Two days had passed since the heartbreaking incident, and the Mehrotra household was steeped in an eerie silence.
The usually vibrant and chirpy Suman was now a shadow of her former self.
She barely spoke, her once bright eyes now dull and lifeless.
Each time she tried to approach Ayush, hoping for some explanation or closure, his mother, Meena, intercepted her, ensuring that Suman had no chance to speak with him.
Shobha watched her daughter with deep concern.
The pain of seeing Suman like this was unbearable, and she couldn't shake the worry that her once joyful daughter might never be the same again.
Namita, stayed by Suman's side, offering silent support, but even her presence couldn't break through the wall of sorrow that Suman had built around herself.
Meanwhile, at the Agrawal household, the atmosphere was a stark contrast.
Meena welcomed Tina with open arms, performing every ritual with enthusiasm and care.
But Ayush remained stoic throughout, his face an unreadable mask, his eyes betraying the turmoil within.
He went through the motions mechanically, saying nothing, barely acknowledging the festivities around him.
Aarushi, could see the pain in her brother's eyes.
The joy that should have been present in a newlywed groom was absent, replaced by an overwhelming sadness that only she seemed to notice.
Bhupendra, also watched his son, and for the first time, guilt and regret gnawed at him.
He had forced Ayush into this marriage, driven by his own fears and the desire to appease Bhadresh Rao.
But seeing his son now, Bhupendra knew he had made a grave mistake.
As Bhadresh observed his daughter, Tina, basking in her new status, he smiled with satisfaction. "Now you're happy, right?" he asked her, his voice filled with pride.
Tina looked at her father, her eyes gleaming with triumph. "Yes, Dad, I'm very much happy. Finally, Ayush is mine," she replied.
She reached out to hold Ayush's arm, trying to establish a connection, but he jerked away from her touch, his expression cold and distant.
Without a word, Ayush stormed off towards his room, leaving Tina standing there, fuming with anger.
Meena noticed her daughter-in-law's frustration and quickly moved to soothe her. "Don't worry," Meena said reassuringly. "I'll talk to him."
With that, Meena followed her son, determined to have a word with him.
As she left, Bhadresh turned to Bhupendra, his demeanor darkening. "Explain to your son, Mr. Agrawal, that he better keep my daughter happy. Otherwise, it won't end well."
Aarushi, who had been silently observing the exchange, was shocked by the threat.
Her mind was racing with thoughts, and she couldn't help but wonder, How can your daughter be happy after stealing someone else's happiness? But she knew better than to voice her thoughts in such a dangerous atmosphere.
Instead, she quietly retreated to her room, her heart heavy with concern for her brother.
After issuing his warning, Bhadresh left the Agrawal house, his presence lingering like a dark cloud.
Tina, still riding high on her perceived victory, was determined to win Ayush's love, no matter how difficult the task.
She was overconfident, believing that she could make Ayush fall for her eventually.
With that thought, she made her way to Ayush's room, ready to confront him.
Bhupendra was left alone in the hall, his shoulders slumped and his gaze fixed on the floor.
The weight of his actions bore down on him like a ton of bricks.
He knew he was at fault, that he was the one who had stolen his son's happiness.
But what was done was done.
There was no turning back, no undoing the damage he had caused.
And now, all he could do was live with the guilt and regret that consumed him, knowing that he had ruined not only his son's life but Suman's as well.
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The sun was setting as Satyajeet Mehrotra arrived at the grand Shekhawat mansion.
The atmosphere inside was serene, a contrast to the turmoil in his heart.
He was greeted warmly by Anirudh and Tara, who noticed the heavy expression on his face.
As they settled into the living room, Satyajeet began to speak with a pained expression. "Anirudh, what happened a few days ago... you already know," he said, his voice tinged with sorrow.
Anirudh nodded, placing a comforting hand on Satyajeet's shoulder. "I'm sorry for what Suman has gone through, Satya."
Tara added gently. "How is she doing?"
Satyajeet looked at her, his eyes reflecting his inner turmoil. "No, Bhabhi, Suman is not okay... and that's why I'm here today, to ask for a favor."
Before Anirudh could respond, they heard footsteps approaching.
