Gumrah Zindagi ~ A Rori/Tanaj FF

Introduction:

Rohan Sippy is happily married to Tanya, yet his casanova ways remain unchanged as he continues to charm other women. However, everything shifts when Pari Rastogi enters his life-the younger sister of his elder sister-in-law, Sonakshi Rastogi. Unlike his fleeting attractions, Rohan finds himself truly falling in love with Pari. But this forbidden love sets off a chain of events that entangles five lives in a web of emotions, consequences, and unforeseen twists.

Character Sketch:

Abhishek Malik as Rohan Sippy

Rohan is a charming and successful man whose confidence masks deep emotional immaturity. He enters marriage seeking stability but lacks the capacity for commitment. His need for validation drives him into an affair with Pari, revealing his selfishness. Rohan prioritizes desire over responsibility, even rejecting his unborn child. He embodies entitlement and emotional cruelty disguised as honesty.

Dhwani Shah as Tanya Sippy

Tanya is intelligent, graceful, and emotionally strong, with a deep sense of self-respect. She enters marriage with sincerity, believing in trust and commitment. Betrayal transforms her from a patient wife into a resilient woman who chooses dignity over compromise. Despite pregnancy and social pressure, she refuses a loveless life. Tanya represents quiet courage and moral strength.

Alice Kaushik as Praniti "Pari" Rastogi

Pari is bold, impulsive, and driven by attention and ambition. She thrives on desire and competition, often mistaking validation for love. Aware of Rohan’s marriage, she still pursues him, believing passion justifies her choices. Her confidence masks insecurity and emotional recklessness. Pari symbolizes unchecked desire and moral ambiguity.

Ajit appears carefree and irresponsible but is emotionally perceptive and deeply principled. He loves Tanya silently, choosing restraint over betrayal. Unlike Rohan, Ajit values respect, empathy, and responsibility. His growth lies in accepting accountability without entitlement. Ajit represents emotional maturity and selfless love.

Chapter 1 (A Chance Encounter)

Starbucks Café, Guregaon, Mumbai

A young man in a crisp white T-shirt tucked casually into a pair of relaxed blue jeans walked into Starbucks with an air of easy confidence. Black round sunglasses perched on his nose, a car key spun lazily around his index finger. He scanned the café's outdoor veranda, searching for someone.

Engrossed in his search, he didn't notice the waiter approaching from the opposite side. They collided—coffee went flying—and the hot liquid splashed across the front of his T-shirt.

"What the hell!" he exclaimed, stepping back in frustration. His face came into focus—it was Ajit Sippy.

Sippy Family Portrait

Ajit, or AJ as he's fondly called, is the youngest son of Mumbai's renowned gynecologist, Dr. Naren Sippy, and his elegant wife, Veena. The Sippy family is a paragon of success—Ajit's eldest brother, Rohit, is a leading cardiac surgeon; the second, Rohan, a prosperous real estate developer. Ajit, however, has chosen a different path—one without ambition or responsibility.

Born into affluence, raised in a joint family that owns and runs the prestigious Sukumani Hospital, Ajit has never had to worry about earning a living. His days are a blend of charm, leisure, and impulsive decisions—like today's blind date, arranged on a whim.

Back in the café,

Ajit's mood was turning darker by the second. Furious, he grabbed the waiter by the collar and raised his fist, ready to unleash his anger.

"Hey! What do you think you're doing?"

A calm but firm voice stopped him mid-action. A soft hand had gripped his arm. Ajit turned, startled, to meet a pair of intelligent, expressive eyes and a cascade of curly hair. Standing before him was Tanya Lalwani, jewellery designer and daughter of the influential hotelier, Rajesh Lalwani.

She had witnessed the accident and intervened.

"Why are you blaming him? You weren't watching where you were going either," she said.

Ajit, still annoyed, snapped, "He just ruined my T-shirt! I'm here for a date, and now I look like a joke."

Tanya smiled, tilting her head slightly. "Well, here's a free tip from one woman to another man: women aren't impressed by looks. It's character that wins hearts. Maybe try that on your date."

Her words, spoken with calm conviction, caught him off guard. There was something captivating in her voice, in her smile—a natural glow that made it hard for him to look away. Ajit stared, momentarily spellbound.

"Ajit Sippy?" called a voice from behind.

He turned to see a glamorous woman in a short red dress approaching confidently. "Hi, I'm Neha Jaiswal. We matched on Tinder—remember?"

Reality snapped back. Of course—the blind date.

Tanya leaned in, whispered, "Remember what I said. All the best," and gently pried Ajit's hand away from the waiter's collar.

Ajit watched her in silence, transfixed. She smiled again—genuinely—and walked away. He wanted to stop her, to ask her name, to know more... but Neha tugged at his attention.

"Shall we sit?"

He nodded, half-heartedly, turning once more to search for Tanya. But she had vanished. The table she had stood by was empty now. Disappointed, he forced a smile and gestured, "Ladies first."

Ajit and Neha's Date

Neha spoke animatedly, introducing herself and sharing tidbits from her life. But Ajit was only half-present. His thoughts lingered on Tanya—her voice, her words, that unforgettable smile.

Neha paused. "Your turn."

Ajit snapped out of his daze. As he began to speak, Tanya's words echoed again in his mind:

"It's character that matters more than looks."

Shaking off the distraction, he confessed honestly about the coffee spill, about almost losing his temper, and how he realized that it was partly his fault too.

Neha listened, visibly impressed. "I like that. You're honest. Not many men would admit their fault."

They talked a while longer. Before leaving, Neha gave Ajit a warm hug. As she walked away, Ajit leaned back in his chair, still thinking.

"That girl was right," he murmured. "Character is enough."

A small smile touched his lips. Then, as though hit by a sudden thought, he straightened. "But... who was she?"

Lalwani House

Later that evening, Tanya walked into her home, greeted her father warmly, and gave him a hug. But her smile faded when she saw the serious look on his face.

"What's wrong, Dad?" she asked.

Rajesh Lalwani handed her a piece of paper.

"You've received a marriage proposal," he said. "From the Sippy family."

Tanya's expression changed instantly—from confusion to disbelief.

"The Sippys?" she echoed, stunned.

-------

To be continued.

Chapter 2

Sippy Mansion – Living Room

The air inside the opulent Sippy living room was tense.

Rohit stood in front of his parents, frustration simmering just beneath the surface. "What's wrong with you, Mom?" he snapped, voice rising. "How can you fix my marriage with someone without even asking me first?"

Veena, taken aback but composed, folded her hands. "Rohit, she's not just any girl. Tanya Lalwani is a wonderful, grounded young woman. I've met her. I know you'll like her once you meet her too."

"I've told you a hundred times already—I don't want to get married!" Rohit shouted. "Why can't you just accept that?"

Naren, stern and commanding as always, stepped in. "Is that how you speak to your mother? And what's so wrong in what she's saying? You're almost thirty, Rohit. A reputed doctor. Well settled. This is the right time for marriage."

