On Rishab's Wedding.
What if Sarla Arora had never been kidnapped, and instead, both Sarla and Preeta Arora used technology—like cell phones—to avoid unnecessary heartbreak and spare us from an extra 1,000 episodes of drama? Imagine the ease with which a simple picture and video could save all the mess. So here is my version.
Sarla Arora's heart skipped a beat when she spotted Sherlyn casually shopping for a wedding dress at a boutique. But something didn't sit right—Rishabh's bachelor party was happening that very night, so why was Sherlyn out here, alone, picking out bridal wear in secret? Suspicion gnawed at Sarla, and her instincts pushed her to follow Sherlyn from a distance, careful not to be seen. What could this sly woman be up to now? Sherlyn's path led her to a secluded mandir, where a man, face hidden beneath a sehra, awaited her. Sarla's breath caught in her throat as she hid behind a pillar, eyes wide with disbelief. As the pair began performing wedding rituals, Sarla's hands trembled, but she knew confronting Sherlyn now would be a mistake. Instead, she pulled out her phone, heart racing, and started recording the scene, this was the evidence she needed.
Sarla had always known Sherlyn was up to no good. The woman had been scheming against Preeta and Shristi for long. But this? Marrying another man in secret while planning to become Rishabh's wife? It was unforgivable. Rishabh and Karan were practically like sons to Sarla, always coming to her family's aid in their darkest moments. How could she stand by and watch this betrayal unfold? No, she couldn't. Sarla had to protect the Luthras; the only way to do that was by gathering undeniable proof of Sherlyn's deceit. This recording could be her only chance to expose Sherlyn before she destroyed not just Rishabh's life, but the entire Luthra family. With a deep breath, Sarla steadied her shaking hands and recorded everything.
On the other side of town, the bachelor party was in full swing. The hall was alive with the pounding beats of Punjabi music, champagne glasses sparkling in the air as bodies swayed to the rhythm. Laughter and celebration echoed in every corner, but amidst the vibrant chaos, Karan felt a growing unease. He was surrounded by fans, their cheers ringing in his ears, but his eyes darted across the hall. Preeta was nowhere to be found.
Just moments ago, they had been dancing together, her body pressed against his, his hands resting lightly on her waist as she swayed in perfect sync with him. In the dim lights of the dance floor, she seemed to merge with the night itself, her black gown shimmering like a constellation of stars. She had been radiant, glowing in a way that left everyone in awe. Her laughter had filled the air when he playfully reached up to touch her earring, and she teasingly reprimanded him. He couldn't resist teasing her back, and she threw her head back in laughter, her delicate, swan-like neck exposed to him still in his arms as if she belonged there and nowhere else.
But then the song changed. She had pulled away, insisting she needed water. He, stubborn as ever, had tried to keep her close, pleading for just one more dance. She smiled and promised she'd return shortly, leaving him with a lingering touch that sent warmth through him. It had only been ten minutes, but now an unsettling feeling nibbled at him.
Something wasn't right. He could still feel the weight of people's gazes from earlier. Preeta had always been beautiful, but tonight......tonight, she was mesmerizing, almost ethereal. He had noticed the way people were looking at her, admiration mingling with something darker. That was why he had kept a close watch on her, unwilling to let her out of his sight for too long. And now she was gone for too long. A chill crept into his veins, drowning out the music and the laughter. Karan's heart beat faster as his gaze searched the crowd frantically. Something was wrong. Something he couldn't explain, but it was there, tugging at him like an invisible force. Preeta wasn't just anyone...... she was his Preeta.
Karan barely excused himself as he shoved through the crowd, driven by a surge of panic and something deeper, more primal. He'd never felt this way before, not for anyone. He had friends, girlfriends even, and losing them never stung, he could laugh it off without a second thought. But Preeta? The very thought of someone else's eyes lingering on her made his vision blur with anger. She was precious to him, in a way he couldn't fully understand, but one thing was clear, he would move heaven and earth to keep her to himself. As he pushed his way toward the kitchen, his heart raced wildly. She had said she was just getting water. She should have been back by now. He couldn't shake the image of her from just a few minutes ago, her laughter, her fragrant body soft against his as they danced, her black gown shimmering like stars. She was a vision, and in that moment, she had been his. But now she was gone, and something dark twisted in his chest.
Suddenly, a scream tore through the air....... sharp, desperate. Karan froze, his blood turning to ice. It was her. It was Preeta.
His heart stopped, then restarted with a violent jolt. He didn't think. He couldn't think. The only thing that mattered was that she was in trouble, and he wasn't there. She was scared, crying out in his house, and he wasn't there to hold her, to promise her that he wouldn't let anything happen. That scream, full of fear and helplessness, was the sound he knew he would hate for the rest of his life. He dashed forward like a man possessed, his mind racing. The thought of her in danger ripped through him, each step a battle against the terror clawing at him. How could he have let this happen? How could he not have been there to protect her? With every heartbeat, one truth pounded harder and harder in his chest........he couldn't lose her.
And then it hit him with brutal force, the truth he'd been blind to until now. It wasn't just fear driving him, it was something else. Something that steals your breath, that makes your chest ache with every heartbeat, that makes the thought of life without her unbearable. Something that made the idea of her being hurt felt like the world was collapsing around him. The mere thought of her slipping away, of someone else holding her, of her smiling at another man, felt like death.
It was love. Real, soul-consuming love
He was in love with his best friend, his baby doll. She was everything to him. Her laughter set his heart on fire, and the sight of her tears stirred a fierce, protective rage in him as if he'd burn the world down just to keep her safe. She was everything, his anchor, his reason for being. And now, as he raced through the halls, heart pounding like a drum in his chest, Karan finally understood one undeniable truth: it wasn't just that he loved Preeta Arora........he had always loved her, from the very start.
A/N
Hey everyone! I'm excited to share a little interlude from the upcoming chapter. I've been playing around with this idea and I'd love to know your thoughts! Should I bring Rishabh into the scene, or would you prefer to see Karan and Preeta bond through the tension and distress? Your input means a lot to me, so don't hesitate to share your thoughts!
Thank you so much for your patience. I'm working to deliver some truly delicious chapters, and I promise, it'll be worth the wait. Stay tuned for more exciting updates, and I can't wait to hear from you all! 💖
