Paraj FF: Kasak

Chapter 1 – A Marriage of Duty

Paridhi is a chirpy, bubbly girl. She enjoys being with her friends. She completed her degree and is a postgraduate. All of them discussed their future. One of her friends said, "What if your parents force you to marry?"

Paridhi: My parents are the be t. They care about my happiness, and they won't force me. On the contrary, they left the decision to me. After all, it's my life and my marriage.

Suddenly it rained. All of them played in the rain. The song played.

barsa paani barsa
he aao re aao bheeg jaaye khule gagan me nahaaye
bunde jo chum chum jaaye tanman jhum jhum jaaye
baago ki aag bujhi, bhanwaro ki pyaas bujhi
pyaase kyu hum rah jaye
aao re aao bheeg jaaye khule gagan me nahaaye
bunde jo chum chum jaaye tanman jhum jhum jaaye
baago ki aag bujhi, bhanwaro ki pyaas bujhi
pyaase kyu hum rah jaye
aao re aao bheeg jaaye khule gagan me nahaaye

saagar ki mauje hai chanchal chanchal
seene me jagi hai kaisi halchal
chham chham chamkaayi bijali ne paayal
paagal ho gaye hai khushiyo me baadal
ek to pyaara mausam usme masti ka aalam
aise me ghar kyun jaaye
aao re aao bheeg jaaye khule gagan me nahaaye
bunde jo chum chum jaaye tanman jhum jhum jaaye

rimjhim sitaaro pe nagme gaata

aa pahuch hai saawan dhol bajaata
dharti ka ambar waalo ka naata
pyar ka naata kabhi naa toda jata
kaliyo ki pahli khushbu barkha ka pahla jaadu
aankhir to bhul naa paaye
aao re aao bheeg jaaye khule gagan me nahaaye
bunde jo chum chum jaaye tanman jhum jhum jaaye
baago ki aag bujhi bhanwaro ki pyaas bujhi
pyaase kyu hum rah jaye
aao re aao bheeg jaaye khule gagan me nahaaye
bunde jo chum chum jaaye tanman jhum jhum jaaye

The college campus buzzed with laughter as students hurried between classes.

Paridhi, known to everyone as Pari, walked through the corridors with a bright smile. She was cheerful, carefree, and loved living every moment to the fullest.

Near the college garden, Ranvijay was waiting for her.

Ranvijay: "Finally I thought you'd forgotten me."

Paridhi: (laughing) "Forget you? Never."

He gently held her hand.

Ranvijay: "Pari... we've been together for three years. I think it's time I ask your parents for your hand."

Paridhi smiled shyly.

Paridhi: "Dad is very protective, but once he sees how much you love me, he'll agree."

Ranvijay nodded confidently.

Ranvijay: "I'll convince him."

A few days later...

At the Sharma residence...

Ranvijay sat respectfully before Mihir and Tulsi.

Ranvijay: "Uncle... Aunty... I love Paridh . I promise to keep her happy for the rest of my life. Please bless our relationship."

Mihir looked at him silently before speaking.

Mihir: "Love alone is not enough."

Ranvijay: "I'll prove myself."

Mihir: "No."

The room fell silent.

Tulsi: "Our daughter deserves someone mature and responsible."

Ranvijay: "Please give me one chance."

Mihir: "I've already made my decision."

Paridhi stepped forward with tears in her eyes.

Paridhi: "Papa... I love him."

Mihir: "And I love you. That's exactly why I cannot let you marry him."

Ranvijay looked at Paridhi one last time before quietly leaving the house.

Several weeks later...

Mihir entered Paridhi's room.

Mihir: "Pari."

She looked up from her books.

Paridhi: "Yes, Papa?"

Mihir: "Today, come home directly after college."

Paridhi: "Why?"

Mihir: "A family is coming to see you."

Paridhi frowned.

Paridhi: "Again, Papa, I don't want to get married."

Mihir: "His name is Ajay."

Paridhi: "I'm not interested."

Mihir: "Please be home by six."

Without waiting for her answer, he walked away.

Paridhi sighed in frustration.

Outside the college...

Her best friend noticed her gloomy face.

Friend: "What's wrong?"

Paridhi: "Dad has arranged another meeting."

Friend: "So?"

Paridhi suddenly smiled mischievously.

Paridhi: "I'll reach home two hours lat. By then, the groom will get tired of waiting and leave."

Both friends burst into laughter.

That evening...

Instead of going home, Paridhi spent time at a café before slowly returning.

She looked at her watch.

Paridhi: "Eight o'clock. Perfect."

She smiled confidently and entered the house.

But the smile disappeared instantly.

A well-dressed young man sat in the living room, calmly talking to Mihir and Tulsi.

Mihir looked at her sternly.

Mihir: "You're late."

Paridhi forced an awkward smile.

Paridhi: "Traffic."

Ajay stood up politely.

Ajay: "Hello."

Paridhi: "Hi."

Tulsi asked them to talk privately.

