Eternal Love ~

03♡

-----------
The grand hall of the Singhania mansion was filled with a hushed tension as Pandit Ji prepared the family for the upcoming marriage between Abhimaan and Niya. Shalini, Abhimaan’s mother, listened intently, her excitement barely contained.

Pandit Ji: “Ji, agle mahine ki paanch tareek shubh hai Niya madam aur Abhimaan baba ke liye, lekin kuch grah dosh hain jo unke bandhan mein rukawat la sakte hain.”

Shalini: “Areh, Pandit Ji, yeh sab samay ki baat hai. Humari taraf se toh sab taiyyari hai. Abhimaan ko bhi mana hi lenge,” she said confidently.

Pandit Ji: “Toh phir roka ki taiyari shuru kar dein?”

Ajay, Abhimaan’s father, sat nearby with a tense expression. He knew his son had left with intentions that could disrupt the entire arrangement. Abhimaan had gone to bring home Anaya Sharma, a girl completely unexpected by the family. Ajay felt a chill of worry, unable to voice his concerns in front of Shalini. She had her heart set on the match with Niya.

Shalini: “Ji, Pandit Ji, main baat kar lungi Abhimaan aur Niya se. Waise toh Niya tayaar hai, bas Abhimaan ko bataana hai.”

Suddenly, the echo of the main door swinging open interrupted them, followed by firm footsteps. Abhimaan entered the hall, his gaze direct and unwavering, as he walked in with a girl by his side. Shalini’s face fell as her eyes met with the sight of the unfamiliar young woman standing beside her son.

Abhimaan: “Ab kuch batane ki zaroorat nahi, Ma. Yeh lo, aapki bahu aa gayi.”

Shalini’s mouth fell open in shock. She walked over to him, her gaze shifting between her son and the girl.

Shalini: “Yeh kya hai, Abhimaan? Yeh kaun hai?”

Abhimaan: “Yeh aapki bahu hai, Ma and do whatever rituals you want to to then send her upstairs in my room ,” he said calmly.

Silence fell over the room as Shalini took in the girl’s appearance. Anaya stood quietly, her hands clasped together, her gaze lowered. Shalini’s shock quickly turned to disapproval.

Shalini: “Main isko apni bahu nahi maanti! Kaun hai yeh? Kahaan se aayi hai?”

Before Abhimaan could respond, Ajay stepped forward, attempting to smooth the situation.

Ajay: “Shalini, Abhimaan isse laya hai toh kuch toh baat hogi. Humari bahu hai, yeh maan lo, warna…” he said with a hint of firmness.

Anaya felt a small spark of warmth hearing Ajay’s words. Her own father had never shown her such support, and Ajay’s acceptance—even in this tense moment—struck her deeply. However, Shalini’s demeanor remained cold.

After a moment, Shalini forced herself to continue the ritual, bringing a silver thali for the welcome. Her expression was tight, and she looked at Anaya with an unmistakable sense of loss for what could have been with Niya.

Shalini: “Pata nahi aisa kya dekha Abhimaan ne tum mein. Main toh Niya ke saath uski shaadi fix kar rahi thi, aur tumne sab kuch bigaad diya.”

She grabbed Anaya by the shoulders, her voice raised. “Batao, kya kiya tumne? Haan, batao!”

Anaya’s eyes welled up with tears as she struggled to find words. Her voice shook as she tried to explain.

Anaya: “Mujhe nahi pata… woh… aapke bete ne mujhse jabardasti…”

Before she could complete her sentence, Abhimaan’s voice boomed from the top of the stairs.

Abhimaan: “Anaya! Upar aao, abhi.”

The entire hall fell silent as his voice echoed. Anaya flinched, her face growing pale. She looked at Shalini with wide eyes.

Anaya: “Woh… Abhimaan ka room kaha hai?”