KAYAMATH (ON HOLD)

Chapter 33

The evening had arrived, bringing excitement and elegance. After the morning's sacred ceremony, it was now time for a grand celebration.

This time, instead of hosting the reception at home, the Mishra family had booked a luxurious seven-star hotel. The ballroom was beautifully decorated with golden drapes and sparkling chandeliers. A red carpet led the guests into the grand hall, where the city's most important people had gathered.

Business tycoons, politicians, film stars, and top industrialists were all present. It was one of the biggest events of the year, attended only by the most influential people.

In a beautiful penthouse on the top floor of the hotel, Panchi sat in front of the mirror, wrapped in a bathrobe while the makeup artist worked on her. Compliments flowed about her beauty, but her mind was elsewhere. She was lost in thought, recalling everything that had happened that morning. When she and Milind had registered their marriage, it had felt more like a formality. But today, when Milind filled her maang with sindoor, tied the mangalsutra around her neck, and placed toe rings on her feet, reality had settled in-she was truly married now.

Perhaps this is how the sacred bond of marriage feels, she thought. Every mantra chanted by Panditji had woven an invisible thread between her and Milind. As they made offerings to the sacred fire, it felt as if all her past sorrows, betrayals, and painful memories had burned away. From those flames emerged a golden bond-one that tied her to Milind. Forgetting the past, she wanted to embrace this new life. But questions lingered in her heart.

She suddenly stopped the makeup artist, stood up, and walked to the window. The sky was painted in hues of deep blue, speckled with stars. A cool breeze brushed against her, yet she felt warmth inside. She missed her parents. Her father had always wanted her to have a loving marriage, just like the one he had with her mother. That's why he had chosen Neev for her-someone he believed would never hurt her. But life had proved otherwise.

Now, she has entered a new relationship with Milind. And for some reason, her heart told her that Milind was the man who would never leave her side. She looked up at the sky and softly whispered, "Papa, did you choose Milind for me? Because he is exactly the kind of man you wanted for me. He takes care of me just like you took care of Mumma. I have decided to embrace this marriage. I feel in my heart that Milind will always stand by me. But this is the biggest decision of my life. Can I trust him completely?"

As if in answer to her question, there was a knock at the door. Diksha entered, carrying a tray of food.

"Ma'am, Sir has sent this for you. He was worried you might get hungry before the party ends. He asked me to make sure you eat some snacks and drink this juice so you don't feel weak later."

A soft smile spread across Panchi's lips. That was her answer. She stepped forward, took the tray, and thanked Diksha. Her mind was now clear-she would give this marriage a real chance. She would accept Milind as her husband, not just in name but with all her heart. With this thought, she took her first bite of food.

The reception was in full swing. The grand hall buzzed with conversations, laughter, and the clinking of glasses. Shanti, Kirti, Sukriti, their husbands, and their children mingled with the guests. Avinash, Rajiv, and Ali were chatting with Milind, who stood among them, his sharp presence commanding attention.

But just as Milind and his friends were talking, his gaze suddenly darkened.

At the entrance of the ballroom stood two figures he hadn't expected to see.

A man dressed in a sharp navy-blue suit, his expression unreadable, his eyes locked on Milind. And beside him, a woman in a breathtaking diamond-studded gown, her strapless white dress shimmering under the lights, her fox fur stole adding an air of regal elegance. She looked like a showstopper.