Rohit's eyes flashed. "Dad, I've made myself clear. I'm not ready. Do what you want, but you can't force me to marry against my will." With that, he turned and stormed out of the room, leaving behind a heavy silence.

Veena slumped onto the sofa, visibly upset. "What do we do now, Naren? I really liked Tanya. I gave my word to Mr. Lalwani—that one of my sons would marry his daughter. But you saw Rohit. He won't budge."

Naren thought for a moment, then a quiet idea lit his face. "We still have a way forward."

Veena looked at him curiously. "What do you mean?"

"You told Mr. Lalwani that one of our sons would marry his daughter. But you never mentioned it would specifically be Rohit."

Veena blinked in surprise. "Naren, what are you suggesting?"

He shrugged. "If Rohit refuses, why not consider Rohan? He's just two years younger and is also well settled with his construction firm. If it were Ajit, I wouldn't even entertain the idea. But Rohan is mature."

"But... won't people talk?" Veena frowned. "How can we marry off our younger son before the elder one?"

Naren waved her concerns away. "Veena, let's not bother about people. We're the Sippys. And Rohit is one of Mumbai's most eligible bachelors—handsome, successful, and independent. His turn will come when he is ready. For now, talk to Rohan."

Veena considered it, slowly nodding. "Alright. I'll speak to him."

Rohan's Bedroom

Later that evening, Veena found Rohan in his room, going through some architectural blueprints. She approached him gently and brought up the proposal.

Rohan looked up, confused. "Tanya? You want me to consider marrying her? But... Rohit bhai—"

"Rohit has made his decision clear," Veena interrupted softly. "And the Lalwanis are a good family. I know it's unconventional, but there's no harm in meeting her. Just talk to her once. If you don't feel a connection, we'll drop it."

Rohan mulled it over, then finally said, "Alright. But I'll only consider it if I get to meet her first, and talk to her alone."

Veena smiled. "Fair enough. I'll call Mr. Lalwani and fix a meeting."

Lalwani House – Evening

Tanya stood rooted in place, still processing the unexpected news.

"Dad, what are you saying?" she asked, barely above a whisper.

Rajesh Lalwani held her hand gently. "Tanya, I met Mrs. Veena Sippy at your jewellery exhibition last week. She was deeply impressed by you—your confidence, your warmth. She believes you'd make a perfect addition to their family."

"But Papa, why so soon?" Tanya protested. "I've just begun my career."

"I understand that, Tanya," Rajesh said calmly. "And the Sippys understand that too. Veena Sippy assured me you can continue working even after marriage. They're not old-fashioned."

Just then, his phone rang. Tanya watched him answer it with mild suspicion.

"Hello?" Rajesh greeted. "Ah, Mrs. Sippy!"

Veena's voice crackled through the line. "Mr. Lalwani, Rohan would like to meet Tanya before we move ahead with anything."

"Rohan?" Rajesh asked, puzzled. "I thought the proposal was for your elder son, Rohit."

"It was," Veena admitted. "But he isn't ready. After speaking with my husband, we feel Rohan would be a better match for Tanya. I hope that's alright."

Rajesh smiled. "Whether Rohit or Rohan, a proposal from your family is a blessing. Tanya is free tomorrow."

Tanya, overhearing, waved her hands in protest. "Dad!"

Oblivious, Rajesh continued, "Rohan and your family are welcome any time."

"Thank you, Mr. Lalwani," Veena said warmly. "We'll visit tomorrow morning."

He ended the call and turned to find Tanya glaring at him, arms crossed.

"What?" he asked, feigning innocence.

"How can you call them so soon?" she snapped.

"Tanya," he said patiently, "there's no harm in meeting someone. Just talk to him. If you feel a connection, we'll move ahead. If not, I won't press you."

Tanya sighed, then nodded reluctantly. "Okay. Just a meeting."

Rajesh smiled, kissed her forehead gently, and left. Alone, Tanya sat in silence, a whisper escaping her lips.

"Rohan Sippy..."

Next Morning – Lalwani Residence

A convoy of luxury cars pulled into the Lalwanis' lawn. The entire Sippy clan had arrived.

Rajesh came out to greet them with folded hands. "Welcome, welcome. Please, come in."

As the family began entering the house, Ajit pulled Rohan aside with a mischievous grin.

"So, Rohan bhai," he teased, "with all the women who've come and gone in your life, you're finally settling down—before Rohit bhai, no less?"

Rohan rolled his eyes. "Shut up, AJ. Let me meet the girl first."

Ajit smirked, throwing his hands up. "Alright, alright."

The Sippys made themselves comfortable in the lavish drawing room. After brief pleasantries, Veena leaned in and said to Rajesh, "We'd love to meet Tanya now."

Rajesh nodded and called out for his daughter.

Soft footsteps echoed through the hallway as Tanya entered the room. Heads turned.

Ajit felt a sudden chill. His body stiffened. It's her. The same girl from Starbucks. The girl with the smile that had haunted him since that day.

Tanya stepped into the room with quiet grace, dressed elegantly, her eyes scanning the room—until they landed on Ajit.

For a fleeting moment, both froze.

She recognized him too.

But today wasn't about them.

Today, it was about Tanya and Rohan.

---------

To be continued.

Chapter 3 (Sippy-Lalwani Connection)

Lalwani House – Living Room

The Lalwani residence brimmed with the soft buzz of conversation and the scent of fresh marigolds. The Sippys had just arrived, and pleasantries flowed easily between the families. Laughter echoed gently across the marble floors.

Everyone wore a cheerful smile—except Ajit.

Seated quietly, his expression unreadable, Ajit's gaze drifted toward the woman at the center of it all: Tanya Lalwani. The same girl who had inadvertently stopped his meltdown at Starbucks just a day ago. She had walked into his life like a collision—unexpected, brief, unforgettable. And now, she stood before him... as his elder brother Rohan's prospective fiancée.

Ajit's chest tightened.

Tanya, poised and graceful, greeted the elders with reverence. When she stepped toward Veena, the latter introduced her with warmth. "This is my son, Rohan."

But Tanya didn't look at Rohan.

Her eyes found Ajit—and widened.

"You?" she blurted out, instinctively pointing at him.

A hush fell over the room. All eyes turned to them.

Naren frowned. "No, no—that's not Rohan. That's Ajit, our youngest. You know each other?"

Ajit and Tanya spoke in unison, awkward but honest: "We met yesterday."

A ripple of surprise spread. Tanya then narrated their comical yet fiery Starbucks run-in—her interruption saving a waiter from Ajit's misplaced temper. Laughter trickled through the room, easing the moment. Still, Ajit kept his head down, quietly wounded by the irony.

Naren leaned over to Veena and whispered, "Your youngest son doesn't have a job, but has time for blind dates?"

Veena pinched his arm. "Stop it. This is about Rohan."

To redirect focus, Mr. Lalwani offered cheerfully, "Why don't Tanya and Rohan speak privately?"

Veena nodded eagerly. "Yes, go on, beta."

As Rohan rose with a smile and followed Tanya to the garden, Ajit's gaze lingered. His heart gave a dull throb as he watched the girl he couldn't stop thinking about walk away... with someone else.

