As Abhir slowly opened his eyes, he was greeted by the warm, golden light of the sun peeking through the window. He felt a sense of tranquility wash over him, a feeling that had eluded him for what felt like an eternity. 

But as he shifted slightly, he became aware of a weight on his chest, a gentle pressure that seemed to be holding him in place. He looked down, his gaze falling on the soft, dark hair that cascaded down Kiara's back.

Kiara was hugging him, her arms wrapped tightly around his torso, her head nestled in the crook of his neck. Abhir's heart skipped a beat as he felt a surge of emotion, a mix of surprise, gratitude, and love. 

Abhir's eyes drifted shut, and he let out a slow, deep breath, feeling the warmth of Kiara's body seep into his skin. He felt a sense of peace settle over him, a sense of calm that he hadn't felt in a long time. 

As he lay there, wrapped in Kiara's arms, he felt like he was home, like he was exactly where he was meant to be. The world outside receded, and all that mattered was this moment, this feeling of being connected to Kiara, of being one with her. 

Abhir's eyes snapped open, and he felt a jolt of guilt and shame. His brain was scolding him, reminding him of his feelings for Charu. "What are you doing, Abhir? You love Charu," it taunted him. Abhir felt like he had been punched in the gut, his breath knocked out of him. He looked down at Kiara, who was still hugging him, still holding him close.

For a moment, Abhir felt like he was torn between two worlds. He had thought that he loved Charu, that she was the one he was meant to be with. But now, as he looked at Kiara, he felt a pang of doubt. Was it really Charu that he loved, or was it just an infatuation? And what about Kiara? Did he have feelings for her too?

Abhir's eyes widened as his heart spoke to him, its voice clear and unmistakable. "Have you ever felt peaceful in Charu's arms after your mother?" it asked, the question piercing Abhir's soul. He thought back to his time with Charu, trying to recall a moment when he had felt truly at peace in her arms. But as he searched his memories, he realized that he couldn't think of a single instance.

It was then that his heart spoke again, its voice filled with a deep wisdom. "Kiara is the one whose arms, whose hug, is making you feel comfortable," it said, the words resonating deep within Abhir's chest. He looked down at Kiara, who was still hugging him, her arms wrapped tightly around his torso.

............

Kiara's eyes fluttered open, and she was met with the warm, comforting sensation of being in Abhir's arms. She felt a sense of disorientation for a moment, as if she was trying to remember how she had ended up there. 

But as she looked up at Abhir's peaceful face, she recalled the events of the previous night. She remembered how he had picked her up in his arms, his eyes burning with a deep intensity as he had carried her to the bed.

 She remembered how he had asked her to sleep on the bed, his voice low and husky, and how he had placed pillows between them, as if creating a barrier between their bodies. 

As Kiara's memories came flooding back, she felt a mix of emotions swirling inside her. She felt a sense of wonder at the way Abhir had taken care of her, at the way he had held her in his arms and made her feel safe. 

She felt a sense of gratitude for the comfort he had provided, for the sense of peace that had washed over her as she had drifted off to sleep. But she also felt a sense of uncertainty, a sense of not knowing what the future held for them. Would Abhir still want to be with Charu, or had something shifted inside him? Kiara didn't know, and the not knowing was almost unbearable.

As she lay there, wrapped in Abhir's arms, Kiara felt a sense of vulnerability wash over her. She had given her heart to him, had opened herself up to the possibility of hurt and rejection. 

But as she looked up at Abhir's peaceful face, she felt a sense of hope that she hadn't felt in a long time. Maybe, just maybe, they could work through their issues, could find their way back to each other. The thought sent a warm, fuzzy feeling through her chest, and Kiara couldn't help but smile.

Abhir stirred in his sleep, his arms tightening around Kiara as he pulled her closer. Kiara's heart skipped a beat as she felt his warm breath on her skin, as she felt his heart beating in time with hers. 

 But as she looked up at him, her brain suddenly reminded her of the harsh reality. "You aren't the one supposed to be here, Kiara. It was your sister Charu!" her brain taunted her, the words echoing in her mind like a cruel mantra.

