Jayasvi's Bua was in her home's temple when she got a call. She got up joining her hands as she picked up the call. The number unknown to her but she still picked it up.

"Namaste bua ji", she heard a muscular voice from the other side which she couldn't pin point exactly.

"It's Raghav", he further spoke making her let out a knowing sigh.

"Ji Raghav ji. Kahiye kya baat karni hai", she spoke softly. (Say what do you want to talk about)

"I want to talk to about that sorry excuse of man, you call your husband", he spoke his voice a little rough which took her aback. She don't know what he wanted to talk about him.

"Are you in contact with him?", he asked.

"He sends money for the kids. I don't talk to him any other time", she spoke though the topic made her feel embarrassed knowing Jayasvi's future husband already knew about her past. She didn't want him to judge her or have bad relationship with Jayasvi because of that.

"Good so the next time he comes to you. Tell him. The only reason he is breathing right now is because I gave him first chance and Jayasvi isn't my wife yet. Agar Jayasvi aaj meri Biwi hoti hai and I would've been her sole guardian. Mein apni maa ki kasam khaa kar keh raha hu uss aadmi ko zinda jala deta. Jab Tak uski raakh na dekhta mera dil nahi Bharta", he almost growled. (If Jayasvi was my wife right now, and I would've been her sole guardian. I am swearing on my mother, I would've burned that man alive. I wouldn't have sat silently till the point I would've seen his ashes)

"Raghav ji, please calm down", her Bua spoke slightly scared from his words.

"This is the last warning from my side. I don't wish to talk to that parasite but if I see my wife shedding a single tear because of him, I will tear him apart", Raghav spoke his voice strained as if holding himself from breaking something.

"But what happened", her Bua spoke not understanding the sudden anger Raghav felt for her bastard husband.

"That pest tried to offer money to Jayasvi and eyed her wrongly", Raghav spoke with gritted teeth. Her Bua gasped at his words.

"Tell him what I said, next time it won't be a warning. I myself will give him a visit. This time he was lucky, I had to take care of Jayasvi. Don't let her know anything about me calling you though", Raghav spoke before hanging up.

Her Bua was too shocked to understand what was happening. At one point, she felt happy for Jayasvi to find such a caring man for herself, on the other hand, she had seen the evil side of man already and she was scared if Raghav ever turned out to be like her husband, Jayasvi would be in bigger trouble than she was. She did feel a little jealous knowing her husband didn't love her like this anymore, but she also felt happy knowing Jayasvi finally did find a good man for herself.

Her thoughts were too clouded. She knew if something happened to her husband, her children would've nothing to eat but a cruel part of her wanted him to suffer the way he made her suffer.

Few days passed and the wedding rituals started. Jayasvi was confused with everything but there was a part of her so excited for the wedding. She couldn't believe she was going to get married to the man she had admired for so long. She knew he was the one who hurt her the most but she couldn't deny he was also the one who held her whenever she needed.

After how he protected her, Jayasvi couldn't help but see him in a new light. As she sat before the mirror, carefully applying her makeup, she sighed, the whirlwind of emotions and preparations finally catching up to her. Her bridal lehenga, intricately embroidered in shades of red and gold, hung nearby, a symbol of the new chapter awaiting her. The other dresses for the wedding functions were neatly arranged, each reflecting the grandeur of the occasion.

She was lost in her thoughts when her mother walked in, her tone brisk and no-nonsense.

"Once you're done with your makeup, give me the kit," her mother said, snapping Jayasvi out of her reverie.

Jayasvi frowned, confused. "Why? Don't worry, Maa, I'll do your makeup if you need."

Her mother waved her hand dismissively. "It's not for me. Your cousins were asking for it. They want to try these products."

Jayasvi paused, her irritation simmering. "What do you mean *try*?"

Her mother sighed, already exasperated. "Jayu, these are expensive products. Raghav's mother sent them as part of your bridal kit. It's normal for people to be curious."

