Vaidehi was stunned. For a moment, her eyes widened as if someone had suddenly pushed her into darkness. Her lips went dry, and her heartbeat seemed to echo in her ears. Shalini, smiling, carried her words forward—
Shalini – "Yes, Vaidehi, your marriage! With Akash. Didn't I tell you that I would find a prince for you? And look… that prince has come in the form of Akash to take you away as his bride."
There was a strange enthusiasm and affection in Shalini's voice. But for Vaidehi, the sentence struck like lightning. She stood frozen for a moment. Her eyes lowered, then lifted a little, then fell again. In her mind, a storm of questions erupted.
Vaidehi, muttering to herself, with a choking breath – "Marriage? So soon? So suddenly? I… I was prepared someday for marriage, but today? Now? Like this? … Why is everything happening so fast?"
Her face clearly showed her worry and confusion. Seeing her silent, Mala placed a hand on her shoulder and said—
Mala – "Vaidehi… we know this is very sudden for you. But child, Akash is a very good boy. Didn't you see yesterday? How he saved your life? Without thinking of himself, he fought those goons only for your safety. There was no selfishness in him, only care for you."
Mala sighed deeply, her voice softening. She tried to let her words sink deeply into Vaidehi's heart.
Mala, emotionally, eyes moist – "Vaidehi, there could be no better life partner for you than Akash. And look, if your home is saved, if you fill this house with happiness, then we too will live the rest of our lives in peace. We don't want anything else, just to see you happy."
Tears welled up in Mala's eyes. Before they could fall, she quickly wiped them away, but the tremor in her voice had already revealed everything.
Hearing her aunt's words, Vaidehi looked up at her. There was moisture in her eyes, and a deep concern for her niece's happiness was etched across her face.
Vaidehi quickly wrapped her arms around her neck and, with a choked voice, said—
Vaidehi – "Mami ji… please don't say such things. I don't need anything… just your support. I can never bear to see you unhappy."
Her face was hidden on Mala's shoulder. Her body trembled slightly, and her tears soaked Mala's blouse.
Meanwhile, Shalini too stroked her head lovingly and said—
Shalini – "Our Vaidehi is so innocent! I've watched you grow up since childhood. Remember? Whenever you got hurt even a little, you'd run straight to me. Even then you had this same innocence on your face, and you still do today. The only difference is that you've grown up now, but your heart remains just as pure and tender."
At Shalini's words, a faint smile appeared on Vaidehi's lips. Fear and nervousness were still there, but amidst it, a tiny ray of hope flickered.
Shalini asked again, her voice filled with excitement and affection—
Shalini – "So tell us, Vaidehi… what is your answer? We are all eager to hear it. And to be honest… maybe Akash is more eager than all of us. His eyes never leave your face."
Hearing this, Akash—who had been standing quietly, only watching Vaidehi—suddenly blushed. A faint redness crept onto his cheeks. His restless eyes dropped again, but the smile on his lips refused to fade.
Vaidehi, too, looked at him for a moment. There was a shine in his eyes—honesty and sincerity glowing within. Then she looked back at Shalini, took a deep breath, and softly said—
Vaidehi – "Thakurain ji… I am ready to marry Akash ji."
As soon as she said this, the atmosphere of the room changed. A wave of joy swept across everyone's faces. Mala and Shalini embraced Vaidehi tightly. Tears of happiness streamed from their eyes.
---
A little later…
Outside, neighbors had gathered in the narrow street. All eyes were on the sparkling luxury car parked in front of Vaidehi's modest home.
Women gossiped among themselves.
One woman, eyes wide, hands raised in awe – "Oh Lord! Look at that car… seems Vaidehi's fate has truly opened up!"
Another woman, with a trace of jealousy, lips pressed – "Yes, well… it's all destiny. People like us won't get to even touch such a car in our whole lives."
Meanwhile, a few young girls peeked secretly at Vaidehi. Jealousy and sarcasm flickered across their faces.
One girl, whispering, rolling her eyes – "Just watch, now she'll forget us and act like a queen."
Another, wrinkling her nose – "Yeah… while we'll keep burning in this sun. Look at her luck!"
On the other side, some elderly women sincerely gave their blessings.
At the doorway, Shalini, Akash, Mala, and Vaidehi stood together. Shalini's face beamed with pride and joy. Looking around, she announced—
Shalini – "I'll ask the priest today itself for an auspicious wedding date. And listen, everyone… this wedding will be so grand that the whole city will talk about it. Our Vaidehi's wedding will be unforgettable!"
