𝖉𝖎𝖘𝖎𝖑𝖑𝖚𝖘𝖎𝖔𝖓 | ✓

𝔱𝔢𝔫

She'd spent hours tossing and turning in bed the previous night: thinking about the bridal swap and the guilt that ate her up from the inside at having broken the promise that Gauri and her had made to each other to always protect Bhavya; to not let the young woman go through the same things they'd had to go through in becoming an Oberoi bahu.

As Annika watched Saumya take pheres around the fire with Rudra, her guilt intensified over and over until the only sounds that buzzed in her head were aaj se aap dono pati-patni hain and traitor.

The sounds of clapping broke her self depreciating wallowing and she turned around to see Svetlana walking inside on a designed seat carried by a few men: much like a bride in a palanquin.

Annika's heart lurched as Svetlana threw her a meaningful look—— she wondered if it was general amusement or genuine satisfaction and gratitude.

Annika looked on as Saumya was unveiled; the shocked faces of the Oberois; and her husband and brother-in-law's dhol dance. She closed her eyes, looking away in shame, wondering if they had truly lost their minds.

"Lagta hain you've lost your minds," Svetlana smirked. She turned to look at Annika, "Waise Shivaay, do thank your wife."

Saumya came up to stand beside her sister in front of Annika, "Truly, Annika Bhabhi." Saumya grabbed Annika's hands in hers, "I couldn't have done all his without you. Thank you." The younger woman hugged her.

Annika felt sick to her stomach until her husband interrupted, chuckling. "Tumhari behen ke shaadi kiske saath hui hain, woh toh check karo first." Annika frowned at her husband who winked at her before cupping his hands around his mouth, "Rudy! Bhavya! Come on in!"

Annika nearly sagged in relief as Rudra entered the hall, dancing and jumping in excitement. Her panic and guilt lessened slightly as Bhavya exited the palanquin, a happy smile on her face as she danced alongside her husband. Annika watched happily, as Rudra and Bhavya touched the elders' feet, seeking blessings.

Kalyani Oberoi's smile was the happiest.

As her youngest brother-in-law and sister-in-law stood in front of her she put her hands together in front of them, asking for forgiveness.

"Nahi, Bhabhi," Bhavya shook her head. "Aapki waje se hii toh Shivaay Bhaiya ne mujhe dhoondh paye and we were able to get married." She glanced at her husband who nodded.

Annika looked at Shivaay who tilted his head. She raised an eyebrow, indicating he could've told her something to dispel her worries. He merely shrugged, before turning to face Svetlana.

"We're not as twisted as you are Svetlana," Shivaay chuckled. "Saumya's wedding to the person beside her was fake," he shook his head in mock disappointment, "But since you've sent the video to the media claiming it to be real." He trailed off, letting the Kapoor sisters fill in the gaps.

"Waise," Rudra spoke up, "Will you not introduce us to your husband Saumya? Aapne best friend ki husband se milna hain mujhe, after all, Jijaji hain na meri?" Rudra turned to look at his ex-wife with a glint in his eyes.

"My name's Ramlal," the groom spoke up.

"Just shut up!" Saumya snapped.

Shivaay and the rest of the family surrounded Svetlana, clapping while he and Omkara beat the drums to their heart's content.

"Just stop it!" Svetlana snapped.

Shivaay paused, eyebrows raised in amusement before he complied. "I told you before Svetlana," he handed the drum off to a dhol wala, "No matter what you throw our way, we'll always come out on top."