Raghuvanshi Mansion

The entire Raghuvanshi family, except for Sarasvati, was gathered in the hall, watching TV. Divya sat on the couch, her hands gently stroking the heads of Nirvigh and Samarth, both resting on her lap—one on each side. Yunay and Dhitya occupied their respective single couches, appearing just as relaxed.

Divya's fingers moved soothingly over their heads, their eyelids growing heavier with exhaustion. Just as sleep was about to claim them, Divya’s curious voice, slightly deeper due to her own fatigue, interrupted the moment.

“Nirvigh, where were you? I didn't see you after the ring exchange.”

All eyes turned toward Nirvigh. He was too exhausted to explain.

“Mummy, not now. Let’s talk tomorrow. I’m sleepy right now,” he murmured, barely keeping his eyes open.

Samarth, who had been lying, suddenly sat up. “Then sleep in your room,” he ordered, his voice sharp. Without giving Nirvigh a chance to protest, he forcefully made him sit up as well.

“Papa, why?! I want to sleep on Mummy’s lap,” Nirvigh whined, clinging to his spot.

“No,” Samarth shut down his plea immediately. “She’s tired too. She needs rest, so go sleep in your room and let her sleep as well.”

With that, he pushed Nirvigh toward the staircase leading to his room.

Turning toward his wife, Samarth’s tone softened, yet his expression remained firm. “Aur aap room mein chaliye,” he instructed.

Divya raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms in defiance.

Samarth, sensing her resistance, blinked his eyes cutely and brought his hands together in a pleading gesture. “Please?”

That was enough to crack her composure. Divya, along with their children, burst into laughter at his antics.

“Chaliye,” she said at last, standing up from the couch. Extending her hand toward their room, she led the way.

Samarth grinned mischievously and followed behind like an eager puppy.

Watching them, Dhitya and Yunay exchanged knowing smiles. While Dhitya’s expression carried admiration, Yunay’s was calmer, but the fondness in his eyes was unmistakable.

Out of nowhere, Dhitya blurted, “Ishaan bhai hote toh ab tak hazaaro muh banate aur nautanki se aapke gale lag ke rone ka dikhawa karte.”

As soon as the words left her lips, she froze. A heavy silence followed. She dared to glance at Yunay.

His face had already darkened. His eyes, once warm, turned red and moist, his jaw clenching tightly.

Dhitya swallowed hard, her own eyes stinging with regret.

“Hum sone jaa rahe hain. Tum bhi so jao, bahut der ho gayi hai,” Yunay said, his voice void of emotion. Without another word, he stood up and walked away.

Dhitya took a deep breath, wiping the tears that had unknowingly formed. She exhaled slowly, gathering herself before heading to her own room.

---

Nirvigh’s Room

Lying on his bed, Nirvigh held his phone in his hands, eyes fixed on the screen. He had sent a message to his boss, but there was still no reply. Two hours had passed, and the anticipation was eating at him.

Finally, a ting broke the silence. His eyes gleamed with hope as he eagerly opened the message.

(A/N: the messages in italic is Nirvigh's)

••The Chat••

Ma’am 👀

Are you there?

Knock knock!!!

Ma’am, I’m really sorry. I shouldn’t have said that, especially without knowing anything.

Ma’am 👀

I’m really, really sorry. Please don’t do this, Ma’am. This is about my dignity. Please, Ma’am.

Watchman uncle will hand you the saree. I will wake up at 11 AM, and I want you to be in my room, draped in the saree, with my parcel which will be delivered at 10:30 AM. And don’t forget the long veil.

Goodnight, Jaanu.

Have sweet dreams.

••End of chat••

The glimmer in his eyes vanished instantly. He typed a reply but stopped midway, knowing it would be futile. His boss was too stubborn to change her mind.

With a deep sigh, he placed his phone on the side table and shut his eyes, forcing himself to sleep. Tomorrow was going to be a long day.

---

Deshmukh House

In the hall, Aira sat with her parents and siblings, watching as they unwrapped engagement gifts. With each opened box, their eyes sparkled brighter. Almost all the gifts were expensive—except for those given by people from the Deshmukh side.

Nisha, flipping through a few of the cheaper presents, clicked her tongue in irritation. “Thank God the Raghuvanshi's told us to take all the gifts. If they had seen these cheap ones given by our relatives and acquaintances, what would they have thought about us?” She sighed dramatically.

Lakshay let out a tired sigh, while the siblings nodded in agreement.

Aira, however, remained unmoved, her expression blank.

Noticing her silence, Nisha placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. “You must be tired, beta. Go and take some rest. It was a hectic day for you,” she said with a warm smile.

That smile, however, only made Aira feel sick.

She hummed in response and stood up, leaving the room.

The Deshmukhs continued unwrapping the gifts, discussing trivial matters amongst themselves.

---

Aira’s POV

After such an exhausting day, all I wanted was rest. As soon as I reached my room, I lay on my bed, waiting for sleep to take over. But it never came.

Wasn’t this supposed to be a special day? Then why did it feel so empty? Instead of joy, or even slight happiness, all I felt was… nothing.

Numb.

The ring on my finger was cold, a harsh reminder that my life was no longer mine. Yunay Singh Raghuvanshi controlled it now.

My parents had passed my strings into his hands. He was my new master. From now on, I would have to live on his terms, his demands.

Just the thought made my chest tighten painfully. I felt suffocated.

Tears welled in my eyes, spilling onto my pillow. Each drop soaked into the fabric, merging into a silent testimony of my misery. The more I cried, the more my eyes burned. My throat ached with the lump forming inside it, my breathing turning shallow.

A pounding headache made my body weak, my limbs feeling lifeless. My lips trembled as soft, broken sobs escaped them.

I know it’s wrong. Selfish, even.

But I really wish you were here, Ishaan.

Please… save me. Take me away from here.

My sobs only grew louder, my body curling in on itself as memories of Ishaan flooded in. They reopened wounds I thought had scabbed over, freshening my guilt.

With time, exhaustion overpowered my pain. My vision blurred, and within seconds, everything faded into darkness.

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❣︎ Hey, humans! I know this chapter is shorter, but I'm out of ideas right now, so please be patient—I’m doing my best!

❣︎ Did you like this chapter? Who is your favorite character so far?

❣︎ Any theories? What do you think will happen next?

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