"Dev what's this?"

"Promise upon me"

"Wha-"

"Please..." his eyes showed his weary expressions and that made Sona disturbed.

"Ok...p-promise"

---------------------------------

Haldi preparations was going at high pace. Arjun carried the tray with Sona's bridal gown and sighed. He frowned when he realised how heavy the trays weighed. Tara was helping Asha with the other preparations while Tarun was behaving even weirder than the previous day.

"Who the hell buys a gown which weighs my entire future?" Arjun muttered under his breath as he carried the basket containing Sona's lehenga.

"Arjun, what's wrong?" Tara walked to his side and wiggled her eyebrows.

"Babe... on our wedding day, we aren't getting any gowns. I am wearing a shirt and shorts while you wear a shirt and jeans. Okay? I can't carry this heavy gowns and lehengas around. It's fucking heavy man..." he panted as he walked up the stairs and collected another set of trays.

"Don't ruin my wedding dreams. I need a designer dress" Tara joked and Arjun scoffed lightly.

Arjun's lips widened as he thought about his marriage. He never had big dreams before. But having a girl like Tara with him, he couldn't help but dream bigger. She was slowly taking a huge place in his heart, making him fear the pain which would come with love. He didn't want to get too attached to anyone after Jaanvi, but it wasn't in his control, was it?

Falling in love with Tara was not even planned. It just happened naturally, and he was happy that everything went smoothly without any obstruction. However, Tarun's behaviour had recently sparked a lot of heartbreaks, making Arjun go low-profile with things.

"Tara, go to Sona's room and check whether she's ready. I will place this things here." Arjun said, and Tara just nodded. Her heart was yearning to spend some time with Arjun, but he seemed too busy with the marriage preparations. Ever since she came to the house, he didn't even spare her five minutes. Sighing to herself, she walked back and rushed towards Sona's room.

-------------------------------

Sona was having a heavy headache as she walked out of her room. She couldn't even look at the bright lights outside the room. She was blinded with flashing colourful spots and craved darkness in that house. She saw Tara walking towards the room and forced a smile out of her lips.

"Hey Sona, why aren't you ready yet? You only have four hours!" Tara gasped, making Sona smile. This girl always made her smile for no reason.

"I have four damn hours Tara! Why get ready so soon...?"

"Excuse me, you are the bride. You can't be loitering around..." Tara was saying something, but Sona's eyes were searching around the house for Asha and Tarun.

"Tara, did you see Tarun around?" Sona whispered and Tara looked at her wide-eyed.

"No... but why are you searching for him?" Tara asked curiously, bringing her inside the room.

"I don't know...maybe I am going to apologise for the way I acted to him last night.... Tara, you tell me, did I over-react last night?" Sona asked while scrutinising her eyes smaller. The crushing pain just on one side of her head came and travelled in a pattern. It made her want to pace about, but the worst part was she couldn't even sit, lie down or relax.

"Sona..." Tara sighed, "Last night was really unexpected. But I guess you had some good reasons to why you did what. I saw the look on your face..... I am not sure if others noticed it, but I knew you were scared for some reasons. If you want, you can talk to me about it but don't look so depressed yaar. This look doesn't suit your face at all" she placed her hand on Sonakshi's shoulder and smiled.

"Tara..... it's... I don't know how to explain the feeling. Everyone may think that I am crazy... but I had a reason. I am...... it wasn't my intention to hurt anyone." Sona held her throbbing head and faced Tara.

"Sona are you okay?" Tara grew concerned looking at Sonakshi's perplexed facial expression.

"I am... I think I am..."

"Sona... what's happening yaar? Why this cold war between you and your brother in-law?"

"Tarun held my hands and tried to molest me when I was alone Tara..." Sona blurted out, and Tara froze on her spot. She blinked multiple times and gawked in disbelief. That was the last thing she ever expected to hear from her best friend.

"What? You mean...... Ta-Tarun what?"

"Yes.... When Arjun went on a date with you for the first time, only me and Tarun were at home. I came down and was unplugging the charger from my phone, when I felt someone embracing me from behind...... I didn't know... it happened so fast. The minute I felt his presence, I struggled, screamed and cried so much with disgust. The gardener and cleaners saw it, but no one came over to help me. They all just kept quiet...."

"What the hell?" Tara gasped and placed her palm on her chest in dismay.

"With all my energy, I pushed him down.... He fell down and the vase hit him, making him bleed. At the end of the day, everyone only saw the blood in his hands and ignored my bleeding heart" Sona's eyes grew redder as her voice choked in pain.

