Fated Ties

Chapter 42

The sound of dhols and drums echoed through the streets as Armaan made a grand entrance, dancing to the lively beats of the band. His energy was infectious, and the entire Poddar and Goenka family clapped and cheered. The sangeet ceremony was officially in full swing, and the atmosphere was electric with excitement.

Armaan twirled, danced, and waved to his family, his joy clearly visible in every step. The celebration had only just begun, and everyone was already having a blast.

**Charu** (teasing): "Armaan Bhai, looks like you’re trying to win over Ruhi bhabhi even before the real challenge begins!"

**Krish** (grinning): "Oh, it’s not going to be easy for you, Bhaiya! Winning Ruhi Bhabhi in this challenge is going to be tough!"

Krish called out to the girls' side, motioning them to come forward. Vidya, Charu, and the rest of the women gathered, giggling among themselves. Each of them wore a ghunghat (veil), completely covering their faces, making it nearly impossible to tell who was who.

**Vidya** (smiling mischievously): "Let’s see how well Armaan knows Ruhi. He claims he’ll find her, but will he really?"

**Manjari** (joining in with a teasing tone): "Armaan, my boy, Ruhi is like my shadow. I know her better than anyone. Let’s see if you can find her with just a touch!"

**Krish** (laughing): "Oh, this is going to be fun! Alright, Bhaiya, here’s the deal. You’re blindfolded, and you have to find Ruhi bhabhi from all the girls who have their faces covered. If you choose wrong… well, you’ll have to face a forfeit!"

Armaan’s confidence didn’t waver. He adjusted his shirt collar, smirking at the challenge.

**Armaan** (determined): "I’ll find my Ruhi, no matter what. I know her so well that nothing can trick me."

**Madhav** (smiling warmly): "You have to do this, beta. Trust your instincts. A husband should know his wife even with his eyes closed."

The family laughed and cheered as Armaan was blindfolded. The girls gathered in a line, their ghunghats covering their faces completely. Armaan stood before them, his hands outstretched, ready to begin the challenge.

**Vidya** (laughing): "Let’s see how well you know your Ruhi, Armaan. Can you tell her apart just by touch?"

**Manish** (smiling): "This is going to be interesting. If he chooses wrong, we’ll tease him for the rest of his life!"

**Swarna** (nudging Surekha): "He seems so confident, but finding Ruhi won’t be easy."

**Dadisa** (teasingly): "Armaan beta, take your time. Don’t be in a hurry. Ruhi is waiting for you, but you have to find her first."

The tension built as Armaan moved towards the first girl, his hand reaching out. He gently touched her hand but quickly withdrew, knowing immediately it wasn’t Ruhi. He moved on to the second, then the third, each time shaking his head.

**Armaan** (smirking): "Nice try, but I know Ruhi’s touch. This isn’t her."

As he approached the fourth girl, his hand paused for a moment. He touched her wrist, and a smile spread across his face.

**Armaan** (confidently): "Ruhi, is that you?"

The girl remained silent, but she gently moved her hand, as if signaling something to him. Armaan chuckled.

**Armaan** (softly): "Listen, Ruhi… I know it’s you."

He held her hand firmly, and the girl smiled beneath her ghunghat. At that moment, Vidya stepped forward and lifted the veil, revealing Ruhi’s beaming face.