𝑳𝒊𝒇𝒆'𝒔 𝑻𝒘𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝑷𝒂𝒕𝒉..|18+

12th chapter

Wedding Ceremony – Hual

Simran gently held Rudransh’s hand and pulled him toward a quiet corner.

Rudransh looked at her, confused. “Why did you bring me here, Simran?”

Simran took a deep breath and stepped closer, her voice trembling. “I... I want to tell you something, Rudransh.”

Rudransh met her eyes, already sensing what was coming. “Tell me,” he said softly.

Simran’s hands slowly slid around his waist as she whispered, “I love you, Rudransh Rathore.”

Rudransh stood still, gazing at her, not shocked—but as if he'd known all along.

Before he could say a word, a harsh voice cut through the moment.

It was Karan.

He had overheard everything. His eyes burned with rage as he stormed toward them.

Neither Simran nor Rudransh noticed his presence until it was too late. Karan grabbed Rudransh from behind and shoved him away from Simran.

Without hesitation, he turned to Simran and slapped her. The force of it left a red mark on her cheek, his fingers clearly outlined.

“Karan!” Rudransh shouted, moving forward, but Karan raised a hand to silence him.

“Our father entrusted you to protect her,” he snarled at Rudransh. “And this is what you were doing?”

Before Rudransh could defend himself, Karan seized Simran’s wrist and dragged her into a room. He slapped her again.

Tears streamed down Simran’s cheeks. “Please... don’t tell mom and dad,” she begged.

Karan glared at her. “You were scared now, but where was this fear earlier? What were you doing with him, huh? Just like those rich girls who hang out with boys and call it love?”

Simran sobbed, “Bhai, I like him. I love him!”

Karan scoffed. “Oh really? And what about the rumors at school? You were supposedly dating someone else!”

That was a lie, and you know it,” she cried. “You're just using that to call me characterless, aren't you?

“There’s nothing like that, Simran. I just know Rudransh doesn’t love you. You chase him, ask him questions, cling to him.”

“And what about my male best friend? You think I liked him too?”

“Ishika told me everything,” Karan said coldly.

Simran’s voice cracked. “So what if she did? I never liked him. He forced himself on me... And don’t forget, Ishika has a male best friend too. She likes you, right? Is she characterless too?”

Karan stared at her, furious, but before he could speak again, Simran ran out of the room.

A Few Days Later – Departure to Mumbai

No one had spoken to Simran since. Karan ignored her. Rudransh avoided her. Karan’s anger had turned into hatred.

The family left for Mumbai in a convoy of cars.

The children were in one vehicle. Behind them were Hardik ji, Isha ji, and Radha ji, and then Rohan ji with Ishan and Anayan ji.

The last car belonged to the bodyguards.

Suddenly, the car of the bodyguards raced ahead—and exploded.

---

10 Years Later – Oberoi Mansion

The once-lively Oberoi Mansion was now quiet.

In the living room, a photo of Rohan ji and Anayan ji adorned the wall, garlanded with fresh marigold. They had lost their lives in the blast.

That night, Hardik ji sat before Karan, Aliyan, and Simran.

“I’ve fixed all your marriages,” he announced.

They were stunned.

Karan stood up. “Dad, I love Ishika.”

“I know,” Hardik ji replied calmly. “You’ll marry her.”

Then he looked at Simran. “Simran will marry Rudransh. Aliyan will marry Shanaya.”

Simran’s lips curled into a soft smile—quickly hidden.

Karan and Simran walked away silently.

Now Hardik ji turned to Aliyan. “I know you like someone else. You don’t even know Shanaya well.

Aliyan hesitated. Dad… please. I love someone else. Don’t force this.

I understand, Aliyan. But this marriage is necessary. It’s final.

Hardik ji left.

Aliyan immediately called Shanaya.

Shanaya, please... say no to this marriage.

Shanaya paused. Memories flashed.

Flashback  Khurana Mansion, Study Room

Mr. Khurana looked at Shanaya. “I know everything. But you have to marry him.

Dad,” she whispered, “he doesn’t love me.

He will. In time.

But… what if he becomes like him?” Her voice trembled.

He won’t. And if he does—you’re strong enough to handle it.

Shanaya!Aliyan’s voice crackled over the phone.

I tried, Aliyan, she said softly. “Dad wouldn’t agree… I’m sorry.”