A single tear slipped silently down his cheek.

The Garden Meeting
Lalwani Garden – Later That Day

Among swaying bougainvillaea and the distant rustle of wind, Rohan and Tanya sat beneath a large neem tree. The atmosphere was light, the tension tempered by courtesy.

"I didn't expect this meeting," Rohan admitted with a sheepish grin.

Tanya smiled. "Neither did I. My dad sort of ambushed me."

Rohan laughed. "Same here. Welcome to Indian matchmaking."

As they talked, they found comfort in each other's honesty. Rohan admired Tanya's conviction, her passion for jewellery design, her grounded maturity. Tanya appreciated Rohan's sincerity and the way he didn't try to impress her with over-the-top charm.

Their conversations meandered from childhood mischief to work ethics, family pressure to quiet ambitions. Yet, beneath the polite smiles, something was missing.

"I should be honest," Rohan finally said. "You're amazing, Tanya. But... I don't feel that spark."

Tanya exhaled softly. "I was hoping it would come. But I think we both know it hasn't."

He nodded in agreement. "Let's not tell them just yet?"

"Please," she chuckled. "I'm not ready for another round of melodrama."

They laughed—two good people who liked each other, but didn't belong together.

Moments in Silence
Inside the House – Meanwhile

Back inside, Ajit poured himself a glass of water he didn't need. Through the garden doors, he spotted Tanya laughing with Rohan. That sight did something strange to him.

"Jealousy?" he muttered to himself. "Get a grip, AJ."

Goodbye That Meant Something
Back in the Living Room

Tanya and Rohan returned to the living room, their expressions calm and composed.

"How was it?" Veena asked, hopeful.

"We had a good talk," Rohan said, avoiding specifics.

"It was... nice," Tanya added.

As everyone rose to leave, Tanya walked with them to the door. Ajit followed silently, lingering behind the group.

Just as Tanya turned, she heard a soft voice behind her.

"You were right, you know."

She looked back.

Ajit stood near the steps, sunglasses in hand, gaze steady. "About character mattering more than looks."

Her lips twitched into a small smile. "Looks like it worked for you."

He didn't respond. Just nodded.

"Goodbye, Ajit," she said softly, turning away.

He stood still until she disappeared from view.

Unseen Beginnings
Sippy Car – On the Way Home

In the car, Rohan looked out of the window, lost in thought.

Beside him, Ajit was silent.

"You okay?" Rohan asked.

Ajit nodded. "Yeah. Just... tired."

But he wasn't tired.

Something had begun to stir. Uninvited. Unspoken.

And growing.

Quiet Intersections
Bandra Promenade – A Few Days Later

The waves kissed the shore as joggers passed and seagulls cawed in the breeze. Tanya sat on a bench, sketchbook in hand, trying to escape the clutter in her head.

She didn't expect him.

"You sketch?"

She turned—and there he was. Ajit. In joggers, a faded tee, looking nothing like the flippant brat she first met.

"Do you always run into women you've spilled coffee near?" she teased.

"Only the ones who lecture me mid-meltdown," he replied.

They sat in silence.

"You and Rohan...?" he finally asked.

"We liked each other," she said. "But it wasn't... right."

Ajit looked out at the sea. "Maybe the universe wants me to keep bumping into you."

Tanya laughed softly. "And why would it want that?"

He turned to her. "Maybe it's trying to start something before either of us are allowed to feel it."

Her breath caught—but she said nothing.

As she walked away, she didn't look back. But her heart was loud.

Unexpected Reunions
Kala Ghoda Art Gallery – Another Week Later

Tanya was curating a display when a familiar voice cut through the hum of the gallery.

"You again?"

She turned. Ajit, in black kurta, stood beside a jewellery case with that crooked smirk.

"This city's not that big," he shrugged.

Their banter picked up where it left off—teasing, light, and strangely safe.

Then, his voice dropped. "There can't be a 'between us,' right? You're my brother's ex-proposal."

Tanya met his eyes. "And you're the boy I can't stop meeting."

Their truths hung between them, heavy but liberating.

Between Words and Silences
Bookstore Café – One More Chance

The soft aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the rustle of pages as Tanya sat tucked into her favorite corner at the bookstore café. A half-read design magazine rested on her lap, her fingers curled around a hazelnut latte.

It had been a long day. She wasn't here for company—just solace.

Which is why she sighed audibly when she heard his voice again.

"You really do haunt cafés," she muttered, not looking up.

Ajit slid into the seat across from her, holding a steaming cup of masala chai and wearing his signature crooked grin. "Only the ones with girls who pretend they aren't curious."

Tanya smirked despite herself. "You're relentless."

"I prefer consistent."

Their banter continued—light, teasing, oddly intimate. The walls between them had thinned without warning, and neither of them seemed in a hurry to rebuild them.

They talked about everything and nothing. About art and absurdity. About her childhood fear of swings and his irrational dislike for ketchup. It was easy. Dangerously easy.

Then, it quieted.

The hum of the café faded into background noise as the space between them grew heavier.

Tanya looked up, voice quieter. "What are we doing, Ajit?"

Ajit leaned in—not dramatically, but gently, like he didn't want to scare the moment away.

"I don't know," he said softly. "But let's not call it anything. Let's just... be. And see where it goes."

She didn't answer.

But she didn't leave either.

Meanwhile, in Another Chapter
Tanya and Rohan's Dates – The Other Parallel

While Tanya found herself entangled in unspoken glances and unexpected moments with Ajit, another path unfolded in parallel.

Rohan—dutiful, grounded, kind—had also begun to spend time with her. Their initial meeting hadn't been electric, but it had been sincere. What began with politeness slowly evolved into a rhythm: casual coffees, evening walks, long conversations about family values, expectations, dreams.

Rohan admired Tanya's quiet strength. She, in turn, appreciated his honesty and steadiness. With each meeting, the comfort grew. No sparks flew, but there was warmth—a mutual understanding.

It wasn't love, not yet.

But it was likable. Respectable. Easy to present to a room full of parents and relatives.

As weeks passed, Rohan felt something shift inside him. Not infatuation—but a quiet fondness. The kind that made him consider stability. Companionship. Marriage.

He looked at Tanya and saw the possibility of a calm, predictable future. And in his heart, he began aligning himself with the idea. With his parents' hopes.

Maybe, just maybe, she could be the one.

Tanya's Balcony – That Night

Much later that evening, Tanya sat on the edge of her bedroom balcony, legs curled beneath her, a warm breeze brushing against her skin. The Mumbai skyline twinkled in the distance. The weight of multiple truths lay heavy on her chest.

Rohan had texted her earlier, asking if they could meet again.

Ajit, however, had already lingered in her thoughts like a stubborn melody she couldn't shake off.

Her phone buzzed.

Ajit: Next time, my turn to choose the café.

She smiled before she could stop herself.

Tanya: Only if there's no sketchbook jealousy involved.

His reply came within seconds.

Ajit: No promises. I compete with charcoal now.

