The morning sunlight streams through the large windows of the opulent mansion, and Dhavani is humming a cheerful tune as she picks out jewelry for her upcoming wedding. The air around her is filled with excitement, and her radiant smile could light up the entire room. She holds up a pair of intricate gold jhumkas, admiring how they sparkle in the light.

Dhavani (to herself):

"Ranbir Kohli... kuch dinon mein tum mere pati ban jaoge. Main duniya ki sabse khushnaseeb ladki hoon. Tum jaise insaan ka pyaar... mujhe mila hai(Ranbir Kohli...in a few days you will become my husband. I am the luckiest girl in the world. I have got the love of a person like you.)" 

Esha: Mujhe usake liye bahut bura lag raha hai...Mujhe pata hai ki aap sabhi ko vah pasand nahi hogi lekin vah ek behatar jindai ki hakadaar hai(I am feeling so bad for her...I know you all may not like her but she deserves a better life!)😭😟

She twirls in front of the mirror, her pastel-colored churidar swishing around her. Her happiness is infectious, and even the house staff watches her with warm smiles as she prepares for the day.

Dhavani sits by the window with Namrata, holding a cup of steaming chai. Her joy is evident, and her words are filled with a dreamy enthusiasm.

Dhavani (gushing):

"Namrata, tum samajhti ho na? Yeh shaadi mere liye kitni special hai. Aur ab, dekho, woh meri zindagi ka hissa ban rahe hain(Namrata, you understand right? This marriage is so special for me. And now, look, he is becoming a part of my life.)" 

Namrata listens carefully, her face masking the unease she feels about the situation. She knows that Ranbir doesn't feel the same way and that Prachi's silent pain looms in the background.

Namrata (hesitant):

"Dhavani...tumhe lagta hai ki Ranbir tumse waise hi pyaar karte hain jaise tum unse karti ho (Dhavani... Do you think Ranbir loves you the way you love him?)" 

Esha: Sach batana uske liye theek nahi hai...Ranbir ko khud hi batana hoga(It is not right for her to reveal the truth...Ranbir himself must!)😞

Dhavani's smile falters for a moment, but she quickly brushes off the thought, determined to believe in her fairytale.

Dhavani:

"Of course, Namrata! Woh shayad khud itne reserved hain ki apne emotions express nahi karte... but I see it. Mujhe unki aankhon mein woh pyaar dikhta hai. Aur waise bhi, shaadi ke baad sab kuch perfect ho jayega(Of course, Namrata! Maybe he himself is so reserved that he doesn't express his emotions... but I see it. I see that love in their eyes. And anyway, everything will be perfect after marriage!)"

Namrata forces a smile, nodding, though her heart aches for Prachi.

Later that day, Dhavani crosses paths with Ranbir in the grand living room. He is on a call, his expression tense, but he quickly masks it when he sees her. Dhavani, bubbling with excitement, rushes toward him.

Dhavani:

"Ranbir! Mujhe tumse kuch important baat karni hai(Ranbir! I need to talk to you about something important.)" 

Ranbir pockets his phone, offering her a polite smile, though his eyes are distant.

Ranbir:

"Haan, bolo, Dhavani(Yes, tell me, Dhavani.)"

She holds his hand, her face glowing with happiness.

Dhavani:

"Bas yeh kehna tha ki... mujhe aise lag raha hai jaise sapna sach ho raha hai. Tumhare saath shaadi karna... yeh meri zindagi ka sabse bada khushi ka din hoga(Just wanted to say... I feel like a dream is coming true. Marrying you...it will be the happiest day of my life.)" 

Ranbir stiffens slightly at her words, guilt tugging at his heart. He knows the truth—that this is a charade, a facade he's using to exact his revenge on her father. But he forces a small smile, nodding.

Ranbir (quietly):

"Main... bas tumhe khush dekhna chahta hoon, Dhavani(I...just want you to be happy, Dhavani.)"

Esha: I am getting so angry with him! 😡

She beams, taking his words as confirmation of his love, while Ranbir's inner turmoil grows.

That evening, Dhavani sits in her room, staring at the moon outside her window. She holds a small diary in her hands, one where she's penned all her dreams and hopes for the future.

