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Author's POV
The beeping of the monitor was the first thing she heard… steady… slow… too calm for the storm still burning inside her.
Isha blinking in confusion,
Her eyelids fluttered open, not in panic, but in emptiness — a kind of numbness that settles only after a heart has screamed too much.
White ceiling.
Cool air.
The faint smell of antiseptic.
A hospital.
She moved her fingers slightly over the bedsheet, unsure, as if confirming whether she was still alive… or whether this was another nightmare.
Beside her a chair.
On it was Luka, head down, hands holding hers tightly like a lifeline, his eyes red and exhausted.
Luka relief mixed with guilt "Oh… you woke up." His voice came out in a whisper, careful, scared to say too much. "Everything is fine… do you feel any pain? Headache? Breathing… is it okay?"
Isha blank in no emotions,
She stared at him, not answering. Not in anger but because she simply didn't have the strength to speak anymore. Her throat was raw, like every scream was still stuck inside.
Luka tried again in the soft, gentle, almost begging,
"You're safe, okay? Doctor said your body just couldn't take the emotional pressure… you fainted… your heart rate was too high."
But she didn't react.
Not a word.
Not a nod.
Not even a sigh.
She heard everything but nothing was entering her mind. It was like her brain had shut down to protect itself.
Isha mentally exhausted defeated it seems, She wasn't angry anymore. She wasn't crying anymore. She wasn't fighting anymore.
She was tired so tired that if someone had told her to disappear from the world, she would have agreed without a question.
Her eyes didn't hold hatred now… just emptiness.
A silent way of saying: "Do whatever you want I don't care anymore."
Luka guilt helplessness,
He held her hand tight again, scared she would slip away even now.
"Alina please say something… anything."
She didn't.
Her breathing was steady, not calm just mechanical, like a body functioning without a soul.
Her gaze shifted to her wrist the place where the hospital ID tag now sat right where her marriage bangles used to lie hours ago.
And something broke further inside her.
Not loudly this time.
Not angrily.
Silently.
She slowly closed her eyes again not to sleep but because existing was painful.
Luka panicked immediately,
"No, no, Alina don't shut off again… please… talk to someone… to me… to anyone…"
But she didn't open her eyes.
Because right now, the only language she could speak was:
Silence.
And everyone outside the room, her parents, her friends, his family, Shivansh…
They were all waiting for that door to open.
Waiting to see whether she would return as the Isha they knew…
or the Alina she became.
For now… nobody knew.
Only her silence spoke louder than every scream she ever released.
Luca in voice breaking "Please talk to me… you— you scared all of us."
Still no reaction.
She wasn't ignoring him.
She just couldn't feel anything.
After a long minute, she finally parted her lips but her voice was numb, flat, cold, almost robotic,
Isha said emotionless "I want to meet Riyan."
That was all. Nothing more.
Luka blinked, stunned.
Luka confused "Just… Riyan?"
She didn't answer. Didn't need to. Her eyelids dropped halfway, signaling that she was done speaking.
He stood up slowly, swallowing hard.
Before walking out, he whispered:
Luka said in broken voice with hurt expression "Okay… only Riyan."
He stepped outside.
The hallway was full — her family, his family, friends, everyone pacing, crying, restless.
The moment they saw Luca, everyone crowded him.
Devika (Isha's mother, panicked) "Is she awake?! What did she say? Can we meet her?"
Luka opened his mouth, but the words were heavy.
Luka quietly said "She… she doesn't want to talk to anyone."
Silence.
Eyes widened. Hearts sank.
Shivansh's mother (shocked, trembling) "N-not even us?"
Luka shook his head slowly.
Luka "She asked only for Riyan."
All breaths stopped.
Even Shivansh froze, eyes moist, jaw clenched but he said nothing.
Beside them stood Riyan, holding Meher's hand, scared, confused, unsure what was happening.
Luka bent down to him.
Luka said softly "Baby… mama wants to see you. Only you. Will you go inside and talk to her?"
Riyan's eyes widened nervous but hopeful.
Riyan siad with small small smile "Mama… wants me?"
Luka nodded. "Yes."
Riyan nodded fast, excitement trembling in his fingers as he let go of Meher's hand and walked toward the door.
Everyone watched.
No one moved.
No one dared to interrupt.
Riyan pushed the door carefully and entered.
The room was silent again.