They walked into the garden.

An uncomfortable silence followed.

Paridhi decided to drive him away.

Paridhi: "You should know something."

Ajay: "Go ahead."

Paridhi: "I hate cooking."

Ajay: (smiling) "That's okay. I know how to cook."

Paridhi blinked.

Paridhi: "I wake up very late."

Ajay: "I'm an early riser. I'll make tea."

She frowned.

Paridhi: "I spend too much money."

Ajay: "Money can be earned again."

Paridhi folded her arms.

Paridhi: "I don't like household responsibilities."

Ajay: "We'll share them."

She became irritated.

Paridhi: "Sometimes I'm stubborn."

Ajay smiled gently.

Ajay: "I noticed."

Paridhi stared at him.

Paridhi: "Aren't you supposed to reject me by now?"

Ajay chuckled.

Ajay: "Actually... I like honest people."

She sighed dramatically.

Paridhi: "You're impossible."

Ajay: "Maybe."

For the first time, a faint smile appeared on her face before she quickly hid it.

Later...

Mihir anxiously looked at Ajay.

Mihir: "So... what do you think?"

Ajay glanced once at Paridhi.

Ajay: "I like Paridhi."

Everyone smiled except Paridhi.

Ajay: "If she agrees... I'd be happy to marry her."

Paridhi stood up immediately.

Paridhi: "I don't agree."

The room became silent.

She walked straight to her room.

Days passed.

Paridhi remained firm in her decision.

One afternoon...

Mihir suddenly clutched his chest.

Tulsi: "Mihir!"

He collapsed onto the floor. The entire family panicked.

Hritik and Angad blamed Pari. They said, "Because of you, Dad got a heart attack. Now you'll be happy, as you have the freedom to marry Ranvijay."

At the hospital...

The doctor came outside.

Doctor: "It was a mild heart attack. He's stable now, but he must avoid stress."

Tulsi sat beside Paridhi, tears flowing down her face.

She held her daughter's hands tightly.

Tulsi: "Pari... your father has only one wish."

Paridhi looked away.

Tulsi: "Please... marry Ajay."

Paridhi: "Mom..."

Tulsi: "Don't refuse."

Her voice trembled.

Tulsi: "If anything happens to your father... I won't survive it."

Paridhi's eyes filled with tears.

She looked through the glass window at Mihir lying unconscious on the hospital bed.

After a long silence...

She nodded slowly.

Paridhi: (whispering) "I'll marry Ajay."

Tulsi hugged her tightly.

A week later...

Paridhi and Ajay were married in a traditional ceremony. Ajay was happy, while Pari was sad.

Everyone blessed the newlyweds.

That night...

The room was decorated with flowers.

Paridhi stood near the window, lost in thought.

Ajay and Pari entered the house.

Ajay: This house needed a woman badly. My mom gave these keys, saying that whoever he marries should get them. Since you came, you have the responsibilities of this house. However, you don't have to carry the entire burden. You can continue with your further studies and take up a job or join my business.

He showed her the bedroom. Paridhi entered the room changed her dress.

She sat on the cot. Tears rolled out of her eyes, thinking about Ranvijay.

Ajay entered quietly.

He noticed the tears she was trying to hide.

He walked closer but maintained a respectful distance.

Ajay: "What happened, dear? Why are you crying?"

Paridhi: I want to sleep.

Ajay: "I understand you are very tired. It's your house, and you can sleep whenever you want."

Paridhi slowly looked at him.

Paridhi: "I'm sorry."

Ajay smiled gently.

Ajay: "Don't apologize."

He picked up a pillow and a blanket.

Paridhi: "What are you doing?"

Ajay: "I'll sleep on the couch."

She looked surprised.

Ajay: "Until the day you accept this relationship willingly..."

He placed the pillow on the sofa.

Ajay: "...I will never force any rights upon you."

Paridhi stared at him, unable to say a word.

For the first time since the wedding, she realized that although fate had chosen Ajay for her...

...he was choosing to respect her heart.

Chapter 2 - A Year Together

The next morning...

Ajay and Paridhi arrived at the entrance of the Mehra mansion.

Ajay's parents welcomed the newlyweds with smiles.

Ajay's Mother: "Welcome home, Paridhi."

She performed the traditional aarti and gently pushed the rice pot towards Paridhi.

Paridhi completed the rituals silently, without emotion.

Ajay noticed the emptiness in her eyes.

That evening...

Paridhi stood alone on the balcony.

Ajay walked towards her carrying a small velvet box.

Ajay: "Paridhi..."

She turned around.

Ajay: "Every groom gives his bride a wedding gift."

He handed her the box.

Ajay: "Tell me... what do you want?"

Paridhi looked directly into his eyes.

There wasn't even a moment's hesitation.

Paridhi: "A divorce."

Ajay froze.

The smile on his face disappeared.

For several seconds, he couldn't utter a word.

Ajay: "...What?"

