A Web of Love and Deceit

Eye of the storm

Shivada's POV

No... this can't be real. This has to be a nightmare. Shiva would never agree to marry me. He told me himself — he sees me as his little sister. But... but... what did he just say? That he agrees to the marriage? With me? How is that even possible?

I whipped my head toward Mom and Dad, desperate for answers, but their faces mirrored my own shock—eyes wide, lips parted in disbelief. This can't be happening.

Frantically, I searched for Aadhi. My Aadhi. He stood there, frozen, staring at Shiva as if he couldn't believe what he was hearing, his eyes wide with an emotion I couldn't even name. Ram... oh, Ram. He had his eyes squeezed shut, as if he couldn't bear to witness this unraveling nightmare right in front of him.

The room felt like it was collapsing around me, the weight of everything suffocating.

No, no, no! My thoughts spun wildly, panic rising in my chest like a suffocating wave. This isn't a dream; this is happening!

I couldn't breathe, couldn't think. "No... No!" I chanted in desperation, my voice breaking as I screamed. Shiva and Padma stared at me, their faces twisted in shock. But I couldn't stop.

Padma Aunty's wide eyes bore into me, confusion swirling within them. "What are you talking about, Shivada? You had a crush on Shiva, right? Now he's agreeing to the marriage. Why are you saying no? You should be happy!"

My heart raced, desperation spilling from my lips. "But Shiva rejected me right away, aunty! He told me he sees me as his sister..."

She shook her head gently, a knowing smile gracing her lips. "Oh, dear, I asked him that night, five years ago. He told me he rejected you because he wanted you to have a career and exposure... He didn't want to obstruct your path. Look at my son—how much he respects you! I understand you're upset, but don't worry, dear. He'll give you all the love you both missed this time."

Anger surged within me, boiling like lava ready to erupt. "I don't want his love!" I snapped, my tone firm and unwavering. "I had a crush on him, yes, but he rejected me five years ago. Five years! I've moved on, and I can't agree to this marriage. I'm sorry, Padma aunty."

The weight of Padma Aunty's words settled over me like a suffocating blanket. "Ohhh, so you've moved on?" she began slowly, her voice laced with skepticism. "So you found another guy? But I haven't seen him, Shivada, nor have I heard you mention him. Who is he?"

Her question felt like a dagger. How could I tell her that the man I am in love is her second-born son? That Aadhi and I were deeply in love, so much so that I couldn't imagine anyone else in his place? My eyes darted toward Aadhi. His knuckles were white, fists clenched in silent fury aimed at his mother and older brother.

"Why aren't you saying anything, Shivada?" Padma Aunty's voice rose, her frustration palpable. "If you have a boyfriend, let us know."

"I don't need a boyfriend to move on, Padma Aunty," I replied, my voice weakening under the pressure. "I just... moved on."

Her lips curled in disbelief. "That's not believable, Shivada. You loved my Shiva for eight years, and suddenly, you moved on just because he said no? A love like that doesn't vanish so easily. I know it must still linger in your heart. If that's true, you can reconnect with Shiva. He regrets the rejection, and if there are remnants of that love, you two should give each other time."

Tears welled in my eyes. I felt so alone, so cornered. Just as I feared I was standing against the entire world, my mom began to rise, ready to defend me. I shut my eyes and prayed silently, hoping for an escape from this spiraling situation.