya, and Prachi—beamed at his confession. But Shahana’s face fell.

Pragya noticed her discomfort. "Shahana, aren’t you happy with this proposal? If not, you can tell me openly. I will never force you into anything."

Shahana remained silent.

Prachi, oblivious, laughed. "Uff oh, Ma! It’s obviously a YES from Shahana too!"

But Pragya wasn’t convinced. She looked at Shahana, waiting for an answer.

Finally, Shahana spoke, her voice barely above a whisper. "Maasi, I… I have something important at college. I need to leave now."

Everyone looked at her, puzzled.

Pragya sighed. "I think she needs time, Sarita ji. Let’s wait."

Sarita Behen reluctantly agreed. Pragya cupped Shahana’s face and kissed her forehead. "Don’t worry, Shahana. The decision is yours to make. I will never pressure you."

Shahana nodded, her heart heavy, and quickly left.

MMIS College Library

Aryan paced back and forth in the secluded corner of the library, glancing at his watch for what felt like the hundredth time. Frustration crept into his voice as he muttered, "Why are girls always late? I told Madam to be here at 7:00 sharp, and it’s already 7:15! Unbelievable!"

Just then, the sound of approaching footsteps made him freeze. His pulse quickened. Without turning around, he took a deep breath, squeezed his eyes shut, and spun around. Slowly, he bent down on one knee and blurted out in a rush, "I’ve been holding this in for too long, and I can’t keep it to myself any longer. I LOVE YOU!"

He opened his eyes, expecting to see the one person he had been waiting for. But instead, his heart nearly stopped.

Mishti.

Standing in front of him.

While Shahana stood just a few meters away, frozen in place.

Hidden behind a nearby shelf, Sanju watched in awe, unable to believe that everything was unfolding exactly as Sunny had planned.

Flashback
Sunny had explained his scheme to Sanju in chilling detail. "Make sure Mishti gets there before Shahana. Aryan will be too nervous to open his eyes. And in his haste, he'll confess to the first person standing before him—without realizing it's Mishti, not Shahana."

Sanju, still doubtful, had asked, "But Bhai, how can you be so sure?"

Sunny had merely smirked. "Most men get nervous during their first proposal. My little brother won’t be any different."

End of Flashback

Sanju clapped a hand over his mouth in astonishment. "All hail Sunny Bhai’s genius!"

Mishti, overwhelmed with joy, gasped, then flung her arms around Aryan. Pressing a kiss to his cheek, she whispered excitedly, "Oh my God, Aryan! I’ve always felt the same way. This is the happiest moment of my life!"

Shahana felt her heart shatter into pieces. Tears welled in her eyes, and before she could stop herself, she turned and ran.

Aryan caught sight of her retreating figure and felt an inexplicable panic rise within him. Something was terribly wrong. He gently pushed Mishti away and demanded, "Wait—who told you to come here?"

A confused Mishti replied, "Sanju. He said you wanted to meet me here."

Realization dawned on Aryan like a bolt of lightning. His fists clenched in fury.

Sanju, sensing the danger, swallowed hard and immediately turned on his heels to escape.

"Sanju!" Aryan roared, storming after him.

Outside the Library

Shahana stumbled out, wiping her tears, when a firm but gentle hand caught her wrist. Startled, she looked up to see Rakhi smiling at her.

"The other day, when you came to see me, your college ID fell out of your purse. I thought I’d return it," Rakhi said warmly. But her smile quickly faded as she noticed the distress on Shahana’s face.

Concerned, she asked, "What happened?"

Unable to hold back any longer, Shahana collapsed into Rakhi’s arms and poured out everything—the proposal, Mishti, Aryan, and her shattered heart.

Rakhi listened in shock before shaking her head firmly. "Impossible. Aryan doesn’t love Mishti—he loves YOU. I’ve seen it in his eyes, Shahana. That kind of love isn’t a mistake!"

Just then, Sanju came sprinting past, desperately trying to flee from Aryan, who was right on his heels.

Aryan caught up to him and grabbed his collar, shaking him violently. "What the hell did you do, Sanju?"

Sanju, gasping for breath, screamed, "Leave me, Aryan! You want answers? Ask your brother! He’s waiting for you at the usual place!"

Aryan’s grip slackened in pure shock.

He released Sanju, turned without another word, and raced toward his bike.

Rakhi frowned. "Aryan has a brother? But what’s the problem between them?"

Shahana, still dazed, replied, "It’s a long story, di. But right now, I need to follow Aryan!"

Without wasting another second, she rushed to the road and hailed an auto. "Follow that bike!" she ordered the driver.

Rakhi hesitated for a brief moment before deciding, "I should go too. They might need help." She quickly jumped into another auto and instructed, "Follow that girl’s auto!"

Sanju, left standing alone, sighed heavily, his expression darkening. "No matter who tries to interfere, Sunny Bhai will win this Kalyug!"

Sunny’s Workshop – Garage Near His House

The sound of fists colliding against a punching bag filled the dimly lit garage.

Sunny struck it again. And again. Each punch harder than the last.

Aryan stormed in, chest heaving with rage.

Sunny smirked, not even bothering to turn around. "So, my dear little brother finally figured out the chakravyuh I set for him."

"What the hell are you trying to do?" Aryan demanded.

At that moment, Shahana reached the garage but hesitated at the entrance, deciding to observe the conversation from afar.

Still fixated on his punching bag, Sunny spoke calmly, "You remember the promise you made to me, Aryan?"

Aryan felt his heart pound against his ribs.

Shahana, too, felt her breath hitch.

Aryan’s voice shook slightly as he asked, "What do you want from me?"

For the first time, Sunny stopped his punches. Slowly, he turned toward Aryan, his eyes glinting with something dark, something dangerous.

Then, with an ice-cold smirk, he declared,

"Forget Shahana."

"And marry Mishti."

A stunned silence filled the room.

Aryan and Shahana stood rooted to the spot—devastated, shattered, and unable to believe what they had just heard.

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To be continued.

Chapter 71

Sunny’s Ultimatum

Aryan and Shahana stood frozen, utterly shaken by Sunny’s demand. Aryan’s voice trembled as he asked, “Bhai, what did you just say?”

At first, Sunny averted his gaze, but then he turned back to face Aryan, his expression cold and resolute. Raising his voice, he declared, “You heard me right, little brother! Forget your love and marry your best friend’s sister!”

Shahana, unable to bear what she had just heard, staggered backward. Her hands trembled as she cupped her mouth, muffling the sobs that tore through her. Tears streamed down her face as she turned and rushed away, unnoticed by either Aryan or Sunny.