Tanya laughed into the night, her heart light but confused.

Between two men, two worlds, two kinds of possibilities—one stable, one stirring—she sat at a crossroads only her heart could navigate.

Something had begun.

And this time, neither of them wanted to stop it.

------

To be continued.

Chapter 4 (Crossroads of the Heart)

Lalwani Residence – Late Evening

Tanya stood at her dressing table, absently adjusting her earrings. Her father had just told her, with barely concealed excitement, that Rohan and the Sippys would be visiting again the next morning—this time for something more official.

Her hands stilled over her reflection.

She didn't ask what he meant.

She already knew.

The dinners, the conversations, the polite warmth between her and Rohan—it had all been leading here. A formal proposal. The beginning of something her parents would call perfect.

And Rohan? He was everything a woman could want.

Then why did her stomach twist with unease?

Her phone vibrated on the table. A message.

Ajit:
Coffee at our usual place tomorrow evening? Or am I losing my café privileges?

Her breath caught. Her fingers hovered over the screen.

She didn't reply.

Not yet.

Because if she went... she wasn't sure she'd be able to pretend anymore.

Sippy Mansion – Ajit's Room

Ajit sat on the edge of his bed, strumming a few absent chords on an old guitar that hadn't been tuned in years. His door was ajar, and he could hear Veena and Naren talking excitedly downstairs.

"...so grounded, so composed," Veena was saying. "Tanya will make a wonderful daughter-in-law."

His hands stilled on the strings.

There it was again—that name. Tanya. Always in the air now. Always between conversations, in glances, in silences.

He closed his eyes.

He had tried—God, he had tried—to step away. He had told himself it was just infatuation. A fleeting thing. A reaction to her smile, her fire, her unexpected presence in his otherwise detached life.

But it wasn't fleeting.

Not anymore.

And it was getting harder to pretend.

She was slipping beneath his skin in ways he couldn't control.

Ajit got up, pacing. He looked at his phone, rereading his last message to her. No reply.

He told himself it was fine. Maybe it was fine.

Maybe she was already saying yes to his brother.

Flashback – Tanya & Rohan's Last Meeting

They had gone out for dinner last week. Rohan had driven her to a quiet rooftop place near Marine Drive. The sea shimmered in the background. The food was exquisite. The company—polite, familiar.

But Tanya had felt it even then—that quiet guilt that crawled under her skin.

She laughed when she was supposed to. Responded when expected. But her heart wasn't there.

At one point, Rohan had looked at her—warm, content, sure. And he had said, "You know, sometimes I think we were meant to find each other."

Tanya had smiled.

But her heart clenched painfully.

Because someone else's voice, someone else's smile, someone else's laugh had already taken up space in her mind.

Ajit's Dilemma – The Next Morning

In the Sippy household, the buzz was unmistakable.

Rohan was getting ready. Dadi was pulling out old heirloom jewelry. Naren was fixing his watch and polishing his shoes.

And Ajit?

Ajit stood at the staircase, watching it all.

It felt like a celebration. It felt like a nightmare.

"Ajit!" Veena called, cheerfully. "Come help your brother pick a kurta."

He nodded automatically, forcing his legs to move. But when he reached Rohan's room, he paused at the door.

Rohan turned and held up two options. "White or navy? I want to look good today."

Ajit's voice was quiet. "White. It suits you."

Rohan smiled, unaware. "Thanks, man. Today feels... important."

Ajit watched his brother, admiration and ache fighting for space inside him.

"Yeah," he said softly. "It is."

Tanya's Room – That Same Time

Tanya sat on her bed, her mother fussing over her saree pleats. She stared into nothing, words from the night before swirling in her mind.

She hadn't replied to Ajit's message.

She hadn't stopped thinking about it either.

Her heart pulled in two directions—between right and real. Between the life expected of her and the life that whispered from stolen glances and café conversations.

What would happen if she said no?

Worse—what would happen if she said nothing at all?

She picked up her phone, opened Ajit's chat.

Still no message sent.

She started to type. Then stopped.

She couldn't. Not yet.

Her heart wasn't ready to betray everyone.

But it had already betrayed her.

Coming Together – The Tension Mounts

As the Sippys' car approached the Lalwani residence, both Ajit and Tanya were caught in a web of smiles and silence.

Rohan, smiling beside Ajit in the backseat, glanced at his brother and said, "You've been quiet since morning."

Ajit forced a grin. "Just thinking."

"About what?"

Ajit turned to the window, watching the Mumbai streets blur by.

"About how some moments change everything."

Rohan didn't press.

He had no idea.

And Ajit... Ajit didn't know how much longer he could keep his silence.

The Silence Beneath Celebration – Sippy Mansion – Living Room

Weeks had passed since the encounter at the Lalwani house.

The air at the Sippy mansion was unusually charged that morning. Veena was setting a tray of juice glasses, humming, while Naren scrolled through the news. Dadi was seated on the couch, knitting something bright and cheerful.

Ajit sat slouched at the edge of the armchair, earphones plugged in, eyes distant.

Rohan entered with a bright energy that immediately drew attention.

"Mom! Dad! Dadi! Everyone—can you come to the living room? I've got something to share."

Within minutes, the Sippy family gathered, curiosity written on their faces.

Rohan looked at them, voice steady but heart visibly racing.

"I've made a decision," he began. "Tanya and I... we've decided to get married."

Cheers burst forth.

Veena's hands flew to her mouth with a delighted gasp. Dadi gave a loud "Waah beta!" while Naren chuckled, slapping his son's back.

Everyone was overjoyed—everyone, except Ajit.

He stood a little apart from the group, his smile a half-mask. The room echoed with celebration, but to him, it sounded distant, like he was underwater.

Tanya and Rohan? Marriage?

The voice in his head was no longer quiet. Stop it. Say something. This doesn't feel right.

But he said nothing.

Instead, he walked up, hugged his brother tightly, and whispered, "Congratulations, bhai... settling down, huh?"

Rohan grinned. "Yeah, feels right. I think I've found the one."

Ajit smiled, but it trembled at the edges.

As the family began chattering excitedly about wedding venues and guest lists, Ajit slipped away—out of the room, past the hallway, up the stairs.

Ajit's Room – Dusk

He sat on the edge of his bed, elbows on knees, staring into nothing.

The ceiling fan whirred above him, but his thoughts spun faster.

He remembered Tanya's laugh at the café. Her hesitant goodbye at the gallery. The message she had sent just days ago. "Next time, you choose the café."

He remembered replying. "Sure. But no sketchbooks. I can't compete with graphite."

He hadn't seen her since.

And now she was going to be his bhabhi.

He clenched his jaw and muttered to himself, "What's wrong with you? This isn't your story. It was never supposed to be."

But the ache in his chest refused to listen.

Tanya's Bedroom – Later That Night

Tanya sat curled on her bed, the glow of her phone screen lighting up her face.

Her father had just entered the room an hour ago, eyes shining. "Rohan's family is on board. We'll do a formal engagement soon."

