As Aarav stepped into his home after meeting Maya, his eyes widened in surprise at the elaborate decorations adorning the house. Sumitra, his mother, greeted him with a warm smile, rising from the couch to approach him. With a gentle tug on his hand, she guided him to the center of the room.

"Acha hua tu aa gaya! Dekh teri shaadi ki shopping chal rahi hai... Yeh maine kuch sherwani select ki hai, jaldi se apni fitting dede," she exclaimed, her excitement sounding a bit forced.

Aarav couldn't help but roll his eyes at her enthusiasm. "Maa, itni jaldi?" he questioned, still processing his recent meeting with Maya, which had left him with a whirlwind of emotions.

Sumitra's expression turned stern as she shot him a glare. "Tumhe jo kaha hai wo karo, sawal jawab nahi Aaru," she replied firmly, her tone brooking no argument.

Aarav, feeling a mixture of resignation and frustration, let out a deep sigh as he quietly submitted to the fitting, realizing that resistance would only lead to further confrontation.

Stepping out of the house, he headed straight to the office, reaching there in half an hour. As he entered, he saw his father, Karan, working alongside the employees.

A lady approached Karan, tears in her eyes, pleading for an advance payment of her salary due to a sudden emergency at home. Without hesitation, Karan signed the cheque and handed it to her. The manager, Shinde, interjected, "Sir aapne advance de diye jante hai hai abhi hamara kitna working capital atka hua hai"

Karan replied calmly, " Janta hun Shinde lekin usey bhi toh zaroorat thi na, kitne saalon se yahan kaam kar rahi hai hum uski madad nahi karenge toh bechari kahan jayegi? Chalo tum yeh dekho main aata hun"

Aarav watched in surprise at the compassionate and decisive manner in which his father handled the situation. Admiration filled his heart as he thought about one day being as capable and empathetic as his father. Karan caught his son's glance and smiled warmly, " Aarav office mein??"

" Ji Papa socha aaj se hi apni zimmedari sambhal lun," Aarav replied earnestly.

Karan gave his son's shoulder a light tap, " yeh hui na baat.. Lekin do din mein toh shaadi hai na tumhari! Uske baad sambhal lena"

" Papa waha sab maa sambhal legi aap mujhe yahan aapko observe karne dijiye'' Aarav insisted.

Karan chuckled, nodding in agreement. He led Aarav to his cabin, beginning to explain the work culture and intricacies of their business.

Karan chuckled softly as he noticed Aarav's distraction, his gaze lost in thought while Karan explained the details of their upcoming projects. Placing a reassuring hand on his son's shoulder, Karan prompted him to pay attention with a warm smile.

"Kya baat hai beta? Kis baat ko leke pareshan ho?" Karan inquired gently.

"Papa, shaadi itni jaldi? Kya mujhe kuch waqt mil sakta hai Maya ko janne ka?" Aarav queried, his concern evident in his voice.

Karan's smile remained unwavering as he responded, "Aaru shaadi ke baad puri zindagi padi hai usko janne ki.. Aur Sumitra ne kaha hai agar do din mein shaadi nahi hui toh agle 2 saal tak koi muhurat nahi hai tumhari shaadi ka"

A deep sigh escaped Aarav's lips. "lekin papa.."

"Aaru bharosa rakho apni maa ne usne jo faisla liya hai tumhare bhale ke liye hai," Karan reassured him, placing his faith in Sumitra's judgment, unaware of her ulterior motives and her selfish treatment towards Aarav.

Aarav observed the contentment in his father's eyes and reluctantly agreed, "thik hai papa."

Despite his reservations, Aarav acquiesced to his father's wishes, knowing that his mother's decisions, no matter how unfair, were made with his best interests at heart—at least, that's what he hoped.

As the day drew to a close, father and son traversed the familiar path homeward, their camaraderie evident in their easy banter and shared laughter. Anticipation filled the air, not just for the comfort of home, but for the impending festivities that loomed on the horizon.

