Aadhya's pov ~

I agreed to the marriage.

Yes, I did.

It’s not that I want to marry him, but I need a way out of this environment, and he represents my golden ticket to escape this awful situation.

Kabir seems confused about why I said yes to this marriage.

Fortunately, he didn't object either.

I realize it’s wrong to marry someone just for my own gain, but what choice do I have? If not him, my mom will undoubtedly find someone else for me to marry.

So, if I must get married, Kabir is the best option because marrying him means no restrictions for me.

However, I first need to talk to Kabir. I can't ruin his life like this; if he’s okay with what I’m proposing, then it’s settled—we'll go through with the marriage.

“Oh my god, I’m so happy right now!” Ruhi aunty exclaimed, wrapping her arms around me once again.

"Congratulations, and thank you, Aadhya," my mom said, hugging me.

Thanks to you, Mom,only for you I’m being rushed into this marriage, even though I’m not mentally prepared for it.

Marriage is a serious commitment, and I'm making this significant decision in haste solely because of her.

But I kept those thoughts to myself because it had been a long time since my mom hugged me like this. I wanted to cherish this moment, as I don't know when I'll get another chance like it.

Tears welled up in my eyes, and I noticed Kabir looking at me with a sad smile.

He stepped forward and asked, "If you don’t mind, can we meet tomorrow?"

"Of course," I replied. "I know you’re confused right now, but don’t worry. I’ll talk to you tomorrow and clear everything up."

"Yeah, and please try not to cry; it doesn't suit you," he said, cupping my face and gently wiping my tears.

"Then let’s call the priest tomorrow and set the wedding date," Kabir's dad suggested.

"No, no, uncle, not tomorrow; I have something to do," I replied.

"Alright, let's plan for the day after tomorrow," Ruhi aunty (Kabir's mom) agreed with a smile.

"Okay, then we’ll take our leave today and meet day after tomorrow," Kabir's dad said, but my mom interrupted, "No one is going anywhere; first, you’ll have dinner with us, and I won’t take no for an answer!"

"Tell me one thing, Ishi, where is Vihaan?" Ruhi aunty asked my mom.

"Yes, Aadhya, where is Vihaan?" Mom echoed.

What a wonderful mother—she doesn’t even know where her son is.

Before I could respond, Vihaan walked into the living room.

"There he is," I said, pointing at him.

"Hey, aunty," Vihaan greeted as he hugged Ruhi aunty .

"Oh my goodness, my little baby has grown so much!" she said, causing us to chuckle.

"Vihaan, I have some good news," my mother began. "Your di is getting married."

Suddenly, his expression changed, and he stopped smiling.

"Really?" he asked, looking at me with a choked voice.

Before I could say anything, my mom jumped in, "Yes, Vihaan, really."

I really wish she would just stay quiet right now.

"Excuse me, I need a minute," he said, leaving the room.

"I think he’s just feeling a bit emotional," Uncle Veer said.

"I’ll be back," I replied, following after him.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Vihaan, open the door!" I knocked.

"Vihaan, please open the door," I called again.

"Vihaan, this is your last warning—open the door," I said, growing annoyed.

"Please, di, just leave me alone," he sobbed, finally opening the door.

"No, I'm not leaving, and why are you crying? Have you lost your mind? Come on, your di is getting married—be happy!" I urged him.

Even though I wasn't cheerful myself, my brother should be—it’s his sister’s first wedding.

"Why do you have to get married, di? Are you not happy with me?" he asked.

"It’s not like that," but how could I explain the reality to him?

"Yes, it is like that. I see it now—I'm the problem. Why would you want to stay with us? I’m so foolish," he cried.

"Good luck, di," he said, turning away.

Am I a terrible sister? I feel like one because I’m causing my little brother to cry for my own benefit.

What am I supposed to do? This wedding is necessary for me, and I have no other options. I must make him understand.

Before I could chase after him, I noticed Kabir standing at the door. Maybe he overheard everything.

"Wait, I’ll go talk to him," he said.

"And what are you going to say?" I asked.

"Trust me, I know what to do," he replied and walked away.

What’s happening? Everyone is walking away without listening to me.

I’m going absolutely crazy.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Kabir's pov ~

"Vihaan," I called out to her brother, who was sitting in the garden.

"Hi Kabir bhaiya, and congratulations," he replied, a sad smile on his face.

I let out a sigh and sat down next to him. "How are you doing?"

"Good," he answered, keeping his responses short.

"Vihaan, I get what you're feeling, and believe me, your di understands too," I said as he looked at me.

"But why? Why does she have to leave me? I can't imagine life without her. She's like a mother to me, and I don’t know how to cope if she goes away," he expressed his distress.

"But, Vihaan, how long do you think your di will be by your side? Sooner or later, she will need to go away—whether it's for marriage or pursuing her career. Will you still be upset then?" I explained to him.

"And remember, you are always welcome at our home. You can stay with us as long as you like, even for your whole life, and nobody will ever question it."

He laughed lightly and asked, "Really?"

"Absolutely, Vihaan, it's a promise from your Kabir bhaiya," I said, trying to bring a smile to his face.

"Thank you, bhaiya. Please take care of her and never hurt her; she's been through a lot already," he urged.

"I promise, the day I hurt her will be the last day of my life," I replied earnestly.

"But Vihaan, could you share what she's gone through?" I asked, hoping for more insight.

"Sorry, bhai, but I can't say. It's not my place," he replied.

"That's alright, I understand. Come on, cheer up, let’s go inside," I said as I stood up.

No matter what, I swear I'll do whatever it takes to bring my old Aadhya back, even if it means going to extreme lengths.