Chapter 50: chapter 50

The room fell into a deep, almost sacred silence. Two women — both named Rhea — stood facing each other. The air between them was still, thick with unsaid thoughts. Though they didn’t share facial similarities, something undeniable connected them — their name, their age, their aura. They mirrored each other’s curiosity and quiet awe.Rhea Ray’s eyes softened as she studied Rhea. Her gaze wasn’t judgmental — it was knowing, kind. She could see the flickers of conflict in the younger woman’s eyes, the doubt, the unease. She had once stood in that very place, unsure of the path laid before her.Rhea Ray stepped forward slightly and broke the silence. Rhea Ray "Rhea... I can sense it. You’re not ready. You’re not even sure if this life — marriage, expectations, all of it — is what you want. Am I right?"Rhea blinked, startled that her inner feelings had been so easily read. She didn’t speak, but her silence was enough of an answer.Rhea Ray smiled gently and continued. Rhea Ray "I felt exactly the same once. Completely unsure. Everyone around me seemed so certain — planning, deciding, pushing — and I was just... existing. I didn’t even know if I believed in love the way they said it would happen."She paused, letting her words sink in. Rhea’s expression softened slightly. There was a quiet vulnerability in her eyes now.Rhea Ray "But life has a strange way of surprising us. I didn’t fall in love instantly. I didn’t walk into marriage with a fairytale heart. But over time... Arjun taught me how gentle love can be. And then came Arrea — our little storm of joy. Now, when I look back, I’m amazed at how far my heart has come. How much it’s opened."Rhea looked down for a moment, her fingers nervously playing with the hand kerchief. Then she met Rhea Ray’s gaze again, this time with a hint of curiosity. Rhea "So… it wasn’t forced? You didn’t feel trapped?" Rhea Ray "Not forced. Not trapped. It was unknown at first — yes. But not every unknown is a danger. Some are just unwrapped gifts waiting for the right moment. You don’t have to fall in love today, or even tomorrow. But give life a chance to unfold. The version you fear might never happen... and something better might surprise you."There was something deeply reassuring in her voice — not pushy, not patronizing. Just honest. Rhea felt the weight on her chest lighten slightly. Rhea Ray (smiling) "You may not see it now, but your life could go far beyond what you’ve imagined. And it won’t always be perfect — no story is — but it can be yours. Full of your choices, your pace, your growth."Silence returned, but this time it was a warm silence — the kind that follows understanding. Rhea gave a faint, uncertain smile. But it was a start.And that made Rhea Ray smile even wider. Both talked further like a friends of years. And Rhea turned back to her usual chatterbox. Rhea Ray was amused of her, the way she talks. Her easy go nature. She then calls Rahul and Rithesh. They come to her room and have fun. Rhea Ray gets along with them very well. Rhea " Hey Rhea how about your friends are they calm like you or chatterbox like us". Rhea Ray falls into silence and says I don't have friends, am a single child for my parents and grew all alone. Rithesh " so what Rhea we are here". Rahul reminds him she is married. Rithesh clicks his tongue and says don't take it seriously we are juts pulling legs. Rhea Ray smiles lightly. Rhea" Hey it's difficult to get whom you guys are calling, look we both are answering whenever you ask anyone of us". So how about having a nick name, how about we go with initials. Rhea knocks Rithesh head saying both are having same Initials too "A". Rithesh " am buger" Rhea Ray says how about calling us with anime character I love Rapunzel. And Rhea says I love Jasmine. Okay then let's go with this then. Rithesh " Rapunzel you're brain is full of instant ideas, I think you're husband business is flourishing all over the world, only because of you". The team burst into laughter. A tastefully decorated groom's room: Amar, the groom, is almost ready — wearing a beige sherwani with intricate embroidery. Arjun is helping with the final touches while Naveen lounges with a glass of juice, ready with his one-liners. Laughter and dhol beats can be faintly heard from outside.]Naveen (with a teasing grin) "Oye dulhe raja, last chance to escape. Say the word, and I’ll distract the baraatis while you run!"Amar (half-laughing, half-panicking):"Bas kar yaar! (Stop it man) I’m already sweating through this sherwani. Why does this feel scarier than board exams?" Arjun (adjusting Amar’s dupatta over his shoulder) "Because in board exams, you only answer questions. Here, you’re signing up for lifelong viva!" Naveen (mock serious)"And the examiner — your wife — will never be satisfied with your answers!"Amar (groans):"Yaar, stop it. My legs are already shaky. What if I trip on stage?" Arjun (grinning):"Then your wedding album will go viral for all the wrong reasons. ‘Groom down in 2 seconds!’" Naveen (smirking) "At least you’ll trend. That’s more than most married men can say."Amar (sighs dramatically):"Can’t believe this is actually happening. One second I was dancing with haldi on my face, now I’m already someone's husband!. Arjun (with a smile of quiet experience) "And soon, someone’s father. Fast forward a bit — it happens before you know it."Naveen "Bhai, don’t scare him! First let him survive tonight’s ‘when are you giving us good news’ questions from all aunties."Amar (with wide eyes):"Already dreading those. And they will ask even before I’ve finished my rasgulla." Arjun (laughing) "Trust me, it’s all part of the package. But honestly… it's worth it. When Arrea — my little boy — smiles at me at 3:00 AM, all the tiredness vanishes. You’ll see, marriage is a beautiful mess."Amar (genuinely moved):"Damn. That sounds... comforting. Hope I’m ready for all of it, Amar already started to paint his beautiful life with Rhea, And wondered will their kid resemble him or Rhea. Upra was completely out of his picture for all these days."Naveen (pretending to wipe a tear) "Such emotion. If I stay here any longer, I might propose to someone by mistake."[A knock on the door. A cousin peeks in."Bhaiya, baraat is ready. Everyone’s waiting for you!"Arjun (pats Amar’s back):"Chal dulhe raja. Time to shine."Amar (takes a deep breath):"Let’s do this. Ready hoon... I think."Naveen (walking out with them):"Smile wide, bro. After today, your single-photo days are over — now it's couple photos forever!"Revenge continues...