While Fateh took the decision in his full consciousness with his consent involved, Tejo found herself in a different predicament.

"Tejo this is the only way to save our family's reputation."
Bebe (grandmother) pleaded.
"We've never forced you. Please, just this once."

"Never forced me? Huh! Do you even hear yourself bebe? You knew I never wanted to go to Canada. Even then you got me married to Jass. What about that? All you guys care about is only Canada. Other things don't matter. You all think Jasmine is selfish to think of only her dreams. But what did you guys do? Didn't you ask me to fulfill your dream by marrying an NRI in spite of knowing I wanted to pursue a Ph.D. and settle in Punjab? Then how are you all different from her? You too compromised my love for you all just to fulfill your so-called Canada dream."

"Puttar, what are you saying! You yourself said yes to the marriage."

"Then what was I supposed to do Mummy? If you all cared for my dreams, you wouldn't have considered a Canada guy's alliance for me in the first place. And even then, what? You all were literally praising the guy right in the first meet. What did you even know about him? His Canada visa was so important that you ignored all the red flags and even kept me in the dark. And you dare to say you never forced me? Wow."

"I am tired Bebe, I am tired of cleaning up after each one's mess putting my own life at stake." She broke down. For Tejo, her family had always come first but now whatever her family did to her had extended its limit. All the memories of her rejecting the Ph.D. offer, attending the marriage ball in Delhi, humiliation faced there due to her mother Satti's lies, trying to recover from those moments of humiliation, family forcing for another relationship, accepting Jass for her family's sake, realizing his reality of being a fraud and now this. Each memory had made her bitter at the moment as all came crashing down upon her, each wave drowning her deeper in the sea of bitterness. This had resulted in the breakdown she faced now.

Everyone was shocked at the words Tejo uttered. Was she really Tejo? The girl who would give her life for her family? But then each of her words combined with her breakdown made them face the reality. Each word that came from her mouth was true. They did push her for marriage when she had clearly told them that she wanted to marry a Punjabi guy and do something for her country. Besides they had Jasmine who was more than ready to marry a Canadian guy. Then why did they need Tejo? They knew the answer. Because Jasmine wouldn't be able to face life all alone in Canada, but Tejo would be able to take care of it for her. They had always seen Tejo as someone who would do anything for them and used her for whatever came to their life but now, the camel's back had been broken. They couldn't dare say another word to her in favor of accepting being a replacement for her sister. They all just stood rooted in their places. No one dared to move ahead to console her during her breakdown.

"Tejo ji!" Fateh found her in a devastating state. He had heard what she said and couldn't even imagine alk the pain she must be feeling right now. He could see the stark contrast between their families and their approach towards each other. His grandfather and father had very maturely pointed out their own opinions of why his marriage with Tejo could be successful and here her family was just pushing her to be the scapegoat as usual. He couldn't believe it when he heard her expressing her resentment for her family in the open. This was Tejo who would never even dream of resenting her family but this. In a way, he was somewhere glad that she said it all, this family surely needed a reality check. His grandfather's words were spot on. This marriage may not be a normal one, but this marriage would surely fulfill their dreams. And that's enough for them to live. Their dreams, would their purpose to face the challenges and live their lives in contentment if not in happiness. Their friendship would be enough.

"I can't do this anymore Fateh! I can't do this." She sobbed, clutching his shirt tightly.

"Tejo ji, you have to hold yourself up. I need to talk to you. You trust me right?" He wiped her tears, making her look in his eyes.

A little bit disoriented but she managed to nod. Fateh gave her a small smile and made her get up. "Then you will at least consider what I say right?" He again got a nod in response.

They both went to Abhiraj's room for a private talk. On the outside, Amrik stood shocked hearing how this family had treated their own daughter. He never thought he would be feeling bad for this Tejo ji whom he resented for scolding him in front of everyone just because of a misunderstanding. He only thanked God, that all this didn't happen on the wedding day or the drama would have been on another level. Maybe, she was not as bad as he had thought. Not that he hated her. He didn't. No matter how much he showed he didn't like her, but deep down on a subconscious level, he had always respected her. Maybe the dislike came from jealousy that again someone had chosen his brother over himself. Why couldn't he have a friend like her who was so loyal and always stood for your better, no matter what the situation maybe? Right from childhood, everyone praised his Fatehveer, and of course, they would, he was worthy of every praise he got and even he himself felt proud of having Fateh as his elder brother but deep down he craved the respect his elder brother got. But Tejo was one friend Fateh got without any efforts. He liked Jasmine but got a precious friend like Tejo ji. This was hard to digest for Amrik. How did Fateh get a friend like her by doing nothing, but he was left in the hoard of spoilt brats. Oh wait, Fateh did stalk that Jasmine to get a friend a Tejo ji for free.

