(Author's POV)
Srivastava Mansion - Late Night (After Haldi)
The house had finally gone quiet.
After hours of loud music, forced smiles, and endless rituals-
Silence took over.
The guests slowly retired to their rooms, the laughter fading into soft whispers, and the bright lights dimmed into a calm, tired glow.
It was the kind of silence that comes after chaos.
Heavy... but peaceful.
---
Miya stretched slightly, exhaustion visible in every movement as she walked toward Rashmi.
"Mom... I'm going to sleep," she said softly. "Please don't wake me up tomorrow. I'll wake up on my own."
Rashmi immediately frowned.
"What do you mean don't wake you up?" she said sharply. "Tomorrow is your wedding! There's so much to do."
Before Miya could respond, Rashmi continued-
"And before you sleep, I have to apply this face pack on you. Go to your room, I'll bring it."
Miya closed her eyes for a second.
She already knew-
Arguing was pointless.
"Okay..." she whispered and quietly walked away.
---
As soon as Miya left-
Rashmi's sister, Sunita, leaned closer with a smirk.
"Arre behen, I came after so many days. We have so much to talk about," she said casually. "Just send Kirti. She'll apply the face pack."
Rashmi nodded instantly.
"Haan, you're right."
Then, almost as if adding extra work felt natural-
"I'll tell her to give Miya a body massage too. She looked very tired anyway."
Both of them shared a knowing look.
---
Kitchen
Kirti was still there.
Even after the entire day-
She hadn't stopped.
Her hands moved mechanically, cleaning up the last bits of work.
Rashmi entered.
"Oye, Kirti," she called out.
Kirti turned immediately.
"Yes, Rashmi maa?"
"Leave all this now. The helpers will handle it," Rashmi said, handing her a bowl. "Take this face pack and some warm oil. Go to Miya's room."
Kirti nodded silently.
"And listen," Rashmi added, her tone turning commanding, "apply it properly and give her a good massage. She should sleep early. No phone, no wasting time. Understood?"
"Yes..."
"And don't just stand here staring at me. Go."
Kirti picked everything up.
Inside her mind-
A tired voice whispered-
Wow... even after working the whole day, I don't get to rest.
She took a deep breath.
It's okay... it's for Miya.
---
She walked to Miya's room and knocked.
Once.
Twice.
Three times.
No response.
Frowning slightly, she pushed the door open and stepped in.
The room was dimly lit.
Calm.
She placed everything on the table-
When suddenly-
A sound came from the washroom.
Miya... vomiting.
Kirti rushed in immediately.
"Miya!" she held her from behind, gently supporting her. "Are you okay? Should I call a doctor? Or Rashmi maa?"
Miya shook her head quickly, weakly pushing her hand away.
"No... don't call anyone."
Her voice was low.
"Just... go. I'll come out."
Kirti didn't move.
"I'm not leaving you like this."
After a moment, Miya rinsed her face and walked out slowly.
Her face was pale.
Lifeless.
Kirti looked at her, worry clear in her eyes.
"What happened? Why are you looking at me like that?" Miya asked, forcing a normal tone.
"You're not okay," Kirti said softly.
"I am," Miya replied instantly. "Just ate too much outside food. Bad stomach. That's it."
Kirti wasn't convinced.
But she didn't push immediately.
"Why are you here?" Miya asked again.
Kirti hesitated.
"I came to apply this face pack... and give you a massage."
Miya sighed.
"Why? Just go and rest. I've seen how much Mom made you work today."
Kirti shook her head gently.
"No... I want to do this."
She smiled slightly.
"And you're not well. Let me help."
Miya looked at her.
Really looked at her.
And then-
A soft smile appeared.
"You won't listen, will you?"
Kirti smiled back.
"Never."
Miya chuckled faintly.
"Fine. Come."
She sat on the bed, patting the space beside her.
"But no massage. We'll just apply this and watch something."
