Author pov.....

Two weeks later...

The entire house was drowning in silence and worry.

Divya sat on the sofa, clutching her phone tightly as she called Rahul again and again. But every single call went unanswered.

Beside her, Devnath and Rani sat tensely, their faces filled with concern, while Vaibhav stood nearby, unable to hide the anxiety in his eyes.

The clock struck three in the morning.

Devnath finally broke the heavy silence."Divya... did Rahul answer?"

Her eyes stayed fixed on the phone screen as she shook her head weakly.

"No, Papa. He's not answering at all."

Fear slowly spread across everyone's faces.

Rahul had left for the police station early in the morning, and for the past week, this had become his routine endless work, sleepless nights, and complete isolation.

But no matter how busy he was, he always answered at least one call from home.

Today, he hadn't picked up even once.

And that scared them.

Another two painful hours passed before the sound of the main door finally echoed through the house.

Everyone immediately looked up.

Rahul walked inside.

Still wearing his police uniform, he looked completely shattered. Dark circles had formed under his red, tired eyes. His hair was messy, his shoulders heavy, and exhaustion

clung to him like a shadow.

For a second, nobody spoke.

Seeing him like that hurt.

"Rahul!" Divya rushed toward him first. "Where were you? Do you even realize how worried we were?"

Devnath quickly stood up too. "Beta, are you alright?"

Rahul avoided everyone's eyes.

"I'm fine," he said in a low, lifeless voice. "There was work... that's why I got late."

That was it.

No explanation. No emotion.

He simply walked past everyone and

started heading toward his room.

Divya stared at his retreating figure, her eyes filling with anger and pain together.

Every day Rahul was breaking apart more and more... and in her heart, she blamed only one person for it -

Ishani.

Vaibhav looked at Divya worriedly and stepped closer.

"Divya, enough now. You should sleep," he said softly. "You've been awake the whole night. You're pregnant... you'll ruin your health like this."

But Divya didn't even look at him.

Without saying a single word, she turned and walked toward her room.

Vaibhav sighed helplessly before quietly following behind her.

Devnath watched everything with helpless eyes.

He looked at Rani and spoke in a broken voice."What is happening to our children, Rani? Nothing feels right anymore."

His eyes turned toward the where Divya had disappeared."Divya is angry at Vaibhav don't know why. She barely even talks to him now... and that boy keeps trying endlessly to make things normal again."

Then his voice lowered further.

"And Rahul..." he whispered painfully, "look at what he has become."

Rani stayed silent.Because unlike everyone else, she understood far more than she showed.

But even she had no answers anymore.

After a moment, she gently placed her hand over Devnath's and forced a faint smile."Everything will be alright," she said softly. "Please... go and rest now. You're tired too."

Vaibhav lay quietly on the sofa while Divya lay on the bed. Neither of them could sleep.

The silence between them felt painfully heavy.

Vaibhav kept glancing toward her again and again.

He wanted nothing more than to pull her into his arms, hug her tightly, and talk to her lovingly like before.

But Divya continued to ignore him completely, as if he didn't even exist in her life anymore.

And watching her behave like that hurt him deeply.

Every time he tried to say something, her cold silence stopped him. The distance between them was only a few steps, yet it felt impossible to cross.

Vaibhav closed his eyes for a moment, hiding the pain in them, while Divya silently stared in the other direction, pretending not to care even though her heart wasn't at peace either.

But neither of them spoke a single word.

...............................................................................................

On the other side, life had finally started bringing happiness into the lives of Deeksha, Deepak, and Mannat.

After the marriage, Deeksha decided she didn't want to depend on anyone for her identity. She wanted to stand on her own feet again.

And that's why she opened her own law office in Delhi.

Deepak supported her silently through everything from finding the office space to arranging the interiors and handling all the expenses without ever making her feel pressured.

But somewhere, Deeksha felt uneasy seeing him spend so much money for her dreams.

One evening, while checking some files in their room, she finally spoke hesitantly."Deepak... you really didn't have to spend this much on my office."

Deepak looked up from his laptop. "Why?"

Deeksha lowered her eyes slightly. "Because it's my responsibility. I should manage it myself."

A small smile appeared on Deepak's face. He closed his laptop and walked toward her.

"Deeksha," he said softly, "husband and wife don't count who spends more and who spends less."

She stayed quiet.

Deepak gently continued, "And if this is bothering you that much... then fine. Once clients start coming to you, return every single rupee to me."

Deeksha looked at him in surprise.

A teasing smile spread across his face.

"But remember," he added playfully,

"I charge interest too."

For the first time in days, a small smile escaped Deeksha's lips.

"Greedy Police officer," she muttered softly.

Deepak chuckled. "Wrong. Smart

businessman."

The heaviness in her heart finally eased, and she silently agreed.

Meanwhile, Mannat got admission into the same school where Ishaan studied.

Every morning, the house turned lively because of her little tantrums, school drama, and nonstop talking.

Slowly, their house started feeling like a real home.

Their lives were peaceful... beautiful... but busy too.

Deepak remained occupied with work, Deeksha immersed herself in building her career again, and

Mannat filled the emptiness between them with laughter and warmth.

And somewhere in between all this happiness, Deeksha was quietly trying to settle into this new life... trying to accept this peace after surviving so much pain.

Morning sunlight softly filled the room as Deeksha continued sleeping peacefully, completely unaware of the chaos already happening outside.

Like every day, Deepak had woken up early.

Dressed casually, with slightly messy hair and sleepy eyes, he moved around the room quietly so he wouldn't wake Deeksha.

Meanwhile, little Mannat sat on the bed in her half-worn school uniform, pouting angrily.

"Papa, I don't want these clips," she complained dramatically.

