Ekansh stared out the window, his frustration palpable as he stood fully dressed for his wedding. He sighed heavily, lit a cigarette, and took a slow drag, seeking a moment of respite.
Advik entered the room, noticing his boss's troubled demeanour.
"What's going on here, and sir? Getting married for a business deal? I can't believe it,' Advik muttered to himself, concern evident in his voice. "And what about the bride? I hope she can handle this."
He approached Ekansh to brief him on the project, his worry for both the boss and the bride apparent.
Roohi looked at her Chachi Meera, who was helping her get ready for the wedding. She couldn't understand how everything had changed so abruptly. Just a few days ago, she had been happily going about her life at home when her Chachu and Chachi informed her that she would be getting married. Shocked, she had protested, but Chachu insisted it was for her happiness. How could she be happy leaving them and this place she loved? Although she had wanted to stay, she couldn't refuse their heartfelt pleas and tears. Not wanting to be a burden, she reluctantly agreed.
Meera admired Roohi's appearance and kissed her forehead.
"Roohi beta, you look beautiful," Meera said with a warm smile. Roohi's eyes filled with tears.
"What's wrong, beta?" Meera asked, noticing Roohi's growing distress.
"Chachi, you also don't like me, right" Roohi cried. "I always trouble everyone"
"Beta, where is this coming from?" Meera asked, concerned. "We love you and want what's best for you. It's not that we don't like you."
"If I've been a burden, I'm so sorry," Roohi sobbed. "If you're angry with me for causing trouble before, I promise I'll never do it again."
"Who told you we don't like you or that we're angry?" Meera asked, gently stroking Roohi's head.
"Then why are you marrying me off?" Roohi pleaded, her voice breaking. "I don't want to leave you and Chachu. I don't want this marriage."
Meera chuckled softly, trying to ease Roohi's anxiety. "Beta, you won't be leaving us. You'll always be a part of our lives. Marriage is something that will happen eventually, whether it's now or later. It's just happening now."
Roohi looked at her with tearful eyes. "You trust us, don't you?" Meera asked gently. Roohi nodded. "Then don't worry. You'll be happy. Your Chachu and I will always be with you, no matter what. Understand?"
Roohi's tears gradually subsided as Meera wiped her face and continued to comfort her. Meera spent some time reassuring Roohi, helping her calm down before the ceremony.
Harish entered the room, his heart heavy as he saw Roohi dressed in her bridal attire. His eyes glistened with unshed tears, but he quickly composed himself.
"Roohi beta," he called softly, a gentle smile on his lips. Roohi turned towards him, her tears threatening to spill over.
"Look how beautiful my daughter looks," Harish said in a calm, soothing tone. At his words, Roohi could no longer hold back. She broke into sobs and hugged him with a cry. Harish's tears, which he had been holding back, slipped down his cheeks as he gently stroked her head. Meera, standing beside them, wiped her own eyes, deeply moved by the scene.
"Roohi beta, don't cry," Harish said as he pulled away slightly, caring for her heart. "Look at me," he urged, his voice tender. "I don't like seeing you like this." He wiped her tears away, his touch gentle and filled with fatherly care. Roohi nodded, trying to calm herself down.
"We will always be with you," Harish said, his voice filled with reassurance. He glanced at Meera, who stood beside him, her expression mirroring his. "Your Chachi and I are always here for you."
"Now, Roohi beta, give us a smile," Harish encouraged his smile warm but tinged with emotion. "For your Chachi and Chachu,?" Roohi wiped her tears and managed a small, hesitant smile. Harish and Meera both smiled back, though tears shimmered in their eyes.
"Alright, beta, I'll take my leave now," Harish said softly, brushing a few more strands of hair away from her face. He stayed for a few more moments, speaking words of comfort before finally stepping out, still glancing back at his daughter.
Meera, watching Roohi's tear-stained face relax into a semblance of peace, smiled softly. Roohi, now more composed, seemed to finally accept her fate, her earlier distress fading into quiet resignation.
Ekansh sat at the mandap, his face a mask of cold indifference, ignoring the pandit's chants and instructions as the wedding rituals proceeded. His heart was a storm of rage, but outwardly, he remained composed. As the moment for the bride's entry arrived, all eyes turned toward the entrance.