Upon reaching home, Sumitra's welcoming smile greeted them, though beneath the warmth, a mischievous glint flickered in her eyes. She watched the duo, father and son, with a subtle grin playing on her lips, their obliviousness to her concealed intentions only adding to her amusement.

" Karanji" she began, her tone teasing yet affectionate, " kalse shaadi ki rasmein shuru ho rahi hai aur aap apne bete ko aaj office le gaye."

Karan's response was a soft chuckle, his affection for both his wife and son evident. " yeh khud hi aa gaya Sumi.. bahut jaldi hai isey apni zimmedari uthane ki" he replied, reaching out to tousle Aarav's hair, a gesture filled with paternal pride.

Sumitra's smile widened as she observed the interaction between father and son, the bond between them palpable. Behind her facade of innocence, her mind churned with plans unknown to the unsuspecting pair. In that moment, as they remained unaware of her underlying motive, she relished the playful anticipation of what lay ahead, her grin a silent testament to her secret schemes.

As the night deepened and the echoes of the day's laughter faded into the quiet of the evening, Sumitra's mischievous grin lingered, a harbinger of the storm brewing beneath the surface.

Later, in the privacy of their home, Karan and Aarav settled into the familiar comfort of their surroundings. However, the shadow of Sumitra's words hung heavy in the air, casting a pall over their shared moments.

"Karanji," Sumitra began, her tone now devoid of its earlier playfulness, replaced instead by a calculated edge, "kya aapko vishwas hai Aarav taiyaar hai inn sab zimmedariyon ke liye??"

Karan's brow furrowed in concern, his gaze shifting to his son, who sat nearby, his expression clouded with uncertainty. "What do you mean, Sumi?" he questioned, a hint of apprehension coloring his voice.

Sumitra's lips curved into a cold smile, her eyes glinting with malice as she delivered her next blow. "Mujhe lagta nahi, yeh abhi taiyaar hai shaadi aur itna bada business ek saath sambhalne ke liye" she replied cryptically, her words a dagger aimed at Aarav's heart.

Aarav's chest tightened at her words, the doubt and insecurity swirling within him threatening to engulf his resolve. "Main hun taiyaar" he protested weakly, his voice tinged with desperation.

Karan's gaze softened with understanding as he reached out to reassure his son, his touch a gentle anchor amidst the storm. "Aur nahi bhi ho toh main hun hamesha, tumhe har kadam pe sambhalne ke liye," he promised, his voice steady with determination.

Yet, despite his father's words, Aarav couldn't shake the lingering doubt planted by Sumitra's insidious manipulation. As the night wore on, the weight of her words bore down upon him, a cruel reminder of the darkness lurking within the walls of their home. And though the physical wounds were absent, the scars she left upon his psyche ran deep, a testament to the insidious nature of her deceit.

It was the day of the wedding. Aarav wore the Sherwani and got ready. The door opened, and Sumitra entered, holding the turban in her hand.

He turned around and eyed her with a mixture of apprehension and resentment. She stepped forward, her movements calculated and deliberate, and placed the turban on top of his head. A cunning smile spread across her face as she looked into his eyes.

"Aaj se tum Maya ke ho jaoge. Main umeed karti hun tum usey utna pyaar doge jitna mujhe diya," she said, tapping his cheek lightly with her fingers, her voice dripping with a false sweetness.

He jerked her hand off, his eyes flashing with anger. "Badle mein aapne mera fayda uthaya hai! Mera bachpan kharab kiya aapne. Main chup hun sirf apne pita ki wajah se. Nahi chahta unka bhi dil toote aur unhe pata chale jis aurat pe wo aankh band karke bharosa karte hai usi aurat ne unke bete ka saath..." His voice choked with emotion, unable to continue.