Isha was lying in bed, staring at the ceiling.
When she heard the small footsteps, her head turned slowly.
Her eyes softened the first softness since everything shattered.
Isha said in weak whisper "Baby… come here."
Riyan climbed gently on the bed and sat beside her, eyes full of worry.
She wrapped an arm around him, holding him like he was her only anchor left.
Isha said very softly fragile "Talk to me… anything… just talk. I just want to listen to you."
Riyan nodded innocently and began telling her everything —
childish stories from the wedding, how he got scolded, how he danced, how he liked his outfit, how he was scared when she fainted.
Isha listened…
and silently broke inside.
She realized he was the reason she stayed alive.
He was the only thing that didn't betray her.
He was her last safe place.
Tears slid down the corner of her eyes, but she hid them, because she didn't want to scare him.
Her mind whispered painfully:
"The man I loved walked betrayed years ago.
My parents hid the truth.
My friends supported him, not me.
Even Dhruv bhaiyu… even he support him in front of everyone."
Everyone she trusted gone.
Only this little boy stayed.
She pressed a soft kiss to Riyan's forehead.
Isha breaking inside, whispering only to herself
"I don't know what to do anymore… I don't know…"
Isha was lying silently, her breathing slow, her eyes staring at nothing. Riyan was speaking softly about anything… and then suddenly—
her quietness cracked.
A single tear rolled down her cheek.
And that was all it took.
Her body shook, her shoulders trembled, and then she broke—like something inside her finally shattered.
Isha breaking, voice shaking "I—I can't anymore… I can't…"
Her hands covered her face as she started crying—loud, uncontrollable, heartbreaking. For a moment, Riyan froze. He had never seen her like that. But then, he moved closer—slowly, gently like he understood she might break if touched too hard.
He used his tiny hand to wipe her tears.
Rian said soft, innocent "Don't cry… Mama… you are strong, right? You said strong people don't stop… even when they feel like stopping."
Her sobs got louder, and Riyan held her face with both hands, wiping her tears again and again, kissing her cheek like he always did when she was sad.
Riyan, "You didn't lose. You didn't do anything wrong. Don't cry… I am here. I am with you."
Those words—
that innocence—
stabbed deeper than any betrayal.
Isha hugged him tightly, almost desperately, burying her face into his tiny shoulder.
She cried into him as if he was the only safe place left in the world.
After a long minute, she slowly loosened her hold.
Isha breathing uneven, whispering, "Baby… I need you to do something for me…"
Riyan nodded instantly, listening carefully.
Isha, "Go outside… and call your Nana and nani… and your Dhruv mama. Just them. Only them. No one else. Can you do that?"
Riyan, "Okay."
He got off the bed carefully. Before going, he looked back—worried, scared.
Riyan, "Mama… I love you."
Her eyes filled again—pain and love mixed in a way that destroyed her.
Isha soft, broken "I love you too, baby… so much."
He left.
The door opened. Everyone outside instantly looked at him—hope, questions, fear.
Meher nervous, "Riyan… how is she?"
Rian: "Mama… wants to meet Nana, Nani and Dhruv mama… only them."
Everyone went silent.
Luka inhaled sharply. Shivansh's hands clenched into fists. Alessandro looked down. Her mother instantly stood up, tears already in her eyes. Her father held her hand, supporting her. Dhruv swallowed, trying to stay strong.
They walked toward the room.
The door closed.
Isha didn't look up when they walked in. She lay the same—silent, expressionless.
Her mother rushed first, holding her hand.
Her mother crying, "Isha… beta… you scared us… are you okay? Does anything hurt?"
She didn't respond.
Her father sat on the other side and cupped her head with his hand. "Princess… talk to us. We're here."
Dhruv stood near her feet, unable to speak, guilt visible on his face.
Dhruv couldn't stand silent anymore.
He came forward, kneeling near her bed.
Dhruv voice cracking, "Isha… I'm sorry… I'm so sorry. I knew everything. I should have stood by you. I should have protected you… I should have been on your side…"
Slowly, after almost a full minute, Isha spoke.
Isha quiet, emotionless, "Why did you come? You all already chose him."
Isha turned away, closing her eyes tight in pain.
Her mother broke even more. "No… no… don't say that… we didn't choose him over you—"
Isha laughed, a broken, painful laugh that wasn't happy.
