The day of the wedding arrived, bringing with it a mixture of celebration and heavy hearts. In front of their family, Dev and Anika said their vows in a ceremony that represented a fresh start for them. With a sorrow-filled heart, Anna stood among people watching, hiding the agony that was close to breaking over, even as joyful cheers filled the air.

Dev (exchanging vows): Tum mera bhavishya aur vartman ho, Anika. Main aaj aapake jeevan mein aane vaale sabhi utaar-chadha avon mein aapaka samarthan karane ka vaada karata hoon(You are my future and my present, Anika. I promise to support you today through all the ups and downs life throws at you.)

Anika (smiling): Devji,aap meri aaraam aur meri taakat hain. Main bhavishya ke sabhi kshanon mein aapako sanjokar rakhane aur aapaka samarthan karane ka vaada karata hoon(You are my comfort and my strength. I promise to treasure and uphold you during all of the future moments.)

The couple was surrounded by the warmth of familial blessings as the ceremony continued. But every rite seemed like a sharp reminder of the past to Anna.

Anna (whispering to herself): Maine kabhi nahi sochi thi ki main yah din dekhoonga. Jis din Dev kisi aur ka ho jaata hai(I never thought I'd witness this day. The day Dev belongs to someone else)

Anna's heart ached more as the two of them completed the traditional rites and exchange of rings to formally seal their union. Tears filled her eyes, but she could not take her eyes off the sight of the man she had once considered her own, now bound to someone else.

The occasion weighed heavy on Anna's shoulders in the silent aftermath of the wedding. She fled to a quiet location to escape the joyous turmoil, unable to control her overpowering feelings any longer. The truth of Dev's marriage to Anika hit her like a ton of bricks while tears poured down her cheeks.

Anna (whispering to herself): Maine kabhi nahi socha tha ki itani dard hoga. Use kisi aur se shaadi karate hue dekhana(I never thought it would hurt this much. Watching him marry someone else.)

Her phone buzzed to alert her to new messages, breaking the quiet around her. Anna hesitantly opened her phone to find an abundance of notifications and texts. Once an instrument of communication, the world of technology has transformed into an area for the open expression of feelings.

Message 1 (from Dev): Anna, I hope you understand. This is the right decision for both of us.

Message 2 (from Dev): Anna, you have to go on. I refuse to let the past control me in this life.

Every message appeared to be a dagger, piercing into Anna's already broken heart. Once gentle and endearing, the words now carried a burden of bitterness and detachment.

Message 3 (from Dev): I expected you to be mature about this. Don't make a scene. Accept it and move on.

Anna was more hurt by Dev's statements because of their brutality. The request for compassion turned into a heartless rejection, leaving Anna with more deep-cut injuries than she could have ever imagined.

Isha, Anna's sister-in-law, sensed the depth of her grief as she struggled with the emotional maelstrom that Dev's wedding and the hateful messages had unleashed. Isha discovered Anna alone in the middle of the family's festivities, her pain visible to anybody who bothered to look.

Isha (softly): Anna Bhabhi,tum theek ho(are you okay)

Anna (teary-eyed): Isha,mujhe nahi pata tha ki isase itani bura nuksaan hogi. Ise kisi doosari aurat ke saath dekhna(I had no idea it would hurt this bad. Watching him with another woman...)

Isha (compassionate): Mujhe nahi pata ki yah aapake liie kitani chunautipoorn hogi. Dev bhaiya dvaara ki gai kharaab tip paniyon ke liye main maafi mangta hoon aur mujhe khed hai ki aapako isase gujarana pada(I have no idea how challenging this must be for you. I apologize for the nasty remarks Dev Bhai said and I regret that you have to go through this.)

Anna (nodding): Isha,vah ek baar bahut alag thi. Vah ab mujhe ajnabi sa lagata hai(he was so different once. He seems like a stranger to me now.)

Isha enveloped Anna with her arms, providing a subtle communication that went beyond words. The two women's hidden connection helped to heal their distance from one another since Isha could relate to Anna's deep feelings.

