Karan was walking in the corridor talking on his phone. It's a quarter past 7 in the night and people are having their dinner and enjoying the music, especially the youngsters. The elders are making sure all the things are ready for tomorrow's wedding.

After talking on his phone, he cuts it and puts it back in his pocket. He saw Ranbir walking towards him all smiley. Karan raised his eyebrows. Ranbir came and stood Infront of him.

Karan : How can I help you?

Ranbir : Jiju, Didu is waiting for you on terrace. She told you to come to the terrace.

Karan : Okay, thank you.

Ranbir nods his head and Karan left from there to terrace. Quickly, Ranbir sent a message to Tejasswi telling Karan is on his way. On the other hand, Tejasswi received the message and smiled.

Tejasswi stood on the terrace, her heart pounding with anticipation. Tomorrow was her wedding day, and she couldn't wait for her to confess what she is feeling for him.  The moonlight bathed the terrace in a soft glow, and she felt a mixture of excitement and nervousness.

But as the minutes turned into hours, Tejasswi's excitement began to wane, replaced by a growing sense of unease. Karan had been gone for far too long. He should be meeting her on the terrace like an hour ago, and his absence was beginning to worry her. Could something be wrong?

Unable to wait any longer, Tejasswi decided to go in search of him. She descended the stairs of the terrace and walked through the dimly lit corridors of the Kesar Mahal. She finally reached the garden, where she spotted Karan standing beneath a large tree, engrossed in conversation with a woman and a young girl.

Her heart sank as she approached them. Karan looked up, surprise and guilt flashing across his face as he saw Tejasswi. The woman beside him turned to face Tejasswi, and her expression was a mix of surprise and discomfort.

Karan : Teja, this is Anoosha, my ex-girlfriend. Anoosha, this is Teja, my fiancee.

Tejasswi forced a smile and extended her hand to her.

Teja : Nice to meet you, Anoosha.

Anoosha shook her hand hesitantly, and Tejasswi couldn't help but notice the striking resemblance between Anoosha and Karan. It was as if they shared a secret that Tejasswi wasn't privy to.

Anoosha : And this is our daughter.

Anoosha introduced a little girl to her. Tejasswi's heart stopped for a moment as she looked at the innocent face of the little girl. She couldn't be more than seven years old, and yet, there was no denying the truth.

Teja : You meant your daughter. Right?

Tejasswi asked to be clear in what she heard. Anoosha shook her head negatively making Tejasswi nervouse and confused as hell.

Anoosha : She is my and Karan's daughter, Riya.

Tejasswi's mind raced, trying to process this revelation. Karan's ex-girlfriend, Anoosha, and their daughter? How was it possible that he had never mentioned them before? He mentioned he had ex-girlfriends and he had never once hinted at such a significant part of his life. Anoosha broke the tense silence, her voice filled with sadness.

Anoosha : Karan, I didn't plan for Tejasswi to find out like this. But I couldn't keep it a secret any longer.

Tears welled up in Tejasswi's eyes, and she turned to Karan, her voice shaking with anger and hurt.

Teja : How could you, Karan? How could you keep something like this from me?

Karan's face was a mask of anguish, and he reached out to hold Tejasswi's hand.

Karan : Teja, please let me explain. I had no idea about Anoosha and our daughter. We broke up during college, and I never knew she was pregnant.

Anoosha nodded in agreement.

Anoosha : It's true, Tejasswi. Karan had no knowledge of our daughter until recently. I kept it a secret from him because I thought it was the best thing to do now.

Tejasswi felt like her world was crumbling around her. She had always believed in Karan's love, but this revelation shook the very foundation of their relationship. She couldn't bear the thought of Karan's past haunting their future.

Tears streaming down her face, she pulled her hand away from Karan's grasp.

Teja : I can't do this, Karan. I can't marry you knowing that you kept something like this from me.

Karan's heart sank as he watched Tejasswi turn and walk away. He had never imagined that this day, which was supposed to be the happiest of his life, would turn into a nightmare.

