The Dr Kaira Chapter. - Page 21

Originally posted by: A_Star39

Part 29:Tick Tock

The time was 12:30PM. The wedding was just three hours away.

Across the OberoiUdaivilas, the Poddar clan buzzed with activity, each member focused on theirelaborate ensembles. Aaryan was in his own suite, getting ready. He stoodtaller today, anticipating the social elevation the afternoon would bring,already practicing his 'supportive husband' smile.

In the lavishbridal suite, Kaira sat before a brightly lit vanity, a picture of pre-weddingtension. She was dressed in a soft silk robe, her elaborate mehendi now a deepmahogany stain. Her hair was already styled—a loose, elegant bun adorned withsmall pearls.

The renowned bridalmakeup artist worked meticulously, applying a sheer layer of MAC foundationwith a delicate brush, followed by routine touches of Tom Ford bronzer andsetting powder.

The star of theroom, the wedding lehenga, hung enshrined in a custom garment bag. It was thebridal outfit Kairav and Muskan had gifted her: a breathtaking ensemble definedby a creamy, champagne-ivory base color that shimmered subtly. The fabric was aluxurious raw silk, giving it a rich texture. There multi-colored floral and nature-inspired embroidery The skirt wasvoluminous, heavily embroidered with intricate pastel floral bootis in shadesof rose pink, mint green, sage green, and lavender, depicting a serene gardenscene that included stylized birds and subtle architectural elements . Thelower edge featured a wide, densely layered scalloped border meticulouslydetailed with fine zardozi and threadwork in shades of maroon and deep pink,giving it a rich, timeless elegance. The accompanying dupatta, a delicaterose-pink tulle, was draped nearby, featuring similar elaborate aari embroideryalong its edges, with an additional sheer net dupatta (partially visible) meantto cover the head.

The suite dooropened, and Muskan, Ruhi, and Reem entered. All three were still in theircomfortable robes or house clothes, clearly not dressed for the wedding yet.Muskan, her hair loosely tied, immediately went to Kaira, her eyes worried.

Muskan (Softly):"Kairu... you look beautiful, my angel. But listen to me. I know whathappened at the Haldi."

Kaira (Avoiding hermother’s gaze): "Maa, please. Let's not talk about it."

Muskan: "Wehave to. For the sake of the afternoon, please, darling, wear the Poddarjewellery. Just agree to what they want."

Ruhi (Addinggently, adjusting her robe): "It’s easier to agree to the demand, Kaira.Just wear the full set and best of luck!I hope you take the right decision.I am with you always"

Reem (ObservingKaira’s defiant chin, still in her silk nightwear): "They are right,Kaira. Satisfy their ego completely. You have more important battles to fighttoday."

Kaira looked up ather mother, her eyes steely. She knew they were trying to smooth things over,but she had reached her limit on compromise.

Kaira: "Okay,Maa. I will wear all of the Poddar bridal jewellery—the heavy neck set, theearrings, the maang tikka." Her voice was steady, a clear acceptance ofthe sacrifice. "But," she lifted her mehendi-stained hands, "Iam wearing my Dadi’s bangles too. The intricate gold and diamond ones. They areGoenka legacy, and they are staying on my hands.? "

Muskan squeezed herhand, a flicker of pride mingling with her anxiety. "Yes, darling. Justthe bangles. You are strong, Kairu."

Muskan and Ruhishared a meaningful look with Reem and then left to get ready, leaving Kairawith the makeup artist and Tanya.

Tanya, dressed incasual lounging attire as she, too, was yet to begin dressing, moved closer,pretending to check Kaira’s lipstick (a application of Dior Rouge).

Tanya (Whisperingnear her ear): "Kaira, look at me. Are you happy? Truly? Look beyond thedress, look beyond the status. You deserve a partner who celebrates you, whodoesn't tell you to change every two minutes to suit his 'image.'"

Kaira’s eyes welledup slightly as she remembered Aaryan's cruel words.

Tanya: "Alwayschoose respect, Kairu. Remember all those years in USA? Who was the only onewho truly understood your crazy ideas and protected you when you needed it?Nikhil bhai... you two were such good friends. He cares for you more thananyone. Don't forget that today."

