As the evening set in and the Poddars prepared to leave, the small house seemed to echo with the quiet anticipation of what was to come. Vidya and Manisha, with the help of Madhav and Manoj, performed a small Ghar Pravesh ceremony, welcoming Abhira and Armaan into their home as a married couple.

The atmosphere was warm and intimate, contrasting sharply with the grandeur of the Poddar Mansion. The chorus gang—Krish, Kiara, Charu, and Aryan—stood by, cheering and teasing the couple, lightening the mood.

As the ceremony concluded, Madhav placed his hand on Armaan’s shoulder, his eyes speaking volumes as he quietly offered his blessings. Manoj gave Armaan a firm handshake, his grip lingering just a little longer, conveying his support without words. Vidya and Manisha, after hugging Abhira and Armaan, led the chorus gang out of the house, leaving the couple in their newfound solitude.

The silence that followed was both comforting and unnerving. Armaan and Abhira exchanged glances, the weight of the day settling on them as they faced the reality of being truly alone together for the first time. With the house now their own, they headed to change into something comfortable before making way to their personal battlefield in the house- the kitchen.

After a lot of debate and deciding to make something simple—noodles for dinner. The task, though mundane, was filled with unspoken emotion. Each movement, each glance, held a deeper meaning as they navigated the small space together.

The sound of water boiling, the clatter of utensils, and the occasional laughter as they fumbled through the preparation filled the room.

Abhira found herself stealing glances at Armaan, her heart swelling with a mixture of love, admiration, and the fluttering nerves that came with the newness of their situation. Armaan, on the other hand, watched Abhira intently, his mind racing with thoughts of the life they were about to start together.

When the noodles were finally ready, they sat at the small dining table, savoring the simplicity of the meal. It wasn’t just the food they cherished, but the presence of each other, the warmth that seemed to wrap around them like a protective blanket. Every bite, every shared smile, every brush of hands across the table felt like a promise—a promise to make this life work, no matter what.

"Not bad for our first meal together as husband and wife," Armaan remarked, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

Abhira chuckled, nudging him playfully. "Well, it’s not gourmet, but it’s ours, and that makes it perfect."

They ate slowly, savoring the simplicity of the meal and the comfort of each other’s company. The conversation flowed easily, from light banter about their cooking skills to more serious talks about the life they were building. Every word exchanged, every shared look, deepened the bond between them.

After dinner, they cleared the dishes together, their movements synchronized as if they’d done this a thousand times before. The simplicity of the task brought a comforting rhythm to the evening, grounding them in the reality of their new life.

When the last dish was put away, they made way to the safe space they would be sharing- Their Room. The confides of this room, they knew would be their refuge from the outside world. It was in these four walls, they knew they could let of any guard and be raw.

Armaan settled on the bed while abhira made sure to adjust the curatins near the window before making her way to where Armaan was, settling beside him.

As they turned to each other, the silence between them suddenly charged with an unspoken tension. Armaan’s gaze lingered on Abhira’s face, taking in the way her hair fell softly around her shoulders, the delicate curve of her neck, the way her lips were slightly parted as she looked up at him.

“Abhira,” he said quietly, his voice carrying a note of something deeper. She met his gaze, and in that moment, they both knew that the playful ease of earlier had shifted into something more serious, something neither of them could ignore.

He reached out, his fingers brushing against her cheek, trailing down to her jaw. “Today was… it was a lot,” he began, his voice low. “But I wouldn’t change any of it. Not a single moment.”

Abhira felt her heart swell at his words. “Neither would I,” she whispered back, her hand finding its way to his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart beneath her palm.

They stood there for a moment, the air between them heavy with anticipation. Slowly, almost as if drawn by an invisible force, Armaan leaned in, his lips hovering just above hers. Abhira’s breath hitched, her eyes fluttering closed as she felt the warmth of his breath on her skin.

When their lips finally met, it was like the world stopped spinning. The kiss was soft at first, almost tentative, as if they were both testing the waters of this new territory. But as the seconds passed, it deepened, the intensity between them growing with each heartbeat.

Armaan’s hands slid around her waist, pulling her closer until there was no space left between them. Abhira responded in kind, her arms wrapping around his neck, fingers tangling in his hair as she pressed herself against him. The kiss became more urgent, fueled by the emotions they had both kept in check throughout the day. It was a kiss that spoke of all the love, the desire, the unspoken promises that had been building between them.

But even as their passion threatened to overwhelm them, a part of Armaan held back. He broke the kiss, breathing heavily as he rested his forehead against hers. “Abhira,” he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. “I don’t want to start something… I won’t be able to finish.”

Abhira’s eyes opened slowly, filled with the same mix of desire and restraint that he felt. Her heart pounded in her chest as she looked up at him, seeing the conflict in his eyes. She knew what he meant, and she felt it too—the pull to move forward, to give in to the desires that simmered just beneath the surface. But she also understood the importance of restraint, of pacing themselves as they navigated this new chapter of their lives.