The neighborhood women exchanged glances. Some nodded, while others turned away in envy.
Mala smiled, nodding in agreement. Her eyes sparkled with pride and relief.
But Vaidehi remained silent. Her gaze was fixed downward, her breath fast, her heart still filled with fear and hesitation.
Akash slowly walked toward her. His voice was soft, but so sweet it reached straight into her heart.
Akash, with a gentle smile, in a low tone – "I'm leaving now… but just once… only once… lift your eyes and look at me… my wife-to-be."
At the word "wife", Vaidehi shivered like a struck chord. Her eyelids lifted unknowingly, and she looked at Akash.
There was a sparkle in his eyes—innocence and a deep warmth. He smiled mischievously and walked toward his car.
Vaidehi remained standing there, her cheeks flushed. Both a smile and nervousness played across her lips.
As Akash got into the car, he waved at her playfully while keeping his eyes on her, and the car rolled away slowly.
Vaidehi's eyes, on their own, kept following the car as it disappeared down the street.
Suddenly, a loud voice called from behind—
"Oh my God! What am I seeing and hearing? My Vaidehi is getting married?"
Startled, Vaidehi turned around. Gauri came running with full excitement and threw her arms around her neck.
Gauri, bubbling with joy, shouting – "My Vaidehi is getting married! Wow! I'm so, so happy. At least now I'll get free food… and sweets from your in-laws too!"
Hearing this, Vaidehi glared at her, eyes wide, lips pressed. Gauri covered her mouth and burst out laughing.
Mala too laughed and said—
Mala – "Silly girl! She always has a joke ready."
Their laughter echoed through the street, lightening the atmosphere for a while.
---
Meanwhile…
Army jeeps rolled one by one into their location. Dust rose, the sky glowed faintly red, and the dry fragrance of the desert lingered in the air. Soldiers, weapons slung on their shoulders, stepped down. Their faces bore both the weight of the mission and a spark of zeal.
Last to step out was Raghav. The sound of his boots echoed heavily on the sand. He slowly removed his dark glasses, scanning the vast open field ahead—tents and temporary shelters set up in the middle.
Straightening his back, he commanded his soldiers in a firm voice—
Raghav – "All soldiers… rest for a while. Report back in exactly one hour. Remember… this mission is not easy. We must complete it quickly and with full alertness. No negligence will be tolerated."
His booming voice was met with a resounding salute.
Soldiers – "Yes, Captain!"
Then they dispersed to their shelters, their footsteps fading into the sand. Raghav stood alone, his eyes fixed on the land.
Jodhpur… his birthplace. The very place where he had spent his childhood laughter and joy. The very place where his innocence and dreams had been stolen.
Suddenly, old tormenting voices rang in his ears—
"Your mother is loyal to no one…"
"She's a money-hungry woman…"
"Greedy… she couldn't even stay true to her own children…"
Raghav's steps grew heavy. His breath quickened. His fists clenched in fury, veins bulging. His eyes burned with both pain and rage.
He took a deep breath, a bitter smile flickering on his lips as he muttered—
Raghav – "This city took everything from me… my everything… my happiness… my childhood. And today… today fate has brought me back to the same crossroads."
He gazed at the sky for a while. The colors of the setting sun deepened his wounds even more.
---
Evening.
Mala returned home from Thakur Haveli. Her steps carried a special glow, her face bright with joy. It was as if a great weight had been lifted from her heart. As if she had found the greatest support for her Vaidehi.
As soon as she opened the door, her voice rang through the house—
Mala – "Vaidehi… O Vaidehi… where are you, child?"
From the kitchen came the clinking of utensils. Vaidehi appeared, wiping her hands. Drops of sweat glistened on her forehead, and the faint aroma of tea lingered on her fingers.
Vaidehi – "Yes, Mami ji… what happened? Why are you calling me in such a hurry?"
Without saying a word, Mala cupped her face and kissed her forehead. Her eyes sparkled, her lips curved in joy.
Mala, filled with happiness, raising her voice – "Good news, child! Thakurain ji just spoke with the priest and fixed the auspicious date. And guess what? In just three days, your wedding ceremonies will begin!"
Hearing this, Vaidehi stood frozen. Her eyes widened. Her hands trembled unknowingly.
Vaidehi, softly – "Th… three days? So soon?"
To be continued...