As dawn broke over the Malhotra house, a golden light spilled through the windows, illuminating the bustling activity within. The air buzzed with excitement and anticipation, charged with the joy of a wedding day finally arriving. Sharda, the matronly figure who had devoted her life to caring for Aarav, moved gracefully through the house, her serene smile reflecting the happiness that filled her heart. Today was the culmination of years of prayers and hopes, and she was determined to ensure everything was perfect.

Sharda was more than just a caretaker; she had been Aarav's confidante and pillar of strength through the darkest times of his life. She had witnessed his struggles, the pain etched in his features and the scars that shaped him into the man he was today. Now, as she watched him on the brink of such profound happiness, her heart swelled with overwhelming joy. It was a day she had dreamed of for him, a day where love and commitment would shine brightly.

Her presence commanded respect from the staff as she directed them with a blend of authority and gentle encouragement. "Aap sab dhyan rakhe koi kami nahi rehni chahiye. Chaliye ab nasta dijiye sab mehmano ko. Mujhe chuda chadhane ki rasam karni hai phir Manvi ki," she instructed, her voice firm yet nurturing, ensuring that every detail of the day was attended to meticulously.

The staff nodded obediently, scattering to fulfill their tasks with a sense of purpose. In the kitchen, pots clanged and sizzling sounds filled the air as breakfast was prepared. The aroma of fresh parathas and sweet chai wafted through the corridors, mixing with the scents of jasmine and marigold garlands that adorned the home, transforming it into a vibrant celebration of love and tradition.

As Sharda made her way to Aarav's room, she expected to find him still asleep, perhaps needing a gentle nudge to start his day. She pushed open the door with a smile on her lips, but it faded into confusion as her eyes fell on the neatly made bed and the emptiness of the room. A frown creased her brow, and she stepped inside, glancing around as if he might suddenly emerge from a hidden corner, a playful grin on his face. But the silence was deafening, and her concern deepened with every passing second.

"Arre, Aarav kaha chala gaya subah subah?" she muttered to herself, anxiety beginning to knot in her stomach. Quickly, she called for one of the staff members. Ramesh, a young man with quick feet and an eager demeanor, hurried to her side, sensing the urgency in her tone.

"Ji, Sharda Ma'am?" he asked, bowing his head slightly, his eyes wide with attentiveness.

"Aarav baba ko dekha hai kya? Unke kamre mein nahi hai," she said, her voice laced with worry that she couldn't quite conceal.

Ramesh shook his head, concern etched across his features. "Nahi, ma'am. Main abhi dekhkar aata hoon." Without a moment's hesitation, he dashed off, his footsteps echoing through the spacious hallways as he began his search.

Sharda's mind raced as she stood in Aarav's room. She couldn't shake off the sense of unease that had settled over her. Today was supposed to be perfect, and Aarav's absence at such an early hour was unsettling. She glanced at the clock, noting that the chuda chadane ki rasam (the bangle ceremony) was fast approaching.

As minutes stretched into what felt like hours, Sharda paced the room, her anxiety growing. She clasped her hands together, silently praying for Aarav's safety and swift return. The festivities were about to commence, and the house needed its groom.

Just as she was about to set out herself to search for him, Ramesh returned, his face a mix of confusion and concern. "Ma'am, maine sab jagah dekha, Aarav baba kahin bhi nahi mil rahe."

Sharda's heart sank. Where could Aarav be on such an important day? As she tried to piece together the puzzle, her thoughts drifted to Maya, a shadow from Aarav's past. Could she have something to do with this? The possibility sent a shiver down her spine.

Determined to find him, Sharda took a deep breath and squared her shoulders. She would not let anything ruin this day for Aarav and Manvi. She hurried to find Manvi, needing to inform her and perhaps seek her help in unraveling the mystery of Aarav's disappearance.

The house continued to hum with wedding preparations, unaware of the growing crisis. Sharda knew she had to act quickly, for the sake of the celebration, and more importantly, for the happiness of the family she held so dear.