As she stepped outside, still shaken, she ran into Rakhi. The latter was taken aback at the sight of Shahana’s tear-streaked face and instantly grew concerned. “Shahana, what happened?” she asked, worry etched on her face.

But before Rakhi could press for answers, Shahana avoided all conversation and hurried away. Rakhi, distressed, decided to go inside and find out for herself.

When she reached the exit, what she saw left her stunned—Aryan, down on his knees, clutching Sunny’s feet, pleading with him. Her eyes widened in disbelief. Mr. Perfect is Aryan’s brother? But why is he trying to ruin Aryan’s happiness? she thought, frozen in place, watching the conversation unfold.

Aryan, his voice broken with desperation, begged, “Bhai, ask me to do anything, but please, don’t take my love away from me! Do you even know? Shahana and I haven’t even had the chance to confess our feelings for each other yet!”

Rakhi’s eyes welled up at Aryan’s heartfelt plea. But Sunny, indifferent to his brother’s pain, pushed Aryan’s hands away and sneered, “And who do you think stopped you from confessing? I did! Because I want you to never get your love, just like my mother never did! I want you to suffer your entire life in pain, just like she is suffering right now!”

Both Aryan and Rakhi were stunned into silence. Aryan slowly let go of Sunny’s feet, standing up in shock.

Sunny’s voice was laced with bitterness as he continued, “History must repeat itself, Aryan! Your father abandoned my mother and married his best friend’s sister because she loved him. He deemed my mother unworthy of his ‘class’—and now, you will do the same! You will marry your best friend’s sister because she loves you. And Shahana? She can never be a part of your class!”

Aryan, his voice firm despite his turmoil, responded, “But I don’t love Mishti, Bhai! I love Shahana!”

Sunny’s expression hardened. “So what? You’ll never be able to keep her happy. One day, you’ll leave her—just like our father left my mother. Because that’s what people from your world do, Aryan. They look down on middle-class people. So it’s better to let her go now rather than torment her for a lifetime!”

Aryan was left shattered. Sunny’s words replayed in his mind, and suddenly, he saw flashes of Aliyah’s cruel treatment toward Shahana. Could Sunny be right? Could his love bring Shahana only suffering? A wave of fear washed over him.

Shaken and defeated, he turned and walked away.

Rakhi quickly hid herself as Aryan passed by, ensuring he wouldn’t notice her. Once he was gone, she stepped forward, facing Sunny. He looked at her, surprised.

“Chashmish? What are you doing here?” he asked.

Rakhi folded her arms and shot back, “Forget about me, Mr. Perfect! What are you doing to your own brother?”

Sunny’s face darkened. “That’s none of your business!”

Rakhi’s voice was sharp with defiance. “Aryan is my brother too, so I will make it my business! And I refuse to stand by and watch you destroy his life.”

Sunny smirked. “Oh really? And how exactly do you plan to stop me? Aryan is completely under my control.”

Rakhi stared at him for a moment, then smirked right back. “You’re right. I may not be able to stop your plan. You’ve played your game well. But I know how to stop you.”

Sunny’s smirk faltered. “What do you mean?”

She took a step closer, her eyes locked onto his. “You think you hate Aryan. But deep down, you love him. It’s clear from the tears in your eyes.”

Sunny’s breath hitched. Reflexively, he touched the corners of his eyes, only to find them damp. Stunned, he clenched his fists. “What nonsense! I have no other emotion for Aryan except hatred!”

Rakhi let out a small, knowing laugh. “I saw it from the moment we met—you carry deep pain inside. And over time, I realized you weren’t just fighting with your family. You were fighting with yourself. Today, I understand. This isn’t hatred, Sunny. It’s pain that you mistake for hatred. But deep in your heart, there is love. And mark my words—I will make you realize it. I just hope it won’t be too late—before you destroy Aryan’s life forever.”

With those final words, she turned and walked away, leaving Sunny standing there, his mind reeling. He clenched his jaw.

“No… it’s impossible,” he muttered under his breath. “I have no love for my brother… or my father.”

The Final Blow

At MMIS College, Aryan searched frantically for Shahana, his heart pounding in fear of the ultimatum Sunny had given him.

Then, as if fate had willed it, Shahana approached him. Her voice was eerily calm.

“Aryan, I need to talk to you.”

Aryan was taken aback. After everything that had happened, she looked… unmoved. His confusion deepened, but he followed her without question.

She led him to the library—to the very spot where he had asked her to meet that morning. As soon as Aryan saw the place, emotions surged within him. His throat tightened, and his eyes welled up with tears as the weight of everything crashed down on him.

His voice was barely a whisper. “What is it, Shahana?”

She didn’t turn to face him. Instead, staring straight ahead, she spoke in a steady voice. “I know that everything that happened this morning was a misunderstanding. And I also know about the condition your brother has put before you.”

Aryan’s eyes widened in shock. “Shahana, I—”

But before he could say anything, she cut him off.

“For everyone’s sake,” she continued, “we should end whatever relationship we had between us.”

Aryan froze. His entire body stiffened. Did she just say…?

Slowly, she turned around. Without breaking eye contact, she took his wrist—the one where she had tied a bracelet the previous day. And then, with a single harsh tug, she broke it. The beads scattered across the floor.

Tears glistened in her eyes as she whispered, “With this, I break all ties between us.”

Aryan remained motionless, unable to say a word, unable to even breathe.

Shahana turned and walked away, disappearing from sight. Only after she was gone did Aryan finally move. Slowly, he crouched down, picking up the fallen beads one by one. And then—his heart stopped.

On the other side of the beads, once hidden, were the words:

“I LOVE YOU.”

The message he had never seen before.

Clutching the beads to his chest, he collapsed onto the floor, sobbing uncontrollably.

At Sarita Behen’s House

Sarita Behen spoke to Pragya with excitement. “I really hope Shahana gives us a positive answer today!”

Pragya, however, looked uneasy. “I don’t know, Sarita ji… I have a strange feeling that Shahana isn’t truly happy about this proposal.”

Just then, Shahana walked in.

Pragya immediately noticed her lost, distant expression. “Shahana, are you alright?” she asked. “Why are you home so early?”

Shahana took a deep breath. “Maasi… I thought about what you asked me this morning, and…”

Sarita Behen’s face lit up in anticipation.

Shahana forced a smile and said, “I’ve decided. It’s a yes.”

Sarita Behen erupted with joy, hugging Pragya.

But Pragya wasn’t smiling. She watched as Shahana walked away, a fake smile on her face, but sadness in her eyes.

