AUTHOR POV:
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Kirti had barely pushed the door open when her steps froze.
For a moment, she actually thought she had entered the wrong room.
A half-packed bag lay on the floor, clothes scattered everywhere like someone had searched for something in desperation. The room was a complete mess… but that wasn’t what made her heart drop.
It was Miya.
Sitting in the corner of the bed, knees pulled to her chest, arms wrapped tightly around herself… like a scared little child trying to disappear from the world. Her hair was messy, her face pale… and her eyes—red, swollen, filled with unshed tears.
Kirti’s breath hitched.
“Miya…?”
She rushed towards her, immediately kneeling in front of her. “What happened? Are you okay? Your health is fine na? And what is all this… why is the room like this? Tell me, I’ll fix everything… just say something.”
Miya slowly lifted her eyes.
Her lips parted… but no words came out.
She tried again… then stopped.
Kirti gently held her hands. “Miya… say it. I’m here. I won’t judge you… not even a little.”
That was all it took.
Miya’s control broke.
“Kirti…” her voice trembled, almost a whisper, “I… I don’t want to do this marriage. Please… I can’t marry him…”
Kirti’s heart skipped a beat.
“What…? Why? Miya, what happened? Tell me properly.”
Miya closed her eyes for a second, taking a deep shaky breath as if gathering courage.
“Kirti… I love someone else.”
Silence.
The words hung heavy in the air.
"But mom and dad still fixed my marriage with Reyansh… for their own business profit. I tried… I really tried to explain them… again and again. But they didn’t listen.” Her voice cracked. “Then I thought… maybe it’s okay. They’re my parents… I should sacrifice. So for the last two weeks… I stopped talking to my boyfriend . I ignored him… completely.”
Tears rolled down her cheeks now.
“But… he’s still waiting for me. Even after everything…”
Kirti’s eyes softened, her chest tightening as she listened.
“I convinced myself that I’ll do this marriage… I’ll sacrifice my happiness,” Miya whispered, her fingers trembling, “but today…”
She stopped.
Kirti leaned closer, worried. “But today what, Miya?”
Miya slowly opened her fist.
A small pregnancy test kit lay in her palm.
Positive.
Kirti’s world stilled.
Miya’s voice broke completely this time. “I was feeling weird since a few days… I thought it’s just acidity or something… ignored it. But today when I checked…” she looked at Kirti, eyes filled with fear, guilt, and helplessness, “I’m pregnant, Kirti…”
Kirti couldn’t speak.
“If I wasn’t pregnant… I would’ve just closed my eyes and married him,” Miya continued, her voice shaking uncontrollably, “but now… knowing there’s a small life inside me… how can I do this? How can I ruin everything?”
Her hands clutched Kirti’s tightly.
“If mom and dad find out… they won’t spare me. And Reyansh…” she gave a hollow laugh, “I don’t expect anything from him. You know Rohan… he loves kids. He’ll go crazy with happiness if he finds out he’s going to be a father…”
Her voice dropped to a whisper.
“I can’t do this marriage, Kirti… I just can’t. If anyone finds out… they’ll destroy me…”
That was it.
Kirti didn’t say a word.
She just pulled Miya into a tight hug.
A protective, strong hug.
“Miya…” her voice was soft but firm near her ear, “everything will be okay. You’re not alone… I’m here.”
Miya broke down completely in her arms.
“We’ll figure something out,” Kirti continued, gently caressing her back, “no matter what happens… I won’t let anything happen to you or your baby. Just trust me… okay?”
Miya nodded weakly, holding onto her like she was her only safe place.
And maybe… she was.
For a moment, everything went silent between them… as if the world itself had paused to hear what Miya was about to say next.
Then suddenly, Miya pulled back slightly, wiping her tears with the back of her hand, her eyes now holding a strange mix of fear… and determination.
“Kirti… I’ve decided what I have to do.”
Kirti frowned, confused. “What do you mean…?”
Miya took a deep breath. “I’m going to run away.”
Kirti’s eyes widened instantly. “What?! Miya—”
“And not alone,” Miya cut her off, holding her hands tightly. “You’re coming with me.”
Kirti froze.
“I’m not leaving you in this hell alone, okay?” Miya’s voice softened but remained firm. “Rohan has already arranged everything… tickets, place to stay… everything. You just have to come with me.”
