Bound by Fate: A Love Unforseen

The Ties that Bind

The tension from the meeting with Daadi lingered in the air, a shadow that followed Khushi and Arnav as they moved through the days leading up to Payal and Akash's wedding. While the preparations continued at a relentless pace, both Khushi and Arnav found themselves grappling with the emotional weight of their situation.

Khushi had returned home after the encounter with Daadi feeling drained. She had done her best to hold her own against the formidable woman, but the experience had left her with a sense of inadequacy she couldn’t shake. Despite the support from Arnav and the rest of the Raizada family, Daadi’s words echoed in her mind, feeding her insecurities.

Meanwhile, Arnav was struggling with his own frustrations. He had always been someone who could handle any situation with ease, but the complexities of his relationship with Khushi were beginning to unravel him in ways he hadn’t anticipated. His grandmother’s disapproval was just another layer to the already complicated dynamics, and he found himself more determined than ever to protect Khushi from any further hurt.

### **A Visit from the Past**

One afternoon, as Khushi was helping Payal with her bridal jewelry, the doorbell rang, interrupting their quiet moment. Garima, who had been arranging wedding invitations, went to answer it. Moments later, she returned with a surprised expression.

"Khushi, there’s someone here to see you," Garima said, her tone curious.

Khushi exchanged a glance with Payal before standing up. "Who is it, Amma?"

"It’s Lavanya," Garima replied, still looking puzzled. "She says she’s an old friend of yours."

Khushi felt a mix of emotions at the mention of Lavanya’s name. It had been some time since they last saw each other. Their friendship had taken an unexpected turn when Lavanya realized how close Khushi and Arnav had become. Khushi had always cared for Lavanya, despite the complexities of their relationship, but she hadn’t expected her to visit.

As Khushi walked to the front room, her thoughts raced. What could Lavanya want after all this time? Was she here to confront her about the engagement? Or was there something else on her mind?

When Khushi entered the room, she found Lavanya standing by the window, looking as stylish and poised as ever. She turned around as soon as she heard Khushi’s footsteps, her expression unreadable.

"Lavanya," Khushi greeted her, forcing a smile. "It’s been a while. What brings you here?"

Lavanya returned the smile, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes. "It has been a while, hasn’t it? I heard about your engagement to ASR. I thought I should come and see you."

Khushi’s heart skipped a beat at the mention of Arnav. She wasn’t sure where this conversation was headed, but she braced herself for whatever Lavanya might say.

"Thank you for coming," Khushi replied, keeping her tone neutral. "It’s been a hectic time for both our families."

Lavanya nodded, her gaze fixed on Khushi. "I can imagine. I was surprised when I heard about your engagement. You and ASR… I didn’t see that coming."

Khushi felt a pang of guilt. She had never intended for things to turn out this way, but the situation had taken on a life of its own. "It wasn’t something I expected either, Lavanya. But it’s what our families decided, and we’re trying to make it work."

Lavanya sighed, her expression softening slightly. "I’m not here to cause trouble, Khushi. I just… I needed to see you, to understand how this happened."

Khushi looked into Lavanya’s eyes and saw a mix of emotions—hurt, confusion, and perhaps a trace of the old friendship they once shared. She realized that Lavanya wasn’t here to fight, but to seek closure.