Kirti nodded.
"Okay."
---
Kirti carefully applied the face pack on Miya's face.
Her touch was gentle.
Comforting.
Something Miya wasn't used to.
They sat side by side, scrolling through random movies before settling on one.
The screen lit up their faces.
The room felt warm.
Safe.
---
After a while, Kirti spoke softly-
"Miya... is everything really okay?"
Miya didn't respond immediately.
"I've been noticing," Kirti continued, "you're not yourself these days. You're stressed... and you're not even enjoying anything."
A pause.
"If something is wrong... you can tell me. I'll help."
For a moment-
Miya's eyes flickered.
Like she wanted to say something.
Something real.
Something heavy.
But then-
She smiled.
"It's nothing, Kirti. Just wedding stress."
She leaned her head on Kirti's shoulder.
"Don't worry."
Kirti knew-
That wasn't the truth.
But she didn't push further.
Instead, she wrapped her arm around Miya gently.
---
"Thank you..." Miya whispered suddenly.
Kirti blinked.
"For what?"
"For staying."
That was it.
No explanation.
But it was enough.
---
Slowly-
Miya fell asleep.
Still holding onto Kirti's hand.
Kirti looked down at her.
A soft, protective smile on her lips.
She adjusted the blanket over her.
And leaned back
---
And somewhere between thoughts and exhaustion-
Kirti's eyes closed too.
Not realizing when sleep took over.
But for the first time in days-
She didn't feel alone.
-----
Oberoi Mansion - Wedding Morning
The Oberoi Mansion didn't look like a house anymore.
It looked like a dream dipped in gold and flowers.
Fresh marigold garlands hung from every corner, roses were woven into delicate drapes, and soft fairy lights still flickered from the previous night-making the entire place glow like a celebration that refused to sleep.
The air smelled of mogra and fresh sweets.
Servants rushed from one end to another.
Trays clinked. Voices overlapped.
Someone called for decorations.
Someone yelled about the caterer.
Someone argued about the guest list.
It was chaos.
Beautiful chaos.
---
In the middle of all this-
Vikram Oberoi sat calmly in the hall, sipping his morning tea like none of this affected him.
Newspaper in hand.
Peace intact.
---
Meanwhile-
In the kitchen-
Nisha and Meera were supervising everything like commanders on a battlefield.
"Meera, I think we should get all the sweets packed today itself," Meera said while checking a tray.
Nisha nodded immediately.
"You're absolutely right. Once we leave for the wedding, we won't get time for anything."
She turned to a helper.
"Make sure all the return gifts and sweets are packed properly. I don't want any last-minute chaos."
Then she looked back at Meera.
"And tell me-has breakfast been served to all the guests?"
Meera smiled.
"Yes bhabhi, everything is done. You don't worry."
Then she paused, looking around.
"By the way... where are those two brothers? Haven't seen them since last night."
Nisha sighed knowingly.
"You know Reyansh. The moment he sees a crowd, he runs straight to his penthouse."
She smirked slightly.
"And Arjun? He must be stuck to him like glue since yesterday."
Meera laughed.
"True. Anyway, I was thinking-we should finish the outside work and then go get ready. Maybe visit the parlor?"
Nisha waved her off.
"No need. Your darling daughters-Riya and Ira-have already called the entire parlor here."
Meera blinked.
"What?"
Nisha chuckled.
"Yes. Everything will happen here. You just relax."
Meera shook her head, smiling.
"These girls..."
---
On the other side...
Reyansh's Penthouse
The hall looked like a disaster zone.
Chips packets on the floor.
Half-empty glasses.
Cushions thrown everywhere.
It clearly showed-
Last night was anything but calm.
---
Aarav and Arjun were sprawled on the couch like lifeless bodies.
While-
Reyansh stood in his room, phone pressed to his ear.