Paridhi: "That's the only gift I want."

Ajay slowly lowered the gift box.

Ajay: "You're serious."

Paridhi: "Yes."

Silence surrounded them.

Finally...

Ajay: "May I ask why?"

Paridhi looked away.

Paridhi: "Because my heart belongs to someone else."

Ajay quietly nodded.

Ajay: "Will you tell me everything?"

After a long pause...

Paridhi closed her eyes.

Paridhi: "It began during my college days..."

Flashback

Three years earlier...

A crowded marketplace...

Paridhi was shopping with her friends when she suddenly noticed a young man snatching a bag from a luxury car.

The rich-looking young man inside the car shouted,

Politician's Son: "Catch him! He's a thief!"

Without thinking twice...

Paridhi ran after the robber.

After a long chase, the police caught him.

The young man glared at her.

Ranvijay: "You don't know what you've done."

Paridhi: "A thief belongs in jail."

The police arrested him.

Paridhi walked away believing she had done the right thing.

The next day...

While watching the news, Paridhi was shocked.

The report showed the same luxury car.

The politician's Son had drunkenly run over a young girl and fled the scene.

Witnesses said Ranvijay stole his bag because it contained a large amount of cash.

The money was needed for the injured girl's emergency surgery after the politician refused to help.

Paridhi stood speechless.

Paridhi: "Oh God..."

She realized she had misunderstood him.

At the police station...

Ranvijay sat quietly inside the lockup.

Paridhi arrived with the bail papers.

The inspector unlocked the cell.

Inspector: "You're free."

Ranvijay looked surprised.

Outside...

He found Paridhi waiting.

Ranvijay: "Why?"

Her eyes filled with guilt.

Paridhi: "I'm sorry."

He remained silent.

Paridhi: "I judged you without knowing the truth."

Ranvijay smiled faintly.

Ranvijay: "Most people do."

She lowered her head.

Paridhi: "Can you forgive me?"

After a few moments...

Ranvijay extended his hand.

Ranvijay: "Friends?"

Paridhi smiled for the first time.

Paridhi: "Friends."

Weeks turned into months.

Their friendship slowly blossomed.

They spent time studying together, helping underprivileged children, and sharing dreams.

One evening...

Ranvijay stopped near a lakeside.

Ranvijay: "Paridhi..."

She looked at him.

Ranvijay: "I love you."

She was stunned.

Paridhi: "Ranvijay..."

Ranvijay: "I know you don't feel the same."

She smiled nervously.

Paridhi: "You're right."

He laughed.

Ranvijay: "At least you're honest."

Despite rejecting him, she couldn't stop thinking about him.

His kindness...

His courage...

His honesty...

Gradually...

Her heart changed.

One rainy evening...

She met him beneath a bus stop shelter.

Paridhi: "Remember what you said that day?"

Ranvijay smiled.

Ranvijay: "Which day?"

She looked into his eyes.

Paridhi: "I love you too."

Ranvijay's face lit up with happiness.

He gently held her hands.

Months later...

Ranvijay revealed an important truth.

Ranvijay: "I'm part of a revolutionary youth group."

Paridhi looked worried.

Paridhi: "What kind of group?"

Ranvijay: "We're organizing a rally against corruption."

Paridhi: "Is it legal?"

Ranvijay remained silent.

She understood.

Paridhi: "Don't go."

Ranvijay: "This fight matters to me."

Paridhi: "Your life matters more."

He smiled lovingly.

Ranvijay: "Then marry me."

She stared at him.

Ranvijay: "If you become my wife... I won't attend the rally."

Tears gathered in her eyes.

Paridhi: "Really?"

He nodded.

Ranvijay: "I promise."

Filled with hope...

Ranvijay visited Mihir and Tulsi once again.

Ranvijay: "Uncle... Aunty... please give me one chance."

Mihir's expression hardened.

Mihir: "You were arrested once."

Ranvijay: "It was a misunderstanding."

Tulsi: "Society won't see it that way."

Paridhi stepped forward.

Paridhi: "Papa, he wasn't a criminal."

She narrated the entire incident.

Paridhi: "He was saving an injured girl."

Mihir remained unconvinced.

Mihir: "Enough."

Paridhi: "Please believe me."

Tulsi: "We've already decided."

Mihir: "This marriage will never happen."

Paridhi broke down in tears.

Ranvijay quietly held her hand.

Ranvijay: "Don't cry."

But that day...

Their love was lost to their parents' fears.

Present Day

Ajay silently listened without interrupting.

Paridhi wiped away her tears.

Paridhi: "That's why I can never accept this marriage."

Ajay looked at her thoughtfully.

After a long silence...

He finally spoke.

Ajay: "Your past doesn't scare me."

She looked at him.

Ajay: "Because I'm not trying to compete with it."

He opened the velvet box.

Inside was a beautiful pair of silver anklets.

Ajay: "I only care about the future."

He placed another envelope beside it.

Paridhi looked inside.

Divorce papers.