Meanwhile, Manvi stirred awake, hearing the hustle and bustle outside her room in the corridor. She kept her eyes closed, hesitant to look at her Mehendi's color. She feared it might not be dark enough, reflecting her insecurities about Aarav's feelings. Despite knowing he loves her, she was aware that he was still healing from his past, and their love was still deepening.

Manvi recalled the previous night vividly, remembering how Aarav had teased her with his playful smile, saying his Mehendi would be darker because she loved him more. The warmth in his eyes and the gentle way he held her hands lingered in her mind. She smiled at the memory, the love and affection in those moments making her heart flutter. The anticipation of seeing the Mehendi color on his hands filled her with excitement, unaware that the night's events had drastically altered the day's atmosphere.

She could almost feel his presence beside her, the way he had leaned in close to whisper in her ear, his breath tickling her skin. "Dekhna, tumhare mehendi se zyada gehra rang mera hoga," he had said with a wink, making her blush. They had laughed together under the starry sky, forgetting all their worries for a brief moment.

Manvi sighed, her heart full as she recalled how he had tenderly escorted her back to her room, his fingers intertwined with hers. His promise echoed in her mind, "Main hamesha tumhare saath rahunga, Manvi." She believed him with all her heart, feeling secure in his love and commitment.

As the first light of dawn peeked through the curtains, Manvi stretched and slowly opened her eyes. She hesitated for a moment, bracing herself for the sight of her Mehendi. Taking a deep breath, she looked at her hands and gasped softly. The color was deep and rich, far more vibrant than she had imagined. Her heart swelled with joy, tears of happiness filling her eyes. This dark hue was a testament to their love, a sign that Aarav's feelings for her were just as profound as hers for him.

She couldn't wait to show him, to share this moment with him. Little did she know, the joyous occasion was already tainted by the events that had unfolded during the night.

Just then, Sharda entered the room, her eyes lighting up at the sight of Manvi's beautiful Mehendi. "Are waah, kitna gehra rang aaya hai! Mera Aarav kitna pyaar karta hai tumse," she exclaimed, her voice filled with warmth and pride.

Manvi smiled brightly, her heart dancing with happiness. "Haan kaki, Aaravji karte hain mujhse pyaar..." she responded, her voice bright with anticipation.

Yet, despite Sharda's comforting presence, Manvi couldn't help but notice a flicker of worry in her eyes. "Chalo, ab ready ho jao. Phir tumhare chuda ki ceremony shuru ho jayegi," Sharda urged, pushing her gently to prepare for the bangle ceremony.

Manvi nodded eagerly, her excitement bubbling over. "Khushi uth gayi?" she asked, wanting to share her joy with everyone.

"Usey main dekhti hun. Tum ready ho jao," Sharda replied, her voice gentle, but her thoughts were clearly elsewhere, lingering on Aarav.

As Manvi began to prepare, her mind raced with excitement, but Sharda's concern deepened. Hesitating for a moment, she finally asked, "Aarav kal raat tumhare paas tha?"

Manvi, sensing the importance of the question, answered truthfully, "Haan kaki! Aaravji terrace pe they mere saath... aur phir mujhe hi wo shayad room mein chod ke gaye."

Sharda's worry deepened visibly, her brows knitting together. "Kya hua hai kaki? Aap pareshan kyun ho gayi?" Manvi asked, concern creeping into her tone as she noticed Sharda's change in demeanor.

"Kuch nahi," Sharda denied quickly, forcing a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes before leaving the room. Her heart was heavy with anxiety, her mind racing with thoughts of Aarav's disappearance. She knew she had to find him and ensure nothing ruined this special day for Manvi and Aarav.

As she moved through the bustling house, giving instructions and overseeing the preparations, Sharda's thoughts remained focused on Aarav. The staff moved briskly, setting up decorations, preparing food, and attending to the guests. The aroma of freshly made sweets filled the air, mixing with the scent of marigolds and roses adorning the hallways.

Sharda's eyes scanned the crowd for any sign of Aarav. She found herself distracted, her usually sharp focus dulled by worry. She watched as the guests mingled, their laughter and chatter a stark contrast to the storm brewing inside her mind. Her heart pounded with each passing minute, the fear of something going wrong gnawing at her.

