I was lost in a deep slumber when my eyes suddenly snapped open. My throat felt parched and itchy, and I instinctively reached for the water bottle on my side table, only to find it empty.

I glanced at the clock and groggily noted the time - 4:00 PM As I turned towards the window, the sun's rays streaming through the panes hit my face, disturbing my peaceful rest.

The sun was already setting, preparing to move on to its last stage in the sky.

"Maa! Maaa!" I cried out, my voice hoarse with desperation, but the silence was deafening.

Exhausted and frustrated, I resigned myself to fetching a drink from the kitchen myself.

As I trudged down the stairs, I was met with the most annoying face in the world, chatting with my Badi maa and Maa, no doubt discussing my latest mishap.

"Vritu, how are you now?" Sanya asked.

"I'm fine," I replied, my face a mask of nonchalance.

"What are you doing here, Vritu? You should be resting," maa admonished.

"I'm thirsty, Maa," I responded, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Radha, bring her a glass of water and refill the bottle in her room," Badi maa instructed.

I dragged myself to the sofa in the hall, collapsing onto the cushions with a sigh.

"So, where did you disappear to, Sanya? We were searching everywhere for you! Do you have any idea how terrified we were?" my mother exclaimed, her voice laced with worry and exasperation.

But Sanya merely started to speak, "Aunty, it's that—" before abruptly stopping and changing the subject. "Where is Adwait Aunty?" she asked bluntly, disregarding my mother's concerns.

Janav bhai entered the hall, his expression somber. "He's still in the hospital."

She nodded curtly and departed, leaving my mother's questions unanswered.

"Okh" was all she said before exiting.

"Where are you off to, Sanya?" Badi Maa called out, her voice laced with a mix of concern and frustration, but Sanya was already gone, her reply hanging in the air. "I'll be back soon, Aunty..."

Badi Maa's words were cut short as Sanya hastily departed the palace, leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions.

"What's gotten into this girl today?" Maa exclaimed, her worry evident.

Badi Maa shook her head, her expression a mix of confusion and helplessness. "God knows, dear."

A servant approached me with a glass of water, and I gratefully accepted it, my thirst finally quenched. As I handed the empty glass back, my thoughts drifted to the woman who had just left. I knew her secrets, and they weighed heavily on my mind.

"Vritu , drink up and get ready," Badi Maa instructed, her voice snapping me back to reality.

"Are we going somewhere, Badi Maa?" I questioned, my curiosity piqued.

"The post-wedding rituals still need to be performed," she responded, a hint of a smile on her face. "And it might just change your mind as well."

I nodded, my mind racing with thoughts of Anisha's decision. Would she choose to stay or leave? The uncertainty made my heart race. Just then, Janav Bhai's voice broke through my reverie, bringing me back to the present moment.

"Vritu, let me take you back to your chamber." Janav bhai offered

"Hmm!!" Was all I uttered, and we both headed back to my room.

I sat on the bed and pulled the comforter up to my knees.

"What's wrong, Vritu?" Janav Bhai inquired, as Ariv entered the room.

"What's wrong? I got kidnapped, that's what's wrong..."

"I know, child, I know, but that's not what I'm referring to."

"So?" I murmured, hesitantly.

"Do you know something we don't, something other than the kidnapping?" I bit my lower lip, unsure if I should reveal more. But Bhai had told me not to divulge anything...

"Come on, Vritika, tell us," Ariv urged.

"Promise me you won't divulge to Bhai that I was the one who told you, or... or just pretend you know nothing."

They both gazed at me, then at each other, and hummed in unison.

"No, promise me first..." I insisted.

"Okay, we promise..." Janav Bhai and Ariv replied in unison, their voices echoing off the walls.

"You're binding yourselves to cousin's law, and you can't break it," I reminded them, my serious tone emphasizing the gravity of the promise. They hummed in acknowledgement.

"Okay, then sit down first, or you'll collapse," I teased, gesturing to the bed.

"Stop building suspense and just tell us already!" Ariv exclaimed, his curiosity getting the better of him.

"I was just warning you..." I began, a sly grin spreading across my face.

"Just tell us!" they chimed in unison, their impatience palpable.

"Fine," I relented.
"Do you remember the wedding planner, Anisha?"