And deep in her heart, she knew—something was very, very wrong.

In Kohli House

Mishti had just finished explaining everything that had happened that morning to Pallavi and her Beeji. She paced anxiously across the living room, her voice trembling as she said, "Ma, I don’t understand why Aryan said there was some confusion after he proposed to me. I really, really love him and want him to be my life partner!"

Pallavi tried to soothe her, gently saying, "Calm down, Mishti. Your dad has already spoken to Purab about your alliance. There won’t be any family objections to your relationship, so the only thing that matters now is what you both want. And I’m sure Aryan will say yes. Why would he reject you?"

Still unconvinced, Mishti clasped her hands tightly, her fingers trembling with anxiety. "I don’t know, Ma... I need to hear it from Aryan himself."

Just then, Vikram, Abhi, Alia, Purab, and Ranbir entered the room. Vikram looked around, confused. "What’s going on, Pallavi? Why did you call all of us here?"

Beeji took it upon herself to explain what Mishti had just revealed. A stunned silence fell over the room.

Ranbir was the first to speak, his expression filled with disbelief. "I knew something was off with Aryan this morning! I could tell he was going to propose to someone… but Mishti?"

Vikram turned to Purab. "See, Purab? I had already spoken to you about our kids’ relationship, and now they’ve taken the step themselves. What do you say?"

Purab hesitated, uncertainty flickering in his eyes. "But Vikram… we still don’t know Aryan’s side of the story. How can we decide without hearing from him?"

Before Purab could continue, Alia interjected, trying to reassure him. But just then, Aryan walked in. The room fell silent, all eyes turning toward him.

Mishti clutched her hands together, her heart racing.

Abhi spoke, his tone calm yet firm. "Aryan, Mishti told us everything that happened today, but it seems there was some confusion. Vikram had already mentioned your alliance earlier, but at the time, your dad and I felt you were both too young. But now, if you both are ready, there’s no reason to wait. So, it all comes down to your answer, Aryan. Tell us—are you willing to go forward with this alliance?"

Aryan looked at Purab, recalling Sunny’s harsh words about how Purab had chosen Alia over Disha. His chest tightened as he closed his eyes, clenched his fists, and took a deep breath. After a moment of silence, he gave a slight nod.

A wave of joy swept through the room.

Mishti exhaled in relief, silently thanking God. Ranbir pulled Aryan into a hug, grinning. "Well, looks like our bond is about to change from being brothers to Jiju-Saala!"

Vikram, overwhelmed with happiness, embraced Purab. "Now that Aryan has agreed, what do you say, Purab? Are you ready to be my samdhan?"

Purab glanced at Abhi and Alia, who both nodded in approval. Taking a deep breath, he replied, "Yes."

Vikram clapped his hands together. "Then it's settled! We need to celebrate because there’s going to be a wedding in the Mehra and Kohli families soon!"

As the family rejoiced, Aryan quietly excused himself and retreated to his room.

Simultaneously, Aryan and Shahana’s Room

Both Aryan and Shahana sat on the floor of their respective rooms, crying bitterly. The sorrowful strains of Judai – Jo dhariya jeeni re jeeni played in the background, mirroring their heartbreak.

Shahana dragged herself to the washroom, turned on the faucet, and splashed cold water on her face, trying to wash away the pain. Meanwhile, Aryan sat under the open shower, letting the water pour down on him, as if hoping it would drown his sorrow.

Their minds were flooded with memories—of their first fights, how those fights had turned into friendship, how that friendship had blossomed into love… and how, in just one moment, everything had shattered.

Both of them, broken and lost, continued to weep—mourning the love they had lost.

-----------

To be continued.

Chapter 72

At Night – Ranbir’s Room

The night settled over Kohli House as Aryan and Ranbir lay in bed, getting ready to sleep. Just as Ranbir was about to doze off, Aryan shot him a warning.

"Ranbir, sleep a few meters away from me," he said, narrowing his eyes. "You know what? A few days ago, you were sleep-talking and mistook me for Prachi!"

Ranbir’s eyes widened in shock. "Wait… did I do something wrong?" he asked, his voice laced with embarrassment.

Aryan scoffed. "Something wrong? If I hadn’t freed myself from your grip in time, you would have turned our night into your suhaag raat!"

Ranbir’s face flushed red. He scratched his head awkwardly. "Sorry, bro!" he said, placing a hand on Aryan’s shoulder, but Aryan immediately shrugged it off.

"Okay, okay! I won’t touch you!" Ranbir chuckled. Then, his tone grew serious. "But try to understand, Aryan. Even though I spend most of my day with Prachi, I never feel like it’s enough. I miss her like crazy! Do you have any idea how difficult it is to be away from someone you love so much?"

His words struck Aryan like a dagger. A painful silence followed as Aryan recalled his own heartbreak—his and Shahana’s forced separation. His eyes welled up, but Ranbir, oblivious to the shift in his friend’s emotions, suddenly gasped.

"Oh no!" Ranbir smacked his forehead.

Aryan, still lost in thought, snapped back to reality. "What happened?"

Ranbir groaned. "I forgot to tell Prachi about your engagement with Mishti tomorrow!"

Aryan’s jaw dropped. "What?! You spend the whole day with her, miss her like crazy, and yet you forgot to inform her about your own sister’s engagement?"

Ranbir gave a sheepish smile. "I know, I know—it was a mistake! I don’t know how it slipped my mind!" He grabbed his phone. "Never mind, I’ll do it right now!"

He was about to dial Prachi’s number but then paused, smirked, and tossed the phone to Aryan. "Actually, it would be better if you told your cousin sister cum bhabhi about your engagement yourself!"

Aryan frowned, confused. Ranbir nudged him. "Go on, tell her!"

Reluctantly, Aryan placed the phone to his ear.

Prachi and Shahana’s Room

Prachi was beaming with excitement as she turned to Shahana. "Wow, Shahana! I knew you liked Rishi! Since you were too shy to admit it in front of him, you secretly agreed to Ma about your relationship, didn’t you? And now, soon you’ll get married and then—"

She stopped mid-sentence, noticing Shahana watching her with an amused smirk.

"What happened, Prachi? Why did you stop?" Shahana teased. "I know you’re just desperate to get married after me!"

Prachi narrowed her eyes. "There’s nothing like that!"

Shahana grinned mischievously. "Of course not! There’s definitely something like that!"

As the playful banter continued, Prachi’s phone rang. Before she could reach for it, Shahana snatched it and checked the caller ID. Her grin widened.