Dhavani (writing):

"Dear Diary,

Kuch dinon main Mrs. Dhavani Ranbir Kohli ban jaungi. Yeh naam soch kar hi dil mein itni khushi hoti hai ki meri saansein tez ho jaati hain. Mujhe lagta hai ki main duniya ki sabse lucky ladki hoon. Ranbir mujhe apne life partner ke roop mein chuna... aur ab, hum hamesha ke liye ek ho jayenge(In a few days I will become Mrs. Dhavani Ranbir Kohli. Just thinking about this name fills my heart with so much happiness that my breathing becomes faster. I feel like I'm the luckiest girl in the world. Ranbir chose me as his life partner... and now, we will be together forever!)" 

Esha: Main Bhagwan se prathna karta hoon ki tumhe ab Ranbir se bhi behtar jeevan saathi mile. Aap khushi ki paatr hain(I pray to God that you get a better life partner than Ranbir now. You deserve happiness!)🤧🙏

She closes the diary with a content sigh, completely unaware of the storm brewing beneath the surface of her perfect world.

Meanwhile, in a different corner of the mansion, Prachi sits silently on her bed, clutching a small photograph of her and Ranbir from happier times. Her face is pale, her eyes red from crying, but she puts on a brave front, determined not to let her emotions spill over.

Prachi (whispering to herself):

"Woh uski khushi hai... main kaun hoti hoon kuch kehne wali(She is his happiness... Who am I to say anything?)" 

The Next Day:

The day is set for a grand family gathering at the Kohli mansion. The house is brimming with laughter and vibrant decorations, but there's an undercurrent of tension that only a few can feel. Prachi, wearing a pastel pink saree, looks troubled as she stands near the balcony, staring into the distance. Her hands clutch the edges of her pallu nervously.

Kunal walks up to her, his voice dripping with fake charm.

Kunal (smirking):

"Kitni khubsoorat lag rahi ho aaj, Prachi. Jaise chand bhi sharma jaye tumhari adaon se(You are looking so beautiful today, Prachi. Like even the moon gets shy with your style.)"

Prachi doesn't respond, her eyes fixed on the horizon. She knows what's coming, and her heart feels heavy with dread.

Kunal (leaning closer, voice low):

"Tum samajh gayi ho na, Prachi? Aaj main sabke saamne tumhe propose karunga. Aur tumhe haan kehna padega(Have you understood, Prachi? Today I will propose you in front of everyone. And you have to say yes.)" 

Esha: Kya! Yeh aadami ab pahad ki choti par pahunch gaya hai(What! This man is reached mountain peak now!)☠🤮

Prachi (whispering, furious):

"Kunal, tumhare saath ek shabd bhi bolna mujhe manzoor nahi. Tum samajhte kya ho apne aapko(Kunal, I don't agree to speak even a single word with you. Do you understand what happened?)" 

Kunal (chuckling darkly):

"Mujhe samajhne ki zarurat nahi, Prachi. Sirf itna yaad rakhna, agar tumne mujhe mana kiya, toh Ranbir ki zindagi khatam. Mere aadmi uska pichha kar rahe hain. Ek signal, aur... tum samajh rahi ho na(I don't need to understand, Prachi. Just remember, if you believe me, Ranbir's life is over. My men are chasing him. One signal, and... you understand, right?)" 

Esha: He never changes! 🤯

Prachi freezes, her face pale. Her hands tremble as she turns to look at Kunal, who is grinning smugly.

Kunal (mocking):

"Dekho, tumhe haan kehne se sirf tumhara dil thoda dukhayega. Mana karoge toh Ranbir... uska naam lene layak nahi rahega(Look, saying yes to this will only hurt your heart a little. If you reject then Ranbir...his name won't be worth taking.)" 

Laughter and music fill the air, but Prachi's face betrays her inner turmoil. Ranbir, standing with Kartik and Naira, notices her discomfort and tries to approach her, but Kunal steps in, interrupting.

Kunal (clinking a glass):

"Attention, everyone! Mujhe aaj kuch khaas announce karna hai(Attention, everyone! I have something special to announce today.)" 

The room quiets down, all eyes on him. Kunal strides confidently to the center of the hall, pulling Prachi gently toward him. She stumbles slightly, her hesitation evident. Ranbir watches, his brows furrowed, sensing something is wrong.

Kunal (smiling):

"Prachi aur main ek doosre ko kaafi samay se jaante hain. Aur aaj, sabke saamne, main apne dil ki baat kehna chahta hoon(Prachi and I have known each other for a long time. And today, in front of everyone, I want to express my heart.)" 

Prachi's heart races as she glances nervously at Ranbir, whose confusion is turning to anger.

