His Rooh

09 | His Victory

Rudraksh

The Shekhawat Palace was buzzing with activity, the air thick with the excitement and anticipation of the upcoming engagement ceremony at the Malhotra Mansion. Servants scurried about, finalizing preparations, while family members dressed in their finest attire, ready to celebrate the union of Vikram and Aruhi.

But amidst the joyous chaos, I stood apart, my mind far from peaceful. It wasn't because today was the day my obsession would get engaged to my brother. No, I wouldn't let it go that far. I was waiting for the first part of my plan to work, the plan that would ensure Aruhi would never belong to Vikram.

I had always known this day would come. Ever since the engagement was announced, I had been meticulously crafting my strategy, anticipating every possible move. Aruhi, her family and even my family had no idea what was coming.

As I watched the flurry of activity around me, I couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. Everything was set in motion. The pieces were in place, and it was only a matter of time before the first domino fell.

I glanced at my watch, counting down the minutes until everyone wonders where Vikram was.

I could hardly wait to see the confusion and shock on everyone's faces when they realized what had happened.

But more than anything, I was eager to see Aruhi's reaction. Would she be devastated? Relieved? Confused? I didn't know, and that uncertainty both thrilled and unnerved me. All I knew was that I couldn't allow her to marry Vikram. She was meant to be with me, and today was the first step in making that a reality.

I took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm of emotions within me.

As the final preparations were made, everyone gathered in the living room, their excitement turning to confusion and concern as the minutes ticked by with no sign of Vikram. Whispers filled the room, and soon people were frantically calling his phone, searching the palace for any trace of him.

"Where could he be?" dada sa muttered, worry creasing his brows.

"Has anyone seen Vikram?" kaki sa asked, her voice tinged with rising panic.

The atmosphere grew increasingly tense, the joyous anticipation of the morning replaced by a heavy sense of dread. Just as the worry reached its peak, the grand doors of the palace creaked open.

Vikram stood there, but he wasn't alone. Beside him was a girl, her head bowed slightly, her hand clasped tightly in his. Both wore flower garlands around their necks, traditional symbols of a wedding. The girl also had vermillion in her hairline and a mangalsutra around her neck, marking her as a married woman.

Gasps of shock echoed through the room. My family's faces were a mix of confusion and disbelief, while my heart raced with triumph. I couldn't help the smirk that tugged at my lips.

This was only the beginning.

~~~~~~~~~

Author

The Shekhawat Palace, once filled with excitement and joy, now stood in a tense silence, the shock of Vikram's unexpected appearance with the mystery girl rippling through the room. The sight of the newly married couple sent waves of disbelief and confusion among the gathered family members, except for Rudraksh, who stood in the corner of the room with his hands crossed over his muscular chest, watching the first part of his plan unfold.

Vaishnavi Shekhawat was the first to break the stunned silence. Rushing towards the door, her eyes wide with panic, she clutched Vikram's arm, her voice trembling. "Vikram, what have you done?" Tears welled up in her eyes, her voice choked with emotion as she tried to comprehend the situation. "Ab hum Aruhi aur uski family ko kya muh dikhayenge?" she muttered frantically, her mind racing with the repercussions.