Replacement

Chapter 20: Confrontation

As the dust settled after the unsettling events of the party, Patralekha's determination to reconnect with Samrat only grew stronger. Despite Virat's warning, she managed to track down Samrat and corner him in a moment of vulnerability.

"Samrat, please listen to me," Patralekha pleaded, her voice filled with desperation as she reached out to him. "I know I made a mistake, but we can't let go of what we had. Our love was real, Samrat, and it's worth fighting for."

Samrat looked at her with a mixture of sadness and resolve. "Patralekha, what we had is in the past," he said firmly, his voice tinged with regret. "I've moved on, and I'm getting married to Roshni."

Patralekha's heart sank at the revelation, but she refused to give up hope. "But Samrat, you can't marry her," she protested, her voice pleading. "Our love was the best thing that ever happened to us. Don't throw it away for an arranged marriage."

Samrat shook his head, his eyes filled with determination. "Roshni is the woman I respect a lot. She held my hand when I was alone, and I will not disrespect her," he insisted, his voice unwavering. "I won't let you or anyone else come between us."

Patralekha's heart sank further at Samrat's resolute words. "For respect and support, will you let go of your love?" she questioned, her voice tinged with disbelief and desperation.

Before Samrat could respond, Sai, who happened to be passing by, caught sight of the confrontation. Anger flashed in her eyes as she marched over to them, her posture radiating authority as Mrs. Virat Chavan.

"What's going on here?" Sai demanded, her voice sharp as she confronted Patralekha. "I thought I made it clear that you're not welcome near my family. Why are you harassing Samrat?"

Patralekha's eyes widened in surprise at Sai's intervention, but she quickly composed herself, attempting to play the cousin card. "Sai, please, I'm just trying to talk to Samrat," she said, her voice feigning innocence. "We're family, after all."

But Sai wasn't swayed by Patralekha's manipulations. "Family or not, you've crossed the line," she retorted, her tone firm. "Samrat has moved on, and you need to respect that. Now, leave before I take further action."

Realizing she was fighting a losing battle, Patralekha begrudgingly backed down, casting one last longing look at Samrat before reluctantly walking away.

Sai's words resonated with Samrat as he nodded in understanding. "Thank you, Sai. I'll make sure to stay away from her," he promised, his voice filled with sincerity. "I don't want any trouble, especially now that I've found happiness with Roshni."

Sai gave him a reassuring smile. "I'm glad to hear that, Samrat. Just remember to stand your ground if she ever tries to approach you again," she advised, her tone firm but compassionate. "You're stronger than you think, and you have our support."

Samrat's expression softened with gratitude as he nodded in agreement. "I won't forget, Sai. Thank you for looking out for me," he said, genuinely appreciative of her concern.

Sai then shifted the conversation to Roshni, her tone becoming more gentle. "Have you talked with Roshni after the party night? She was feeling insecure," she inquired, her concern evident in her voice.

Samrat's expression faltered slightly as he admitted, "No, I haven't had the chance to speak with her yet."

Sai's expression turned stern as she scolded him gently. "You should, Samrat. She deserves to know that you're committed to her and that nothing will come between you," she advised, her words carrying a hint of urgency.