Her eyes widened.

Ajay: "I had these prepared."

She looked at him in disbelief.

Ajay: "I'm giving you a choice."

He gently pushed both towards her.

Ajay: "Take these anklets... and accept this marriage."

He pointed towards the envelope.

Ajay: "Or sign the divorce papers."

Paridhi looked at both for several moments.

Finally...

She picked up the envelope.

Paridhi: "I'm sorry."

Ajay lowered his eyes.

He had expected that answer...

Yet it still hurt.

The following day...

Both of them visited a lawyer.

The lawyer carefully read the documents.

He then looked at the couple.

Lawyer: "I'm afraid this divorce cannot be filed immediately."

Ajay frowned.

Ajay: "Why?"

Lawyer: "Under the law, a mutual consent divorce petition generally cannot be filed until one year has passed since the marriage, except in rare circumstances."

Paridhi looked disappointed.

Paridhi: "So... what do we do?"

Lawyer: "You'll have to wait until you've completed one year of marriage before proceeding under the usual process."

Ajay sighed.

Paridhi closed her eyes in frustration.

Outside the lawyer's office...

They stood silently.

Neither had imagined that fate would bind them together for one entire year.

A marriage that neither of them had truly begun...

...would now have to be lived, one day at a time.

Chapter 3 - The Heart's Quiet Battle

Paridhi decided to pursue her postgraduate course. Ajay fulfilled the duties of a husband, dropping her at the college and picking her up.

Weeks passed.

The Mehra household slowly settled into a routine.

Although Paridhi and Ajay were husband and wife in everyone's eyes, they lived more like respectful strangers.

Every morning, they greeted each other politely.

Every night, they retired to separate beds.

The divorce papers remained safely locked inside Ajay's cupboard, silently counting down the days.

One morning...

Paridhi entered the kitchen.

Ajay's mother smiled warmly.

Mother: "Good morning, beta."

Paridhi: "Good morning, Mom."

She began helping prepare breakfast.

Ajay walked downstairs, surprised to see her laughing with his parents.

For the first time since their marriage...

There was peace on her face.

During breakfast...

Ajay accidentally reached for a hot serving bowl.

Paridhi: "Careful!"

She instinctively held his wrist before he could burn himself.

Both of them froze.

She quickly withdrew her hand.

Paridhi: "Sorry..."

Ajay: "It's okay."

She smiled.

For a brief second...

Their eyes met.

Then Ajay immediately looked away.

That evening...

Paridhi found Ajay working late in his study.

She knocked softly.

Paridhi: "You've been working for hours."

He didn't look up.

Ajay: "I'm fine."

She placed a cup of coffee beside him.

Paridhi: "At least have this."

Ajay nodded without meeting her eyes.

Ajay: "Thank you."

She waited.

He said nothing more.

Quietly...

She walked away.

Ajay watched her leave through the reflection on his laptop screen.

He closed his eyes.

Ajay (to himself): "Don't make this difficult..."

Days later...

Paridhi noticed something strange.

Whenever she tried talking to him...

He found an excuse to leave.

Whenever she sat beside him...

He stood up.

Whenever she smiled...

He politely smiled back but kept his distance.

One evening...

She finally stopped him.

Paridhi: "Ajay."

He turned around.

Paridhi: "Did I do something wrong?"

He was silent.

Paridhi: "Ever since I told you everything about Ranvijay... you've changed."

Ajay forced a smile.

Ajay: "Nothing has changed."

Paridhi: "Then why are you avoiding me?"

He looked away.

Ajay: "I'm just busy."

She wasn't convinced.

But she didn't question him further.

The truth was very different.

Late that night...

Ajay stood alone on the terrace.

The cool breeze brushed past him.

He looked at the moon and whispered,

Ajay: "She trusts me now..."

He smiled sadly.

Ajay: "...and that's exactly why I should stay away."

He knew the divorce would happen in less than a year.

If he let himself become attached...

The separation would destroy him.

From that day onward...

Ajay deliberately created distance.

When Paridhi waited for him during dinner...

He claimed he had already eaten.

When she suggested watching a movie with the family...

He excused himself because of work.

When she wished him good morning...

He nodded.

Paridhi became confused.

She had finally accepted him as a good human being.

She no longer felt awkward around him.

The burden of hiding her past was gone.

She laughed freely.

She spoke comfortably.

She even began enjoying little moments with his family.

Yet...

Ajay seemed farther away than ever.

One rainy afternoon...

The electricity suddenly went off.

A loud clap of thunder echoed through the house.

Paridhi instinctively flinched.

Ajay noticed.

Without saying anything...

He silently placed a candle beside her.

Ajay: "The inverter will start in a minute."

Before she could thank him...

He walked away.

Paridhi watched him leave.

Paridhi (softly): "Why do you care... if you're trying so hard not to?"

That night...

Ajay finally fell asleep after hours of work.

And then...

He dreamed.

In his dream...

