Shattered (Book #1 In Heart Series)✔️

Chapter 19: Finalized?

The Rai family was seated in the guest house of the Singhania mansion, discussing the marriage proposal. Kritika listened silently to her parents' opinions.

"Papa, please try to understand. I can't marry him. We won't be happy," Kritika tried to explain.

"Beta, it will be difficult at first, but trust me, after some time, you both will slowly fall for each other," Ishita said gently.

Kritika thought, *Me and that Khadoos in love? No way.*

"And Kritika, we want only your happiness. Aditya is a nice guy. He is respected in society and is also a successful businessman," Raman added.

"Yes, and becoming the Singhanias' daughter-in-law is not a small thing. This family loves you a lot, Kriti," Ishita said. Kritika looked at her brother and sister-in-law, who had been silent until now.

"Bhai, Bhabhi, what about you? Don't you want to say anything?" Kritika asked.

"Kriti, I think Mom and Dad are right. Just give this a chance," Arjun said.

"Yes, Kriti, I think this proposal is good for you," Shivanya added.

*I'm sure my family won't accept my decision, but what if Mr. Singhania says no to this proposal? Since he hates me, I'm 100% sure he will never accept this. So let's play innocent in front of them,* Kritika smirked inwardly.

"Okay, I'm ready for you guys," Kritika said innocently. The Rai family erupted in happiness.
            ________ . __________

Meanwhile, the Singhanias were trying to convince Aditya to accept the proposal.

"Adi beta, for your Ma, please say yes. Kritika is perfect for you," Swetha pleaded. Aditya closed his eyes, thinking about Samaira. If she were alive, he would be a happily married man. A tear rolled down his cheek as he thought about his past. His family didn't see it, as he was facing away from them.

"Adi, your Daadi always wishes for your happiness. I am sure Kritika is the one who can bring that to you. That's why I brought this proposal forward," Maheshwari said.

Aditya turned to them. "I need some time. Excuse me," he said and walked outside.

Abhimanyu followed him. He found Aditya in the backyard, shaking and crying. He ran to him and hugged him tightly.

"Aditya, why are you crying?" Abhimanyu asked, making him sit on a bench.

"Bhai, I can't. It hurts," Aditya said, sobbing.

"Aditya, I know you're hiding something big from us. If you consider me your brother, please share your pain," Abhimanyu said.

"I will, Bhai," Aditya started, recounting his dreadful past. Abhimanyu was shocked and tears formed in his eyes, thinking about his brother's pain.

"Now tell me, Bhai, how can I marry Kritika when my heart still beats for Samaira? If I marry her, it will be like I've cheated on Samaira," Aditya explained. Abhimanyu understood his words but, as a brother, he wanted only Aditya's happiness. He had seen changes in Adi in the presence of Kritika and believed she could bring him happiness.

"Adi, I don't know what to say, but believe one thing: God has destined someone for you, and that must be Kritika, not Samaira," Abhimanyu said. Aditya's rage flared at his words.

"Bhai, stop talking like that," Aditya gritted his teeth in anger.

Abhimanyu sighed, his words heavy with concern. "I know my words irked you, but think about Daadi and the others. They have high hopes for yours and Kritika's wedding. They're doing this to make you happy. And just consider Daadi's situation. She only recently emerged from her own struggles. Imagine her reaction if she were to learn about your past."

Aditya remained silent, contemplating Abhimanyu's words.

"I'm not suggesting that you fully accept Kritika and replace Samaira," Abhimanyu continued. "But for now, marry her. Try to understand her, and slowly but surely, she may find a place in your heart and your life."

Aditya absorbed his brother's advice, the weight of his decision heavy on his shoulders.

"Think about it and decide. Everyone is waiting for your one decision".

 All the memories of Samaira flashed in Aditya's mind. Then he thought about his mom and Daadi, their teary eyes. He decided not to be selfish for their sake. With a heavy heart, he walked back inside the mansion.
                 __________ . __________

*Oh God, I'll do anything if that Khadoos says no. Please, God, make him say no,* Kritika was praying continuously in her mind. She was sitting in the living room with her family and the Singhanias, waiting for Aditya.

"Ma, he's here," Priya announced. Everyone looked at him except Kritika. She clutched her dupatta tightly.

"Adi, what did you decide?" Maheshwari asked. Aditya looked at his family, whose eyes were filled with hope.

"Yes, Daadi. I am ready," Aditya said without emotion. Kritika was shocked and looked at him, bewildered. Everyone else cheered in happiness.

"Kritika beta, finally you will be my bahu," Swetha said, hugging Kritika, who managed a fake smile.

*Why, God? Why me? My dream of getting a prince charming has finally come to an end,* Kritika cried inwardly.

Feeling someone's gaze, she lifted her eyelashes and saw Aditya looking at her with hatred. She became scared and looked down, tears welling up in her eyes.
"Gautam ji, what's all this happiness about?" Raj Mehra asked, entering the mansion with Sakshi Mehra and Karthik.

"Raj, finally, my Aditya is getting married," Gautam said with a smile. Karthik looked stunned and glanced at Aditya, who stood sternly. He decided to talk to him later.

"What a coincidence. We also came here to invite you all to another wedding," Raj said.

"Whose wedding, Raj ji?" Swetha asked.

"Karthik's," Sakshi Mehra said. Aditya and Kritika looked at Karthik, who was blushing. They thought about Aradhya.

"Who is the girl, Sakshi?" Swetha asked.

"Karthik, go and bring her," Raj said. Karthik went outside. After a few seconds, he returned, holding a girl's hand. The Rai family, along with Ahana, were shocked. Kritika beamed with happiness.

"Aradhya?" Raman asked in disbelief.

"Yes, Uncle. I know you consider Aradhya as your daughter. I promise to love her and take care of her till my last breath. So, will you give your daughter's hand to me?" Karthik asked sincerely.

 Aradhya and Kritika had tears of happiness. Raman nodded, and Karthik smiled. Ishita hugged her.

"Finally, we're having double weddings this month," Raj said.

"Yes, and by the way, who is Aditya's bride?" Sakshi asked. Kritika looked down, and Aditya clenched his jaw.

"Sakshi, she is my daughter-in-law and Aditya's bride, Kritika," Swetha said, side-hugging Kritika. Aradhya and Karthik were shocked.

"Swetha, your choice is perfect. She will be a wonderful match for our Adi," Sakshi said, patting Kritika's cheek. Kritika managed a small smile.

"Gautam, Raman ji, why don't we have their weddings on the same day? Both brides and grooms are friends, right?" Raj suggested. Everyone smiled at the idea.

"That's a great idea. It will be a memorable moment for our children," Ishita said.

"Gautam, call our family priest as soon as possible so we can look for auspicious dates," Maheshwari announced.

Everyone was happy, except for the two souls who were crying inside, hiding behind their fake smiles.