Jayasvi set down her makeup brush, her tone firm. "Maa, you know how I feel about sharing personal things. If I let everyone use these products, they'll be gone before I even get to enjoy them myself."

Her mother's expression hardened. "You're getting married into a wealthy family now, Jayasvi. This isn't the time to act selfishly. It's just makeup, for God's sake. Learn to adjust."

Jayasvi turned to face her mother, her voice steady but resolute. "Generosity isn't about letting people walk all over your boundaries. If they truly need something, I'll help. But this is my wedding, Maa, and I'd like to keep what's meant for me."

Her mother huffed, shaking her head. "You've changed, Jayasvi. I raised you to be kind, not stingy. Don't expect people to forget this behavior." With that, she left the room, muttering under her breath.

Jayasvi took a deep breath, trying to shake off the lingering tension. Her life had always been about compromise, about giving without hesitation, but this time, she was determined to stand her ground. 

The doorbell rang, jolting her from her thoughts. The house buzzed with activity as guests filled every corner, their chatter blending with the clinking of utensils. Her mother's voice echoed through the hallway, calling her name. Smoothing the fabric of her green lehenga, she stepped out, only to freeze at the sight before her. 

A man stood at the entrance, holding a large bouquet of red roses. His face was partially obscured, but his presence was magnetic. 

"Who is he?" her mother asked, her tone sharp with curiosity. 

Jayasvi hesitated, her brows furrowed. "Who are you?" she asked directly. 

The man lowered the bouquet, revealing a strikingly handsome face and a warm smile. Before she could say anything further, Karan appeared out of nowhere, bending down dramatically to touch her feet. 

"Bhabhi, namaste!" he exclaimed, startling her. 

"You scared me, bhaiya!" Jayasvi clutched her chest, glaring at him. 

Karan grinned mischievously. "Have you met Shivaya?" He gestured to the man with the bouquet. 

"Who is he?" Jayasvi repeated, still confused. 

"Oh, he's Raghav's maternal cousin. We stayed together in London during our studies," Karan explained. 

"Good morning, Bhabhi," Shivaya greeted, his tone polite and his smile disarming. 

Jayasvi gave a hesitant smile. "Please come in," she said, taking the bouquet and leading them inside. The vibrant roses added a festive touch to the living room as she set them down. 

Soon, Ankita and Nidhi joined them, their curiosity evident. "Shivaya, these are my sisters," Jayasvi introduced them, but Karan quickly pulled her aside. 

"Bhabhi, listen," Karan began with mock seriousness. "Your to-be husband is still buried in work just days before the wedding. You need to scold him!" 

"Exactly, Bhabhi," Shivaya chimed in, feigning outrage. "This is unacceptable. A groom should be focused on his bride right now!" 

Jayasvi blinked, bewildered. "What am I supposed to do?" 

"We're here to fill your ears against him," Karan declared dramatically. "Go fight with him, take away his peace of mind! What kind of relationship doesn't have any fights? You two are acting like strangers!" 

Despite herself, Jayasvi laughed, shaking her head at their antics. 

"By the way, what's today's function?" Shivaya asked, genuinely curious. 

"You don't know?" Jayasvi raised an eyebrow. 

"He just landed in Delhi and came straight here," Karan answered for him. "Brother, it's the mehendi ceremony today." 

"Alright, Bhabhi, we won't trouble you anymore," Karan said, standing up and dragging Shivaya with him. "But remember—don't let Raghav off the hook too easily!" 

As they left, Jayasvi couldn't help but smile. The tension she had felt earlier melted away, replaced by a warmth that reminded her of the family she was gaining. 

Later That Evening

In the Hooda mansion, Raghav sat in his study, engrossed in a stack of files. His grandmother had already applied a small mehendi circle on his hand that morning, despite his protests. Downstairs, the women were getting their hands adorned with intricate henna designs. 

Suddenly, Karan and Shivaya barged into the room. 

"Oye hero, let's go," Karan said, snatching the file from him. 

"Go where?" Raghav asked, raising an eyebrow. 

