Together Forever

Chapter 31

Anika's POV

Uday gently guided me toward the car, his presence steadying me, though my heart still weighed heavy with everything that had just happened.

As he started driving, I turned my gaze toward the window, watching the empty streets blur past us. The world outside felt so quiet compared to the storm raging inside me. My parents words echoed in my mind like a haunting melody.

You are no longer my daughter.

Would they ever forgive me? Would they ever accept us? The thought tightened a knot in my chest, my throat burning with the tears I had been holding back. I tried to distract myself, staring at the horizon, but it was futile.

“Anika,” Uday’s soft voice broke through my thoughts. I turned toward him, startled, only to see his eyes flicker between me and the road, concern etched in every line of his face. “Don’t do this to yourself. We’ll figure this out.”

I nodded weakly, forcing a small smile to assure him, though I wasn’t sure if I believed it myself.

Moments later, the car slowed, and I realized where we were. My heart skipped a beat as Uday turned into his driveway. His house.

My pulse quickened. This was Uday’s home, his family’s domain, and I knew we were about to face yet another storm.

Uday parked the car and turned to me, his expression calm but serious. “Are you ready?”

I took a shaky breath and nodded, though every nerve in my body was screaming otherwise. I wasn’t ready. Not for this. But I had no choice.

He stepped out first, walking around to my side and opening the door for me. I placed my hand in his, letting him help me out of the car, though my knees felt unsteady.

“Uday,” I whispered nervously as we approached the door. “They’re going to be angry.”

He stopped and looked at me, his hands gently cupping my face. “I know. But I’m here with you. You don’t need to face this alone. No matter what happens, I’ll protect you, Anika. Always.”

I nodded, his words soothing me just enough to take another step forward. Together, we reached the door. Uday rang the bell, and my stomach churned with anxiety as I heard footsteps approaching from inside.

The door opened, and there she was—Uday’s mother. Her face, which had been neutral at first, froze the moment her eyes fell on us. She took in the sight of us holding hands, then glanced at me,at the sindoor in my hairline and the mangalsutra resting on my neck.

Her expression shifted from confusion to disbelief, her eyes widening.

"What is all this, Uday?"she demanded, her voice sharp.

Uday stood firm, his tone calm and measured. “Mom… me and Anika are married.”

For a moment, there was silence. Complete silence. It felt like the air had been sucked out of the space around us. Then came her voice, louder this time.

"Have you lost your mind, Uday?" she yelled, stepping back slightly in shock.

Before Uday could say anything, she turned back toward the house and called for his father. "Come outside! See what Uday has done!"

I flinched at her tone, at the sheer disbelief and anger in her voice. Uday tightened his grip on my hand, giving me silent reassurance.

Moments later, Uday’s father emerged, his expression stern as he took in the scene. His gaze moved from Uday to me, lingering on the sindoor and mangalsutra, before narrowing in on his son.