She stood there, clad in her deep red bridal lehenga, her eyes glistening with a mixture of emotions. Ruhani turned to face her father, who was trying his best to hide the tears welling up in his eyes. A heartfelt smile touched her lips as she looked into her father's eyes, her voice trembling with the weight of the moment.

"Take care, Dad," she whispered, trying to summon a smile, but the tears streaming down her cheeks gave her away. Her father, Sahib, pulled her into a tender embrace, holding her tightly as if he never wanted to let go.

Jodhbir, her steadfast companion, watched the emotional exchange between father and daughter. He wrapped his arms around Ruhani, offering his silent support and comfort. Gently, he guided her towards the waiting car, his touch reassuring as they embarked on the journey of their new life together.

Ruhani couldn't help but steal one last look at her family. Her father's tears mirrored her own, her uncle and aunt were equally emotional, and even Angad, the family's resident joker, couldn't hide the tears welling up in his eyes. Chahana sobbed on Jashn's shoulder, while her Girdhari uncle also wept in a corner.

As Ruhani wiped away her tears, Jodhbir, ever the charmer, leaned in closer, attempting to lighten the mood. "Ruhani, don't cry. Your makeup is getting ruined, and you've started to resemble a witch." He grinned playfully, successfully coaxing a smile from her tear-streaked face.

He ushered her into the waiting car, holding the door open for her like a true gentleman. Ruhani settled into the backseat, and Jodhbir followed, taking his place beside her. The car pulled away, leaving the tearful but joyful scene behind.

Ruhani nestled her head against Jodhbir's shoulder, closing her eyes to savor the moment. The overwhelming emotions of the day had left her feeling exhausted, and his warmth offered her solace.

"Feeling tired?" Jodhbir inquired softly, his fingers gently running through her hair as she lay against him.

She hummed in response, a contented sigh escaping her lips.

"Does that mean we won't be consummating tonight?" His question, although straightforward, caught her off guard. Her eyes widened in disbelief, and she stared at him as if he were an alien.

"Why are you staring at me like this?" Jodhbir asked, genuinely puzzled.

"Because you leave no chance to shock me. And no, we are not consummating tonight," she replied firmly, shaking her head at his audaciousness.

Jodhbir playfully pouted and averted his gaze, trying to hide his amusement. But Ruhani wasn't one to be swayed by dramatics. She quickly shifted her focus, directing it toward their home.

As they reached the apartment, Jodhbir helped Ruhani out of the car, his tenderness evident in the way he assisted with her lehenga. With the key to their new life in hand, he unlocked the door and ushered her inside.

"Now, you might be disappointed with this boring welcome," Jodhbir began, his voice tinged with playfulness, "but you already know that I'm a bit of a weirdo. Those tedious wedding rituals don't make much sense to me. Though consummation is a reasonable practice, it should be consensual, which isn't the case for us. So I'll wait for your consent, and then, very soon, our baby will be in your womb, and after a year—" His speech was abruptly interrupted by Ruhani.

"Can I come in, Mr. Husband?" she interrupted, her tone dripping with sugar-coated sarcasm.

Jodhbir bit his tongue, suppressing his grin. "Sorry, sorry, I got carried away with my rant. Mrs. Ruhani Jodhbir Agnihotri, welcome to our home."

She stepped inside with an endearing smile, her heart brimming with happiness.

"Jodh, I can't believe this. A few months ago, we were strangers, and now we're married," she exclaimed, her eyes filled with wonder.

"We are each other's reality now," Jodhbir replied with a tender smile.

"I want to dance with you," she requested, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

"Your wish is my command, wifey," he responded, placing his hand on her waist and entwining his fingers with hers.

They began to waltz, their movements slow and deliberate, without the need for music. It was as though they danced to the rhythm of their own hearts, their eyes locked in a loving gaze. The world around them disappeared as they swayed together, cherishing the moment.

Their silent dance was filled with unspoken promises and a shared vision of the future they were building together. Ruhani's jingling jewelry added a subtle melody to their dance, and the feeling of Jodhbir's hand on her waist was both comforting and electrifying.

However, their private moment was interrupted by the insistent ringtone of Jodhbir's phone. Both of them let out a disappointed sigh as he reluctantly answered the call.

"Hello?" Jodhbir said, trying to maintain his composure despite the interruption.

"Jodhbir Agnihotri?" a voice on the other end inquired.

"Yes, that's me," Jodhbir replied, his curiosity piqued.

"I am Ali, your father's old friend. I hope you remember me," the voice continued.

Recognition flashed across Jodhbir's face. Ali was a loyal friend of his late father, but as far as he could recall, Ali had been arrested by the police a few weeks after his father's death.

"I do remember you," Jodhbir acknowledged, a sense of curiosity creeping into his voice.

"Can you come to meet me right now?" Ali asked, a hint of urgency in his tone.

Jodhbir hesitated for only a moment before responding, "Where?"

"House no. 17, Old City Road," Ali replied.

"I'm coming," Jodhbir confirmed before ending the call. He turned to Ruhani, concern etched on his face. "I need to go and meet my father's old friend, Ali. It's urgent."

Ruhani nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "Okay, go. But please come back as soon as possible. I can't stay alone at home for too long."

Jodhbir managed a reassuring smile and leaned in to kiss her forehead. "Don't worry, I'll be back soon."

With a final, lingering look, he left to meet Ali, leaving behind the promise of his return. Ruhani watched him leave, a mix of emotions flooding her heart.

