Armaan finally entered the Goenka house. He was beyond angry at this point. He wished he could murder her away. This obsession of Roohi has gone beyond his tolerance now. But first, right now, his Abhira is his priority. Then he would deal with the perpetrators.
Armaan looked at Abhira's face and he could feel her relief from afar. He sat beside her in the mandap and controlled his anger.
"Kya hua tha?" Abhira asked worriedly, seeing the anger brimming in her khadusmaan's eyes.
"Will tell you later. Let's get married first." Armaan said slowly.
As the pandit's chants filled the air, Armaan's gaze locked onto Abhira, his heart swelling with emotion. Her radiant smile, illuminated by the soft glow of the diyas, took his breath away. The intricate henna designs on her hands seemed to dance in harmony with the vibrations of the sacred mantras.
Adorned in a crimson lehenga, her dark hair elegantly braided, Abhira's beauty mesmerized Armaan. He felt as if he was the only person in the room, the world narrowing to the space between them. His eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled, his heart beating in sync with hers.
Abhira's eyes, shining like polished onyx, met Armaan's, and her smile faltered for an instant, revealing a fleeting glimpse of nervousness. But as their gazes held, her confidence returned, and she smiled back, her lips curling upward.
Manish Goenka came forward to do her Kanyadaan when Armaan refused him and said sternly,
"Manisha Chachi sa aap aage aaiye. Kanyadaan aap karegi. Afterall beti sirf aapne mana hai." Abhira looked at Armaan with a heavy heart. She could surely feel something is tremendously wrong.
Manisha came forward along with Manoj and happily did Abhira's Kanyadaan. She blessed her two favorite children to have a happy married life.
The air was heavy with tension, the atmosphere divided. Some members wore forced smiles, while others whispered behind cupped hands, their disapproval palpable. But Armaan and Abhira remained oblivious, lost in their own world.
As the rituals progressed, Armaan's hands trembled slightly as he placed the varmala around Abhira's neck, the fragrant flowers symbolizing their union. Abhira's fingers intertwined with his, sending shivers down his spine.
In this moment, nothing else mattered – not the society's expectations, nor the doubting whispers. All that existed was the promise they made to each other, the love they shared, and the future they would forge together.
After the wedding got over, Armaan and Abhira sat in their car, moving towards Poddar house.
Abhira wanted to talk with Armaan badly. Though they have been married today, their marriage has been entirely overshadowed by the sadness and misery of others. Not one function went without any kind of drama.
Armaan looked at Abhira who was looking outside the window. Her head frowned with lines of worry. He held her hand bringing her out of her thoughts and said,
"I am sure some or other drama will definitely take place as we reach home. I want you to be mentally prepared. By night I am sure we will be leaving Poddar house. Abhira no matter what takes place, trust me I won't allow anybody to harm your respect. I have promised to be your protector. And I will fulfill all your wishes."
Abhira hearing this was suddenly feeling a heavy burden on her heart. She knew something was very wrong with the way Armaan is behaving. Why can't she have one day of happiness in her life she won't know.
Armaan reached Poddar house along with Abhira. Armaan tightened his hold on her hand, giving her support mentally.
They both stood in front of the house. Roohi came in front with a Pooja thal smiling making Armaan roll his eyes seeing her drama. He knew very well this is another of her tricks. No one changes their tune within half an hour. Her wedding shenanigans are clearly playing on loop in his mind.
