Arhaan POV

"Stop staring at me and speak up!" Viren chides looking at me, the seconds before I barged into his room to yell at him for making Paakhi cry but looking at him, I wonder who hurt whom.

"You tell me? Why does it seem like you were about to cry?" I ask implying his red glossy eyes.

"Please, it's just these medicines..." He replies nonchalantly looking away.

"Then meet my gaze, why are you hiding from me?" I challenge him.

"Hiding from you? Brother, I think you need rest, why don't you go and spend time with your wife?" He scoffs.

"I will, but before that tell me why Paakhi came to her room crying?" I inquire.

"She was crying?" His tone becomes soft. He sounded hurt.

"Yes, and that too because of you!" I reprimand.

"So tell me?" I pry.

"I don't know," he replies.

"Of course you do, she was with you the last time I saw," I affirm irked.

"Arhaan, please go!" He says kneading his temples.

"Not before you tell me!" I ask adamantly.

"Leave!!" He yells loudly.

"What is going in here?" I hear the booming voice of dad.

He eyes both of us and then at the door, he whispers something to mom, and she nods before leaving from there.

He walks in and stands between us.

"Tell me," he pursues.

I huff and tell him what occurred a few seconds ago.

"Did you hurt her?" Dad asks Viren.

"Why do you think so? Did anyone thought maybe she might have hurt me?" He yells annoyed.

"Manage your tone," dad glare at him.

"What would she possibly have done to hurt you?" I scoff.

"She rejected my proposal." He mutters through gritted teeth.

Dad and I both look shocked.

"Why would she cry if she rejected your proposal?" I ask confuse.

"I don't know, I just know that I'm an idiot to think that she would want to be married to me." He mumbles in a low tone.

"Son?" Dad walks over to him.

"Did she say she doesn't want to marry you, now or never?" He asks.

"When I asked her to marry me, she repeated my line and then walked away." He says raking his hand frustratedly through his hair.

"So the point where it all comes is, what did you say to her?" A fourth voice resonates in the room.

We all turn to the door to see Shaurya peeking in.

"What? A family meeting without me?" He says, walking in.

Viren rolls his eyes and stares at me. I just shrug.

"So answer me? What did you say to her? " he interrogates Viren.

"And repeat word to word!" I jump in between.

He scowls at me and I just smile.

"So I said When I knew she was kidnapped, I was a mess, I cried in front of my family, and confessed my feelings to them. So our families kind of know that we are dating and then I told her, that when I saw her getting married to that douche and thought if we get out of this mess, then I will get married to her instantly so that no douche take her away from me." He tells us.

"Then what did she say?" Shaurya asks sincerely.

"She said that, so you want to marry me because you are afraid that someone else would? And then I nodded my head and she walked away." His face show despair.

"He did not say anything wrong!" I say out loud.

Shaurya nods and we all look confused.

"No my children, there is where you are wrong," Dad announces smiling.

We three glance at him confused.

"In my 30 years of marriage, I have learned one thing and that is, that no matter how mature or sensible your woman is, she needs to be told why you love her. They don't need extravagant gifts or surprises to make them happy, they just need their partner's attention and affection. I mean a woman like your mother." His words make sense.

"So? What did I say wrong?" Viren asks dumbly.

"Rewind your words and think, did you tell her you love her and therefore want to marry her?" Dad asks.

Viren reckons his words and an understanding tread on his face.

"There is your answer." Dad smiles.

Before anything else could be said, a knock diverts our attention.

"We are here to take our leave." Mr.Abhay and Mrs.Savita enter.

"Uh, why?" I inquire.

"Paakhi wants to go home to rest." He replies.

"But the doctors are here," Shaurya interject.

"She insists on going home, she says she needs somewhere she feels relaxed." Their Aunty reply looking at Viren.

"Okay, I will come with you guys because there are media downstairs." I insist and step ahead of them.

But before we can proceed, a guard came rushing towards us.

"Sir, the ladies were escorted safely to the car. But we might have reached a second late to them." He informs ashamed.