Kaira didn'trespond, but her focus shifted from the mirror to the raw silk lehenga, thecreamy fabric now feeling suffocating. Tanya’s words were the match ignitingthe tinder of her doubt.

Tanya gave Kaira'sshoulder a quick, tight squeeze, delivering her final subtle hint, and thenleft the room, the countdown to the wedding ticking loudly in the suddensilence. Kaira was now alone with the truth and a decision she could no longerpostpone.

In their suite,Kairav and Muskan were silently getting ready, a sense of urgency and nostalgiahanging heavy in the air.

Kairav, lookingregal in an emerald green and gold sherwani with a matching embroidered stole,fastened his cufflinks. He paused, catching sight of his reflection. It feelslike yesterday I was holding a tiny bundle in my arms, terrified I’d break her.

Muskan, draped in agorgeous powder-blue lehenga—an aesthetic color—was adjusting the fine netdupatta over one shoulder. The lehenga featured subtle silver and threadembroidery, radiating sophisticated elegance. She wore aesthetic, contemporarydiamond and sapphire jewellery—a delicate choker and matching elongatedearrings, eschewing heavy traditional gold. She watched Kairav in the mirror,her eyes softening.

Muskan (Her voicegentle): "Remember, Kairav Ji? When Kaira was born, you wouldn't letanyone else hold her for the first three hours. Meri Kairu, you keptwhispering."

Kairav (Turning toface her, his eyes moist): "I remember, Muskan. She was so small, soperfect. We promised then to always protect her." He took Muskan’s hands."And today... today we are praying that she protects herself. We've donewhat we can, Muskan. We have to trust that we raised a girl smart enough to seethe truth."

Muskan (Squeezinghis hands, her voice trembling): "I am praying to every god I know, KairavJi. Bhagwan kare meri beti ko sahi raasta dikh jaye. Just one moment ofrealization, that's all she needs."

In the bridalsuite, Kaira stood before the full-length mirror, a vision of traditionalelegance, yet her eyes held a storm.

She was dressed inthe stunning creamy-champagne raw silk lehenga, its pastel floral embroideryand rich zardozi scalloped border catching the light. The delicate rose-pinktulle dupatta was draped over her head and shoulders.

She had fulfilledher mother’s plea. The massive, heavy Poddar family necklace and earring setsat heavily on her neck and ears, its opulence undeniable but its weight aphysical burden. She wore the matching nath (nose ring), mathapatti withmaangtikka, and a large cocktail ring on her finger. This heavy, traditionaljewellery, while demanding, unexpectedly complemented the vintage richness ofher lehenga. Her hair was styled in an elegant bun, adorned with fresh, classywhite and pastel pink flowers (jasmine, miniature roses), a stark contrast tothe heavy jewellery.

But on her wrists,alongside the Poddar bangles, were her Dadi’s intricate gold and diamondbangles. She had put them on herself, the last act of defiance, a tangibleanchor to her past.

Kaira stared at herreflection. The woman looking back was a beautiful bride, ready to enter awealthy, traditional family. But the woman inside was screaming.

Kaira (Thinking,her mind a whirlwind): Aaryan’s words at the Haldi... "Sentimentalnonsense." "Old-fashioned." He punched Nikhil... He pushed me...He ignored my consultancy. He taunts my weight. And now, he insults my Dadi’slegacy for his 'image'.

Her gaze shiftedfrom the heavy Poddar necklace to her grandmother's delicate bangles. Which oneis the real me? The obedient Bahu wearing this heavy chain, or the strong womanwho honors her past?

Tanya's wordsechoed in her mind: "Always choose respect, Kairu."

A tear escaped hereye, tracing a path through her perfect makeup. Am I making the biggest mistakeof my life? Is this marriage, or just a merger where I am the asset beingacquired? The storm in her mind was reaching its peak, and the moment ofdecision was agonizingly close.

A tense silence hadsettled in the bridal suite, broken only by the soft whir of the airconditioning. Kaira stood motionless, the weight of the Poddar jewellery aphysical manifestation of her internal conflict.

