Prologue
Abhimanyu’s face lights up with a smile as he and Aarohi step into the room. Aarohi avoids making eye contact.
“Can we talk?” she stutters nervously.
“Absolutely,” Abhimanyu responds. Aarohi finally looks up at him and he is taken aback by the tears in her eyes.
“What’s wrong?” he asks, concerned.
“Abhimanyu, please say no to this wedding. I beg you,” Aarohi pleads, folding her hands. Abhimanyu is shocked by her request and struggles to understand what is going on.
“Why?” he asks.
“I-I...I love Neil,” she sobs. Abhimanyu is even more surprised now. She loves his brother?
“What did you just say?” he asks, his voice barely above a whisper.
“Yes, we are in love with each other,” she confesses through tears.
“Then why did you agree to this marriage proposal?” he inquires.
“I tried telling my parents but they refused since Neil is adopted and they are worried about my future in that case. They don’t understand our love and think that I will be happier with a secure future with the ‘son’ of the family. But my heart belongs to Neil and together we can build a secure future for ourselves,” Aarohi explains, crying uncontrollably.
“Oh...” Abhimanyu murmurs, taken aback by Aarohi’s kneeling form. She clasps her hands together and meets his gaze, tears streaming down her face.
“This marriage will be a catastrophe for me. I love Neil. I couldn’t bear to hurt either of you, which is why I revealed the truth to you. Please, don’t do this to me. You’re my last hope. Please say no to this wedding. Please. Please,” Aarohi pleads desperately.
“Hey, Aarohi, get up first. Come here,” Abhimanyu says and helps her to her feet.
“Abhimanyu, please don’t marry me,” she whispers tearfully.
“Hush,” Abhimanyu soothes and embraces her. “I understand, Aaru. Stop crying now. It’s okay,” he says gently.
“Will you help me?” she asks him.
“Yes, of course,” he assures her.
Abhimanyu sheds a solitary tear as she embraces him once more. He has held strong feelings for her, so learning that she does not want to marry him is painful. However, he only wishes for her happiness. He understands that just because he likes her, it does not mean she shares the same feelings. He is grateful that she was honest with him before their wedding day.
“I apologize, Abhimanyu,” she says with sadness as they break apart.
“It’s not your fault. You didn’t intend to cause me pain. We’ll find a solution,” Abhimanyu reassures her.
“Step outside. We should converse with others,” Abhimanyu urges, grasping her hand. “Believe me,” he reassures as he notices her anxiety and fear.
Aarohi agrees and accompanies him.
