WARNING : Abuse and trigger scenes present. Read with risk and get ready for an emotional suspense thriller journey with tissue boxes
[Started on 2020, Rewritten and Republished on 2024]
"I married you, but that doesn't mean you can control my life...
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Kritika stormed into her house, her anger palpable in the air as she threw her bag onto the couch.
"Ma, Pa, bhai, come down!" she called out, her voice laced with frustration.
Raman, Ishita, Arjun, Shanaya, and Aradhya quickly descended the stairs to find Kritika visibly upset.
"How could you, bhai? How could you do this to me?" Kritika demanded, tears welling up in her eyes.
Arjun looked bewildered. "Kriti, what are you saying? I don't understand."
"Don't act innocent, bhai. You know exactly what I'm talking about—the contract with Mr. Singhania," Kritika accused, her voice trembling with emotion.
"Why are you silent, huh? Don't you have anything to say?" Kritika's voice rose with each word.
"Kriti, remember you're speaking to your brother," Ishita interjected sternly.
"Yes, he's my brother, and brothers don't betray their sisters. But he did, Ma," Kritika lamented, her vulnerability evident.
"Not just him, Papa betrayed me too. He knew about the contract. Please tell me, why did you do this?" Kritika pleaded, tears streaming down her cheeks. Aradhya enveloped her in a comforting hug.
Raman and Arjun exchanged worried glances, realizing the gravity of the situation. Arjun excused himself and entered Kritika's room.
He approached her cautiously, intending to comfort her, but Kritika recoiled. "Don't you dare touch me, bhai. I never expected this from you," she warned, her voice trembling with hurt.
"Kritika, I know you're angry, but please listen to me. Just this once," Arjun pleaded, his own eyes glistening with unshed tears.
Kritika relented, nodding silently as she sat on the bed.
"Kritika, our company was on the brink of collapse. We were facing bankruptcy, lost contracts, and our employees were leaving. Gautam sir offered us a lifeline—a partnership with Singhania Company. I initially refused, but considering our family's welfare, I agreed. I never wanted us to be destitute. Tell me, Kriti, was I wrong? I should have consulted you, but I couldn't bear to see you in pain. Please, if you can, forgive me," Arjun implored, his voice filled with remorse.
Kritika was stunned into silence, her anger momentarily subsiding as she processed her brother's words.
Wiping her tears, she embraced him tightly. "I'm sorry, bhai. I shouldn't have yelled at you. I never imagined you were carrying such a burden. And now, I'm not angry anymore," she confessed
Arjun's eyes filled with gratitude and relief as he returned her embrace. "Thank you, Kriti. I thought you'd hate me," he admitted, his voice choked with emotion.
"No, bhai. I could never hate you, even when I'm angry," Kritika reassured him, her heart heavy with understanding.
Their tender moment was interrupted by a knock at the door. Arjun composed himself and opened it to find Ishita standing there, her expression grave.
"What's wrong, Ma?" Arjun inquired, his concern evident.
Ishita's voice was strained as she replied, "Tell Kritika to come downstairs. The Singhania and Mehra families are here."
Arjun's heart sank, realizing the gravity of the situation. "Why are they here, Ma?" Kritika asked, her voice trembling with apprehension.
"I don't know, beta. Please wash your face and come downstairs," Ishita urged before leaving, leaving Kritika and Arjun stunned.
Kritika gathered herself and descended the stairs, joining the rest of her family. Despite her efforts to appear composed, her inner turmoil was evident to Aditya, who observed her with concern.
As the families exchanged pleasantries, Kritika struggled to maintain her facade. Swetha Singhania's enthusiastic embrace only intensified her discomfort.
"How are you, beta?" Swetha inquired, oblivious to Kritika's inner turmoil.
"I'm fine, aunty," Kritika replied with a forced smile, her mind racing with uncertainty.
"Stop calling me aunty. Soon, you'll be my daughter-in-law. So, call me Ma," Swetha insisted, her excitement palpable.
Kritika's shock was palpable as she processed Swetha's words. "What do you mean, 'soon,'
Swetha ji?" Ishita interjected, her concern evident.
"Oh, I forgot to mention—the wedding date has been set. Yesterday, I consulted the priest, and he suggested an auspicious date later this month—September 25th," Swetha announced cheerfully, unaware of the turmoil her words caused.
The Rai family exchanged shocked glances, struggling to comprehend the sudden turn of events.
"But how will we manage all the preparations in such a short time?" Raman questioned, his anxiety mounting.
"Don't worry, Raman. We'll help you with everything. The venue is in Udaipur," Gautam reassured, his tone filled with enthusiasm.
Kritika's discomfort grew as she excused herself and retreated to her room. Once alone, she collapsed onto her bed, her mind reeling with uncertainty and fear.
As tears streamed down her cheeks, a loud knock at the door startled her. Turning, she was shocked to find Aditya standing there, his gaze searching.
"Were you crying?" he asked, his voice softer than before.
"No," Kritika denied, hastily wiping her tears.
"You're making this worse, Kritika. Don't act like this in front of my family," Aditya chided, his frustration evident.
"What do you mean, 'act'? You have no idea what I'm feeling right now," Kritika retorted, her anger resurfacing.
"Please, just go. I don't want others to hear us arguing," she pleaded, her voice trembling with emotion.
Aditya regarded her silently before exiting the room, leaving Kritika alone with her tumultuous thoughts.
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