The door gentlyopened, and the room was instantly filled with love and warmth. Kairav andMuskan entered first, followed by Vansh and Reem, Ruhi with her son Daksh, andAbhir. The men were dressed in regal finery, and the women in theirsophisticated wedding attire.

Kairav and Muskanstopped short, their breath catching in their throats.

Kairav (A chokedwhisper): "My Kairu..."

Muskan (Tearswelling up): "Oh, my darling. You look exactly like..." She couldn'tfinish the thought, too overwhelmed by Kaira’s beauty and the heavy emotion ofthe moment.

Kaira, however,remained withdrawn. She looked at her family, not with joy, but with a deep,unsettling sadness. She felt like a beautiful exhibit—ready for viewing, buthollow inside.

Vansh cleared histhroat, his usual booming voice softer than usual. Daksh, seeing his favouriteMaasi (aunt) standing so still and quiet, immediately started to cry, rushingtowards her.

Daksh (Wailing):"Maasi! Why are you sad? Don't cry, Maasi!"

Kaira kneltimmediately to hug her nephew, the child's genuine distress piercing herreserve.

While Muskan gentlysettled Daksh, Ruhi stepped forward, dressed elegantly.

Ruhi (HoldingKaira's face, her voice low and firm): "Kairu. Look at me. Whateverdecision you take today, always choose the one that lets you sleep at night.Always take the right decision, not the easy one."

Kairav, sensing themoment was ripe, brought forth a silver-framed photograph of Kartik and NairaGoenka. He placed it carefully on a small, silk-draped table in the corner.

Kairav:"Kairu, before you take the pheras, you need the blessings of your Dadaand Dadi. My parents were the epitome of love, but they were also a force ofchange. My mother, Naira Goenka, always challenged old traditions that didn'tmake sense. She made her own mark as a passionate Dancer and as a woman whofought for her truth, even if it meant walking away from a ready wedding."

He paused, lettingthe words sink in.

Kairav: "Lighta diya (lamp) for them. Take their strength."

Kaira walkedtowards the table. The heavy Poddar jewellery clinked, but her eyes were fixedon the photo of Naira, her beautiful, smiling Dadi. She took a deep breath,picked up the match, and lit the wick of the small earthen diya.

As the flameflickered, casting a warm, aesthetic glow, Kaira bowed her head. Her wrists,adorned with the cumbersome Poddar bangles and the delicate, intricate gold anddiamond bangles of her Dadi, were held close to the flame. The diamond dharovarcaught the light, sparkling fiercely against the dull gleam of the heavierPoddar gold.

Kaira (Whispering):"Dadi... give me the courage to choose my truth. Give me the courage tochallenge what is wrong, just like you did."

The family watchedin silent reverence. In that single, beautiful, and deeply aesthetic moment—astunning bride in a costly lehenga, lighting a small earthen lamp, with theheavy weight of expected duty on her neck, but the symbol of rebellion andself-respect gleaming on her wrist—Kaira finally understood the choice she hadto make.

The storm in hermind ceased. There was only clarity.

The bridal suitewas suffocatingly silent. The air conditioning hummed, but it did nothing tocool the heat rising in Kaira’s chest. She sat before the vanity, staring atthe woman in the mirror. The heavy Poddar necklace felt like a golden shackle,a cold weight pressing against her jugular. In contrast, her Dadi’s diamondbangles on her wrists seemed to pulse with a warm, defiant energy.

She was a queenprepared for a coronation she didn't want.

The door clickedopen. Kaira didn't turn, expecting the makeup artist for touch-ups.

But the footstepswere different—heavy, hesitant, yet familiar in a way that made her heart skipa beat.

She spun around,her heavy raw silk lehenga rustling like a storm of fabric.

Standing there wasNikhil.

He wasn't in asherwani. He wasn't ready for the wedding. He was dressed for an escape. Hewore a crisp, Light blue linen shirt ,sleeves rolled up to reveal his forearms, paired with rugged cargo pants. Hishair was messy, windblown, and he looked effortlessly handsome, anddevastatingly sad.

Kaira (Standing up,the movement sharp): "Nikhil? Why are you... why are you dressed likethat? The baraat is almost here."

