The theme of the house had shifted once more, transforming into a verdant sea of green in preparation for the Mehendi function. The walls were adorned with lush drapes and intricate floral arrangements, casting a serene yet festive ambiance throughout the home. Downstairs, the soft glow of fairy lights intertwined with vibrant greenery created a picturesque setting, resonating with the joyous anticipation of the upcoming wedding.

Meanwhile, upstairs in the midst of this kaleidoscope of preparations, Manvi stood by the window in her elegantly adorned attire. Her reflection in the mirror revealed a woman with a delicate smile masking the turmoil within. She adjusted the shimmering jewelry that adorned her neck and ears, each piece a testament to the upcoming union with Aarav, a man she loved deeply.

Yet, beneath the surface, her heart weighed heavy with concern. Tomorrow was to mark the culmination of their love, but it also highlighted the fractures in their newfound family. Khushi, Aarav's daughter, remained a distant figure in her heart a wound that hadn't healed despite Manvi's efforts to bridge the gap.

As she delicately pinned a strand of hair, her phone vibrated softly on the vanity. She reached for it, her fingers trembling slightly as she noted the familiar name on the screen: Maya. The mere sight of it sent a shiver down her spine, a reminder of the tumultuous past that threatened to disrupt their future happiness.

With hesitant fingers, she unlocked the phone and read the message. Maya's words were like shards of glass, cutting through the fragile peace Manvi had tried so hard to maintain. "Sautan banogi meri toh Khushi Aarav ko hamesha ke liye kho dega. Ab bhi waqt hai wapas hatt jao," the message taunted, its venomous intent palpable even in the written words.

Manvi's breath caught in her throat. The accusation struck at her deepest fears of losing not just Aarav's love, but also his daughter's fragile trust. She closed her eyes briefly, trying to steady herself against the storm of emotions swirling within.

The room around her seemed to fade into the background as memories of the past surged forward. Maya, with her manipulative ways and relentless pursuit of control, had been a shadow that loomed over their lives for too long. Her presence now, even in a simple text message, threatened to unravel the fragile threads of happiness Manvi had painstakingly woven.

Gathering her resolve, Manvi's eyes flickered open, steeling herself against Maya's insidious attempts to sow discord. She knew she couldn't falter now, not when they were on the brink of a new beginning. With a deep breath, she composed herself and typed a response, her fingers moving with determined purpose.

"Maya, rok sakti ho toh rok ke dikhao yeh shaadi. Jaise maine kaha tha, Aaravji mujhe bhi payenge aur apni beti bhi nahi khoyenge," she replied, her words a quiet declaration of defiance and unwavering faith in the love she shared with Aarav.

Setting the phone aside, she glanced once more at her reflection in the mirror. Her resolve hardened as she reaffirmed her commitment to their future together. Whatever challenges lay ahead, she would face them with courage and determination, for tomorrow promised not just a wedding, but the beginning of a new chapter filled with hope, love, and the promise of overcoming all obstacles, including the shadow of Maya's lingering influence.

Meanwhile, in Maya's opulent yet eerily quiet residence, a flicker of anger danced in her eyes as she read Manvi's defiant text message once more. The room was dimly lit, adorned with extravagant furnishings that spoke of wealth and power, yet the atmosphere crackled with tension.

Her gaze shifted to the large screen mounted on the wall before her, displaying the live feed from the hidden camera strategically placed in Aarav's house. Maya had meticulously orchestrated this surveillance, a tool to monitor every move and interaction within Aarav's home, particularly those involving Khushi and Manvi.

As she watched the events unfolding downstairs, a self-satisfied smile curled on Maya's lips. The confrontation between Aarav and Khushi played out before her eyes, confirming the rift she had strategically widened between father and daughter. Khushi's emotional turmoil, subtly manipulated by Maya's cunning influence, reaffirmed Maya's control over the fragile dynamics of their family.

"Aarav, Khushi mere paas jaise aayi usi tarah tumhe bhi aana hoga," Maya murmured to herself, her voice carrying an unsettling mix of determination and obsession. Her fingers tapped lightly on the screen, adjusting the feed to focus on Aarav as he prepared for the Mehendi ceremony.

The image shifted, revealing Aarav in his mid-40s, exuding an undeniable charm and grace. Despite the weight of recent emotional turmoil, his presence remained dignified and commanding. Maya's gaze lingered on his features, tracing the outline of his cheek with a finger that hovered over the screen.