"Next time, take care of them, they are family now," Dad orders "And prepare a car for them."

He nods his head and walks away.

"Mrs. and Mr.Sharma, we should have dinner together, your family and ours." Dad invites.

"Gladly," they shake hands and I escort them to the car waiting for them downstairs.

_______________________________

Maanya POV

It seems like happiness always curves its road just as it is about to reach us.

Yesterday, at this time I was dancing in excitement because I was finally going to be Arhaan's but things happened and we couldn't sign our official papers.

And now I see Paakhi looking outside the window with tears brimming her eyes, I feel sad.

I take her hand and caress it.

She looks at our adjoined hands and passes me a smile before looking outside the window.

With my other hand, I caress Aditi's head lying on my shoulder.

She must be pretty exhausted with her back and leg in pain.

I sigh and look ahead, what is written in our destiny? Will me and my girls ever find happiness without struggling for them?

My thoughts take a rough route and I start thinking about my past,

"Don't! you have changed. It's a new you with new beginnings." I listen to the adamant voice of Paakhi.

I glance at her to see her still looking outside.

"How?" I ask astonished.

"Whenever you start thinking about your past, you curl up your fingers and start tapping them on your lap." She lets out.

That is when I notice, my curled-up hand on my lap.

"I'm just-"

"I know, but does remembering those days will help you now?" She asks.

I sigh and shake my head in denial.

She encloses my hand in hers and says, "You are Maanya Arhaan Singh now! You are a new you. Never forget that."

"Don't she has her own identity?" Suddenly, I hear Aditi asking.

Paakhi and I both gaze at her.

"I don't mean that, what I meant is that the new chapter started in her life, with new aspects, she is a wife, a daughter in law and a sister-in-law now. That doesn't mean she has no identity of hers but she should respect those relations too. " Paakhi assert.

"I don't get it, just because she is a wife now, she has to be considerate and not do what her heart desires?" Aditi scoffs.

"No! But she has to think about what her actions will cause her family." Paakhi reply.

"Okay, thank you, guys. Now let's go and have some sleep." I interfere in the argument when we reach home.

Thanking the driver we exit the car.

"Mrs.Singh," we hear the driver calling.

I turn around while blushing, I'm Mrs.Singh now!

"I will be here, ready to serve you." He bows his head.

"Oh no, no, we are not found anywhere today, you can go," I reply.

"Please!" I assert when I see the doubt on his face.

He nods his head and enters his car.

I sigh and turn to see Paakhi and Aditi staring at me.

"Mrs.Singh huh?" Aditi tease and Paakhi grins.

I shrug her off and we take the elevator to our apartment.

"You know, I really miss that goofy face of Neel," I hear Aditi mumbling looking at the apartment door in front of ours.

"I never thought I would say this, but me too," Paakhi confess smiling at Aditi.

After all that drama in the hospital, Neel decided to shift from here apparently because he didn't want Aditi and Shaurya to feel awkward.

"Come," I call for their attention when I unlock the door.

"There is no better place than your house," Aditi cheer walking to her room.

Paakhi walks off to hers and me to mine.

Changing into some comfortable clothes, I pull my hair into a bun and jump on my bed.

Just as my head hits the pillow, my phone ring.

I huff and stretch to grab it from the nightstand.

"Hello?" I ask eagerly to hear his voice.

"Did you reach the apartment?" He asks.

"Ya, I'm at home, in my bed," I reply.

"I want to go home too." He whines.

"You alike have some rest," I say concerned about his health.

"You are right. I will be more productive after a nap." He muffles a yawn.

"Okay then, reach safely," I mutter.

He says an okay and I smile when he ends the call with an I love you.

Feeling thirsty, I walk over to the kitchen and gulp down and a glass of water.

Feeling a bit hungry, I reach for the cookie box and grab three cookies.

Taking them to the living room, I sprawl on the couch and munch on them.

After making a mess with cookie crumbles all over the carpet, I stand up to go to my room.

Just as I stand up, the doorbell ring. Without a thought, I rush to open the door so that Paakhi and Aditi are not disturbed.