As Tejasswi retreated into the shadows, Karan tried to chase after her, but Anoosha held him back, her eyes filled with regret.

Anoosha : Let her go, Karan. She needs time to process this.

Karan : Why? Why now? Why did you turn up today out of all these years? What is the proof that she is my daughter? When you hide it all these year then why you came out to light today?

He raised his voice looking all red in anger and guilt which made Roya to hide behind her mother, Anoosha. Anoosha flinched at his voice and tears stricken down her cheeks.

Anoosha : Yes, I broke up with you. I was mad at you and I knew that you didn't kiss her. It was the junior but that time that scene made me so angry. I feel cheated and I didn't want to face you. I just left from there to my home. Then, I found out I was pregnant with your child. My anger faded away and I wanted to tell you the news. I tried to reach you out but I learnt that you had gone to Singapore for business studies. Then, I had to moved out from my parents house and took my cousin's help and gave birth to her. All these years, I hated you thinking you didn't even come back to me and I moved on with Riya but when I saw you again in the news with her, I just couldn't hold back myself. That's why, I came back.

Karan : When you left me back then you turned my life hell. Then, she came in my life and she was turning it heaven and you came back in my life again and now it has turned into a nightmare.

Anoosha : Karan, I..

Karan showed his hand asking her to stop and left from there. Anoosha holds Riya and cries hugging her.  Karan desperately tried to reach out to Tejasswi, but she remained resolute in her decision to distance herself. He knew that he had hurt her deeply, and he was willing to do anything to make amends.

Meanwhile, Tejasswi found herself torn between her feelings for Karan and the truth that had been hidden from her. She couldn't forget the happy families they had both dreamed of, and she knew that their families were eagerly looking forward to their marriage. The weight of their expectations hung heavy on her shoulders.

With a heavy heart and a determination to protect her own heart, Tejasswi made a difficult decision. She would go through with the wedding, but she had a plan of her own. Aneri came into the room and Tejasswi quickly wiped off her tears.

Aneri : Hey, where were you? Didn't find you at the dinner.

Teja : I didn't feel hungry. I was in garden.

Aneri : I know you are nervouse and I am too. We will make it together. It's a very big day for both of us tomorrow. Get some energy. Go and eat.

Tejasswi looked at Aneri, who's is smiling at her. Tejasswi forced a smile and nods at her. She got up and left from the room. She strolled around the corridors and she found Anoosha and Riya in the lobby.

Anoosha looked up at her. Tejasswi's gaze turned towards Riya, who is happily playing with her Barbie doll. Tejasswi sighed and went towards them. Anoosha stood up but Tejasswi signed her to sit down. Tejasswi sits beside her and Riya looked up at her.

Riya : Hi, aunty. You look beautiful.

Riya came towards her and kissed her cheek. Then, she went back to Anoosha. Anoosha smiled at her innocent daughter. Tejasswi melts in her cuteness.

Teja : I promise you that I'll unite you with Karan but this marriage should happen. I can't see both the families to be sad. They are really looking forward for this marriage. After this marriage, I'll break the truth to both the family and I'll gain your respect in their family.

Anoosha nods her head with teary eyes and thanked her. Tejasswi finds Ranbir coming in from the garden.

Teja : Ranbir.. Chotu..

Ranbir looked up and found his sister. He smiled at her and went towards her.

Ranbir : Didu, what are you doing here? Anything?

Teja : Could you booka room for these two ladies under us? They are our guests.

Anoosha : It's not necessary, Tejasswi. I can manage.

Teja : No, I insist. Ranbir, please.

Ranbir : Sure, didu. Give me a minute.

He went from there to the reception. Tejasswi looked at Riya. She signed her to come near her. Riya looked at her mother. Anoosha smiled and asked her to go. Riya slowly came to Tejasswi.

Teja : What's your name?

Riya : Riya Sharma.

Tejasswi looked at Anoosha listening to the surname Sharma.

Anoosha : Anoosha Sharma. I didn't want to put her real surname unless she getting know the truth. Therefore, I put my surname as her surname.

