Humsafar

Chapter 1 - Entry of the ACP

Chapter One:

As the pheras concluded, a hush fell over the crowd. It was time for the sindoor and mangalsutra ceremony. Ranbir took a pinch of sindoor, poised to place it on his bride's forehead when a commanding voice echoed through the hall, halting everyone in their tracks.

"Ruk jao! Yeh shaadi nahin ho sakti!"

The room fell silent as all eyes turned to the source of the voice.
To everyone's shock, the figure stepping forward was none other than ACP Pravya Prem Rathore-a striking doppelgänger of Prachi but entirely different in demeanour.

She exuded confidence and authority, a sharp contrast to Prachi's gentle nature. Pravya was here on a serious mission: to investigate the circumstances surrounding Prachi's alleged suicide attempt.

The shock in the room was palpable, especially for Ranbir.
Pravya strode in with an air of authority, flanked by her team of inspectors.

"Hello, everyone. I am ACP Pravya Prem Rathore," she announced, her voice steady.

Rhea gasped, "What? Pravya? You're Prachi, right?"

Pravya smirked, "Prachi? I think you're mistaken. I'm ACP Pravya Prem Rathore, here to inquire about Prachi."

Pallavi interjected, "We have no connection to that girl. We need to continue this marriage, so it's best you leave."

"Sorry, Mrs. Kohli," Pravya replied, her tone unwavering. "An FIR has been filed against your family, which means I must ask you all questions regarding Prachi."

"Who filed this case?" Vikram demanded.
"Mr. Siddharth Kohli," Pravya stated.
Gasps filled the room.

"What? Siddharth?" Vikram echoed, disbelief etched on his face.
Siddharth stepped forward, his expression resolute. "Yes, it was me. I've wanted to file this for a long time. I thought things would improve, but they didn't. I'm sorry, but I had to act."

Pravya turned her attention to Ranbir. "Now, Mr. Ranbir Kohli, my questions are directed at you."

Rhea stepped in front of Pravya. "You can't talk to him like that!"
Pravya's eyes narrowed. "Step aside, or face the consequences."
Rhea stood her ground defiantly. "I won't!"

With a swift motion, Pravya pushed Rhea aside, causing her to stumble. The room gasped at the force of her action.

"Don't test me," Pravya warned, fixing her gaze on Ranbir.
"Mr. Kohli, as Prachi's husband, I need to ask you one crucial question: Have you divorced Prachi?"

"No," Ranbir replied, confusion evident.

"Then why is your signature on this divorce paper?" Pravya revealed, holding up the document.

"That's not my signature! I never signed anything!" Ranbir protested, panic rising in his voice.

"Then how do you explain this?" she pressed.
Ranbir was at a loss. "I swear, I didn't sign any divorce paper."

"Fine, I'll accept that. But if you didn't divorce her, why are you marrying this woman? It's illegal to marry without a divorce, you know."

Pallavi interjected, "You'd better leave, or we'll call your superiors!"
Pravya shot back, "Mrs. Kohli, I warned you to stay quiet. Otherwise, the consequences will be severe."

Pallavi's face paled as Pravya's intensity filled the room.

"Now, Mr. Ranbir Kohli, I have some news: Prachi attempted suicide," Pravya announced, her words sending shockwaves through the gathering.

Ranbir staggered back, hitting the wall. "No! My Prachi would never do that!"
"Why act surprised, Mr. Kohli? You're the reason she felt she had no choice," Pravya asserted.

"No! She wouldn't leave me like that! I can't live without her!" Ranbir shouted, desperation in his eyes.

Siddharth added, "You should have thought about that before blaming Prachi and me."
Pravya turned to Ranbir, her voice steady. "If you truly loved her, you'll end this illegal marriage right now."

Rhea protested, "Who are you to order him around?"
Pravya's patience snapped as she slapped Rhea with force, blood trickling from Rhea's lip. "Don't raise your voice to me. I will not hesitate to use this against you."

Pravya faced Ranbir again. "What's your decision? Do as I say, or prepare for jail time."

With no other option, Ranbir stepped forward, ignoring Rhea's protests.
He unfastened the gathbandhan and removed his turban, walking toward Pravya.

"As you requested, I've done everything. I love my wife more than anything," he declared.

"Good," Pravya replied. "I'll be staying here to investigate further and ensure this marriage doesn't happen."
Pallavi's frustration boiled over. "Vikram, call the commissioner! This girl is out of control!"

Pravya smiled knowingly. "That won't be necessary, Mrs. Kohli. I've already spoken to him."

That time the commissioner's voice echoed through the hall, he confirmed, "ACP Pravya will be residing with you to ensure this illegal marriage does not proceed. Understood?"
Pallavi could only stare in disbelief as Pravya's smirk deepened.

Dida stepped forward, clasping Pravya's hands. "You can stay as long as you need. I have a feeling my Prachi didn't commit suicide."
"Mrs. Kohli, that's exactly why I'm here. I suspect it's a murder attempt,"
Pravya replied, her gaze piercing through the crowd.

Some guests began to sweat nervously, realizing the implications of her words.

Dida continued, "I'll support you in finding out who did this. You have my blessings to stay."
Vikram hesitated. "But, beeji..."

"This is my house, and I'll decide who stays. Pravya, please find out the truth," Dida insisted.
"Yes, ma'am," Pravya replied with determination.

"Call me Dida," she added.
"Of course, Dida😊"
Pravya smiled, setting the stage for the unraveling mystery.

Questions of the Day:
1. Did Prachi truly commit suicide, or is there more to her story?

2. Who among the group is sweating at the mention of a possible murder?

3. How many of you liked ACP Pravya Prem Rathore?

Please tag all your friends, and don't forget to vote and leave your valuable comments!

Yours,
Sudha