While Anna took comfort from her sister-in-law Isha's support, she also found her brother-in-law, Deep, to be a reassuring presence. Deep, observant, and caring, they understood Anna's suffering and came to her side.

Deep (softly): Anna Bhabhi,main dekh raha hoon ki yah aapake liye kitana kathin hai. Yadi aapako baat karane ke liye kisi ki avashyakta hai, to main yahaan hoon(I see how difficult this is for you. If you need someone to talk to, I'm here.)

Anna (grateful): Thank you, Deep. Maine kabhi nahi socha tha ki yah itni dardanaak hogi(I never thought it would be so painful.)

Deep (compassionate): Kabhi-kabhi, log badal jaate hain, aur yah samanjasya bithaana kathin hoti hai ki ve kaun the aur ab kya ban gae hain(Sometimes, people change, and it's hard to reconcile who they were with who they've become)

Anna (nodding): Main keval unaki khushi ki aasha kar sakti hoon. Main chahata hoon ki is samay main jis sthiti se gujar raha hoon usaka anubhav kisi ko na ho(All I can hope for is their happiness. I want no one to experience what I'm going through at this time.)

Acknowledging the significance of Anna's comments, Deep conveyed his support for her and his hope for her recovery. Despite her own heartbreak, Anna selflessly expressed her wish for everyone to be happy and together.

Anna (looking at Deep and Isha): Ek-doosare se vaada karen. Ek-doosre se gehra pyaar karen aur galat sanchar ko kabhi bhi aapako nasht na hone den. Kabhi bhi alag na hon, chaahe kuch bhi ho jae(Make a promise to each other. Deeply love each other, and never allow miscommunications to destroy you. Never split up, no matter what.)

Isha (nodding): Hum vaada karate hain, Anna bhabhi. Aapaki taakat hamen prerit karati hai aur hum hamesha ek-doosare ke liye maujood rahenge(We promise, Anna Bhabhi. Your strength inspires us, and we'll always be there for each other)

Few Days Later:

The relationship between Dev and Anna took an unexpected turn on the auspicious day of Ganesha Chaturthi. The festive mood seemed to ease the edges of their difficult relationship, in spite of the recent changes.

Bright decorations and the lovely aroma of incense provided a positive atmosphere for the family to enjoy as they came together to commemorate the happy event. The ornate statue of Ganesha, decked out in flowers and vibrant colors, was the main focus; it represented the remover of barriers and the symbol of fresh starts.

Drawn to the same customs and celebrations, Dev and Anna, caught up in the currents of previous events, found themselves drawn to them. There was a feeling of reconciliation in the air, filled with the sounds of children laughing and religious music.

Dev (extending an olive branch): Kya aap please aarati mein meri madad kar sakati hain, Anna? Hamane kaafi samay se saath mein kuch nahi kiya hai(Could you please help me with the aarti, Anna? We haven't done anything together in a long time)

Anna (tentatively): Zaroor, Dev. Aakhirkar yah Ganesh Chaturthi hai(Sure, Dev. It's Ganesha Chaturthi, after all.)

A gentle ease and familiarity surrounded them as they stood side by side holding a traditional plate with flowers, incense, and a lit lamp. The faint light of the diya reflected the faint hope that perhaps, in the middle of the celebrations, they could manage to mend the stressed bridges.

The happy mood after Ganesha Chaturthi took an unexpected turn when Barfi, showing her scorn, shoved Anna out of the way, trying to put a hard boundary between her and the family's festivities.

Barfi (authoritatively): Naatak ab khatm hone do! Dev ki poorv patni, aap Christian hain. Hamaare parivaar ke reeti-rivaajon mein ab aapaka svaagat nahi hai(Let the drama end now! Dev's ex-wife, you're Christian. You are no longer welcome in our family's customs)

Surprisingly, Anna felt the weight of rejection cut through the cheerful atmosphere that had briefly surrounded her during the festival.

Unwavering in her stance, Barfi turned to face Anika and told her to come to the pooja with Dev.