"They all said that I over-reacted.... The worst part was, everyone lied. Even Dev didn't believe me. They made me look like a fool. In the hospital, Tarun came there to just ask for the phone too. That was his cheapest attempt.... He always comes near and asks for something. When I react normal, he would end up kissing me or doing something like a retard. You knew what happened at the hospital, right? He always does things like 'asking for something' to pull my hands or take something which is near me, just to linger his hands over........." she wiped the lone tear that slipped down her cheeks.

"I can't even explain Tara.... Last night when he gave me back my phone, all my pent up anger and fear resurfaced.... I am just so lost. Now, I realise what I have done.... I shouldn't have done that." She breathed out heavily.

Tara hugged and consoled Sonakshi. "I am sorry Sona.... I really don't know...what to say. I didn't expect this... considering what he did to you earlier, it's explainable to why your reflex and hatred are on a high mode. I would have done the same if anyone misbehaved with me too. It's okay... I guess even Tarun knows why he's treated like that." She shrugged.

"Do you trust me?" Sona immediately asked Tara, holding her hands tightly. Tara looked at Sona and huffed.

"Of course, I trust you Sona. Why did you think I won't?"

"I don't know...... maybe I am really over-reacting or hallucinating. Sometimes people make me feel like there's something wrong with me. But this was the real reason why I behaved like this yesterday. I might have been wrong...but every time he comes near me, I can't help it. I am scared and I just don't want his hands on me anymore..... Every time he had been near me, his intention has never been right. How can I trust him again?" she asked desperately.

Before Tara could reply back, Sona's hand clamped on her head. Her vision blurred and stomach tightened. Her skin was glistening and the nape of her neck damp as she felt a acidic taste in her mouth.

Sona quickly carried her legs as fast as she could to the toilet and collapsed near the sink, discarding all the empty contents in her stomach. Tara grew pale as she ran behind Sona and stabilised her. That was her first time, seeing Sona's fragile state.

"Oh my god, Sona... are you okay?" Tara asked.

Tara held Sona by her head and gathered all her hair in her palms. Rubbing her back in a soothing motion, she made sure Sona didn't fall down on the floor. Sona heaved and heaved until there was nothing but an empty pit in her gut. It was her third time throwing up since morning, and she literally didn't even have anything more in her stomach to puke.

"I think....the next time my stomach contracts, my kidneys and liver will come out..." Sona breathed, still holding on to her head. Exhaustion clearly written on her face, making Tara even more worried.

"Wait... I will go and get some juice for you. You come here first" Tara dragged her. Sona washed the sink and splashed the cold water on her face multiple times. Seeing herself in the mirror, she noticed that she looked weaker than how she did in the morning.

Taking a dry towel, she sat on the bed while Tara walked out to call Asha for help. Sighing tiredly, Sona looked down at her feet and felt her head swirling.

She didn't know whether she could proceed with the ceremonies....

---------------------------------

Dev buttoned up his sherwani and walked out of the room. Looking at the locked room next to his, he sighed for the nth time.

"Arjun, for god's sake.... Can you go and wake him up or something. His room door is still locked." Dev shouted while Arjun just carried on with his chores.

"Arjunnn-"

"I can very well hear what you are saying Dev. I am not a servant here to be doing all the job single-handedly. Maa had gone there and knocked his door for the past one hour. If he doesn't come out on maa's instance, what makes you think he will come out when I ask him to?" Arjun asked cockily.

"I can't believe how you find such big-big explanations to do when I ask you to do small things." Dev huffed and walked up to Tarun's door.

"Tarun, wake up! Come outside... everyone's waiting for you. If you're not coming out, then I am going to use the spare keys and walk inside in five minutes." Dev said in a warning tone. When he heard a weak mumbling sound inside, he sighed in relief and walked back to his room.

Arjun looked at Dev and gave him a thumbs up.

"Well done dude... I am sure he will come running outside in the next few seconds." Arjun laughed and Dev just shook his head.

"Okay... you take care of my phone for today. I will be right back."

"Where are you going?" Arjun raised his brows.

"To see my sunshine..."

"Maa told me that it's my duty to not let you see her. At least till the end of the ceremony." Arjun shrugged and leisurely locked the door behind him. Dev glared at Arjun and tried to intimidate him, but nothing was working this time.

He huffed angrily and sat in the bed when someone called Arjun's phone. Arjun looked at the name flashing on his phone and a small smile lifted up his face.

"Hello?" he asked.

"Hey... Tara here."

"I have a caller ID..."

"Arjun...."

