08

07

*******************

The wedding day had finally arrived. Every single preparation was completed down to the last detail, and the grand Singhania mansion was glowing with lights, flowers, and people. But beneath all the glitter and festivity, a storm was quietly brewing. Vikrant had secretly booked tickets for Prisha and Vanshika so that he could get them out of here before it was too late. Everything was carefully planned the timing, the excuse, the route. But at the very last moment, a problem arose with the tickets. The issue was so serious that Vikrant himself had to rush to the airport to get it resolved. Before leaving, he looked at Prisha and Vanshika with the weight of responsibility in his eyes.

โ€œListen, Iโ€™ll go and get this ticket issue fixed. By the time the baraat arrives and everyone is busy at the gate, you two must slip out. That is the only chance we have. Donโ€™t panic, everything is still under control,โ€ he said firmly. Vanshika squeezed his hand reassuringly and nodded. โ€œDonโ€™t worry, Iโ€™ll take Prisha with me no matter what happens. You go, Weโ€™ll manage.โ€ Vikrant pulled Prisha into a tight, warm hug, as if he wanted to shield her from every storm. His voice softened as he whispered, โ€œDonโ€™t worry, everything will be fine. Just trust me and donโ€™t lose hope. Iโ€™ll be waiting. Just come quickly.โ€Her eyes welled up but she held them back, nodding against his chest. โ€œHnn, bhaiโ€ฆ I trust you. I know you wonโ€™t let anything happen to me.โ€Vikrant forced a smile, kissed her forehead like a protective elder brother, and left the mansion with an excuse ready on his lips, making his way straight to the airport.

Inside the mansion, the atmosphere was heavy with the sound of dhols, laughter, and relatives moving about. The baraat was only a little while away. Vanshika and Prisha were just about to make their move, their hearts racing with both fear and hope, when an unexpected voice froze them in their tracks. โ€œWell, hello dear bride,โ€ Naina said, stepping into the room with a sly smile. Her sharp eyes flickered over them, suspicion gleaming in her tone. โ€œWhatโ€™s going on here? You look like someone whoโ€™s just been caught red-handed. Wait a minuteโ€ฆ donโ€™t tell me youโ€™re planning to run away.โ€Both girls stiffened. Vanshika, quick on her feet, let out a forced laugh and tried to brush it off. โ€œWhat? No! Of course not, Naina. With so many people like you around, who would even think about such a crazy thing? Youโ€™re must be crazy.โ€

But Nainaโ€™s expression hardened, her eyes narrowing. โ€œWhat do you mean by โ€˜people like thisโ€™? What exactly are you implying?โ€ Vanshika tilted her head with mock innocence. โ€œOh come on, you knowโ€ฆ people like you. Who donโ€™t let anyone breathe freely. Who donโ€™t miss a chance to taunt. Aww, very bad, Naina di.โ€ Before Naina could retort, Prishaโ€™s soft but firm voice interrupted. โ€œYou donโ€™t need to worry about me, di. At least you shouldnโ€™t be the one stressing about my choices. I know very well why you came here.โ€

โ€œHaan, kyu nahi,โ€ Naina shot back smugly, โ€œafter all, itโ€™s my younger sisterโ€™s wedding. And the bride isnโ€™t even ready yet. Thatโ€™s not acceptable. So, Iโ€™ve already called the parlour people here. Since Dad isnโ€™t letting you go out anywhere, youโ€™ll just get ready inside. Come in, girls dress up our pretty bride properly. The baraat is about to arrive, and the dulhan isnโ€™t even ready yet!โ€ As the makeup artists entered, Prisha and Vanshika exchanged a panicked look. The window of opportunity they were counting on was slipping away right in front of their eyes. They could only watch helplessly as Naina took control of the situation. Within minutes, the artists had transformed Prisha into a radiant bride. Sitting before the mirror, her reflection looked nothing short of ethereal. She wore a dark red lehenga paired with a light golden dupatta that shimmered delicately under the lights. Her makeup was minimal, just a soft glow, a touch of blush, and lips painted with a deep red shade. She had refused heavy layers, and ironically, that simplicity made her even more breathtaking.

Prisha stared at herself in the mirror, but instead of joy, her heart was beating wildly with dread. Every passing second felt like a countdown toward a future she did not want. Her palms trembled as she whispered in her heart, Will I be able to escapeโ€ฆ or is this really going to happen?

