The entire day passed, yet Roshni’s mind refused to move on.

No matter what she did—sipping tea, staring out the window, listening to conversations—

her thoughts returned to him.

Aman’s words.

His closeness.

That husky whisper on the terrace.

Night arrived.

Roshni lay on her bed, eyes open, staring at the ceiling.

Sleep felt impossible.

Suddenly—

Ping.

Her phone vibrated.

She reached for it lazily… and froze.

Aman Mehra.

A WhatsApp message.

Her heart skipped a beat.

Chat

Aman:

You’re still thinking about me. 😁

Roshni’s eyes widened. 😲

Roshni (thought):

How does he know?

Another message appeared.

Aman:

Mujhe sab pata hai.

Tum kya sochti ho, kya mehsoos karti ho…

Kyuki main tumse pyaar karta hoon.

Par zyada mat socho…

Kahin tumhe bhi mujhse pyaar na ho jaaye. 🤭

Her fingers moved instantly.

Roshni:

Main aapke baare mein nahi sochti. 🙄

Aur na hi mujhe pyaar hoga. 😒

Good night.

She switched off her data, kept the phone aside, and turned away.

Her heart, however, refused to listen.

Miles away, Aman read the message and smiled slowly.

A knowing smile.

Then he closed his eyes.

Elsewhere… Darkness

A dimly lit room.

A man sat tied to a chair—blood trickling from his forehead.

Blows landed again and again.

Then—

“Stop.”

The lights turned on.

Sheela Shrivastava stood there.

Beside her—Harsh.

Water splashed on the man’s face.

Raj gasped, regaining consciousness.

Sheela (coldly):

“Because of you, my entire plan failed.”

“You were supposed to bring Roshni to me.”

“If something had happened to her…”

“I would have killed you.”

Raj laughed bitterly.

Raj:

“You know how hard it was to pretend?”

“Smiling while dying inside?”

“And you people never pay on time.”

Harsh leaned forward.

Harsh:

“We’ll give you more money.”

“But you’ll go back to Roshni.”

“Win her trust again.”

Raj stiffened.

Raj:

“No… she won’t trust me again.”

Sheela smirked.

Sheela:

“She will.”

“Love is her weakness.” 😏

After a moment’s silence—

Raj:

“Fine. I’ll try.”

A Week Later – Wedding Festivities

The wedding rituals began.

Haldi Ceremony, Marigold decorations everywhere.

Yellow laughter.

Music.

At Aman’s house—joy overflowed.

At Roshni’s—silence.

Turmeric covered her skin, yet her eyes remained distant.

Her father barely spoke.

Roshni watched quietly.

Mehndi Night

Fairy lights.

Cushions.

Soft songs.

Roshni sat as mehndi was applied.

A heart-shaped design bloomed on her palm.

Inside it—Aman.

Her eyes filled.

Roshni (thought):

Raj was a stranger… yet I mistook lies for love.

For the wrong person, I hurt my parents. 🥺

She stared at Aman’s name.

Roshni (thought):

Today my mehndi bears your name…

Tomorrow, I become yours forever… Mr. Mehra. 🥺

Wedding Day

Roshni stood before the mirror.

Red bridal lehenga.

Heavy jewelry.

A bride… yet trembling.

Aman waited under the mandap.

When she arrived—

He forgot how to breathe.

She stood beside him.

Eyes lowered.

Ceremonies began.

JAIMALA -

Roshni glanced at her father—his eyes wet, face turned away.

She placed the garland around Aman’s neck.

Aman bowed respectfully. He placed the garland around hers.

Tears slipped down her cheeks.

KANYADAAN -

Her parents stepped forward. Anil’s hands shook.

Memories flashed—

Her first steps.

Her laughter.

Her childhood.

With a broken heart, he placed her hand into Aman’s.

Aman felt her trembling. His grip tightened—protective, steady.

PHERAS -

Seven promises.

Seven vows.

Aman silently vowed—I will protect you, no matter what.

Roshni prayed—Please give him a long life.

SINDOOR & MANGALSUTRA -

Aman applied sindoor.

Roshni closed her eyes.

Tears fell freely. As he tied the mangalsutra—

Their eyes met.

For the first time—

Not strangers.

Not fiancés.

But husband and wife.

FAREWELL

Roshni hugged her mother tightly. Sunita sobbed. She turned to her fat

her.

Roshni (crying):

“Papa… meri shaadi ho gayi…” 😭

No response.

Roshni:

“Aap mujhe dekhenge nahi?” 😭

Anil broke. She rested her head on his shoulder. He placed her hand in Aman’s.

Anil:

“Khayaal rakhna…” 🥺

Aman nodded—firm, assuring.

The car drove away.

A new journey began.

One heart full of love.

One heart full of fear.

And destiny—watching silently.