"Yeah!" they replied in tandem.

"The one Sanya constantly bullied, and she ended up leaving the wedding midway?" Ariv added, his eyes wide with recollection.

"Yupp!" I affirmed.

"So, what about her?" Janav Bhai queried, his curiosity piqued.

"Bhai didn't marry Sanya, but Anisha..." I revealed, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Han!" they exclaimed in unison, their eyes bulging in shock.

"Wait, this isn't a joke, Vritika..." Janav Bhai cautioned, his expression serious.

"I'm not joking, bhai. I'm dead serious. Bhai told me himself, and right now, he's with her..." I emphasized, my words dripping with conviction.

"Are you serious? It... it means she's our sister-in-law, not Sanya," Ariv stammered, his mind reeling from the revelation.

"Yeah!" I confirmed, my nod emphatic.

"What the actual fuck? And how did this happen?" Janav Bhai exclaimed, his disbelief evident.

"I don't know... I was kidnapped..." I trailed off, my pout betraying my frustration.

"Wait a minute... Bhai is with her, and Sanya went there? I hope she didn't create a scene..." Janav Bhai worried aloud.

"She has no right to create a scene there. Bhai is with his legitimate wife..." I asserted, my voice firm and resolute.

"Oh God, but how did this happen??" Janav Bhai blurted, his eyes wide with disbelief.

"God knows," I interept, my shrug barely perceptible.

Just then, Bade Papa appeared at my door, his sudden presence startling us all.

"Are you serious, Vritika?" he questioned, his voice firm but laced with a hint of surprise.

My heart skipped a beat as I wondered how much he had overheard. How long had he been standing there? I silently pleaded with the universe to save me from Adwait Bhai's wrath.

"Oh God, where are you? Please save me..." I screamed internally.

My voice trembled as I addressed Bade Papa, "Woh-woh- Bade Papa..." He entered the room, his eyes fixed on me, and sat down across from me, his expression a mix of concern and curiosity.

"Now, tell me the details of how you found out about this," Bade Papa commanded, his authoritative tone making me flinch.

"How much did you know? Was Sanya not the one in the mandap?" he interrogated, his eyes piercing.

I hesitated, avoiding eye contact. "Well, I don't know much either... Anisha's cousin was the one who saved me," I muttered, my gaze darting around the room.

"He was the one who saved you?" Bade Papa's expression softened, his voice gentle. I nodded, and he encouraged me to continue. I recounted everything I had learned in the hospital room, my words tumbling out in a rush.

"And after that, she passed out, and his cousin carried her to another room... I confirmed it with Bhai too," I added, my voice barely above a whisper.

Bade Papa's gaze narrowed.
"What did he say?" he asked, his voice firm.

"He told me it was true," I answered, my eyes downcast.

Bade Papa sighed deeply, his expression a mix of concern and understanding. "Get some rest, we'll handle it," he said, patting my head.

"Hmm," I murmured, feeling a sense of relief wash over me.

As Bade Papa left, I dramatically fell onto my bed, pulling the comforter over my head. "Adwait Bhai is going to kill me..." I cried dramatically, my voice muffled.

"You're sick, no one will say anything," Ariv chuckled, he teased, trying to reassure me.

"Yeah! And I'm blaming both of you for that!" I chirped from beneath the comforter.

Janav Bhai and Ariv laughed and left the room, leaving me to drift off into a deep slumber once again.

I felt a rough hand caressing my head slowly, and my eyes opened to confirm the owner of the gentle touch.

"Bhai," I whispered, my voice still husky from sleep.

"I'm sorry if I woke you up," Adwait Bhai apologized, his eyes filled with concern.

I straightened myself, adjusting to the headrest. "It's fine," I reacted , my gaze locked on his.

"You know I'm never going to tell you any secrets after that," he commented, his voice laced with a hint of sarcasm and chuckled.

"I'm sorry," I muttered, his expression soften.

I lowered my gaze, my eyes fixed on my hands in my lap.

"You don't need to feel guilty. Anyway, I had to tell everyone the truth, but it was just not the way..."

"Did she come with you?" I changed the topic and also my curiosity getting the better of me.

"No," Adwait Bhai answered, his voice gentle.

"She didn't want to stay with us?" I probed, my eyes locked on his.