And thenโ€”the sound hit her.

The loud echo of band-baaja, drums, and the baraat entering through the gates made her heart skip a beat. Her breathing grew shallow, panic rising like a wave inside her chest. Naina, with a fake smile plastered on her lips, patted Prishaโ€™s shoulder. โ€œWell, dulhan, your groom has arrived. Wow, isnโ€™t this exciting? Youโ€™re about to get married!โ€ Prishaโ€™s heart clenched painfully at those words, while Vanshika clenched her fists in frustration. She wanted to grab Naina by the hair and drag her out of the room if thatโ€™s what it took. But she knew losing control right now would ruin everything. She forced herself to calm down, and just then an idea sparked in her mind. With a sly smile, Vanshika said casually, โ€œWell, of course, Prisha looks so stunning that anyone would want to marry her. But I do feel a little bad for you, Naina di. Youโ€™re elder than her, yet your younger sister is getting married before you. Donโ€™t you think people will gossip about it?โ€

Her words hit Naina like poison. The color drained from her face as anger flared in her eyes. โ€œWhat are you trying to say, Vanshika?โ€ Folding her hands dramatically, Vanshika replied sweetly, โ€œIโ€™m just sayingโ€ฆ maybe thereโ€™s some problem with you, di? Otherwise, why would your younger sister get married first?โ€ Prishaโ€™s eyes widened in shock as she turned toward Vanshika. What on earth is she doing? But Vanshikaโ€™s trick worked. Nainaโ€™s face twisted in fury. โ€œThatโ€™s nonsense! Prisha is marrying quickly because she had an affair in the U.S. We didnโ€™t want her to repeat her mistakes. And you! Youโ€™re just her friend, so stay in your limits. Donโ€™t act like her lawyer!โ€

Vanshika smirked. โ€œWell, actually, I am a lawyer. A criminal lawyer, in fact. And as for what I said, I donโ€™t think Iโ€™m wrong.โ€ Naina exploded, her voice shrill with rage. โ€œYou bastard! Do you even know who youโ€™re talking to? Iโ€™ll deal with you later!โ€ With that, she stormed out of the room, fuming. As soon as she left, Vanshika exhaled loudly. โ€œUff! What a drama queen. Can you believe how much she talks? But at least now sheโ€™s gone.โ€Prisha looked at her with narrowed eyes. โ€œYou did this on purpose, didnโ€™t you? Just to make her leave.โ€

โ€œOf course, dear,โ€ Vanshika winked. โ€œThe baraat is already here. We donโ€™t have time to waste we have to get out of here now.โ€ Prishaโ€™s voice trembled as she clasped her hands tightly. โ€œHnn, but Iโ€™m so scared. Please, Godโ€ฆ please take care of everything. I canโ€™t marry him. I would rather marry that stranger I kissed than this man.โ€ Vanshikaโ€™s jaw dropped, teasing instantly slipping into her tone. โ€œOhhh, so youโ€™re thinking about him now? Was he that hot? Should I go find him in the U.S.A for you?โ€ She tied the knot of Prishaโ€™s dupatta with a mischievous smile. Prisha blushed and shook her head furiously. โ€œItโ€™s nothing like that! I donโ€™t even remember his face properly. And I definitely donโ€™t want to meet him again. Just stop teasing and focus on escaping!โ€

But before Vanshika could reply

BOOMMMM!

A thunderous explosion shook the walls, echoing across the mansion. The ground itself seemed to tremble under their feet. Prisha froze midway, her blood running cold. โ€œW-Whatโ€ฆ what was that?โ€

ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ******************

From a distance, it looked like the perfect wedding except perfection never lasts. Because Shivansh Raichand had arrived. As he had promised himself, he would ruin this wedding. Nothing, absolutely nothing, could stop him tonight. He didnโ€™t come alone. His black luxury car rolled to a stop at the mansion gates, and the heavy silence of the night was broken by the doors opening. Shivansh stepped out, dressed head-to-toe in a sleek black three-piece suit that hugged his tall, broad frame. The darkness clung to him like he owned it, and every step he took carried the arrogance of a man who feared nothing. Behind him, his guards emerged one by one, each armed with guns. Without wasting a moment, one of them lifted his weapon and fired a shot into the air.

