Bound by Desire 18+

6.Letting her go

As Misha Di's fiancé and his family arrived, the Rathod family welcomed them warmly. Devansh took charge of the introductions, first presenting them to the business partners and then to the family.

As they came to the stage, he said, "This is my mother, Kokila Rathod, the grandmother of Misha. This is Rooh, Misha's younger sister, and my wife, Deepika, who you all already know. And this is Rudra Joshi, Misha's fiancé, and his family."

Vedanti and Shivya stood on the stage as well, but Devansh didn't introduce them. Rudra, noticing this, greeted Shivya with a casual "Hey," to which Shivya responded with a muttered "Hey."

The lack of acknowledgment of Vedanti didn't go unnoticed by the crowd. Rooh, trying to cover up the awkwardness, quickly said, "She's my close friend." Both Kokila and Vedanti snapped at Rooh, silencing her. Before anyone could react further, Deepika intervened, suggesting, "Let's start the ceremony."

Vedanti's excitement for the engagement faded as she kept looking at Shivya, her mind racing with questions. Is this the reason why Shivya doesn't accept me? Because of his family? She felt a deep sense of rejection and began to make her way toward her room, her heart heavy. Just as she was about to leave, Kokila stopped her, gently insisting, "Sit beside me."

Shivya noticed the change in Vedanti's demeanor. The excitement that had once shone in her eyes was now replaced with hurt. He realized that his family was treating her the same way they had treated him, but he was determined not to let Vedanti be affected by their behaviour.

As he moved towards Vedanti, he bumped into someone. The sight of the woman before him left him breathless. Sweat formed on his brow, and his fingers trembled. The woman smiled devilishly and taunted, "How is my son doing?"

Shivya, struggling to control his emotions, tried to ignore her and headed to his room. But the woman followed him, hiding in the shadows. Just as he was about to close the door, she stepped in between, blocking his way. "Look at you, my boy, all grown up—6'5" and still scared of a woman who's 5'2"," she laughed mockingly.

"Why are you here?" Shivya asked, his voice laced with difficulty and unease.

"I'm here to give my blessings to the newly wedded daughter-in-law," the woman replied with a sly smile. But as she mentioned Vedanti, something snapped in Shivya. His fear vanished, replaced by a fierce protectiveness. His eyes turned red with anger, and he grabbed the woman's neck, hissing, "Don't take her name from your mouth."

The woman, no longer laughing, was shocked. She had always thought Vedanti would be Shivya's weakness, but now she realized Vedanti was his strength. In all 27 years of Shivya's life, he had never looked her in the eyes, always panicking in her presence. But now, he was holding her neck, challenging her.

Before the situation could escalate further, Vedanti walked in, shocked at the scene. "What's going on here, Shivya? Let go of Bee!" she exclaimed.

Shivya froze, stunned by how Vedanti was addressing the woman. "Bee?" he whispered, confused.

Vedanti quickly took Bee inside and made her drink some water. She then turned to Shivya, scolding him, "What were you thinking? Are you out of your mind, Shivya? Why were you harming her?"

Shivya stood there, stunned, struggling to make sense of what was happening. Vedanti, now sitting beside Bee, softly asked, "What happened, Bee? Why are you here?"

Bee, still catching her breath, said sadly, "My son... I saw him, so I entered his place. But then I saw your photo in his bedroom, so I came inside. And when I did, this man," she said, pointing at Shivya, "held my neck and called me a thief. You know your Bee, na, Vedu? I'm not a thief!" Bee added with puppy eyes, trying to win Vedanti's sympathy.