For a second, Kirti couldn’t even process what she had just heard.
Her eyes slowly filled with tears… not out of fear, but something deeper.
No one… had ever thought about her like this.
No one had ever chosen her.
“Miya…” her voice cracked slightly, “how can I just leave with you? I don’t even have money… I don’t know where I’ll stay, what I’ll do…”
Miya shook her head immediately. “Stop thinking all this nonsense. Me and Rohan will handle everything. You just come with me, okay? He even wanted to meet you before… but I couldn’t introduce you because of all this family drama. But now… please, just come.”
Kirti closed her eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath.
She wanted to go.
For the first time in her life… she wanted to choose herself.
But reality hit harder.
Slowly, she shook her head.
“No, Miya… I can’t go.”
Miya looked at her, stunned. “Kirti—”
“I can’t,” Kirti repeated softly, but firmly this time. “My life… it’s finally getting a little better. I have a decent job now… and next month, I’ll finally move out of this house. And those kids at the NGO… they wait for me every single day. I can’t just leave everything like this.”
Miya stared at her… and then suddenly, a proud smile appeared on her face.
“Wow… look at you,” she whispered, almost emotional. “You’ve grown up so much, Kirti. You’re talking like someone so strong… so mature.”
Kirti gave a small smile through her tears.
Then she asked softly, “So… what’s the plan? How will you leave from here? There are so many people in the house…”
Miya’s eyes turned serious again.
“You just have to help me one last time.”
Kirti nodded immediately. “Tell me.”
“Just drop me till the back gate… quietly. After that, I’ll handle everything.”
And just like that… Kirti agreed.
A few minutes later, both of them slowly made their way through the house, carefully avoiding people, slipping past voices, laughter, and wedding chaos.
Their hearts were racing with every step.
Finally… they reached the back door.
Miya turned to her one last time.
“Last chance, Kirti. Come with me… we’ll figure everything out together.”
Kirti smiled softly, tears brimming in her eyes.
“No… you go. And don’t worry about me. After you leave… someone has to handle the chaos here too.”
Miya let out a small laugh through her tears… and then suddenly pulled Kirti into a tight hug.
A hug filled with love, fear… and goodbye.
“Take care of yourself,” Miya whispered.
Kirti hugged her back just as tightly. “You too… and please… stay safe.”
Then Kirti suddenly pulled back. “Wait… how will you contact me? Don’t take your phone. Your dad can track your location easily.”
Miya smirked slightly. “Relax. I’ve had a spare phone hidden for a long time. I’ll take that. Your number is already saved in it. I’ll call you once I reach.”
Kirti quickly shook her head. “No, don’t call. Just text me. I’ll call you myself. I don’t want anyone to trace you after you leave.”
Miya smiled… a genuine, soft smile.
“Okay.”
Then she stepped back slowly.
“Now go back… there are cameras ahead. I don’t want you getting into trouble because of me.”
Kirti nodded, her heart heavy.
Miya looked at her one last time… placing her hand unconsciously over her stomach.
“Take care… “My baby will be waiting to meet her maasi
Kirti’s lips trembled… but she smiled and nodded.
And just like that…
Miya turned around…
…and walked away.
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On the other hand, the entire Oberai family finally reached the wedding venue with full-on baraat vibes.
The road itself had turned into a celebration—lights flashing, dhol beating loudly, and people dancing like there was no tomorrow.
And right in the center of it all… were Arjun and Aarav.
Completely out of control.
Both of them were dancing like absolute madmen, pulling random relatives into their circle, spinning, jumping, and doing the most ridiculous steps ever.
Aarav suddenly grabbed Arjun’s shoulder and shouted, “BROOO THIS IS MY FAVOURITE SONG—MOVE ASIDE EVERYONE!”
And before anyone could react, he started doing over-the-top dance steps, making everyone around burst into laughter.
Arjun wasn’t any better.
“Excuse me, excuse me!” he pushed people dramatically. “Make space! The groom’s brother has arrived—international level performance incoming!”
He started doing exaggerated bhangra, purposely messing up steps just to make people laugh.
Meanwhile…
Reyansh.
Sat on the ghodi.
Completely done with life.
One hand on his forehead, eyes half closed, silently praying, “Dear universe… please just swallow these two idiots right now.”