She moved quickly from room to room, checking every corner, every possible place where Aarav might be. As she neared Khushi's room, her steps slowed. The door was slightly ajar, and she opened the door finding the room empty.

Sharda whispered a prayer, hoping Aarav was safe and on his way back. She knew how much this day meant to him and how hard he had worked to build a new life with Manvi. The thought of anything disrupting their happiness was unbearable.

She took a deep breath, steeling herself for the possibility that something had gone terribly wrong. Sharda hurried back to the main hall, her resolve strengthening with each step. She wouldn't rest until Aarav and Khushi were found and back where they belonged.

As the day wore on, the preparations for the wedding continued. The house buzzed with energy, the excitement of the impending ceremony palpable. The sun climbed higher in the sky, casting a golden glow over everything. But amidst the joy and celebration, Sharda's heart remained heavy.

Standing at the entrance of the house, her eyes scanned the horizon, she hoped to see Aarav's car pull up. The minutes felt like hours, and her anxiety grew with each passing moment. Sharda's thoughts raced, formulating a plan to find him if he didn't show up soon. The weight of uncertainty loomed over her, but she refused to give in to despair. Today was too important for that.

Just then, a familiar figure appeared at the gate, causing Sharda to squint, her heart leaping with hope. As the figure drew closer, she recognized one of the staff members who had been searching for Aarav. His expression was grim, a stark contrast to the vibrant atmosphere surrounding the wedding preparations.

"Madam, humne sab jagah dekha, lekin Aarav sir kahin nahi mile," he reported, his voice tinged with worry.

Sharda's heart sank, the weight of impending doom pressing down on her. She had to think quickly; there was no room for despair. "Thik hai, tum wapas jao aur dekhte raho. Main bhi kuch karti hun," she instructed, trying to keep her voice steady despite the storm of anxiety brewing inside her.

She turned back to the house, her mind racing. She had to find Aarav and bring him back before anyone else noticed his absence. The happiness of this day depended on it. With a determined look, Sharda headed out, ready to do whatever it took to find Aarav and ensure the wedding went on as planned.

Inside the house, the chuda ceremony commenced with an infectious burst of energy. The air was alive with the lively beats of desi music and the joyous laughter of women dancing. Colorful fabrics flowed gracefully as everyone twirled in their best traditional attire. Bright marigolds and roses adorned the room, creating a festive and vibrant backdrop that radiated happiness.

Sharda, with her nurturing presence, took charge of the rituals, her hands steady and experienced. She moved gracefully, embodying the warmth and love that the occasion demanded. Manvi, however, glanced around the room, her eyes searching for Khushi. The absence of Aarav was understandable, given that he was occupied with his own pre-wedding rituals, but Khushi's absence weighed heavily on Manvi's heart. The pang of sadness echoed within her, knowing how much Maya had manipulated Khushi, driving a wedge between them.

Khushi, once a close confidante, now seemed distant and indifferent, her presence replaced by the suffocating silence of unresolved tensions.

Sharda noticed Manvi's momentary lapse into sadness and smiled reassuringly. "Beta, puja ho gayi hai. Ab tum yeh chuda peheno," she said gently, holding out the exquisite set of bangles, their colors vibrant and bright.

Manvi's eyes glistened with unshed tears as she gazed at the chuda. It represented new beginnings, a tradition that signified her transition into a new phase of life. Sharda carefully took the bangles and slid them onto Manvi's wrists, the cool metal contrasting beautifully with the warmth of her touch.

A surge of emotions overwhelmed Manvi as Sharda performed the ritual. She felt enveloped by love and care, finally experiencing the embrace of a motherly figure she had longed for. The chuda, with its striking red and white colors, clinked softly against each other as they settled onto her wrists, a melodious sound that filled her heart with joy and promise.

Sharda's eyes shimmered with pride and affection as she completed the ritual. "Mera Aarav kitna khush naseeb hai," she murmured, her voice thick with emotion. "Tum jaisi pyaari bahu mili hai use."