"Yes, Mr. Sharma," he said calmly, though irritation was clear in his tone. "Don't worry. I'll meet everyone once I'm free. Just relax."
He cut the call.
Immediately dialed another number.
"Raj."
A pause.
"What the hell are you doing in the office?" Reyansh snapped. "Do I pay you to sit idle? Why am I getting calls from clients?"
His voice turned colder.
"Can't you handle things for a few days? I'm busy."
Silence.
"We'll talk when I'm free."
He cut the call.
Running a hand through his messy hair, he muttered-
"God... what a mess. One month and this drama still isn't over."
---
He walked into the hall.
Looked at the two idiots lying there.
"Oye," he said sharply. "Are you both planning to stay dead or will you get up? This is my house, not a graveyard."
Arjun groaned.
"Let me sleep, bhai..."
Then, without opening his eyes, he added-
"Anyway, you won't be sleeping tonight."
Arav instantly burst out laughing.
"Yeah bro, after today bhabhi won't let you sleep."
Both started laughing.
Reyansh's jaw tightened.
"If you both don't shut up right now, I swear I'll throw you out of this penthouse."
Arjun sat up dramatically.
"Okay okay... anger issues much?"
Arav smirked.
"Come on, groom. Get ready."
Arjun added-
"Big mom texted. We have to reach on time... apparently your wedding is important."
Reyansh rolled his eyes.
"Pathetic."
---
Back at the Mansion
Riya and Ira were running around with makeup artists, outfits, and last-minute chaos.
"Riya! Where is my jhumka?" Ira shouted.
Riya shot back-
"Why do you even take my stuff if you can't handle it?"
"Because yours is better!"
"Of course it is!"
Both paused.
Then laughed.
---
Evening Approaches
Everyone was finally getting ready.
The mansion, already beautiful, now looked royal.
---
Reyansh's Room
Nisha entered quietly.
And stopped.
For a moment-
She just looked at him.
Reyansh stood in front of the mirror, adjusting his sherwani.
Tall. Sharp. Intimidating.
Effortlessly handsome.
(REYANSH OBERAI OUTFIT CHECK ✅)
"What happened, mom?" he said without turning. "I know I look like a cartoon in this sherwani. Stop staring."
Nisha's eyes softened.
"No..." she whispered. "You look... perfect."
He turned slightly.
She walked closer.
"I didn't even realize when you grew up this much," she said, her voice breaking. "And today... it's your wedding."
Tears filled her eyes.
Before they could fall-
She took a little kajal and placed a black dot behind his ear.
"To protect you."
Reyansh didn't say anything.
Just looked at her.
For a second-
The coldness faded.
---
Outside-
Arjun whispered to Arav-
"Emotional scene chal raha hai."
Arav smirked.
"Let him enjoy. Last peaceful moment."
---
Reyansh stepped out.
"Ready?" Arjun asked.
Reyansh gave him a look.
"Don't start."
Arav raised his hands.
"Okay boss. No jokes."
Pause.
"Till the car."
---
And just like that-
The Oberoi family left for the wedding venue.
Lights behind them.
Chaos ahead.
And a story-
About to change everything.
-----
Srivastava Mansion .
The Srivastava mansion looked nothing less than a traditional wedding dream-yet unlike the elegance of the Oberoi house, this place carried a different kind of energy.
Loud. Crowded. Chaotic.
Bright marigold strings were tied across the entrance, roses scattered on stair railings, and colorful dupattas draped over walls like rushed decorations trying to look perfect. The smell of desi ghee sweets mixed with fresh flowers filled the air, while relatives moved around in groups-some gossiping, some judging, and some simply enjoying the drama.
Servants rushed in every direction.
"Keep those trays ready!"
"Where are the sweets?"
"Did the decorator finish the mandap?"
"Call the caterer again!"
And in the center of it all-
Rashmi.
Commanding. Controlling. Restless.
"No, no! Not like that!" she snapped at a servant arranging flowers. "Make it neat! This is a wedding, not some roadside function."