Isha, "Really? Then why did everyone defend him? Why did everyone pretend nothing happened? Why did everyone smile as if my pain never existed?"
Her father sighed painfully, and said "Because we didn't want to lose you again. We didn't want to push you further. Maybe… maybe we didn't handle it right. Maybe we made mistakes—"
Isha cutting him, voice shaking, "A mistake? Papa, I saw death. I lived five years thinking I was abandoned. I screamed for help in Italy. I survived trauma alone. I healed alone. I came back thinking I had family. But what did I get? More betrayal. More lies."
Her mother tried to touch her cheek. Isha moved away. "Isha… after knowing the truth about why he did everything—"
Isha bursting, "WHY DOES EVERYONE TALK ABOUT WHY HE DID IT?! WHAT ABOUT WHAT I SUFFERED BECAUSE HE DID IT?!?!"
The whole room fell silent.
Dhruv stepped forward, voice cracked.
Dhruv: "Isha… I didn't support him because he is my best friend or brother… I supported him because… because I didn't want to lose you again. I know you. You love him. I knew you were destroying yourself for revenge."
Isha tears again, "Then why didn't you choose ME? Why didn't you protect ME? Why didn't you fight for ME?"
Dhruv broke.
Dhruv voice trembling, "I did choose you… and that's exactly why I told you the truth. Because keeping you in hate… was worse than hurting you with honesty."
She stared at him—hurt, disappointed, exhausted.
Isha whispering, but every word stabbing,
"You were the one I trusted most, Dhruv bhaiyu When everyone left me… I thought at least you would choose me. But even you didn't… even you…"
Dhruv bowed his head, tears dripping on the floor.
Then she finally confessed the thing she had been running from—quietly… painfully.
Isha, "yes, I still love him… and that is why everything hurts so much."
Her parents looked down, crying silently.
Isha voice cracking again, "But loving him doesn't erase what happened to me… doesn't erase the five years… doesn't erase the fear and the loneliness… doesn't erase how it felt when even my own family didn't stand beside me today…"
Her mom hugged her hand, crying uncontrollably.
Her mother "We are sorry… we failed you today… we hurt you today. We didn't understand your pain the way we should have. Please… forgive us…"
Her father leaned forward and kissed her forehead. "Whatever you want… whatever decision you make… we are with you. This time… we won't leave you alone. Not again."
Her mother said softly, "we don't want you to break your marriage, Isha. Not because of society… not because of family name… but because we have seen the way Shivansh looked at you today. That man loves you… deeply."
Isha closed her eyes again as if the sentence itself physically hurt her heart.
Isha shaking her head with weak anger,
"Mummy… love does not give the right to destroy a person."
Isha — pain, confusion inside,
"I don't know what I want anymore… I don't know if I want him… or want to hate him… or just want to disappear… I'm tired… I'm so tired, Papa…"
Dhruv knelt near her, placing his hand lightly on her blanket.
Dhruv: "If you want to walk away from this marriage… if you want a divorce… if you want to disappear from everyone… I will support you. But please… don't destroy yourself again in silence. Just tell us what you need."
Isha closed her eyes.
For the first time since the breakdown—
she felt heard.
Not fixed.
Not healed.
But heard.
She breathed shakily.
Isha whisper, "I don't know what I need… not yet… just… don't force anything now. I need time. I need space. I need to breathe."
Her parents nodded immediately.
Her mother, "Okay. Take everything you need. No pressure. Not from us. Not from anyone." And continues with voice trembling, "Then stop thinking, beta. Don't make any decision today. Don't make any decision in pain. You don't have to forgive him. You don't have to stay with him. You don't have to divorce him either. Just… breathe. Take time. Heal first."
Dhruv wiped his tears. Dhruv grabbed her hand tightly.
Dhruv, "We won't leave you alone. But we won't suffocate you either."
For the first time since waking up…
Isha stopped crying.
Her mother slowly tucked her hair behind her ear like when she was a child.
Her Mother, "We will stay here with you. We are not going anywhere."
Her parents sat beside her, holding her hands without speaking.
Dhruv stayed near the window silently, guard-like.
And the room stayed quiet—
not heavy, not tense—
just quiet.
For once, she wasn't being told what to feel.
For once, nobody justified anyone.
For once, it was about her pain.
And she finally… finally… rested.