Deepak sighed while trying to fix her hair. "Mannat, for the last five minutes you've rejected every single clip."

"Because they're ugly." Mannat said

"They're pink." Deepak replied

"I hate pink today."Mannat said.

Deepak stared at her for a second before muttering under his breath, "God bless your future husband."

Mannat giggled loudly.

After somehow getting her ready, Deepak took her outside for breakfast while Deeksha still slept peacefully in the room.

Almost half an hour later, Deeksha slowly opened her eyes.

She stretched lazily before checking the time on her phone.

The moment she saw the screen, all sleep disappeared from her face.

"Eight?!" she almost shouted, instantly sitting up.

Panic rushed through her.

Her eyes quickly searched the bed beside her.

No Deepak. No Mannat.

Confused, she hurried out of the room.

The moment she stepped into the dining area, her steps slowed.

Deepak sat beside Mannat, feeding her tiny bites of breakfast while Rajni smiled lovingly watching them.

"Finish your milk too," Deepak said firmly.

Mannat immediately made a face. "It smells bad."

Deepak narrowed his eyes. "Yesterday you said the same thing about vegetables."

"Because healthy food is suspicious."Mannat said pouting

Rajni burst into laughter while

Deepak looked completely done with her drama.

And standing at the doorway, Deeksha silently watched everything.

A strange warmth filled her chest.

Back in London, she had done everything alone.Managing work. Managing home. Managing Mannat.

She had become so strong and independent that somewhere along the way, she forgot what it felt like to have people beside her.

But today...

Watching this simple little family moment...

She finally understood what had been missing from her life all these years.

Peace.

Care.

Togetherness.

As if sensing her presence, Deepak looked up.

Their eyes met.

A small smile instantly appeared on his face."Good morning, sleeping beauty," he teased softly.

Deeksha rolled her eyes lightly. "Why didn't you wake me up?"

"Because for once you were sleeping peacefully."Deepak said

Before she could reply, Rajni spoke lovingly, "Deeksha beta, go get ready quickly. Then come have breakfast."

Suddenly Rajni paused.

"Wait... didn't you say some important client was coming today?"

For two seconds, Deeksha froze.

Then her eyes widened in horror."Oh no..."

She slapped her forehead dramatically."My client meeting!"

Deepak immediately started laughing seeing her panic.

Deeksha glared at him. "And you're laughing?!"

Deepak raised his hands innocently. "I was enjoying the rare moment where Madam Lawyer wasn't shouting at someone."

"Deepak!"Deeksha shouted

Mannat giggled while Rajni smiled helplessly.

Still muttering to herself, Deeksha quickly ran back toward the room.

"Great. Amazing. First important client and I overslept like a child."

She hurriedly pulled clothes from the wardrobe and rushed inside the washroom while Deepak leaned back in his chair, smiling softly.

A few minutes later, Deeksha finally came downstairs, fully ready for work.

Dressed in a simple yet elegant formal outfit, with her hair neatly tied.

But the moment she entered the living room, she stopped.

Her office bag was already packed properly.

All her important case files were arranged neatly inside, her laptop was charged, her water bottle and lunchbox were kept ready beside it.

And standing near the table was

Deepak in his police uniform, adjusting the sleeves of his shirt calmly as if handling her entire morning routine was part of his daily job now.

Deeksha looked at everything for a moment before slowly looking at him.

"You did all this?"

Deepak glanced at her casually. "No, the house ghost did."

Deeksha couldn't stop the smile that escaped her lips.

Just then she suddenly frowned slightly and started searching around nervously."Wait... where's the blue file? I kept it here only."

Without even looking, Deepak picked up a file from beside him and held it toward her."This one?"

Deeksha stared at him in disbelief.

"How do you even know where all my things are?"

Deepak smirked proudly. "Because unlike you, I actually pay attention."

Deeksha laughed softly before taking the file from him."Thank you... seriously."

Deepak immediately placed a hand dramatically over his chest."Bas aise hi thank you bolti rahiye," he sighed sadly. "Pyaar toh waise bhi aap humse karti nahi hain."

Deeksha looked at him helplessly. "Deepak..."

But he wasn't done yet."For weeks I've been asking you to plan our honeymoon. Every single time you say you're busy." He shook his head dramatically. "Honestly, I feel cheated. This marriage is a fraud."

Deeksha instantly felt guilty hearing him.Because somewhere, she knew he wasn't entirely wrong.

Ever since opening her office, she had buried herself in work while Deepak silently adjusted around her schedule without complaints.

She walked a little closer to him and spoke softly."Just give me a little more time. Once this client matter settles properly... we'll go somewhere together."

Deepak narrowed his eyes suspiciously."Promise?"

Deeksha nodded with a small smile.

"Promise."

Deepak looked at her for a few seconds before finally smiling back.

"Fine. I'll trust you this time, Madam Lawyer."

Then he picked up the car keys and pointed toward the door."Now let's move quickly. First we have to drop Mannat to school, then drop you to your office, and after that I still have to report to the police station."

Deeksha looked at Deepak and said, "I'll bring Mannat."

Just then, Rajni walked in carrying Mannat in her arms."Deepak, Deeksha... you both remember, right? Today is Ishani's mehendi and haldi ceremony. Make sure you come after work." Her tone softened as she kissed Mannat's cheek. "Honestly, I didn't even want to send this little one to school today, but you two never listen to me, so fine... let her go."

The moment Deeksha heard Ishani's name along with the wedding rituals, something inside her tightened painfully.

A strange heaviness settled in her chest, though she stayed quiet.

Deepak simply nodded. "Okay, Maa. We'll come."