Barfi (commanding): Jao Dev, Anika ke saath pooja karo. Hamaari parampara mein aaja nabiyon ke hastakshep ki avashyakta nahi hai(Go do the puja with Dev, Anika. Our traditions don't need strangers interfering with them.)

Dev (uncomfortable): Amma ji,aaie aavashyak naatak se bachen. Anna ne is parivaar mein bahut samay bitaaya hai(let's avoid unnecessary drama. Anna has spent lots of time in this family.)

Barfi (stubborn): Ve dinon bahut pahale hi beet chuke hai. Hamen usase aage badhana hoga; vah hamaare bhavishy ya vartamaan ka hissa nahi hai(Those days are long gone. We have to move on from her; she is not a part of our future or present)

While Aarti, who considered Anika as the newest member of the family, supported Barfi's rigid position, Dev's father Rajesh could not easily embrace this sudden change in the family dynamic.

Aarti (supporting Barfi): Barfi sahi hai. Anika ab hamaari bahu hai aur hamen bina kisi hastakshep ke apane reeti-rivaajon ka samman karana chaahiye(is right. Anika is now our bahu, and we should honor our customs without interference.)

Rajesh (concerned): Haalaanki, Aarati ji, Anna ne is parivaar mein kaafi samay bitaaya hai. Hum use aise hi nahi phenk sakate(However, Aarti ji, Anna has spent a significant amount of time in this family. We can't simply throw her off.)

Aarti (firmly): Raj,hamen aage badhane ki jaroorat hai. Hamaara bhavishya aur vartman Anika aur Dev hain. Hamen ateet se aage badhana hoga(we need to get going. Our future and present are Anika and Dev. We have to move on from the past.)

When the time for Ganesha's departing drew near, Anika was stuck in a situation because of family traditions. Rajesh believed his first couple, Dev and Anna, to be his beta and beti (son and daughter), hence it was their duty to carry out the farewell ceremony. Restricted by the dynamics of the family, Anika struggled to participate in the farewell.

Anika (expressing concern): Main is rivaaj mein bhaag lena chaahoonga. Meri matalab hai, yah parivaar ke liye bahut mahatvapurn hai(I would like to participate in this custom. I mean, it's so important for the family.)

Dev (apologetic): Anika,yah saamaany hai. Papa hamen pehli jodi maanate hain. Hamen vidai avashy karna chaahiye(this is normal. Dad considers us as the first couple. We must perform the farewell.)

Anika was overcome with feelings as she felt the burden of being left out. Amidst all of this chaos, a subtle change started to happen. The family was unaware that Anika's alter-persona, Laila, was beginning to take form.

Barfi (sensing the change): Mat karo, Anika. Yah sahi samay nahi hai, aap yah jaanate hain. Hamen jokhim nahi lena chaahiye. Nahi, Anika, abhi nahi. Yah surakshit nahi hai. Hum aapake liye ek alag tareeke se bhaag lene ki vyavastha karenge(Don't, Anika. It's not the right time, you know that. We must not take a chance. No, Anika, not right now. It's not safe. We'll arrange for you to take part in a different way.)

As Dev tried to submerge the Ganesha statue in the symbolic waters, the calm surface turned to dangerous quicksand while it was raining, creating a stressful atmosphere. The audience became engulfed in panic, and Anika's fear was evident.

Anika (anxiously): Devji,dhyaan se! Kuch theek nahi hai(be careful! Something's not right)

But Dev was sucked into the devouring quicksand and rapidly drowned before anyone was able to react. There was an echo of the family's distressed cries.

Rajesh (shouting): Dev!Koi to usaki madad karo(Someone help him!)

Anna, driven by love and instinct amid the chaos, grabbed hold of a nearby rope. She threw the other end to Rajesh and tied it around Dev's waist quickly, not even thinking about her own safety.

Anna (determined): Pakado Papa ji! Hum use kho nahi sakate(Hold on, Papa ji! We can't lose him.)

Anxious but yet determined, Rajesh seized the rope and anchored it in the hopes that they might get Dev out of the dangerous situation.

Anna jumped into the quicksand, her heart racing with the need to get to Dev despite the danger. She struggled to get to him because of the cold, sticky muck, but she pushed because she loved him.