Roohi appeared, looking beautiful but visibly trembling. Her hands shook, and her eyes remained downcast, too afraid to meet anyone's gaze. The weight of expectation and fear pressed heavily on her as she slowly made her way to the mandap, every step echoing her inner turmoil.
Ekansh barely acknowledged her presence, his cold demeanor unwavering. His anger simmered beneath the surface, but he showed no outward emotion, keeping his thoughts locked behind a frozen expression. Roohi sat beside him at the mandap, her heart pounding in her chest. She didn't dare look at him, choosing instead to find solace in the warm smiles of her Chachi and Chachu. Their reassurance helped her breathe a little easier, but her fear lingered.
The pandit instructed Ekansh to tie the mangalsutra around Roohi's neck. Roohi's hands clenched tightly in her lap, her fear manifesting in the rigid posture of her body. Ekansh took the mangalsutra without hesitation, his face hard and expressionless. He tied it around her neck with a swift motion, as if it were nothing more than a formality.
Next came the vermilion. The pandit's voice instructed Ekansh to place it in Roohi's hair parting. Ekansh took the pinch of vermilion with the same icy coldness in his eyes, his movements mechanical as he applied it to her forehead, sealing their bond with a gesture that felt devoid of any warmth or tenderness.
As the pandit finally announced them husband and wife, the crowd smiled and murmured their approval. But between Ekansh and Roohi, there was only silence-a heavy, suffocating silence filled with uncertainty, fear, and the weight of a future neither of them truly wanted.
Harish and Meera exchanged a grateful smile with Mr. Raichand, who returned the gesture warmly.
Flashback
Mr. Raichand had arrived at Harish's house to meet him. Seeing Harish sitting inside, he offered him a polite smile.
Harish stood up with a puzzled expression and approached Mr. Raichand, a frown creasing his forehead.
"Can we talk, Mr. Harish Oberoi?" Mr. Raichand asked in a calm tone. Harish, still confused, nodded and led him outside.
The two men stood just a short distance from the house. Mr. Raichand's expression shifted into a polite smile and hint of cold expression.
"What do you want to talk about, sir?" Harish asked politely, still uncertain.
"I want to talk about Roohi's marriage," Mr. Raichand stated bluntly, his tone composed. "Will you give her hand in marriage?"
Harish's frown deepened in confusion. "What are you talking about, sir?" he asked, clearly taken aback.
Mr. Raichand sighed, his expression hardening. "Before you give me your opinion, let me tell you something important."
There was a serious pause before he continued. "Do you know what your brother, Harsh Oberoi, and his wife Maya are planning for Roohi? Perhaps your brother is unaware, but Maya has her own schemes."
Harish's face registered shock. How did Mr. Raichand know about his brother and sister-in-law?
"How do you know them?" Harish asked, his confusion deepening.
"That's not important," Mr. Raichand replied coldly. "What matters is what they are plotting against Roohi."
Harish's expression turned serious as he braced himself for whatever came next.
"They owe me a large sum of money," Mr. Raichand said with a grim tone. "And to pay it off, they've agreed to sell Roohi to me."
Harish's face twisted in disbelief and rage. "What?" he asked, stunned.
"I wasn't aware of it until my assistant informed me. When I confronted them, they shamelessly admitted they were willing to sell her off as if she were a mere object, just to rid themselves of her," Mr. Raichand explained coldly.
Harish stood rooted to the spot, his mind struggling to process what he'd just heard.
"I didn't respond to them immediately. Instead, I instructed my assistant to gather more information," Mr. Raichand continued, his voice icy. "And what I found out was horrific. The way Roohi is being treated there-it's inhuman."
Mr. Raichand's voice betrayed a simmering anger. "They were ready to sell her to someone else if they couldn't sell her to me."
Harish's fists clenched as his anger reached a boiling point. His concern for Roohi only grew deeper.
"They're planning to sell her once she returns," Mr. Raichand said, his voice filled with disdain "And the people they're selling her to-they're monsters, not humans."
Harish felt powerless. He knew the terrible truth that had prevented him and Meera from rescuing Roohi. His elder brother had transferred full legal authority over Roohi to Maya, and there was nothing he could do to change that. Every time they had tried to take Roohi away, Harsh and Maya threatened to make her life a living nightmare. Roohi visited them only occasionally, and that too at Meera's pleading.
