The engagement day arrived, bringing with it an air of anticipation. The grand hall of the Rathod estate glittered with lights, filled with the elite of high society. The media hovered at the edges, eager to capture the union of two of the most powerful families.
Abhi adjusted his cufflinks, taking a steady breath. He had spent the past few weeks detaching himself from the pain of Ruhi's betrayal, focusing instead on the life ahead. But today, standing before the mirror, a thought nagged at him-was he truly ready?
A soft knock pulled him from his thoughts. Ishika stepped in, stunning in an elegant gold and ivory lehenga. She looked at him, assessing, before she smirked. "You look like a man about to face a firing squad."
He chuckled, shaking his head. "Not quite, but close."
She tilted her head. "If you're having second thoughts-"
"I'm not." His voice was firm. He met her gaze. "This isn't just for our families anymore, Ishika. I've made my choice."
Something flickered in her eyes, something softer. "Then let's go show them."
They walked into the hall together, the world watching. But as they stood before the priest, a commotion broke out at the entrance.
Ruhi.
She stood there, breathless, eyes wild, ignoring the whispers that erupted around her. "Abhi!" she called out, her voice desperate.
A hush fell over the crowd. Ishika stiffened beside him, but she didn't move.
Abhi turned slowly, meeting Ruhi's gaze. The woman who once held his heart now looked like a stranger to him.
"I made a mistake," Ruhi pleaded, stepping forward. "Please... I love you."
The weight of her words fell heavy in the silence. The entire hall seemed to hold its breath, waiting for his response.
But Abhi didn't hesitate. He looked at her one last time and simply said, "No."
Ruhi's face crumbled, but he didn't waver. He turned back to Ishika, took her hand, and as the priest resumed the ceremony, he realized-
As he looked into Ishika's eyes, he saw not just a partner chosen for him, but a woman who understood the weight of expectations just as he did. And as they exchanged vows, Abhi realized-they weren't just fulfilling their families' wishes. They were choosing each other, forging a bond that was theirs alone.
....the end....