She had nodded, smiled, even hugged him.

Now, she stared blankly at her screen.

No new messages.

No calls.

She didn't know what she was waiting for. Maybe for Ajit to say something. Or maybe for her to find the courage to say it first.

But neither happened.

Instead, she found herself scrolling back to their last exchange.

"Let's just... be."

They had agreed not to name it.

And now, whatever it was—was being buried under the weight of something more official.

More approved.

More expected.

Tanya turned off her phone and stared at the ceiling.

"It's too late now."

Engagement Invitation – A Week Later

The Sippy and Lalwani families came together again, this time not for introductions—but for celebration.

The engagement was to be held at The Orchid Grand, an upscale venue in South Mumbai. The invite read:

Rohan Sippy weds Tanya Lalwani. A promise of forever.

Ajit stared at the card for a long time.

He was expected to host a toast. He was expected to smile. He was expected to be happy.

He folded the card shut and left it on the coffee table, untouched since.

Bandra Bookstore Café – The Day Before the Engagement

Tanya sat alone at their usual table, a latte growing cold beside her.

She hadn't expected him to come.

He did.

Ajit walked in without a word, pulled the chair back, and sat down across from her.

Neither spoke for a moment.

Then Tanya broke the silence. "So. You heard."

He nodded.

"You okay?"

"Are you?"

She exhaled. "No."

Ajit looked at her—truly looked.

"You still want this?"

"I don't know what I want," she said. "But everyone else does."

A pause. Heavy. Honest.

"I didn't plan for this to happen," she whispered. "But every time I see you, it feels like something is trying to write its own story."

Ajit's throat tightened. "And yet, we keep turning the page the other way."

They sat in silence, eyes lowered.

Ajit finally stood. "Congratulations, Tanya. You'll make a beautiful bride."

"Ajit..." she called out, but he was already walking out the door.

------

To be continued.

Chapter 5 (The Fractures Beneath)

Sippy Mansion – Engagement Night

Ajit didn't know why, but the moment Rohan announced his marriage to Tanya, something inside him shifted. There was no logical reason for the ache that spread through his chest like an unseen bruise. Tanya was his brother's choice—poised, intelligent, grounded. A perfect match, everyone said.

Everyone... except that small voice inside him screaming stop.

He silenced it. Smiled through it.

Pulling Rohan into a brotherly hug, he managed, "Congratulations, bhai. Getting married and settling down, huh?"

Rohan beamed. "Yes, Ajit. Because I think I've found my ideal life partner in Tanya!"

Ajit's smile flickered, then faded into something softer. Something sad.

The family burst into cheers, surrounding Rohan, asking about venues, guest lists, and wedding sherwanis. In the background, Ajit slipped away quietly.

Out on the balcony, a breeze carried the scent of marigolds and celebration.

His mind drifted.

To that café. To Tanya's hand on his wrist, her voice calming his temper, her laughter disarming him. He closed his eyes, and the memory stung more than soothed. A lone tear escaped before he could stop it.

He muttered to himself, "Come on, Tanya is going to be my bhabhi. I shouldn't be thinking like this."

Turning around, he saw the glowing faces of his family, all wrapped in joy. He whispered, "All I want is my family's happiness. If they're happy... then I'm happy too."

But even he didn't believe the lie anymore.

Wedding Day – The Vows ThatWeren't Shared

The lavish mandap was decked in golden roses and jasmine garlands. Lights twinkled like stars, and the air pulsed with dhol beats and celebration.

As Tanya and Rohan took their marriage vows, everyone showered them with rose petals and joyous cheers. Ajit stood to the side, silent and still, clapping when expected.

"Ajit beta!" a chirpy voice snapped him out of his daze.

It was Mrs. Advani, a close family friend. She tapped his shoulder and grinned. "Rohan's married now! That makes you next! Any girl on the horizon?"

Ajit gave a non-committal smile.

Just then, his phone vibrated. Neha Jaiswal calling.

Mrs. Advani peeked at the screen and gasped. "Oh ho! Looks like someone already has someone!" She winked and walked away before Ajit could explain.

Ajit stared at his phone, then at Tanya, who was now seated beside Rohan, her hairline filled with vermilion, her face glowing in bridal gold.

He whispered to himself, "It's strange that sometimes the people you want in your life... are not the ones you have in your life."

Two Years Later – CracksBeneath the Surface

What began as a promising union had withered into a façade.

Tanya and Rohan had settled into what everyone called a "picture-perfect marriage"—public smiles, curated vacations, and family brunches full of affectionate gestures. But beneath that glossy layer, the cracks were widening.

Rohan had never fully let go of his past—his Casanova charm, his flirtatious instinct, his need for admiration from every woman he met during business trips and elite events.

Tanya, once patient and trusting, began noticing Rohan's absences—business dinners that ended after midnight, shirts that smelled of a perfume she didn't use, sudden weekend trips to "resorts" with no real follow-up pictures.

She confronted him more than once.

"You're imagining things," Rohan would say coolly. "You've become paranoid, Tanya."

But she wasn't imagining it.

And slowly, mistrust seeped in.

At first, she ignored the signs. Every time doubt whispered, she reminded herself: This is marriage. This is adjustment.

But Rohan was growing more distant—his touch mechanical, his gaze elsewhere.

And elsewhere was Pari Rastogi.

Pari's Arrival – The Spark ofTemptation

Praniti, affectionately called "Pari," had come to stay at the Sippy Mansion temporarily after a heated fallout with her mother over her acting career. Tanya initially welcomed her warmly—after all, Pari was Sonakshi's younger sister and seemed vibrant, spontaneous, and ambitious.

But it wasn't long before Rohan noticed her too.

She was the opposite of Tanya—loud where Tanya was soft, reckless where Tanya was measured, flirtatious where Tanya was restrained. Rohan's ego, already bruised by Tanya's quiet withdrawal from intimacy, soaked up the attention Pari threw his way.

It began innocently enough—late-night conversations over wine in the Sippy study, laughter echoing too loudly while Tanya slept upstairs. Pari would call Rohan "Jiju" in front of others but drop it when they were alone.

One night, as they sat by the pool under a moonlit sky, Pari leaned in closer than necessary and whispered with a smirk, "You know, for a married man, you're still dangerously charming."

Rohan didn't stop her.

He didn't even flinch.

That night was the first time he kissed her.

The Affair Begins – Secretsin the Shadows

Late-night rehearsals.

Private "industry dinners."

Texts sent under pseudonyms.

What started as teasing turned into flirting.

What was flirtation soon turned into touches—lingering, testing boundaries.

And before they even realized it, Rohan and Pari had crossed the line.

Tanya, sensing something off, once asked, "Why do you spend so much time mentoring Pari?"

"She's Sonakshi Bhabhi's sister, Tanya. I'm just helping her grow in her career."

But Tanya's instincts were screaming otherwise.

One night, she found Pari's scarf in the backseat of Rohan's car.

Another evening, she caught Rohan hastily deleting messages.

The threads began to unravel.

Their home became quieter.

Their conversations, colder.