"What you thought of this marriage" Mr Raichand said with cold tone and with a frown
"But how will marriage protect her?" Harish finally asked, breaking the heavy silence.
Mr. Raichand's expression hardened with resolve. "This marriage can save Roohi," he said with conviction. "I know everything about her situation. The moment I saw her, I felt the urge to destroy the people hurting her-but I held back."
"Roohi is like a daughter to me," Mr. Raichand admitted, a rare flicker of emotion crossing his otherwise cold face. "I could have adopted her, but I can't, not with them still in control."
Harish sighed deeply, still uncertain. "But how will this marriage protect her?"
"Ekansh-the man she will marry-is powerful enough to ensure her safety. His presence alone will be enough to keep her safe," Mr. Raichand said firmly. Harish frowned, still unsure, but Mr. Raichand's tone left no room for doubt.
"If you don't agree, then there's nothing more to say. I will leave," Mr. Raichand said, turning to go. But Harish, after a moment's hesitation, spoke up.
"I agree," Harish said with newfound determination. Mr. Raichand turned back and smiled, sensing Harish's trust in him.
"If you want to protect Roohi, this is the only way," Mr. Raichand said. "Ekansh may be an angry man, but I'm confident that Roohi's presence will change him. And Roohi-she will be safe with him."
Harish nodded, knowing in his heart that he had made the right choice. Mr. Raichand left with a final nod of assurance, leaving Harish standing in quiet contemplation.
Harish entered the house, his expression tense as he made his way to Meera. Without preamble, he spoke, his voice cold and determined.
"Meera, I've made a decision." Harish said with a determination tone.
She looked up at him, frowning. "What decision?" she asked, concern evident in her tone.
"I've decided that Roohi will get married," Harish said, his words heavy with finality.
Meera's eyes widened in shock. "Harish, what are you saying?" she gasped, unable to believe what she was hearing.
"It's the only way to protect our Roohi," Harish responded, his tone serious and unyielding. He then explained everything Mr. Raichand had revealed. As the details sank in, Meera felt a wave of shock and disbelief. Tears welled up in her eyes.
"How could they do this to her?" Meera whispered, her voice thick with pain.
Harish sighed, his face grim. "If this marriage happens, Roohi will be safe from them. We have no other choice."
Meera nodded slowly, tears still shimmering in her eyes as the weight of the situation pressed down on her. Together, they walked towards Roohi, who was sitting on the sofa, unaware of what was about to be revealed. When she saw them approach, she stood up, smiling warmly at her Chachi and Chachu.
Meera and Harish exchanged a look before Meera spoke softly. "Roohi beta, you trust us, right?" she asked gently, her voice filled with concern.
Roohi frowned slightly, sensing something was wrong. "Chachi, of course, I trust you both," she said, a hint of confusion in her voice.
"And you listen to us, don't you?" Meera asked, her eyes pleading.
Roohi smiled, trying to ease the tension she felt building. "When have I ever not listened to you? Only once, maybe," she teased lightly. Meera and Harish forced a chuckle, though their smiles faded quickly.
Meera took a deep breath, steadying herself. "Roohi, we've... we've arranged your marriage," she said, her voice hesitant and shaky.
Roohi's smile dropped, her eyes widening in shock. "Chachi, what did you say?" she asked, disbelief etched across her face.
"Beta, this marriage will ensure your happiness," Meera said, trying to sound reassuring, though her concern was clear.
Tears immediately filled Roohi's eyes. "I won't marry! I'm not leaving you and Chachu. No, I won't do it!" she cried, her voice trembling as she backed away, shaking her head.
"Roohi, listen to me. You'll be safe and happy. Trust me," Meera said, her heart aching as she watched the girl she loved so dearly in so much pain.
"Chachi, do you not want me anymore? Why are you doing this? Did I do something wrong?" Roohi asked, her voice breaking as tears streamed down her face.
Meera's heart broke at the sight, and she glanced at Harish for support. He stepped forward, his tone softer now.
"Roohi, it's not like that at all. We want nothing but your happiness," Harish said warmly.
Roohi shook her head, still crying. "I don't care about happiness. I just don't want to leave you both. I don't want to marry!" she said, her voice filled with determination.