Nikhil (Avoidingher eyes, his jaw clenched tight): "I came to say goodbye, Kaira.Something came up... an urgent design crisis at the Mumbai site. I have toleave. My flight is in 3 hours."

He forced a smile,but it was brittle, cracking at the edges. "You look... breathtaking,Kairu. Truly. Congratulations. Stay happy, and always choose the best foryourself."

He turned abruptly,his hand reaching for the door handle as if the room was on fire.

Kaira (Her voicerising, panic setting in): "You’re lying."

Nikhil (Freezing):"I'm getting late, Kaira."

Kaira: "Mybest friend doesn't miss my wedding for a 'design crisis.' You’ve been actingstrange since the engagement. You took the punch for me, you held my hand atthe Haldi... and now you're running away?"

She rushed acrossthe room, the heavy jewellery clinking, and grabbed his arm, spinning himaround.

Kaira: "Lookat me! Why are you running away?"

The physicalcontact was electric. Her hand on his arm—the hand wearing the mehendi thatrefused to take Aaryan’s colour—seemed to burn him. Nikhil flinched, not frompain, but from the sheer torture of being so close to her when she belonged tosomeone else.

He looked down ather, his resolve crumbling. The dam he had built for years began to crack.

Nikhil (His voicerough, barely a whisper): "Do you remember, Kaira? Third grade. New York.Mrs. Henderson’s class. It was a blizzard outside."

Kaira blinked, thesudden shift in topic catching her off guard. "What?"

Nikhil (Steppingcloser, the intensity in his eyes darkening): "You lost your mittens. Youwere crying in the coatroom because you were terrified your dad would scoldyou. Everyone else just walked past you. But I saw you."

Kaira (Softly):"You gave me yours. You walked six blocks home with freezing hands."

Nikhil: "Ididn't do it because I was nice, Kaira. I didn't do it because I was a 'goodboy.' I did it because even then, at eight years old, seeing you in pain feltlike my pain. I have spent my entire life trying to keep you warm, Kaira.Trying to stand between you and the cold."

The air in the roomgrew thin. The tension that had been building for twenty years—throughchildhood games, teenage secrets, and adult silences—was about to explode.

Nikhil grabbed hershoulders. His grip was firm, desperate, his fingers digging slightly into theraw silk of her blouse.

Nikhil: "I’mnot leaving for work. I’m leaving because I can’t watch this. I can't standhere and smile while you destroy yourself. I can't watch you shrink yourself tofit into Aaryan’s suffocating little box. I can't watch you become a trophy fora man who doesn't know the fire you hold inside!"

Kaira (Whispering,stunned, her heart hammering): "Nikhil..."

Nikhil (His voicebreaking, raw with passion): "I love you, Kaira. I have loved you sincethe snow in New York. I loved you when we were teenagers. I loved you when youleft for London. And I love you now, standing here in another man's bridalclothes."

He pulled herslightly closer, the space between them vanishing. His eyes searchedhers—yearning, pleading, burning.

Nikhil: "Itconsumes me. Every time he touches you, every time he disrespects you, it feelslike I'm losing a part of my soul. I wanted to tell you for so long. But I wasa coward. I thought friendship was enough. I thought seeing you happy was enough.But you're not happy, Kaira. And I... I am dying inside."

Kaira stood frozen,numbed by the sheer force of his words. The room spun. The puzzle pieces of herlife—his constant support, the safety she felt in his presence, the way herheart had raced when he applied the Haldi—suddenly clicked into a blindingly brightpicture.

Nikhil (Releasingher slowly, stepping back as if burnt): "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have...this is selfish. It’s your wedding day. I just... I couldn't leave without youknowing."

He walked to thedoor, pausing with his hand on the frame. He didn't look back, his shouldershunched with the weight of his confession. The silence was deafening.

He turned his headslightly, his profile sharp against the ambient light, his eyes red-rimmed butpiercing.

Nikhil: "Usethat mirror, Kaira. Ask yourself if Aaryan makes you feel like a Queen, or justan asset."

