𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐁𝐑𝐈𝐃𝐄 - 𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐊𝐔𝐑

15.

Author's POV

The haveli buzzed with activity from the early morning. Servants and workers moved swiftly, decorating every corner in preparation for the arrival of the new bride.

The time had come. The baraat was ready to leave.

Family members stood prepared, along with a handful of close relatives-only the most important ones had been invited. Whispers filled the air. Rudra's sudden marriage had taken everyone by surprise. Now, curiosity burned in their eyes. They couldn't wait to see the wedding.

Kalyani stepped out of her room, her gaze falling on Satish, who was busy instructing the servants.

"Satish, is everything ready for departure?" she asked, her voice firm yet affectionate.

Satish turned, grinning.
"Oh wow, Grandma! You look just like a heroine!"

Kalyani smiles with her eyes.
"Enough with the flattery. Just tell me what I asked."

Satish chuckled. "Of course, everything is done. We're just waiting for the groom to bless us with his presence."

Just then, Sachi appeared. Kalyani, Sachi, and Sumitra exchanged a glance before making their way to Rudra's room.

Some final rituals had to be completed. Only then could they leave for the destination.

                             •••

The wedding preparations were complete. Every detail had been checked and rechecked.

Rajesh moved around, making a final inspection. There could be no mistakes. No shortages.

As he made his way through the bustling haveli, a hushed conversation caught his attention.

"The arrangements are quite impressive. Rajesh has done a great job."

"Yes, look at this!"

"Paridhi is very lucky to be marrying into the Thakur family... and even luckier to be marrying the eldest Thakur."

"We know."

Rajesh froze. The words hit him like a thunderbolt.

His breath caught in his throat. His hands clenched into fists.

The eldest Thakur?

His mind raced, recalling every instance where the Thakur family had mentioned the wedding. Each time, Paridhi Nani had skillfully diverted the conversation. He hadn't paid much attention back then. He should have.

He had opposed this wedding from the start. Not just because he didn't trust Paridhi Nani... but because of that girl.

Without another thought, he turned on his heel and stormed inside.

The moment he entered, the room fell silent. Everyone could sense something was wrong.

Paridhi Nani glanced at him but quickly looked away. Avoiding his eyes.

His voice was sharp. Cold. Unforgiving.

"How dare you do this?" he demanded, his gaze burning into her.

"Rajesh, what happened?" his mother asked, concerned.

"Why did you lie that Paridhi was marrying Satish?"

Paridhi Nani's eyes widened. "I never told you she was marrying Satish!" she defended, genuinely shocked.

"But you knew everyone assumed it! Why didn't you correct them?"

"What's going on, Rajesh?"

Rajesh took a deep breath before dropping the truth like a bomb.

"Paridhi isn't marrying Satish, Maa. She's marrying his elder brother."