Author POV:

As Rai opened the door, they stand silent across the room.

"Are you ok?" Rudy finally asked, breaking the silence. "You seem... off today."

Rai forced a smile. "I'm fine, just a bit tired. The past few days have been hectic."

Rudy knew she wasn't telling the whole truth. He could see the tension in her eyes, the worry etched on her face. "Is it about the stalker? Who was he? Why was he following you?"

Rai hesitated, her gaze drifting away. "It's... complicated. I don't want to worry you."

Rudy sighed, knowing he wouldn't get any answers from her. He decided to change the subject. "I'm... nervous about tomorrow," he admitted. "I don't know if I'm ready for this."

Rai's heart ached for him. She knew he didn't love Nisha, that he was only marrying her out of a sense of duty. "It'll be fine, Rudy. Just remember why you're doing this."

"Easy for you to say. But don't worry I'll marry Nisha as I promised you." Rudy said bitterly smiling. I didn't say anything and stay silent. 

"Ok Good Night Rai. I hope you'll enjoy tomorrow at my engagement!" He said in a low tone and left to his room. I stand there for some minute looking at the way Rudy went and thought in my mind, "If what I'm thinking is true then maybe you don't have to be trapped in this." I sighed and went to room shutting the door behind. 

Next Morning

The engagement ceremony was a grand affair, the palace adorned with flowers and lights. Guests started coming as the party starts. Everyone was ready and at the hall where the engagement held in. But Rai was still getting ready. Some cousins mocked Rudy as Nisha came after getting ready. Everyone complimented them as a new couple, but Rudy shows no interest.

Om and Kriti knows why Rudy is uninterested about his own engagement, but others don't know so everyone thought maybe he is nervous.

After some time suddenly Devika said looking at the stairs "Wow!"

Everyone looked at that way hearing Devika, they all mesmerized by the sight. As Rudy also looked at the stairs and his eyes stuck on that person. There, Coming Rai by stairs, Rudy feels as if the world around him stopped. He kept looking at her. 

Rai feels a strong gaze on her. She looked at Rudy, saw him looking at her only. She feels a heat rushed on her cheeks but composed herself. She was wearing a red colored three-piece designer dress.

Om kept his hand on Rudy's shoulder and said bringing him back from his thoughts "Baadme dekh lena use. Abhi thoda controll kar. Bohot log hain yahapar. Engagement mai aaj tera." Rudy clears his throat hearing him.

Rai was with grandma as grandma was introducing her to some aunties. She feels a constant gaze on herself of someone. And she knows whose gaze this is, but she didn't look up.

After some time, the time came for the ring ceremony. Rai messaged someone on her phone and went where everyone gathered around circling Rudy and Nisha. Grandma then said sweetly "Ok Now is the time. You both Now exchange the ring." Rudy was hesitating when grandma clears her throat to reminding him.

As Rudy and Nisha was going to exchanged rings, a sense of unease settled over him. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss. He looked at Rai. Rai was standing there with a neutral expression no one can understand what's going on in her mind.

Suddenly, the lights in the hall flickered and died, plunging the room into darkness. The hall filled with whispers as people are confused what is happening suddenly. 

A moment later, a large screen on the wall lit up, playing a video that sent shockwaves through the room. Rai smirked as she saw her plan succeed smoothly.

The video showed Nisha and her father, Shrikant Roy, discussing their plan to marry Rudy for his family's wealth. Shrikant revealed a dark secret: he had accidentally caused the death of Rudy's grandfather, a fact that had been concealed from everyone. He had then manipulated Rudy's grandmother into agreeing to the marriage, claiming it was her late husband's final wish.

Then the audio of their conversation in phone also displayed where Nisha was telling her father not to worry, and no one will suspect her as long as she is acting sweet with grandma.

The revelation sent a wave of disbelief and anger through the room. Rudy's grandmother, who had been so eagerly anticipating the engagement, was now shattered, her heart broken by the betrayal. Rudy stood there, stunned, unable to comprehend the deceit that had been woven around him. Rudy's father was at a verge of burst out as anger rises in his mind and his mother and Devika looked at Nisha with a disgusted eye.  

Rai, who had orchestrated the revelation, watched the unfolding drama with a mixture of satisfaction and sorrow. She had uncovered the truth, but at a great personal cost as this family's heartbreak.

As the video ended, Nisha, her face pale and her eyes wide with fear. She tried to deny the allegations "T..this is all lies. Who is playing this? Stop it!" 

"Such a shameless bitch you are!" Rai said while everyone looked at her realizing that she is the one who revealed the truth. 

Nisha shoot daggers glaring at Rai that for Rai she is exposed to everyone. She went to her and lifted her hand up to slap Rai, but Rai was waiting for her, a determined look in her eyes. She confronted Nisha by holding her hand in air. Then Rai left Nisha's hand and slapped her so hard that Nisha fell on the floor.

With the truth laid bare, Nisha was sent to Rai's secret apartment, but Rai told everyone that Nisha was sent to police station. 

Rudy's grandmother, devastated by the loss of her husband and the betrayal of her trust, sought solace in her grief.

Rudy turned to Rai. She was the only one who had stood by him, the only one who had seen through the deception. As they looked into each other's eyes, a silent understanding passed between them. 

Rai went to grandma and sat beside her on couch "Grandma, please don't cry, your blood pressure is high you will fall sick if you keen crying." Rai spoke. Rudy's mother maa also agree with her "Ha maa aap mat roiye please, Apke tabiyat aur bigad jayegi." 

"I'll not forgive that Shrikant! He not only manipulated maa but also murdered my dad. How could we didn't have any clue about this?" Rudy's father exclaims.

"I'll watch this matter dad; you don't have to worry." Rudy said with a determination.

The evening after the shocking revelation hung heavy in the air of the Singhaniya Palace. The once joyous atmosphere had been replaced by a somber silence. Rudy's family was still reeling from the betrayal, their hearts heavy with sorrow and anger.

Rudy, in particular, was a shell of himself. The truth had shattered his world, exposing the dark underbelly of his so-called fiancée's family. Yet, amidst the chaos, he found solace in Rai's unwavering support. She had been his rock, his guiding light through the storm.

As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the palace grounds, Rudy and Rai found themselves alone, their hearts heavy with the weight of the day's events. They sat on a secluded bench, the only sound the gentle rustling of leaves and the distant chirping of birds.

"I still can't believe what happened," Rudy murmured, his voice barely audible. "How could they?"

Rai placed a comforting hand on his arm. "It's not your fault, Rudy. They are cunning family, and they knew exactly what they were doing."

Rudy looked into her eyes; his gaze filled with gratitude. "Thank you for everything, Rai. I don't know what I would have done without you."

Rai smiled softly. "I'm just glad I could help."

A comfortable silence fell between them, broken only by the soft rustling of leaves. As the night deepened, a sense of peace washed over them. 

                                                                                                                                                                   (to be continued)

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Hello, amazing readers!

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That's it for today. I know its small chapter.

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