"No, it's just her uncle got into an accident, so they left," he explained, his expression sympathetic.

"Ooh!" I exclaimed, my eyes widening in understanding.

"And what about the Malhotras? Sanya went to the hospital," I said, my brow furrowed in concern.

"I know. I met her. It was fun..." Adwait Bhai smirked.

"Really?" My eyes narrowed.

He nodded, his smirk still in place. "Yeah! Don't tense yourself, okay!"

I hummed, my eyes fixed on his. "When will she be coming?" I inquired, my curiosity piqued.

Adwait Bhai exhaled deeply. "I don't know!"

We left the room to give them the privacy they requested. I'm dying to know what they're discussing. I have no idea what she'll decide, but I'm aware that I'm the one to blame. It was my idea, and now she's facing the consequences of my foolishness.

Dad is right, I need to sharpen my brain. I'm clueless about how we'll break the news to them. He will definitely explode when he finds out.

What a mess! Oh God, can't you make things less complicated? I have a feeling she'll choose him, though. God knows what they'll do...

"Jarek!" Vidharth, Randhawa's friend, called out, snapping me out of my thoughts.

"Yeah, how can I help you?" I responded, curious about his sudden question.

"Did we meet somewhere before?" he quired, seemingly out of the blue.

I thought for a moment.
"I don't remember."

"Ooh, okay!" Vidharth reacted.

"Mr. York!" a nurse called out, approaching me.

"Yes?" I replied.

"Are you a family member of the patient in room 322?" she inquired, her eyes scanning my face.

"Yeah, that's my sister."I nodded.

The nurse gestured for me to follow her. "The doctor is requesting your presence."

We walked to a nearby cabin, and she knocked on the door. A voice from inside granted us entry.

"Mr. York, please take a seat," the doctor uttered, his gaze rising from the files on his desk.

I sat down, my eyes fixed on the doctor.

"Mr. York, can you inform me if your sister has any history of mental illness?" he inquired, his expression neutral.

"No, absolutely not, doctor." I furrowed my brows.

The doctor nodded, his eyes returning to the files. "I understand."

I leaned forward, my interest aroused.
"But why did you inquire, doctor?"

The doctor's gaze locked onto mine. "Mr. York, we detected traces of alprazolam and phencyclidine in your sister's test results."

"What are these drugs used for, doctor?" I was perplexed.

The doctor's expression turned serious. "One is used for hypnotic purposes, and the other can induce hallucinations."

My eyes widened, my mind racing with questions. "I understand!"

"Yes, please ensure she didn't take these drugs without proper medication, as they can be harmful to her brain,"  the doctor urged.

"Was this the reason she fainted?" I asked, my concern growing.

The doctor shook his head. "No, but it appears she's been taking them for a long time."

I furrowed my brows, confusion deepening. "What do you mean, doctor?"

The doctor's expression turned straightforward. "Mr. York, I'll be blunt. These medicines have been in her system for an extended period, suggesting she's been taking them daily. You know how psychological issues are often stigmatized in our society. If she's hiding something due to this, she definitely needs professional help. Otherwise, these drugs without proper medication will damage her memory and cognitive abilities."

"I'll take care of that, doctor. Thank you!" I exclaimed, still reeling from the revelation.

What was that? I'm at a loss for words. Ava has a serious psychological issue, and I had no idea... This raises questions about how well I really know her...

I turned to the doctor.
"May we leave now?" I inquired.

He nodded, his attention already back on his files. "Yeah, sure..."

I returned to Ava's room, my mind racing with the information the doctor had shared. She's taking medication for hypnosis... why? I wondered.

As I entered the room, I found Mr. Randhawa standing there, his eyes filled with tension.

"We'll come back later," he stated, his voice tight, before departing.

I turned to Ava.
"What occurred? What did you tell him?" I queried.

She bit her lower lip, and I raised an eyebrow, my gaze intent on hers.

"Don't look at me like that... He wants to give this marriage a chance, but do you think he'll still feel the same way after knowing the truth? Definitely not..." Ava muttered to herself.

"Things are complicated. Are you going to tell him?" I questioned

"I need to," I stated.

"You can wait until your relationship becomes stable," I suggested, she raised her brows.