Maybe I should also stalk a Canada-obsessed girl, it just might work, and get me a friend like Tejo ji.

"Amrik!" Mahi and Abhiraj stood there laughing at his train of thoughts. Mahi never thought the real reason Amrik was a bit off with Tejo, would be wanting to have a friend like her. This brother of hers was surely from a different planet.

Amrik was too embarrassed to even say anything. He said those words out loud. Abhiraj was happy for his sister that she would surely be happy if she agreed to this alliance. Mahi had already updated him on the conversation that happened in her family and after pondering over it Abhiraj too agreed that whatever Fateh's grandfather had said made complete sense. And with a father-in-law like Khushbeer in support of Tejo, nothing could stop her from achieving her dreams. He also hoped that Tejo would agree but for her own happiness this time.

"Dude you are an idiot! You don't need to do anything for befriending Tejo. Now she will be your sister-in-law na."

"That's the problem. Woh kehte hai na, bhabhi maa samaan hoti hai." (They say, that your brother's wife is like a mother). He cringed at those words.

"Hahaha! No dude, that's for the older generation. You should follow the new saying. Bhabhi devar toh best friends hote hai." (Brother's wife can be your best friend).

"And just imagine, if Fateh doesn't allow you to do something, all you and Mahi need to do is make really sad babyfaces in front of Tejo and she will handle him." And the trio laughed, with tears coming out of their eyes.

"We didn't think of this! This is gold." Mahi exclaimed. Abhiraj could see the stars in their eyes at his proposed idea.

"Let's just hope Fatehveer can convince Tejoji for the marriage."

"He will." Abhiraj declared confidently. He knew how close Fateh was to Tejo. He had witnessed their friendship. "Tejo wouldn't be able to say no to Fateh."

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Fateh conveyed his grandfather's words to Tejo.
She just listened in silence. Not getting any reaction for a while, Fateh continued,

"Tejo ji, I know you feel that you are my second choice and that my love for Jasmine may not allow me to love you ever again. But honestly Tejo ji, I have begun to question the need of love between spouses for living a happy married life. I cannot promise you my love Tejo ji. But I can surely promise 2 things. Our friendship will remain the same. And I will always support your dreams. You know Papa also said that he can talk to the college for checking the availablity of seats for the PhD programme. You don't hve to worry about your dreams being compromised here. Come what may, we'll face each challenge together. So would you please consider this alliance? I am not saying this because Jasmine said no. I am asking this because I feel dadaji's words make complete sense. All we need to do is fulfill our dreams and trust our friendship. Phir toh humare sapnon ko udaariyan leni hi hai. Saath mein!" (Our dreams will then definitely come true. Together!)

"Our friendship will remain as it is?" She asked like, a child seeking for comfort from their mother.

"Yes, no matter what."

"But what if we are unable to love each other even after wards? Your family will expect us to have children."

"That's just a small matter. We can always adopt. Who says two friends can't make a family. We can then still enjoy a family life keeping our friendship intact."

Tejo realized, Fateh had given this a lot more thought than she assumed. For once someone was thinking for her, considering her wishes along with their own. And this was Fateh, who had risked his life when they exposed her fraud ex-husband. How could he wrong her? He wouldn't.
And thus, Tejo said yes.

"I am ready fateh. For this journey of fulfilling our dreams." She decided.

"Together". They said, smiling at each other.

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And that's for today's update. Quite a big one. 1800 words.

How did you find Tejo's outburst?

Did you find Amrik's thoughts relatable?

How was Fatejo's talk?

And most importantly, please note all these confrontations are happening before the rituals begin. So haldi mehendi and wedding were not done for JasFa's wedding. Jasmine got to know about the job before all these rituals occured.

Don't forget to vote and comment! I would love to know your thoughts on this chapter 😁

Published on 23rd June, 2021