He looked down at them and muttered under his breath, “I swear… I don’t know these people.”
But unfortunately for him…
They knew him very well.
Arjun suddenly stopped dancing and looked up at Reyansh with a mischievous grin.
“Oye dulhe raja!” he shouted. “Why are you sitting like a statue? Come down… show us some moves!”
Reyansh glared at him. “You both stay away from me for the entire wedding. You have already destroyed your own image… don’t drag mine down with you.”
Aarav gasped dramatically. “Wow. Attitude dekho! Shaadi se pehle hi biwi ka asar aa gaya lagta hai.”
Arjun winked at Reyansh. “Relax bhai… after tonight, you won’t even get time to worry about your ‘image’.”
Reyansh narrowed his eyes. “One more word… and I’m throwing both of you out of this baraat.”
“Try me,” Arjun grinned.
Before Reyansh could reply, Aarav grabbed Arjun and pulled him back into the crowd.
“Come bro, let him suffer in peace,” he whispered loudly enough for Reyansh to hear.
Reyansh just shook his head, clearly regretting every life decision that led him here.
Meanwhile, the rest of the family was no less energetic.
Anshuman was dancing with his brother Raghav, both laughing loudly as they did full-on bhangra steps.
“Balle balle!” Anshuman shouted, completely enjoying himself.
Raghav joined in, “Aaj toh apne bete ki shaadi hai, rukna mana hai!” balee..baleee..
On the other side, all the women were dancing gracefully yet energetically, their bangles clinking, lehengas swirling beautifully under the lights.
Riya and Ira had literally taken over the dhol.
Sitting on either side of it, they were beating it with full enthusiasm.
“LOUDER!” Ira shouted.
“Bhai ki shaadi hai, poora area hilna chahiye!” Riya added.
The energy was infectious.
Everyone was smiling, laughing, dancing—completely lost in the joy of the moment.
Slowly, dancing their way through the streets…
The baraat finally reached the wedding venue.
As soon as they reached the entrance, the music softened slightly, and the gate pooja preparations began.
Reyansh carefully got down from the ghodi, adjusting his sherwani with his usual composed expression… though his eyes still held irritation from earlier.
But peace?
Not happening.
Arjun immediately stepped beside him and whispered, “Careful bhai… don’t trip. Bride will think you’re already falling for her.”
Aarav added, “Or maybe he already has… bas express nahi kar raha.”
Reyansh shot both of them a warning look. “If you both don’t shut up right now—”
“—we’ll behave?” Arjun completed, smiling innocently.
“Never,” Aarav added.
The family at the entrance welcomed Reyansh warmly.
Aarti ki thali was brought forward, and the rituals began.
Rashmi circled the aarti around him, applying tilak on his forehead.
Reyansh stood there calmly, maintaining his composed aura… looking every bit the perfect groom.
But behind him—
Arjun leaned towards Aarav and whispered loudly, “Bro, look at him… such a sanskari boy. Should we tell them his real side?”
Aarav nodded seriously. “Yeah, especially the part where he was begging us not to dance.”
Reyansh clenched his jaw.
“I can still hear you,” he muttered.
Arjun smiled sweetly. “Good. That’s the point.”
The pooja continued, rituals one by one being completed, while the family stood around, smiling proudly.
Despite all the chaos…
There was happiness in the air.
Pure, loud, unapologetic happiness.
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On the other side…
Kirti was in Miya’s room, trying to fix everything.
Her hands moved quickly—folding clothes, placing them back in the wardrobe, arranging the bed, cleaning every visible mess… as if by fixing the room, she could somehow hide the chaos that had just happened.
But her heart…
Her heart was racing.
Every second felt heavy.
Every sound outside made her anxious.
She kept glancing at the door again and again.
What if someone comes…?
And just as that thought crossed her mind—
The door suddenly opened.
Kirti froze.
Rashmi stepped inside.
Her eyes immediately scanned the room… then landed on Kirti.
A sharp, mocking smile appeared on her face.
“Wow… madam ji,” she said sarcastically, folding her arms, “all ready and sitting peacefully, huh?”
Kirti swallowed nervously.
Rashmi stepped closer. “Now tell me… where is Miya? They’re about to call the bride downstairs any moment. I came to check whether she’s ready or not.”