"Only if you want to be in the relationship. Do you want to?" I pressed.

"I don't know..." She shrugged.

"What did he say?" I inquired.

"To give this marriage a chance," Ava replied.

"So, give it a chance," I suggested.

"Oh, it's that easy, right?" Ava uttered, rolling her eyes.

"I know—" I began, but was interrupted by an unknown voice.

"You should better say no..."

I turned to see Miss Malhotra entering the room, her eyes fixed on Ava. Ava raised an eyebrow, her expression questioning.

"How can I help you?" Ava asked, her tone laced with annoyance.

"I'm here to knock some sense into your brain," Miss Malhotra retorted.

"I don't think I need advice from a brainless person like you." Ava smirked.

The annoyance was now palpable on Miss Malhotra's face. Oh God, I wish I had some popcorn, this is going to be good! I settled into a nearby sofa chair, ready to enjoy the spectacle.

Miss Malhotra marched towards Ava, her face red with anger. "You don't know who I am? I can destroy you in just two minutes!"

Their faces were inches apart, so close that a mere inch closer would have resulted in a kiss. But to everyone's disappointment, Ava slapped Miss Malhotra, sending her crashing to the ground.

Ava stood up from the bed and approached Miss Malhotra, who was holding her bleeding lip. Ava grasped Miss Malhotra's chin, forcing her to meet her gaze. The intensity of the moment was palpable, and I couldn't help but think that if this were an LGBTQ drama, it would be a steamy scene - an ex and a wife, locked in a fierce confrontation.

"Try it," Ava dared her. "I'm not someone who takes shit from anyone. But I love returning it tenfold."

Miss Malhotra trembled, her hands slipping from her face as tears welled up in her eyes.

"Just wait, I'll make sure your life becomes hell..." she threatened, before turning and fleeing the scene, her tail between her legs.

"Feeling better?" I uttered.

"No, I want to return the torture she gave me..." Ava retorted.

"She'll definitely die if you torture her." Ava sneered,
"No, it will be a different kind of torture..."

I tilted my head, intrigued.
"What's that supposed to mean?" I inquired.

"You'll get to know soon." And her smile grew wider.

Just then, Vidharth and Adwait entered the room.

"Woah! What did you do, Sanya? She was crying like a ten-year-old kid!" Vidharth exclaimed.

"She came here to give me some advice. I just returned it to her."

Adwait began to remark, "You don't—" but was interrupted by the ringtone of my phone.

"Sorry, gentlemen and lady. Please continue your bickering," I apologized, as I answered the call.

I answered the call; it was from Mom.

"Jarek," her voice rang through the phone.

"How are you, Mom?" I inquired.

"Dove sei?" She counter questioned.

(Where are you?)

"Sono occupato, mamma" I replied.
(I'm busy, Mom)

"Jarek," her voice cracked this time.

"Cos'è successo, mamma?" I uttered softly.

(What happened, Mom?)

"Jarek! tuo padre ha avuto un incidente; torna prest" she exclaimed in one breath.

(Jarek! your dad had an accident; come back fast)

"Aspettare! Che cosa? Come? Quando? Sta bene adesso?" My hands started to tremble.
(Wait! What? How? When? Is he okay now?)

I managed to calm myself and continued speaking.

"Torna a casa presto; ne discuteremo più tardi."
(Come home early; we'll discuss it later.)

"Sì, parto subito" I declared
(Yes, I'll leave immediately!)

I hung up the phone and went back.

Ava was already staring at me and raised her brows and then noticed my trembling hands.

"What happened?" she inquired, her voice laced with concern. The other men's attention was now focused on me.

"Dad got into an accident," I replied, my tone solemn.

"What?" she exclaimed, shock etched on her face.

"We need to leave now," I declared, and she nodded in agreement.

The city's vibrant lights faded into the background as my mind was preoccupied with thoughts of my dad's accident. It wasn't until Ava gently shook me that I realized we had already arrived at the airport. Adwait and Vidharth were there to see us off, bidding us farewell as we headed towards our gate. The flight was somber, with an oppressive silence that none of us could break. Grief weighed heavily on our hearts. Ava tried to offer some comfort, placing a hand on my shoulder.

Time slipped away unnoticed, and before I knew it, the flight was already boarded.

