Chapter 12 (A Month to Let Go)
Modi Bhavan, The Next Morning
Modi Bhavan was abuzz with celebration. Orange marigold garlands were being strung along the balconies. Sweets had started arriving. The house had slipped into wedding mode.
In the living room, Ramila and Minal sat with the priest, skimming through almanacs.
“The stars align perfectly a month from now,” the priest announced, tapping the date with conviction.
Ramila smiled broadly. “That’s perfect, isn’t it? One month—just enough time.”
Ashi squealed and hugged her mother. “Only one month? That’s so soon! I can’t believe it—it’s finally happening!”
Tejal clapped in delight. “Finally! Bhai is getting married! I’ll choreograph the sangeet performances!”
Chirag chuckled. “Just make sure he remembers the steps this time.”
Keshav looked over at Saksham. “What do you say, beta? Are you ready?”
Saksham gave a polite nod. “Yes... of course.”
But his gaze drifted unconsciously toward the stairs, just as Gopika passed silently, her dupatta trailing behind her like a whisper he couldn’t hold onto.
Inside Gopika’s Room
Gopika stood at the window, her fingers twisting the edge of her dupatta. The joyous voices from downstairs echoed like distant thunder. Each laugh, each song, reminded her that the decision had been made.
She turned toward the small idol of Kanha on her desk. The diya beside it flickered softly, its light calm but unwavering.
“Just one month, Kanha ji,” she whispered. “After that, everything will be okay. Ashi and Saksham will have the life they deserve. I’ll be out of the way.”
A knock on her door startled her.
It was Tejal. “Gopika, come downstairs! We’re finalizing the engagement shopping. Ashi says it won’t be any fun without you.”
Gopika offered a small smile. “I’ll be there.”
Downstairs: Preparations in Full Swing
The living room was full of chatter and excitement. Catalogs of lehengas and jewellery lay scattered on the coffee table. Boxes of sweets were being sampled. Ashi was seated like a bride already, glowing and giddy.
Ramila leaned in and whispered into Gopika’s ear, “Look at her. You did the right thing, Gopika. Everyone is happy. Especially Saksham.”
Gopika nodded, but her smile faltered as she glanced at Saksham—who was seated across the room, quiet and distracted, his eyes never meeting hers.
That Night — On the Terrace
Saksham stood alone on the terrace, leaning against the railing. The wedding buzz below had faded. The stars above offered no comfort. The silence around him was deafening.
He didn’t turn around when he heard footsteps behind him.
“You came,” he said softly.
“I just wanted to say congratulations,” Gopika said, standing a few feet behind.
He turned slowly, his eyes shadowed. “You asked me to say yes. I did. Are you happy now?”
She looked down, her voice barely a whisper. “I’m trying to be.”
Saksham stepped closer. “Ashi isn’t you. None of this feels real. The rituals, the flowers, the sweets—this whole wedding... it feels fake.”
Gopika’s voice wavered but remained firm. “It’s not fake. She’s your fiancée. I was just... a mistake.”
“Don’t say that,” Saksham snapped. “You weren’t a mistake, Gopika. What we had—it mattered.”
“It doesn’t matter anymore,” she replied, forcing herself to meet his eyes. “What matters is doing the right thing now. For Ashi. For your family. For everyone.”
Saksham stared at her, trying to read her calm exterior, but beneath her eyes was a silent ache.
After a long silence, he looked away.
“Fine,” he said bitterly. “One month.”
Gopika swallowed the lump in her throat. “One month.”
Modi Bhavan – A Few Days Later
Gopika sat in the corner of the living room, carefully pinning down sequins on a bridal platter. Her hands worked with precision, but her thoughts were elsewhere—adrift in the chaos of her heart.
The engagement was in three days.
She had handpicked the marigold garlands. Chosen the red-and-gold satin for the ring tray. Helped Ashi shortlist her lehenga.
And not once—not once—did she allow her fingers to tremble.
But now, as she sat threading jasmine buds for Ashi’s hair accessory, her breath hitched.
Gopika (to herself, voice low):
"What kind of devotion is this, Kanha ji? To walk away from love without asking for anything in return? Is this what You did for Radha too?"
A soft wind blew through the open window, lifting the edge of her dupatta as if in silent acknowledgment. But no divine sign came. Just silence.
Ashi’s Room – Later That Evening
Ashi twirled before the mirror in her lime green trial lehenga. Ramila clapped excitedly, and Minal offered approving nods. Gopika stood behind them, holding a set of matching bangles.
Ashi turned to her. “Gopika, what do you think? Do you think Saksham will like this color on me?”
Gopika smiled. “He will.”
Ashi laughed. “You always say the right thing. You’ve made everything perfect. Honestly, Gopika… I’m so lucky to have you.”
Gopika's throat closed. She quickly looked down and placed the bangles gently on the table.
Gopika:
“Lucky girls like you deserve nothing less.”
Ramila beamed. “See? Didn’t I always say this girl has gold in her heart?”
Ashi, tugging Gopika into a hug:
“Promise me you’ll be there by my side through the engagement? Like a sister?”
Gopika nodded slowly, trying not to shatter.
“Always.”
Gopika’s Room – That Night
Gopika sat before her small idol of Kanha. Her eyes were swollen, her lips bitten to hold back tears.
Gopika (whispers):
“I said I’d walk away… but why does it still hurt? Why does my chest feel like it’s cracking open every time she says his name? Is this my test, Kanha ji? Then help me pass it. Please. Give me strength to smile.”
She folded her hands and bowed low, the tear that finally slipped from her cheek falling into her folded palms. And the diya kept flickering. Steady. Unwavering.
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To be continued.
Cricket
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
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