Manvi's heart swelled with gratitude. "Kaki, aapne hamesha mujhe apni beti ki tarah samjha hai," she said, her voice trembling slightly. "Aaj main sach mein apne aap ko aapki beti mehsoos kar rahi hoon."

The other women in the room cheered and showered Manvi with blessings, their voices blending into a harmonious chorus of goodwill. The music played on, and the women resumed their dancing, their colorful skirts swirling and bangles jangling.

Yet, despite the celebration surrounding her, a part of Manvi remained preoccupied with thoughts of Khushi. She couldn't shake the feeling of concern for her stepdaughter, hoping that one day Khushi would come to understand the depth of her love and intentions.

As the ceremony continued, Manvi resolved to remain patient and loving, trusting that time would heal the rift between her and Khushi. She felt assured that with Sharda's support and Aarav's unwavering love, they could overcome any obstacle that Maya might throw their way.

Sensing Manvi's inner turmoil, Sharda placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Sab theek ho jayega, beta," she whispered. "Khushi ko bhi tumhara pyaar samajh mein aayega. Tum bas apna dhairya bana ke rakho."

Manvi nodded, drawing strength from Sharda's words. She took a deep breath, letting the warmth and love of the moment envelop her. Today was a new beginning, and she was determined to embrace it fully, with hope and faith in her heart.

However, just as the chuda ceremony progressed, the joyous atmosphere was suddenly interrupted by a worried murmur spreading through the room. Manvi noticed Sharda's expression shift from warmth to concern. A member of the household staff hurriedly approached Sharda, whispering something urgently into her ear.

Sharda's face went pale, and Manvi's heart skipped a beat. "Kaki, kya hua? Sab theek hai?" she asked, her voice tinged with worry.

Sharda hesitated, clearly shaken. She took Manvi's hands in hers, grounding herself before delivering the news. "Beta, humein abhi thoda samay lagega," she began, her voice strained yet trying to remain steady. "Aarav... Aarav kahin dikh nahi rahe hain."

Manvi's heart plummeted, her pulse quickening with fear. "Kya? Aaravji kahin dikh nahi rahe?" she repeated, her mind racing in desperation. "Woh kal raat mere saath they... phir... kaha chale gaye?"

The other women in the room, sensing the shift in mood, began to gather around, their faces reflecting concern and confusion. The once joyous music now seemed a distant memory, replaced by the heavy silence that hung in the air as the gravity of the situation sank in.

"Kaki, kuch toh batayiye. Aaravji kaha ho sakte hain?" Manvi urged, her eyes wide with fear, desperation creeping into her voice.

Sharda took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. "Humne har jagah dekha, beta. Unka phone bhi nahi lag raha hai. Humne socha ki woh terrace pe ya apne kamre mein honge, lekin woh kahin bhi nahi hain. Khushi bhi apne kamre mein nahi hain"

Manvi felt a cold dread settle in her stomach. Aarav was not someone who would just disappear, especially not on the day of their wedding. Something was terribly wrong. She thought of Khushi and how she might be involved, but then pushed the thought aside, focusing on finding both of them.

"Mujhe unhe dhoondhna hoga," Manvi said, her voice resolute. She stood up, the chuda on her wrists clinking softly, a reminder of the promise of the day that now seemed so distant.

"Beta, tumhe abhi taiyar hone bhi jaana hai. Shaadi mein sirf kuch ghante bache hain. Main dhoondh lungi dono ko," Sharda replied, her voice filled with concern and determination.

She felt the weight of the moment pressing down on her, her heart racing as she contemplated the unfolding chaos.

With a sudden shake of her head, she dispelled her doubts. "Nahi, kaki. Main janti hun Aaravji kahan hai aur Khushi bhi. Aap fikar mat kijiye, shaadi toh aaj hoke rahegi." Her voice was steady, laced with a fierce determination that belied her youth. Manvi's dark eyes glinted with resolve, reflecting a fire ignited by the knowledge of Maya's scheming. The mere thought of Maya, with her cunning smile and deceptive charm, sent a shiver of irritation through her. She understood her rival all too well and was determined not to let her interference derail her plans.

