Shri was sitting by the window in her room, staring at the engagement ring on her finger.
As she gazed at the ring, memories of the engagement event began to surface. Suddenly, an image of Bhagya flashed in her mind—his presence at the event.
Bhagya's presence made her feel an inexplicable discomfort. But why? Why was she feeling so uneasy in her heart? Perhaps she, too, was unaware of the reasons behind this emotion.
---
Meanwhile, in a different room, Kumud and Juhi were engaged in a heated conversation.
Kumud, slightly irritated, said to Juhi, "What nonsense is this? He promises to love you, yet he's getting married to Shri."
Juhi replied with a sigh, "Mom, I told him everything, but he says he can't go against his family. Now, you tell me, I've tried everything. How else do I trap him?"
Kumud scoffed. "Coward! He doesn't even have the guts to stand up for himself."
Juhi smirked and changed the topic. "Forget about Vivek for now. Tell me, who was he?"
Kumud, confused, asked, "Who? Who are you talking about?"
Juhi said dreamily, "The one who came with Vivek's brother-in-law. The man who picked up the engagement ring and gave it back."
Kumud shrugged. "How would I know? He was probably a guest from Vivek's family."
Juhi sighed. "Oh, but he was so handsome."
Kumud, exasperated, said, "Have you lost your mind? On one hand, you're talking about love for Vivek, and on the other, you're swooning over a handsome stranger."
Juhi chuckled. "Mom, I don't love Vivek. I'm only chasing him because he comes from a rich family. You know how expensive it is to pursue my dreams of becoming a model and an actress. Marrying a rich man is the only way I can fund my ambitions. And, honestly, that other guy seemed even richer than Vivek. If only I could find out who he is..."
Kumud frowned. "Stop daydreaming. Focus on Vivek. You don't even know that man—who he is, where he's from, what he does. If you keep chasing shadows, you might end up losing what you already have."
Juhi shrugged nonchalantly. "Fine. But watch, Mom, Vivek will marry Shri and become my brother-in-law."
Kumud, slightly more composed, said, "Until the wedding happens, keep convincing him with your sweet words. One day, your so-called love might just make him rebel against his family and marry you."
---
Morning at Bhagya's house.
Bhagya opened his eyes slowly. His head throbbed with a piercing headache. Sitting up, he groaned, "Why does my head feel like it's about to split open?"
Just then, Rahul's voice echoed, "Because you have a hangover."
Bhagya turned to his side and saw Rahul lying on his bed in a vest. Startled, Bhagya jumped out of bed and snapped, "What are you doing on my bed?"
Rahul, unfazed, replied, "Sleeping."
Bhagya frowned. "Yeah, well, you could've slept at your own place. Why on my bed?"
Rahul, now irritated, said, "Do you even remember your condition last night? You couldn't even stand properly! You should be thanking me for bringing you home safely, taking care of you, and putting you to bed. Last night, I did everything for you that a wife would."
Hearing the last line, Bhagya looked at Rahul suspiciously. 🤨
Rahul, understanding his gaze, yelled, "You have such a dirty mind! I meant I took care of you. That doesn't mean I did anything else. Although, in your drunken state, you kept throwing yourself at me. It was a struggle to save my dignity!"
😠 Bhagya, annoyed, snapped, "Shut up with your nonsense and get out of here! I'll see you at the office."
Bhagya headed to the bathroom, while Rahul put on his shirt and waited for him outside.
---
After freshening up, both of them went downstairs.
Bhagya called out, "Yashoda Aunty, serve breakfast."
Rahul replied, "She's not here. She left for her village yesterday."
Bhagya remembered her asking for permission to visit her village and sighed.
With a faint smirk, he looked around his grand home and said, "There was a tiny hope that at least someone would be here. But now, even that's gone."
Rahul tried to reassure him. "She'll be back in a few days. Don't worry."
Bhagya replied, "Yeah, I know. But until then, I'll have to live with the loneliness."
Rahul, trying to lighten the mood, said, "You're not alone. I'm here with you."
Bhagya laughed faintly. "Yeah, but you'll also leave in a few days for your brother-in-law's wedding."
Rahul shrugged. "Then find someone who will never think of leaving you."
Suddenly, an image of Shri crossed Bhagya's mind. With a wry smile, he said, "I don't think anyone like that exists in my life anymore."