Kirti’s heartbeat spiked.
She tried to stay calm, but her voice still trembled slightly.
“Rashmi ma… I… I’ve been waiting for Miya since long. She hasn’t come to the room at all.”
For a second—
Silence.
Then Rashmi’s expression darkened.
“What nonsense are you saying?” she snapped. “What do you mean she didn’t come? Then where is she supposed to go from her own room?”
Kirti stayed quiet, her fingers clenching tightly.
Rashmi immediately pulled out her phone.
“Enough. I’ll call her.”
As soon as she dialed—
A ringtone echoed in the room.
Both of them turned.
The phone was lying right beside the bed.
Rashmi frowned and started walking towards it.
At the same moment, Kirti’s eyes fell on the table.
The pregnancy kit.
Her breath hitched.
Without wasting a second, before Rashmi could notice anything, Kirti quickly picked up the phone herself and handed it to her.
“Maybe she forgot it here…”
Rashmi took the phone, still confused.
“If her phone is here… then she has to be somewhere in the house.”
Her voice now carried a hint of irritation… and uneasiness.
“Wait. I’ll check downstairs. And you—don’t just stand here. Go find her before your father gets angry.”
As soon as Rashmi left the room—
Kirti moved instantly.
Her hands shaking, she grabbed the pregnancy kit and slipped it inside her bag.
Her heart was pounding so loudly it felt like the whole house could hear it.
Then she stepped out… pretending to search.
Pretending everything was normal.
Minutes passed.
The house slowly started filling with tension.
Whispers.
Footsteps.
Confusion.
And when Miya was nowhere to be found—
Panic began to rise.
Just then, Rajesh entered the room.
His expression was impatient.
“Rashmi, they are calling Miya downstairs. The muhurat time is—”
He stopped mid-sentence.
Because Rashmi’s face…
Had lost all color.
“What happened?” he asked sharply. “Where is Miya?”
Rashmi’s voice came out shaky for the first time.
“She… she’s not here. I don’t know where she went. She was here a few hours ago…”
For a second—
Rajesh just stared at her.
Then his expression changed.
Anger.
Pure, dangerous anger.
“What do you mean she’s not here?” his voice rose. “Do you even understand what you’re saying?”
Rashmi stayed silent.
And that silence…
Was enough.
“I want her here. Right now,” Rajesh snapped. “Do you even realize how much profit we got just from her engagement with Reyansh? And if this wedding doesn’t happen today—do you know the kind of loss we’ll face?”
Kirti stood there… frozen.
Her hands trembling.
Her eyes slowly filled with disbelief.
Profit…? Loss…?
This is what he’s thinking about…?
Not his daughter.
Not her safety.
Not her whereabouts.
Just… business.
For the first time—
Kirti saw him for what he truly was.
And it shook her.
Before she could process anything—
Rashmi suddenly turned towards her.
Her eyes filled with suspicion.
And anger.
“You!” she snapped, storming towards Kirti.
Before Kirti could react—
Rashmi grabbed her hair harshly, pulling her forward.
Kirti cried out in pain, her hands immediately trying to free herself.
“I know you did something!” Rashmi shouted. “You were with her the whole morning! You must know where she is! I know you… you’re jealous of my daughter’s happiness!”
Kirti’s vision blurred with tears.
The pain was unbearable.
It felt like her scalp would tear apart.
But more than the pain—
It was the betrayal.
Her own family…
Treating her like this.
Rajesh stepped closer now.
His eyes cold.
Dangerously calm.
He stood right in front of Kirti, staring straight into her tear-filled eyes.
“Tell me the truth,” he said slowly. “Do you know where Miya is?”
Kirti shook her head weakly, crying.
“I… I don’t—”
“Think carefully,” he cut her off, his voice turning darker. “If you know something and you’re hiding it… then you’ll have to face the consequences of everything that happens next. Understand?”
Kirti’s body trembled.
Tears kept falling endlessly.
Her voice broke.
“I really don’t know…”
Rajesh took a deep breath.
His jaw tightened.
Then suddenly—
A cold, dangerous look crossed his face.
“Fine…”
He said quietly.
So quietly—
That it was more terrifying than his shouting.
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“Thank you so much for reading 🤍
For spoilers, please follow me on Instagram: @_authorsiya.writes
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