Kunal (kneeling, pulling out a ring):

"Prachi, tum meri zindagi ho. Kya tum mujhse shaadi karogi(Prachi, you are my life. Will you marry me?)" 

Esha: Someone slap him! 🤚

The room erupts in murmurs. Namrata and Naira exchange shocked glances, while Kartik steps forward, clearly about to intervene, but Ranbir stops him, holding his arm. His jaw is clenched, his fists balled at his sides as he waits for Prachi's response.

Prachi looks around, her vision blurring with tears. Kunal's threat echoes in her mind, and she knows she has no choice. Her lips tremble as she forces herself to speak.

Prachi (softly):

"Haan(Yes...)" 

Esha: This feels so real! 💔😭

The word barely escapes her mouth, but it's enough. The family is shocked but the guests which had been invited by Kunal, breaks into applause, except for Ranbir, who stands frozen, his world crumbling.

Kunal's proposal had turned the atmosphere cold for them both. Prachi sat quietly in a corner, her face emotionless but her eyes brimming with unshed tears.

Ranbir stormed into the room where Prachi was sitting, his voice sharp as he called out to her.

Ranbir (angrily):

"Prachi! Tumhe ek baar bhi yeh sochne ki zarurat nahi hui? Ek baar bhi mujhe bata nahi sakti thi? Tum... tum sach mein Kunal se shaadi ke liye ready ho(Prachi! You didn't need to think about this even once? Couldn't you tell me even once? You... are you really ready to marry Kunal?)" 

Esha: Wow...you trust her so little now. Us aadami ka kya hua jo Prachi par jeevan bhar bharosa karega(What happened to that man who would trust Prachi with all his life!)😲😯

Prachi looked up at him, her expression unreadable. For the first time, she didn't flinch under his anger. Instead, she stayed calm, her voice quiet but cutting.

Prachi (flatly):

"Tum hi toh woh ho, Ranbir, jo sabse pehle shaadi ke liye ready the... Dhavani ke saath(You are the one, Ranbir, who is the first one who is ready to get married...with Dhavani.)"

Esha: Exactly! 🙄

Ranbir's face fell, the weight of her words hitting him like a blow. He took a step back, his chest heaving.

Ranbir (stammering):

"Woh... woh alag tha, Prachi. Us waqt mujhe laga tha ki... tumhare saath... humein koi chance hi nahi mila tha(That...that was different, Prachi. I felt that with you...we never got a chance.)" 

Esha: Tumane yeh kaise soch liya ki koi mauka nahi hai(How the hell you thought no chance?)😐😨

Prachi (bitterly, standing up):

"Chance? Tumne mujhe chance diya kab, Ranbir? Tum toh hamesha ready the kisi aur ke saath aage badhne ke liye. Dhavani ke saath bhi... aur ab tum mujh par ilzaam laga rahe ho(Chance? When did you give me a chance, Ranbir? You are always ready to move forward with someone else. Same with Dhavani... and now you are blaming me?)" 

Her voice cracked, the pain in her words impossible to ignore. Ranbir stared at her, guilt flashing in his eyes, but he couldn't form a reply.

Ranbir (softly):

"Prachi, tum samajh nahi rahi ho(Prachi, you are not understanding...)"

Prachi (interrupting, tears streaming down):

"Nahi, Ranbir. Shayad tum samajh nahi rahe ho. Main ab thak chuki hoon... tumhare har faisle ko samajhne ki koshish karke. Tum shaadi ke liye ready the, Ranbir... but not with me. Tumne mujhe hamesha ek second choice banake rakha(No, Ranbir. Maybe you are not understanding. I'm tired now...of trying to understand your every decision. You are ready for marriage, Ranbir... but not with me. You always kept me as a second choice.)" 

Esha: Main wahi dard kyun mehsoos kar pa raha hoon(Why am I able to feel the same pain?)🤧

Her words left Ranbir stunned. He wanted to defend himself, to tell her she was wrong, but deep down, he knew she wasn't.

Prachi (whispering, broken):

"Mujhe samajhne ki zarurat nahi hai, Ranbir. Tum wahi karo jo tumhe karna hai. Main tumhe rokungi nahi... bilkul nahi(I don't need to understand, Ranbir. You do what you have to do. I won't stop you... not at all.)" 

She walked past him, her shoulders stiff, leaving Ranbir standing there, grappling with the weight of his decisions and the pain he had unknowingly caused her.