The Affair Deepens – Nightsof Sin

What followed were stolen moments behind closed doors—moments that turned into hours, hours that turned into nights.

Pari would slip into Rohan's room once Tanya had fallen asleep or claimed a headache. On the nights Tanya visited her parents, Rohan and Pari wouldn't even bother with guilt. They would spend those evenings tangled in each other's arms, lips stained with wine and whispers of "no one has to know."

They laughed about the secrecy. They made jokes about "rehearsing" steamy film scenes. But under the surface, it wasn't just lust—it was power.

Rohan felt wanted. Pari felt victorious. Both fed off a chemistry that was as destructive as it was undeniable.

Ajit suspected something but never caught them. He kept his distance, not trusting himself to stay impartial, especially as Tanya's eyes grew dimmer each day.

Reckonings at Midnight

Sippy Mansion – One Month Later

The silence in the Sippy household was no longer peaceful.

It was thick.

Uneasy.

Even the usual chirp of morning greetings had dulled. Tanya moved through the halls with a quiet grace, but her eyes had lost their luster. Rohan, in contrast, was growing more irritable—snapping at the smallest inconveniences, spending more nights "at work," and fewer by her side.

Ajit noticed it all.

He noticed Tanya's increasingly hollow smile.

He noticed Pari's late-night visits under the pretext of "script readings" with Rohan.

And worst of all, he noticed how he had begun to dread the sound of his own brother's laughter—because it always came when Tanya was nowhere around.

The Day Tanya Missed HerPeriod

It was a Tuesday morning.

Tanya stood in her bathroom, heart racing, the pregnancy test stick trembling in her hand.

Two pink lines.

She stared at them, numb. A rush of fear, joy, disbelief, and hope collided in her chest. She wasn't ready. Rohan wasn't stable. But maybe—just maybe—this baby would ground them. Fix them.

She rushed downstairs, hoping to share the news.

But Rohan wasn't home. Again.

Sonakshi told her he'd gone to meet Pari at her rented rehearsal studio for a "script review."

Tanya smiled politely and waited for nightfall.

Meanwhile... Ajit and Neha

Ajit, guilt-ridden for his unspoken feelings, had tried to move on with Neha Jaiswal—a grounded, intelligent woman who adored him. He respected her. He tried to love her. But some part of him always held back.

He never spoke Tanya's name.

But Neha noticed his silences.

They continued their relationship, now more out of mutual effort than spark. Neha was patient, loving, and deeply committed—but she couldn't ignore the distance in Ajit's eyes.

One night, she asked gently, "Is there someone else?"

Ajit paused. Then shook his head.

"There used to be. But it was never mine to have."

Neha didn't ask more. But in her heart, she already knew.

The Truth Comes Crashing Down

That evening, Tanya returned home from her doctor's appointment with a small ultrasound report tucked in her bag and a heart full of dreams. She'd heard the baby's heartbeat.

She wanted to tell Rohan first. She wanted him to hold her and cry with her.

But the house was silent when she entered.

She climbed the stairs to the guest wing, where Pari had taken up residence for her "privacy."

Tanya paused outside the door.

It was half-open.

Laughter.

Then a familiar voice—Rohan—low, teasing.

"...you always know how to distract me."

Then Pari, purring: "You said you'd be mine someday, Rohan. Not just for stolen nights."

Tanya pushed the door open.

And saw them.

Half-dressed. Entwined. Laughing. On Pari's bed.

The world tilted.

Her vision blurred.

And for a moment, the only thing she could hear was her baby's heartbeat echoing in her ears.

The Aftermath – A SilentCollapse

Tanya didn't scream.

She didn't cry.

She simply turned and walked away, her face blank, her chest heaving.

Rohan noticed her silhouette in the doorway a beat too late.

"Tanya—wait!"

But she was already descending the stairs, her grip tightening around the bag that held their child's first sonogram.

In the guest room downstairs, she locked the door and collapsed to the floor. Her heart shattered silently.

And then... she reached for her phone.

Ajit's Apartment – That SameNight

Ajit was getting ready for bed when his phone buzzed.

Tanya.
"Can we meet? I need air. Please."

Without thinking, he replied:
"Tell me where."

Worli Sea Face – MidnightReckoning

The waves crashed violently against the rocks, mirroring the storm in Tanya's heart.

She stood with her arms folded, staring out into the dark sea, her back to him.

Ajit approached slowly. "Tanya?"

She turned.

Her eyes were swollen. Red. Raw.

Without a word, she held up her phone and played a voice recording.

"You're making this harder to resist, Pari."
"Then don't resist."

Ajit closed his eyes, his heart sinking.

"I heard them, Ajit. My husband. My sister."

Her voice cracked.

"I always thought I'd fall apart when this happened. But I'm not even angry. I just feel... numb."

Ajit moved closer but didn't touch her. "I'm sorry."

She looked up at him. "You knew, didn't you?"

He hesitated. "I suspected. I didn't want to believe it."

Tanya scoffed bitterly. "I thought I was being paranoid. That it was in my head. But all this while... I was right."

The tears spilled freely now.

"I gave up everything for this marriage. My career. My dignity. Even you."

Ajit froze. "Tanya..."

She looked at him. "Don't pretend like it was nothing. You were the only part of my life that felt real, even when I didn't want to admit it."

He stepped closer now. "Then why didn't you?"

"Because I was trying to do the right thing. For my family. For yours. For everyone but myself."

Ajit finally reached for her hand. "And now?"

She looked down at their joined hands, then up at him.

And whispered:

"Ajit, I want you to know something."

He searched her eyes. "What?"

Tanya's voice broke.

"I'm pregnant."

Ajit stood frozen.

The waves kept crashing.

But his heart had never been more still.

-------

To be continued.

Chapter 6

INT. SIPPY MANSION – MASTER BEDROOM – NIGHT

The room is quiet—eerily so. Rohan steps in, the scent of expensive cologne clinging to him like a lie too long worn.

His eyes fall on the dresser. A scarf.

Pari's.

And next to it, a note—folded neatly, painfully simple.

He picks it up, expecting melodrama.

Instead, he reads:

"I was going to tell you today.
You were going to be a father.
But you already gave yourself to someone else.
I hope she was worth your child's heartbeat."

The paper quivers between his fingers, but not from wind. From guilt. It gnaws at him silently, cold and relentless.

INT. SIPPY MANSION – TANYA'S ROOM – NIGHT

Rohan's voice had thundered through the room, sharp and merciless as he shouted, "Our relationship is over, Tanya! Yes, I married you. Yes, I was committed to you. But love? There was never love. I only realized what love is... when Pari came into my life."

Tanya had stared at him, frozen. The world didn't crash down—it simply disappeared.

"With you," Rohan continued, "I was living a lie. A pretty lie. But with her—it's real. The happiness I feel near her... I've never had that with you. And I never will. So stop fooling yourself. It's better we part ways."

I always believed... no matter how far Rohan strayed, he would return, Tanya had thought, because we were meant to be. Because... I'm carrying his child.