Harish's expression grew more serious. "Roohi, this marriage will keep you safe. Most importantly, it will protect you from them," he said, his voice turning cold as he spoke of the people who had threatened Roohi's life.
Roohi looked up at him through her tears, confused and overwhelmed. "But why? Why does it have to be like this?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper.
Meera sighed softly, placing a hand on Roohi's head, gently stroking her hair. "Beta, you said you trust us, right? Don't you think we're doing this for your own good? For your happiness and safety?" she asked, her voice full of love and concern.
Roohi stared at her for a long moment, tears still falling but her resolve weakening. Slowly, she nodded, her body trembling as she finally gave in.
Meera pulled her into a tight embrace, and Harish, too, wiped away his tears as he joined them. They held each other, a family bound by love and an unspoken understanding that this was the only way to protect Roohi.
After some time, Roohi agreed to the marriage, though her heart remained heavy with uncertainty. As she hugged her Chachi and Chachu one last time, they all shared silent tears before heading to their rooms, preparing for the marriage that would soon change their lives forever.
Flashback end's
Roohi and Ekansh took blessings from the elders, though Ekansh's disinterest was palpable.
Standing before Mr. Raichand, Ekansh barely masked his disdain. Mr. Raichand smiled warmly. "Ekansh, I trust you now."
Ekansh's response was curt and cold. "I don't care."
Mr. Raichand maintained his smile. "Well, that's good to hear."
Ekansh's tone remained icy. "Don't forget to sign the project documents."
Mr. Raichand's expression grew serious. "I stand by my word, Ekansh."
With a hint of frostiness, Mr. Raichand added, "It would have been better if your family were here."
Ekansh's fists clenched at the comment. "We've already discussed this, Mr Raichand" he said, his voice edged with coldness and his eyes sharp.
"Don't worry; once I arrive, I'll handle the mess you've created," Ekansh said, his tone as frigid as ever. He turned sharply and walked towards his room, leaving Mr. Raichand smiling faintly as he walked away.
Ekansh stormed into the room, his rage palpable. His fury intensified when he saw his newly wedded wife, Roohi, standing there. His anger peaked, and he marched toward her with menacing strides.
Roohi, who had been resting in the room, was startled by his sudden and furious entrance. Her fear escalated as she saw the anger etched on his face and watched him advance toward her.
Without giving her a chance to react, Ekansh grabbed her hands in a vice-like grip. Roohi's eyes widened with terror as she looked up at him, her heart racing. In his anger, Ekansh was a force of nature, indifferent to the fear he instilled.
"You planned all this, didn't you?" Ekansh's voice was cold and harsh. Roohi swallowed nervously, her throat dry.
"Why did you orchestrate all this for money?" he demanded, his tone as frigid as ice. Roohi, paralyzed by fear, struggled to process his accusations.
"If you wanted money, you could have asked me directly instead of sneaking into my mansion," Ekansh continued, his gaze seething with contempt.
"I knew someone like you would resort to this for money," Ekansh said disdainfully. His grip tightened painfully, making Roohi wince in agony.
"I don't even want to look at your face," Ekansh said with a cold tone. "This marriage means nothing to me-just a business arrangement." Ekansh eye's showing the anger for her which made her scared of him.
He tightened his hold even more, his tone growing more severe. "Forget that we're married. It's merely nothing to me."
Roohi's eyes filled with tears as her hands turned red from his relentless grip. The pain was excruciating, and his harsh words shattered her. She struggled to free herself, but his grip was unyielding. Ekansh, consumed by anger, seemed almost beastly, his jaw clenched and eyes burning with fury.
Advik entered just as Ekansh released her arms. He glanced at Roohi, her tears and making him feel a pang of sympathy, though he remained silent. "Sir, Mr. Raichand has signed the project," Advik said politely.
Ekansh nodded curtly, still breathing heavily from his outburst. "I need to review the file and finish some work," he said coldly before exiting the room with Advik, leaving Roohi behind.
Left alone, Roohi examined her reddened, bruised hands, her pain overwhelming. She touched her injured arms gently, hissing with each touch. "Why always me? What did I do to deserve this?" she sobbed, her tears mingling with her pain. Her heart ached with a profound sense of despair as she cried out, feeling utterly forsaken. Roohi went from there wiping her tears as she have to leave.