She laughed, a cold, mocking sound. "Bahut bhole ho tum! I swear aaj ke baad tumhe zara sa bhi taang nahi karungi," she said, her smile widening as she reveled in his discomfort.

"Umeed karta hun aap apni baat ka maan rakhogi aur jis tarah mujhe pareshan kiya hai Maya ko nahi karogi. Main nahi chahta meri patni wo sab bardasht kare jo maine kiya hai... Maa ka darja diya hai tumhe, uss shabd ka hi maan rakhlo," he said, his voice firm and resolute, hoping against hope for a change in her.

Sumitra again tapped his cheek, this time with a semblance of affection. "Umeed bahut rakhte ho tum, Aaru! Yahi baat toh tumhari achi lagti hai. Main kitna galat karti hun phir bhi tum mujhe maaf karke mere ache hone ki umeed rakhte ho. Maya bahut khush rahegi tumhare saath," she said, her tone almost wistful.

He smiled faintly, a bittersweet expression crossing his face. "Yahi farak hai aap mein aur mujh mein. Meri Maa kehti thi koi bhi janam se bura nahi hota, haalat usey bana dete hain. Humhe koshish karni chahiye usmein achai dundhne ki! Aap jaise bhi ho lekin itne saal aapne mere papa ki zindagi mein patni ki kami puri ki hai. Unke budhappe ka sahara bani ho," he said, his words lingering in the air as he turned and left the room, leaving Sumitra lost in her thoughts for a minute.

She took a deep breath, steeling herself, and stepped out of the room. As she walked into the hallway, she was left in a state of shock when she found Karan standing behind the door, his face ashen with anger and disbelief. She gulped, her heart pounding. "Karanji," she stammered, fear lacing her voice as she realized he might have heard everything.

He silently stared at her, his eyes cold and hard, then slapped her hard across the face. She staggered back, her hand flying to her cheek in disbelief and pain.

"Chii! Ghin aa rahi hai mujhe tumse. Tumne mere bache ke saath itna galat kiya. Sumitra, tumhe tumhare gunahon ki saza milegi," Karan shouted at the top of his lungs, his voice shaking with rage.

Sumitra cried, her eyes pleading, "Karanji, please, main maafi mangti hun. Uss waqt main..."

"Band karo yeh aansu bahana. Maya ko tumne pasand kiya hai. Agar wo bhi tumhare jaise nikli toh mera beta toh barbaad ho jayega! Ab yeh shaadi nahi hogi," he declared, his voice firm and unyielding, turning on his heel and leaving Sumitra in a state of utter shock and despair.

He rushed downstairs, his mind racing with memories and regrets. As he reached the ground floor, he saw his son dancing with a few friends, the music and laughter a stark contrast to the turmoil in his heart. Karan had tears in his eyes as he recalled how he had scolded Aarav many times, unknowingly falling prey to Sumitra's manipulations. He had brought a mother for him, but that cunning woman had snatched away his son's self-respect.

He walked slowly towards Aarav, who glanced up and noticed the tears in his father's eyes. Concerned, Aarav wiped the tears from his eyes and asked, "Papa, aap ro kyun rahe ho? Kya hua?"

Karan hugged him tightly, seeking forgiveness for failing as a father. "Maaf karde mujhe beta, main teri khamoshi kabhi samajh nahi paaya. Tera dard teri aankhon mein nahi padh paaya," he said, his voice breaking with emotion.

Aarav was left in disbelief. He glanced at Sumitra, who was standing in the corner, fear written all over her face. Realizing that his father had overheard their conversation, Aarav hugged Karan tighter and cried, "Papa... Wo aurat bahut buri hai! Mujhe bahut takleef di... Aapne kyu mujhe akela choda? Kyun?" His voice was filled with the pain of years of suffering.

"I am sorry, beta... Mujhe agar pata hota uss aurat ke irade galat hain, toh main kabhi tujhe akele nahi chodta. Na usey teri sauteli maa banake ghar laata," Karan said, caressing his son's head.

