UNITED AGAIN BY LOVE.

45.

Important:

I've dropped a poll in the end of the chapter. Do select your favourite. So that I can begin with next story.
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SriNila waited anxiously for Roshni's next move. The following day, the doctor announced that Darsh was ready to be discharged, and they all accompanied him back home. Her parents insisted she return to the guesthouse, wanting her to follow the usual ritual. But Srimala refused to leave Darsh's side. He was still healing, and she wanted to stay with him.
More than that, she could feel it—
the threat was still out there, waiting for her.

That evening, everyone began preparing for the reception—just the way Darsh wanted it. Both Darsh and SriNila insisted that the ceremony should happen on the scheduled date, no matter what.
Through it all, SriNila never once left his side. She helped him in every way she could. Nothing major was wrong with him—he could walk, he could manage his morning routine, everything was normal.
Only the tiredness lingered, and the smoke he had inhaled still made his breaths slow and heavy.

While he rested, they fell into a quiet conversation.

"I really thought I would lose you forever," Srinulan whispered, her voice trembling slightly. "And I swear, I will make sure Roshini pays for everything she did."

Darsh gave a faint, tired smile.
"My tigress," he murmured. "I know... I know all of this was planned. And I know I'm weak right now. I can feel how different I become when you're not with me. She used that—every part of it. Let's just see what else she thinks she can do."

Srinulan's eyes softened as she cupped his cheek.
"Well, she can't use it anymore," she whispered. "Because I'm not going anywhere."

He leaned slightly into her touch, his breath warming her palm.
"Good," he murmured. "Stay right here."

Their quiet chattering, their soft teasing, their unspoken affection filled the room with a warmth that neither of them had felt in days.

And as the evening finally arrived, the bride and the groom—still stealing small glances at each other—went to get ready for their reception.

Boys ensured that Darsh got ready smoothly while Srinila was getting dressed in the other room. Yet, as she slid her bangles on, her heart wasn't in the mirror—it was with him. Every few minutes, she'd text:

Srinila: "You okay?"
Darsh: "I'm fine. But I'll breathe properly only after I see you."
She smiled, cheeks warming. Idiot, she whispered to herself, but her heart melted a little more.

As expected, the boys got ready too fast and tried every trick to sneak into the girls' room for a glimpse. But the moms and aunts guarded the door like it was a temple sanctum.

Finally, Darsh and Srinila reached the venue separately. When they walked to the podium, their eyes met for a second—soft, shy, but burning with something only they understood.

Rocky and Arjun helped their father greet and guide guests. Durga and Shreya kept checking on every detail—and also on the couple. Anu and Shakti hurried between tables, arranging refreshments and snacks.

One by one, relatives blessed the couple. Soon after, the youngsters took over the stage—posing, teasing, clicking photos with Darsh and Srinila in a dozen goofy and glamorous poses.

But slowly... the air changed.

It was slight, almost unnoticeable, like a thin chill rolling into a warm room. The youngsters felt something shift.

And then they saw her.

Roshni.
With a smile that was more venom than sweetness.

She stepped forward.

Srinila stiffened slightly, but Darsh's hand found hers—not publicly, not obviously, but a gentle grip behind the folds of her outfit.

She leaned closer just a bit and whispered,
Srinila: "Stay calm."
Darsh: "As long as you're here, I am."

Roshni stopped right in front of them, tilting her head with a mock sweetness.

Roshni: "Wow... congratulations. Didn't expect you two to reach here so soon."

Darsh's jaw tightened, but his voice stayed even.
Darsh: "People who choose peace reach faster."

Srinila flashed a classy, effortless smile—stylish, confident, and with just a touch of sass.
Srinila: "Thank you, Roshni. Your blessings—however they come—still count."

Roshni narrowed her eyes slightly, not expecting that.
Roshni: "Enjoy it while it lasts."

Darsh immediately stepped half an inch closer to Srinila—subtle, protective.
Darsh: "It will last. Longer than your doubts."

Srinila squeezed his hand gently, her eyes never leaving Roshni's.
She added softly, with a perfectly sweet smile,
Srinila: "Some stories are meant to break. Some are meant to be unshakable. Ours... you'll see."

Roshni's smirk faded for a moment as she stepped back.

The tension lingered in the air—but Darsh leaned closer and whispered in Srinila's ear,
Darsh: "You just defeated her without raising your voice."

She smiled.
Srinila: "I didn't have to. You're standing beside me."

And that was enough to warm him completely.

However, the moment Roshni stepped out of the hall, fury consumed her. Her agitation only grew with every breath—she no longer looked human. A dark, unsettling aura wrapped around her, almost evil, almost unrecognizable. In that moment, she made a silent vow: she would ruin their lives—every one of them—no matter the cost.

With trembling fingers, she dialled Baba.
One ring.
Two.
And then his deep voice answered.

They spoke in hushed tones, finalizing what they had already planned. Everything was set. Baba would awaken at dawn... and tomorrow morning, the storm would begin.

Back at the venue, unaware of the shadows gathering around them, the couple laughed freely, lost in their own little world. They danced to a soft melody, eyes sparkling with hope. Guests slowly began to leave, drifting back to their homes with cheerful hearts. The family, too, retired for the night, excited and eager for the first wedding of the youngest generation.

She whispered, barely audible over the music—
"Hold me tighter... I want to feel your heartbeat with mine."

He pulled her closer.
"If I hold you any tighter, you'll hear how crazy you make my heart go."

Tomorrow, they believed, would be beautiful.
But darkness was already on its way.

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~Lily🌷