Opening the door, I smile and ask, "What are you doing here?"

"You told me to go home, so I came home." Arhaan passes me a tired smile.

"This isn't Singh Mansion," I chuckle, closing the door after he enters.

"You are my home, wherever you are, my home is there." Hearing him an emotional smile mask my face.

"I love you," I hug him from behind.

He turns around and takes me into his arms.

"I love you too," he replies and places a small kiss on my head.

A second later it is accompanied by a small yawn.

So I take his hand and tug him to my room. Without another word, he lies down and I snuggle to him.

Sleep comes easily when you are tired as hell and cooped up in the arms of your husband.

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

My eyes open to the whispering outside my door.

I sit up and rub my eyes to discern what is happening.

When the whispering becomes a bit loud and I hear some clattering, I shake Arhaan.

"Love as much as I think whatever you do is romantic, I don't find this romantic at all," he huff sleepily.

I jerk him once again and he sits up scowling at me.

"There is someone outside the door," I mumble.

He listens carefully and then says, "Maybe Paakhi or Aditi?"

"They would never be this civil, they would have barged in till now," I reply knowing my sisters.

Arhaan passes me a look but gradually pulls off the blanket and steps down. I follow him and grab an umbrella from the stand beside my bed.

I frown at him when he smirks.

He chuckles silently and grabs the doorknob.

I count till three with my fingers and he jerks the door open just when my third finger goes up.

"Ahhhh!!!" I cry just when Aunty Savy scream.

The only difference is that mine was a war cry and hers was a terrified scream.

"What are you both doing?" I ask hitting chuckling Arhaan.

"Can I ask him that?" Uncle folds his hands and scowls at Arhaan.

"Umm...dear, I think you are forgetting they are married." Aunty put a hand on his shoulder and calm him.

He sighs and with a disapproving sigh walks to the living room.

I follow him and tug him to the balcony.

The night sky makes me feel that we have slept through noon.

Taking in the warm polluted whip of air, I scrunch my nose and look at uncle.

"Why are you upset? Don't you like Arhaan?" I question sadly.

"It's is not about if I like him or not, I just think you both made a hasty decision." He confesses.

"Abby, you are like a father to me, not like, you are father to us girls. We love you and respect your decision. But when I say, that being with Arhaan feels right. I mean it. He makes me happy, he makes me a better version of myself." I say with tears brimming my eyes. I don't know if I made a hasty decision or not, but Arhaan makes me happy, the feeling that I had in my heart of loneliness, is now faded away.

"If that is what it is, then I respect your decision. I bless you and hope you both have a beautiful journey of togetherness." He takes me into his arm.

I relish the feeling of reassurance that I always feel in his arms.

"Now I should probably, get back and apologize to your husband." He pats me on my head and walk-in.

I wipe all my tear stains and follow him.

Entering the living room, I feel a smile mask my face when I see the people I love enjoying each other's company.

"Where were you?" Aditi mumble with her mouth full. Even some rice grains pop out of her mouth.

I scrunch my face at her and take the seat beside Arhaan on the dinner table.

He assesses my face and I smile in reassurance.

He smiles back and laughs at Aditi.

I pass Paakhi a look and see her smiling at what Aunty is saying. But her smile doesn't reach her eyes.

"Arhaan," Uncle calls out.

Arhaan put down his spoon and look at him.

"I apologize for my earlier behavior. I'm protective of my daughters and no guy can hurt them. " his tone shifts from calm to asserting.

"I know sir, and I would like to apologize for eloping and dishonoring you." Arhaan reply remorsefully.

Under the table, I grab his hand and squeeze it.

"What is done is done. Now just focus on keeping my girl happy." Uncle smile.

"I intend on doing so," Arhaan says gazing at me. As if making a promise.

"Looking at you two making googly eyes at each other, my food is coming up." Aditi's comment breaks the spell.

I glare at her which turns to a frown when she burps.

"What is wrong with you girl? You are behaving like a hobo." Uncle frown at her.

"Pardon me for being hungry after not eating anything from the last night." She scoffs and stands up from the table.