With a soft sigh, Maya's touch became more deliberate as she gently caressed the screen where Aarav's face was displayed. Her lips parted in a ghost of a smile, revealing a hint of her inner turmoil masked by outward confidence. "Aarav baby, tum sirf Maya ke ho," she whispered fervently, her voice filled with possessiveness and an unwavering belief in her own influence over him.

In that moment, Maya's fixation on Aarav was palpable, her obsession with controlling his life and relationships driving her actions. The room around her seemed to shrink into insignificance as she immersed herself in thoughts of the future she envisioned with him, oblivious to the destructive impact of her manipulations.

As the Mehendi ceremony approached, Maya's resolve only strengthened. Her mind raced with plans to solidify her hold over Aarav, even as her heart remained hardened against any notion of compromise or restraint. The faint echo of music from the festivities downstairs barely registered in her consciousness, overshadowed by the relentless pursuit of her own desires.

In Maya's world, power and possession intertwined seamlessly, a dangerous cocktail fueling her relentless pursuit of Aarav's affections. As she stood before the screen, the room enveloped in a quiet intensity, Maya remained resolute in her belief that she alone held the key to Aarav's heart, heedless of the havoc she wreaked upon those caught in her web of manipulation.

Malhotra Mansion

Manvi descended the grand staircase of Malhotra Mansion, the delicate layers of her lehenga swirling around her as she carefully lifted it to glide down each step. Aarav stood at the bottom, his eyes brightening as they met hers. A tender smile graced his lips, and with a playful gesture, he blew a flying kiss in her direction. Manvi blushed, her cheeks tinged with a rosy hue, appreciating his unabashed display of affection in front of their guests.

As she reached the appointed corner of the hall, her eyes fell upon the elegantly scripted words on the wall: "Mehendi of ArMan," a charming amalgamation of their names. The initials stood out against the backdrop of floral decorations, proclaiming the celebration of their impending union.

Seated comfortably on the couch, Manvi extended her hand to the Mehendi artist, who began to skillfully weave intricate patterns of henna across her palm and fingers. The gentle strokes of the artist's hand, coupled with the rhythmic beats of traditional music playing in the background, filled the air with an atmosphere of festivity and joy.

Amidst the merriment, Sharda, took center stage on the dance floor. Her spirited movements elicited laughter from Manvi, a momentary distraction from the thoughts lingering in her mind.

Aarav, ever attentive to Manvi's presence, glided over to her with effortless grace. He extended his hand, inviting her to join him in a dance. Their steps intertwined seamlessly, a testament to their shared joy and anticipation for the days ahead. For a fleeting moment, Manvi felt as though everything was perfect her heart swelling with happiness at the prospect of a future together with Aarav and Khushi.

However, as she stole a glance at Khushi, standing nearby, Manvi's smile faltered. A veil of disappointment descended upon her as Khushi turned away, withdrawing from the moment of familial closeness. The distance between them, palpable yet unspoken, underscored the challenges that lay ahead in integrating their fractured family dynamics.

Despite the fleeting pang of sorrow, Manvi remained resolute. She knew that building trust and forging bonds would take time, patience, and unwavering dedication. With a silent prayer in her heart, she returned her focus to the Mehendi being artfully applied, each delicate swirl and pattern a testament to the intricate beauty of their union.

Around her, the festivities continued unabated, the sounds of laughter and music mingling harmoniously in the opulent surroundings of Malhotra Mansion. As the Mehendi ceremony unfolded, Manvi harbored a quiet hope that amidst the celebrations and the challenges, their love would continue to blossom, binding them together as a family in the days and years to come.

As Aarav settled down beside Manvi on the plush couch, the Mehendi artist delicately began adorning his hand with intricate designs, mirroring the ones being carefully crafted on Manvi's own hands. The ambiance around them was filled with the melodious strains of traditional music, creating a backdrop of joy and celebration.

Manvi, her gaze alternating between her own Mehendi and Aarav's, couldn't help but express her anticipation. "Aaravji, dekhna, mera rang zyada gehra hoga," she remarked, her voice tinged with hopeful excitement. She glanced at him, her eyes sparkling with the expectation of deeper colors symbolizing their enduring bond.