Dev (grateful): Anna,aapako aisa nahi karna tha( you didn't have to do this)

Anna (smiling): Hum isamen ek saath hain, Dev. Hamesha(We're in this together, Dev. Always)

Unexpectedly, Ganesha's marigold necklace flew and caught them around their necks. A glance between them, as they stood together in the quicksand, communicated a level of connection and understanding that was beyond words. The raging floods now encircled the idol of Ganesha, which was waiting for its farewell.

Dev and Anna completed their final rite with their hands bound together their bond stronger than before. The family was relieved and grateful at the same time as they nervously pulled on the rope.

There was a collective breath of relief when Dev and Anna emerged from the quicksand safely. Overwhelmed with thanks, Aarti came forward to give Anna her sincere appreciation.

Aarti (emotionally): Anna, thank you. Aapane Dev ko bachane ke liye bahut jokhim uthaaya. Hum aapako paryaapt dhanyavaad nahi de sakate(You risked so much to save Dev. We can't thank you enough.)

Anna (modestly): Main use kuch nahi hone de sakati thi. Aakhirakaar hum ek parivaar hain(I couldn't have let anything happen to him. We're family, after all.)

Rajesh (grateful): Tumane aaj dikha diya, Anna, ki parivaar sirf khoon se kaheen badhakar hai. Dev ko hamaare paas vaapas laane ke liye hum aapako dhanyavaad dete hain(You've shown today, Anna, that family is more than just blood. We thank you for getting Dev back to us.)

Isha (admiring): Anna Bhabhi,vah sachamuch bahaadur thi. Mujhe nahi pata thi ki quicksand itana ghaatak ho sakata hai(that was really brave. I had no idea quicksand could be so deadly)

Rajesh developed a plan to reunite Dev and Anna after realizing he could heal their damaged relationship. Seeing a struggle in the industry, he suggested that Dev and Anna travel to India together to manage the launch of a new business, "Fresh," which was a project they had earlier created together.

Rajesh (during a family meeting): Main hamaare bhaarateey varg ki samasya par vichaar kar raha hoon. Isake liye ek nae drshtikon aur nai shuruaat ki jaroorat hai. Aur Dev aur Anna isake liye adarsh neta hain(I have been considering the problems our Indian section is having. It needs a new outlook and a fresh beginning. And Dev and Anna are the perfect leaders for this.)

Aarti (curious): Lekin kya yah unake liye chunautipoorn nahi hoga, Raj? Log yah maanate rahate hain ki ve shaadi shuda hai(But won't it be challenging for them, Raj? People continue to believe they are married.)

Rajesh (smiling): Yah sahi hai. Isi baat ka hamen dhyaan rakhana chaahiye. Saath milakar, ve na keval pariyojana ko nai oorja pradaan karenge balki sabhi ko yah bhi pradarshit karenge ki romantic rishton ke abhaav mein bhi ve ek majaboot team hain(That's right. That's what we must take care of. Together, they will not only provide the project with fresh energy but also demonstrate to everyone that they are a formidable team even in the absence of romantic relationships.)

Tej (nodding): Yah ek shaandaar vichaar hai, Dad. Ab samay aa gaya hai ki ve ek-doosare ko alag najariya se dekhen(It's a brilliant idea, Dad. It's time they see each other in a different light)

Rajesh (firmly): Aaie unhe vyaktigat aur vyavsayik star par apane rishte ko phir se jeevant karane ka mauka den(Let's offer them this chance to rekindle their relationship on a personal and professional level.)

Tension and excitement were in the air as Dev and Anna started packing their suitcases for their trip to India. The idea of collaborating on "Fresh" sparked feelings of unresolved emotions as well as memories of their shared dreams.

Dev (teasingly): Anna,apane avishvasaneey culinary skills ko saath laana yaad rakhen. Hamen isaka avashyakta ho sakta hai(remember to bring along your incredible culinary skills. We could need it.)