Deeksha took Mannat into her arms while Deepak walked ahead toward the lift. She followed silently behind him, carrying Mannat close to her heart.

The three of them stepped inside the elevator together.

Mannat suddenly looked up at her mother with innocent eyes."Mumma... Ishaan won't come to school today?"

Deeksha forced a small smile. "I don't know, baby."

Mannat pouted immediately. "School doesn't feel nice without Ishaan."

Deepak glanced at her. "Why? You have so many friends there."

"But none of them are like Ishaan, Papa," Mannat replied with complete honesty.

For a brief second, Deeksha and Deepak looked at each other and smiled faintly at her innocent words, while the elevator continued descending in silence.

The elevator doors slid open, and the three of them stepped out together.

Deepak walked toward the car and settled into the driver's seat, starting the engine.

Deeksha opened the front door carefully and sat beside him with Mannat resting comfortably in her lap.

The entire drive, Deepak and Mannat kept talking lovingly with each other.

Their soft laughter and little conversations filled the car with warmth, but Deeksha remained unusually quiet.

Her heart felt restless.

No matter how much she tried, she couldn't understand how Ishani Di could marry someone else so easily.

And every time she thought about Rahul, a strange worry gripped her heart. The way he had been behaving lately... it didn't feel normal to her at all.

After some time, they finally reached Mannat's school.

Deepak and Deeksha stepped out of the car together, holding Mannat's tiny hands as they walked her inside.

They personally escorted her all the way to the school entrance like they did every day.

Deepak bent down slightly and spoke in a serious but gentle tone, "Don't take anything from strangers, okay? And never go near anyone you don't know."

"Okay," Mannat replied obediently with a cute nod.

Both Deepak and Deeksha kissed her cheeks lovingly before waving goodbye.

"Bye, baby."

Mannat smiled brightly and ran inside the school building.

Deepak and Deeksha stood there for a few moments, watching her go with soft smiles and eyes full of affection.

Deepak and Deeksha walked back to the car and settled into their seats.

Deepak started driving again, stealing a quick glance at her quiet face. "Are you okay?"

Deeksha nodded faintly. "Yeah."

After a moment of silence, Deepak spoke softly, trying to make her understand. "Deeksha... now none of us can stop Ishani di anymore. Tomorrow is her wedding. We should send her off happily."

He sighed lightly before continuing, "We both tried so much to explain things to her. But if this is the life she wants to choose, then maybe we should let her."

Deeksha stared out of the window for a few seconds before replying quietly, "You're right, Deepak... but I'm worried about Rahul."

Her voice carried genuine concern. "Can't you see the way he's behaving these days? It's like there's no life left inside him."

Deepak tightened his grip on the steering wheel for a brief moment. "I'm worried about Rahul too, Deeksha... but there's nothing we can really do."

His words left a heavy silence between them.

Deeksha quietly looked down at her hands, lost in thought, while the car continued moving through the busy roads.

After some time, they reached her law office.

Deepak stopped the car outside the building and turned toward her with a small smile. "All the best for today."

That finally brought a faint smile to Deeksha's face."Thank you," she said softly.

She picked up her bag and stepped out of the car, walking inside the office building.

Deepak watched her for a second before driving away toward the police station, both of them carrying their own worries silently in their hearts.

.....................................................................................................

Meanwhile, the preparations for Ishani's mehendi and haldi ceremony continued throughout the house.

The celebration was kept simple, with only close family members present.

There was no loud music or grand decorations just a quiet warmth in the atmosphere as everyone stayed busy with the arrangements.

But despite everything, Ishani's eyes kept drifting toward the entrance.

Divya still hadn't arrived.

A faint disappointment settled in her heart, though she tried not to show it.

Nearby, little Ishaan sat silently on the sofa, observing everyone around him.

The house was full of people, yet he felt strangely alone.

His mother had told him that after the wedding, they would move into a new house... with his "new papa."

But the thought frightened him more than it excited him.

What if those new children mocked him again? What if they called him crazy like before? He already disliked the idea of that family.

And somewhere deep inside, he feared something even more painful

What if his mumma stopped being his the same way after the marriage?

The tiny fear quietly filled his chest.

Ishani noticed his unusual silence and slowly walked toward him. Sitting beside him, she gently brushed his hair back.

"What happened to my brave boy?" she asked softly. "Why are you sitting here so quietly?"

Ishaan looked down at his small hands before speaking in a low voice. "Mumma... do we really have to go to that new house?"

The question made Ishani's smile fade for a second.

She cupped his face gently. "Why are you asking that?"

"I don't want to go there," he whispered honestly. "I don't like those children... and what if..." His voice broke slightly. "What if you leave me alone after the wedding?"

Ishani's heart tightened instantly hearing that.

She immediately pulled him close and kissed his forehead lovingly. "Never."

Her voice turned emotional. "No matter what happens, I can never leave you alone. You are my whole world, Ishaan."

He stayed quiet, still unconvinced.

Ishani forced a soft smile again, trying to lighten his mood. "Come on now, enough sadness. Today Mumma's haldi is happening, and my handsome boy is going to get ready with me too."

She gently pinched his cheek. "We'll put haldi on you as well."

This time, a very tiny smile appeared on Ishaan's face, though the fear in his eyes still remained.

Holding his little hand tightly, Ishani took him inside to get ready, trying to hide her own emotions behind a smile.

Vaibhav slowly walked into the room and stopped near the door.

Divya was sitting near the window in complete silence, staring outside without even realizing how lost she looked.

The sunlight entering the room touched her face softly, but there was no warmth left in her expression.

For a few seconds, Vaibhav simply looked at her.

He knew she was hurting.

"Divya..." he called gently.

She didn't respond immediately.