Her voice was barely a whisper when she asked, "But... what about our child, Rohan?"

He advanced on her, eyes blazing, and snapped, "To hell with you. And to hell with your child, Tanya! I don't give a damn about either of you. I feel nothing anymore!"

She flinched, her voice cracking as she cried out, "This child is not just mine! It's yours too!"

But he didn't soften. He only roared, "Just shut up, Tanya! Don't use this baby to pull me back! I told you—I'm done! I'm cutting every tie between us. Right now. You mean nothing to me!"

He turned and stormed out.

She had chased after him, pleading, "Rohan... please... don't go..."

But the door slammed shut behind him.

And the silence that followed had broken her.

INT. TANYA'S ROOM – NIGHT

Tanya lies beneath the bed, breath shallow, tears silent.

Suddenly, a sharp, twisting pain stabs through her abdomen. She gasps, hands flying to her belly. The room spins. Her pulse races.

And then—everything fades.

She collapses onto the carpet. Unconscious. Alone.

INT. SIPPY MANSION – LIVING ROOM – MOMENTS LATER

Rohan sits hunched on the couch, hands tangled in his hair. Regret finally finds a place to sit.

Ajit storms in, fury radiating off him like fire.

"You ruined her," he says, voice tight with rage.

Rohan looks up, eyes tired and defensive.

"You don't get to judge me," he snaps.

"I don't want to," Ajit growls, "but she deserved better. You had a woman who stood by you—and you threw her away. For what? Your damn ego?"

Rohan stands, voice rising, "Spare me the sainthood. I saw the way you looked at her. You think you're better just because you stayed silent?"

Ajit steps closer.

"Yes," he says simply, "because I respected her enough not to act on it. Because I loved her enough to let her go... when she chose you."

Rohan doesn't respond. The words cut too clean.

"She's gone, Rohan," Ajit says as he turns away, "and you don't even deserve the pain of losing her."

EXT. RASTOGI RESIDENCE – PARKING LOT – NIGHT

Rohan sits in his car, phone at his ear.

No answer.

"Come on, Pari," he mutters, "pick up. I need to talk to you."

He climbs out, slams the door, and looks up at the dark apartment above.

FLASHBACK – INT. RASTOGI FLAT – EARLIER THAT DAY

Pari paces nervously, wringing her hands.

"They know, Rohan," she says, "your family found out. Everything."

Rohan takes a deep breath. "I don't care. I won't lose you, Pari. You're my true love—not Tanya. I'll leave everything behind. I'll start over with you."

He pulls her into a hug, whispering, "I love you."

But the moment shatters.

A voice cuts in—sharp, commanding.

"But that's never going to happen, Mr. Rohan Sippy," says Suman from the doorway.

They turn, startled.

"This affair ends now," she declares. "You won't see my daughter again. Ever."

"Mom, please—" Pari tries.

"Not a word!" Suman snaps. "I won't hear justifications for betrayal."

She grabs Rohan by the arm and shoves him out the door.

"You can't stop me from seeing Pari!" he shouts.

"Oh, but I can," she says firmly. "I'm her mother. And I'll decide what's right for her."

Behind the locked door, Pari sobs.

Outside, Rohan pounds his fist against the wood. But it doesn't budge.

EXT. RASTOGI RESIDENCE – PARKING LOT – NIGHT

Back in the present, Rohan stares up at the apartment window, his expression hardened.

"You stopped me once, Mrs. Suman Rastogi," he mutters darkly, "but let's see how long you can keep me away."

He smirks—a cold, hollow thing.

And somewhere across the city...

Tanya lies on the floor.

Unconscious.

Unseen.

-------

To be continued.

Chapter 7

INT. RASTOGI RESIDENCE – NIGHT

Rohan stands beneath the Rastogi apartment, eyes fixed on the balcony above. A smug grin stretches across his face as he mutters to himself, "Mrs. Suman Rastogi, you threw me out once... but now, I'll show you how I can enter your house—with your own knowledge."

INT. SIPPY MANSION – ROHAN AND PARI'S ROOM – NIGHT

Ajit pushes open Rohan's bedroom door, calling out, "Rohan?" He glances around—no sign of him. Disappointed, he turns to leave... but stops.

Something on the floor catches his eye. A hand, limp and pale, lies partly visible beneath the bed.

His chest tightens. He slowly approaches and kneels down—his eyes widen in horror.

"Tanya bhabhi!" he cries, rushing to her side.

His voice rings through the house as he calls for help.

Moments later, Rohit, Sonakshi, Veena, and Naren come rushing in. Rohit immediately checks Tanya's pulse.

"Her blood pressure has dropped dangerously low," he announces grimly.

Naren's face drains of color. "She's pregnant—this could be critical for the baby!" he exclaims.

Without wasting time, Rohit calls for an ambulance from Sippy Hospital. He and Sonakshi carefully lift Tanya together and rush her out.

EXT. RASTOGI RESIDENCE – BALCONY – NIGHT

Meanwhile, Rohan begins scaling the building from the ground floor, gripping onto ledges and pipes as he slowly hauls himself upward. Gritting his teeth, using all his strength, he finally reaches the balcony and slips into the flat, whispering to himself, "Finally, I'm in. Now to find Pari."

INT. RASTOGI RESIDENCE – INSIDE

Inside her locked room, Pari bangs on the door with her fists, shouting, "Ma! Please, let me out! Why are you doing this?"

From the other side, Suman yells back, "You're not leaving until you agree to marry the man I choose for you—no matter who he is!"

Unbeknownst to them, Rohan has sneaked into Sonakshi's old room. Hearing the conversation, he freezes in place, stunned by Suman's demand.

Just then, Suman's phone rings. She answers sharply, "Hello?"

It's Sonakshi. "Tanya has been rushed to the hospital," she says.

Rohan overhears this but remains unmoved—Tanya and their unborn child don't even register on his radar.

Suman, however, becomes visibly distressed. "That Veena Sippy is already blaming my daughter for everything in her son's life," she mutters. "As if Rohan isn't equally responsible! Just like I said during that party—like father, like son!"

Her mind flashes back to the moment she had exposed Naren's past affair and the truth about Pooja's parentage to Veena. The flashback fades, and Suman steels herself.

"I have to go," she declares. "I can't risk any harm coming to my Pari because of all this." She grabs her car keys, instructs Muniya to watch over Pari and serve dinner to Pulkit when he returns, then leaves the house.

INT. RASTOGI RESIDENCE – PARI'S ROOM – MOMENTS LATER

As the door closes behind Suman, Rohan silently slips out of hiding and searches for the keys to Pari's room. After a frantic search, he finds them and unlocks the door.

Pari turns at the sound. Her eyes widen. "Ro!" she exclaims, running into his arms. "Mom's forcing me to marry someone!"

"I know," Rohan says, kissing her forehead. "I heard everything."

Pari suddenly pulls back, her brows furrowed in concern. "But... how did you even get in? Mom said you weren't allowed here anymore!"

Rohan brushes her hair behind her ear and murmurs, "Forget how I came, Pari. What matters is—I'm here. With you. And I want it to stay that way."