BHOMMM!

The deafening sound split through the joyous atmosphere like lightning through a clear sky. The effect was instantโ€”guests screamed, women clutched their children, relatives scattered in panic. The music died mid-beat, and a suffocating silence took over. Everyoneโ€™s eyes turned toward the mansion gates where danger now stood in flesh and blood. Rajveer Singhania rushed to the gate, his face paling as soon as his eyes fell on the figure he had never wished to see tonight. โ€œShivansh? What the hell are you doing here?โ€ Shivansh leaned casually against his car, a devilish smile curving across his lips. He walked closer, closing the distance between them with slow, deliberate steps. Bending slightly toward Rajveerโ€™s ear, he whispered, his tone sharp as a knife, โ€œWhat happened, Mr. Singhania? Why is there sweat on your face already? Iโ€™ve only come to attend the wedding.โ€ The venom in his words was unmistakable.

By then, Raunak and his father had also arrived at the gate, fury blazing in Raunakโ€™s eyes. โ€œWhat kind of entry is this? This is no way to come to someoneโ€™s wedding!โ€ he shouted. Shivansh straightened, giving him a mocking glance. โ€œReally? I thought at weddings, firing was considered normalโ€ฆ so I did it. Is that a problem?โ€ Rajveer forced himself to stay calm, his voice stern but measured. โ€œShivansh, listen carefully. Today is my daughterโ€™s wedding. I donโ€™t want any drama here. It would be better if you left right now.โ€

Shivansh chuckled, tilting his head. โ€œOhh, your daughterโ€™s wedding? And this is how you treat a guest? Tch tch, very bad manners, Mr. Singhania. Anywayโ€ฆ where is your daughter? Call her. Iโ€™d like to see how your little princess looks as a bride.โ€ Raunakโ€™s jaw clenched. โ€œYou donโ€™t need to see her.โ€ Shivanshโ€™s smile sharpened into something far more dangerous. โ€œOhhh, possessive Raunak? You who changes girls every other night like clothes are being this possessive about one? For how long will you keep her? A day, two days, or just one night?โ€

The words cut like glass.

Rajveerโ€™s temper finally snapped. โ€œEnough, Shivansh!โ€ he shouted, his voice echoing. In an instant, Shivanshโ€™s guards raised their guns, surrounding the Singhanias with chilling precision. Weapons pointed directly at their heads, freezing them in place. Guests gasped, some even dropping to their knees in terror. But Shivansh only smiled wider, enjoying the chaos. โ€œSo much anger, Mr. Singhania? All I did was speak the truth. The man youโ€™re marrying your daughter to is no saint. But you donโ€™t have a problem with that, do you? Interesting.โ€ He turned toward the mansion, his voice dropping low before roaring across the hall. โ€œWell thenโ€ฆ your daughter must be called. Prisha. Prisha Singhaniaโ€ฆ come down right now!โ€His deep, commanding voice boomed across the mansion like thunder.

Upstairs, Prisha froze. She had been preparing to sneak out with Vanshika, her heart already racing from the tension of escape. But the moment she heard that name, that voice something inside her shifted. Her legs felt weak, her heartbeat doubled. โ€œWho is this man?โ€ Vanshika whispered, panic in her tone. โ€œWhy did he call your name? And why does it feel like heโ€™s here for you?โ€ Prishaโ€™s lips trembled. โ€œI-I donโ€™t know. The Singhanias have plenty of enemies. Maybe heโ€™s one of themโ€ฆ but why call me?โ€ Her mind was spinning, but before she could figure it out, Shivanshโ€™s voice came again, louder this time, more dangerous. โ€œPrisha Singhania! Come down! Or I wonโ€™t hesitate to come upstairs myself!โ€

The threat in his words made her chest tighten. She stared at the dupatta-ropes Vanshika had prepared for their escape and then stepped back, dropping them. Vanshika grabbed her wrist, eyes wide. โ€œWhat are you doing? Why are you stepping back? He can come up any second we have to leave now! Your brother is waiting for you at the airport!โ€ But Prisha shook her head, taking a shaky breath. โ€œNoโ€ฆ I need to know who he is. Why heโ€™s calling me like this. Why does his voice feel like itโ€™s reaching straight into my chest?โ€ โ€œAre you insane?โ€ Vanshika hissed. โ€œThis is not the time for curiosity youโ€™ll get yourself trapped!โ€ But Prisha had already made up her mind. She straightened her lehenga, adjusted her dupatta, and whispered, almost to herself, โ€œNo. I have to see him. I need answers.โ€

