Sometimes, to truly start over, we must first let go of the ghosts that haunt us.

-×-

Shantivan - Living Room - The Next Morning

The entire Raizada house was buzzing. Anjali, though quieter than before, had taken the lead in wedding preparations. Payal and Akash looked on in amusement as Khushi was swept into a whirlwind of rituals... again.

Anjali (with a gentle smile):

"Is baar tum dono ki shaadi dhang se hogi, Khushi ji. Dhol, dholak, mehendi... sab kuch!"

Khushi looked at her, surprised by the strength she exuded despite her own heartbreak.

Khushi (softly):

"Di... aap theek hain?"

Anjali:

"Jab ek rista toot ta hai, dusra sambhalta hai. Arnav aur tum dono ho jo mujhe sambhal rahe ho."

(When one relationship breaks, another supports you. You and Arnav are holding me together.)

They shared a quiet hug.

-×-

Raizada Mansion - Arnav's Room - Same Time

Arnav stood at the poolside, staring at the reflection of the water. He gently touched the mangalsutra in his hand, the one he would finally tie around her neck without compulsion, without guilt.

Akash (walking in):

"Bhai... tum badal gaye ho."

(Bhai... you've changed.)

Arnav (half-smiling):

"Pyaar badal deta hai, Akash. Khushi ne mujhe wo dikhaya jo maine kabhi mehsoos bhi nahi kiya."

(Love changes people, Akash. Khushi showed me emotions I never thought I had.)

Akash (teasing):

"Toh phir chaliye... dulha banniye! Baraat taiyaar karni hai!"

(Then come on... become the groom! We have a baraat to prepare!)

-×-

Mehendi Ceremony - Later That Day

Khushi sat in a circle of women, her hands being adorned with intricate henna designs. Her name hidden in the curves, waiting to be found.

Lavanya (unexpectedly appearing):

"Well, Miss Chamkili... ya should've told me earlier. I would've stayed for your real wedding!"

Khushi gasped, surprised.

Khushi:

"Lavanya ji?! Aap yahan?"

Lavanya (hugging her):

"Relax, I come in peace. Besides... I had to see ASR actually smile for once."

Khushi laughed softly, and the two women shared a warm glance-no longer rivals, just women who had loved the same man differently.

-×-

Evening - Poolside - Just Before the Haldi Ceremony

Arnav stood under fairy lights, waiting for Khushi. She walked toward him in a yellow lehenga, sunlight kissing her cheeks. Her hands shimmered with mehendi, her eyes held mischief.

Khushi:

"Aapne toh abhi tak mehendi dekhi hi nahi."

Arnav (holding her hands):

"Main naam dhoondne nahi, tumhaari muskurahat dekhne aaya hoon."

(I'm not here to find my name... I came to see your smile.)

Khushi turned pink.

Khushi (playfully):

"Magar naam dhundhna toh rasam hai!"

Arnav (pulling her close):

"Toh naam dhoondhne ke bahane, haath pakadne ka haq mil gaya na?"

(Then I get to hold your hand in the name of tradition, right?)

Before she could blush harder, Nani cleared her throat in the distance, causing them to step apart-awkwardly, adorably.

-×-

Haldi Ceremony - Moments Later

As the yellow turmeric was applied to Khushi's glowing face, Payal leaned in.

Payal:

"Kitni baar dulhan banegi, Khushi?"

Khushi (grinning):

"Jitni baar Arnav ji se nayi shuruaat karni pade..."

(As many times as I need to start over with Arnav ji.)

Everyone smiled, but as the laughter rang out, a shadow lingered outside Shantivan.

From a distance, eyes watched the celebration... filled with fury.

Camera pans to... Shyam.

-×-

To be continued...

Next Up: Chapter 16: Shaadi Ke Pehle Ka Toofan

By

Muskan Tarway

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