The door clicked softly when her parents left. Only Isha and Dhruv remained.
Silence sat between them — not peaceful silence… but the type that was heavy, loud and painful.
Dhruv slowly pulled the chair close and sat beside her bed.
Dhruv soft voice, eyes glassy, "Isha… I know you don't want to hear anything. I know you think we all betrayed you… but look at me once… just once."
Isha didn't move. Her eyes were stuck on the bedsheet… blank… lifeless.
Dhruv voice breaking a little, "I'm still your Dhruv bhaity… the same person who fought the world for your smile. If you think I took his side… no… I took your future's side."
Her breath shook, but she didn't reply.
Dhruv whispers, "You think I don't know your pain? I was there when you collapsed at the airport, I lifted you in my arms, I saw you dying every second. And you think it didn't break me?"
A single tear left Isha's eyes, but she still didn't speak.
Dhruv leaned closer.
Dhruv, "You're angry… you're hurt… and you have every right. But listen to me once — this marriage, whether you want it or not, is not just about him. It is about… your child… your family… and you."
Isha's lips trembled faintly.
Isha barely whispering, voice tired "I don't know anything anymore… I'm just tired."
Dhruv exhaled slowly, the kind that comes from a heart struggling to stay strong.
Dhruv , "I know. That's why we will decide everything… together. Not by forcing you, not by hurting you, not by leaving you alone again."
He gently covered her hand with his. She didn't hold back, but she didn't pull away either.
Dhruv came outside after she slept, closing the door softly.
Everyone stood up immediately — her parents, Shivansh's parents, Shivansh, Luka, Alessandro, Meher… breath held, eyes full of worry.
Shivansh's mother whispering anxiously, "How is she? Did she say anything?"
Dhruv shook his head.
Dhruv tired, frustrated, emotional, "She's broken. She doesn't trust anyone right now. Not me, not you, not him… no one."
That one sentence stabbed every heart in the hallway.
Shivansh clenched his fist, jaw tight, eyes desperately fixed on the closed door — that door was now a wall between him and the woman he loved.
Shivansh voice low, almost shaking, "She hates me… doesn't she?"
No one answered. Silence was enough.
Isha's father sat on the couch, rubbing his forehead.
Isha's father, "We need to decide. The wedding can't remain in this condition. We can't force her… but we also can't let her destroy her life in anger."
Shivansh's mom nodded softly
Shivansh's mom, "She is hurt. But that girl loves Shivansh. Everyone saw it. She's fighting her heart."
Luka serious, supporting Isha but calm, "She's not thinking right now. She's reacting from pain. If we decide anything in this condition — it'll destroy her later."
Shivansh's dad – "Then what are we supposed to do? Wait forever?"
Dhruv firm, "Not forever… just until she can breathe again."
Meher slowly spoke after a long pause – "She didn't say she doesn't love him… she said she doesn't want to continue because she is hurt. There's a difference."
Everyone fell silent again.
Shivansh hadn't said a word, but his eyes spoke everything — exhaustion, guilt, love, fear.
Finally he spoke, voice rough and deep:
Shivansh, "I won't leave her. Even if she throws me out of her life every day… I'll still stay. I hurt her, I know. I lied, I know. I would do it again if it meant saving her life. But I'll fix everything. Even if it takes my whole life."
Tears fell from his grandmother's eyes listening to his voice.
Isha's mother sooft, worried, "But she asked for divorce…"
Shivansh's face turned white — like someone hit him.
Shivansh, "If she truly wants it… if one day she says it without pain… without anger… and from her heart… I will sign it."
Everyone stared at him — shocked, emotional.
Shivansh continues, breaking from inside silently "But not when she's bleeding inside. Not when she's hurting because of me. I will not let her destroy her entire life because she wanted to destroy me."
Dhruv placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder.
Dhruv, "Then until she heals… the marriage stays. No divorce, no separation, no more pressure. We act normal. We show her stability. She needs love right now — not decisions."
Everyone finally — slowly — agreed.
Plan was final,
The marriage stays.
No more talking about separation.
Give Isha time.
Support her emotionally, not forcefully.
Keep Shivansh around her, but gently… without pressure.
Shivansh breathed shakily, eyes still fixed on the door.
Shivansh whisper, "Just tell me when I can see her… even if she doesn't speak… even if she turns away… I just want to be somewhere she can see me when she wants."