"Awwh! Looks like my Jiju is as desperate as you are! He’s probably calling to fix your wedding date!" she teased.

Prachi tried to grab the phone back, but Shahana swiftly answered. "Hello?"

The moment Aryan heard Shahana’s voice, his body froze. A cold shiver ran down his spine. Memories of their painful breakup flashed before his eyes.

On the other side, Shahana also realized it wasn’t Ranbir but Aryan on the call. Her breath hitched, and her eyes filled with unshed tears. The weight of their heartbreak pressed upon her, suffocating her.

Neither of them spoke.

Seconds passed in complete silence.

Ranbir frowned. "What’s wrong, Aryan? Can’t you hear her voice? Give me the phone!"

Aryan, unable to say a word, handed it over.

On the other side, Prachi also noticed Shahana’s expression. "Shahana? Why aren’t you saying anything?"

Shahana, shaken, quickly handed the phone to Prachi without a word.

Both Ranbir and Prachi greeted each other simultaneously, breaking the silence with laughter.

Prachi playfully asked, "Ranbir, what did you say to my sister to make her go pale and mute?"

Ranbir blinked in confusion. "Excuse me? I just got the phone! It was Aryan on the call this whole time, and he looked just as shocked as you say Shahana did! Maybe he got nervous because he was supposed to tell you about his engagement!"

Prachi gasped. "Wait—Aryan is getting engaged?!"

Hearing that, Shahana’s head snapped up. Her heart clenched painfully, but she remained silent, straining to hear the conversation.

Ranbir sighed dramatically. "I knew you’d react like this! That’s why I wanted Aryan to tell you himself!"

Prachi, still in shock, demanded, "When did this happen? And why are you telling me just now?"

Ranbir let out an awkward chuckle. "Oops… I was so excited that I kinda forgot!" He quickly explained how Aryan and Mishti’s engagement had been arranged.

Prachi listened carefully before sharing her own news. "And you know what, Ranbir? It’s a double celebration for me because Shahana and Rishi’s alliance has also been fixed! Soon, they’ll be engaged too!"

Ranbir shouted in joy, "WHAT?! Shahana and Rishi are getting engaged? That’s amazing news!"

Aryan, however, felt like the ground beneath him had crumbled. His chest tightened, his breathing grew heavy, and his eyes widened in disbelief.

Ranbir, still unaware of Aryan’s turmoil, eagerly asked Prachi, "So, when’s their engagement?"

"As soon as Rishi’s parents arrive," Prachi replied.

"Great! So, you both will be at the engagement function tomorrow, right?"

"Of course!" Prachi said. "Aryan is my brother too, and it’s a family event! Why wouldn’t I be there? Me and Shahana will definitely come!"

But just then, Shahana whispered, "No, Prachi. I won’t come tomorrow."

Both Ranbir and Prachi frowned.

Prachi turned to her, confused. "Why not?" Then she smirked playfully. "Ohh, I see! Someone wants to spend time with her would-be fiancé, which is why she doesn’t want to come!"

Ranbir chuckled. "That’s alright, Prachi! If Shahana wants to have a romantic day with Rishi, we shouldn’t stop her!"

Aryan remained frozen, unable to process what he was hearing.

Ranbir continued, "You just be here on time, Prachi!"

"Okay! See you tomorrow! Good night!"

Ranbir pouted. "What? No goodnight kiss?"

Prachi quickly said, "GOOD NIGHT!" and hung up before he could say anything else. She wished Shahana goodnight and lay down, smiling to herself as thoughts of Ranbir filled her mind.

Shahana, however, turned away, biting her lip to stifle her sobs.

After the call ended, Ranbir groaned. "God, Aryan! Your cousin sister cum bhabhi has such an attitude! She hung up on me just because I asked for a goodnight kiss!"

Aryan shook his head. "You deserved it. Now sleep—and keep your distance!"

Ranbir huffed in mock frustration. But just as he was about to lie down, a thought crossed his mind. He turned to Aryan and whispered, "Dude, you know what? Seeing how you and Shahana always fought, I always thought you two would fall in love… just like Prachi and me."

Aryan’s eyes widened in shock.

Ranbir sighed. "But I guess fate had other plans. You were meant for Mishti, and Shahana was meant for Rishi."

With that, he turned over and fell asleep.

Aryan, however, lay awake—Ranbir’s words echoing in his mind, breaking him all over again.

Next Morning – Kohli House

Aliyah, Pallavi, and Beeji busied themselves with the engagement preparations, ensuring every detail was perfect. As Aliyah surveyed the arrangements, she turned to them with a frown.

"Why did you decide to host all the wedding functions here? I understand that you’re from the bride’s side, but we Mehras are not old-fashioned enough to believe that the bride’s family should bear all the expenses alone. After all, it’s my son’s wedding too! I believe we should share the responsibilities equally."

Beeji gently placed a reassuring hand on Aliyah’s. "Aliyah puttar, we completely understand your concern. But Mishti is our only daughter, and after this wedding, she will become a part of your family. We want to send our Lakshmi off with all the love and grandeur she deserves. That’s why we wish to celebrate every moment—Roka, Chunri, Mehendi, Sangeet, and Haldi—in our home."

Aliyah hesitated, shaking her head in disagreement, but her heart softened as Pallavi and Beeji folded their hands in request. With a sigh, she finally relented.

Just then, an unexpected presence disrupted the moment—Sanju walked in. Aliyah’s sharp eyes immediately locked onto him, her face hardening with fury. Without wasting a second, she strode toward him.

"What the hell are you doing here at my son's engagement?" she demanded, her voice laced with anger.

Sanju, caught off guard, scratched his head nervously. "Uh… Rhea’s Booji, Aryan’s mom… Aryan himself invited me!"

Aliyah’s frown deepened. "What? Aryan invited you? I don’t believe that! Come with me!" She grabbed Sanju’s arm and stormed off toward Aryan’s room in Mehra Mansion.

Mehra Mansion – Aryan’s Room

Aryan stood in front of the mirror, buttoning his sherwani when a soft knock on the door made him turn.

"Dad, why are you knocking? You don’t need permission to enter!" Aryan said with a chuckle as Purab walked in.

Smiling warmly, Purab embraced his son, holding him close. Aryan, sensing the emotional moment, pulled back slightly and teased, "Dad, why are you getting all sentimental like the mothers in Ekta Kapoor’s serials?"

Purab let out a soft laugh but soon turned serious. "And when did you start hiding your emotions?"

Aryan stiffened. "What do you mean, Dad?"