Amay had just walked in and was taken aback to see Satyajeet in their home.
He quickly moved towards him, touched his feet as a sign of respect, and received his blessing.
Amay was about to leave for his room when Satyajeet's voice halted him.
"Amay beta, can you please join us? I need to talk to you as well," Satyajeet requested.
Amay glanced at his parents, who nodded, and he quietly took a seat with them.
Amay looked at him, puzzled.
Anirudh's concern deepened. "Satya, is everything alright?" he asked.
Satyajeet then did something that stunned everyone.
He held Anirudh's hands tightly and with a pleading voice said, "Meri Suman ko apne ghar ki bahu bana lo."
The room fell into a shocked silence.
Amay's heart skipped a beat as the words sank in.
He was completely bewildered, while Tara looked equally taken aback. "Bhaisahab, yeh aap kya keh rahe hai?" Tara asked, trying to process what she had just heard.
Satyajeet continued, his voice trembling. "I know Suman's marriage does not happened, and this proposal might seem unsuitable, but trust me, my daughter is kind-hearted. She deserves a chance..."
Tara shook her head softly, her expression compassionate. "Suman meri bhi beti hai, Bhaisahab. Her broken marriage pains us too. But my concern is not about the proposal itself. My concern is whether Suman, in her current state, is ready to agree to this alliance. She doesn't even know Amay, and neither does she know us. How will she accept this relationship? I want Suman to come here as my daughter, and nothing would make me happier. But it's crucial that she consents to this marriage of her own free will. I don't want her to be forced into anything. Please believe me, Bhaisahab, I will never refuse this proposal, but Suman's happiness is what matters most."
Satyajeet was deeply moved by Tara's words, and his eyes moistened.
He had always known the Shekhawats were good-hearted people, but now he had seen their kindness firsthand.
Amay observed his mother, feeling a deep sense of respect and assurance as she glanced at him and blinked her eyes, silently promising that she would do nothing that wasn't in Suman's best interest.
Satyajeet turned to Anirudh, seeking his opinion. "Anirudh, tumhe kya lagta hai?"
Anirudh smiled gently, his confidence in his wife unwavering. "Satya, in this house, rules and decisions are made by Tara. My Tara never says or does anything wrong, so you don't need to ask my opinion. She is the lady boss here, and she has already told you what she wants. And I agree with my wife."
Satyajeet nodded, a faint smile finally gracing his lips.
He turned to Tara once more. "Bhabhi, agar Suman maan jaaye, toh aap iss rishte ke liye taiyaar hai?"
Tara smiled back and nodded her head. "Bilkul," she confirmed.
Relief washed over Satyajeet's face, and he said, "Thik hai, phir main Suman se baat karunga."
Tara nodded in understanding, and after a few more words, Satyajeet prepared to leave.
As he stepped out of the Shekhawat mansion, a glimmer of hope flickered in his heart.
He knew there was still a long way to go, but at least now, there was a possibility that his daughter might find happiness again.
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As Satyajeet Mehrotra entered his home, his wife Shobha noticed the weariness etched on his face.
She approached him, concern evident in her voice. "Where were you?" she asked, her brows furrowed.
Satyajeet sighed deeply, his voice laced with a mixture of hope and exhaustion. "Apni beti ke liye khushiyaan dhoondne gaya tha," he replied.
Shobha's confusion deepened. "Matlab?" she inquired, trying to grasp the meaning behind his words.
Satyajeet didn't respond immediately.
Instead, he asked, "Suman kaha hai?"
Shobha pointed towards Suman's room. "Apne kamre mein," she said softly.
He nodded, heading straight to Suman's room.
When he opened the door, he found Namita and Abhijeet sitting with Suman.
His heart ached as he saw his daughter, the once lively and spirited Suman, now reduced to a shadow of her former self.
The smile that used to light up his day was gone, replaced by a hollow, broken expression.
Satyajeet quietly walked over to her and sat beside her on the bed.
Namita stood up, stepping aside to join Shobha near the door.
Gently, Satyajeet placed his hand on Suman's head, his touch tender and comforting.