🕊🕊🕊

The name "Old City Road" perfectly matched the antiquated condition of the street. There was not a proper parking spot in sight, forcing Jodhbir to park his car at a corner along with several other vehicles. He stepped out of the car and made his way to house number 17, knocking gently on the weathered door.

The door creaked open to reveal a middle-aged man. His face looked vaguely familiar to Jodhbir, and he immediately recognized the man as Ali, his father's trusted confidant.

"Please come inside," Ali said, welcoming Jodhbir into the dimly lit house.

Jodhbir obliged and stepped into the small, dimly lit interior. Ali closed the door behind him, enveloping them in near darkness.

"Why did you want to meet me?" Jodhbir inquired, his curiosity evident.

Ali hesitated for a moment before responding, "Because I have something important to tell you."

Jodhbir's gaze remained fixed on Ali, his eyes searching for answers in the older man's tired eyes.

Ali began, "You must be aware that your father was assassinated."

Jodhbir nodded solemnly. The memory of his father's assassination was etched into his consciousness like a never-healing wound.

"Ever wondered why?" Ali continued, his voice carrying a weight of hidden truths.

"Politics," Jodhbir replied, his voice laced with bitterness. "That's the only answer that ever made sense."

Ali leaned in, his expression grave. "Your uncle, Jay Agnihotri, was also assassinated, but that was because of his anti-corruption movements. His assassination was orchestrated by some twisted politicians. However, your father's case was entirely different."

Jodhbir's brow furrowed in confusion. "Different in what way?"

Ali took a deep breath before delivering the next revelation. "It may hurt you to know, but your father was a corrupt politician."

The words hung heavy in the air. Jodhbir couldn't believe what he was hearing. His father, the man he had looked up to, had been involved in corrupt activities.

"Go on," Jodhbir urged, his voice barely above a whisper.

Ali's gaze remained steady as he continued, "And he was involved in Jay Agnihotri's assassination as well."

Jodhbir's heart sank. The shock of learning that his father was a corrupt politician paled in comparison to the revelation that he had been involved in his own brother's death. Jay Agnihotri had been a man of integrity, and now Jodhbir had to come to terms with the fact that his father had been responsible for his uncle's demise.

He couldn't fathom how his father could have done such a thing. The truth stung like a thousand bee stings, leaving him reeling from the pain.

"His involvement in Jay Agnihotri's assassination was the reason he was killed by Sahib Shekhawat, Angraj Shekhawat's stepbrother," Ali added, dropping another bombshell.

Jodhbir's mind raced to connect the dots. It now made sense why Sahib Shekhawat, his father-in-law, had shown such hesitation about Ruhani marrying him. The tangled web of family secrets and political intrigue had ensnared them all.

"Aren't you wondering why I'm wearing a Sherwani?" Jodhbir asked Ali.

Ali nodded, acknowledging his curiosity.

"Just a few hours ago, I married Sahib Shekhawat's daughter. How ironic, right?" Jodhbir's voice wavered as he fought back tears. "I fell in love with my father's murderer's daughter."

Ali offered a solemn nod, his gaze filled with empathy. "Jodhbir, don't hurt that girl. She is innocent."

Jodhbir wiped away a tear that had escaped his eye, his resolve firm. "Don't worry, I won't. Fortunately, I am not like my dad."

He reached into his wallet, removing all the money it contained and handing it to Ali. "Take this. It will help you start a new life. If you ever need any help, you can approach me."

With a pat on Ali's shoulder, Jodhbir left the old house behind, his mind weighed down by the revelations. As he drove back home, he couldn't help but wonder how the tangled threads of the past would continue to shape his future with Ruhani.

🕊🕊🕊

Ruhani had swapped her attire for one of Jodhbir's shirts since her luggage remained in the car. An uneasy feeling gnawed at her, sensing that he would be devastated. Jodhbir had always been sensitive when it came to his parents, and now, meeting his father's friend raised concerns about how it might affect him.

The doorbell chimed, jolting her from her thoughts. Rushing to the front door, she swung it open, revealing Jodhbir on the doorstep.

As anticipated, he appeared utterly shattered. His eyes bore the telltale signs of unshed tears, and Ruhani understood the weight of emotions he carried. Without uttering a word, she closed the door behind him, gently took his wrist, and guided him to their bedroom. He followed her in silence, his heart echoing a constant refrain to handle this situation with care and not to inflict pain upon her.

Once inside the bedroom, Ruhani directed him to sit on the edge of the bed. Tenderly, she assisted him in removing his sherwani. Then, she remembered his preference of sleeping in just his boxers. Bending down to the floor, she retrieved his lower garment.

"Are you sure?" he inquired, his voice tinged with vulnerability.

Ruhani nodded reassuringly and helped him undress fully. She neatly folded his clothes, placing them beside her bridal attire.

"Are you hungry, Jodh?" she inquired, concerned for his well-being.

Jodhbir shook his head, his appetite likely diminished by the heavy emotions he carried.

Ruhani settled down beside him, and together they cocooned themselves beneath a warm duvet. She wrapped her arms around him, planting a loving kiss on his forehead. Jodhbir nestled his head in the crook of her neck and closed his eyes, seeking solace in her embrace.

Curiosity swirled within Ruhani, an urge to know what had caused his turmoil, but she understood the need to respect his space. Her fingers gently combed through his hair, soothing him toward slumber. She felt his lips graze her neck tenderly before he surrendered to sleep. Her hands rested on his bare back, offering him the comfort and warmth he so desperately needed.

After what felt like an eternity of comforting silence, Ruhani finally submit to sleep herself. Side by side, they drifted into the realm of dreams, finding solace in each other's presence amidst the turmoil of emotions that had enveloped their lives.