Vaibhav stepped closer. "Today is Ishani's mehendi and haldi ceremony. We should leave soon." He paused before adding softly, "You should get ready... you're her bhabhi."

That word made Divya finally look at him. A hollow smile appeared on her lips, filled more with pain than amusement.

"Bhabhi?" she whispered. "Please don't call me that today."

Vaibhav frowned slightly. "Divya..."

She stood up abruptly, her emotions finally spilling out.

"How am I supposed to go there and celebrate?" Her eyes turned teary.

"My brother is breaking apart in front of everyone, Vaibhav. Every single day I see him pretending to be okay when he's dying inside."

Her voice shook badly."And you want me to wear nice clothes, smile, apply mehendi, and act happy for Ishani?"

Vaibhav stayed silent.

Divya laughed bitterly through her tears. "I can't do it."

She wiped her eyes angrily before continuing, "Right now I don't feel like anyone's bhabhi... anyone's wife... or even anyone's friend."

The room became painfully quiet after her words.

Vaibhav looked at her helplessly. He understood her anger, her helplessness, and most of all, her love for Rahul.

But he also knew nothing he said would ease her pain right now.

After a long silence, he spoke softly, "I know Rahul is hurting, Divya. Believe me, I can see it too." He sighed quietly. "But today is still an important day for Ishani."

Divya immediately looked away, unable to hear Ishani's name without feeling frustrated.

Vaibhav noticed it and stopped trying to explain further.

Finally, he nodded faintly. "Okay. I won't force you."

Night had fallen. Bhavya stood waiting for the elevator, looking sharp and authoritative in her police uniform as she prepared for her night shift.

When the doors slid open, she found two young women already inside.

They were dressed in bright yellow festive attire, their faces smeared with turmeric clearly coming from a Haldi ceremony.

Bhavya stepped in, maintaining her usual composed demeanor, but the conversation between the two girls quickly caught her attention.

"Is your new sister-in-law's son actually mentally unstable?" the first girl asked, her voice laced with judgmental curiosity.

"Yeah, he is," the second one replied with a sigh.

The first girl frowned. "Then how on earth did your brother agree to this marriage?"

"Look, only my Bhabhi is moving in after the wedding," the second girl explained dismissively. "Her son is going to stay behind with her mother and brother."

"Wait... so she actually agreed to abandon her own child?" the first girl asked, shocked.

"No, she doesn't know anything about it yet," the second girl whispered conspiratorially. "My mother told us that after the wedding, only the bride comes home not the baggage. The kid stays there."

A cold fury washed over Bhavya.

Every word felt like a strike against her conscience.

She didn't need to hear names to know exactly who they were gossiping about Ishani and little Ishaan.

The realization that a mother was being deceived into losing her child hit Bhavya like a physical blow.

Her grip tightened on her gear, her eyes flashing with rage as she turned her piercing gaze toward the two girls.

The elevator doors hissed open, and the two girls stepped out, still whispering their poisonous secrets.

Bhavya remained frozen for a moment, her heart hammering against her ribs.

Every instinct told her that Ishani needed to know the truth immediately.

Determined, Bhavya reached out and pressed the button for the upper floor.

She couldn't let this injustice happen.

But as the lift began to ascend, a dark, treacherous voice echoed in the back of her mind.

"If you stop this now, the wedding is over," the voice whispered. "And if the wedding is off, what happens then? Ishani and Rahul will be drawn back together. They'll reconcile. They'll fall in love all over again... and then where does that leave you? Rahul will forget you ever existed."

The thought felt like a cold blade.

Bhavya's hand trembled near the control panel.

Love and insecurity began to warp her sense of duty.

She realized that if Ishani walked into this trap, she would be out of Rahul's life for good leaving the path clear for Bhavya.

A heavy, suffocating selfishness took root in her heart.

When the lift reached Ishani's floor and the doors slid open, Bhavya didn't move.

She stared at the hallway, the silent witness to her internal struggle. She didn't step out. Instead, she slowly reached out and pressed the button for the ground floor.

As the doors closed, sealing her choice, she straightened her uniform and steeled her expression. She chose to bury the truth to save her own hopes.

Ignoring the guilt rising in her throat, she headed out into the night toward her duty, leaving Ishani's world to crumble in the dark.

The next morning, Bhavya returned from her shift to find the house eerily quiet.

Everyone had already left for Ishani's wedding venues. As she stepped inside, she was surprised to see Divya still there, pacing the living room with a face pale from anxiety.

"You didn't go to the wedding?" Bhavya asked, sensing the tension in the air.

Divya turned to her instantly, her eyes wide. "Bhavya, call Rahul. Please. He hasn't picked up my calls since yesterday. I'm starting to get really worried."

Bhavya's heart skipped a beat. "Rahul hasn't come home? Since when?"

"Since yesterday," Divya replied, her voice trembling. "He's nowhere to be found. Try his number again maybe he'll answer for you."

Bhavya quickly dialed his number, but the call went straight to voicemail. "He's not picking up," she muttered, her own concern beginning to mirror Divya's.

"Keep trying!" Divya urged. "Wait you have the number for his police station, don't you? Call them. Ask them where he is!"

Bhavya quickly dialed Pandey, her subordinate.

"Yes, Ma'am?" Pandey answered on the first ring.

"Pandey, where is Rahul?" Bhavya asked sharply.

"I don't know, Ma'am. He didn't show up at the station yesterday at all," Pandey replied cautiously.

The fear in Bhavya's chest tightened into a knot. Her worry flared into redirected anger. "I told you specifically to keep an eye on him! To know his whereabouts! Can't you do one single job right?"

Pandey remained silent, absorbing her stinging lecture without a word.