Tejasswi nods at her. She takes a looked at the little girl. She have Karan's eyes and nose. Everyone can say that she is literally his daughter. That ached her heart. She holds up her tears as she saw Ranbir approaching them.

Ranbir : Here you go. This is your room card. It's on the second floor. Do you want help in taking your luggage up to the room?

Anoosha : That's fine, Ranbir. I can manage it.

Ranbir smiled and takes his leave from there. Anoosha and Tejasswi stood up.

Teja : Okay, go and take rest for now. I'll meet you tomorrow.

Anoosha : Sure. Thank you, Tejasswi.

Anoosha left from there with Riya. Tejasswi falls back on the seat holding her head. Just then, Aditi came there.

Aditi : Didu, what are you doing here?

Teja : Just like that.

Aditi : Hmm, here eat this.

Aditi feeds her what was she eating. Aditi knew that her sister haven't eat her dinner. Tejasswi eats it. She just eats absent mindedly and Aditi noticed it. She figured out that something is bothering her.

Aditi : Didu, what happened to you?

Teja : No.. Nothing. I'm just tired. I'll go and sleep in my room. See ya.

She said and left from there. Aditi finds it unusual. She thought to discuss it with Vikram. Aditi also left from there.

********************************

Tejasswi was walking in the corridor and on the way to her room. Just then, someone pulled her from a room and pinned her to the wall. Tejasswi didn't shout because she knew who it was. That person had put his hand on her mouth preventing her from shouting but he was surprised as she didn't.

It is Karan. She looks at Tejasswi, who is looking all pale and hurt. His heart sank looking at her in this state. He leaves her and stood two steps away from her. Tejasswi didn't even look at him for a second. This hurted him more than anything.

Karan : Teju, please talk to me. You know what. You can hit me or slap me. Please do anything. You can even question me and pour out all your emotions but please don't stand like this. I couldn't take it.

Teja : I am nobody to question you.

Karan : You have all the right. Anoosha came all of a sudden with a girl claiming her to be mine but in real I don't have any idea that she existed all these years. I really doubt that she is my daughter. I want to do a DNA test.

Teja snapped at him and looked at him bewildered.

Teja : She is looking like you and what else you need? If DNA test is going to make you happy, then go ahead and do. Now leave me.

Karan holds her neck softly and pulls her face closer to his. He merged his forehead with her's. She can feel his breath on her face. She closes her eyes.

Karan : I didn't know that she existed all these years. And I don't love Anoosha anymore. I only love you and only you.

He huskily told her and they stayed liked that for some minutes closing their eyes. Teats flowed down from her eyes. Tejasswi sighed and pushed him away from her. He stumbled and looked at her.

Teja : Our marriage will happen.

Karan became happy listening to this but her next sentence swept the ground beneath him.

Teja : I'll tell our family the truth after our marriage. I'll give you divorce the next day. I promised Anoosha that I'll unite her with you because that little girl needs both her father and mother. I will do what I said.

Tejasswi sharply looked at him and left from the room. Karan looked at the door and a tear escaped from his eyes. He punched the wall beside ehim and thinks what to do.

********************************

It's their wedding day, Tejasswi looked resplendent in her bridal attire, but her eyes betrayed the turmoil within. The ceremony was a grand affair, and their families rejoiced in their union. As they exchanged vows, Tejasswi couldn't help but think of the truth she was keeping from everyone.

She wasn't happy with her own wedding but she is happy that both her best friends' wedding is happening and they deserved that happiness. She wished that Aneri and Harsh shouldn't face any problem like her.

Priest asked theme to take pheras. Karan stood up and held his hand to Tejasswi to her her but she ignored his help and stood up by her own. Karan felt hurt and took back his hand quickly. Tejasswi came forward for the pheras and she found Anoosha and Riya at the crowd in the wedding

Tejasswi could only remember the betrayal he gave her while looking at them. It's true, he is not completely in fault. Anoosha have equal fault in this but in the end Tejasswi and Riya both are the victims here. Tejasswi wiped her tear and put up a fake smile because she don't want her family to be sad.