Kiara felt a pang of guilt and shame wash over her. She knew that Abhir was supposed to be with Charu, that he had promised to love and cherish her. And yet, here she was, lying in his arms, feeling a sense of comfort and peace that she hadn't felt in a long time.

Kiara's heart felt heavy with emotion as she realized the truth. She was the one who had been pining for Abhir all along, who had been secretly in love with him. But Abhir was supposed to be with Charu, and she had no right to be here, in his arms.

As the reality of the situation sank in, Kiara felt a sense of sadness wash over her. She knew that she had to leave, had to get out of Abhir's life before she caused any more harm. But as she looked up at Abhir's peaceful face, she felt a pang of regret. 

She didn't want to leave him, didn't want to give up the feeling of being in his arms. But she knew that she had to, for the sake of her sister, and for the sake of her own heart. 

Abhir's eyes snapped open as Kiara suddenly broke off from his arms, her movements swift and abrupt. He felt a sense of disorientation, as if he had been jolted awake from a deep sleep. He sat up, rubbing his eyes, trying to make sense of what was happening.

The room was quiet, except for the sound of Kiara's footsteps as she quickly got out of bed and ran towards the washroom. Abhir's eyes followed her, his mind racing with questions. What was wrong? Why was she running away from him? Had he done something to upset her? The questions swirled in his head, but he didn't have any answers.

The washroom door slammed shut behind Kiara, and Abhir was left sitting in stunned silence. He threw off the covers and got out of bed, his heart pounding in his chest. He felt a sense of unease, a sense of foreboding. 

Something was wrong, and he didn't know what. He approached the washroom door, his hand hesitating over the doorknob. He wanted to go in, to talk to Kiara, to find out what was wrong. But something held him back. 

Maybe it was the fear of what he might find, or maybe it was the fear of being rejected. Whatever it was, Abhir stood there, frozen in uncertainty, as the sound of running water and muffled sobs came from the other side of the door.

As the warm water cascaded down her body, Kiara let out a sob, the sound echoing off the tiles of the washroom. She had been holding it in for so long, trying to keep her emotions in check, but now she couldn't help but let it all out. The warmth of the water seeped into her skin, calming her nerves, but it couldn't calm the storm that was brewing inside her.

Kiara's body shook with each sob, her breath catching in her throat as she tried to calm herself down. But it was no use, the tears kept flowing, and the sobs kept coming. She felt like she was drowning in her own emotions, like she was being swept away by a tidal wave of sadness and heartache.

As she stood there, letting the water wash away her tears, Kiara couldn't help but think about Abhir. She thought about the way he had held her in his arms, the way he had looked at her with such tenderness and care. She thought about the way she had felt in his presence, like she was home, like she was exactly where she was meant to be.

But most of all, Kiara thought about the pain that Abhir had caused her. She thought about the way he had rejected her, the way he had chosen her sister over her. She thought about the way he had broken her heart, the way he had shattered her dreams.

As the water continued to flow, Kiara's sobs slowly began to subside. She took a deep breath, letting the warmth of the water seep into her bones. She knew that she had to be strong, that she had to move on. But as she stood there, surrounded by the misty veil of the shower, Kiara couldn't help but wonder if she would ever be able to let go of the past, if she would ever be able to forgive Abhir for breaking her heart.

...................

Kiara turned off the shower and stepped out of the stall, wrapping herself in a warm bathrobe that was hanging on the back of the door. She had been so caught up in her emotions that she had forgotten to grab her clothes from the bedroom. Now, she was faced with the awkward prospect of walking out into the bedroom wearing only a bathrobe.

 She took a deep breath and pushed open the washroom door, her eyes scanning the room for Abhir. He was sitting on the bed, his eyes fixed on her as she emerged from the washroom. Kiara felt a flush rise to her cheeks as she realized that she was standing in front of him wearing only a bathrobe.

As Kiara walked away from the washroom, Abhir's eyes couldn't help but follow her. He was taken aback by the sight of her wrapped in the bathrobe, her curves accentuated by the soft, fluffy fabric.