Frustrated, Bhavya slammed the phone down.

"He's not at the station either," she told Divya, her voice tight.

Divya looked like she was about to collapse. "He's not there? Bhavya, we have to go. We have to find him. What if something has happened to him?"

The same fear gripped Bhavya. "You're right. Let's go."

She grabbed her Bullet keys, her mind racing with dark possibilities. But just as they reached the door to rush out, the handle turned.

Rahul stumbled inside.

The sight of him stopped them cold.

He was completely disheveled, his police uniform usually so crisp was torn and caked with mud.

The heavy stench of alcohol clung to him, and a nasty, raw gash was bleeding across his forehead. He looked like a man who had been through a war and lost.

Both Divya and Bhavya rushed forward to catch Rahul before he could collapse.

He was swaying dangerously, his breath heavy with the scent of cheap liquor.

"I'm fine... I'm fine, Ishani," Rahul mumbled, his voice slurred and broken. "Don't worry about me, Ishani... I'm okay."

Hearing him call out for Ishani in that state broke Divya's heart. She burst into tears, unable to see her proud, strong brother reduced to this.

Bhavya, her own heart aching with a mixture of guilt and pain, managed to guide him toward the sofa.

As they sat him down, Rahul's head lolled back, his eyes glazed. "Ishani, please... don't leave me. Don't marry someone else. I'll die, Ishani... I won't survive it."

Divya sobbed, clutching her brother's hand. "What has happened to my brother? He was never like this. Does love really destroy a person this way? Rahul, please... stop this. You're killing me."

Even Bhavya, who usually prided herself on her toughness, felt a tear escape.

Seeing Rahul's raw, unfiltered agony was a wake-up call. The selfishness she felt in the elevator the night before evaporated, replaced by a fierce resolve.

"We have to stop Ishani's wedding," Bhavya said suddenly, her voice firm.

Divya looked up, shocked. "Stop the wedding? But how?"

Bhavya quickly recounted the conversation she had overheard in the lift how Karan's family planned to snatch Ishaan away from Ishani the moment the vows were exchanged.

Divya gasped in horror. "They're going to separate a mother from her child?"

Bhavya nodded grimly. "That's why we have to stop Karan. But just stopping that marriage isn't enough. Ishani will still be alone, and Rahul will still be a wreck. We have to make sure these two get married to each other."

"But how is that possible?" Divya asked, wiping her eyes. "Ishani is stubborn. She will never agree to marry Rahul after everything that has happened."

"We'll have to make it happen," Bhavya said, a plan forming in her mind. "Call Deepak. Tell him to get here immediately. I'll be right back."

Divya was confused but did as she was told, dialling Deepak's number. A few minutes later, Bhavya emerged from her room.

Her face was set in a mask of cold determination, and in her hand, she held a medical syringe.

Divya stared at it, her eyes widening in alarm. "Bhavya... what is that? What are you doing?"

Bhavya moved with clinical precision, injecting the sedative into Rahul's arm.

Divya watched in horror, her breath hitching in her throat. "Bhavya! What are you doing? Have you lost your mind?"

Bhavya didn't blink, her gaze fixed on the syringe. "This will keep him sedated and compliant, Divya. He won't be fully conscious, but he'll be able to sit through the ceremony. We have no choice we have to get him to the mandap and make him marry Ishani."

Divya recoiled, her face pale. "But everyone will notice! They'll see something is wrong with him!"

"No one will notice a thing if we play this right," Bhavya snapped, her voice cold and commanding. "Do you want your brother to be happy or not? Do you want him to have Ishani, or do you want him to lose her to that monster, Karan?"

Divya looked at her brother so vulnerable, so broken and then back at Bhavya. A flicker of resolve hardened her eyes. "I want him to be happy."

"Then trust me," Bhavya said. "I'm going to stop Karan. When Deepak arrives, tell him exactly what to do bathe Rahul, dress him in the groom's attire, put the sehra on him, and get him to the mandap. Don't hesitate."

Divya was trembling, her mind spinning. "But... how will we manage all of this? This is insane!"

"If you keep questioning how and why, we will lose this chance forever," Bhavya cut her off sharply. "Time is running out. Just tell me will you do it, or not?"

Divya took a deep, shaky breath, looking at her brother one last time. "I will do it."

"Good."Bhavya turned and bolted out of the door, her heart racing as she headed to confront Karan.

In the living room, a chilling silence settled. Rahul sat slumped on the sofa, his eyes open and glassy, staring into nothingness.

He was physically there, but completely detached from reality, his mind drifted away under the influence of the drug.

Divya stood over him, terrified yet determined, waiting for Deepak to arrive so she could begin this desperate, impossible charade.

Deepak and Deeksha arrived a few minutes later, their faces pale with worry.

The moment they saw Rahul, their hearts sank. Rahul was slumped on the sofa, his eyes wide and vacant, staring into a void.

Deepak rushed to him, frantically tapping his cheek. "Di! What happened to him? Rahul! Speak to me!"

"Bhavya gave him a drug," Divya said, her voice trembling but steady. "He can see and hear us, but he's paralyzed. He can't speak or react."

Deepak and Deeksha recoiled in absolute shock. "A drug? Why would she do something so reckless?"

Deepak shouted, looking around the room. "Where is that Hitler? Has she completely lost her mind?"

"She's gone to stop Karan from reaching the mandap," Divya explained, her eyes filling with tears. "She told us we have to dress Rahul as the groom. We have to take him there and make sure he's the one who marries Ishani."

"What?!" Deepak erupted, reaching for his phone. "This is insane! I'm calling her right now."