"Yea, that's my name..."

"Arjun... stop it." She whined and a low chuckle escaped his lips.

"Okay fine. Is Sona ready? Shall I ask maa to come upstairs?" Arjun asked while he searched for the perfume in his cupboard.

"Sona is sick... she vomited four times. She's sleeping now, Arjun..."

"Ouh okay. No worri-...Wait WHAT? SICK?" Arjun gasped and Dev snapped towards his side.

"Who's sick?" he asked, dropping the things in his hand.

'Your wife' Arjun mouthed, and Dev wasted no time to get out of the room and run upstairs. Arjun facepalmed himself. He was conflicted whether he should he chase his friend or continue his chores. Finally, he decided.... he had better things to do.

As Dev was walking upstairs, he saw Tara guarding outside his own room still speaking to Arjun over the phone. When he walked closer, Tara looked at Dev angrily and spread her hands wide to stop him from entering the room.

"What are you doing?" Dev asked with an amused smile.

"You can't go in..."

"Uhuh..... so you are preventing me from going inside my own room?"

"I am safeguarding the bride from you. I have strict orders" Tara folded her arms.

"From who?" Dev asked.

"From...uh...Asha maa-"

"Don't lie... I know it's my idiotic friend who's instructing you. Come on.... You help me here and I will help you back on your wedding day. Deal?" Dev asked and Tara quickly switched off her phone. Arjun must have been having fun hearing their weird conversation.

"I.... I don't think I can do that Dev... Sona isn't feeling well. If your mum sees-"

"Awww come on. You said you were my friend, didn't you?" he winked and waved at her. Tara stumbled as her entire body froze. Chuckling at her state, Dev leisurely walked past her inside his room without any barriers.

Tara still stood there, blinking in confusion. The fangirl inside her just fainted, leaving her soul wander in the air. Did Dev just wink at her? The DEV Sharma....just winked at her.

Her poor heart died.

----------------------------------

Dev walked inside and his lips stretched in a lazy smile to see Sona sleeping peacefully. She was dressed up in yellow saree, with jewelleries adorning her neck and ears. Fully preparing for her Haldi function, she stretched her legs on the bed and slept peacefully like a baby.

Her face was pale, with minimum make-up worn. It looked like she was too tired to be even bothered about it. Her cheeks were painted red with natural blush, making her look like the most innocent doll. He kept staring at her, reminiscing how deeply she affected him. Maybe last night had taken a toll on her. She looked so tired and sick. Dev's worry increased, but he tried his best to keep his emotions at bay.

Sitting next to her on the bed, he carefully held her head which was resting on the headrest and laid it gently on his shoulder. Her body automatically curled to his side and she leaned against him like he was a hugging teddy bear. Dev smiled and brushed his knuckles on her pale cheeks, feeling how cold her skin was. Her facial expressions itself were enough to make him feel upset.

Why was she feeling unwell? Did she have her breakfast? He badly wanted to wake her up, but seeing her fragile state, he couldn't even bring himself to move an inch from there. He feared that her peaceful slumber would be woken if he moved even the slightest inch. He kept caressing her hair while she took deep breaths and slept soundly.

But her sleep didn't last long as Sona's phone suddenly vibrated next to her. Dev cursed the person on the line and immediately stabled his panicky wife who woke up alarmed. Her eyes were red and she could barely keep her eyes open.

"Sona...sweetheart. Are you okay?" he asked softly and felt her just nodding in response. Sona's throat felt too dry that she couldn't even open her mouth and reply back to him. She felt like she was dying.

"Sona... did you have breakfast?" he asked again while she just pointed to the water bottle next to her. Looking to his side, Dev poured a glass of water and passed it to her. Waiting for her to finish the water, he repeated his question again.

"Sona... what's wrong with you? Why are your hands feeling so cold? You okay? Did you have your breakfast?" he said in a chiding manner and felt her whine.

She lazily leaned on him and snuggled herself in the crook of his neck.

"I am not feeling well Dev... at least today, don't scold me na?" she pouted, and Dev sighed. He hugged her closer to him, letting her feel his heartbeat.

"When did I scold you? I am just concerned you know......" he kissed her pout and looked at her weary expression. She really looked like she was going to pass out. The more he studied her, the more his heart sunk.

"Sona, do you want to rest? I can tell maa to postop-"

"No Dev. Please don't. It's okay... I can handle this after some good sleep. I had enough rest..." she mumbled against his neck while Dev felt restless. Her voice itself sounded so hoarse and dry. But before he could argue with her, Asha entered inside the room.