Purab studied his son’s face intently. "Are you truly happy with this marriage?"

Aryan faltered, his heart constricting at the question. His mind flashed back to his love for Shahana, the moments they had shared, and Sunny’s warnings. He quickly swallowed the lump in his throat, turned away from Purab, and replied, "Of course, Dad! Mishti and I have been friends since childhood, and she has all the qualities I want in a life partner. Why wouldn’t I be happy?"

But Purab wasn’t convinced. He gently turned Aryan to face him, making sure their eyes met. "I didn’t ask if she has the right qualities. I asked—do you love her?"

Aryan stood frozen, unable to form an answer. Just then, another knock on the door interrupted the moment. Both men turned to see Ranbir standing in the doorway, a mischievous grin on his face, hiding something behind his back.

"Uncle, I got something for Aryan. Can I give it to him?" Ranbir asked playfully.

Purab smiled, patting Aryan’s shoulder. "Of course! He’s all yours now. I’ll see you both downstairs."

As Purab left, Ranbir stepped forward, still hiding the item. Aryan eyed him suspiciously. "Now what have you brought for me?"

Ranbir smirked and slowly revealed a familiar perfume bottle—the same one Aryan used to borrow from him because it was Shahana’s favorite.

Aryan’s breath hitched as he stared at the bottle in disbelief. His mouth went dry, and his heart clenched as bittersweet memories of Shahana flooded his mind. The past he had tried to bury came rushing back, making it impossible to ignore the truth he had been running from.

---------

To be continued.

Chapter 73

Aryan’s Room – Mehra Mansion

Aryan stood frozen, staring at the perfume bottle in disbelief. Memories of Shahana came rushing back—her laughter, her scent, the way she always noticed when he wore this fragrance. His grip on the bottle tightened as his eyes turned moist, but he quickly masked his emotions.

Ranbir, unaware of the turmoil inside Aryan, grinned and held up the bottle. "Surprise, bro! Until yesterday, you used to pester me to give you this perfume, but today, I’m gifting it to you—my future brother-in-law!"

Aryan forced a sad smile. "What was the need for that, Ranbir? I literally borrowed a full bottle from you just yesterday."

Ranbir scoffed. "Oh, come on, don’t be so formal! We’re not just friends anymore—we’re soon going to be relatives. And listen, I know you wanted this perfume to impress Mishti, and now that you’ve won her over, you probably don’t care for it anymore. But let me give you some advice, my friend—women love it when their partners still try to impress them, even after they’re officially together!"

With that, Ranbir mischievously started spraying the perfume onto Aryan. Aryan tried to stop him, laughing despite himself—until an abrupt knock on the door made them both freeze.

They turned to see Aliyah standing there, her expression unreadable. But what really caught their attention was the man standing beside her—Sanju.

Aryan’s expression hardened while Ranbir’s smile disappeared. Aliyah wasted no time.

"Aryan, this man is here for your engagement, claiming that you invited him. Is that true?"

Aryan looked at Sanju in shock, who subtly gestured toward him, hinting that Sunny had sent him.

Before he could respond, Ranbir cut in. "Auntie, he’s lying! Why would Aryan even invite—"

"He’s right, Mom. I invited him."

Ranbir and Aliyah stared at him, dumbfounded.

"What?" they exclaimed in unison.

Aryan met their gazes, his tone unwavering. "You heard me. I called him here."

Ranbir frowned. "What’s wrong with you, Aryan? Why would you invite him, especially when both our families agreed to keep this a private function?"

Aliyah nodded. "Ranbir is right! Sweetheart, what was the need to bring such middle-class—"

"Mom!" Aryan interrupted, his voice firm. "He’s my Bhai’s friend!"

Both Aliyah and Ranbir looked at him in confusion.

Taking a deep breath, Aryan elaborated, "Ma, Sunil Sharma, the costume designer of Rock the Beats and Fusion Beats, is like my elder brother. And his friend is my friend too."

Despite his explanation, neither Aliyah nor Ranbir looked convinced. They were about to object when Aryan cut them off.

"Besides, Sanju has changed for the better. He has helped us multiple times, and he’s our college mate now. So, what’s wrong if he attends my engagement as a friend?"

Aliyah sighed, clearly disappointed, and walked away. Ranbir, however, remained, his expression filled with disbelief.

"Since when did Sunil turn into your ‘elder brother’?" he asked, his tone laced with irritation. "I thought I was the only brother you had. But now, this Sunil guy is suddenly so important to you? And don’t even get me started on his friend, Sanju! He’s just as shady as him!"

Aryan’s patience snapped. "Ranbir!" he warned.

Ranbir was taken aback by Aryan’s tone. His frustration turned into disappointment as he sighed. "Fine, I won’t say a word about him. I’ll be waiting for you downstairs." Without another word, he left the room.

As soon as Ranbir was gone, Sanju smirked and turned to Aryan. "Phew! Finally, you got rid of that clingy brother of yours. Now, how will you react when I bring your own elder brother face to face with you?"

Aryan frowned in confusion. Before he could ask anything, Sanju pulled out his phone and turned the screen toward him.

A video call was already in progress—with Sunny.

Aryan’s breath hitched as he saw his brother’s face. Sunny’s eyes glowed with mischief as he greeted, "Hello, my little brother. So, you’re still obeying me, huh? How lovely to see you in this tormented state—in love with someone you can’t be with, just like my Ma!"

Aryan smiled bitterly. "So, you sent Sanju here just to check on me, Bhai?"

Sunny smirked. "Oh, Aryan, do you really think I’d risk sending Sanju just for that? No, I have bigger plans. I sent him there to bring you to the bachelor’s party."

Aryan blinked. "Bachelor’s party?"

Sunny nodded. "Yes, my dear brother. A special bachelor’s party just for you. I expect you there—Blue Bar, tonight, 8:00 PM sharp. And don’t even think about skipping it!"

Before Aryan could protest, Sunny disconnected the call.

Sanju pocketed his phone and smirked. "You know your brother, Aryan. Better be there on time."

Just then, an unexpected voice interrupted them.

"What? Who’s asking you to go where?"

Both Aryan and Sanju turned in alarm to see Rhea standing at the door, her arms crossed, suspicion evident on her face.

"Aryan, are you hiding something from us?" she demanded.

Aryan swallowed hard and forced a casual smile. "Oh, there’s nothing like that, Rhea! It’s just… um… Sunil Sharma—Sanju’s friend and also like my elder brother—has arranged a private bachelor’s party for me. He hasn’t invited anyone else, not even Ranbir. So, I was just discussing with Sanju how to sneak out without anyone noticing."