Pari's smile fades. "But Ro... you're still married. If I stay with you, I'll be nothing more than your mistress for the rest of my life."

Rohan wraps his arms around her from behind. "That's why I came tonight. Even knowing Tanya is pregnant with my child... I don't care. Because I want you, Pari."

He steps in front of her, reaches into his pocket, and kneels down. Pulling out a ring, he asks softly, "Will you marry me, Miss Praniti Rastogi—and become Mrs. Praniti Rohan Sippy?"

Pari's eyes well with tears. Her hands tremble. "Yes, Ro... yes! I was waiting for this moment—to know you'd choose me over her!"

She offers her hand. He slips the ring onto her finger.

They fall into a passionate embrace, sealing the moment with a kiss.

INT. SIPPY HOSPITAL – WAITING AREA – LATER

Naren exits the ward, a breath of relief escaping him.

"She's stable," he tells the family. "Tanya and the baby are both safe now."

He turns toward Veena, guilt heavy on his face. But Veena looks away.

"Of course," she says coldly, "why wouldn't this happen? After all, look at who Rohan's father is."

Naren flinches, wounded by her words. Rohit and Sonakshi exchange a helpless glance.

Just then, Suman arrives.

"How is Tanya?" she asks with concern.

Veena's anger boils over. "How dare you show your face here?" she shouts. "Isn't your daughter's destruction enough, or are you planning more?"

Suman fires back, "Don't you dare blame only my daughter, Veena! Your son is equally responsible!"

As the two women bicker, Rohit and Sonakshi attempt to calm them down, reminding them they're in a hospital.

Ajit, meanwhile, scans the corridor anxiously.

"Bhai," he whispers to Rohit, "Rohan's missing."

Rohit stiffens. "What? Where is he?"

Suddenly, a voice cuts through the chaos.

"I'm here, Rohit," Rohan announces.

All heads turn.

Standing beside him is Pari—dressed in bridal red. A mangalsutra gleams around her neck. Her sindoor glows starkly in her hairline.

Sonakshi gasps, cupping her mouth in disbelief.

-------

To be continued

Chapter 8

INT. SUKUMANI HOSPITAL – LOBBY – NIGHT

A stunned silence grips the room.

All eyes turn as Rohan enters, hand-in-hand with Pari, who is clad in bridal red. A mangalsutra hangs around her neck, and her hairline glows with fresh vermillion—clear symbols of a just-concluded marriage.

Sonakshi instinctively cups her mouth in shock. The air thickens with disbelief. The Sippy family stands frozen, their expressions painted with betrayal, confusion, and rage.

Sonakshi steps forward, voice trembling, "Pari... what the hell is going on? What have you done? Did you actually marry Rohan—knowing full well he's already married and about to become a father?"

Pari lifts her chin defiantly. "Yes, I did. Because I love Rohan—and ROHAN LOVES ME, not Tanya! Why should he stay in a marriage where there's no love?"

Rohan steps in smoothly, placing a protective arm around Pari. "That's right, Bhabhi. I've been a ladies' man all my life—flirting, wandering... but ever since Pari walked in, I haven't looked at another woman. She is my world now."

Rohit's patience snaps.

"Really? Pari is your world? Then why is Tanya lying in a hospital bed right now—because of you and your betrayal? Do you even remember that she's carrying your child? Do you feel nothing?"

Rohan flares up. "Stop preaching, Rohit! I know exactly what I'm doing. And I know who I want—Pari, not Tanya."

Without thinking, Rohit lunges and grabs Rohan by the collar. But before it escalates, Naren steps between them.

"That's enough—both of you! This is a hospital. This is a family matter—we'll discuss it at home."

Rohit glares at Naren. "Of course, Mr. Naren Sippy. After all, you'd know best how to cover up infidelity and treat it like a 'family matter'."

He storms out, Sonakshi following quietly behind, both visibly disgusted. Naren watches them go, guilt etched deep into his face.

Veena, meanwhile, stands frozen, Rohit's words striking too close to home. Her eyes shimmer with unshed tears, haunted by a past she never wanted to confront.

Suman seizes the moment, pouring salt on the wound.

"Well, well, Veena Sippy. Seems like even your own son believes Rohan takes after his father."

Veena glares daggers at her.

Suman smirks, folding her arms. "Now that Pari is officially married to Rohan, why don't we head back and civilly discuss this family matter in your Sippy Mansion?"

With a mocking gesture, she walks past Veena. The latter clenches her jaw in silent fury.

INT. SIPPY MANSION – LIVING ROOM – NIGHT

Rohit's voice echoes across the hall, laced with fury.

"Unbelievable, Rohan! How could you take such a drastic step? Did you even think about your wife or your unborn child before committing this... this madness?"

Rohan fires back, "Oh, come on, Rohit! It's my life, and I'll live it my way! You have no right to interfere!"

Naren steps in, his voice sharp. "Then answer me, Rohan! You began an illicit affair while married. And now, you've performed a second marriage while your first one still stands. Your marriage to Pari is invalid! What are you even thinking?"

Rohan crosses his arms. "Well Dad, if we start digging into your past, I don't think I owe you any explanations."

The room stills.

Naren is struck dumb by the blow. Rohit, enraged, punches Rohan square in the face.

"You selfish b*st*rd!" he yells. "Don't you dare hide behind Dad's past to justify your mess! Whatever he did, we're already paying the price—but for your actions, Tanya and your unborn child will suffer! Do you even care?"

Rohan stumbles back, then shoves Rohit away.

"I don't give a damn about Tanya or her child! I've already broken every tie with them!"

Gasps fill the room.

Veena walks forward slowly—and slaps Rohan across the face. Hard.

"Is this what marriage means to you, Rohan? A game? A convenience? You walk in when it suits you, and walk out when it doesn't? I didn't raise you to be this man!"

Suman steps in, unbothered. "What's done is done. Let's stop crying over it. The truth is—Pari and Rohan are now married. The only thing left is to discuss what comes next for them."

Everyone stares at her in disbelief.

Sonakshi breaks the silence, staring her mother down.

"Mom... how can you be so heartless? Tanya is someone's daughter. She's a woman, a mother-to-be. Don't you even feel a shred of empathy for her?"

Suman brushes it off. "Look, Sona. Rohan himself said he wants nothing more to do with Tanya or her baby. So what's the problem now? Let Pari and Rohan move on!"

INT. SIPPY MANSION – DOORWAY

A calm, cold voice breaks through the chaos.

"Aunty is absolutely right, Sonakshi."

Everyone turns.

Tanya stands at the threshold, supported by her father. Her face is pale but steady. Her gaze is sharp.

She steps forward, her voice unwavering.

"If Rohan no longer wants a relationship with me or our child—then so be it. Because I don't want any relationship with him, either."

Gasps echo again.

Tanya places her hand on her belly protectively.

"Right here, right now—I sever every tie I had with Rohan Sippy."

The room falls into stunned silence, the weight of her words heavy in the air.

---------

To be continued.