Before Vanshika could stop her, she pushed the door open and stepped into the corridor. Her anklets jingled softly with each step, the sound delicate yet eerily loud in the tense silence of the mansion. Vanshika hurried after her, muttering curses under her breath, still trying to figure out a way to inform Vikrant, but with no number, she was helpless. Downstairs, Shivansh hadnโ€™t yet seen her. But he heard it the faint, melodic sound of payal echoing through the marble hallways. His chest tightened for a split second before he reminded himself coldly, Sheโ€™s your enemyโ€™s daughter. Nothing more. No emotions.

And then she appeared at the top of the stairs. Prisha descended slowly, each step deliberate, the red lehenga shimmering under the chandelier lights. The golden dupatta framed her delicate face, her kohl-lined eyes sparkling with fear and defiance. The silver anklets on her feet sang with each movement. For a heartbeat, the entire hall seemed to still, all eyes shifting to the bride walking down the staircase. Rajveer turned and immediately snapped at her. โ€œPrisha! Why did you come out? Who asked you to come here?!โ€ But Shivansh barely heard him. His head turned, and when his eyes finally landed on her he froze. For a moment, the devil smile slipped from his face. He had expected the daughter of his enemy, but not thisโ€ฆ not someone who looked like a goddess wrapped in red clothes.His chest rose sharply as he forced himself to regain control.And then his lips curved into a dark smile once more.

โ€œSoโ€ฆ finally, we meet again, Prisha Singhania.โ€

And then,she saw him and like a lightning strike, the memory hit her. That dayโ€ฆ when she had collided with a stranger and almost fallen, but strong arms had caught her just in time. Her breath caught in her throat as realization dawned thisโ€ฆ this is him. The same man from the U.S.Aโ€ฆ the one who saved me. Her eyes widened in disbelief. What? Howโ€ฆ how is he here?

He looked up-straight into Prisha's eyes. And smiled. Not soft. Not romantic. But dark. Possessive. Triumphant. Prisha's breath hitched. This wasn't real. This couldn't be real.

"Guards! Get him out!" Rajveer shouted. But no one moved. Because everyone in that room knew-you don't throw out Shivansh Raichand. He walked slowly toward Rajveer, each step deliberate. "You destroyed my family," Shivansh said softly. "You ruined my father's name. You turned my father into a broken man. And now you want to celebrate in peace?" Rajveer's voice thundered. "That was business-" "No," Shivansh cut him off. "That was betrayal."

He paused.

"And betrayal demands blood... orย  sometimes maybe marriage." Silence.

Rajveer blinked. "What the hell are you saying?"Shivansh turned again-this time, toward the stairs."Prisha," he said, like her name was both a hymn and a curse. "Come down." She didn't move.He climbed a step. "Come. Down."

Then The room watched. Some in fear. Some in awe.Everyone wondering-would she go? Would the obedient Singhania daughter surrender to the devil? And then she moved. One step.Then another.Down, down, into the fire. They stood face to face now. He looked at her like she was the prize he had bled for. She looked at him like he was the war she'd never win.

Prishaโ€™s chest was tight with fear, but she forced her voice to come out cold and steady, hiding every tremor of her heart. โ€œWhat do you want from me?โ€Shivansh tilted his head slightly, his lips curling into a smile that didnโ€™t quite reach his eyes. โ€œDidnโ€™t your father ever tell you about me? Thatโ€™s very bad, Mr. Singhaniaโ€ฆ very bad indeed. You shouldโ€™ve at least given your daughter some warning. But never mindโ€ฆ now she knows. I am Shivansh Raichand.โ€ Prishaโ€™s throat went dry, but she didnโ€™t let her gaze falter. โ€œAnd why are you here?โ€ His reply came straight, sharp as steel. โ€œBecause old scores need to be settled with your father. But before that, thereโ€™s something I need to know from you.โ€ He stepped closer, slow and deliberate. Prisha held her ground, refusing to step back even though every instinct screamed at her to move away. His presence was overwhelming, dangerous, yet strangely magnetic. Sliding one hand casually into his pocket, Shivansh stopped right in front of her. โ€œDo you really want to marry Raunak?โ€ he asked quietly, his tone cutting straight through the chaos around them.

