Arranged marriage was an age-old story that Khushi, the youngest of the infamous Gupta family, who revolutionized and dominated the trading market for generations, knew well. For it was the only thing she heard growing up. But that neither prepared her nor comforted her as she got ready that morning. It was an important day, a day where she would trade her surname for a new one, her silence for a new chance, her respect for a new hope, her life for another. It was a day of contracts, both new and old. As she hid behind the traditional red shawl, knowing that the whole world would be watching her, waiting to pounce, she wondered why her mother never told her about any of the good marriages. The ones that worked out. The ones that had hope. The ones that had love. Probably because they don't exist, Khushi thought to herself. Only, destiny had believed otherwise. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- This is a stand alone story that has no connection with the original show, Iss Pyar Ko Kya Naam Doon, except for the names of the lead characters. All other content of this story belongs strictly to the author, Archi. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- #1 in ArnavSinghRaizada - 04/12/2019 #1 in KhushiKumariGupta - 18/01/2020 #1 in ArHi - 20/05/2020

Omkara has always believed that ishq is his khuda, his God, and yet he knows that maybe a love like that is not in his fate. His parents' failed marriage, his disavowal of the family business, the multiple betrayals; they have struck at his heart, but not managed to break it. He wields truth as his sword. But what will happen when this weapon is not able to hurt her? Gauri believes that love is worship, but that is a prayer she can only recite in her dreams. She has struggled against the cruel world to protect herself. She can fight harsh realities, but how can she fight softness?