Anna (rolling her eyes): Oh please, Dev. Aapake adbhut vichaar keval kaagaz par hi mahaan hain. Aaie dekhen ki ve vastavikta mein kaise kaam karate hain(Your 'amazing' ideas are only great on paper. Let's see how they work in reality.)

Dev (sarcastically): Mujhe aasha hai ki aap apna superhero kep lekar aae honge. Shaayad hamen ise jeetane ke liye naatakeey pravesh karane ki zaroorat hai(I hope you've brought your superhero cape, then. Maybe we need to make a dramatic entrance to win this one.)

Anna (smirking): Yah koi bhool raha hai ki maine hi use ret se bahar nikaala hai. Hamesha superhero mood hota hai(It's being forgotten by someone that I just pulled him out of the quicksand. There is always superhero mode.)

Their conversation was full of undercurrents of comedy and feeling, as though the things they didn't say were just waiting to be acknowledged at the perfect time.

Dev (more seriously): Anna, please,aaie bina kisi badi samasya ke apana palaayan poora karen(let's just get through our getaway without any major problems.)

Anna (nodding): Maan gaya. Naatak-mukt aur peshevar. Hum yah Fresh ke liye kar rahe hain, hamaare liye nahi(Agreed. Drama-free and professional. We're doing this for Fresh, not for us)

Anika's inner conflict grew more intense as the days went by and Dev and Anna got ready to travel to India. A mix of the couple's approaching departure and the changing dynamics within the family caused Laila, Anika's possessive alter ego, to come out.

Laila (whispering in Anika's mind): Vah phisal raha hai, Anika. Aap use jaane nahi de sakate(He's slipping away, Anika. You can't let him go.)

Anika found herself giving in to her long-dormant possessive emotions when she was unable to resist Laila's alluring murmurs.

Laila (controlling Anika): Vah hamaara hai. Hum use usake saath jaane nahi de sakate(He belongs to us. We can't let him leave with her.)

When the day of departure finally came, Anika—influenced by Laila—confronted Dev with such passion that it left him speechless.

Dev (confused): Anika,kya chal raha hai? Tum aisa behave kyon kar rahe ho(what's going on? Why are you acting like this?)

Laila (through Anika): Vah meri hai. Aap use door nahi le ja sakate(He's mine. You can't take him away)

Dev (firmly): Hamane is baare mein baat ki hai, Anika. Mujhe avashy hi chod dena chaahiye. Anna mere saath jud rahe hain, aur yah kaam ke liye hai. Chinta ki koi baat nahi(We've talked about this, Anika. I must leave. Anna is joining me, and it's for work. Nothing to be concerned about.)

But instead of giving up, Laila tightened her hold on Anika's thoughts and behavior.

Laila (with possessiveness): Vah meri hai, aur main use jaane nahi doongi(He's mine, and I won't let him go)

 Dev (determined): Anika,meri chaahat hai ki tum samajho. Yah parivaar ke liye hai, Fresh ke liye hai. Main jaldi hi vaapas aaunga(I want you to understand. This is for the family, for Fresh. I'll be back shortly)

The airplane became a vehicle for more than just physical transportation when Dev and Anna set out on their trip to India; it became a transport for emotions and unspoken thoughts. Considering her resentment of turbulence, Anna took comfort in knowing Dev was there.

A glimmer of worry flickered into Anna's eyes as the plane shook in midair. Sensed her anxiety and, without thinking, Dev threw forth his consoling arms.

Dev (softly): Chinta mat karo, Anna. Main yaheen aapake saath hoon(Don't worry, Anna. I'm right here with you.)

Reassured by Dev's words, Anna gripped him tightly, her fingers entwining with his. The world outside the aircraft appeared to vanish in that instant, leaving only the tangible link between them despite the continued turbulence.

 Anna (whispering): Thank you, Dev.Main tumhaare saath adhik surakshit mahasoos karata hoon(I feel safer with you.)

Their gaze met, and something clicked—an understanding that none of them had expressed before.

A terrifying turn of events occurred when gunshots boomed all over the airport, ruining what was supposed to be the start of a professional venture. Fear set in, and the normally busy airport became a frantic, frightening scene. Dev grasped Anna's wrist and pulled her away from the impending danger, automatically putting her safety first.