The house was decorated with flowers.

Soft music played in the background.

Paridhi walked towards him wearing a beautiful saree.

She smiled warmly.

Paridhi: "Ajay..."

She gently held his hand.

For the first time...

There were no divorce papers.

No painful memories.

No Ranvijay.

Only the two of them.

She looked into his eyes.

Paridhi: "I've been waiting for you."

Ajay smiled.

He slowly tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

Ajay: "You'll never leave me... right?"

She shook her head with a smile.

Paridhi: "Never."

Mujrim agar hoon main to

Saja di jeeye mujhe

Mujhrim agar hoon main to

Saja di jeeye mujhe

Lekin meri khata to

Bata di jeeye mujhe

They walked together through a garden filled with blooming flowers.

She slipped slightly on the wet grass.

Ajay caught her before she could fall.

Both of them laughed.

Lekin meri khata to

Bata di jeeye mujhe

Ek baar pyaar ka muka to

Humein di jeeye

Ek baar pyaar ka muka to

Humein di jeeye

The rain began to fall gently.

Paridhi stretched out her hand to feel the raindrops.

Paridhi: "Come."

She pulled him into the rain.

They laughed like carefree children.

Ajay looked at her with admiration.

He gently took her hand.

Dil dubane lage to

Kuch bhi na dawa karna

Dil dubane lage to

Kuch bhi dawa karna

Ho jaaunga main jeenda

Aanchal ki hawa karna

(Edit by Sydell)

She rested her head on his shoulder.

Ho jaaunga main jeenda

Aanchal ki hawa karna

Ek baar pyaar ka muka to

Humein di jeeye

Ek baar pyaar ka muka to

Humein di jeeye

For the first time...

He felt complete.

Suddenly...

A loud knock on the bedroom door shattered the dream.

Ajay woke up abruptly.

His breathing was uneven.

He looked around.

The room was empty.

The flowers...

The rain...

Paridhi...

Everything had vanished.

It had only been a dream.

He covered his face with both hands.

Ajay: "What are you doing to yourself?"

He got out of bed and walked to the window.

Looking outside, he whispered to himself,

Ajay: "She's going to leave after the divorce."

His voice trembled.

Ajay: "You have no right to love her."

He clenched his fists tightly.

Ajay: "No."

He took a deep breath.

Ajay: "This is just sympathy... nothing more."

But deep inside...

His heart had already crossed the line his mind was desperately trying to protect.

The battle had begun-

between the promise of letting her go...

and the silent wish that she would never leave.

Chapter 4 - The Anklets of Love

Several months passed.

The distance between Ajay and Paridhi remained the same.

Outwardly, they behaved like two strangers sharing the same house.

But deep inside...

Their hearts were changing in completely different ways.

One afternoon...

Ajay was inspecting one of his company's construction sites.

A group of laborers surrounded him angrily.

Their suspended union leader stood in front.

Union Leader: "You suspended me in front of everyone!"

Ajay: "Because you threatened the workers and misused company funds. I won't tolerate corruption."

The man clenched his fists.

Union Leader: "You'll regret this!"

Within moments...

Several men charged towards Ajay.

They began beating him mercilessly.

Ajay tried to defend himself, but he was badly outnumbered.

One of the workers struck him on the head with a wooden stick.

Blood trickled down his forehead.

He collapsed onto the ground.

Meanwhile...

Paridhi was on her way to surprise Ajay with lunch.

As she reached the construction site...

The lunch box slipped from her hands.

Paridhi: "Ajay!"

She ran towards him.

Ignoring everyone around her, she knelt beside him.

His face was bruised.

His shirt was stained with blood.

Tears streamed down her cheeks.

Paridhi: "Ajay... open your eyes!"

He slowly looked at her.

Ajay: (weakly) "Pari..."

She immediately called an ambulance.

Holding his hand tightly, she kept talking to him.

Paridhi: "Don't close your eyes."

Ajay: "I'm... alright..."

Paridhi: "No, you're not."

Her voice broke.

Paridhi: "Nothing will happen to you."

At the hospital...

The doctors rushed Ajay into the emergency room.

Paridhi stood outside anxiously.

She kept pacing the corridor.

Ajay's parents soon arrived.

His mother, Indira, noticed the tears in Paridhi's eyes.

She gently held her shoulder.

Indira: "He'll be fine."

Paridhi nodded silently.

But her trembling hands revealed her fear.

They both hugged each other, crying.

A few hours later...

The doctor came outside.

Doctor: "He's out of danger. He has a head injury and a few fractures. He'll need complete rest for several weeks."

Paridhi closed her eyes in relief.

A silent prayer escaped her lips.

After Ajay was discharged...

Paridhi took complete responsibility for his care.

She reminded him to take his medicines.

She changed his bandages.

She prepared his meals exactly as the doctor advised.

Whenever he tried getting out of bed...

She immediately stopped him.

Paridhi: "Doctor's orders."

Ajay: (smiling faintly) "You're becoming very strict."