 Her wet hair cascaded down her back, sending rivulets of water trickling down her spine. Abhir's gaze was drawn to the way the bathrobe clung to her body, highlighting the gentle swell of her breasts and the curve of her hips.

He felt a sudden jolt of attraction, his body responding to the sight of Kiara's beauty. Abhir's eyes lingered on her, taking in the sight of her wrapped in the bathrobe, her skin still flushed from the warmth of the shower. He couldn't help but feel a sense of desire, a sense of wanting to reach out and touch her, to feel her soft skin beneath his fingertips.

As Kiara reached the closet and began to rummage through her clothes, Abhir's gaze was drawn to the way the bathrobe gaped open, revealing a tantalizing glimpse of her cleavage. He felt his breath catch in his throat, his body responding to the sight of her beauty.

 Abhir's eyes snapped back up to Kiara's face, and he felt a flush rise to his cheeks as he realized that he had been staring at her. He quickly looked away, trying to compose himself, but he couldn't shake off the feeling of attraction that had sparked within him.

"You can change in here, I'll just go freshen up," Abhir said, his eyes darting away from Kiara's bathrobe-clad figure as he hastily retreated to the washroom. 

He couldn't help but feel a little flustered as he caught a glimpse of Kiara's curves beneath the bathrobe, and he knew he needed to put some distance between them. Abhir quickly closed the washroom door behind him, taking a deep breath as he tried to calm his racing thoughts. 

As he stood in front of the sink, Abhir couldn't help but think about the way Kiara had looked in that bathrobe. He had tried to push the thought aside, but he couldn't shake the feeling that he was attracted to her. 

......................

Kiara stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the intricate embroidery on her red anarkali. She had chosen the outfit carefully, wanting to look her best for the occasion. But as she gazed at her reflection, she couldn't shake off the feeling of unease. The red color of the dress seemed to mock her, reminding her of the reason she was wearing it.

She applied a small dot of sindoor in the partition of her hair, just like a newly wedded woman would. But the gesture felt hollow, a cruel reminder that she was only pretending to be something she wasn't. Kiara felt like a replacement, a means to an end, a way to save Charu from the consequences of her actions.

The red color of the dress seemed to symbolize the lie she was living. It was a color of passion, of love, of commitment. But Kiara felt none of those things. She was just going through the motions, playing a role that had been assigned to her. The sindoor in her hair felt like a constant reminder of her deception, a reminder that she was living a lie.

............

Kiara let out a frustrated sigh as she tried to tie the knot of her anarkali at the back. She struggled with the intricate fabric, her fingers fumbling as she tried to secure the knot. Just as she was about to give up, she heard the sound of the washroom door opening behind her.

Abhir walked out, his eyes scanning the room until they landed on Kiara, who was still struggling with the knot. He raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement on his face, as he walked towards her.

"Need some help?" he asked, his voice low and smooth. Kiara hesitated for a moment, unsure if she wanted Abhir's help. But as she looked up at him, she saw the genuine concern in his eyes, and she nodded, feeling a sense of relief.

Abhir stepped closer, his hands reaching out to tie the knot. As his fingers touched the fabric, Kiara felt a jolt of electricity run through her body. His hands brushed against her back, sending shivers down her spine.

Kiara's eyes fluttered closed as Abhir's fingers worked the knot, his touch sending waves of sensation through her body. She felt her heart racing, her pulse pounding in her ears, as Abhir's hands lingered on her back, his fingers tracing the curve of her spine.

For a moment, time seemed to stand still, and all Kiara could feel was the warmth of Abhir's touch, the gentle pressure of his fingers on her skin. She felt like she was melting into his touch, like she was becoming one with him.

And then, just as suddenly, Abhir's hands were gone, and Kiara was left feeling bereft, feeling like she had lost something precious. She opened her eyes to find Abhir standing in front of her, a look of concern on his face. 

 "All done," he said, his voice low and husky.Kiara nodded, feeling a sense of awkwardness wash over her. She knew she had to get out of there, to put some distance between herself and Abhir. But as she turned to leave, she felt Abhir's eyes on her, and she knew that she couldn't escape the feelings that had just surfaced. 