"Let her be, she is probably going to browse her phone now," Paakhi comments when Arhaan looks sadly at her retreating figure.

"Are you okay?" He asks her instead.

"Ya feeling a lot better after a long nap." She smiles at him and stands up to collect all the plates.

"Let me, dear, you go sit." Aunty grabs the plate from her hand and says.

She nods absently-mindedly and walks to the couch.

I start helping aunty whereas uncle goes to the washroom.

"Arhaan pls- " I hear Paakhi utter tiredly.

"Is she okay?" Aunty asks me when we are both in the kitchen.

"I think so," I lie, not wanting to trouble them.

When I walk outside again, I hear Paakhi saying, "If you respect me, then don't say anything, please. "

Arhaan nods his head and leans back on the couch.

I take the last of the plates inside the kitchen and walk back to the living room.

"We should watch a movie," I break the awkward silence.

When no one objects, I grab the remote and play any random movie.

"We should leave now," uncle says pausing the movie.

"It is already late, stay here," Paakhi suggests.

"Sleep in my room, I'll sleep in Aditi's" she interjects before they can object.

Aunty nod and get up to go to Paakhi's room, probably to grab some clothes to sleep in.

"I'll see you guys in the morning." Paakhi stands up and walks away.

"Good night," uncle too stands up and leaves.

"Do you think she'll be okay?" I ask Arhaan.

"What I know is that they have a misunderstanding and need to solve it out." He admits.

I nod and snuggle into his arms and press play on the remote.

This seems to be a good distraction.

_______________________________

PAAKHI POV

Waking up early is usually not a hassle for me, but when you don't sleep all night because of overthinking it becomes a difficult job to wake up the next day.

With an exhausted yawn, I stand up and peek a look at Aditi sprawled on her bed and drooling.

Ignoring her, I fold up my bed and walk out of her room.

Fetching a cup of lukewarm water, I step onto the balcony.

Taking a seat at the swing, I sway slightly, sipping through my cup.

Events of yesterday still playing in my mind.

I might have overreacted but that was the only way I thought of getting out of that moment. Even the thought of Marrying Viren gives me goosebumps.

When I say we belong to two different worlds, I'm not just talking about money, I mean ideology and responsibilities too.

I can not just change myself to fit in his world.

The car honk from the street breaks my thoughts and an exacerbated sigh leaves my mouth.

To divert my mind, I walk into the kitchen and start washing the dishes from yesterday.

The pain in my hand intensifies but I ignore it, this pain is better than the one in my heart.

After cleaning it, I walk to the fridge and skim for the ingredients for the breakfast.

Seeing some boiled potatoes, I decide to make some onion and potato paranthas.

So I knead some flour and set it aside, then I make onion and potato mixture.

Noticing the time, I realized it was too early for anyone to wake. So I walk into the living room and start cleaning it.

Seconds pass into minutes and minutes into an hour when I look at the now spotless living room.

"Morning," I hear a chirp from behind me.

Turning around I smile at Maanu and hug her.

"Someone is happy today," she says taking my hands into hers.

I flinch when she touch my injured hand.

"Paakhi! Your hand is swollen," she scolds me.

"What did you do?" She yells scowling at me.

"Slowly," I whisper.

"Stay here," she orders and rushes to her room.

"Morning sunshine," I hear a soft exclamation from Aunty Savy.

With a smile, I greet her back.

"What happened to your hand?" Her smile morphs into a frown.

"She did all the household work," Maanya reprimands walking towards me with a first aid box in hand and Arhaan in tow.

"Why?" Now Aunty scolds me.

"That doesn't matter, what matters is who's hungry?" I change the subject.

"Me!!" I chuckle hearing the groggy voice of my pregnant friend.

"What is wrong with you? Always hungry?" Aunty jests.

We all stare at Aditi but she just shrugs.

"You clean her wound, I will take over breakfast," Aunty says walking to the kitchen.

"I already knead the flour and made the filling for the paranthas," I yell from my position on the couch.

Maanu scowl at me and wraps a new bandage on my hand.