The question struck her harder than she expected. Her eyes snapped up to his, and for the first time, she noticed something that left her unsettled. His gaze wasnโ€™t cold not entirely. There was something else hidden there. Care. Concern. Maybe even a trace of protectiveness. But why? Why would her enemyโ€™s eyes hold that for her? Prisha didnโ€™t answer. She couldnโ€™t. Her silence said everything Shivansh needed to hear. A small smirk touched his lips. โ€œYou donโ€™t need to say anything. I understand.โ€ And at that exact moment, the panditโ€™s voice broke through from behind them. โ€œThe muhurat is slipping away. We must proceed with the wedding rituals quickly.โ€

Shivansh turned, his eyes narrowing in disbelief. โ€œReally? Youโ€™re worried about muhurat in the middle of all this? Good job.โ€ His sarcasm cut through the air, but then his voice dropped, low and dangerous. โ€œBut youโ€™re right about one thingโ€ฆ a wedding should take place. Especially when itโ€™s Singhaniaโ€™s daughter. Such occasions shouldnโ€™t be delayed.โ€ He walked over to Rajveer, standing directly before him, his presence towering, his aura suffocating. โ€œIn fact,โ€ Shivansh continued smoothly, โ€œIโ€™m thinking we should end this pointless rivalry once and for allโ€ฆ and turn it into a family relationship instead. What do you say, Mr. Singhania? Instead of marrying Prisha Singhania to Raunak Malhotraโ€ฆ what if she marries me, Shivansh Raichand? The enmity will die, and the marriage will happen. Two problems solved in one move.โ€

His words dropped like bombs in the hall. The crowd gasped, whispers erupted, and every single pair of eyes turned toward him in shock. Raunakโ€™s blood boiled, his face turning red with rage. โ€œYouโ€ฆ you think you can take my place? You think you can take my bride?โ€ His voice cracked as he lunged forward, hand shooting out to grab Shivanshโ€™s collar. โ€œHow dare you!โ€

SMACK!

The sound of the slap echoed like thunder. Shivanshโ€™s hand moved faster than anyone could register, landing across Raunakโ€™s face with brutal force. In the next second, Raunak was sprawled on the floor, shock and pain flashing across his features. Shivanshโ€™s voice was a deadly growl. โ€œDonโ€™t everโ€ฆ ever put your filthy hands on my collar. I donโ€™t like it one bit, Mr. Malhotra.โ€ His dark eyes glinted as he looked toward Raunakโ€™s father. โ€œIf you want your son and your business to stay alive and intact, youโ€™d better walk out of here right now. Otherwiseโ€ฆโ€ He let the threat hang in the air, heavier than the silence that followed. The warning rattled Mr. Malhotra to his bones. He knew exactly what it meant. Going against Raichand Group was equal to digging his own grave. He bent down quickly, trying to pull his son up. โ€œRaunak, enough. We are not doing this wedding. We came here to expand business, not destroy it. Letโ€™s go.โ€But Raunak was too blinded by anger, his pride shredded in front of the entire crowd. He pushed his fatherโ€™s hand away, glaring up at Shivansh with bloodshot eyes. โ€œNo! Iโ€™m not leaving. Prisha is mine! Sheโ€™s only mine, and she will marry me!โ€

SMACK!

The second slap landed harder than the first, sending Raunakโ€™s head snapping to the side. Shivansh loomed over him, his voice cold as death. โ€œPrisha is not some thing you can claim as yours. She belongs to no one.โ€ His gaze shifted back to Mr. Malhotra, his tone laced with venom. โ€œSeems like you donโ€™t love your son as much as you claim. If you did, you wouldnโ€™t let him speak like that in front of me. Think wisely, Mr. Malhotra.โ€The entire hall fell into chaos the moment Malhotra lost his patience. His voice thundered across the mansion as he shouted Raunakโ€™s name, his anger piercing through the heavy silence that had settled. Without a second thought, he grabbed Raunakโ€™s arm roughly, dragging him out of the wedding hall while the latter tried to resist helplessly. The humiliation burned on Raunakโ€™s face, but Malhotraโ€™s grip was ironclad. One by one, the guests exchanged nervous glances, whispering among themselves before hurriedly making their exit. Relatives from the Malhotra family too slipped away, leaving the once grand wedding venue cloaked in an eerie emptiness.