Dev (urgently): Anna,hamen yahan se nikalna hoga. Now(we need to get out of here. Now!)

The two of them weaved through the horrified crowd, trying to get away from where the gunfire was coming from. As Dev navigated through the chaos with Anna, the urgency increased when he felt a sharp pain in his arm. He was hurt; a bullet had hit its target.

 Anna (concerned): Dev,tumhaara khoon bah raha hai! Hamen cover dhoondne ki jaroorat hai(you're bleeding! We need to find cover.)

Dev led Anna away from the crowd and ignored the agony, his mind racing with ideas of how to get away from the unknown attackers. Now on the run, both of them weaved through the passageways of the airport, hiding from the oncoming threat.

Anna (worried): Kaun hain ve? Ve hamaare peechhe kyon pade hain(Who are they? Why are they after us?)

Dev (grimacing in pain): Anna,mujhe yakeen nahi hai. Hamen madad ki talaash jaari rakhani chaahiye(I'm not sure. We must continue searching for help)

Breathing heavily with a mixture of fear and desperation, Dev and Anna ran into a nearby shop to seek safety from the approaching danger. Observing the desperation in their eyes, the store owner lifted his head from his counter.

 Dev (pleading): Please,hamaari madad karo, hamen isaki aavashyakata hai. Bandookan lekar log hamaara peechha kar rahe hain(help us, we need it. We're being chased by people carrying guns.)

Anna (anxiously): Hamen chipane ke liye kaheen jagah chaahiye, lekin hamen nahi pata ki ve hamari peeche kyon kar rahe hain(We need somewhere to hide, but we have no idea why they are chasing us.)

Seeing the true anguish in their voices, the shopkeeper took control of the situation and gestured for them to make their way into a backroom.

Shopkeeper (whispering): Jao isake peechhe chup jao. Main darwaza band karane ja raha hoon. Mujhe aasha hai ki ve aap ka pata nahi lagaenge(Go hide behind this. I'm going to lock the door. I hope they won't track you down)

Thanking a stranger for his assistance during this dire situation, Dev and Anna hurried into the backroom. After locking the door behind them, the storekeeper left them both in a tense stillness while they waited for the immediate threat to pass.

Anna (whispering): Dev,tum theek ho? Hamen yah pata lagaana hoga ki kya ho raha hai(are you okay? We need to figure out what's happening.)

Dev (grimacing in pain): Main theek ho jaoonga. Jab tak hum nahi jaanate ki kya ho raha hai, hamen apana sir neeche rakhana hoga(I'll be alright. Until we know what's going on, we have to keep our heads down)

Driven by a mix of panic and resolve, Anna tore off a piece of her dupatta in the dimly lit backroom of the shop in order to create an emergency bandage for Dev's injured arm. The cloth, which had previously represented modesty and tradition, now represented strength in the face of unforeseen hardship.

Anna (focused): Abhi bhi ruko, Dev. Mujhe bleeding rokani hogi(Hold still, Dev. I need to stop the bleeding.)

Sitting with an expression of both affection and pain, Dev obeyed as Anna neatly tied the shredded dupatta around his damaged arm. Despite its simplicity, the makeshift bandage held significance to their shared experience.

 Dev (looking at Anna): Thanks, Anna. Main nahi jaanata ki aapaki tvarit soch ke bina hamane kya kiya hota(I don't know what we would have done without your quick thinking)

Never one to take compliments too personally, Anna met Dev's gaze with a determined look. She gathered some bandages and a bottle of Dettol she saw on a neighboring shelf.

Anna (softly): This will sting a bit, but it's necessary. 

They exchanged a serene glance as she started to clean and bandage Dev's wound. Feelings, unspoken for far too long, hung in the atmosphere. Even the seemingly insignificant act of bandaging a wound took on profound meaning and became a microcosm of their shared journey—unexpected, difficult, and yet defined by an unspoken bond. Normally a rock of strength, Dev took comfort in Anna's care.