"Oh godddd... can you two at least behave like an unmarried couple for two days? How would you feel the thrill of being unmarried if you guys don't stay away from each other?" she huffed, holding on to an 'aarthi' plate.

Dev rolled his eyes and slowly stood up after carefully releasing himself from his wife's grip. Sona stretched her arms and rubbed her eyes to make them open fully. She could never express how lifeless she was feeling at the moment. She didn't want to spoil anyone's mood, so she tried her best to pretend that she was okay.

But of course, Asha could read her expressions well.

"Sona... do you want to do the rituals later?" Asha asked softly to which Sona just shook her head negatively.

"No ma, I am fine. We can proceed.... I don't want to keep delaying this. Let's just finish this. I will freshen up in five minutes... we can go down" she smiled, and Asha smiled at her brightly. Turning towards Dev, she frowned at him.

"Go down and get ready Dev! I can't be babying you during your wedding. Tarun and Arjun are waiting inside your room... go there and sit quietly until I call you." She pointed towards the door and Dev stormed outside with a defeated expression.

-------------------------

"Tarun, here you go! Take this camera and cover the entire hall area... hold this. Don't forget to take the aunties." Arjun passed the video camera to Tarun and forcefully made him do the photography. At least this way, he wouldn't feel bored.

But Tarun's face was void of any emotions. Obviously, he wasn't happy...but he wasn't showing any other emotions as well. He just stood there like a robot, doing what people asked him to do. His eyes only landed on one person. His so-called sister in-law.

The happiness he saw in her face irritated him. No matter how much he tried, he didn't feel any remorse or regret in what he did to her. She deserved it. Acting like an innocent hoe, she managed to keep everyone dancing to her tunes. He was angry. So angry with the way she treated him last night. And the anger built even higher when no one asked her questions.

She had hurt his ego and he felt like doing something back to hurt her. Dev had apologised on her behalf, but it didn't make any difference to him. His life was already in pain and the pain intensified with Dev and Sonakshi's marriage. He expected his brother to be there with him during his hard times, but looking at the useless marriage, he decided that none of them cared for him.

"Wah wah.... The bride is looking even more prettier than yesterday. What's the secret huh Shona?" one of Dev's aunt questioned and Sona lowered her head coyly. She didn't know how to reply to them, so she chose the best path. To keep silent.

"Ohh Sarah, can you please don't disturb the bride. She's as pretty as we saw her the first day. I think today is all about the marriage glow. Right Sona?" another aunt said teasingly.

"My daughter in-law is always pretty.... So, keep all your evil-eyes away" Asha joked as she applied haldi in Sona's cheeks. Sona smiled at her warmly and looked at Elena who showed thumbs-up in the side.

Moving closer to Sona, Asha whispered in her ears softly, "Thank god Dev's not here. Or else no one could have dealt with his shitty come-backs."

Sona couldn't help but laugh at Asha's statement. It was indeed the blunt true. How could she have forgotten about Dev's taunts when he met his aunts the previous time.

Tarun gazed carefully at the place and his blood boiled even further. His house was in a festive mood and everyone was celebrating cheerfully. He didn't know how to even fake a smile there. A strong motive to hurt Sona was burning high in his heart. His face darkened and eyes sunk, displaying him like a sick person. He couldn't face the crowd, fearing the society's baseless questions. If not for Arjun and Dev, Tarun would have hidden inside his room forever.

"Tarun, you're still here? Go and have some food." Asha's voice brought him out of his reveries.

"I am not hungry maa..." he turned his attention to the camera and Asha glared at him.

"No Tarun, its already 4pm. Go and eat. All this can wait. Your brother's rituals are next and I don't want you to be missing then. You have to smash all this on his face. So go!" She said playfully and walked away to handle the guests.

"Fine..." he huffed tiredly and walked away. But the minute he saw Sonakshi getting up, he stopped.

Sona's haldi had successfully finished by then, and it was time to have Dev's one. Since everyone were eager to see Dev, the guests remained seated while Sona slowly got up from her chair to get herself cleaned. Since the bride and groom's rituals had to be done separately, Asha requested that they do the rituals one by one. Sona's one first followed by Dev's consecutively.

While Sona was on her way to the kitchen, she felt her phone suddenly ringing inside her wristlet.

"Sona, come yaar. I am dying in hunger... You can talk to all your friends later. Come on!" Elena and Tara spoke while Sona fumbled with her phone in her palms. The moment her eyes landed on the caller-ID, she smiled.