Rhea narrowed her eyes. "Is that all?"

Aryan and Sanju exchanged nervous glances before nodding quickly.

Rhea sighed. "Fine. If that’s the case, then I won’t tell anyone. I’ll even help you sneak out."

Sanju grinned and gave Aryan a thumbs-up. Aryan, still tense, managed a nod.

Just then, Rhea glanced around and asked, "By the way, where’s Ranbir?"

Downstairs – Engagement Venue

Ranbir stood among the guests, greeting them absentmindedly. He was still fuming when Prachi arrived.

"Ranbir!" she greeted him warmly, but her smile faded when she noticed his troubled expression. "What’s wrong? You don’t seem happy."

Ranbir sighed. "It’s nothing, Prachi."

But Prachi wasn’t one to let things go. "Come on, Ranbir. Tell me what’s bothering you."

Finally, Ranbir gave in. "I don’t know, Prachi. There’s something off about that costume designer, Sunil Sharma!"

Prachi frowned. "Sunil Sharma? Why does he bother you?"

Ranbir ran a frustrated hand through his hair. "I just don’t get why Aryan is giving him so much importance—like he’s his own brother! It just doesn’t sit right with me."

Prachi burst into laughter. Then, she teasingly sniffed the air around him. "Hmm… I think I smell jealousy."

Ranbir scowled. "Oh, come on, Prachi! Aryan and I have been like brothers since childhood, and now this random guy—"

Prachi cut him off by holding his hands. "Ranbir! Aryan has always considered you his best friend and brother. Trust me, no one can take your place. I’ve seen how strong your bond is, and nothing will ever break it."

Ranbir sighed, finally feeling a little lighter. He nodded, and Prachi hugged him. He kissed the top of her head, still lost in thought.

Upstairs – Aryan’s Room

Rhea folded her arms and eyed Aryan suspiciously. "Aryan, what’s going on? I saw Ranbir come in here a while ago. Where is he now?"

Before Aryan could respond, Sanju jumped in. "Oh, he just left. You know, being the bride’s brother and all, he has a lot of responsibilities!"

Rhea shot him an unimpressed look. "Did I ask you?"

Sanju huffed in annoyance, rolling his eyes.

Just then, Rhea suddenly smacked her forehead. "Oh! I almost forgot why I came here in the first place. Booji and Chachu wanted me to tell you to come downstairs once you’re ready, Aryan. They’re busy attending to the guests."

Aryan simply nodded in acknowledgment.

Satisfied, Rhea turned and left the room.

As soon as she was gone, Sanju let out a dramatic sigh of relief. "Seriously, one after another, your family keeps showing up! But no matter how many of them keep an eye on me, no one can stop what your brother has planned!"

Outside – Mehra Mansion

Meanwhile, an auto-rickshaw came to a halt in front of the grand Mehra Mansion. The passenger door swung open, and Rakhi stepped out, her sharp gaze fixed on the imposing structure before her.

She had finally arrived.

--------------

To be continued.

Is any way Rhea redeemable??

Is there any hope for her

Originally posted by: ican

Is any way Rhea redeemable??

Is there any hope for her

In this ORIGINAL SERIES, no idea?

In my FF, yes she is redeemed soul and much transformed persoanlity!

😉

Chapter 74

Outside the Mehra Mansion

Rakhi stood frozen at the entrance of the Mehra Mansion, her gaze locked onto the grand structure. As she stared, blurry flashes of her past rushed through her mind—the warm moments she had once shared within these very walls with Abhi and Pragya. A deep uneasiness settled in her chest, and before she could compose herself, a sharp pain shot through her stomach.

She instinctively clutched her abdomen, gripping the gate for support. A cold sweat broke out across her forehead as nausea swirled in her stomach. But as the past continued to haunt her, she shook her head, reminding herself of her purpose. Mustering her strength, she stepped forward, determined to enter.

However, the moment she set foot inside, her condition worsened. The memories she had been trying to suppress surged back even more vividly—reminders of the last time she had fled to this mansion, seeking refuge from her mother, only to be overwhelmed by similar haunting visions. But this time, it was far worse. Her body trembled, sweat beading on her skin, and the sharp ache in her belly intensified.

Her grip on the gate loosened, and she began to sway, her vision blurring. Just as she was about to collapse, a firm hand caught her.

Rakhi’s eyes widened in surprise as she looked up to find Rhea holding her steady.

"Who are you, and why are you here all alone in this condition?" Rhea asked, concern lacing her voice. "Are you alright? You don’t seem fine. When I saw you, it looked like you were about to faint! Come, sit down."

Still holding onto her tightly, Rhea led Rakhi to a bench in the garden and helped her sit down. She then called out to Bahadur Chachu, instructing him to bring a glass of water.

As soon as Rakhi drank the water, she felt somewhat better. Rhea, still watching her closely, asked, "Now tell me, who are you? Are you one of the guests at the engagement?"

At the mention of an engagement, Rakhi stiffened. "Engagement?" she repeated, startled. "Whose engagement is happening here?"

Rhea tilted her head, eyeing her curiously. "So you’re not a guest, then? Who are you?"

Before Rakhi could answer, Sanju descended the stairs and spotted her. His eyes widened in shock before he blurted out, "Bhabhi ji, you here?"

Both Rakhi and Rhea frowned at his choice of words.

Rhea turned to him sharply. "Bhabhi ji?" she questioned. "How is she your Bhabhi?"

Sanju, realizing his mistake, immediately regretted speaking. He fumbled for words before accidentally blurting out, "Oh, she’s our Sunil Bhai’s—" He stopped abruptly, recalling Sunny’s warning slaps and the way Rakhi was glaring daggers at him.

Rhea, however, smirked in amusement. Leaning in, she whispered teasingly, "Oh, I see! She’s your friend Sunil’s girlfriend, right? So she’s also here to take Aryan to the bachelor party, isn’t she?"

Sanju, caught in a dilemma, hesitated but ultimately nodded, figuring it was safer to play along.

Rhea’s grin widened. "Now I understand…" She paused, suddenly realizing she didn’t know Rakhi’s name.

Rakhi, noticing this, smiled slightly. "A little while ago, you helped me without even knowing who I was, like I was part of your own family. Now that you’ve already acted like a sister, you might as well call me Di—I do look older than you, don’t I?"

Rhea beamed. "Thank you so much, Di! By the way, I’m Aryan’s cousin—Rhea Abhishek Mehra!"

At the mention of Abhishek Prem Mehra, Rakhi flinched. Her heart pounded in her chest.