Aarav, ever the playful and devoted lover, turned to her with a teasing glint in his eyes. "Nahi, mera zyada gehra hoga... tum mujhse zyada pyaar karti ho," he declared, his tone carrying a blend of sincerity and mischievousness.

Manvi's cheeks flushed with a mix of amusement and affectionate protest. "Nahi, aap mujhse karte hai," she countered with a playful pout, their banter a testament to the comfort and camaraderie they shared.

"Maine kaha na, tum karti ho," Aarav insisted, his gaze locking with hers in a gentle challenge.

"Aaravji," Manvi exclaimed in mock irritation, her laughter bubbling up at his unwavering assertion.

His laughter mingled with hers, a joyful symphony that echoed through the hall. In that moment, surrounded by the warmth of their loved ones and the vibrant energy of the Mehendi ceremony, Aarav and Manvi found solace in their playful exchange. It was a fleeting moment of intimacy amidst the whirlwind of preparations, a reminder of the deep bond and affection that anchored their journey towards a shared future.

The night draped itself over Malhotra Mansion in a blanket of tranquil silence, broken only by the occasional rustle of leaves and the distant chirping of crickets. On the terrace, under the soft glow of moonlight, Manvi sat with her thoughts, her hands and legs adorned with intricate patterns of dried Mehendi. The cool breeze brushed against her, offering a soothing respite from the day's festivities.

Lost in the stillness of the night, Manvi's mind wandered back to the turbulent chapters of her past. Memories of her first marriage to Dhruv surfaced, each recalling years marred by pain and the enduring anguish of unfulfilled hopes particularly the sorrow of never bearing a child due to the violence that marked their relationship.

Her thoughts then drifted to Aarav, the man who had entered her life as Khushi's father, initially indifferent but gradually becoming her protector and confidant. Despite knowing that his heart belonged to another, Manvi had found solace and eventually love in his unwavering support and understanding. They had forged a bond rooted in shared pain and mutual healing, granting each other a second chance at happiness.

As she contemplated the tumultuous journey that had led them to this momentous occasion, Manvi made a silent vow to safeguard the newfound happiness she had discovered with Aarav. The promise to herself resonated in the quiet night, a testament to her resilience and determination to protect what they had built together.

Aarav's footsteps interrupted her reverie, his presence a comforting anchor in the serenity of the terrace. He settled beside her on the swing, his eyes soft with affection as he observed her lost in introspection. Manvi glanced up, a tender smile gracing her lips at the sight of him.

"aap? yahan phirse rules todte hai aap bahut" she teased gently, her voice a soft melody in the hushed surroundings.

He chuckled softly, his deep voice carrying a hint of playfulness. "ab kya hi rules? kal shaadi hai hamari" he reminded her, his gaze lingering on her face with undisguised admiration.

A flicker of mischief sparked in Aarav's eyes as he noticed her Mehendi, his fingers tracing the intricate patterns delicately. "Let me find my name," he murmured with a smile, his touch tender against her skin.

Manvi withdrew her hand playfully. "aaj nahi kal shaadi ke baad suha." she replied softly, unable to voice her reluctance to reveal it on their wedding night.

Aarav leaned closer, his warm breath caressing her ear as he whispered, "Suhaagrat kyun na aaj hi manale?"

Manvi's eyes widened in surprise at his suggestive words, a blush spreading across her cheeks. She playfully slapped his arm, her laughter tinkling in the night air. "Aaravji aap bhi na.." she exclaimed, a mixture of amusement and affection in her tone.

Their laughter intertwined with the gentle rustle of leaves, a harmonious melody echoing across the terrace. In that fleeting moment, under the canopy of stars and amidst the fragrance of blooming flowers, Aarav and Manvi found solace in each other's company, their love illuminated by the moonlight as they eagerly awaited the dawn of their new life together.

The night enveloped Malhotra Mansion in a tranquil embrace, casting long shadows across the grandeur of its halls and gardens. Aarav and Manvi found themselves on the terrace once more, the weight of impending decisions and uncertainties hanging in the air around them. Manvi sat gracefully, her demeanor calm yet resolute, her hands gently cradling her Mehendi-adorned palms.

Aarav's mind, however, was troubled by the persistent presence of Maya in their lives. Her relentless efforts to disrupt their peace and snatch Khushi away cast a dark shadow over their happiness. He turned to Manvi, his eyes reflecting a mixture of concern and vulnerability. "Manvi... kya tum mujhe chhod dogi?" His voice trembled slightly, betraying the fear of losing her amidst the turmoil.