Paridhi: "Someone has to."

Without realizing it...

Their conversations became warmer.

One evening...

Ajay fell asleep while reading a file.

Paridhi quietly entered the room.

She gently removed the file from his hands and pulled the blanket over him.

As she looked at his peaceful face...

A tear rolled down her cheek.

She whispered,

Paridhi: "Why was I so scared of losing you?"

She placed her hand over her heart.

It answered before her mind could.

She had fallen in love.

Paridhi dreamt of having sweet moments with Ajay.

Mili tere pyaar ki chhaav re

Thirak uthe hain mere paav re

Mili tere pyaar ki chhaav re

Thirak uthe hain

Mere paav re ho ho

Kasak pyaar mein

Badal gayi hain

Dil ko chhuaa hain aise aa

Naache naino mein

Sapno kaa gaav re

Mili tere pyaar ki

Meraa priyavar

Tu kitanaa sundar tu

Dekhaa dil ki

Aankho se to jaana

Banake main to chandan

Mahakaa dungi jeevanJite ji na chhodu teraa aangan

Pyaar kaa ham use

Aataa ho bas jise

Zindagi bhar

Mohabbat nibhaanaa

Mili tere pyaar ki

Mohe sabakaa man

Jo dekhe har dulhan jo

Sapanaa vo saakaar hain tu

Dekhun jise harapal

Man mein mache halachal

Chaahat kaa avataar hain tu

Dil mein mehamaa nayaa

Jaagaa aramaa nayaa

Jhukaa qadamo pe

Jaise zamaanaa

Mili tere pyaar ki.

The next day...

Paridhi opened her wardrobe.

Her eyes fell upon the small velvet box.

The silver anklets.

The very gift Ajay had offered on the first day of their marriage.

The gift she had rejected.

She slowly opened the box.

A gentle smile appeared on her face.

Paridhi: "It's time."

She wore the anklets.

Their soft chime echoed through the room.

She looked at herself in the mirror.

This was her silent confession.

She wanted Ajay to notice them.

She wanted him to understand.

That evening...

Ajay returned home from work.

Paridhi had planned everything carefully.

She switched off the living room lights and set the dining table with candles.

She stood behind the sofa, waiting to surprise him.

Ajay entered.

The dark room startled him.

Ajay: "Paridhi?"

Just then...

She stepped forward.

Paridhi: "Surpri-"

Before she could finish...

Ajay became upset.

Ajay: "What is all this?"

She was taken aback.

Paridhi: "I just wanted to-"

Ajay: "You know my health isn't fully recovered."

He sighed heavily.

Ajay: "You shouldn't be doing things like this."

Paridhi's smile disappeared.

Paridhi: "I only wanted to make you happy."

Ajay: "I don't need surprises."

His words hurt more than he intended.

dil doobne laage to kuch bhi dawa na karna

dil doobne laage to kuch bhi dawa na karna

ho jaoga me zinda aanchal ki hawa karna

ho jaoga me zinda aanchal ki hawa karna

ek baar pyar ka moka to dijiye

ek baar pyar ka moka to dijiye

Silence filled the room.

Neither of them noticed the faint sound of the anklets beneath the tension.

The argument grew.

Finally...

Ajay spoke firmly.

Ajay: "Maybe you should spend some time with your parents."

Paridhi looked at him in disbelief.

Paridhi: "You want me to leave?"

Ajay forced himself to remain expressionless.

Ajay: "It'll be good for both of us."

Without waiting for her reply...

He picked up his phone.

Ajay: "I'll book your trip for tomorrow morning."

Paridhi's eyes filled with tears.

She quietly walked upstairs.

dil doobne laage to kuch bhi dawa na karna

dil doobne laage to kuch bhi dawa na karna

ho jaoga me zinda aanchal ki hawa karna

ho jaoga me zinda aanchal ki hawa karna

ek baar pyar ka moka to dijiye

ek baar pyar ka moka to dijiye

Late that night...

Ajay entered their room to collect some files.

As he bent down to pick them up...

He heard a familiar, delicate sound.

Chhan... Chhan...

His eyes instinctively moved towards the bed.

Paridhi was asleep.

The blanket had slipped slightly from her feet.

There...

Around her ankles...

Were the silver anklets.

The same anklets.

The wedding gift she had once refused.

Ajay stood frozen.

His heart skipped a beat.

He slowly walked closer.

A smile mixed with disbelief spread across his face.

He whispered,

Ajay: "You... wore them."

Memories flashed before his eyes.

"Take these anklets... and accept this marriage."

She had chosen divorce that day.

But today...

She had chosen the anklets.

His eyes became moist.

For the first time...

He truly believed that Paridhi loved him.

He wanted to wake her.

He wanted to tell her that he loved her too.

But he stopped himself.

He looked at the divorce papers resting inside the cupboard.

The approaching end of their one-year agreement echoed in his mind.

With a heavy heart...