He looked at herone last time, his gaze lingering on her eyes, then her lips, then the spacebetween them that felt like a canyon.

Nikhil (Voice soft,trembling, switching to Hinglish): "Hum bachpan se dost hain, Kaira. Bestfriends. Par aaj jo maine bola... aur jo tumhare aankhon mein dekh raha hoon...yeh dosti se bohot zyaada hai. Mere dil mein jo toofan hai, aur tumhare dilmein jo confusion hai..."

He took a deepbreath, asking the question that defined their entire existence.

Nikhil: "Yehdosti nahi hai, Kaira. Toh phir... Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai?"

The question hungin the air, heavy, poetic, and unanswered.

Without waiting fora response, Nikhil opened the door and walked out.

Kaira was leftalone in the silence. She stared at the closed door, her breath coming inshort, sharp gasps. The heavy Poddar necklace felt unbearable now, choking her.The echo of his question—Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai? —bounced around the room,louder than the wedding drums beating outside. She fell back onto the vanitychair, her hand clutching the spot on her arm where he had held her, realizingwith terrifying clarity that the man walking away with her heart was not theone waiting at the mandap.

Kaira felt numb.The intensity of Nikhil’s confession and the weight of his final question hadleft her physically shaking. She finally managed to walk out of the suffocatingbridal suite and found her way to a relatively quiet, secluded courtyard near thehotel’s fountain, seeking refuge from the wedding bustle. The bright sunlightseemed harsh against the storm in her eyes.

She stood there,her magnificent lehenga and jewellery feeling like armor, trying to steady herbreathing.

Suddenly, a flurryof laughter and tiny feet interrupted her turmoil. Daksh (Ruhi’s son) and Maira(Abhira’s daughter) burst into the courtyard, deep in a game of chase.

Daksh (Rushing up,breathless, holding out a small phone): "Maasi! Maasi! Click a picture ofus! We look like royal champions, right, Maira?"

Maira (Bouncingexcitedly): "Yes! Take a Maha-Awesome picture, Kaira Maasi!"

Kaira managed aweak smile, grateful for the distraction. She took the small phone—it wasDaksh's old phone, used primarily for games and camera practice, which he oftencarried with him—and centered the children against the backdrop of the Udaipurpalace.

Click.

Kaira (Softly):"Perfect, champions. Here." She handed the phone back.

Daksh fumbled withthe device as he took it back. His thumb accidentally brushed a button on thescreen, initiating a media file—the most recent one saved on the device.

A faint, muffledmale voice instantly began to play through the phone’s tiny speaker. The soundquality was surprisingly clear, betraying the fact that the phone had beencarelessly left on the deep velvet sofa in the Poddar lounge.

Voice 1 (Aaryan,his voice furious and stripped of charm): "This is ridiculous! Absolutelyridiculous! —Dadi Sa—was actually going to divide everything! The entire PoddarLaw Firm, the properties… sab teen hisso mein bant raha tha!"

Kaira froze, herheart seizing. Property division? Off the table? Ruhi’s conversation with Vidyaflashed in her mind.

Voice 2 (Krish,cynical and dry): "Armaan bhai and Abhira bhabhi’s Maha-Emotional Dramasaved your hide. Who knew a few crocodile tears about 'Family Love' would stopa property division?"

Voice 3 (SanjayBansal, calculating): "Armaan is smart; he knows if the firm splits, hispower dilutes. Your anger, Aaryan, is justified. You promised the Goenkas you'dmove to Mumbai, remember? A grand statement to appear independent."

Kaira’s hands flewto her mouth, stifling a gasp. The Mumbai plan...

Voice 1 (Aaryan,cold and desperate): "Mera plan phuss ho gaya! I need the money, thecapital. And I am not marrying Kaira for her sweet nature."

The sound ofAaryan’s own voice, so cold and transactional, was a knife in Kaira's gut.

Voice 1 (Aaryan,the mask completely off): "I am marrying Kaira for her status, for theGoenka name, and their elite business contacts. Dr. Kaira Goenka’s marriagewill give me the shield I need."