 ................

Kiara stood in the kitchen of the Goenka villa, her hands moving deftly as she prepared the meal for her pehli rasoi, a traditional ritual where the new bride cooks her first meal for her husband's family. 

She knew that for her, this ritual was a mere formality, a gesture to appease the societal norms that governed her new role as Abhir's wife. But for the others, who had yet to accept her as one of their own, it was just a perfunctory exercise, a necessary evil to be endured.

As she chopped the vegetables and stirred the pot, Kiara couldn't help but feel a sense of disconnection from the proceedings. She had married Abhir in name only, a union born out of necessity rather than love. And yet, here she was, going through the motions of a traditional wife, playing a role that didn't quite fit her.

The kitchen was filled with the aroma of spices and the sound of sizzling vegetables, but Kiara's mind was elsewhere. She thought about Abhir, about the way he had looked at her with a mixture of curiosity and concern. She wondered what he was thinking, whether he too felt like an outsider in this elaborate charade.

The kitchen was filled with the aroma of spices and the sound of sizzling vegetables, but Kiara's mind was elsewhere. She thought about Abhir, about the way he had looked at her with a mixture of curiosity and concern. She wondered what he was thinking, whether he too felt like an outsider in this elaborate charade.

"Kiara," Ruhi smiled, her eyes warm with affection as she walked into the kitchen. Kiara's heart swelled with gratitude as she returned Ruhi's smile. Ruhi, her brother's wife, had been like a sister to Kiara, and now, as Abhir's sister, she was Kiara's nanand. But more than that, Ruhi was the only one who had accepted Kiara as Abhir's wife, without condition or judgment. 

Ruhi walked over to Kiara and gave her a warm hug. "How's it going, kiara?" she asked, using the affectionate term for sister-in-law. Kiara smiled, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. With Ruhi by her side, she felt like she could face anything.

"It's going," Kiara replied, trying to sound casual despite the turmoil of emotions inside her. Ruhi raised an eyebrow, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "I'm sure it's not easy," Ruhi said, her voice low and understanding. "But I'm here for you, Kiara. Always." 

Kiara felt a lump form in her throat as she looked at Ruhi. She was the only one who had stood by her, who had accepted her for who she was. And in that moment, Kiara knew that she would do anything to make Ruhi proud, to prove herself as a worthy wife and member of the Goenka family.

As Kiara placed the food and the sweet dish she had made on the dining table, she was met with almost every unhappy face in the Goenka household. Her grand mother-in-law, Swarna, looked at the food with a critical eye, her expression disapproving. Abhir's  grandfather, Manish, barely acknowledged Kiara's efforts, his attention focused on the newspaper in front of him. 

The only person who smiled at Kiara was Ruhi, who gave her a warm and encouraging nod. But even Ruhi's support couldn't alleviate the tension in the room, the palpable sense of disapproval that hung in the air like a challenge. 

 Kiara felt her heart sink, her confidence wavering. She had tried so hard to make a good impression, to prove herself as a worthy member of the Goenka family. But it seemed like no matter what she did, she would never be good enough.

"Good morning everyone!" Abhir said, walking into the dining hall with a bright smile plastered on his face. He tried to look normal, but the tension in the air was palpable. 

His family's faces were stern, their eyes cold and unforgiving. Abhir's heart sank, but he refused to let their disapproval get to him. He took a deep breath and began to greet each member of his family, hoping to diffuse the tension.

But before he could even finish his greetings, his grandmother, Swarna, spoke up, her voice sharp and accusatory. "How can our morning be happy, Abhir, when you have married someone without our will?" she asked, her eyes flashing with anger.

 Abhir's smile faltered, and he felt a knot form in his stomach. He knew his family was upset, but he had hoped they would eventually come around to accepting Kiara.

Swarna's words hung in the air, a challenge to Abhir's decision. He knew he had to respond, to justify his actions and reassure his family that he had made the right choice. But as he looked around the table, he saw only disapproval and anger.