"Don't worry, he'll be fine..." she whispered.

"Everything's going to be alright... We'll make sure of it... But you have to control yourself... Aunty and grandma need you too," Ava uttered, her hands cradling my cheeks.

I murmured a faint response, resting my head on her shoulder as she gently rubbed my hand, offering what little solace she could.

"Jarek, Ava," Mom's voice broke through my reverie.

"Mamma, come sta papà?" I inquired, my voice laced with concern.

(Mom, how's dad?)

She enveloped me in a tight hug, and I stroked her back.

"Il medico ha detto che le sue condizioni sono critiche. È ancora in terapia intensiva." she revealed, her voice trembling.

(The doctor said his condition is critical. He is still in intensive care.)

"Dov'è la nonna?" I queried, worried about her whereabouts.

(Where is grandma?)

"L'avessi rimandata indietro, stare qui non avrebbe fatto altro che peggiorare le sue condizioni." Mom explained, her eyes welling up with tears.

(If I had sent her back, staying here would have only made her condition worse.)

Ava intervened, her voice gentle.

"Jarek, take aunt to rest for a bit. I'll stay here with uncle. She needs some rest." I nodded in agreement, noticing the dark circles under Mom's amber eyes, her disheveled hair, and dry lips.

"Ava ha ragione, mamma, hai bisogno di riposo..." I said, concerned about her exhaustion.

(Ava is right, mom, you need rest...)

"No...no... non andrò da nessuna parte" she protested, her voice firm.

(No...no...I'm not going anywhere)

"Dovresti, mamma, sono qui, Ava ti riporterà indietro... per favore..." I persisted, trying to convince her.

(You should, mom, I'm here, Ava will take you back... please...)

After some persuasion, she finally relented, but Ava insisted that she would stay behind while I accompanied mom, who needed me more. I tried to argue, but a glance at Mom's frail state made me realize Ava was right. Mom needs me right now. I sighed and agreed with her. I left with Mom. When we arrived home, Grandma was there, and I went to comfort her as well.

"Nonna!" I called out, approaching her in the garden, where she sat lost in thought, gazing at a flower.

"Jarek, figlio mio..." she replied, her voice tinged with worry.

(Jarek, my son...)

"Don't worry, Nonna, everything would be fine," I tried to reassure her embracing her.

"Prego anch'io per questo, ma questa volta sembra che il destino sia pronto a punirci per le nostre azioni sbagliate," she muttered, releasing a deep sigh.

(I pray for that too, but this time it seems like fate is ready to punish us for our wrong actions)

"He didn't hurt anyone. So surely fate can't punish him," I argued, trying to reason with her.

"Oh mio caro! Ci sono alcuni corpi nascosti sotto la villa. Nessuno lo sa ma io sì.. E facendo parte di ciò ho potuto vedere che stanno venendo a portarci nelle nostre tombe.." she revealed, her eyes locked onto mine, leaving me perplexed and wondering what she meant.

(Oh my dear! There are some bodies hidden under the mansion. No one knows but I do.. And being part of this I could see that they are coming to take us to our graves..)

"Non so di cosa stai parlando, nonna... ma mi assicurerò che vada tutto bene.." I assured her, trying to sound convincing, but her words had already struck a chord within me. There was definitely something I didn't know about, but I didn't have the time to dwell on it now, so I pushed those thoughts to the back of my mind.

(I don't know what you're talking about, grandma... but I'll make sure everything goes well..)

Meanwhile, Mom had freshened up and was ready to leave for the hospital, but I stopped her and left alone.

I arrived at the hospital, and the nurses handed me a PPE kit to wear.

I entered the ICU, dressed in the PPE kit, just as Ava called out for a doctor. A nurse and a doctor rushed in, and I followed closely behind them.

They began administering CPR, their eyes fixed on the heart rate monitor, which had almost flatlined. My mind went blank, and my legs felt like lead, making it hard to stand. I reached out to Ava, who was standing frozen like a statue.

She flinched slightly at my touch, then composed herself.

"Everything will be fine..." she whispered, but the doctor's words cut her off.

"I'm sorry, he's gone." I felt myself swaying, but Ava caught me, holding me close and stroking my back slowly.

Tears began to fall involuntarily from my eyes as she continued to comfort me.