The atmosphere in the Singhania mansion had grown stifling, a heavy silence hanging over the household for weeks. Since Amrit's return, no one dared mention his presence and the tension was palpable, like the calm before an impending storm. The family had settled into an uneasy truce, nursing their own wounds and secrets. But deep inside, I knew that this was only a fragile calm.

One evening, as I flipped through a magazine in the living room, hushed voices reached my ears from the dining room. Driven by curiosity, I crept closer, careful not to make a sound. It was Karan's parents engaged in a serious conversation. I strained to catch their words, and what I heard made my blood run cold.

"Satya Goenka is from a very influential family, well-established in business. He's ten years older than Ridhi, but that's perfect. He'll be able to guide her, mold her into the perfect wife," Papa said with an air of finality.

"Oh, absolutely. Ridhi will benefit from the wisdom of an older husband. And such a good match will bring even more prestige to our family. When is the engagement?" Ma asked, her face glowing with excitement.

"Next month, and we'll have the wedding soon after. She's done with her schooling, and it's time she learns her true role," Papa replied, his voice dripping with authority.

I stood frozen, the teacup in my hand forgotten as the realization sank in. Ridhi—barely 18, with her dreams of becoming a doctor—was being married off without her consent. Her future was being decided by others who had no regard for her aspirations. Anger surged through me at the sheer injustice.

Once the conversation ended, I hurried to find Ridhi. I found her in the garden, sitting by the fountain with a sorrowful expression.

"Ridhi," I called softly, walking towards her. "Can we talk?"

She looked up, her eyes filled with a sadness that broke my heart. "Bhabhi, it's happening, isn't it? They've found someone for me."

I sat beside her, taking her trembling hand in mine. "Yes, Ridhi. They have. But I need to know—what do you want? What do you really want?"

Tears welled up in her eyes as she spoke, her voice trembling. "I want to study, Bhabhi. I want to become a doctor, help people, and make something of my life. But Papa won't listen. He's already decided. And Karan bhaiya...he won't oppose Papa."

The anger within me ignited, burning fiercely. This was the final straw. I had seen too much, and endured too much, and now, watching this bright young girl being forced into a life she didn't want, I couldn't remain silent.

Determined, I stormed downstairs to find Karan. I discovered him in the study, poring over documents. When he looked up and saw the fury in my eyes, his expression shifted to confusion.

"Arohi, what's the matter?" he asked, genuinely puzzled.

I slammed my hands on the desk, sending papers fluttering. "Did you know about Ridhi's wedding? Did you know they're marrying her off to some man who's ten years older than her, without even asking her what she wants?"

Karan's expression changed, but he didn't seem as surprised as I had hoped. "Yes, I knew," he admitted, his tone calm, as though the situation were ordinary. "It's what's expected, Arohi. In our family, girls marry young and take on their roles as wives and mothers. That's just how it's always been."

I stared at him in disbelief. "You're seriously telling me that you think this is okay? That it's acceptable to force your sister into a marriage she doesn't want, to strip her of her dreams and aspirations, just because 'that's how it's always been'? Karan, she wants to study, to become a doctor! How can you be so blind?"

Karan sighed, his frustration evident. "Arohi, you don't understand. This is how our family operates. There are traditions, expectations... Ridhi will be fine. She'll adjust, and she'll have a good life. We all do our part for the family, and this is hers."

"Adjust?" I spat the word out, my voice rising in anger. "This isn't about adjusting, Karan! This is about forcing someone into a life they don't want! You're her brother, and you're supposed to protect her, support her dreams, not help shatter them!"

Karan's face hardened his own temper flaring. "Enough, Arohi. You're not from this family; you don't understand our ways. Ridhi will be fine, and this is not your place to interfere."

My heart ached with disappointment and rage. I couldn't believe that the man I had once admired was now defending this cruel tradition. "I may not be from this family, but I know right from wrong, Karan. And what your family is doing is wrong. I won't stand by and let it happen."

Without waiting for his response, I turned and marched out of the room, my resolve strengthening with each step. I needed to act before it was too late.

That evening, I called a family meeting in the living room, demanding everyone's presence. The tension was palpable as the family assembled, sensing the gravity of the situation.

