The next morning, a sense of clarity washed over me, one that had eluded me for weeks. The weight of the family's expectations and the truths Arohi had revealed pressed heavily on my conscience. I realized that I could no longer live caught between these conflicting forces. A decision had to be made, and it had to be made now.

As I descended the stairs, the house was eerily quiet. Most of the family was still asleep, and the silence seemed to echo my inner turmoil. Today was going to be different. I was determined to find Arohi, apologize for the failures I had contributed to, and find a way to set things right. But first, I needed to speak with Ridhi.

In the garden, Ridhi sat on the same bench where Arohi had comforted her the previous night. Her eyes were swollen from crying, and the sorrow etched on her face was heartbreaking. Seeing her like this, the gravity of the situation struck me with renewed intensity.

"Ridhi," I called softly as I approached her. She looked up, surprise and hesitation flickering across her tear-streaked face. "Can we talk?"

She nodded, her eyes reflecting a mixture of hope and fear. I sat down beside her, and for a few moments, we sat in silence, the enormity of our shared situation hanging between us.

"I'm sorry, Ridhi," I began, my voice heavy with regret. "I'm so sorry for not standing up for you, for not being the brother you needed. I should have listened to your dreams and supported you, but I was too afraid of disappointing Papa and confronting our traditions."

Ridhi shook her head, her voice trembling as she spoke. "It's not your fault, bhaiya. I know how much you've sacrificed for this family and how difficult it must have been for you. But I can't live like this. I can't marry someone I don't love, someone I don't even know. I want to study, to become a doctor... but Papa won't let me."

I took her hand in mine, holding it tightly as I looked into her tear-filled eyes. "You don't have to marry anyone, Ridhi. I promise you, I won't let this happen. Arohi was right—you deserve to live your life on your terms, to chase your dreams without fear. And I'm going to make sure you get that chance."

Her tears flowed more freely now, but they were tears of relief. "Thank you, bhaiya. I was so scared... I didn't know what to do."

I pulled her into a tight embrace, my heart swelling with a renewed sense of determination. "You're not alone in this, Ridhi. Arohi and I will fight for you, for your future. We won't back down, no matter what it takes."

As I held her close, a profound sense of resolve filled me. Arohi had opened my eyes to the truth I had been too afraid to see. Now, it was time to stand by her side, to confront the very family that had raised us, and to fight for the people we loved.

Later that day, I found Arohi in our room, packing her belongings with a determined expression. Her movements were deliberate, as though she had already resolved to leave. Her back was turned to me, and the weight of the moment was almost unbearable.

"Arohi," I began, my voice hesitant but resolute.

She paused but did not turn around. "What is it, Karan? Come to tell me I'm overstepping again? That I don't understand your family?"

Her bitterness stung, but I knew I deserved it. I had failed her in every conceivable way. Now, it was time to make things right.

"No, Arohi," I said quietly, taking a step closer. "I've come to apologize. You were right... about everything. About Ridhi, about our family, about me. I've been a coward, hiding behind traditions and expectations because I was too afraid to stand up for what was right. But no more."

She finally turned to face me, her eyes reflecting a mix of anger, pain, and—perhaps—hope. "What are you saying, Karan?"

"I'm saying that I'm done letting this family dictate our lives," I said firmly. "I'm done allowing Papa to control everything, to decide our futures without even considering our happiness. I'm done being a bystander in my own life."

Arohi's expression softened slightly, though doubt still lingered in her eyes. "And what about Ridhi?"

"She's not getting married," I said without hesitation. "Not unless she wants to. I'm going to confront Papa, and tell him that Ridhi has the right to pursue her dreams, to become a doctor if that's what she wants. And if he doesn't agree... then I'll make him see reason, one way or another."

Arohi's eyes widened in surprise. "You would do that? You would go against your father for Ridhi?"

I nodded, my resolve unshakeable. "I would, and I will. Because you're right, Arohi—this family's traditions are chains, and it's time we broke free from them. For Ridhi, for us... for everyone."

For the first time in days, Arohi's face lit up with a genuine, heartfelt smile. It was a smile that warmed my heart and filled me with a renewed sense of hope. "Thank you, Karan," she whispered. "Thank you for standing up for Ridhi... for standing up for us."

"It's time for a change, Arohi," I said with conviction. "And with you by my side, I know we can make it happen."

As we stood there, our eyes locked in a silent agreement, I knew that the path ahead would be fraught with challenges. Convincing my father would be a monumental task, and the consequences of defying him could be severe. But with Arohi by my side, I felt stronger, and more determined than ever before.

This was our fight now—our fight for Ridhi, for our future, and for the chance to live our lives on our terms. Together, we would face whatever came our way, ready to break free from the chains of tradition and build a new life, a better life, for ourselves and those we loved.

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