PUNARVIVAAH - ARRANGED TO LOVE (L&M #3) [COMPLETED]

SHOT 53

Vaiga's pov!

"Where are you lost?" Laya asked, startling me out of my thoughts. We were in the canteen during the lunch hour.

"Uh, nowhere," I lied, forcing a smile. But my mind was far from the present, stuck on the memory of two nights ago.

We had almost kissed. How could I let that happen?

It had been so unexpected. One moment I was tidying up the living room, and the next, I had tripped over the rag. Dev ji had caught me, his strong arms around me, our faces inches apart. His breath had fanned over my face, sending shivers down my spine. In that brief, suspended moment, the world had ceased to exist.

The spark that ignited between us had been undeniable. I could still feel his touch, his warmth enveloping me. It was a sensation I couldn't shake off, lingering in my thoughts, haunting me.

What was more shocking was that, over the past few days, I hadn't even once thought about Shiva. Since the day Mama and Papa left, leaving just the three of us, my life had become occupied with just Kriti and Dev ji. There was never a moment to think about Shiva.

I didn't know if it was a good thing or a bad thing. Part of me felt relief, as if moving on was a step forward. But another part of me was terrified. I didn't want to develop feelings for Dev ji. I was scared. I had loved and lost once, and the heartache had been unbearable. I don't think I could handle that again.

"Vaiga bhabhi!" Laya called again, snapping me out of my reverie.

"Yes?" I responded, trying to focus.

"Dadi called Papa yesterday. We all have to go to Kodakanalli in two weeks. There is a Pooja in the naan mandir. You have to light the Diya there after the Pooja," Laya said.

"Me?" I asked in shock.

"That's the tradition. The eldest daughter-in-law of the generation. The last two years the Pooja got cancelled because Kiara bhabhi refused to come over. Before Abhi bhai's marriage, Anjana bade ma used to light the Diya. But after Abhi bhai's marriage, Kiara bhabhi had to do it. But she refused to come," Laya explained.

"Oh..."

"And I am giving you a fair warning in advance. Things won't be smooth when we go there. Dadi is not like the lovely grandmothers seen in movies and TV shows. She is pure evil. She has tortured Anjana Maa and Mama a lot. Also, she dotes on her grandsons—Abhi bhai and Siddhu bhai. All the rest of us are like curry leaves. Unwanted, but still there. The only granddaughter she loves is elder aunt's elder daughter because she is a Xerox copy of Dadi. In looks and in character."

I shuddered, imagining an older version of Durga Devi awaiting me at Kodakanalli. The thought of facing such a person was daunting.

"I will manage," I said, though my voice lacked conviction.

Laya gave me a sympathetic smile.

"We will get through it together, bhabhi. Just remember, you are not alone. You are Abhay Dev Agnihotri's wife. Always remember that.."

Third person's pov!

Abhay sat across from Dr. Anuj in the familiar, comforting office that evening. The walls were adorned with calming artwork and soft, neutral colours, designed to make patients feel at ease. He felt a sense of comfort here, a safe space where he could open up without judgement.

"So, how are things going, Abhay?" Dr. Anuj asked, his voice gentle but probing.

"It's getting better now," I replied with a small smile. "Kriti and I are bonding more. It's still a challenge, but I feel more confident."