She turned to another.
"And you-make sure the guests are served tea on time. I don't want anyone complaining."
Without stopping, she walked ahead.
"Where are the return gifts? Pack them properly! And keep the expensive ones separate."
Her eyes scanned everything-
Nothing escaped her.
Yet suddenly-
She paused.
A frown forming.
"Miya... and Kirti?"
Her tone changed instantly.
"They haven't been seen since morning?"
Annoyance flickered across her face.
---
She first went to Kirti's small, store-like room.
Empty.
Her irritation grew.
"Where is this girl? So much work today and she's nowhere to be seen..."
Without wasting a second, she walked straight to Miya's room.
---
The door opened-
And what she saw-
Made her blood boil.
Miya and Kirti... sleeping.
Together.
Peacefully.
Like the chaos outside didn't exist.
Rashmi's expression hardened.
In two long steps, she reached the bed-
And grabbed Kirti harshly.
"Get up!"
She yanked her down.
Kirti fell to the floor with a soft cry-
"Ouch..."
Still half-asleep, she looked up-
Only to see Rashmi's furious face.
"Wow," Rashmi said sarcastically. "So this is where madam was sleeping?"
Kirti immediately tried to stand, panic filling her eyes.
"Did you even see your place?" Rashmi continued, her voice cutting. "Sleeping beside my daughter?"
Her tone turned sharper.
"Do you even know who she is? She is about to become the daughter-in-law of the Oberoi family!"
A pause.
"And you?"
Her words hit like a slap.
"Who are you?"
Kirti's eyes filled instantly.
She lowered her gaze.
Silent.
"Today, when there's so much work," Rashmi went on, "you're here sleeping comfortably?"
Tears rolled down Kirti's cheeks.
But she didn't speak.
Couldn't.
---
That's when-
Miya woke up.
And heard everything.
Her expression changed.
Anger replacing sleep.
"Bas, mom," she said firmly, sitting up. "Enough."
Rashmi turned, shocked.
"What?"
"What do you think of yourself?" Miya snapped. "She is my sister."
Her voice didn't shake.
"She has every right to be here. With me."
Rashmi laughed coldly.
"Sister? Really?" she said mockingly. "You don't share the same mother or father. How exactly is she your sister?"
Miya's jaw tightened.
"Mom, stop."
Her voice was low.
But dangerous.
"If you say one more word against her-or me-I don't know what I'll do."
Silence filled the room.
"Now please," Miya added, pointing at the door, "leave my room."
---
For a moment-
Rashmi was speechless.
Not because she agreed-
But because she knew Miya's anger.
Without arguing further, she grabbed Kirti's arm again-
And pulled her outside.
---
The moment they stepped out-
Rashmi let go.
Taking a deep breath, she looked at Kirti with cold eyes.
"Stop crying," she said bluntly. "Everything I said is the truth."
Kirti wiped her tears quickly.
Trying to control herself.
"Look at yourself... and look at my daughter," Rashmi continued. "There's a difference."
Each word felt heavier than the last.
"And listen carefully."
Her tone turned strict.
"Go and handle all the work. Make sure every guest is taken care of."
Kirti nodded slowly.
"After that," Rashmi added, "you will stay with Miya during the wedding."
Kirti looked up for a second-
Hope flickering-
But it shattered instantly.
"Not as her sister," Rashmi said coldly. "As her servant."
Kirti's fingers tightened.
But she still didn't speak.
"You will do whatever she needs," Rashmi continued. "Understand?"
"...Yes."
Her voice was barely audible.
"And when the parlour people come, you stay with her. Give her whatever she wants."
A pause.
"And wear something decent for the wedding. Don't embarrass us."
Kirti nodded again.
"And one more thing," Rashmi said, stepping closer, "get ready now. I don't want you getting ready when Miya is."
She looked her up and down.