Among the chaos, Vanshika rushed towards Prisha. Her heart pounded with both fear and determination as she reached her best friend, whose face was pale, her eyes brimming with confusion. Vanshika clutched her hand tightly. โ€œCome, Prishaโ€ฆ we need to get out of here. Right now,โ€ she whispered frantically, trying to pull her away from the mandap. But before they could move even a single step, a cold, commanding voice sliced through the air. Shivansh Raichand stood tall, his presence dark and intimidating, his lips curved into a mocking smile. โ€œAise kaise, Mr. Singhania?โ€ he taunted, his voice dripping with venom. โ€œYour familyโ€™s news already spreads like wildfire across the cityโ€ฆ but wonโ€™t it be such a disgrace if people hear that your daughterโ€™s wedding never even happened?โ€ His dark eyes shifted to Prisha, locking onto her trembling figure. โ€œBut donโ€™t worry. She will definitely get married today.โ€Gasps echoed around the few remaining witnesses, and Vanshika tightened her grip on Prisha, stepping in front of her protectively. Her voice cracked but didnโ€™t waver, โ€œAnd who are you to decide that? Who the hell are you to choose her future husband?โ€

Shivanshโ€™s devilish smirk deepened, his gaze almost playful in its cruelty. โ€œReally?โ€ he chuckled darkly, pulling out a gun with a swiftness that made the room freeze. โ€œCase? Then go ahead, Miss Lawyer. File it.โ€ His finger tapped the trigger as he suddenly raised the weapon and pointed it directly at Vanshikaโ€™s forehead. โ€œBut if you stand in my way, thenโ€ฆ diskiyoon.โ€ He mimicked the sound of a bullet leaving the barrel, making Vanshikaโ€™s heart hammer against her ribs. โ€œNo!โ€ Prisha screamed, her voice trembling with fear. โ€œTumhara dimaag kharab hai! Put the gun down right now!โ€ But Shivansh only laughed, tilting his head with a mocking softness. โ€œOhh, orders already? Wifeyโ€ฆ save the commands for after marriage.โ€ His gun shifted, the cold barrel now pointing at Vanshikaโ€™s temple. โ€œIf you refuse to marry me, then your beloved friendโ€™s brain will decorate these walls.โ€

โ€œStop this madness!โ€ Rajveerโ€™s voice roared across the hall. His fists were clenched, his rage barely restrained. โ€œMain aisa bilkul nahi hone dunga. What the hell do you want, Raichand?โ€ Shivansh turned his gaze towards him, almost amused by his defiance. But before Rajveer could step closer, Prishaโ€™s voice cracked through the tension. Her eyes brimmed with unshed tears, her chest rising and falling with panicked breaths. โ€œReally, Mr. Singhania?โ€ she said bitterly, her tone sharp enough to cut. โ€œSince when did my safety become your concern? If it matters so much to youโ€ฆ then fine. Iโ€™ll marry him.โ€

Rajveer froze in shock. โ€œPrishaโ€

But she lifted her chin, tears spilling down as she looked at Shivansh. โ€œMove the gun away from Vanshika. Iโ€™ll do thisโ€ฆ not because Iโ€™m scared of you, Shivansh Raichand, but because I refuse to let anyone else suffer because of me.โ€ A flicker of victory passed through his eyes as he lowered the gun from Vanshikaโ€™s head, only to point it at Prisha instead. โ€œGood choice, dear wifey,โ€ he murmured darkly. โ€œNowโ€ฆ come with me.โ€ Vanshikaโ€™s desperate cry followed. โ€œNo, Prisha! You canโ€™t do this!โ€

But Shivanshโ€™s smirk widened. โ€œI already have, Saali Sahiba. Now step aside.โ€ He pulled Prishaโ€™s trembling hand into his and led her to the mandap. The sacred fire crackled in the center as the priest hesitated, his hands shaking. Prisha sat beside Shivansh, her body stiff, her eyes glued to the flames as if she were staring into the depths of hell itself. โ€œPandit ji,โ€ Shivanshโ€™s voice boomed, laced with authority, โ€œwhy are you standing there frozen? Start the ceremony. Invitation or no invitation, this marriage will happen.โ€ The priest stammered, beads of sweat dripping down his forehead, but eventually obeyed. His chants filled the tense silence, the mantras echoing against the high walls. Shivanshโ€™s every move was steady, calculated, as he followed each instruction without hesitation. Prishaโ€™s hands trembled as she clutched her lehenga, her eyes burning as she stared at the blazing fire. If I donโ€™t set fire to your life, Mr. Devil Raichand, then my name isnโ€™t Prisha Singhania. The vow screamed silently in her heart, her pain hidden behind her unflinching gaze.