Manvi's expression hardened as she made her decision. There was no time to waste; she had to act swiftly. "Kaki, aap ghar ka dhyan rakhiye. Main Aaravji aur Khushi ko leke jaldi lautungi." Each word was a promise, a vow to herself and her family. The urgency in her tone underscored the gravity of the situation today was not just any day; it was the day of her wedding, and nothing would stop her from ensuring it happened.

Sharda stood by the doorway, her face a canvas of mixed emotions. The worry etched in the lines on her forehead spoke volumes, yet there was also pride shining in her eyes. She recognized Manvi's determination and strength, a reflection of the woman she was becoming. "Theek hai, beta. Par apna khayal rakhna," she said softly, her voice warm yet tinged with concern. It was a gentle reminder of the world outside and the potential dangers lurking within it.

Manvi nodded, a fierce glint in her eyes, and stepped out into the bustling street, the sound of laughter and celebration echoing behind her. Her heart pounded with purpose as she moved, her mind already mapping out where to find Aarav and Khushi. The air was filled with anticipation, and she was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, her spirit unyielding and her mission clear. Today, nothing could stand in her way.

Aarav sat on the edge of the bed, his heart pounding in his chest as he felt the weight of despair press down on him like a suffocating fog. Tears blurred his vision, and he fought to hold back a sob that threatened to escape. The events of the previous night flooded back to him in disjointed flashes: the laughter, the music, and then Maya's cruel smile as she manipulated him in ways he had never imagined.

Maya's sinister laughter echoed in his ears, reverberating off the walls of the dimly lit room. "Aarav! Itne saalo baad! Aaj bhi wahi josh hai tum mein," she taunted, her hand brushing against his cheek in a mocking caress. Aarav recoiled instinctively, disgust coursing through him. How could she think she had any hold over him?

He turned his face away, anger boiling within him. "Maya, you drugged me! Nafrat karta hun tumse, hamesha karta rahunga! Mera vishwas hai Manvi, mera bharosa karegi!" His voice trembled with fury, but it was laced with an undercurrent of fear that gnawed at him.

Maya merely smirked, her eyes glinting with malicious satisfaction. "Aarav, wo tumse shaadi nahi karegi! Tumne uska bharosa toda hai," she declared, each word dripping with venom before she sauntered out of the room, leaving him in a suffocating silence.

The door clicked shut, and Aarav was plunged into an unbearable solitude. His anxiety hit him like a tidal wave, crashing over him and dragging him under. "No! Maine uska bharosa nahi toda," he thought desperately, grasping for any shred of hope. He looked down at his hands, still marked with the vibrant mehendi from the ceremony, a stark reminder of the love he shared with Manvi.

The rich, intricate patterns were a testament to their bond, a symbol of their upcoming union that now felt like a distant dream. Each swirl and curl of the design seemed to mock him, a painful reminder of the promises he had made and the trust he had to uphold. How could he face Manvi after this betrayal, even if it wasn't his fault?

His mind raced as he replayed the events of the night, desperately searching for a way to explain to Manvi, to make her see that he hadn't willingly broken her trust. But doubt clung to him like a shadow, threatening to engulf him in despair. What if she believed Maya? What if she turned away from him, forever? The thought twisted in his gut, leaving a bitter taste in his mouth.

Aarav rubbed his eyes, the emotional weight pressing heavily on his chest as he fought against the tide of tears that threatened to spill over again. The room felt cold and empty, a stark contrast to the warmth of Manvi's laughter, which echoed in his mind like a sweet melody. He could vividly recall the way her smile lit up the darkest corners of his heart, a beacon of hope that made everything feel right in the world. But now, that light seemed distant, flickering in the shadows of his despair.

"Nahi! Main aaj apni bachi aur Manvi dono ko kho dunga..." The words escaped his lips in a desperate whisper, filled with a sense of urgency and panic. He attempted to hug himself, to gather his strength and reassurance, but a sharp tug reminded him of his reality his wrists were still bound to the edge of the bed, the rough ropes digging into his skin like a cruel reminder of his captivity.

Will his fears come true?

What will be Manvi's decision?

Stay tuned..