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Chapter 28 - Chapter 28: A Family Divided

The atmosphere in Rohan's family home had shifted dramatically since Asha's discovery of the heirloom and her subsequent investigations into its past. What had once felt like a sanctuary now felt like a pressure cooker, with tensions simmering just below the surface. Asha could sense the unease among Rohan's family members, their glances laden with suspicion and whispers that echoed through the halls.It all came to a head one evening during dinner. The dining room was elegantly set, but the air was thick with unspoken words. Rohan's parents exchanged glances, their expressions tight with worry as they served the meal. Asha sat across from Rohan, her heart racing as she sensed the impending confrontation."Rohan," his father began abruptly, breaking the silence that hung over the table. "We need to talk about your fiancée."Asha felt her stomach drop at the mention of her name. She glanced at Rohan, who looked equally tense, his jaw clenched as he prepared for what was to come."What about Asha?" he asked cautiously.Mr. Kapoor leaned forward, his voice low but firm. "We know she's been asking questions—digging into our family history. This is unacceptable."Asha felt heat rise in her cheeks as she met Mr. Kapoor's gaze. "I'm just trying to understand," she interjected, her voice steady despite the tension crackling in the air. "If we're going to build a future together, I need to know what I'm getting into."Mrs. Kapoor shook her head, her expression a mix of disappointment and concern. "Some things are better left in the past, Asha. You don't know what you're stirring up.""What are you afraid of?" Asha pressed, feeling a surge of defiance rise within her. "If there's nothing to hide, then why not share it? Why should I have to walk into this marriage blind?"Rohan's father's face darkened at her words, and he leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms defensively. "You're meddling in matters that don't concern you," he said sharply. "This is our family's legacy—our business—and it is not something to be trifled with."Asha felt a pang of frustration at being dismissed so easily; she had thought they would be able to discuss this openly as a family. Instead, it felt like they were closing ranks against her."Rohan deserves to know the truth about his family," Asha said firmly, turning to him for support. "We can't build a future on secrets and lies."Rohan looked torn between loyalty to his family and his feelings for Asha; she could see the conflict warring within him as he glanced from his parents to her."Asha has a right to ask questions," he finally said, his voice steady but filled with tension. "If there are things we need to confront, then we should do it together."The room fell silent as Mr. Kapoor narrowed his eyes at Rohan, disbelief etched across his features. "You would side with her over your own family?" he asked incredulously."It's not about sides," Rohan replied defensively. "It's about honesty and trust."Mrs. Kapoor sighed heavily, looking between her husband and son as if trying to mediate an escalating conflict that threatened to tear them apart. "Rohan," she said gently, "you know how much your father has sacrificed for this family. We've worked hard to build our reputation; we can't let anyone jeopardize that."Asha felt a wave of anger wash over her; it was clear that loyalty was being demanded without question or consideration for truth or integrity."I'm not trying to jeopardize anything," Asha said firmly, standing her ground despite the overwhelming tension in the room. "I want what's best for Rohan—and if that means uncovering uncomfortable truths, then so be it."Just then, Nisha entered the room—her eyes wide with confusion as she sensed the charged atmosphere surrounding them all. "What's going on?" she asked hesitantly."Nothing you need to worry about," Mr. Kapoor snapped before Rohan could respond."Dad!" Nisha protested; she turned toward Asha with concern etched on her face. "Are you okay?"Asha forced a smile despite feeling cornered; Nisha's presence provided a brief moment of respite amidst chaos unfolding around them."I'm fine," Asha replied softly but firmly; determination coursed through her veins as clarity began to take shape amidst confusion swirling around them both."Why don't we all take a breath?" Rohan suggested, trying to diffuse the situation before it escalated further. "We can talk about this later when things aren't so heated.""No!" Mr. Kapoor exclaimed sharply; frustration boiling over as he stood up from the table—his chair scraping loudly against the floor—drawing everyone's attention toward him once more."This is exactly what I was afraid of!" he shouted; anger radiating off him like heat from an open flame—his words cutting through the air like knives aimed directly at Asha's heart."You think you can just waltz into our lives and demand answers? You have no idea what you're getting into!"Asha felt tears prick at her eyes but refused to let them fall; she had fought too hard for this moment—to let fear or anger dictate how she responded now."I'm not here to disrupt your lives," she said quietly but firmly; determination coursing through her veins as clarity began to take shape amidst confusion swirling around them both."I'm here because I care about Rohan—and if there are secrets that could affect our future together then I deserve to know!"The room fell silent again—the weight of unspoken truths hanging heavily between them like fog rolling in off distant shores threatening everything they were building together…Finally—after what felt like an eternity—Rohan stepped forward; his expression resolute as he faced his father directly—determined not let fear dictate their future any longer."Dad," he began slowly yet firmly; "I won't let you push Asha away from me because of your fears or pride."Mr. Kapoor opened his mouth as if about to retort—but then closed it again—his expression shifting from anger into something resembling resignation as he realized how deeply this conflict affected not just him—but also those caught in its crossfire—including his own son…As tensions simmered around them—all eyes turned toward Rohan awaiting whatever revelation lay ahead—Asha felt both exhilarated yet terrified by possibility unfolding before them; perhaps this was finally where they would bridge gaps created by secrets threatening everything they held dear…But first—they needed answers about what lay hidden beneath layers woven tightly around their pasts; there were truths waiting patiently just beyond reach—and they would uncover them no matter how daunting it seemed…As night fell outside—the stars twinkling above like distant lanterns guiding lost souls homeward—Asha resolved then: she would not back down from this fight; instead of distancing herself from chaos surrounding them—she would stand firm beside Rohan and help him face whatever darkness lay ahead…Together they would navigate these complexities while discovering love along way…