Celebration can be a mask… for heartbreak, for betrayal, for truths too painful to reveal. And today, in Shantivan, joy wore that mask.

-×-

Shantivan – Morning of the Godh Bharai

The house buzzed with decorations and rituals. Flowers hung from every pillar, dhol played softly in the background, and ladies in colorful sarees filled the hall.

Anjali was glowing. Dressed in a soft pink saree with golden borders, her baby bump gently visible, she looked every bit the joyful mother-to-be.

Anjali (smiling at Khushi):

“Khushiji, sab kuch itna khoobsurat hai… tumhare bina yeh sab sambhav hi nahi hota.”

(Khushiji, everything is so beautiful… none of this would’ve been possible without you.)

Khushi (touching her feet):

“Aap khush rahiye, Di. Bas isi ki dua karti hoon.”

(Just stay happy, Di. That’s all I pray for.)

From across the hall, Arnav watched them. His eyes lingered on Anjali… then on Khushi.

He took a deep breath, willing himself to stay silent—just for today.

-×-

Gupta Family Arrival

Buaji and Garima arrived with beautifully wrapped gifts. NK danced around, pulling Akash into a little jig as the ladies giggled.

Shyam, dressed in his crisp kurta-pajama, stood near Anjali, playing the doting husband. But Arnav’s eyes followed his every move.

Arnav (to himself):

“Tere liye yeh aakhri khushi ka din hai, Shyam.”

(This is your last day of happiness, Shyam.)

-×-

Mid-Ceremony – The Ritual Begins

Anjali sat on a decorated swing as elders performed the rituals. Laddoos were fed, songs sung, and blessings given.

Just then, Khushi’s phone buzzed in her dupatta.

Unknown Number:

"Want to know what Arnav really thinks of you? Watch this. —S"

Attached: A video file.

She clicked on it.

Her face changed instantly. Eyes widened. Breath hitched.

It was that video—edited perfectly. Shyam's twisted dialogue playing like a trap:

"Main sirf tumse pyaar karta hoon, Khushi. Arnav sirf tumse khel raha hai."

Her fingers trembled. The room around her blurred. Her chest rose and fell rapidly.

Khushi (in a whisper):

“Nahin… yeh jhooth hai… yeh jhooth hai…”

(No… this is a lie… this is a lie…)

-×-

Poolside – Moments Later

Khushi walked out like a ghost, dazed, the video still replaying in her mind. Arnav, sensing her absence, followed quietly.

He found her gripping the edge of the pool, tears trickling down.

Arnav (softly):

“Khushi?”

She turned, her face pale.

Khushi (hoarse):

“Aapne mujhe jhootha bharosa kyun diya, Arnav ji?”

(Why did you give me false hope, Arnav ji?)

He was confused.

Arnav:

“Kya matlab?”

She held out the phone.

He watched the video… and instantly understood.

Arnav (fury rising):

“Shyam…”

His voice was pure venom.

Khushi:

“Sab kuch ek jhooth tha na? Pehle mujhe badnaam karne wali tasveerein, ab yeh video…”

(It was all a lie, wasn’t it? First those photos, now this video…)

Arnav (stepping forward):

“Mujhe bas ek mauka do, sab saaf ho jaayega.”

(Just give me one chance, and I’ll clear everything.)

Khushi (tears falling):

“Main thak gayi hoon, Arnav ji. Aapka bharosa jeetne mein, sab ko sambhalne mein… main thak gayi hoon.”

(I’m tired, Arnav ji. Tired of earning your trust, of holding everyone together… I’m tired.)

She walked away slowly.

Arnav stood alone, fists clenched, a silent scream dying in his throat.

-×-

To be continued…

Next up: Chapter 13: Dhokha Ya Dastak?

By

Muskan Tarway

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