Abhi : I just couldn't believe that our little girl had grown up and now going to her sasural.

Pragya : Don't be emotional now. Save it for her bidaai later.

Pragya wiped her husband's tear. Aditi hugged them both from behind and they all continued throwing the flowers on them as blessings. Lil they know, that their daughter not going to her Sasural but will be with them even though she is married by then.

It's time for Karan to tie the mangalsutra around her neck. He took the mangalsutra in his hand and looked at Tejasswi. She didn't show any kind of emotion in her eyes. He clutches the mangalsutra and remembered what happened earlier today.

Flashback..

Karan came to Tejasswi's room when she just came out of the bathroom wrapped up in a towel. He was stunned by the view in front of him. Tejasswi quickly took the saree and puts it around her.

Teja : What the hell are you doing here?

Karan : I.. I'm going to stop this marriage.

Teja : No, you won't.

Karan : Yes, I will. I can't marry you knowing that you are going to divorce me. You deserved to be happy.

Teja : But I put our families in front of my happiness. So, you better marry me today or be ready to see my corpse lying on that mandap.

Karan was shocked to hear what she said.

Teja : I'm a doctor. I know to cure people and I know how to take my life by a simple injection.

Tejasswi threatened him. Karan clenched his first and just left from the room. Tejasswi released a big sigh as he left from there and tears escaped from eyes. She let go of her saree and sits on the bed with her towel still wrapped around her body.

Karan again entered the room and closed the door. Tejasswi was shocked. He came closer to her and before she could do anything, he placed his lips upon her and starts to suck on her lips. Tejasswi couldn't register what's happening.

She tried to push him away but she is so little in front of him. He holds both her hands behind her back and kissed her hardly. She gave in and starts to suck his lips. She poured all her love for him in that kiss. Karan smiles amidst his tears.

They broke the tear and they fall on the bed behind them. Karan snuggles in her neck and gave her a bite there. Tejasswi moans in pain and holds his hair. He kisses on the bite and he holds the towel. He was about to open her towel but someone knocked the door.

Tejasswi came in sense and opened her eyes. She was shocked with what's happening there. Riya's face came in front of her. She looked at Karan and pushed him away holding her towel. She stood up and  looked at him angrily.

Teja : Dare you take anymore advantage on me. Leave from here by the window. I don't want anyone to find us like this.

Karan felt sad and obeyed her orders. He left from the room by window and Tejasswi composed herself. She opened the door and it was the girls. Prachi and Aditi are all ready and Aneri just had tied her saree.

Prachi : Bhabhi, you are still in the towel. Let's get both of you ready for your big day.

Tejasswi smiled and get herself busy for the day she was not more looking forward to.

Flashback ends.

Karan looked at the mangalsutra and then at Tejasswi. The priest asked to tied it around her neck. He just tied it all the time having a constant eye lock with her. There was no love and emotions in that eye lock. It was only a painful eyelock that they both shared.

Then, the priest asked to apply the vermilion on her forehead. Karan did as he said.

Priest : Vivaah sampan hua. You are now husband and wife.

Teja : Just for a day.

Tejasswi mumbled slowly audible only to Karan and she chuckled sadly. Karan wipes off his tears. Aneri and Harsh shared a liplock when the priest announced that they are husband and wife. Tejasswi is so happy for her best friends but she feel pity for herself.

Anoosha observed Tejasswi keenly and she felt out for her. She just wished that this shouldn't have happened but it had to be. Because Tejasswi deserves the truth. And if Anoosha let this time go, then her daughter will be an orphan in some months. She looked at Riya, who is playing with the flowers and smiled sadly.

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That's all for this part. I think I'll get some tomatoes or slippers but this story has to go like this. I hope you guys liked this long update after a long time. Complete the target and next chapter will be up. Thanks for reading 🙏😇

Target : 170🌟 and 5 followers.