"To see Bhabhi," Shivaya replied, grabbing his arm and pulling him up. 

"Why would I do that? Don't you know the ritual? I'm not supposed to see her before the wedding," Raghav responded, his tone bored. 

"Oh, come on, brother. That's the whole fun of it—sneaking a look at your bride!" Shivaya grinned mischievously. 

Before Raghav could protest, they dragged him out. 

"Let's give Bhabhi a surprise visit. We already found out she's at her village right now, and it's not too far," Karan said, pulling Raghav toward the car. 

As they passed the hallway, Raghav's grandmother stopped them. 

"Where are you going, Raghav? You're getting married—you can't leave the house in the evening. It's not good," she said firmly. 

"Dadi, it's just a small errand. We'll be back soon," Shivaya reassured her. 

His grandmother sighed, checking Raghav's wrist. "You're wearing the raksha sutra, right?" she asked. 

"Yes, Dadi," Raghav replied patiently. 

She handed him an iron nail. "Keep this with you and avoid lonely places, alright?" 

Raghav nodded, slipping the nail into his pocket before being whisked away by Karan and Shivaya. 

At the Village

The car screeched to a halt near a lively house, its courtyard filled with music and laughter. Karan and Shivaya excitedly jumped out, dragging a reluctant Raghav with them. 

"What are you doing?" Raghav hissed as they climbed up to the terrace of a neighboring house. 

"Just watch," Karan whispered, pointing toward the garden. 

Raghav's gaze followed, landing on Jayasvi. She was dancing with her family, her green lehenga swaying with her movements. Her long, flower-adorned hair framed her face, her hands and feet intricately covered with mehendi. 

For a moment, Raghav forgot to breathe. She looked ethereal, her natural beauty and grace captivating him completely. His eyes traced her curves, the slight peek of her midriff making his fists clench. She was stunning, and he hated that anyone else could see her like this. 

His possessiveness surged. She was his—only his. He wanted to whisk her away, hide her from the world, and keep her beauty for himself. 

Unaware of his gaze, Jayasvi continued dancing, a bittersweet smile on her face. The laughter of her family, the vibrant beats of the dhol, and the warm embrace of her childhood home enveloped her. She twirled, her green lehenga swirling around her, the intricate henna on her hands and feet a reminder of the new chapter she was stepping into. But deep inside, a faint sadness lingered—a quiet ache for the life she was leaving behind.

Lost in the moment, she didn't notice the growing murmur among the guests or the sudden screech of a car outside the gate. The music abruptly stopped, and the lively chatter fell into an uneasy silence. Jayasvi froze mid-step, her heart skipping a beat as all eyes turned toward the source of the commotion.

The gate swung open, and a sleek black car stood at the entrance, its headlights casting an ominous glow. The driver's door opened with deliberate force, and out stepped Aahan, his face a storm of anger and betrayal. His sharp features were set in a grim expression, and his dark eyes burned with emotions he barely contained.

The festive air seemed to evaporate as he walked forward, his gaze locked on Jayasvi. Each step he took felt like a thunderclap, shattering the fragile peace of the moment. Jayasvi's chest tightened as she struggled to make sense of his sudden arrival.

The celebration froze, and whispers rippled through the crowd. Her family exchanged anxious glances, unsure of how to react to the uninvited guest who carried such a heavy presence. Jayasvi's breath hitched as Aahan came closer, his intense gaze never leaving hers.

🔷🔶🔷🔶🔷🔶🔷🔶🔷🔶🔷🔶🔷🔶🔷🔶🔷🔶🔷🔶🔷🔶🔷🔶🔷🔶🔷🔶🔷🔶🔷🔶🔷🔶🔷🔶🔷🔶🔷🔶

Here starts the wedding preparations with a bang. I hope you'll enjoy it.

What do you think will happen now?

For those asking why I didn't update, I don't know what was wrong in my device, I wasn't able to use Wattpad. It would stop running suddenly.

Till next time...