Voice 1 (Aaryan, atoxic realization dawning): "The split is off the table. She doesn't know.I will tell her we need to shift to Mumbai immediately after the wedding,citing her career and my 'independence.' I will use Kaira to demand my share,shielding myself from all the blame of dividing the family. The Poddars cancurse their Bahu, not their son. I will control her life."

Voice 3 (SanjayBansal, a slow, approving nod): "Clever, Aaryan. Very clever. Using theBahu as a scapegoat for ambition. A classic power play."

Voice 2 (Krish, adry, mocking laugh): "Welcome to the club, Aaryan. We all marry up, don'twe? You want Goenka elite contacts; I married Tanya for her inheritance and theconnections... though her weight certainly make it harder."

The voices fadedout, leaving a thick, terrifying silence.

Kaira stood stunnedand shocked to the core, her face completely drained of color. Her beautiful,expensive bridal ensemble now felt like a cruel costume.

A pawn. Ascapegoat. He lied about Mumbai. He knew the division was off. He called mymarriage a "classic power play."

The Haldihumiliation, the cold dismissals, the transactional gaze—they were all threadsleading to this one, devastating truth: Aaryan was marrying her as a weapon tosecure his own financial greed and ambition, intending to use her status andthen control her.

The phone, theinnocent plaything of her nephew, had delivered the final, fatal blow. Shehadn't been wrong about Aaryan; she had just underestimated the depth of hiscalculated malice.

She felt the heavygold necklace suddenly tighten, no longer an ornament, but a trap. Nikhil’sdesperate warning—Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai?—screamed in her mind.

The answer wasclear: This relationship was a calculated lie, and she was the designated fool.

Kaira let out asmall, silent gasp, raising her trembling hands, her Dadi’s bangles flashing asshe reached up to touch the heavy, suffocating necklace. The wedding drums werebooming now, but for Kaira, the world had just gone silent. She was trapped, butthe key was now in her hands.

The courtyard ofthe Oberoi Udaivilas was shaking with the force of the Poddar Baraat. It waslavish, loud, and utterly suffocating. Dhol beats, professional dancers, and adisplay of wealth that screamed 'Status' echoed across the marble grounds.

Kaira watched theprocession from the main palace balcony, high above the festivities. She was asight of devastating beauty in her champagne lehenga and heavy jewellery, buther expression was wild—a forced, twitching smile that looked completely unhinged.The accidental recording had detonated a bomb in her mind, and the suppressedanger was manifesting as deeply bizarre behavior.

Down below, theGoenkas—Kairav, Muskan, Vansh, and Reem—executed the grand Baraat swagat(welcome) ritual with practiced ease.

Aaryan, seated on amagnificent white horse, looked like a triumphant conqueror. He was supremelyexcited, imagining the valuation of the Goenka contacts he was about toacquire.

As the welcomeconcluded, the Poddars and Bansals settled into the main hall.

Inside, Abhiraapproached her husband, Armaan. She was restless, sensing the immense tension,and worried about Kaira.

Abhira (TuggingArmaan’s sleeve): "Armaan, I need to go see Kaira. She looked... off onthe balcony. I need to make sure she's okay before the pheras."

Armaan:"Abhira, Darling, you know Dadi Sa doesn't like the bride and groom’sfamilies mingling right now. Just relax."

Abhira (Pouting,then switching to action mode): "I have a plan! Maha-Plan!"

She marchedstraight up to Kaveri Dadi Sa.

Abhira: "DadiSa! I just remembered! The auspicious gold coin for the Gauri Puja! I think Maa(Vidya) kept it in her purse for safe keeping! I must retrieve it right now!It’s highly important Shagun!"

Kaveri Dadi Sa,ever concerned about protocol, nodded immediately. "Go quickly, Abhira.Don't waste time."

Abhira winked atArmaan and dashed off towards the bridal suite.

Abhira entered thesuite and found Kaira pacing, her hands clenched.

Abhira (Rushingforward, concerned): "Kaira! Are you okay? You looked so tense on thebalcony. Relax, behen. Everything is going to be fine. This is the happiest dayof your life! You're marrying for saccha pyaar (true love)! Isn't that whatmatters?"