Abhir took a deep breath and began to speak, hoping to calm the storm that had erupted in the dining hall. "par nani, I understand why you're upset," he said, trying to sound calm and reasonable. "But I assure you, Kiara is a wonderful person. She will make a great addition to our family." But Swarna was not to be placated, and she cut him off, her voice rising in anger.

Swarna's expression remained unyielding, her eyes flashing with anger. "A great addition?" she repeated, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "You call this a great addition? Marrying your bride's sister without our consent? What about Charu? What about the family's reputation?"

Abhir's face tightened, his jaw clenched in frustration. He knew his grandmother was upset, but he had hoped she would understand his perspective. "par nani, please try to understand," he began, but Swarna cut him off.

"No, Abhir, I will not understand," she said, her voice firm. "You have brought shame to our family, and now you expect us to welcome this...this stranger into our home?"

"Im sorry, im so sorry," Kiara said, her eyes flowing with tears nonstop. The sight of her tears broke Abhir's heart, and he felt a pang of guilt and regret for not being able to protect her from his family's harsh words.

 He watched as she turned to leave, her shoulders slumped in defeat, and he knew he had to act fast. Abhir's eyes followed Kiara as she walked away, her sobs echoing through the room. He felt a surge of anger towards his family for hurting her, but he knew he had to remain calm if he wanted to diffuse the situation. 

She turned to leave, her eyes cast down in defeat, but her feet seemed rooted to the spot as she listened to the sound of her own heartbeat. And then, suddenly, her breath stopped, her lungs freezing in her chest as she heard a familiar voice calling out to Abhir. 

"ABHIRRRR!" The voice was like a knife to her heart, a painful reminder of the secrets and lies that had brought her to this place.

Abhir too felt his heart stopping as he heard the voice. He knew the voice very well, a voice that was etched in his memory like a scar. It was the voice of the woman because of whom Kiara and he were married. The woman who had been the reason for his hasty and unexpected marriage to Kiara. The woman who had been the source of so much pain and heartache for him.

"Charu di," Kiara whispered, her voice trembling with shock and concern. She and Abhir stood frozen in the doorway, their eyes fixed on Charu's battered and bruised form. Charu's hair was a tangled mess, her t-shirt torn and stained with blood. A deep gash on her forehead was bleeding profusely, and her eyes were swollen and blackened.

Abhir's face went white as he took in Charu's condition. He felt like he had been punched in the gut, his breath knocked out of him. He couldn't believe what he was seeing. Charu, the woman he had loved and lost, was standing in front of him, broken and battered.

Kiara's eyes were filled with tears as she looked at her sister. She felt a wave of fear and worry wash over her. What had happened to Charu? Who could have done this to her? Kiara's mind was racing with questions, but she couldn't seem to find her voice to ask them.

Abhir finally broke the silence, his voice shaking with emotion. "Charu...what happened?" he whispered, taking a step forward. Charu's eyes locked onto Abhir's, and for a moment, they just stared at each other, the only sound the heavy breathing of the people in the room.

As Charu's eyes locked onto Abhir's, her body suddenly went limp, and she fell unconscious. Abhir, who had been standing frozen in shock, quickly sprang into action, catching Charu's falling body in his arms.

Kiara watched in horror as her sister's body went limp, her heart racing with fear. "Charu di!" she cried out, rushing to her sister's side. But Charu was already unconscious, her head lolling back in Abhir's arms.

Abhir held Charu firmly in his arms and ran towards his room, now shared with Kiara. In his haste, he slightly pushed Kiara aside, causing her to stumble backward. But before she could fall, Ruhi, who had been watching the scene unfold, quickly caught hold of Kiara's arm, holding her firm.

 Kiara's eyes widened in shock as she watched Abhir rush past her, Charu's limp body in his arms. She felt a pang of unease and insecurity as she realized that Abhir's concern for Charu seemed to surpass his concern for her. Ruhi's grip on her arm tightened, as if sensing Kiara's distress. 