No one could stop their tears.
The decision was taken… not by law, not by rituals…
but by love, guilt, responsibility, and heartbreak mixed together.
The room was silent… painfully silent.
The soft monitor beep and the faint smell of medicines were the only proof that life still existed around.
Isha stirred in her sleep, eyelids fluttering, breath heavy… and finally she opened her eyes again.
Her vision was blurry at first… ceiling… light… the white bedsheet…
And then—she turned her head.
In the far corner of the room, on a small couch… sat Shivansh.
Back leaning to the wall, elbows on his knees, fingers curled together, eyes fixed on her.
Not blinking.
Not moving.
Not daring to breathe loud.
He looked ruined.
Hair messed, shirt wrinkled, eyes bloodshot as if he hadn't slept for days.
His entire body was exhausted but he didn't close his eyes even for a second—terrified that she might wake up and he wouldn't be there.
Ishaexpressionless… numb… emotionally dead just stared at him.
Shivansh didn't move.
Didn't speak.
Didn't come closer.
He just whispered, voice breaking in fear, "You woke up."
Silence again.
Isha didn't answer.
She didn't even blink. Her face held nothing—no tears, no anger, no love, no hate… just emptiness.
Like someone who had no strength left to feel anything.
Shivansh swallowed hard, trying not to cry, trying not to break…
His voice was trembling as he tried again, "Doctor said… you fainted because of exhaustion, anxiety build-up and emotional shock. They gave you sedatives. I'm… I'm sorry you had to go through all that."
No response from her.
She looked away… towards the wall… towards nothing.
That hurt him more than any slap, any insult, any scream ever could.
Shivansh soft… painful, almost pleading, "I'm not here to force you… not to fight… not to justify anything. I just… needed to make sure you're breathing."
Isha closed her eyes… as if the sound of his voice itself was too heavy for her mind.
Her throat tightened and she whispered, tone dead and lifeless, "Why are you here?"
Shivansh froze.
She didn't ask how he was, or why he looked broken, or if he slept.
She only asked why he was still there.
Shivansh whispering, voice shaking, "Because you're my wife."
Isha's eyes flew open—anger flashing for a second—but only for a second before exhaustion wiped it away again.
Isha cold… numb, "Wife…"
She laughed once—sharp and bitter—and that one laugh stabbed him more than any scream.
Isha, "Do you think using that word will fix everything? Will erase what happened? Will erase my pain? Will erase five years of hell?"
The tears he was holding back finally filled his eyes.
But he didn't argue… didn't defend… didn't deny.
Shivansh said in the breaking,
"I know. I know nothing I say will heal you. I know even my existence hurts you now. I stay here only because—"
His voice cracked.
"—because I don't know how to live without you anymore."
Isha clenched her fists under the blanket.
She wanted to scream again… break things… throw him away… but she had no energy left.
She whispered in an empty voice, "You lived without me for five years. That seemed easy."
Shivansh immediately shook his head, a sob trapped in his throat. "I died every day in those five years, Isha."
She turned her face away—she didn't want to hear this, not now, not in this fragile state.
Isha coldly said, "You don't get to explain. You don't get to talk about pain. You don't get to tell me you love me."
Shivansh inhaled sharply.
His jaw trembled.
But he obeyed.
He didn't speak again.
Minutes passed.
Isha finally looked at him again… slowly… exhausted… broken.
Her voice barely audible, "Why didn't you leave when everyone did?"
Shivansh didn't blink, didn't breathe, didn't hide it.
"Because everyone left when they couldn't handle your pain. I didn't leave because I caused it."
That sentence…
It sliced her heart.
Her lips shook, but she fought it—held herself strong.
Isha forced voice,
"Go… please. I don't want you here."
For the first time, Shivansh flinched—as if her words were a physical hit.
He nodded slowly.
He stood up.
But he didn't walk away immediately.
Instead… he whispered, voice barely audible, "I'll go. But if… if anything hurts… if you wake up afraid… if you need water… if you even whisper in your sleep… call me. I'll be outside the door."
He turned to leave.
But before he opened the door, she spoke, Isha broken whisper,
"Why didn't you tell me the truth then… when I begged you?"
Shivansh stopped… shoulders shaking.
Without facing her he answered, "Because saving your life was more important to me than being forgiven by you."