But Divya was faster. She snatched the phone from his hand, her expression fierce. "No, Deepak! Listen to me. I want this too. Look at my brother! He has been dying inside ever since he heard Ishani was marrying Karan. He's a shell of a man."

She took a shaky breath and revealed the horrifying truth. "And Karan... he's a monster. Bhavya found out that his family plans to snatch Ishaan away the moment the wedding is over. They are going to separate a mother from her child forever."

Deeksha gasped, her hand flying to her mouth in horror. "What?"

Deepak froze, his anger toward Bhavya's extreme methods suddenly clashing with the realization of the cruelty Ishani was about to face.

The three of them stood in a heavy, suffocating silence, their eyes fixed on Rahul's vacant, unblinking stare.

The clock was ticking, and the gravity of the situation pressed down on them like a physical weight.

Deeksha was the first to break the silence, her voice soft but filled with conviction. "Deepak, we have to do this. For Rahul... and for Ishani Di. They've suffered enough. They deserve to be together, and we know Karan will only bring her misery."

Deepak remained silent, his brow furrowed in a deep, conflicted struggle. He was a man of the law, and what they were planning was crossing a dangerous line.

"Deepak, are you listening?" Divya pleaded, her eyes searching his. "If we don't act now, we lose them both forever. We are the only ones who can bring them back to each other."

Finally, Deepak let out a long, defeated sigh. "Okay. Let's do it."

A flicker of hope and relief washed over Divya and Deeksha's faces.

"But wait," Deepak realized, looking down at his own clothes. "I don't have a groom's outfit ready for him. Where are we going to get Sherwani on such short notice?"

Deeksha's eyes brightened. "Your wedding outfit! You have yours, right? It'll fit Rahul perfectly. Wait here, I'll go and get it immediately." Without waiting for a reply, she hurried out of the room.

Deepak nodded, his expression hardening into one of pure determination. "Alright. Di, I'll get him cleaned up and ready. Bring the clothes to the room as soon as Deeksha gets back."

"I will," Divya promised.

Deepak hoisted Rahul up, supporting his dead weight as he guided his paralyzed friend toward the bedroom.

The plan was in motion, and there was no turning back now.

Deeksha rushed back, clutching the ornate Sherwani in her arms. "I've got it!" she whispered breathlessly.

Divya pointed toward the hallway. "Take it to Rahul's room. Deepak is in there; he'll get him dressed." Deeksha nodded and hurried inside to deliver the golden fabric.

Left alone in the living room for a moment, Divya looked toward the heavens, her hands clasped in a silent prayer. "Please... just let this wedding happen somehow," she murmured.

Deeksha, returning from the room, caught her eye and nodded solemnly, sharing the same desperate hope.

After what felt like an eternity, the bedroom door opened. Deepak stepped out, supporting Rahul, who was now transformed.

He looked every bit the royal groom in the glittering Sherwani, his face partially hidden behind the dangling flowers of the Sehra.

Divya stood up, her breath catching in her throat. "He looks... he looks like a groom. Is he ready, Deepak?"

Deepak gave a sharp, determined nod. "He's as ready as he'll ever be."

"Then let's go," Deeksha urged, grabbing her purse. "The mandap is waiting."

Deepak settled Rahul into a chair for a moment. "Wait. Not yet. I need to call Bhavya first. We need to be sure she actually finished the job and handled Karan. If he shows up there, we're dead."

Divya handed him the phone. Deepak dialed, and Bhavya picked up almost instantly. Her voice was taut, vibrating with the adrenaline of someone who had just finished a battle.

Bhavya commanded without a greeting. "Bring Rahul to the mandap now. Everyone is waiting for the groom."

"Understood," Deepak replied, clicking the phone shut. He looked at the others, a grim smile playing on his lips. "It's time. The groom is expected."

Divya wiped a stray tear, a sudden spark of bridal excitement flickering through her anxiety. "You two take him and head out. I'll follow in a few minutes. I need to get dressed properly it's my brother's wedding, after all. I have to look at the part."

Deepak chuckled despite the tension. "Of course, Di. You do that. We'll handle the heavy lifting."

Deepak and Deeksha guided Rahul toward the elevator, heading for the upper floor where the ceremony was being held.

The air was thick with the scent of marigolds and the sound of wedding festivities, but for them, it felt like a walk toward a firing squad.

As they stepped out of the lift, Karan's mother caught sight of the Sehra. A wave of visible relief washed over her face she assumed the man behind the veil was her son, Karan.

However, as she watched Deepak and Deeksha practically dragging him along, supporting his entire weight, her relief turned into sharp concern.

She hurried over, her brow furrowed. "Karan? What happened to him? Why are you both holding him up like this?"

Deepak didn't miss a beat. He leaned in, lowering his voice to a conspiratorial whisper. "Aunty... your son has had way too much to drink. He's completely wasted."

Karan's mother gasped, her eyes widening in horror. "I told him! I specifically told him not to touch alcohol today! Why would he do this?"

"Aunty, please, keep your voice down," Deepak urged, playing his part perfectly. "The guests are all watching. If everyone finds out the groom is in this state, it will be a massive scandal. Your family's reputation will be ruined."

The fear of social humiliation hit her hard. The thought of the biradari (community) gossiping about her son being a drunkard at his own wedding terrified her. "Oh goodness, you're right. Thank you, beta, for saving my honor. Please, just get him to the mandap somehow. Just make sure he sits through the rituals so no one suspects a thing."

"Of course, Aunty," Deepak replied with a polite, reassuring smile.

"Anything for you."

Standing beside him, Deeksha had to bite her lip to keep from laughing at her husband's brilliant acting.

She was impressed by how effortlessly he was spinning this web of lies.

"God bless you, children. Come, follow me," Karan's mother said, scurrying ahead to clear the path.