Rhea, oblivious to Rakhi’s reaction, continued excitedly, "So now I understand, Di, why you were acting like you didn’t know anything about Aryan’s engagement!"

Rakhi’s eyes widened in shock. Aryan's engagement?

Sanju, on the other hand, grew increasingly uneasy.

Without realizing their reactions, Rhea went on. "And you’ve come here to help with our staff Sunil’s bachelor party for Aryan, right?"

Sanju nearly groaned in frustration. "You’ve got it all right, Rhea—by revealing everything to the only other person who knows about Sunny Bhai’s plans against his brother, aside from me and Shahana! Now, God knows what will happen!"

Completely unaware, Rhea clapped her hands. "Oh, but there’s still time for the bachelor’s party. First comes the engagement! It’s not happening here, though—it’s at the Kohli house. Come with me, Di, I’ll introduce you to my family!"

Before Rakhi could protest or ask more about Aryan, Rhea eagerly pulled her inside. Sanju watched them leave with growing dread.

At the Kohli House

Ranbir and Prachi were engaged in a lighthearted conversation when Rhea walked in, dragging Rakhi along with her. In her excitement, she accidentally bumped into Prachi.

"Sorry!" Rhea mumbled instinctively, but her face immediately hardened when she realized who she had spoken to.

Rakhi, observing the sudden tension between the two, frowned. There was something strange about their reactions. She turned to Rhea. "Who is she?"

Both Rhea and Prachi stiffened, remaining silent.

Ranbir, however, responded casually. "Oh, they’re sisters—actually, twin sisters."

Rakhi’s frown deepened. "Then why are you both acting like strangers?"

A cold silence filled the air. Rhea and Prachi exchanged uneasy glances, their bodies rigid.

Before the tension could escalate, Vikram and Pallavi’s voices interrupted the moment, announcing the arrival of their daughter—the bride-to-be, Mishti.

As Mishti stepped onto the stage, warmly greeted by the Mehra and Kohli families, Vikram turned to Purab. "Usually, it’s the bride who takes more time to get ready, but here she is… Where’s the groom, Purab? Where’s Aryan?"

Right then, Aryan’s voice rang out. "I’m here!"

All heads turned toward him.

Rakhi stared at Aryan in horror. He’s actually going through with this? He’s giving in to Sunny’s manipulations and marrying Mishti?

Her mind raced. No! This can’t happen. Aryan is madly in love with Shahana. He’s sacrificing his happiness… all for his brother! This has to be stopped!

Determined to intervene, she took a step forward—only for her eyes to land on Abhi.

At once, the same tormenting flashes from her past returned. Her breathing became labored, her body trembling. Unlike before, this time, no one noticed her.

Struggling to keep herself together, she stumbled backward, finding a chair and sinking into it, unable to move forward.

Meanwhile, Beeji asked the elders, "Now that the kids are here, shall we begin the engagement ceremony?"

With nods of approval, the engagement rings were brought forth. Rhea held Aryan’s ring, while Prachi held Mishti’s.

As Aryan reached for the ring, his eyes dimmed with sadness. With a forced smile, he slipped the ring onto Mishti’s finger. The crowd erupted in applause—except for Rakhi, whose eyes glistened with unshed tears.

Next, Mishti eagerly took the ring from Prachi and slid it onto Aryan’s finger. Another round of applause followed.

Rakhi shut her eyes in anguish. She had failed to stop it.

Pandit ji proclaimed, "From this moment, Aryan and Mishti are officially engaged."

A final wave of cheers echoed through the room.

Abhi stepped forward with a warm smile. "To all our guests, today is a very special occasion—my nephew’s engagement, and my best friend’s daughter's engagement. So, no one is leaving without a proper feast!"

Laughter and chatter filled the air as guests moved toward the dining buffet.

But amidst the joy, Rakhi sat alone, her heart heavy with the weight of what had just transpired.

7:47 P.M. – Mehra Mansion

Aryan glanced at his watch—7:47 P.M. Sunny’s words echoed in his mind. His eyes darted around the room until they landed on Sanju. Without drawing attention, he subtly signaled him to leave. Sanju caught the cue and nodded. Together, they slipped away unnoticed.

The Blue Bar, Taj Palace, Chanakyapuri

At the sleek bar counter, Sunny sat leisurely, one hand tapping rhythmically on the shot glasses, the other checking the time. His lips curled into a smirk as he counted down softly—5, 4, 3... and just as he reached 0, a familiar voice rang out behind him.

"I'm here as you asked, Bhai."

Sunny turned, his smirk widening as he met Aryan’s gaze. "I knew it! I knew my brother would be punctual and meet my demands without fail. So, let’s get this party started!"

He snapped his fingers at the waiter. "A strong whisky shot."

The drink arrived swiftly. Sunny picked it up and extended it toward Aryan. "Here. Have this—for my first win!"

Aryan hesitated, shaking his head. "No, Bhai. I’ve never had strong drinks."

At those words, Sunny’s expression darkened. He rose from his seat and stepped closer, his voice dropping into a chilling whisper.

"Alcohol is one of the greatest tools—it drags a man from grief straight into doom. And tonight, you’re stepping into that doom, my brother… pushed by me."

Before Aryan could react, Sunny forcefully tilted his head back and shoved the whisky down his throat.

Sanju’s face twisted with worry as he watched Aryan cough from the burning sensation. But Sunny wasn’t done.

"No, no, no!" Sunny scoffed. "One won’t do for my brother!"

He snapped his fingers again. This time, the waiter brought a strong vodka shot. Without giving Aryan a chance to refuse, Sunny pressed the glass to his lips and forced him to drink.

Sanju, unable to hold back anymore, stepped forward. "Sunny Bhai, stop! He’s had enough!"

But Sunny ignored him, grinning as Aryan swayed unsteadily, already intoxicated.

"One more," Sunny commanded.

Sanju tensed, his unease growing. As Sunny reached for another shot and moved to force it down Aryan’s throat, a sudden, sharp impact sent his head snapping sideways.

A stunned silence filled the bar. The shot glass tumbled from his grasp, shattering against the counter.

Slowly, Sunny turned back—only to meet the furious, burning eyes of Rakhi.

------------

To be continued.

Chapter 75

The Blue Bar, Taj Palace, Chanakyapuri

Sunny lifted his head, stunned, his cheek burning from Rakhi’s forceful slap. For a moment, he was too taken aback to react, but then his shock quickly morphed into fury as he locked eyes with her. She met his glare with an equally intense one, her fiery gaze unwavering.

