His wife

RETURNING HOME

Five months had passed since Kritika had settled into her new life at Delhi University. Her days were filled with lectures, study groups, and the vibrant social life of the campus. She had grown accustomed to the rhythm of her new routine, and her aspirations were steadily taking shape. However, her thoughts often drifted back to her family in Bihar, especially with Diksha and Karan's wedding approaching.

Kritika packed her suitcase carefully, her mind a whirl of mixed emotions. She was happy for Diksha but couldn't help feeling a pang of uncertainty about returning home. The memories of the last family gathering still lingered, and she wondered how things would unfold this time.

As she zipped up her suitcase, her phone buzzed with a message from her mother. "Ready to go? The car will pick you up in 30 minutes."

Kritika took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves. She grabbed her bag and headed out, locking her dorm room behind her. The car ride to the private airstrip was filled with silence, the anticipation of the journey ahead weighing heavily on her mind.

At the airstrip, a sleek private jet awaited her, courtesy of the Bharadwaj family. Kritika boarded, finding her seat in the luxurious cabin. The plane took off smoothly, and soon they were cruising high above the clouds.

She glanced out the window, trying to sort through her emotions. How was she supposed to feel about Karan and Diksha's wedding? How would her family react to her return? These questions swirled in her mind, but she pushed them aside, focusing on the moment.

The flight was relatively short, and before long, they were descending towards Bihar. The sprawling estate of Singh Haveli came into view, its grandeur a stark contrast to the simplicity of Kritika's hostel room. The car ride from the airstrip to the haveli was filled with nostalgia, the familiar sights and sounds of her hometown bringing a rush of memories.

As she arrived at Singh Haveli, the hustle and bustle of wedding preparations greeted her. The grand dining hall was being decorated with flowers, and the aroma of delicious dishes wafted through the air. Kritika's parents, Sunaina and Pawan Kumar Singh, were there to welcome her with warm hugs and smiles.

"Kritika, it's so good to see you," her mother said, her eyes shining with pride.

Kritika smiled, feeling a wave of warmth wash over her. "It's good to be home, Ma."

Pawan Kumar Singh gave her a gentle pat on the back. "You've grown so much, Kritika. We're proud of you."

They led her inside, where the rest of the family was gathered. Diksha, the bride-to-be, looked radiant in her bridal attire, surrounded by friends and family. Karan was nearby, looking dashing in his traditional sherwani, but his eyes seemed distant, lost in thought.

Kritika approached Diksha, her smile genuine. "Congratulations, Diksha. You look beautiful."

Diksha blushed, her eyes twinkling with happiness. "Thank you, Kritika. I'm so glad you're here."

As the evening progressed, the atmosphere was filled with joy and excitement. There were rituals to be performed, songs to be sung, and dances to be danced. Kritika found herself caught up in the whirlwind of festivities, her earlier apprehensions fading away.

During a quieter moment, Karan approached Kritika. "Can we talk?"

Kritika nodded, following him to a secluded corner of the garden. The night was cool, and the stars twinkled above them. Karan's expression was serious, his usual confident demeanor replaced with uncertainty.

"I wanted to thank you, Kritika," he began, his voice sincere. "For standing up for yourself back then. It made me realize a lot of things about my own life and choices."

Kritika was taken aback but nodded, encouraging him to continue.

"I was angry at first, but now I understand. You were right to pursue your dreams. And it's made me think about what I truly want," he said, his gaze fixed on the ground.

Kritika smiled softly. "It's important to follow your heart, Karan. I'm glad you found your path."

Karan looked up, his eyes meeting hers. "I hope we can be friends, Kritika. I respect you a lot, and I want you to know that I wish you all the best."

Kritika felt a weight lift off her shoulders. "I'd like that, Karan. Friends."

They shook hands, a silent agreement that the past was behind them and a new chapter was beginning. As they rejoined the celebrations, Kritika felt a renewed sense of peace. She had come a long way, and this trip had shown her just how much she had grown.

The wedding day arrived with much fanfare. The ceremony was beautiful, filled with traditional rituals and heartfelt vows. Diksha and Karan looked radiant together, their smiles lighting up the entire haveli.

Kritika watched from the sidelines, her heart full of hope and contentment. She knew her journey was just beginning, and she was ready to embrace whatever the future held. With the support of her family and friends, she felt confident in her path and excited for the adventures that lay ahead.

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