Shivansh, however, felt an odd calm within. He hadnโ€™t come here to marry her, not like this. But destiny had a twisted way of workingโ€”binding them together against all odds.When the priest instructed him to fill the brideโ€™s hairline with sindoor, Shivansh did it without hesitation, the crimson streak blazing like blood against her skin. The mangalsutra followed, resting heavily against her chest, marking her as his forever.โ€œAnd now, the kanya daan,โ€ the priest called nervously, glancing at her parents seated silently nearby. Prishaโ€™s voice rang out, sharp and angry. โ€œStop right there. My parents are dead. They will not be performing any ritual for me.โ€

Shivanshโ€™s head whipped towards her, his brows furrowed in shock. Her parents were right there why would she say such a thing? But before he could speak, Prishaโ€™s glare silenced him. โ€œContinue, Pandit ji. Move forward without it.โ€ The priest swallowed hard. โ€œJ-jiโ€ฆ if the kanya daan is not performed, then the marriage will still be considered complete.โ€ His voice faltered, but he forced the words out. โ€œFrom this moment forward, you are husband and wife.โ€ And just like that, he bolted from the mandap, his robes flapping behind him as he practically ran out of the mansion. Shivansh rose from his seat with a victorious air. He clasped Prishaโ€™s hand tightly and pulled her up. His smirk widened, his voice dripping with sarcasm. โ€œFinallyโ€ฆ the wedding is complete. Mr. Singhania, are you happy now? Letโ€™s go, Mrs. Prisha Shivansh Raichand.โ€

Vanshikaโ€™s eyes filled with tears as she rushed to Prishaโ€™s side. Her voice cracked, filled with betrayal and confusion. โ€œWhy, Prisha? Why did you do this? Why did you agree to marry him? He wasnโ€™t going to harm meโ€ฆ you could have said no!โ€ Prisha blinked back her own tears, her voice trembling but steady. โ€œI know he wasnโ€™t going to kill you, Vanshika. And noโ€ฆ I wasnโ€™t afraid of him. But I had my reasons. Iโ€™ll explain later. Just know thisโ€”at least I didnโ€™t have to marry Raunak. Donโ€™t think about meโ€ฆ think about bhai. Please take care of him.โ€œPrishaโ€ฆโ€ Vanshika whispered brokenly.

Prisha pulled her into a quick embrace, her lips brushing her ear. โ€œTake care of yourself. And if anything happensโ€ฆ just one call, Vanshika. Iโ€™ll always be there. Donโ€™t worry, Iโ€™m still in India.โ€ With that, she stepped away, her eyes clouded with pain, but her resolve steeled. Vanshika could only nod, tears sliding down her face as she whispered, โ€œApna khayal rakhna.โ€ โ€œHmm,โ€ Prisha muttered softly, her lips tightening. โ€œDonโ€™t worryโ€ฆ take care.โ€ And with that, she let Shivanshโ€™s grip pull her away, her fate sealed in the fire of a marriage she never wanted.

That night, as the world tried to make sense of what happened, the Shivansh Raichand celebrated in silence. Shivansh brought Prisha into his mansion-not as a guest. But as a wife. No roses. No wedding night. No soft touches. Only silence. Welcome mrs. Prisha Shivansh Raichand . His voice calm but steady.

*******************

Don't know chapter apki umeedo par khara utar paya ya nhi but I did my best in this chapter.

And if you want their looks picture and tell me I'll upload their looks pictures also.

How was it tell me in the comment section.

Smack and again smack kaisa laga?๐Ÿ˜‚

And congrats them readers afterall they finally married.

Happy reading lilies ๐Ÿ’— and do likes and comments.

And stay tuned for next chapter.

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