When love begins to heal... the past returns to test if it's strong enough to survive.

-×-

Shantivan - Night Before the Wedding

Fairy lights twinkled across the mansion, the garden was a symphony of marigolds and roses. Laughter echoed, music played, and the house was alive with joy.

But in the shadows... Shyam Manohar Jha stood, watching. His fists clenched, eyes narrowed.

Shyam (to himself):

"Mujhe dhokha diya Khushi ji ne... aur Arnav ne sab kuch mujhse cheen liya. Ab main unki shaadi nahi hone dunga."

(Khushi ji betrayed me... and Arnav took everything from me. I won't let this wedding happen.)

-×-

Gupta House - Bridal Room - Later That Night

Khushi sat before the mirror, her bridal attire laid out beside her. The lehenga was deep red, adorned with gold embroidery. Her fingers gently traced over it.

Khushi (to herself):

"Aaj sach mein dulhan banne ja rahi hoon... bina dard, bina majboori ke. Sirf Arnav ji ke pyaar ke liye."

(Today, I'm truly becoming a bride... without pain, without compulsion. Only for Arnav ji's love.)

Just then, her phone buzzed. A message. No name. Just a number.

> "Tumhare Arnav ji ki asli surat dekhni hai? Kal subah 7 baje Purani Haveli aajana. Akeli."

(Want to see Arnav ji's true face? Come to the Old Haveli tomorrow morning at 7. Alone.)

She frowned. Her heart skipped. Something about the message felt wrong... but curiosity burned.

-×-

Next Morning - Wedding Day - 6:45 AM

While the house still slept, Khushi quietly slipped out, leaving behind a small note for Payal.

Note:

"Thodi der mein laut aaoongi. Bas ek kaam hai. Don't worry. - Khushi"

She reached the Purani Haveli, its broken gates creaking as she pushed through. The air was heavy. Silent.

Khushi (whispering):

"Yahan kaun hai? Kisne bulaya mujhe?"

Suddenly-

Shyam (stepping from the shadows):

"Main hoon, Khushi ji."

She froze. Her blood ran cold.

Khushi:

"Aap? Aap jail mein...?"

Shyam (smirking):

"Kya socha tha? Main haar jaunga? Tumhari aur Arnav ki shaadi hone dunga?"

Khushi (stepping back):

"Aapka sach sabke saamne aa chuka hai. Koi aapki baat nahi maanega, Shyam ji."

Shyam:

"Par ek tasveer sab kuch badal sakti hai..."

He held up a photo-doctored. It showed Arnav handing him a bundle of cash. It looked like a deal.

Shyam:

"Sabko bataunga ke tumhare Arnav ne mujhe paise dekar is ghar se nikalwaya tha. Sab kuch ek saazish thi. Shaadi toot jaayegi..."

Khushi (furious):

"Bas! Tumhari har chaal har baar haari hai, Shyam ji. Aur is baar bhi haroge. Kyunki Arnav ji par mera vishwaas, tumhari chalakiyon se zyada mazboot hai!"

(Enough! Every one of your tricks has failed, and this time too they will. Because my faith in Arnav ji is stronger than your lies!)

Shyam (laughing darkly):

"Toh dekhte hain... shaadi tak tum wapas pahunch bhi paati ho ya nahi."

He stepped forward menacingly.

But before he could act-

Voice from behind:

"Ek kadam aur aage badhaya, toh yahin gira dunga."

Arnav.

He stood at the door, eyes blazing.

Khushi gasped. Relief flooded her.

Arnav:

"Maine kaha tha na, Khushi... iss baar tumhe akela nahi chhodunga."

(I told you, Khushi... this time, I won't leave you alone.)

He stepped forward and punched Shyam square in the jaw. Shyam stumbled back, dazed.

-×-

Back at Shantivan - Later That Morning

Khushi, now safe, returned with Arnav. The entire family had been in a frenzy, especially Buaji and Payal.

Nani (worried):

"Khushi bitiya, tum kahan chali gayi thi?!"

Khushi (holding Arnav's hand):

"Shyam ek baar phir laut aaya tha... lekin is baar, Arnav ji ne mujhe bacha liya."

Arnav:

"Ye shaadi ab kisi ke rukne se nahi rukegi."

-×-

Later - The Wedding Mandap

The sacred fire burned. Flowers rained down. The priest chanted mantras.

Arnav and Khushi sat side by side, their eyes locked, hearts steady.

This time, when he tied the mangalsutra, her eyes sparkled with joy.

When he applied the sindoor, she smiled freely-finally.

Pandit:

"Aaj se aap dono pati-patni hue."

Applause filled the air.

And just like that...

Khushi Kumari Gupta Singh Raizada was reborn-not out of pain, but of love.

-×-

To be continued...

Next Up: Chapter 17: Khushi Ki Bidaai

By

Muskan Tarway

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