He quietly covered her feet with the blanket so she wouldn't feel cold.

Then he switched off the lamp and walked away.

The next morning...

Paridhi came downstairs with her suitcase.

Ajay was already waiting.

Their eyes met for a brief moment.

She hoped he had noticed the anklets.

He hoped she knew he had noticed them.

Yet neither of them found the courage to speak.

Ajay: "The car is outside."

Paridhi: "Thank you."

No mention of the anklets.

No confession.

No explanation.

Only silence.

As Paridhi walked towards the door, the soft sound of the anklets echoed through the house.

Ajay listened to every chime.

Each one whispered what neither of them could say aloud-

"I love you."

But for now...

Their hearts chose silence over words.

Chapter 5 - Forever Yours (Final Chapter)

The next morning...

The house was unusually quiet.

Paridhi came downstairs carrying her suitcase.

She looked around.

Ajay had already left for work.

Her heart sank.

Paridhi (to herself): "He didn't even come to say goodbye..."

She touched the silver anklets around her feet.

Their gentle sound reminded her of everything she had never managed to say.

With moist eyes, she stepped into the waiting taxi.

An hour later...

The railway station was crowded with passengers.

Announcements echoed through the platforms.

Paridhi slowly walked towards her train.

Every step felt heavier than the last.

Just as she was about to board...

A familiar voice stopped her.

Ajay: "Paridhi."

She turned around.

There he was.

Standing a few feet away.

Holding a brown envelope.

Her eyes lit up for a brief moment.

Paridhi: "Ajay..."

He walked towards her.

Without saying a word, he handed her the envelope.

She slowly opened it.

Her hands began trembling.

They were the divorce papers.

Stamped and signed.

She looked at him in disbelief.

Paridhi: "These..."

Ajay lowered his eyes.

Ajay: "They were approved this morning."

Those words shattered her heart.

For several seconds...

She couldn't breathe.

Tears streamed down her cheeks.

Ajay: "You're finally free."

Paridhi stared at him.

Then suddenly...

She laughed through her tears.

Ajay looked confused.

The next moment...

She tore the papers into dozens of pieces.

The torn pages flew into the air like scattered memories.

Everyone on the platform turned towards them.

Ajay stood speechless.

Paridhi stepped closer.

Her voice trembled.

Paridhi: "Do you know why I wore those anklets?"

Ajay remained silent.

Paridhi: "Because I chose you."

His eyes widened.

Paridhi: "I wanted to surprise you that day."

More tears rolled down her face.

Paridhi: "I was going to tell you that I had fallen in love with my husband."

Ajay's heart pounded.

Paridhi: "The man I couldn't accept..."

She smiled sadly.

Paridhi: "...became the man I cannot live without."

Ajay couldn't move.

Paridhi wiped her tears.

Paridhi: "I love you, Ajay."

Silence surrounded them.

Paridhi: "I don't expect you to say it back."

She looked into his eyes one last time.

Paridhi: "But I'll wait."

A faint smile appeared on her face.

Paridhi: "Whether it takes days... months... or years..."

She stepped backward towards the train.

Paridhi: "I'll wait until the day you love me."

The train whistle echoed.

The doors began closing.

Paridhi boarded the train.

She stood near the doorway, unable to look away from Ajay.

The train slowly began moving.

Ajay remained frozen.

Every memory flashed before his eyes.

Paridhi sitting beside him in the hospital.

Her caring hands changing his bandages.

Her smile.

Her tears.

The silver anklets.

Her confession.

Suddenly...

He smiled.

Then laughed at himself.

Ajay: "You fool..."

Without another thought...

He began running.

Ajay: "Pari!"

The train gathered speed.

He ran faster.

People on the platform moved aside.

Ajay: "Paridhi!"

He reached the emergency chain near a coach and pulled it with all his strength.

The train screeched to a halt.

Passengers looked around in surprise.

Ajay climbed aboard, searching.

Then he saw her.

Paridhi stood frozen.

Before she could say anything...

Ajay wrapped his arms around her.

She burst into tears.

He held her tightly.

Ajay: "Never leave again."

She looked up at him.

Paridhi: "Ajay..."

He gently cupped her face.

Ajay: "I loved you long before you confessed."

Her eyes widened.

Ajay: "I was only afraid of losing you."

He smiled through tears.

Ajay: "I don't want a divorce."

He looked into her eyes.

Ajay: "I want a lifetime with you."

Paridhi hugged him tightly.

For the first time...

They embraced not out of pain...

But out of love.

Ajay lifted her into his arms.

Ignoring the curious crowd...

He carried his wife off the train.

As they walked out of the station together, the soft music of her silver anklets echoed with every step.

A New Beginning

A few weeks later...

Ajay and Paridhi finally began their married life with complete honesty and love.

Ajay and Pari visited the Taj Mahal and spent their time there.