Deepak and Deeksha shared a quick, tense look before hauling Rahul toward the mandap, the first stage of their plan successfully completed.

As Deepak and Deeksha emerged, guiding the groom toward the mandap, Vaibhav watched them with a frown of utter confusion.

He couldn't wrap his head around why they were escorting the groom instead of Karan's own family. Rani, Rajni, and Devnath also looked on, their faces etched with curiosity as they watched the trio move slowly toward the sacred fire.

Deepak and Deeksha carefully lowered Rahul onto the groom's pedestal. He sat there, shielded by the floral sehra, silent and motionless.

Vaibhav took a step forward, intent on demanding an explanation. What on earth are you two doing? he thought.

But before he could utter a word, the entrance doors opened, and Divya walked in.

She was dressed in her festive best, looking radiant and to Vaibhav's surprise genuinely happy.

A wave of relief and joy washed over Vaibhav. He had feared she wouldn't show up for Ishani's big day at all.

He quickly made his way toward her, a hopeful smile on his face. "Divya! Thank you so much for coming," he said softly, his voice filled with gratitude. "Ishani is going to be so happy to see you here."

Divya didn't even glance at him. She walked right past him, her expression turning cold the moment he spoke, treating him like a complete stranger.

She moved toward the mandap without acknowledging a single word he said.

Vaibhav stood frozen, the smile fading from his face. A sharp pang of hurt twisted in his chest.

He realized then that the walls Divya had built between them were still high, and despite her presence at the wedding, she was far from forgiving him.

The air around the sacred fire grew thick with the scent of incense and ghee as the ceremony began.

Rahul sat motionless, a silent figure behind the floral veil of his sehra, while Deepak and Deeksha hovered like shadows, moving his hands whenever the priest made a command.

The guests watched, unsuspecting, mesmerized by the rhythm of the mantras.

"

Call the bride for the Jaimala," the priest announced.

"

I'll go get her!" Divya stepped forward immediately.

Her mother, Rani, watched her in stunned silence, unable to comprehend how her daughter had shifted from cold resentment to such vibrant energy so quickly.

Inside the bridal room, Ishani sat with Malini, who held little Ishaan in her lap.

The room was heavy with the quiet tension of a woman about to change her fate.

When Divya walked in, Ishani's breath hitched. Seeing her friend there was the one thing she hadn't dared to hope for.

"Ishani, it's time. The priest is calling for you," Divya said softly.

The dam broke. Tears of pure relief and joy spilled down Ishani's cheeks.

Malini smiled warmly, sensing the reconciliation. "Divya, beta, comfort her and bring her out. I'll take Ishaan to the mandap."

Once they were alone, Divya knelt beside her friend, gently dabbing away the tears. "Don't do this, Ishani. You'll ruin your bridal look."

"You... you really came? You've forgiven me?" Ishani whispered, her voice cracking.

Divya's heart twisted with the weight of the truth, but she managed a smile. "Yes. I've forgiven everything. I just want you to have the life you deserve."

Ishani pulled her into a fierce, sobbing hug. "Thank you... thank you so much."

"Stop it now," Divya teased through her own misty eyes. "You're going to ruin my makeup too! Let's go."

Both of them laugh, and then Divya helps Ishani walk toward the wedding mandap.

As Ishani entered the mandap, the atmosphere shifted. She looked ethereal, yet her eyes were fixed on the floor.

Deepak stood up and placed the heavy garland into Rahul's hands, gripping his wrists firmly to keep them steady.

The priest signaled for Ishani to go first. She stood on her tiptoes, trying to reach over the groom's head, but

Rahul's height made it impossible as he stood rigid as a statue.

Seeing the struggle, Karan's mother leaned over to Deepak. "Deepak, beta, help him. My son is clearly... exhausted."

"Don't worry, Aunty," Deepak replied smoothly.

He reached up, gently guiding Rahul's head down so Ishani could slide the garland into place.

Then, taking Rahul's hands in his, he physically moved the groom's arms to drape the garland around Ishani's neck.

The crowd erupted in applause, a rain of rose petals falling over the couple.

"Please, be seated," the priest instructed.

As the couple sat, Deeksha leaned into Deepak's ear and hissed, "Move over! If you stay that close, the priest might accidentally marry you to her!"

Deepak jumped back as if he'd been burned, his eyes wide with panic.

Deeksha stifled a laugh and moved in behind Rahul to keep him upright.

The priest began the deep, melodic chanting of the wedding mantras, the fire crackling as the secret plan moved into its final, irreversible stage.

The priest adjusted his glasses and announced in a resonant voice, "The time for the Kanyadaan has arrived. Will the bride's parents please come forward?"

Vaibhav's heart skipped a beat. He stood there, his eyes searching for Divya, his pulse racing with uncertainty.

He wondered if she would still refuse to stand by his side, even for a ritual as sacred as giving their daughter away.

He feared she would let her anger towards him overshadow this once-in-a-lifetime moment.

But before he could even call out to her, Divya began walking toward the mandap. She didn't hesitate, her silk saree rustling as she took her place with a grace that masked her inner turmoil.

Vaibhav felt a wave of pure, overwhelming relief wash over him. A small, hopeful smile touched his lips.

For the first time in days, the heavy knot in his chest loosened. As he stepped up to join her, he felt a flicker of hope that perhaps, through this ceremony, their fractured family might finally begin to heal.

Together, they sat behind Ishani, ready to perform the most emotional sacrifice a father and mother can make.

"Place the bride's hand into the groom's," the priest instructed.

Before the groom could even move, Deeksha reached out and physically pulled Rahul's limp hand forward.

Vaibhav froze, his eyes narrowing in confusion.

