Only seven hours remained before the wedding. Just seven hours and everything would change forever. The enemy of the Luthras, the very person out for their blood, was about to become an inseparable part of their family.
But amidst the ticking clock and looming disaster, Karan and Preeta were still at the hospital, tending to Sarla.
Tension was thick in the small room. Karan paced restlessly, his every step echoing his frustration, while Preeta sat stiffly, her fingers twisting in her lap, her mind racing.
Shristi had left earlier to oversee the wedding preparations at the Luthra house, and Dadi had gone home for some much-needed rest. Now, it was just the two of them, carrying the weight of what was to come.
"Karan, we can get the reports," Preeta suddenly spoke, her voice edged with urgency.
Karan stilled, turning toward her. "Sherlyn's reports?"
"Yes. I already spoke to the lab. They're ready for pickup."
Karan's eyes darkened with thought. "And then?"
"We show them to everyone. Once the truth is out, the wedding will be called off." Her words were firm, but there was hesitation in her eyes, doubt, fear of being dismissed once again.
Karan exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. "Preeta, what if she claims the reports are fake? You know how my family is—they've never trusted us before. Why would they now?" His voice held a bitterness he couldn't suppress.
Preeta's shoulders slumped, her heart heavy. "But her pregnancy is the only proof we have..."
A charged silence stretched between them.
And then, Karan's eyes sharpened. "Wait." His voice was low, but there was an edge to it, an idea taking shape.
"What?" Preeta asked cautiously.
He turned to her fully, his mind working fast. "If we're going to create a scene, let's make it the biggest one."
Her brows furrowed. "Karan—"
"We'll send the reports digitally. To everyone. The family, the guests, every single person at the wedding." His lips curved into a smirk, one filled with defiance, with the thrill of an impending storm.
Preeta's heart pounded. "And if she turns it around? If she blames Rishabh ji for her pregnancy, won't he be pressured to accept her?"
Karan's smirk didn't falter. "No. The reports will show exactly how far along she is. There will be no way for her to twist the truth, not this time."
Realization dawned in Preeta's eyes, she allowed herself to hope. "That means even if we can't stop the wedding completely... we can delay it."
Karan watched as a spark returned to her gaze, a determined smile gracing her lips. And that was all the confirmation he needed.
"Okay then, I'll go get the reports," Preeta said, rising from her seat.
Before she could take a step, Karan was in front of her, his hands gripping her shoulders, firm yet gentle. With a slight push, he guided her back into the chair.
"No. I'll go." His voice left no room for argument.
"Karan—"
"I'll handle it." His tone was resolute. "I need to get a new SIM card too. After we send the reports, I'll destroy it, leave no trail."