Papa sat at the head of the room, his expression stern and his gaze sharp. Ma stood beside him, her face a mask of disapproval. Karan was there too, his expression a mix of frustration and concern.

When Ridhi entered, she looked terrified, her eyes darting around as if searching for a way out. I gave her a reassuring nod as she took a seat on the couch, her hands clasped tightly in her lap.

Once everyone was settled, I took a deep breath and began.

"I've called this meeting because there's something we need to address—Ridhi's future."

Papa raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. "And what, exactly, do you think there is to discuss, Arohi? The wedding has already been arranged. It's a good match, and Ridhi will be well taken care of."

"Ridhi doesn't want to get married," I said, my voice steady and firm. "She wants to study, to become a doctor. And she has every right to pursue her dreams without being forced into a marriage she doesn't want."

Ma scoffed, her eyes icy. "You're filling her head with nonsense, Arohi. This is how things are done in our family. Girls marry young and take on their responsibilities as wives. It's been that way for generations."

"And that doesn't make it right," I shot back. "This isn't about tradition; it's about control. You're trying to control Ridhi's life, just like you've tried to control mine, Kavya's, and everyone else's. But this time, I won't let it happen."

Papa's eyes narrowed dangerously. "You are overstepping your bounds, Arohi. You are an outsider in this family, and you have no right to dictate how we manage our affairs."

"I'm not trying to dictate anything," I said, my voice rising with emotion. "I'm trying to protect Ridhi from a life she doesn't want, from being forced into a marriage she didn't choose. She deserves the chance to make her own decisions, to live her own life."

Karan, who had been silent until now, finally spoke up. "Arohi, you need to stop this. You're causing unnecessary trouble. Ridhi will be fine. She'll adjust, and she'll be happy."

I turned to him, my eyes filled with tears of frustration. "How can you say that, Karan? How can you stand there and act like this is normal like this is okay? You're her brother! You should be fighting for her, not against her!"

Karan's face twisted with conflicting emotions. "Arohi, this is the way things are done in our family. You need to understand that."

"I understand that this family's traditions are nothing but chains," I shot back. "Chains that bind you, that keep you from seeing the truth. Ridhi deserves better than this. We all do."

Papa's patience snapped. He stood up, his face contorted with rage. "That's enough! You will not speak to us this way, Arohi. You are nothing but an insolent girl who doesn't know her place!"

He advanced towards me, his hand raised, and before I could react, he slapped me hard across the face. The force of the blow sent me stumbling backward, my hand flying to my cheek as the shock and pain registered.

There was a collective gasp from the family, and for a moment, everything seemed to freeze. The sting of the slap was sharp, but it was the crushing weight of betrayal that hurt the most.

Karan rushed forward, his face pale and horrified as he reached out to me. "Arohi—"

But I stepped back, refusing to let him touch me. "Don't," I whispered, my voice trembling. "Don't you dare touch me. You let this happen, Karan. You let all of this happen."

I looked around at the family, my heart breaking as I realized the futility of my struggle. "This is your family," I said, my voice thick with emotion. "A family that cares more about traditions and reputation than the happiness of its own members. A family that will sacrifice anyone and anything to maintain its image."

Tears streamed down Ridhi's face as she looked at me, her eyes pleading. "Bhabhi, please... leave it. There's no benefit in arguing with these people. They don't care about me or my dreams. All they care about is themselves."

"Shut up, Ridhi. Is this a way to talk? Don't you dare be disrespectful towards your father and me," Ma scolded her. Ridhi lowered her gaze, her voice once again silenced in this house.

"You can silence her, Ma, but not me. I won't let this happen. I will make sure Ridhi achieves her dream," I said with determination.

Karan stepped forward, his face a mix of fear and admiration. "Arohi, please... let's not make this worse."

I turned to him, my voice softening but my resolve unyielding. "Karan, you need to decide where you stand. With your father and this toxic system, or with the women who deserve to live their lives on their own terms. You're failing Ridhi just like you failed me."

He flinched at my words. Without waiting for his reply, I continued, "Listen carefully, Karan. I won't let this wedding happen. I'll make sure Ridhi gets the education she wants, even if I have to go against this entire family to do it." With that, I took Ridhi's hand and walked out from there.

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

Please Vote, Share and Comment