"Kiara, are you okay?" Ruhi asked softly, her eyes filled with concern. Kiara nodded, still feeling a bit dazed. "Y-yes, I'm fine," she stammered. Ruhi's eyes narrowed slightly as she watched Abhir disappear into the room with Charu. "We'll get to the bottom of this," Ruhi whispered to Kiara, her voice filled with determination.

 "But for now, let's just focus on getting Charu the help she needs." Ruhi's words were reassuring, but Kiara couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that had settled in her heart. She felt like her whole world was crumbling around her, and she didn't know how to stop it.

...........

The doctor, a middle-aged man with a kind face, emerged from the room where Charu was being treated. He looked at Abhir and Kiara, his expression serious. "I have checked her and took her blood sample for some tests," he began. "Her injury on the head seems slightly deep, but it will cure slowly but surely. However, I must advise you to keep a close eye on her and ensure that she gets plenty of rest."

Abhir nodded, his eyes filled with concern. "Of course, doctor. We'll take good care of her."

The doctor nodded, his expression turning serious. "Also, I must advise you not to tell her something that will increase her blood pressure. She's already been through a traumatic experience, and we don't want to exacerbate the situation."

Kiara's mind was racing with thoughts, but one sentence kept echoing in her head: "Also, I must advise you not to tell her something that will increase her blood pressure." The doctor's words seemed innocent enough, but Kiara's intuition was screaming that there was more to it. And then, like a ton of bricks, it hit her - the doctor was advising them to hide the fact that Abhir was married to her from Charu.

Abhir sat beside Charu, his hand gently holding hers, his eyes filled with concern and care. Kiara watched from the doorway, her heart heavy with emotion. She felt like an outsider, a spectator in a scene that was meant for two people only. The intimacy between Abhir and Charu was palpable, and Kiara couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy and hurt.

As she stood there, tears began to fall from her eyes, streaming down her face like rain. She couldn't bear to watch the scene unfolding before her, couldn't bear to see Abhir's hands holding Charu's, his eyes filled with love and concern for her sister.

Kiara turned and walked away, her feet carrying her to the garden, the night darkness enveloping her like a shroud. She walked aimlessly, her tears falling like rain, her heart heavy with sorrow. She felt lost and alone, like a ship without anchor, drifting in a stormy sea.

The garden was dark and quiet, the only sound the rustling of leaves and the distant chirping of crickets. Kiara walked through the shadows, her feet carrying her to a bench, where she sat down, her body shaking with sobs. She felt like she was drowning in a sea of emotions, unable to find a lifeline to cling to.

She looked up at the stars twinkling above, and whispered to herself, "Tu kyun ro rahi hai Kiara? Tujhe pata tha naa ki Charu di wapis aayengi ek din?" (Why are you crying, Kiara? You knew that Charu di would come back one day, didn't you?)

Kiara's eyes dropped, and she looked down at her hands, clenched into fists. She felt like she was losing herself, like she was disappearing into the shadows of Abhir's past. She didn't know how to compete with Charu's memory, how to make Abhir love her the way he loved Charu. Kiara's heart felt heavy, weighed down by the knowledge that she might never be enough for Abhir. 

............

Ruhi stormed into the room, her eyes blazing with anger as she took in the scene before her. Abhir was sitting beside Charu, holding her hand, his face etched with concern. Ruhi's blood boiled as she saw her brother's intimate gesture, and she felt a surge of possessiveness and protectiveness towards Kiara.

Ruhi stormed into the room, her eyes blazing with anger as she took in the scene before her. Abhir was sitting beside Charu, holding her hand, his face etched with concern. Ruhi's blood boiled as she saw her brother's intimate gesture, and she felt a surge of possessiveness and protectiveness towards Kiara.

Ruhi's eyes flashed with anger as she confronted Abhir. "What's going on here?" she hissed. "You're married to Kiara, Abhir. What are you doing with Charu?" RuhRuhi's eyes flashed with anger as she confronted Abhir. "What's going on here?" she hissed.  Ruhi's voice was laced with accusation and disgust, and Abhir felt a sting of guilt as he met her gaze.