Chapter 2 2

What... Does that mean he has no idea what's going on? That's not right. His heart will break. I can't do that to him," Pia said, worried about Aarav.

Pia constantly worried about Aarav. She knew he would never agree to this marriage. After all, even if it were another man, he wouldn't marry a stranger. Pia herself didn't want this marriage, but she couldn't say no to her uncle, who loved her very much.

"We understand it's not ideal, but we want the best for our son. If he finds out the truth, he'll never marry and will spend his life in misery. We can't let him ruin his life. He's worked so hard to lead the company to such great success. If this wedding doesn't take place today, people will gossip about it, and the company's reputation will suffer greatly," Radha said, trying to reason with Pia.

" We've seen you as a beta and heard so many wonderful things about you. No one could be a better life partner for our son or a better daughter-in-law for us. If you don't mind, would you..." Avinash paused to give Pia some time to think.

When Pia heard all this, she was overwhelmed. The idea of marrying a stranger, spending her life with him, and entering a new family and environment was daunting. She wanted to refuse, but when she looked into her uncle's hopeful eyes, she couldn't bring herself to say no.

After much deliberation, Pia finally agreed to the marriage. Without a word, she went to her room.

Her decision brought a smile to everyone's face except Kavita.

Manish handed Kavita the wedding outfit and said, "Kavita, take this to Pia and help her get ready." Kavita obeyed and left the room with the outfit, but her thoughts were anything but kind.

Kavita's Ghost:

" The happiness that was meant for my daughter now goes to this Pia. I dreamed that Muskan would live like a queen if she married into the Kapoor family. But everything has turned upside down, and now this Pia is taking her place. I still don't understand why Muskan left home. If I ever see her again, she won't escape me so easily," Kavita muttered to herself as she walked toward Pia's room.

---

Pia's room:

Pia looked at the wedding outfit and was filled with disbelief. Just yesterday, her life had been normal and carefree. And today she was marrying someone she had never seen. She couldn't decide whether to call it fate or misfortune.

Oh God, what's happening to me? I know what I'm doing is wrong... so wrong! But how can I turn Uncle away? He always loved me like his own child. After my parents died, he gave me everything.

Now that he's in trouble and needs my help, how can I deny him that? I can't break his heart. That's why I have no choice but to go through with this marriage. Whatever happens next, I'll handle it."

Lost in thought, Pia sat in front of the mirror, thinking about her parents. Her eyes filled with tears.

" Mom, Dad, why did you leave me alone like this? I miss you so much.

If you were here, I wouldn't feel so lonely. Yes, my uncle loves me, and I know he only wants the best for me. But I still miss you both terribly. I don't want this marriage. I've never even seen the person I'm marrying. How can I spend my whole life with him? But I can't disappoint my uncle. I know if I refuse, he'll accept it without resentment. But how can I hurt him for my own sake? If I don't get married today, his years of hard-earned respect will be destroyed."

Pia wiped away her tears, but her heart was heavy.

"I'm sorry, future husband. I know what's happening to you is wrong. This isn't my decision. But maybe it's our destiny..."

---

Suddenly someone knocked on the door.

" May I come in?"

It was Radha who wanted to see Pia.

"Oh dear, why do you have tears in your eyes? Have you been crying? You don't seem to be happy with this marriage," Radha asked worriedly.

" No, Auntie, it's not like that. Sooner or later, marriage had to happen. Perhaps God has chosen this day for me. If he thinks she's the right one for me, then so be it," Pia answered quickly, wiping away her tears.

" Then why are you crying?" Radha asked gently.

"It's nothing... I just miss my parents. I feel so alone today. If they were here..." Pia's voice trailed off and her eyes filled with tears again.

Radha understood her pain and said softly, "Oh, my love, don't cry. When your parents see you like this, they'll be sad too. And who said you're alone? We're all here for you now. From today on, we're your family. And stop calling me aunt. From now on, I'm your mom. Do you understand?"

Pia felt comforted by Radha's kind words and hugged her.

" Now stop crying and get ready quickly. My son has been waiting for you for so long. If you make him wait any longer, he might come here and carry you to the mandap himself!" Radha joked, laughing.

Pia smiled at her words, but in her heart she thought: He's not waiting for me; he's waiting for Muskan. Well...

When Radha left, Pia started getting ready.

---

Manish, who had come to check on Pia, heard everything from outside. He was proud of Radha's comforting words and was convinced he had made the right decision for Pia.

"I'm sorry, brother. What I did today was selfish, but I promise Pia will be happy in this home. The love she didn't get here, she'll find there," Manish thought, remembering his late brother Sanjay. Tears welled up in his eyes.