"Vaibhav, take his hand," Divya whispered urgently, her eyes fixed on him.

Reluctantly, Vaibhav placed his palm down. Divya placed hers over his, and finally, Ishani's trembling hand was placed on top.

Together, they offered her hand to the silent groom. As the mantras rose in a crescendo, Deeksha slipped her hand away, leaving Divya to hold Rahul's hand firmly in place until the ritual was sealed.

"The Kanyadan is complete," the priest announced. "Now, the Gathbandhan tie the knot that binds their souls."

Karan's sister stepped forward with the ceremonial scarf, but Divya intercepted her, her movements swift and sharp. "I'll do it," she said, her voice like steel.

Karan's sister flashed a look of pure venom, but Divya ignored her, focusing entirely on tying the knot between Ishani and Rahul.

A secret, triumphant smile played on her lips as she pulled the knot tight.

"Now, let the couple stand for the Pheras."Priest said.

Ishani rose, but Rahul remained like a stone statue. Deeksha tried to hoist him up, but his weight was too much.

Seeing her struggle, Deepak moved in, his strong grip hauling Rahul to his feet.

Deeksha quickly moved behind him, acting as a human brace to keep him upright.

Vaibhav couldn't contain his suspicion any longer. "Deeksha, let him go! Why are you clutching him like that? He can walk his own pheras."

Karan's mother jumped in, her voice pitched with fake concern. "Beta, Karan had a terrible fall earlier. His foot is badly injured. He can't balance without help."

Vaibhav looked at the groom's feet; there was no bandage, no swelling. But he remained silent, swallowed by the chaotic energy of the ritual.

The circles began. Ishani led the first four, her head bowed.

Behind her, Deeksha and Deepak literally maneuvered Rahul's body to follow her footsteps.

When it was time for the groom to lead, Ishani whispered, "Deeksha, it's okay. I'll guide him now. You step back."

Deeksha hesitated, then retreated. Ishani reached back and took hold of

Rahul's arm, her fingers brushing the fabric of his sleeve.

She thought she was leading Karan, but as they completed the fifth and sixth circles, the sehra shifted slightly.

In that fleeting second, she saw him Rahul?

Her breath hitched. Her world spun.

No, this is a hallucination. My guilt is playing tricks on me, she thought desperately. She was in a trance of her own as they completed the seventh and final circle.

Deepak and Deeksha quickly descended to help Rahul sit. Ishani sat beside him, her heart thundering.

She felt like she was losing her mind. Why am I seeing Rahul's face behind this veil?

"Now, the Sindoor-daan," the priest called out.

Divya moved the mang teeka from Ishani's forehead. Deeksha took a pinch of red vermillion, placed it between Rahul's numb fingers, and guided his hand to the parting of Ishani's hair.

Ishani squeezed her eyes shut as the cold powder touched her skin. It's over, she told herself. I am another man's wife now.

Finally, the Mangalsutra. Again, Deeksha guided Rahul's trembling hand to fasten the sacred thread around Ishani's neck.

As the gold hit her skin, the priest's voice boomed: "The marriage is complete. You are now husband and wife."

Ishani sat frozen, her fingers moving instinctively to touch the

Mangalsutra, her soul mourning a loss she didn't realize had actually been a miraculous union.

A wave of secret triumph washed over Deeksha, Deepak, and Divya.

They exchanged glances of pure joy finally, after all the pain and hurdles,

Ishani and Rahul were united.

The silence of the ceremony was broken by Karan's mother.

She turned to Vaibhav, her voice brisk and demanding. "Vaibhav, beta, it's time for the Vidaai. Let's hurry up we need to take Ishani home now."

Divya couldn't help but let out a sharp, mocking laugh. "Aunty, where exactly are you planning to take my brother's bride?"

Karan's mother froze, her expression shifting from impatience to utter confusion. "What... what are you

talking about, child?"

At that moment, Deeksha reached out and swept the floral sehra away from the groom's face.

The entire hall gasped in unison. The air seemed to get sucked out of the room.

Karan's mother stumbled back, her eyes bulging. "Where is Karan? Who is this man? Where is my son?"

As if on cue, the heavy doors at the entrance swung open. Bhavya marched in, her grip tight on a disheveled and defeated Karan.

"Here is your son, Aunty," she announced, her voice ringing with authority.

The guests erupted into a frenzy of whispers. Vaibhav stood frozen, his eyes darting between Rahul and the smug look on Divya's face. "Divya! What on earth is this? What have you done?"

"I've brought two souls together, Vaibhav," Divya replied, her chin held high. "My brother loves Ishani. And more importantly, Karan was never the right man for her. So, I did what had to be done. I married Ishani to Rahul."

The words had barely left her mouth when Rani lunged forward. A sharp, stinging slap echoed through the silent hall as her hand made contact with Divya's cheek.

"Mummy!" Vaibhav shouted, stepping forward in shock.

"Nobody speaks today!" Rani screamed, her face contorted with rage. "Divya, what have you done? How dare you?"

Divya stood there, her hand pressed against her burning cheek, hot tears stinging her eyes.

The pain of the slap was nothing compared to the crushing weight of her mother's fury.

Devnath stepped in, his voice low and stern. "This is chaos, Rani! But you should not have raised your hand against Divya."

"How can I not?" Rani turned on him, trembling with anger. "Look at the mess she's made! This is a childish, reckless stunt. Who gave you the right to decide my son's fate? Who did you ask before forcing this marriage?"

In the center of it all sat Ishani, paralyzed by shock. She looked at the mangalsutra around her neck, then at Rahul's dazed face, and then at the crumbling world around her. She was a bride, but she didn't know if she was a victim or a winner.

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