He parted the hug and kissed Aarav's face tenderly. "Ab tujhe yeh shaadi karne ki zaroorat nahi hai, hmm?" he said, his voice gentle yet firm.

Aarav smiled through his tears. "Papa, aapne thoda zyada waqt laga diya sachai jaanne mein... Agar maine yeh shaadi nahi ki toh udhar Maya ke parivaar walon ki badnaami hogi! Baarat nahi aayi toh wo masoom ladki ka kya hoga? Hum kisi ki galti ki saza kisi aur ko toh nahi de sakte na," he said, his sense of duty and compassion evident.

Karan was touched by his son's words. "Par beta, agar Maya bhi Sumitra jaise hui toh?" he asked, his concern evident.

Aarav held his father's hand and shook his head. "Nahi, main usse mila tha. Wo uske jaise nahi hai. Aur dekhna, main usey itna pyaar dunga ki wo kabhi Sumitra Maa jaisi nahi banegi," he said confidently.

Karan felt a surge of pride. "Garv hai mujhe tumpar, beta... Yeh shaadi ho jaaye phir Sumitra ko main khud saza dunga," he said, his voice filled with determination.

They shared a small smile and a sigh of relief, their bond stronger than ever. Together, they headed towards the wedding venue, ready to face whatever came next with renewed hope and unity.

The baraat was warmly welcomed by Maya's family, who performed the traditional rituals to greet Aarav and his entourage. Aarav made his way to the center stage, his heart pounding with anticipation. Soon, Maya arrived in her bridal attire, looking stunning and radiant.

For the first time, Aarav couldn't take his eyes off her. She smiled at him, a soft, reassuring smile that made his heart swell with a newfound sense of joy. Maya walked gracefully to the stage and stood next to him. They exchanged garlands, their eyes locking in a moment of silent understanding and promise.

After the garland exchange, they sat down on the sofa for pictures. Aarav felt a sense of pride and happiness as they posed for the camera, capturing memories of this significant day.

Aarav then got up and headed to the mandap for the Pooja. A short while later, Maya joined him, and the wedding rituals began. They took seven rounds around the sacred fire, each step symbolizing a vow of their marital journey. Aarav filled her mang with vermillion and tied the mangalsutra around her neck. Maya smiled at him, and he smiled back, both silently promising a new start filled with love, care, and affection.

After the rituals, they stood up and took blessings from the elders. Karan smiled and took Aarav's hand, placing it in Maya's. He glanced at his son and then looked at Maya with teary eyes. "Aaj se mere bete ki har khushiyon ka khayal tumhe rakhna hai, Maya. Main umeed karta hun tum mere bete ko wo sukh dogi jo isey apni maa ke jaane ke baad kabhi mila hi nahi," he said, his voice choked with emotion.

Aarav, also emotional, hugged his father, signaling him to forget the past and move on. "Papa, aaj aap bhi nayi shuruwat kijiye Sumitra Maa ke saath," he said softly.

Karan parted the hug and glanced at him in a state of shock. He was about to say something, but Aarav held his hand firmly. "Aap dono ko ek dusre ki zaroorat hai. Main nahi chahta mere karan aapse patni ka sukh chheen jaye. Duniya kahegi patni ke aate hi bete ne apni sauteli maa ko ghar se door kar diya," Aarav said earnestly.

Karan cupped his face and smiled, tears glistening in his eyes. "Aaru... Tu ab bhi uski parwah karta hai," he said, his voice filled with a mixture of pride and sadness.

"Haan lekin aapki zyada karta hun! Unhe maaf kijiye," Aarav replied, his voice gentle but firm.

Karan nodded, finally agreeing to his son's terms. "Theek hai beta, tumhari baat maan leta hoon," he said, his heart heavy but hopeful.

With a renewed sense of unity and understanding, they all headed towards the next phase of their lives, ready to embrace the future together.