Kaira stoppedabruptly and turned, her eyes wide and glittering with maniacal energy. Shesmiled—a wide, unnerving grimace that made Abhira take a step back.

Kaira (Her voiceunnaturally high and chirpy, in exaggerated Hinglish): "Oh, saccha pyaar!Absolutely, Jethani Maam! Maha-Important factor! I mean, who cares about littledetails, hai na? Like, say, Trust ki Tijori !"

Abhira blinked."Kaira, what is happening? Why are you talking like... like me?"

Kaira (Tossing herhead back, the heavy mathapatti threatening to slip, her voice drippingsarcasm): "Oh, nothing, nothing! Just admiring your wisdom! I mean, youare the expert! You are the champion of forgiveness, yaar!"

She took a dramaticstep closer to Abhira.

Kaira: "Afterall, you proved that Love is Zyaada Important than... oh, I don't know... maybea Kidnapped Baby! I mean, who needs to worry about Chhote-Mote Dhokh when youcan just look at the Beautiful Family Photo later, right?"

Abhira froze, hersmile dissolving. The mention of Armaan running away with Maira seven years agowas a seismic shock.

Abhira (Stuttering,her own past shame surfacing): "Kaira... what are you saying? That wasdifferent! That was a mistake, and Armaan apologized!"

Kaira (Tilting herhead, looking utterly savage): "Oh, absolutely! Armaan Bhaiya ka SacchaPyaar made you forget everything! Seven years of missing your daughter? Poof!Vanished! Because Pyaar ka Power isstrong! So if a person lies, cheats, uses you, and treats you like a mereAsset... it's all okay! Just forgive and wear the gold! Kyunki Ghar ka Naam is important, aur Apna BankBalance is even more important!"

Abhira (Visiblycreeped out, backing away): "Kaira! Stop it! Tum theek ho? "

Kaira (Waving herhands dismissively): "I am Maha-Fine, Jethani Maam! Just realizing that inthis family, Sacchai ka Rate is very low! You just need to be a Good Bahu whodoesn't rock the Badi Family ki Boat ! Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go practicemy Obedient Bahu Look for the pheras! Bye-bye!"

Abhira stared,completely aghast. Kaira’s taunt was subtle yet brutal, referencing her owndark past to justify the coming disaster. Abhira hurried out, utterly unnerved,leaving Kaira standing alone, her face twisting from manic cheer to coldresolve.

The venue, thecourtyard of the Oberoi Udaivilas, was a spectacle of aesthetic beauty. Thedecor was dominated by a palette of blush pink, ivory, and soft peach, blendingseamlessly with the serene lake backdrop.

The Mandap stood ona slightly elevated dais, crafted from carved white wood, resembling a moderntemple. It was draped in cascading jasmine and exotic white orchids,interspersed with soft pink roses. The ceiling was a canopy of shimmering sheerfabric and crystal chandeliers that diffused the sunlight into a gentle,ethereal glow. The seating for the guests was arranged in elegant rows ofgilded chairs, all facing the mandap, symbolizing the purity and sacredness ofthe impending vows.

The time arrivedfor the Bridal Entry. The entire assembly—the Birlas, Goenkas, Poddars,Bansals, and a host of high-profile dignitaries and guests—fell silent, theireyes fixed on the entrance.

Kaira appeared,flanked by Ruhi and Tanya. She was a breathtaking bride, but the serene imageshattered upon closer inspection. She was rigid, her massive Poddar jewellerysparkling in frantic rhythm with her subtle, yet intense, fidgeting.

As they walked,Kaira was continuously muttering under her breath, a rapid, unintelligiblestream of logical yet hilarious Hinglish born of pure, furious realization.

Kaira (Mutteringrapidly, eyes wide): "Three hours left! Time is money, We must save on Phera costs! Fastest Wedding = Highest Efficiency! Woh mera time manage karega,toh main uska wedding speed manage karungi! Transaction ko jaldi complete karo!Status,Status and Status"

Ruhi (Whisperingfiercely to Kaira, holding her arm): "Kairu, slow down! What is wrong with your logic? We need to look graceful! Stop calculating!"

Tanya (Eyesdarting, terrified): "Kaira, you sound like a stock market trader! Please,bride bano, CEO nahi! !"

