13th chapter

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Aliyan and Shanaya – On Call

Shanaya’s eyes filled with tears as she listened to Aliyan’s voice.

“Aliyan... Papa is not agreeing. I'm sorry,” she said softly and hung up.

Next Morning – Rudransh’s House

Rudransh: “Mummy, how could you do this? You know I can't marry her.”

Radha ji: “I know you're scared, Rudransh. You think what happened to that bodyguard might happen to you too, but—”

Rudransh: “No, Mumma. It’s not about that. I’m not scared—I just don’t love her. Please try to understand.”

Radha ji: “I don't want to hear anything, Rudransh. If you ever marry someone, it will only be Simran. And remember, this was your father's last wish.”

Saying this, Radha ji walked away, leaving Rudransh in silence.

Moments later, he grabbed his car keys and drove off.

Law Firm – Simran’s Office

Rudransh’s car stopped outside a law firm. He entered, took the elevator to the 15th floor, and walked into an office.

Simran looked up as the door opened, surprise flickering in her eyes. She opened her mouth to speak, but Rudransh beat her to it.

Rudransh:
"Simran, I know you love me deeply, but I’m just a worker for the Oberoi family. I can't fulfill your luxurious desires. So please, don’t marry me."

Simran:
"That’s exactly why I love you, Rudransh. And about fulfilling desires—I’m capable enough on my own. I have everything... except a husband. And that’s going to be you."

Before Rudransh could respond, a voice interrupted from behind.

Karan: “If he doesn’t want to marry you, why are you forcing him? Is that what Chachu and Chachi taught you, Simran?”

Simran turned in shock.

Simran: “Bhai? What are you doing here?”

Karan: “Why can’t I come here? Don’t forget, I’m also a shareholder in this company.”

Simran: “That’s not what I meant…”

Karan: “And don’t pretend like you’re not forcing him. The family decided this marriage—not you. Still, you’re okay with it?”

Karan (coldly): “Tell me, Simran. What about your college boyfriend in America? Rocky, wasn’t it?”

Simran: “He was just a friend.”

Karan: “Why are you getting so offended then?”

Simran: “Of course I’m offended! If someone said that about Ishika, you’d be furious too.”

Karan: “Shut up, Simran! Why do you always drag Ishika into everything?”

Simran: “Because she’s not even my Bhabhi yet! And if she becomes one, she’ll destroy the family!”

Karan’s eyes blazed. He slapped Simran hard. She fell to the ground, stunned.

Simran looked up, eyes burning with pain and anger.

Simran:
"My parents died, that’s why everyone treats me this way. If they were alive, no one would have dared. Even Rudransh would’ve married me—yes, for the property—but now that too is gone. You all took everything."

She stood up and walked out, tears trailing behind her.


Back in the Office

Karan turned toward Rudransh.

Rudransh:
"You shouldn’t have interfered, Karan. It was between me and her. I could’ve handled it. Now she’s hurt, and she’s made up her mind. She won’t back out of this marriage."

Karan: “I was just trying to help. If she doesn’t agree, I’ll talk to Dad.”

Rudransh:
"No. Don’t. There are already too many misunderstandings between you two."

Rudransh walked out, leaving Karan alone.


Shanaya’s Apartment – Simran's Room

Simran had changed into casual clothes. She’d been crying for hours. It was 6 p.m. when she called Shanaya and Ishika over. She needed to talk, to let it all out.


Khurana Industries – Outside the Office

Shanaya was lost in thought, Aliyan's words from the previous night echoing in her mind. As she exited, a girl brushed past her roughly—it was Nandini Singhania.

Nandini: “Can’t you look before walking, Shanaya?”

Shanaya: “If I didn’t see you, then maybe you should’ve watched too. Why get angry at me?”

Nandini: “Just shut up, Shanaya. Don’t test me. I’m already in a bad mood.”

She stormed off.

Shanaya got into her car and checked her phone. A notification popped up—Abhishek Gupta and Nandini Singhania's wedding has been fixed. Date: 7.4.24.

The same day her own wedding was scheduled.

It all made sense now. Nandini was angry because she knew—she knew Shanaya loved Aliyan.

Hospital Parking Lot – Ishika’s Exit

Ishika had just finished her shift. She, too, had learned about Abhishek and Nandini’s wedding.

Later That Night – Simran’s Room

Shanaya and Ishika sat with Simran. She was still crying. Slowly, she began telling them everything.

Simran:
"Ishika, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt you. I only brought you up to win the argument with Bhai. I'm really sorry."

Ishika (softly): “It’s okay, Simran. I understand.”

They cleaned up, had dinner together, and eventually fell asleep in the same room—hearts heavy with secrets.


A Few Days Later…

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