"You guys go first. This is an important call" she gave a pleading expression and finally, Tara nodded in understanding. Leaving her alone with her phone, both her friends hopped to the dining area to have a feast on the delicious food.

"Hello Dadu!!!" Sona almost screamed in delight as she walked inside the nearest corner in the house, hidden by a pillar. She couldn't keep her excitement and speaking to her grandparents at such a crucial moment was a huge thing for her.

"Sona beta, how are you sweetie?" she heard her grandmother's voice.

"I am fine Dadi. How are you? You know how much I missed you here? Dev told me that he called you here... he even wanted to book your tickets. Why did you reject him?" her voice changed and Dadi just laughed.

"Don't be crazy Sonakshi. How can we come, leaving all this gardens and farms behind? Who will take care-"

"Someone will..." she whined.

"God... listen will you? We were thinking that you would visit us sooner or later and we can see all your photos then. Why rush sweetheart? I am just happy that we could call you often... Thanks to all the technologies these days. Our neighbour's daughter said that we could even see you in real, face-to-face using her phone. Call me during your wedding okay? You Dadu wants to see." Her grandmother spoke with amusement while Sona smiled in awe.

"Of course, you can Dadi... I would love to see you too. You know what? My haldi just finished...I wished you were here with Dadu..."

"Even I wished so...... I wanted to see you so bad Sona. But don't worry. Your face will be all over in the news in two days. Even if we didn't catch it, your beloved Jia will bring the news over here early in the morning with a frustrated expression." Dadi chuckled.

As the conversation flowed, Sona got the opportunity to speak to both her grandparents and express how much she missed them. She promised that she will send them the pictures. It finally took her fifteen minutes to end the call. What she didn't realise was, someone's presence all the while behind her.

As she turned around, a loud gasp left her lips when Tarun stood there like a rock. She gazed around and realised that the place was really crowded, and she wasn't alone there anymore. Everyone were busy with applying the haldi for Dev that they forgot that the bride was trapped by someone behind them.

Or maybe no one suspected anything fishy with a brother in-law standing near to his sister in-law.

"W-what are you doing here?" Sona gulped and tried to ask in the most polite tone ever. But Tarun didn't answer her. Instead, his eyes were just blankly staring at her. A stare that could freeze her bones.

"D-do y-you need anything?" Sonakshi stuttered as she moved to the sides, slowly trying to walk away from the place. Asha was just a few meters away and Dev was a call away. He possibly couldn't do anything to her, she thought. Even Arjun was there amongst the crowd, taking pictures. Sona slowly told her that Tarun was harmless and stood without shaking.

She didn't even know why she was over-reacting. Slowly calming herself down, she fought a mental battle on what to speak to him. After gathering the much needed courage, she spoke first.

"I am sorry for-"

"How dare you think you can ruin my life here?" his voice was cold and hard. Sona's pupils dilated and she stared at him in disbelieve. Ruin his life?

"What did I do?" she asked, in a soft tone, making sure she wasn't rude there.

"You..." Tarun pointed at her and walked closer to her. "Because of you... all this happened. It's your fault that Natasha wanted revenge. It's your fault that you betrayed her. Your fault that she cheated me.... It's your fault that you were greedy for my brother's money and married him secretly. Your. Fucking. Fault." He spelled out, making Sona's heart thunder inside her body.

"I.... didn't cheat...anyone." Sona said as she gazed into his intense orbs. What was he speaking? His psychopath talks were scaring her even more.

"You didn't? That what was it that you did to me?" his hand moved forward and clutched her upper arm. Sona flinched and struggled out of the grip.

"You ruined me Sonakshi Agarwal...."

Sona pushed him away with force and glared at him angrily. "Don't you dare touch me Tarun. I am warning you.... If you try anything funny, I will create a scene here. I am trying my best to stay calm. I have always respected you and will respect you only if you reciprocate it. If you're trying to do anything funny, don't think I will keep quiet. Because I am not the old Sonakshi anymore" Sona gritted and spoke in a low tone to not attract attention.

Tarun's eyes turned red in anger as he saw her lifting her face with pride. Her words pricked his ego. He didn't think about anything as his anger overpowered him. Sona didn't know what to do as she stared at him cluelessly. She took time figuring out his words that she didn't realise that he was already planning something huge.

Arjun looked around and finally spotted Tarun at the other corner of house. Amongst the crowd, he could only see Tarun's head while Sona was blocked in his view. Without even knowing who the person behind him was, Arjun had sensed that it had to be Sona... he looked down at all the trays and wondered how he was going to pass all that without kicking them.