"Does it pain?" Arhaan asks jumping in the seat beside me.

I shake my head in denial and hiss when Maanu puts a bit of pressure.

"Liar," he scoffs, grabbing the remote from the center table.

He turns on the television and puts it on the news channel.

"Yesterday was a big event for all Delhiites, our famous and cute Singh brother just revealed to the world his wife." A picture of Maanu and Arhaan pops up on the television. They look so cute together.

"Not much was stated about the mysterious Mrs.Singh but don't worry, Nothing can be hidden for long." The assertion in the voice of the speaker scares me.

"Don't worry they will eventually forget it." Arhaan holds onto Maanya's hand.

"Now moving on to the next handsome Singh brother, one and all, our devilishly handsome Viren Singh. News says that he is getting married soon. But who's the lucky girl? Is it her? Or her? Or her? Seems like competition to be Mrs.Viren Singh is not easy." Pictures of Viren and beautiful models pop up one after the other.

I stand up from there and walk toward my room.

Entering in, I bump into a rock-solid chest of Abby.

"Woah! Woah!" He exclaims aiding me.

"What has gotten you so riled up?"  He asks.

"I-I came to grab some clothes. Going for a shower." I make an excuse instantly.

"Of course, Paakhi and her on time bath." He chuckles referring to my obsession with baths on time.

I smile back and he leaves the room.

Without wasting any time, I grab a fresh pair of linen and scramble to the bathroom.

Just as the drops from the shower topple down my face, tears blend with them. I cry for all that occurred in the last 24 hours. I cry out my frustration, my anxiety, and the pain I went through.

I cry for the distance I just saw between Viren and me. It was so good to be true.

"Are you okay in there?" I hear the tense voice of Maanu.

Deciding to not tense anyone with my problems, I'm going to be happy in front of them.

"Yes! Just drying off!" I answer.

After getting dressed, I exit the bathroom and walk to the living room.

"Come join us," uncle invite. I nod and take a seat at the dining table.

I can feel the scrutinizing gaze of Maanya, Arhaan, and Aditi.

"Pass me some butter please," I exclaim with a smile. Seeing this, they all sigh in relief.

If me hiding my tension makes them smile then I will do it in a beat.

"I'm going to the cafe, have to meet Nona and Nana," I announce.

"Ya, we'll come with you." Abby propose.

I nod and we all finish our breakfast.

"I'm cleaning it!" Maanu asserts yanking the plate from my hand. I chuckle and stand up.

"I'll water my plants till you guys get ready," I call out to Aunty and walk to the balcony.

"You okay?" Aditi join me after 5 minutes.

"Yup," I pop the p.

"Liar, but I won't pry," she comments settling on the swing.  

"Tell me, are you okay? Do you need to go to the doctor?" I ask instead.

"Just a bit of a backache and Shaurya is coming to take me to one." She replies.

"He's such a nice man." I smile.

"I don't know about that, but this baby may have made us both responsible."  She remarks caressing her stomach.

The glint in her eyes makes me smile. Who knew that our baby sister will have a baby soon.

"I'm happy for you!" I walk over to her and hug her.

"I want to be too, so please do one thing and talk to Viren." She mumbles.

I pull back from the hug and look at her.

"Please.." She implores.

"I will but when I'm ready," I state.

She nods her head happily and leans back on the swing. Soon her eyelids droop.

So I leave from there and to my room to grab my wallet.

"All set to go," Abby peek in my room and announce.

I smile and follow him to the main door.

"Take care girls." Aunt Savy exclaims and exits the door.

"Arhaan is a pleasant guy," aunty confides.

I smile and nod my head.

"But one thing I don't get is Aditi and that youngest Singh brother dating too?" Abby asks scrunching up his nose.

A snort leaves my mouth.

"His name is Shaurya," I explain waking out of the building.

"They two do look cute together." Aunty gush.

My attention shift to the two guys behind us.

I turn around and they stop too.

"Uncle?" I tug at Abby's hand.

"They seem to be following us," I tell anxiously moving behind him.

"It's fine, they are your bodyguards." He replies nonchalantly.

