Chapter 5 5

Avinash and Radha had told everyone that Aarav was married to Pia. Aarav, however, was furious.

Raj and Sakshi remained silent, trying to comprehend the situation.

While they were gradually understanding the circumstances, they were well aware of Aarav's moods. Raj knew how much Aarav liked Muskaan and that he had been excited about the prospect of marrying her. He also understood why Aarav was so angry now, but he thought it best not to interfere at this moment.

Aarav had learned the truth, but even after knowing everything, his anger did not subside.

On the contrary, he began to hate Pia even more.

He was hurt that Muskaan had left him, and the thought of living with a stranger who was now his wife grew on him. Aarav was overwhelmed and could no longer think clearly.

He just wanted to throw Pia out of the house and go find Muskaan himself. But he controlled himself, as he didn't want to hurt his parents with his impulsive actions.

Aarav glanced at Pia, who stood with her head bowed, her face red and swollen from crying.

Then he looked at his parents and, without saying a word, went straight to his room. No one tried to stop him, knowing he needed time to process everything.

After Aarav left,

Radha turned to Raj and Sakshi, who had remained silent until then, and asked, "Do you both agree that what happened was wrong?"

" No, Badi Maa. I'm sure you made this decision after careful consideration and in Aarav's best interest.

But perhaps it would have been better if you had informed him earlier. Aarav won't be able to handle such a big revelation," Raj replied.

Sakshi nodded in agreement and added, "Yes, Mom. This is such a big deal. Maybe Raj Bhaiya is right. Look how happy everyone was earlier, and now look..." She trailed off.

" I'm so sorry ," Pia interrupted her, sobbing.

"It's all my fault. You were all so happy, and now I've ruined everything. It's all my fault..." She couldn't finish her sentence, overwhelmed by guilt and fear.

Radha comforted her gently,

"No, Pia. None of this is your fault. Don't blame yourself. You saved our family's honor by agreeing to marry Aarav. Don't think negatively. Go and rest-you must be exhausted from the day."

Avinash added kindly:

"And no more tears. From today on, you are our daughter, and we can't bear to see our daughter cry. If Aarav says anything hurtful, come to us immediately, okay?"

Radha then turned to Sakshi and said, "Sakshi, take Pia to her room. And for now, give her some of your clothes; her clothes will arrive tomorrow."

Sakshi nodded and accompanied Pia to her room.

When Pia left, Radha became worried and turned to Raj.

"Raj, can you talk to Aarav? He's probably very angry right now and doesn't listen to anyone, but maybe he'll listen to you. Please go to him. I'm afraid he'll do something rash in his anger."

"Don't worry, Badi Maa. I'll talk to Aarav. He'll understand.

You should rest now and stop worrying," Raj assured her. But deep down, he knew it wouldn't be easy to calm Aarav down.

Sakshi led Pia into her room. She broke the silence and asked, " So, Bhabi, what are you doing?" Her cheerful tone made Pia look at her in surprise.

" What happened, Bhabi? Did I say something wrong?" Sakshi asked, noticing Pia's reaction.

" Did you just call me Bhabi?" Pia asked hesitantly.

" Yes! You're married to my brother now, so you're my bhabi, right? Or... am I not allowed to call you that?" Sakshi asked, tilting her head in mock seriousness.

"No, no, that's not it... I just..." Pia fell silent before asking:

"Aren't you angry with me for hurting your brother and marrying him under false pretenses?"

Sakshi shook her head with a smile. " Not at all! You didn't do it on purpose. Besides, we already know each other, remember? When I came to you? I liked you back then, too. Do you want to know a secret?" She leaned forward conspiratorially, her voice lowering to a whisper, but still audible.

" I never really liked Muskaan Bhabi anyway. But Bhaiya liked her, so what could I do? Oh, but don't tell anyone I said that, okay?" Sakshi's dramatic performance made Pia smile in spite of herself.

" Don't worry, I won't tell anyone," Pia promised.

Pia wasn't surprised by Sakshi's opinion of Muskaan, as she knew her sister well enough to understand why.

" To be honest, I had already set you up with Raj Bhaiya," Sakshi continued playfully.

"But I guess you should be with Aarav Bhaiya instead." She winked at Pia and her laughter filled the room.

For the first time that day

Pia smiled sincerely. She was happy to have found a loving and understanding friend in Sakshi when she needed her most.