"Uhuh.... So, you tried to seduce my brother for money! What if..." Tarun took steady steps towards Sona and his hand landed on her neck. His forefinger touching her subtle skin there. Sona winced and slapped his hands away, but he wasn't moving an inch backward.

"What if I give you the same amount of money? Will you come with me?" he smirked, as his mind was clogged and blocked away from all the rational thoughts. Anyone who had seen Tarun that moment would have thought that he'd turned mad. He wasn't in his senses anymore.

The righteousness, consequences, environment.... everything left his mind. All his thoughts were only revolving on one thing. Sonakshi and revenge... Natasha's mockery had taken a toll on his brain, stripping every ounce of goodwill he ever had. Now he just wanted to destroy Sonakshi. Even though he knew that the place wasn't a right one, he wasn't in his right mind. As he kept uttering rubbish, his hand slowly moved down and brushed past her breast. When his palm touched her there with force, she gasped.

That was the limit.

Sona was done being patient.

She knew that she should have shouted first, but her instincts sprung into action and her hands automatically raised on their own.

Slap.

The slap was louder than a clap, making everyone pause and looked back. It had been an open-handed smack that left dark red fingerprints behind. Just below his eye was a small cut where her ring had cut him. He staggered backwards, clutching his face in what seemed....shock.

Tarun had fell down, making everyone face him with dismay. Asha was the first to react. Her eyes showed thousand of emotions as she quickly ran towards Tarun and helped him to get up. She glared at Sonakshi and looked at her as if she was mad. Arjun had squeezed through the crowd to reach Tarun too.

Sona's hand shivered as she looked at her own reddened palms. Dev stood up from his chair and his eyes was just staring between both of them in horror.

A few minutes passed by and everyone just stood there in silence, looking at her as if she did something wrong. People started to whisper and soon, the environment started to turn chaotic.

What Dev feared, had happened. Now the consequences have to be faced by him. Him alone, Dev thought as Arjun quickly ran forward and helped Tarun.

"What happened?" Arjun was the first to break the dangerous silence.

"Ar-Arjun.... He......" Sona shook her head, unable to utter any other words. She didn't know what she could possibly say to defend herself. Anything she said, would be still considered as a mistake.

"Oh my god... is this how you treat your brother in-law Sonakshi? Girls this days....are so violent" one of Dev's aunt spat and Sona cringed at their tone. Her body shivered and she felt like passing out. She didn't do anything wrong in protecting herself, did she?

But she didn't know how to explain to the crowd around her, who were looking at her like a criminal.

Tarun touched her... intimately. Period!

But no one would understand her, unless they were in her state. Sona clutched her head in dismay and her eyes watered. She felt so disgusted and repulsed at her own self. She still felt his touch....and it disgusted her. She felt like puking again.

By this time, Elena and Tara had also joined the crowd, looking at Sona with worry. Tara knew that Sona wouldn't have slapped Tarun without a reason. But before she could speak, Dev voiced out.

"Everyone.....leave." Dev said, without any emotion. His voice was as hard as iron, face not showing a single emotion while hands clumped into tight fists on his sides. Asha quickly told Arjun to escort the crowd away while she tried clearing the things there.

Tara wanted to help Sonakshi, but Arjun held her back and asked her to return back after some time. The tension was thick in that place and Tara getting involved there was the last thing Tarun would want.

Sona was left there all alone. No one came to her side to ask her what happened. When Tara and Elena were asked to go away, she felt her entire ship sinking. Sona felt disheartened. She wanted to vent and let it out, but she didn't want to say words she doesn't mean and be hurtful. It's just so easy to be cruel in that moment and then once the damage is done, its irreversible. She freaking knew it.

She wasn't proud of what she did. But she wasn't ashamed of defending herself either.

"Sonakshi.... What's wrong with you? Why did you do this?" Asha asked as her tone was strained in a mixture of anger and frustration. She was truly disappointed in Sona for the first time.

"Maa I did-"

"Tarun, will you explain what happened?" Dev interrupted and Tarun still looked at the ground as if he was in deep thoughts.

The slap had taken something from him and recalled several incidents that occurred previously. He blinked a few times and stood like a statue while Asha gently shook him to get his reply. He looked up at Sonakshi's crying face and his eyes widened like something struck him.

He realized what happened and what caused that to happen. He knew it was his mistake and Sonakshi wasn't at fault the least. He made this mess... He created a drama in his own brother's marriage ceremonies. He gulped in fear and looked around at the people who were demanding him for answers. No one gave a shit about knowing the truth and he knew he could use that to his advantage.