Manvi met his gaze with unwavering determination, her own eyes filled with reassurance and love. "Kabhi nahi, Aaravji... chahe kuch bhi ho jaye! Woh aurat kuch bhi karle, aap har kadam pe mujhe apne paas payenge," she affirmed, her voice steady and confident. Her faith in their bond was unwavering, a beacon of strength in the face of adversity.

Aarav's emotions welled up as he gently caressed her face, tears glistening in his eyes and slipping down his cheeks. "Manvi... main tumhe nahi khona chahta hun. Tum mujhe bina bataye ghar se bahar kahi nahi jaogi, samjhi?" His plea carried a weight of solemnity, a plea born out of deep love and the desire to protect her from any harm, especially from Maya's schemes.

Manvi nodded softly, understanding the gravity of his concern. "Nahi jaungi, Aaravji. Bas kal shaadi ho jayegi, to Maya kuch nahi kar payegi... Khushi ko toh main samjha dungi uske baad," she assured him, her voice infused with a quiet determination. She knew that once they were married, their united front would be stronger, and they could shield Khushi from Maya's manipulations together.

Aarav drew her into a tender embrace, holding her close as if trying to shield her from the uncertainties that loomed ahead. They stood together on the terrace, under the blanket of stars, finding solace in each other's presence amidst the tumultuous emotions swirling within them.

For Aarav, this night seemed interminable, each passing moment a reminder of the battles they had fought to reach this point. He held onto Manvi with a fierce resolve, unwilling to let go of the happiness they had fought so hard to find. The weight of their impending marriage bore down on them, yet amidst the uncertainty, their love remained steadfast, a beacon of hope in the darkness.

As they awaited the dawn of a new day, Aarav found solace in the promise of their union, a promise that together, they would overcome every obstacle that threatened their happiness. With Manvi by his side, he found renewed strength to face whatever challenges lay ahead, determined to protect their love and their family from any harm that Maya might inflict.

The night wore on, filled with whispered promises and silent prayers for a future where their love would triumph over adversity, where they could finally find the peace and happiness they both deserved.

The night lay heavy over Malhotra Mansion, its quietude broken only by the soft murmur of crickets and the occasional rustle of leaves in the gentle breeze. Inside, Aarav gently cradled Manvi's head on his shoulder, her serene face illuminated by the moonlight filtering through the window. Her innocence and peaceful slumber offered a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing within Aarav's heart.

His phone vibrated, interrupting the stillness with a jolt. A message flashed across the screen, its contents shocking him into silence. Aarav's gaze shifted from the phone to Manvi, his beloved wife-to-be, whose trust and love he held dearer than life itself. With a tender gesture, he kissed her forehead lightly, cherishing the moment of quiet intimacy even amidst the uncertainty that now loomed ahead.

Carefully, as if handling something precious, Aarav lifted Manvi in his arms and made his way downstairs to her room. The staircase creaked softly under his weight, a companion to the hushed footsteps that echoed in the empty corridors. He laid her gently on the bed, tucking the blanket around her form with utmost care. A fleeting smile graced his lips as he watched her sleep, the delicate rise and fall of her chest a soothing sight amidst the storm raging inside him.

He clasped her hand in his, his touch gentle yet firm, a silent promise of his unwavering devotion. Leaning down, he pressed a soft kiss on her hand, the gesture filled with a depth of emotion that words could not adequately convey. "I love you, Manvi... khudse bhi zyada. Na main apni beti khoyunga, aur na tumhe," he whispered, his voice carrying the weight of his resolve to protect both Manvi and Khushi from any harm that threatened their happiness.

With a final lingering look at his beloved, Aarav reluctantly released her hand and turned away, his heart heavy with the weight of the message he had received. He exited Malhotra Mansion, his steps steady yet burdened with the weight of his thoughts. Sitting inside his car, he took a deep breath to steady himself before starting the engine and driving off into the night.

The mansion stood silent and still in his wake, its grandeur masked by the darkness that enveloped it. Inside, Manvi remained in peaceful repose, unaware of the turmoil that had beset Aarav or the decisions he now grappled with. As the night stretched on, Aarav's determination to safeguard their love and family echoed in his every action, a testament to the depth of his commitment and the lengths he was willing to go to protect what mattered most to him.