Ekansh observed the flurry of activity in the Rathore mansion as preparations for their brotherâs wedding reached a fever pitch. With a sigh, he retreated to the gym area, seeking a brief escape from the chaos.
Misha, meanwhile, meticulously checked every detail, ensuring the arrangements were flawless. Entrusted with overseeing the entire wedding, she was determined not to make a single mistake. From the early morning until now, she had been tirelessly working, and as evening approached, everything was finally in place except for the jewellery that needed to be sent to the brideâs house. Misha had already tasked Aavyan with the delivery, knowing she had to start getting herself ready.
Rushing to her room, Misha was acutely aware of how late she was running. She quickly grabbed her dress and headed into the bathroom for a shower. After getting out, she stood in front of the mirror, carefully applying the finishing touches to her appearance. Once satisfied, she suddenly remembered her father-in-lawâs instructions to call Abhimanyu and remind him to return home.
"I almost forgot to call him, I canât believe he went to the office, even on his brotherâs wedding day," Misha muttered in disbelief as she hurriedly left her room. Distracted by adjusting her dress, she collided with something solid, nearly losing her balance. She instinctively grabbed hold of whatever was in front of her and looked up to find Abhimanyu standing there, a frown on his face.
Abhimanyu had rushed back to the mansion after being reminded of his brotherâs wedding by Ekansh. He had just entered his room to get ready when someone suddenly bumped into him. Catching her before she could fall, he realized it was Misha, who was gripping his shoulder for support.
Misha stared up at him with wide eyes, which quickly softened as she registered who he was. Abhimanyu felt the warmth of her waist under his hand, and for a brief moment, something stirred within him. But the spell was broken when Misha gently pushed herself upright and stepped back.
Abhimanyu glanced down at his hand before letting it fall to his side. He couldn't help but notice how stunning Misha looked in her saree, her hair elegantly tied up, with the mangalsutra and vermilion accentuating her features. A fleeting sense of pride flickered within him.
"You need to hurry. Everything is ready," Misha said, her tone businesslike as she met his gaze briefly. Abhimanyu raised an eyebrow but said nothing.
"Get ready quickly and come downstairs," Misha added, before turning on her heel and leaving the room. Abhimanyu watched her retreating figure for a moment, his expression unreadable, before finally heading to get dressed.
Rajvijay and Maya exchanged anxious glances as they looked at Hrudhay, who was seething with anger. Rajvijay lowered his head in shame.
"What is this, Rajvijay?" Hrudhay's voice dripped with disdain.
"Hrudhay, please forgive us. We had no idea Trisha would run away like this," Rajvijay stammered, his voice tinged with hesitation. Maya kept her gaze fixed on the ground, too ashamed to meet Hrudhay's eyes.
"What do you mean she ran away?" Arnav's cold voice cut through the tension as he approached with Ekansh by his side, drawing everyone's attention.
"Mr. Rajvijay Verma, I have a reputation to uphold," Arnav said icily. It was no secret that Arnav prized his reputation above all else-it was his top priority, the foundation of his life.
"Arnav, weâll discuss this later. Right now, we need to figure out what weâre going to do," Hrudhay interjected, turning to his son with concern.
"My reputation is more important than my fatherâs," Arnav snapped, his gaze hard and unyielding as he glared at Rajvijay.
"What am I supposed to do now, Mr. Rajvijay Verma?" His voice grew darker with each word.
"If this marriage doesnât happen today, I will ruin your entire reputation," Arnav threatened, his teeth clenched in anger. Rajvijay and Maya looked at him in shock.
"Arnav, weâll find a solution. Donât threaten them," Hrudhay said calmly, but Arnav was unmoved.
"I donât care. My reputation is at stake because of their daughter. They must fix this," Arnav responded coldly, his glare never wavering.
"Donât worry. This marriage will happen," Rajvijay declared firmly, his tone serious. Maya glanced at her husband in confusion, while Arnav stormed out with Ekansh support with wheelchair and Hrudhay following suit.
As the door closed behind them, Maya turned to Rajvijay, her voice filled with confusion and anger.
"What did you just say, Rajvijay? How can this marriage continue without Trisha?"
Rajvijay sighed heavily. "It will happen. Arthi will marry Arnav," he replied, his expression grave.
Maya's eyes widened in shock, her anger bubbling to the surface. "Rajvijay, are you serious? How can you expect me to let Arthi take Trishaâs place? I wonât allow this marriage to happen!" she shouted, her voice trembling with fury. Rajvijay glared at her, and Maya looked away, frustration simmering beneath her skin.
A few moments later, Rajvijay and Maya found themselves standing in front of Arthi, who was watching them with a mixture of confusion and apprehension.