The dimly lit corridor outside Ranbir's room was silent, save for the faint murmurs of voices drifting from the study. Ranbir, lost in his thoughts after his confrontation with Prachi, was about to head downstairs when he heard two familiar voices. Intrigued, he paused by the half-open door.

Inside the room were Kunal and Dhavani's father, Suraj, their tone conspiratorial.

Suraj (smirking):

"Mujhe toh soch bhi nahi tha ki tumhare jaise aadmi ke paas itni tez dimaag hai, Kunal. Tumhare wajah se hi yeh sab possible hua(I never thought that a man like you had such a sharp mind, Kunal. All this became possible only because of you.)" 

Esha: What!😨

Ranbir froze, his curiosity piqued. He leaned closer, careful not to make a sound.

Kunal (arrogantly):

"Bas, Suraj ji, mujhe Kohlis se purani dushmani ka pata chal gaya tha. Ranbir Kohli ke bas ek sapna hai apni family ko sambhalne ka, aur maine wahi uska sabse bada weakness bana diya (That's it, Suraj, I came to know about your old enmity with Kohli. Ranbir Kohli has only one dream to take care of his family, and I have made that his biggest weakness.)" 

Suraj chuckled darkly, his voice filled with pride.

Suraj:

"Sabse badi chaal toh tab chali gayi thi, jab tumne mujhe yeh idea diya ki Kohlis ke business ko barbad karke, Dhavani ke saath shaadi ka rasta banaya jaaye(The biggest trick was played when you gave me the idea to pave the way for marriage with Dhavani by ruining Kohli's business.)" 

Esha: To yeh aadmi mastermind hai(So this guy is the mastermind!)🤯

Ranbir's blood boiled as the realization of their betrayal hit him. He clenched his fists, anger simmering in his veins, but he stayed silent, eager to hear more.

Kunal (smiling smugly):

"Woh toh chhodo, Suraj ji. Main toh Prachi ko bhi majboor kar chuka hoon. Uska denial Ranbir ki jaan ka sawaal bana diya. Issi wajah se usne sab ke saamne haan bola hai. Kitni asaan hai yeh ladki ko control karna, bas Ranbir ki zindagi ka zikr karo, aur woh haan bol degi(Leave that aside Suraj. I have forced Prachi also. Her refusal made Ranbir's life a question. That's why she said yes in front of everyone. How easy it is to control this girl, just mention Ranbir's life, and she will say yes.)"

Esha: Aapako apane astitva par pachtawa hone vaala hai(You are going to regret your existence!) 😡☠

Ranbir's heart stopped for a moment. The thought of Prachi being blackmailed, forced to agree to Kunal's proposal, sent a wave of guilt and rage through him.

Suraj (nodding):

"Tumhari plan kamal ki thi, Kunal. Aur ab jab Ranbir aur Dhavani ki shaadi ho jaayegi, Kohlis ke paas wapas uthane ka koi chance nahi hoga(Your plan was amazing, Kunal. And now that Ranbir and Dhavani will get married, the Kohlis will have no chance of getting back up.)"

Kunal (with a sly grin):

"Bilkul. Aur tab Prachi meri hogi, chahe woh chaahe ya na chaahe(Absolutely. And then Prachi will be mine, whether she wants it or not.)" 

Ranbir could take no more. His vision blurred with fury, his breathing heavy as he stepped back from the door. His mind raced as the pieces of the puzzle fit together.

Ranbir (thinking):

"Prachi... tumne toh mujhe kuch bhi nahi bataya. Tum akeli ladti rahi is sabse... aur main itna andha ho gaya tha ki maine tumhe samjha bhi nahi(Prachi... you didn't tell me anything. You kept fighting all this alone... and I became so blind that I didn't even understand you.)" 

Esha: Tum bahut besharam ho Ranbir. Kabhi socha nahi tha hamara baklu aisa nikalega(You are so shameless Ranbir. Never thought our baklu will turn out like this!)😞

His jaw tightened, and he made a silent vow to himself.

Ranbir (determined):

"Ab aur nahi. Main tumhare liye yeh sab sachai sabke saamne laaunga, Prachi. Kunal aur Suraj ko unki saazish ka ek ek jawaab dena hoga(Not anymore. I will bring out all this truth for you, Prachi. Kunal and Suraj will have to answer one by one for their conspiracy.)"

With a new resolve, Ranbir turned and walked away, ready to take back control of his life, expose the conspirators, and most importantly, fight for the woman he truly loved.