Suman looked up at her father, trying to muster a smile, but the pain in her eyes was unmistakable.
Satyajeet forced a smile and began softly, "Main jaanta hoon bacche ki tu thik nahi hai, aur ab jo maine kehne jaa raha hoon, shayad uske liye yeh waqt sahi nahi hai... lekin teri khushi mere liye sabse important hai. Issiliye apne papa ko galat mat samjhna."
Shobha, Namita, and Abhijeet exchanged confused glances.
Suman, concerned by her father's tone, asked, "Aisa kyun keh rahe hai, Papa? I know you always wish for my well-being."
Satyajeet took a deep breath, his voice steady but filled with emotion. "Main abhi Shekhawat mansion se aa raha hoon... aur maine vaha Amay ka haath maanga hai tere liye."
Suman's eyes widened in shock as if the ground beneath her feet had disappeared.
Shobha, Namita, and Abhijeet were equally stunned by Satyajeet's revelation.
Satyajeet gently held Suman's hands, his grip firm yet comforting. "Amay se shaadi kar le, beta," he said, his voice almost pleading.
Tears welled up in Suman's eyes, her voice trembling as she whispered, "Papa..."
Satyajeet continued, his tone filled with earnestness, "Yeh baat maan le meri. Kar le shaadi. Amay bahut accha insaan hai. Vo tujhe kabhi dukhi nahi karega. Tara Bhabhi aur Anirudh bhi bahut acche hai. Tujhe kabhi dukh mehsoos nahi hone denge."
Suman's mind was in turmoil, her thoughts immediately drifting to Ayush. "Lekin Papa, Ayush?" she asked hesitantly.
Satyajeet's expression hardened slightly, though his voice remained gentle. "Tune Ayush ko chuna tha na? Lekin usne kisi aur se shaadi kar li. Toh tu ab bhi usse apni zindagi mein jagah dena chahti hai?"
Suman had no answer to this question.
She remained silent, the weight of the truth bearing down on her.
Satyajeet softened his tone again, "Koi pressure nahi hai, bacche. Tara Bhabhi ne khud kaha that she will agree to this alliance only when you will say yes with your own will. Iss baare mein sochna zaroor."
With that, Satyajeet gently squeezed her hands, stood up, and left the room, Shobha following closely behind, her own heart heavy with the situation.
Namita sat beside Suman, taking her hand in hers. "Sumi, I know this is hard for you, but please think about it. Uncle ne jo kaha vo galat nahi hai," she said, her voice soothing.
Abhijeet also moved closer, sitting on Suman's other side. "Suman, I know this decision is solely yours, but I will just say that Amay is a nice person. Trust me, he is so humble and kind. He will never make you unhappy. Think about it."
With those words, Abhijeet left the room, giving his sister the space to think.
Suman looked at Namita, her eyes filled with sorrow. "Namu, kya pyar karne ki sabko aisi saza milti hai?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Namita gently squeezed her hand. "Nahi, Sumi. Lekin galat insaan se pyar karne ki zaroor milti hai."
Suman's eyes searched Namita's face for reassurance. "Tujhe lagta hai ki Papa ne jo kaha was right?"
Namita nodded confidently. "Of course. And trust me, Sumi, I can feel that your happiness lies with Amay Shekhawat."
Suman fell silent, her thoughts racing.
She knew Amay was a good man, but a part of her was still angry with him for how things had unfolded.
However, she couldn't bear to upset her father any further.
After a long moment of contemplation, she decided to take the chance and say yes to the marriage.
The next day, Satyajeet called Anirudh, his voice filled with a mix of relief and anticipation. "Anirudh, Suman has agreed to the marriage."
Anirudh smiled on the other end of the line, congratulating Satyajeet.
Soon, the wedding date was fixed for two days later.
Tara was overjoyed with the news, but Amay found himself grappling with a mix of emotions-confusion, nervousness, and a hint of excitement.
He knew he liked Suman, perhaps even more than liked.
But he wasn't sure if she would ever feel the same way about him.
Despite his uncertainty, Amay was happy to be marrying her.
Now, he eagerly waited for the two days to pass, so that finally, Suman would be his-his wife.
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