“I know,” she whispered back, her hands slipping down to rest on his chest. “I feel it too.”

They stayed like that for a long moment, just holding each other, their breaths mingling in the small space between them. The pull was still there, strong and insistent, but they both knew they weren’t ready—not yet.

“I wanted this, Armaan,” Abhira said softly, her fingers tracing patterns on his chest. “I want us, but we’ve waited this long… we can wait a little longer.”

He nodded, his heart swelling with love for her. She was right; they had all the time in the world. And as much as he wanted to lose himself in her, he wanted their first time to be more than just a surrender to passion. He wanted it to be a choice, something they both stepped into with open hearts and minds.

“Thank you,” he said, his voice filled with gratitude. “For understanding.”

She smiled up at him, her eyes soft and full of love. “Always,” she whispered. “We have all the time in the world, Armaan. Right now, let’s just… be with each other.”

Her words grounded him, and he felt a wave of relief wash over him. They didn’t need to rush into anything. They had already taken such a big step by marrying, by choosing to build a life together. Everything else could come in its own time.

Armaan’s lips curved into a small smile as he looked into her eyes, filled with love and understanding. “You’re right,” he agreed, his voice steadier now. “We’ll take it one step at a time.”

But even as he said those words, the need to connect with her in a deeper way still lingered. He pressed another kiss to her lips, this one slower, more deliberate, as if to savor every second. There was no rush, no urgency, just the simple, profound act of being together in this moment.

As the need for air surfaced, Armaan moved back a little to look at her. His lips traced her closed eyes and forehead, each kiss a promise of the future they would build together, each touch a reminder that they were no longer alone. They had chosen each other, and that was all that mattered.

When they finally pulled away, the room felt warmer, as if their love had filled the space around them. Armaan held her close, his arms wrapped protectively around her as they stuck together, the world outside forgotten.

“I love you, Abhira,” he whispered against her hair, his voice full of the depth of his feelings.

“I love you too, Armaan,” she whispered back, her voice equally filled with emotion.

They stayed like that for a while, just holding each other, content to be in each other’s arms. The night was still young, and though they had decided to take things slow, they knew that this was just the beginning of their journey together. And in each other’s arms, they found a peace and contentment that made everything else fade away.

They settled into bed, the tension of the day slowly melting away as they lay side by side, bodies curled up against each others and their fingers intertwined.

As they drifted off to sleep, their hearts were full, knowing that whatever challenges lay ahead, they would face them together. And that was all that mattered.

As Madhav, Vidya, Manoj, Manisha, and the chorus gang—Krish, Kiara, Charu, and Aryan—returned to the Poddar Mansion, the weight of the evening lingered with them. The marriage of Armaan and Abhira had been a bittersweet moment, filled with the joy of their union but overshadowed by the knowledge of what awaited them at home.

The group entered the mansion, their footsteps echoing in the quiet hallway. As they approached the dining room, they could see Dadi sa, Kajal, Sanjay, Ruhi, and Rohit seated at the table, waiting for them. The atmosphere was tense, as if the house itself sensed the storm brewing beneath the surface.

Dadi sa’s sharp gaze met theirs as soon as they stepped into the room. "It’s quite late," she said, her tone icy. "Where have you all been? And how is it that you were all together when you gave different reasons for leaving?"

Madhav, who had been carrying the weight of the evening’s emotions, felt his patience snap. "We’re adults, Maa Sa," he said, his voice edged with frustration. "We don’t need to account for our every movement. We can manage for ourselves."

Dadi sa’s eyes narrowed, her anger barely concealed. "Is that how you speak to your mother now, Madhav? I raised you better than this." She turned her gaze to Vidya, who had been standing quietly by his side. "Vidya, where were you? What were you all doing together?"

Vidya lifted her chin, meeting Dadi sa’s eyes with a calm resolve. "We went to meet Armaan," she said simply, the words hanging in the air like a challenge.

Sanjay let out a disappointed sigh. "Armaan again?" he said, shaking his head. "He still hasn’t left you people alone, and here you are, falling for his tricks again."

Manoj, who had been holding his temper in check, couldn’t stay silent any longer. "Armaan is not what you think, Jija Sa," he said, his voice firm. "Not everyone is like you. He’s not manipulative or deceitful. He’s a good man who has always done right by this family, even when he wasn’t treated fairly."

Rohit, who had been listening with growing irritation, suddenly spoke up. "Good man? He walked out on this family! He’s weak, and now he’s dragging you all down with him."

Madhav’s fists clenched at his sides, his anger rising. "Armaan didn’t walk out. He made a choice—one that none of you have respected. But that doesn’t make him weak. It makes him strong for standing by his principles and the woman he loves."