If they knew....... Would they forgive him?

Never...

"I don't know what happened." His voice was blank and cold. Asha's eyes narrowed and she looked at him weirdly. The way he sounded, made her scared.

"How could you not know? What is happening Tarun? WHAT? ARE YOU ALRIGHT?" Asha yelled, looking distressed by Tarun's face.

"Maa I didn't do anything..." Sona cried, and Asha just clicked her tongue in frustration. Dev looked away and turned his face from her.

"Sona, you shouldn't have done this now....." Arjun spoke and Sona's face paled.

"Arjun I didn't-"

"I will bring Tarun inside..." Arjun responded lowly and looked at Dev with a helpless look. Dev was still in deep thoughts. His mind was messed up, unable to think any further from the slap. He recalled every word he had spoken to Sona last night.

Even after the promise Sona had made to him, she slapped Tarun. To make it worse, it happened infront of all his relatives and friends. How could they repair the humiliation that was done during the haldi? He could never imagine what Tarun must be going through at the moment. At the same time, his detective mind was also high in alert, making him think of what could have triggered Sona to take such a drastic step. She would never do that wantedly.

When she had promised him the previous night, she was very clear about her statement. Dev knew that Sona would never promise something if she doesn't mean it.

Yet, his emotional state dominated his thoughts.

Shaking his head in dismay, Dev walked away to his room with his shoulders slumped in sadness. He was so sad that he couldn't even explain the amount of impact of Sona's behaviour had caused on him. He couldn't even find the energy in him to defend her this time. One by one, everyone left the living room silently.

Sona was agitated. The pain that flowed from her heart was as palpable while her knees gave up and hit the cold floor. Her entire body hurt both physically and emotionally. She was drained. Struggling to keep silent, her heart felt heavy and shoulders heaved. She couldn't carry the weight of her grief on her shoulders. It was so embarrassing and devastating at the same time. How could she go and explain why she did what? She could mentally see everyone pointing fingers at her for something she had no control of.

Maybe she should have waited... She shouldn't have acted hastily. She slapped her forehead with her palms and cried till her heart couldn't weep. Dev wasn't there to comfort her and this time. Hell, he needed more comfort than her this time. She couldn't believe how she had broken Dev's promise in less than a day.

How will she make up for this? She didn't understand what's the next step to be taken.

Wiping her tears, she quickly stood up and carried her legs upstairs as fast as she could. Gathering all the courage she needed, she knocked the door.

Once, twice, thrice....... She kept knocking until Dev opened it with a blazing rage. She flinched slightly when she noticed how cold he acted when he swung the door open.

"What?" he asked, with a heaving chest and intense glare.

"Aren't you going to ask me what happened?"

"Well, why didn't you talk when all of them were there? If you had something to say, it should have been uttered there! Now how do you undo the damage?" Dev spat and Sona bow down in shame.

"Dev I am sor-" before she continued, Dev stopped her by showing his hands.

"Please save it Sonakshi. I don't want to hear anything now. It would be good if you could leave me alone for a day. I just don't want to tell you anything that could strain the relationship we have. You have not only disappointed my family today....but also hurt me deeply. I have never ever told you or asked you anything. But the only promise I asked you last night....you couldn't save it." He uttered in anger.

"Why Sonakshi? Why?" he raised his voice and Sona's eyes brimmed with tears.

"Because your brother......misbehaved with me. He to-touched me...inappropriately." Sona hiccupped between her tears. When she looked at Dev again, his face didn't show any change.

It did not look like he didn't believe. At the same time, it did not look like he believed her either. He gave her a calculative look.

"Why didn't you scream for help? We were all there Sonakshi. There were so many people around you and you could have just ran away or waited till everyone were gone. You didn't have to slap him when so many people were there. I could have slapped him hundred times after everyone were gone. But you did it when so many people were there. There's a difference Sonakshi" he yelled making her weep.

Sona shook her head in regret. She didn't do this to upset anyone. Not especially bring shame to the family which she valued a lot.

"Dev..... don't you think I would have thought about all this.... There's a limit for patience. I couldn't do this. I lost my patience when he touched me Dev. It was beyond tolerable...." she cried while Asha walked up and stood by the railing. She looked deeply upset and worried.

"Dev..... Tarun isn't speaking anything. He looks different....... Do you want to come down for a while." Asha asked in a panicked state. Dev's brows knitted in confusion as he instantly rushed down, leaving Sona alone again.

After that, no one spoke to her again.