"Arthi, beta, youâll listen to me, wonât you?" Rajvijayâs tone was serious as he spoke to his niece. Arthi hesitated but nodded, still unsure of what he was about to ask.
"Arthi, what Iâm going to ask of you now is for your own good, for your future," Rajvijay said, his voice softening with tenderness. He paused, taking a deep breath before continuing. "You have to marry Arnav Rathore."
Arthi's heart sank at his words. She had known that her sister had run away, but she never imagined her uncle would ask her to marry Trishaâs fiancé.
"Chachu, I canât. I donât want to marry now," she whispered, her voice barely audible.
"Arthi, Iâve always believed you would listen to me," Rajvijay said gently, looking at her with care. Arthiâs heart ached at the sight of her uncle, who had always treated her like his own daughter.
"If this marriage doesnât happen, our reputation will be ruined. The Rathores value their reputation, and they will destroy us," Rajvijay said, his voice filled with the gravity of the situation.
"Arthi, youâve always trusted me, havenât you? Marry Arnav Rathore. Trust me, youâll be happy," Rajvijay said, his hand gently caressing her head.
After a moment of silence, Arthi looked up at her uncle, her eyes filled with resignation. "Iâm ready to get married, Chachu," she said meekly.
Rajvijay smiled widely, his relief palpable. He left the room after a few more words, leaving Maya behind to prepare Arthi for the wedding.
As Arthi was dressed in her bridal attire, she felt her heartbeat quicken with each step she took towards the mandap. She didnât want to marry, but her uncle had taken care of her like his own daughter, providing for her and protecting her. Now, he was asking her to marry to save their familyâs reputation. She couldnât refuse him, not after everything he had done for her. So, for the sake of her uncle and aunt, Arthi resolved to go through with the marriage.
Arnavâs gaze was fixed as the bride entered, and he remained seated as she settled beside him. Arthi, feeling a knot of fear, took her place next to Arnav, nervously fiddling with the folds of her cloth.
The priest began the ceremony, instructing Arnav to place the mangalsutra around the brideâs neck. With a steady hand, Arnav completed the task. The priest then guided him to apply the vermilion to the brideâs forehead. As Arnav performed the ritual, Arthi stole a fleeting glance at him.
Swallowing hard, Arthi watched as Arnav applied the vermilion. The solemnity of the moment made her heart ache. After the rituals, Arnav and Arthi sought the blessings of the elders, receiving their well-wishes.
During the Vedi ceremony, Arthiâs gaze met her auntâs. Her auntâs averted eyes spoke volumes-she disapproved of this marriage.
"Donât worry, Arthi. Arnav will take good care of you," Rajvijay said, tenderly patting her head. His comforting words prompted Arthi to break down in tears. Rajvijay gently wiped her tears away.
Once the ceremony concluded, Arnav and Arthi got into the car. As it began its journey toward the Rathore Mansion, Arthi remained quiet, her earlier emotions still raw.
Upon arriving at the Rathore Mansion, Arnav and Arthi stepped out of the car. Arthiâs eyes widened in awe at the mansionâs opulence and the elaborate welcome preparations. Fireworks lit up the sky, creating a dazzling display that both thrilled and unsettled her.
As she approached the entrance, Arthi noticed Arnav in a wheelchair, which took her by surprise. This sight brought to mind her sister's earlier discussions with their aunt and uncle about Arnavâs disability, filling her with sympathy for him.
Her thoughts were interrupted when Misha greeted them with a warm smile and ushered them inside the mansion.
Once inside, Arthi and Arnav made their way to his room. With night falling and everyone exhausted, the house soon quieted as the guests retired to their rooms for rest.
Arthi surveyed the opulent room everything looked luxurious, then sank onto the bed, her mind reeling from the dayâs upheaval. She had married her sisterâs fiancé, a choice imposed upon her by circumstances. The sight of her husband in a wheelchair deepened her sense of sorrow.
Her heart ached at the sight of Arnav in his wheelchair. The reality of their situation was stark and painful. She had been thrust into this marriage under circumstances she hadnât anticipated, and seeing Arnavâs disability only deepened her sense of unease. It wasnât just about the physical aspect-it was the profound shift in her lifeâs direction that she struggled to reconcile.Arthi had never imagined her future partner in this light. She had hoped for a life of shared dreams and aspirations, but now she faced a reality she hadnât prepared for. Yet, amidst her sorrow and confusion, a part of her recognized the strength in Arnavâs resilience.
She had never imagined what her ideal partner would be like, but now, faced with this reality, she felt it must be destiny. As she gazed at the door, she hoped Arnav would come in soon. She was eager to talk with him about their marriage, believing that through their conversation, they would both find understanding and a way forward together.
Arnav went out mansion with angry for whatever happened in the marriage. Arnav went to his luxurious car and sat inside leaving the mansion.