I stare at him and then at two men standing in front of me.

"I don't need them!" I scowl.

"It's for your safety," he scolds.

"Whoever sent you, tell them I don't need security," I yell at them and start walking again.

They ignore my command and follow me.

"STOP FOLLOWING ME!" I grit my teeth.

"Paakhi!" Uncle scold me and yank me towards the cafe.

I huff and continue my walk, all my mood spoiled. I know who appointed them and I'm angry at that man.

"Paakhi! Oh, dear," Nona come rushing towards me with open arms.

"I got so scared..." She places numerous kisses on my face.

I smile and console her.

Nana joins us in a minute and hugs me.

"You seem to have an adventure, huh?" Even though he chuckled, I can see the fear in his orbs.

I hug him tightly and thank God for giving me people in my life who love me this much.

"What are you doing here?" Nona asks dragging me to the counter.

"Came to help," I answer.

"We don't need your help." She asserts.

"I want to help!" I reply adamantly.

"Harsh?!" She calls Nana.

"Nana!" I look at him too.

He huffs and mumbles, "these beautiful women always dragging me in their argument."

I chuckle seeing Nona blush when nana called her beautiful.

"Now, Now, I will go upstairs, change into my work clothes and meet you here," Abby announces walking out the doors.

"Lucky for me, I fit into your clothes, otherwise I would have to wear the same clothes as him," Aunty scrunch up her nose.

"I told him to leave some clothes at our place, but he never listens," I complain.

We are still chatting when the cafe door chimes to indicate arrivals.

"Let's get to work," I jump off the stool and grab the apron from behind the corner.

Without wasting a second, I welcome the patrons and collect their orders.

Soon, the cafe was buzzing with customers.

The delectable aroma of coffee and tea spread in the room making it a relaxed setting.

I'm busy enough to not think of certain someone or the troubles we are facing.

"Paakhi? Is that you?" I hear the cheerful voice of a woman.

Turning around I'm face to face with a brunette in a red dress.

"Payal Hi," I smile at her.

"How are you girl? And how is Maanya? I just heard about her wedding. I'm so happy for her." She speaks non-stop and I keep nodding my head with a smile.

"So I came by yesterday, but no one was here?" She complains.

"Sorry, we were at the hospital," I answer without a thought.

"Hospital? What happened? Oh my God, I didn't notice your wound." She apologizes starting at my forehead.

"Ya, just a small scratch don't worry," I assure her.

"Oh thank God, so as I was saying, it's my engagement party, and I want you guys to plan it!" She shrieks.

"Wow, congratulations," I hug her.

"Ya, so when should I drop by with my family to talk about it?" She asks.

"I will text you the details," I say trying to control my excitement.

"Okay sure," she smiles and walks out of the cafe.

Excitedly, I scramble to the kitchen and barge inside.

"Aunty! Uncle!" I yell for their attention.

They both look at me and a smile masks their face.

"What happened?" Aunty ask.

"We just got an event!" I jump around.

"Congratulations!" Aunty hug me.

"Ya, should I call her today for the meeting?" I ask taking out my phone from my pocket.

"No not today," uncle objects.

"Why?" I ask confuse.

"We are going for dinner at Singh's house." Aunty reply.

"Singh house?" I ask bewildered.

"Yes, Viren is back and they want to talk about something," Uncle answers getting back to his work.

Viren will be there too?!

"Oh okay, I can stay back and talk to them," I suggest.

"You can't, this is about Maanya, we can't compromise her relations with her inlaws. We should all go as a family and respect their invitation." Aunty explains.

This is about Maanya, I can't do this to her. Viren and I, both are adults and we can keep aside our problems for our loved ones.

"Okay, so I'll call them tomorrow," I mumble shuffling out of the kitchen and getting back to work.

The thing that keeps lurking in my mind is how am I going to face Viren? I didn't even call or message him to check on his health.

Now we are going to come face to face in a few hours, who knows what will happen now...

_______________________________

(Aunty Savita and Uncle Abhay) ------>

Hi, what's up?

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