With the setting sun diminishing, Sona felt her entire world darkening with the sky too. It was just a few hours ago when everything was perfect. She was happily talking to her grandparents on the phone....

Only if she had gone along with Tara and Elena to have her lunch, she wouldn't have ended up ruining her image here. She had spoilt the entire haldi function with her action.... She should have been a little more patient.

Dev and Arjun tried their best to speak to Tarun. But he wasn't saying anything. He wasn't defending anything..... But he wasn't accepting his mistakes either. For the first time, all his family members showed their care and concern for him.

His eyes studied everyone's face carefully. There was empathy, love and care he saw in every eye. He internally smiled.

That was enough for him.

He had achieved what he wanted. Everyone's attention and love was around him.

He didn't care whether it was right or wrong.... But he achieved what he wanted. Now he would only pursue his heart and ignore the righteous path which was harder for him to follow.

Arjun walked up with a plate of sandwich and fruits. As he walked up the long stairs, he saw Sona squatting down, leaning against the wall and hugging her knees against the guest room. The tear stains on her cheek, made his heart squeeze in pain. He had never seen her like this. No matter what mistake she did, she didn't deserve to be treated like that before the marriage date.

"Sona...." He called and saw her eyeballs slowly moving in his direction. "Have some food please. Dev sent you this."

"Where's he...." She asked in a raspy voice. Arjun sighed and gave her a powerless look.

"Sona.... You know right? His anger takes time to calm down.... But he still cares a lot for you. That's why he sent me. See..... now, please don't get stressed. You look sick and you should take some food."

"No, I don't want food, Arjun. I can't do this. Please at least once, ask him to trust me." She cried and Arjun's eyes softened.

"Look Sonakshi.... I understand that there's some deep shit Tarun had done to you. But was it necessary for you to slap him then and there?" he asked, and Sona scoffed. Anger coursed through her vein when everyone only spoke about Tarun's side of view.

"Would you remain silent if anyone touched Tara inappropriately? Among a crowd where no one came forward to help me... where everyone was busy looking at other things, I was left alone.....to be molested by my very own brother in-law!!!! What would you have done?" she spat and pushed the tray of food away.

"That's not what-"

"Go and ask Tara what she would have done if she was in my position. Not just me, but every girl would have done what I did today Arjun! I was helpless........ I know it was not the right time. But if I had let him go further, can you give me back my sanity which was lost? After being abused, can you give me back my dignity which was lost? Can you give me back my peaceful sleep which would be filled with nightmares for lifetime?" she pointed her finger at him, making Arjun speechless.

"I am sorry Sona.... I know..... I mean.... I really don't know what to say." He looked down.

"YOU DON'T KNOW...." She sobbed, hugging her knees even tighter. "You don't know anything Arjun. The kind of sexual abuse I had experienced from Tarun was worse than what Karthik did to me........ it's unforgivable.....and the worst part is none of you are believing me..." she wept with running snot and choking sobs.

"We believe you Sona..... but just think from Dev's point of view. He's terrified that Tarun's hurt. Tarun already sounded like he was suffering from depression..... all this day, we were just trying to make his day better. But when you slapped him, Dev lost his cool. It's not that he doesn't trust-"

"He doesn't trust me." Sona said, wiping her tears. There was no emotion in her eyes when she said that. Just an endless pitch of darkness, mirroring her soul.

"Sona.... Everything will be alright tomorrow. We will fix it... please don't punish yourself. Okay?" Arjun said, but Sona just didn't reply.

Seeing her lifeless state, Arjun thought that it was the best to leave her alone. He felt bad for Sonakshi... no girl would ever lie about being sexually harassed. Moreover, Sonakshi could never lie about such things. He trusted her with his heart and soul...

Knowing Tarun, Arjun found Sona's story to be believable too. He needed to talk about this to Dev. Even if he gets angry, Arjun didn't care. Sona doesn't deserve what she's getting now. Arjun knew Dev believed Sona too, but his mind was biased towards his brother this time because of his fragile state.

Sona looked at the door with no hope. She didn't find anything to console herself. Arjun's words didn't help to soothe her pain. Instead it only echoed in her mind.

Everything will be alright... we will fix it.

Little did she know that nothing would be alright. Because the next day...

Tarun was found dead.

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

7499 words. It was extremely difficult to write this chapter. Please forgive the small mistakes.🙏

Broken jewel is going to end in two or three more chapters. Brace yourself for an emotional roller-coaster. For those who had been with me since the start of the journey, thank you so much for the love and support. More twists and turns coming up!👍

Precap is suspense.❤