Sanju, standing beside them, absentmindedly rubbed his own cheek, thinking, "I always believed Sunny Bhai was invincible, that no one could even dare to touch him… but here, Bhabhi ji just landed a solid slap right across his face!"

Sunny’s voice rose, cutting through the bar’s chatter. "What the hell are you doing here, Chashmish?"

The entire bar turned their attention to the commotion. Rakhi, realizing the unwanted attention, took a deep breath and lowered her voice. "I should be asking you the same thing, Mr. Perfect—who isn’t so perfect after all. But let's not create a scene. This is between us."

Recognizing the awkwardness of the situation, Sunny grabbed her wrist and dragged her outside. Sanju, worried for Aryan, quickly followed, supporting his intoxicated friend.

Outside the Bar

Once outside, Sunny spun Rakhi around and gripped her shoulders tightly, shaking her as he demanded, "Who the hell do you think you are? Why are you interfering in my family matters?"

Rakhi smirked, unfazed. "Family? Do you really consider Aryan as your family?"

Her words struck him like a bolt. His grip loosened, and he instinctively stepped back. Just then, Sanju and Aryan stepped outside. Sunny turned away, his face unreadable.

"This is none of your business, Miss Chashmish," he muttered, avoiding her gaze.

Rakhi took a step closer, caught his shoulder, and spun him around to face her. Her eyes bore into his as she declared, "I already told you, Mr. Perfect—Aryan is my brother too. And I won’t let you ruin his life! Whether you accept it or not, I will make you realize that love will always overpower the hatred you hold against him!"

Sunny stood frozen, unable to look away. Her words unsettled something deep within him.

Before he could respond, Rakhi turned to Aryan, who was barely able to stand, and slung his arm over her shoulder for support. With firm steps, she led him away. Sunny remained rooted in place, watching her retreat, his mind replaying her words over and over again.

Sanju hesitantly approached Sunny, shaking his head with a small smirk. "Bhai, I always thought you were the strongest man in the world… but for once, Bhabhi ji just defeated you!"

But Sunny wasn’t listening. His mind was still fixated on Rakhi’s words, the echoes of her challenge unsettling him in a way he couldn’t understand.

Inside the Auto

Rakhi handed Aryan a medicinal tablet to counteract the alcohol's effects. Slowly, he began to feel better. He took a deep breath and looked at her gratefully. "Thanks, Rakhi."

But as the haze of intoxication cleared, memories of what had just happened flooded back. He turned to her, puzzled. "But how did you know I was at Blue Bar?"

Rakhi recalled how she had secretly followed Aryan and Sanju when they had slipped out of the Kohli house unnoticed. But instead of answering, she waved the question away. "Forget that. What I want to know is—what the hell are you doing with your life?"

Aryan frowned. "What do you mean?"

Her voice hardened. "I was there at your engagement today, Aryan."

A shadow fell over Aryan’s face. He sighed deeply. "Just forget it, Rakhi. It’s all my fate."

Rakhi’s patience snapped. "Fate? Don’t blame fate for what’s happening in your life, Aryan! Our decisions shape our fate. And why are you blindly obeying everything Sunny tells you, when it’s clear that—"

Before she could finish, Aryan cut her off. "Because everything he’s doing… is because of what he went through in childhood."

Rakhi’s eyebrows furrowed. "Huh?"

Taking a deep breath, Aryan began to recount Sunny’s past—his childhood struggles, his pain, and the betrayal he had endured. Rakhi listened intently, her eyes widening in shock as each revelation unfolded.

Finally, Aryan concluded, "So that’s why Bhai is doing all this. He’s seeking justice for what happened to him and his mother—because of my parents."

A single tear slipped down Rakhi’s cheek. She quickly wiped it away and looked at Aryan. "But Aryan—"

He interrupted her, shaking his head. "No, Rakhi. I want Bhai to win this game. Because he’s already lost too much in life."

Rakhi exhaled in frustration, realizing she couldn’t change his mind. Instead, she asked softly, "And what about Shahana?"

Aryan stiffened. At the mere mention of her name, a cold shiver ran down his spine.

Mehra Mansion

As Prachi busied herself attending to guests, Abhi approached her. His expression was solemn. "Is your Ma still angry at me and your sister? Is that why she didn’t come for her nephew’s engagement?"

Prachi sighed, disappointed. "It’s nothing like that, Papa. We had guests over, so Ma was busy at home."

Abhi frowned. "Guests?"

Prachi tapped her forehead, realizing she had forgotten to mention it earlier. "Oh! I forgot to tell you—Rishi’s parents, Anuradha Aunty and Shekhar Uncle, have come to visit."

Nearby, Priyanka perked up at the mention of Rishi’s parents, her curiosity piqued. She subtly turned her attention toward their conversation.

Abhi, still confused, asked, "Rishi’s parents? But why?"

Before Prachi could respond, a familiar voice echoed through the hall.

"Mr. Abhishek Prem Mehra!"

A hush fell over the gathering. Heads turned toward the entrance, where Pragya stood, her gaze fixed on Abhi. Everyone rushed to the doorway, shocked by her sudden arrival.

Outside the Kohli House

As Rakhi’s auto stopped at the gate, Aryan turned to her. "Come inside."

She shook her head. "No, Aryan. I have something important to do."

He nodded reluctantly and watched as she rode away. As the auto disappeared into the distance, Rakhi's mind swirled with thoughts of everything Aryan had revealed about Sunny.

"I thought I was the only one who was hurt by my parents… but there’s someone else who shares the same pain as me."

She leaned back against the seat, lost in thought.

Inside the Kohli House

Aryan stepped inside, still slightly unsteady from the alcohol, only to stop dead in his tracks.

At the entrance, facing Abhi and the entire family, was Pragya.

Everyone was stunned by her unexpected presence.

Abhi frowned. "What is it, Pragya? Why are you here?"

Without hesitation, Pragya stepped forward, locking eyes with him. "Isn’t today your nephew’s engagement?" She took a deep breath before continuing, "Then I thought it would be the perfect occasion to invite you for my niece’s engagement."

Abhi’s brows furrowed. "What are you talking about?"

Ignoring his confusion, Pragya shifted her gaze to Priyanka, who was standing nearby. Then, in a firm voice, she made her announcement.

"Tomorrow, my niece, Shahana, is getting engaged to Rishi."

A wave of shock rippled through the room.

Priyanka clenched her fists in anger. Aryan, standing by the staircase for support, felt his world tilt. His fingers tightened around the baluster, his body stiffening at the unexpected revelation.

-----------

To be continued.