Dadi sa’s face hardened, her disapproval clear. "Principles? Is that what you call abandoning your family? He’s nothing but a traitor to this house, and you all have the audacity to defend him?"

Vidya’s voice cut through the rising tension, calm yet unwavering. "We’re defending him because he deserves to be defended. And because tonight was about more than just meeting Armaan."

Sanjay sneered, his voice laced with disdain. "Oh, let me guess. He’s lured you all back with some sob story, and now you’re here to plead his case. I won’t have it."

Manisha, who had been silent until now, stepped forward. "You don’t know anything about Armaan, Jija Sa. You judge him without understanding his pain or his reasons. He’s a better man than you’ll ever be."

The tension in the room was palpable as the argument escalated, voices rising and emotions flaring. Rohit hurled more insults Armaan’s way, questioning his loyalty, his strength, and even his love for the family. But through it all, Madhav remained resolute, unwilling to let Armaan’s name be dragged through the mud any longer.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Madhav’s voice cut through the noise, strong and unyielding. "Enough," he said, his tone brokering no argument. "There’s something you all need to know."

Dadi sa’s eyes flashed with suspicion as she looked at her son. "What are you talking about, Madhav?"

Madhav took a deep breath, his heart heavy but his resolve firm. "We didn’t just meet Armaan tonight. We attended his marriage to Abhira."

The room fell into stunned silence, the weight of Madhav’s words sinking in. Dadi sa’s face went pale, her eyes wide with shock. Sanjay looked at Madhav as if he couldn’t believe what he was hearing, while Rohit and Ruhi sat frozen, their expressions a mix of disbelief and anger.

Dadi sa was the first to find her voice, her tone filled with fury. "Marriage? You attended his marriage? How dare you—how dare he—!"

Madhav stood his ground, his voice calm but firm. "It was their choice, Maa Sa. And it was the right choice for them. They deserve to be happy, even if it means living away from this house and everything it stands for."

Vidya stepped forward, standing by her husband’s side. "Armaan and Abhira are starting their life together, and we went to support them. That’s what family does, even when you don’t agree with everything."

Sanjay’s face twisted with rage. "This is a disgrace. You’ve betrayed this family, all of you, by supporting him!"

But Manoj wasn’t backing down. "The only disgrace here is how we’ve treated Armaan and also Abhira. He’s done nothing but give to this family, and in return, you’ve turned your back on them."

The argument continued to rage, but Madhav and Vidya remained resolute, their love for Armaan and Abhira stronger than the harsh words being thrown at them. They had made their choice, and they were willing to face the consequences.

Madhav’s patience reached its breaking point. The constant barrage of insults and accusations hurled at Armaan and Abhira by Dadi sa, Sanjay, and Rohit had pushed him to his limit. The room was filled with tension, and finally, Madhav could take it no longer.

His face flushed with anger, and his voice boomed through the room as he shouted, "Enough Now! Not one more word against my son and daughter! I swear, if any of you even think of harming Armaan and Abhira, if you try to interfere in their married life or take away their happiness, you will see a side of me that none of you have ever seen before!"

The room fell into a stunned silence, everyone taken aback by Madhav’s outburst. His usual calm demeanor was gone, replaced by a fierce protectiveness that no one had anticipated.

Madhav’s eyes blazed with intensity as he continued, "I have stayed silent for too long, but no more. Armaan and Abhira deserve to live in peace, without the constant judgment and hostility from this family. If any of you try to hurt them, you will have to answer to me. And believe me, you will not like the consequences."

Vidya, who had been standing beside Madhav, stepped forward, her voice steady and filled with determination. "I stand by Madhav Ji," she said, her eyes locking with Dadi sa’s. "I will not tolerate anyone trying to snatch away the happiness of my children. Armaan and Abhira are our family, and I will protect them with everything I have. They deserve to be happy, and if any of you try to take that away, you will have to face both of us."

The room remained silent, the weight of Madhav and Vidya’s words sinking in. The couple’s unwavering support for their children was clear, and their warning left no room for doubt.

The Poddar family had been put on notice—any attempt to harm Armaan and Abhira would not be tolerated, and Madhav and Vidya were ready to defend their children at any cost.

In the midst of the chaos, Ruhi sat quietly, her mind reeling from the revelation. The man she had once hoped to marry was now wed to another woman, and that woman was no longer just a rival, but a legitimate member of the Poddar family. The realization cut deep, and though she remained silent, the pain of losing Armaan for good was etched on her face.

As the noght set in, the dynamics within the Poddar Mansion shifted irrevocably. Armaan and Abhira’s marriage had set off a chain of events that none of them could have predicted, and the future of the family was now uncertain.

But as Madhav and Vidya stood together, they knew that no matter what came next, they would stand by Armaan and Abhira. Their love, their support, and their belief in the strength of their family bond would guide them through whatever challenges lay ahead.

*..*..*..*..*..*

~

TheLostSoul