Kaira ignored them,her focus fixed on the mandap, where Aaryan stood waiting.

The music started.The pre-choreographed Bridal Entry song—the romantic Bollywood hit "ManvaLaage"—began, signaling a slow, graceful entrance.

As the musicsettled into a gentle rhythm, Aaryan, according to the choreography, raised hiswrist and looked pointedly at his watch, signaling to Kaira’s that she was lateand needed to hurry.

That gesture—apublic display of controlling the timeline and prioritizing punctuality overgrace—was the final trigger. Kaira's eyes blazed. The Pawn was done beingcontrolled.

Instead of thelight, slow dance steps planned for the entry, Kaira suddenly exploded intomotion.

She didn't walk;she sprinted.

Kaira broke awayfrom Ruhi and Tanya, launching into a weirdly fast and sharp, angularchoreography. Her movements were frantic, less like classical grace and morelike a combination of Zumba and speed-walking. The heavy PoddarJewellery set bounced violently on herchest, and her majestic lehenga skirt seemed to defy gravity, flying out withevery sudden turn.

The DJ, totallyblindsided, struggled desperately to keep the beat of "Manva Laage"fast enough to match the bride's insane pace, turning the soft melody into aridiculous, chaotic jingle.

The entire weddingparty was dumbfounded.

Aaryan (Eyes wide,struggling to keep his smug composure): He looked utterly confused. Heattempted to mirror her speed with an awkward, hopping jog in place, desperateto maintain the illusion of a coordinated entry.

Aaryan (Mutteringto his father, Manoj): "What is she doing? This is not in the Sangeetvideo! Mera Brand Image kharab ho raha hai!"

Kairav and Muskan(Exchange a look of profound horror):

Kairav (Whisperingto Muskan): "She's treating the aisle like a closing argument! Yeh tohcase band karke hi maanegi!"

Abhira and Armaan(Mouths agape):

Abhira:"Armaan! Dekho toh! She’s making a mockery of the sacred entry! SacchaPyaar is supposed to be slow motion!"

Armaan: "Ithink she’s running away, but forgot her direction! Yeh toh ulta mandap pe jarahi hai!"

Kaveri Dadi Sa andVidya (Horrified and furious):

Kaveri Dadi Sa(Voice booming): "Stop her! This is not a race! This is an insult to thesanskar of this ceremony! Manoj! Control your future daughter-in-law!"

Harshvardhan Birla(Leaning back, utterly amused): The Birla patriarch burst into roaringlaughter, finding the entire scene hysterical.

Harshvardhan (ToShivansh and Manjari, wiping a tear of laughter): "I say! This girl hassome spirit! Look at her run! Yeh isme Tuntunewali Bua ki aatma toh nahiaagayi! " He winked mischievously. I like her!"

Ruhi and Tanya(Finally catching up to Kaira at the mandap): They were hunched over, pantingheavily, utterly defeated.

Kaira finallyreached the mandap. She didn't slow down. She took one gigantic, aggressivestep onto the dais and planted herself directly in front of Aaryan, who lookedutterly perplexed.

The music came to ascreeching, awkward halt. Kaira stared at Aaryan, her eyes holding theterrifying clarity of a woman who knew she was walking into a trap, and was nowpreparing to spring it shut herself.

In the sudden,tense silence, seven pairs of Goenka eyes met across the hall, sharing thesame, single, hilarious realization.

Kairav, Muskan,Vansh, Reem, Ruhi, Tanya, and Abhir (standing near his grandparents) all lookedat Kaira’s aggressive stance, her defiant eyes, and her rapid, unhingedmovements.

Their minds, in aflash of communal Goenka intuition, screamed the same thought:

"SHE KNOWS!"

They burst intosilent, internal laughter, punctuated by a collective, horrified thought:Aaryan's scheme is about to become public domain, and Kaira is going to be theone to deliver the verdict. They realized the speed was not panic, but thecalculated haste of a woman about to expose a fraud before the deal was sealed.

Oh my Nikhil confession was beautiful 😍 😍 ❤️ I will read part 30 soon