Ek Taj Mahal Dil Mein

Har Koi Hain Chhupaye

Ek Taj Mahal Dil Mein

Har Koi Hain Chhupaye

Koi Toh Bana Paaye

Koi Na Bana Paaye

Ek Taj Mahal Dil Mein

Har Koi Hain Chhupaye

Mumtaaz Nahin Hain Tu

Na Main Koi Sahensaah Aa

Mumtaaz Nahin Hain Tu

Na Main Koi Sahensaah Aa

Karta Hoon Phir Bhi Dawa

Main Tujhko Chahane Ka

Khabon Ki Meri Malika

Mere Dil Ki Tuhi Raani

Tu Chahein Jo Karega

Tere Liye Kurbaani

Taarikh Mein Kurbaani

Taarikh Mein Kurbaani

Chahein Jo Na Likhi Jaaye

Ek Taj Mahal Dil Mein

Har Koi Hain Chhupaye

Koi Toh Bana Paaye

Koi Na Bana Paaye

Laughter returned to the Mehra house.

Mihir and Tulsi were overjoyed to see their daughter genuinely happy.

They finally felt at peace.

But fate had one final test.

One evening...

A luxury SUV stopped outside the Mehra mansion.

A familiar man stepped out.

Ranvijay.

Paridhi's smile disappeared instantly.

Ajay noticed the fear in her eyes and stood protectively beside her.

Ajay: "Why are you here?"

Ranvijay smirked.

Ranvijay: "To take back what belongs to me."

Paridhi looked at him with disbelief.

Paridhi: "I don't belong to you anymore."

Ranvijay's pleasant expression vanished.

Ranvijay: "Then neither of you will live peacefully."

Over the next few days...

Ajay began receiving threats.

Unknown men followed his car.

Important company shipments disappeared.

Someone even tried to set one of his warehouses on fire.

Ajay immediately informed the police.

Inspector Sandhya, who was investigating an international smuggling racket, discovered something shocking.

The evidence pointed directly toward Ranvijay.

Ajay and Paridhi couldn't believe it.

The police searched one of Ranvijay's abandoned warehouses.

Inside, they recovered illegal weapons, smuggled gold, forged passports, and confidential documents.

The man whom Paridhi had once believed to be a selfless hero...

Had been living a double life.

The revolutionary group he spoke about...

Was only a cover for an organized smuggling network.

Paridhi remembered her parents' repeated warnings.

Tears filled her eyes.

Paridhi: "Papa... Mom..."

She looked at Mihir and Tulsi.

Paridhi: "You were right."

Mihir gently placed his hand on her head.

Tulsi: "Sometimes love blinds us, beta."

Paridhi nodded.

Paridhi: "I judged Ajay without knowing him..."

She looked at her husband with gratitude.

Paridhi: "...and trusted the wrong man."

Ajay gently held her hand.

Ajay: "The past is over."

Furious that his secrets had been exposed, Ranvijay kidnapped Ajay's company manager and demanded that Ajay come alone to an abandoned dockyard.

Ignoring the danger, Ajay went to rescue him.

Paridhi secretly informed the police and followed with Inspector Sandhya and her team.

At the dockyard...

Ranvijay pointed a gun at Ajay.

Ranvijay: "If I can't have victory... neither will you."

Before he could pull the trigger...

Paridhi shouted,

Paridhi: "Ranvijay!"

He turned.

That brief moment was enough.

Ajay lunged forward and knocked the gun from his hand.

A fierce fight broke out.

Ranvijay attacked wildly, but Ajay stood his ground.

Within minutes, police officers surrounded the dockyard.

Inspector Sandhya: "Ranvijay! Drop your weapon!"

Ranvijay tried to escape.

Ajay blocked his path.

After one final struggle, the police overpowered him and placed him in handcuffs.

As he was led away, Ranvijay looked at Paridhi.

She met his gaze calmly.

Paridhi: "I loved the person I believed you were."

She shook her head.

Paridhi: "Not the criminal you truly became."

Ranvijay lowered his eyes as the police vehicle drove away.

Epilogue

Months later...

The Mehra mansion was once again filled with happiness.

Ajay and Paridhi renewed their wedding vows in the presence of both families.

This time...

There was no hesitation.

No fear.

No hidden past.

As Ajay gently fastened the same silver anklets around Paridhi's feet once again, he smiled.

Ajay: "The first time, they were a gift."

He looked into her eyes.

Ajay: "Today, they're a promise."

Paridhi smiled through happy tears.

Paridhi: "A promise of forever."

Their families applauded.

Mihir and Tulsi watched proudly as their daughter finally found the love, respect, and security they had always wished for her.

Hand in hand...

Ajay and Paridhi walked toward their future together.

This time, every chime of the anklets celebrated not an unspoken love...

...but a love that had found its forever.

Paridhi completed her MBA and joined Ajay's business. They went to the office together and came back together. They visited every client at the site and supported each other to crack business deals.

The chime of anklets had made them life and business partners.

Both lived happily ever after.

Chapter 5

Marvellous update... excellently written

Great end