"Now go. And don't stand here showing me your face."
---
Kirti stood there for a moment.
Frozen.
Tears still falling silently.
But instead of breaking-
She just whispered again-
"Okay..."
And walked away.
---
Inside the room-
Miya sat still.
Anger burning in her chest.
Because no matter how much she fought
She couldn't change everything.
------
(Kirti's POV)
I really thought... today would be better. It's Miya's wedding. At least today things might feel a little lighter, a little kinder. But of course, Rashmi maa made sure my mood was ruined right from the morning. And
maybe... she's not even wrong. It's my fault too. Why did I even sleep there? Beside Miya? It's not like we are real sisters. I don't even have that right. I close my eyes for a second and sigh softly. My mistake.
Still... somewhere deep inside, there's a small happiness. After all these days of just working in the background, after all those functions where I was barely seen...
today I'll get to go to Miya's wedding. A voice inside me whispers softly, Go Kirti... enjoy a little. Stay with Miya. It doesn't matter what others say-servant or anything-you know what you are to her. But another voice interrupts immediately, Don't expect anything. Nothing good stays in your life. I let out a slow breath. Maybe both are right.
Anyway, I don't really have a choice. Rashmi maa has already said everything. If I refuse, she'll literally eat me alive. She's already been irritated since morning,
and as if that wasn't enough, her sister is here too. Great. One more person to make my life harder. Since morning it's just work after work. No break. No rest. For a second,
I just stand there holding the tea tray, staring at nothing. Then suddenly, an idea clicks. What if I send this through a helper?
A small smile forms on my lips. At least I'll avoid one round of scolding. I quickly hand the tray to a helper and walk away before anyone notices.
After finishing the remaining work and assigning tasks to the helpers,
I finally get a moment to myself. I go to my room, thinking about what to wear. Rashmi maa said to wear something decent,
but I barely have anything except my regular clothes. My eyes scan the small wardrobe until they stop at a yellow suit. My fingers slowly reach for it.
A soft smile appears. Miya gave me this... She brought it for me from Jaipur. Even in all this, she remembered me. I gently hold the fabric, feeling something warm in my chest. "I'll wear this," I whisper to myself.
As I get ready, my thoughts don't stop. After today... Miya will leave this house.
The only person here who ever treated me like I belong... will be gone. My hands pause for a second.
"Bas bhagwaan..." I whisper softly, looking at my reflection. "Please keep Miya safe." My expression slowly changes. "And protect her from Reyansh..." Just remembering him makes my chest feel heavy. The way he was that day... I shake my head lightly. "Please... let him not be like that with her. Please let him love her. She deserves it... she really does."
Memories start flashing in my mind. After mom died... when papa married Rashmi maa... everything changed. Everything. But Miya didn't. She never said much, but she was always there.
Quietly standing by me. Protecting me in ways no one noticed. Taking care of me without making it obvious. A small smile forms on my lips. "I'll be there for you today," I whisper. "No matter what."
I quickly finish getting ready, wearing the yellow suit with simple jhumkas.
Nothing fancy, but it's okay. I pick up my small bag and take one last look in the mirror. Simple... but presentable.
That's enough for me. Taking a deep breath, I step out and walk towards Miya's room. My heart feels slightly restless, though I don't know why. Maybe it's just the wedding. Maybe something else.
I reach her door and knock lightly. No response. I frown and knock again. Still nothing. "Miya?" I call softly, but there's only silence. Slowly, I push the door open and step inside. The room feels unusually quiet. Too quiet. My eyes move around, trying to understand what's wrong.
And then-
I see it.
For a second, I forget how to breathe.
"What... is this...?"
The scene in front of me doesn't make sense. It feels wrong. Unexpected. Something I never thought I'd see.
And in that moment-
I know.
Something is not right.
Something is very, very wrong..
.
.
"Thank you so much for reading 🤍
I hope you liked this chapter 💫
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