When hearts begin to heal and the past seems settled, the deadliest blow often comes wrapped in a smile.

-×-

Shantivan – Morning

The house was abuzz. Arnav had made a sudden announcement at breakfast that caught everyone off guard.

Arnav:

“Main aur Khushi… apni shaadi ki dobaara rasmein karna chahte hain.”

Gasps. Smiles. A thrilled Nani ji teared up. Anjali clasped her hands together, joy returning to her face after weeks.

Nani:

“Humein pehle se hi andaza tha, Chhote… Devi Maiyya ne tum dono ko jodne ka faisla tabhi le liya tha, jab tumhare raahein pehli baar takraayi thi.”

Khushi blushed furiously, and Arnav… well, even he couldn’t stop the tiny smile curving at the corner of his lips.

But somewhere in the shadows of the hall, Shyam watched… waiting.

-×-

Later – Arnav and Khushi’s Room

Khushi placed the wedding pagdi gently on the bed, her eyes soft.

Khushi:

“Mujhe yakeen nahi ho raha, Arnavji… hum phir se shaadi karne ja rahe hain… is baar apne marzi se.”

Arnav walked up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist.

Arnav (softly):

“Is baar bina kisi majboori ke. Sirf pyaar ke liye.”

Khushi (resting her head back on his chest):

“Humare beech jo kuch bhi hua… woh sab kuch iss pal ke liye tha, hai na?”

Arnav:

“Har dard, har raaz… iss ek haan mein badalne ke liye.”

-×-

Raizada Mansion – Night Before the Wedding

The house sparkled with lights. Laughter echoed in the corridors. Everyone was involved in haldi and mehendi preparations. NK cracked jokes, Payal danced with Akash, and Nani ordered everyone around with flair.

Shyam, dressed impeccably, handed Khushi a gift-wrapped box.

Shyam (smiling):

“Khushiji… yeh aapke liye. Shaadi ka chhota sa tohfa.”

Khushi (hesitant):

“Yeh zarurat—”

Shyam (firm):

“Please… mujhe moka dijiye apni galtiyon ka kuch toh ehsaas dikhane ka.”

She slowly accepted it, unaware of the game it contained.

Inside: a mangalsutra laced with liquid cyanide in the thread. Just enough to make it look like an accident.

-×-

Wedding Day – Temple Grounds

The mandap was lit with marigold and jasmine, the holy fire flickering as the sacred chants began. Khushi walked in, draped in red and gold, looking ethereal. Arnav stood waiting—his eyes only for her.

Panditji:

“Mangalsutra bandhne ki rasam shuru ki jaaye.”

Khushi took the box Shyam had given, handed it to Arnav, still unaware.

He opened it—and frowned.

Arnav (softly):

“Yeh tumne kharida?”

Khushi:

“Shyamji ne diya… shaadi ka gift keh kar.”

A chill passed between them. Arnav’s gaze sharpened instantly.

Arnav (low growl):

“Of course he did.”

He took the mangalsutra to the side—his sharp mind at work. One call to Aman.

Arnav (quietly into phone):

“Lab test. Urgent. I need results in 30 minutes.”

He returned to the mandap with a different chain.

Khushi (concerned):

“Woh mangalsutra—?”

Arnav (softly):

“Tum meri zindagi ho, Khushi. Tumhara surakshit rehna meri zimmedaari hai.”

He tied the alternate one gently around her neck.

Panditji:

“Vivah sampann hua.”

Applause rang around them. But Arnav’s mind was already racing.

-×-

Later – Shantivan – Arnav’s Study

Aman returned with the report.

Aman:

“Sir… cyanide traces. If she had worn it for even a few hours…”

Arnav:

“She would’ve died.”

His hands curled into fists.

Arnav (coldly):

“Game over, Shyam.”

-×-

Elsewhere – Shyam’s Hideout

He poured himself a drink, watching their wedding videos on his laptop.

Shyam (sipping):

“Mubarak ho, Khushiji… aapne ek naya janam shuru kiya hai… aur main aapka antim raasta taiyar kar raha hoon.”

He didn’t know—his time was up.

-×-

To be continued…

Next Up: Chapter 29 – The Trap Is Set

By

Muskan Tarway

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