A tear finally slipped down her cheek.
Shivansh didn't see it—he didn't look back.
He opened the door… walked out… and silently closed it behind him.
And for the first time since she collapsed,
Isha finally let herself cry—soundless, helpless tears…
Because even in her hatred… the pain of loving him was louder.
The moment Shivansh stepped out of Isha's hospital room, the door clicked behind him — soft, yet heavy enough to crush a heart. His jaw was tight, eyes red, but his posture remained unshaken… king-like, even in pain.
He pulled out his phone with trembling fingers and dialed Ranveer.
Ranveer picked up immediately, voice filled with stress,
"shiv is everything okay inside? What happened to isha?"
Shivansh swallowed sharply, keeping his voice low but firm,
"Ask everyone to leave the hospital and go to Raghuvanshi Palace."
Ranveer froze,
"Palace? Now? Shiv, she is in the hospital. Will she even come to the palace?"
Shivansh looked through the glass window toward Isha's room. She was lying on the bed, motionless… her face pale, her soul bruised. His voice cracked, but his words didn't,
"She is my wife, Ranveer. And it is her Graha Parvesh."
Ranveer didn't argue — not because he agreed, but because he knew when Shivansh's voice turned like steel, no question survived.
"Okay… I'll arrange everything."
But Shivansh wasn't finished.
"Tell them to decorate everything beautifully… red and white flowers. Bring the kalash, the rice pot, the diya… the rangoli. I want every ritual to be followed. Nothing should look forceful — everything should look… respectful."
Ranveer hesitated,
"shiv, everyone just saw what happened. Everyone is emotional… will they be in a state to—"
"They will do it," Shivansh cut him, "because this marriage isn't a celebration… it is a commitment. And she deserves every right that belongs to her."
Ranveer finally understood this wasn't about rituals —
It was Shivansh giving Isha her place, whether she accepted him or not.
"I'll handle everything."
Ranveer's voice became gentle, "But… what about you?"
For a second, Shivansh forgot to breathe.
He leaned against the wall, eyes closed, whispering as if admitting defeat,
"I don't know, Ranveer."
Ranveer stayed silent.
"She hates me."
Those three words sounded heavier than gunshots.
"And I can't force her to love me. But I can give her every right… even if she never forgives me."
Ranveer felt that sting inside his own heart,
"Shiv… are you okay?"
Shivansh shook his head slowly, barely whispering,
"No."
He wiped his tears without allowing them to fall.
"Just do everything for her."
He disconnected.
Shivansh stood still for a long moment — staring at nothing, seeing everything.
His inner voice screaming: She took off the sindoor, removed the mangalsutra, erased every sign of me… and I'm still fighting for her.
He exhaled painfully, whispering to himself,
"A king can win kingdoms… but not the heart of the woman he loves."
A nurse passed by with files, pausing when she saw him trembling but composed.
"Sir… are you okay? Would you like some water?"
Shivansh shook his head.
"She… she is fine, right? No risk?"
The nurse nodded with a soft smile,
"She just needs emotional rest. Her heart is too tired."
That hit him like a blade.
"Yes… it is tired. Because of me."
The nurse left.
Shivansh turned, ready to go back inside to sit beside her again… not to talk, not to disturb, just to be there.
But before touching the door, he stopped, pressing his forehead against it.
"If staying away gives you peace… then I'll stay away.
If fighting the world gives you rights… then I'll fight.
If loving me hurts you… then I'll learn to love you silently."
He took a deep breath — and walked away from the door.
Not inside.
Not near her.
Just a corner of the hallway where he could still see her from the glass window.
He sat alone, watching her motionless form… without asking for anything in return.
The hospital lights were bright…
But everything between them was dark.
Isha got discharged from the hospital the next morning.
Her body was weak… but her mind was even weaker — exhausted, tired of everything.
Dhruv stayed beside her, not leaving even for a minute.
Ishika and Prisha came to pick her up — no one else.
No crowd. No Raghuvanshi family.
Just the three people she could still tolerate right now.
They quietly helped her into the car.
The whole ride was silent — Isha looking out of the window, no expression, no tears, no anger… nothing.
Emotionless.
They reached the hotel.
Inside the lobby, she looked around —
no Raghuvanshi family.
No Shivansh.
No royal people.
Ishaconfused, voice weak, "Where… are they?"
Dhruv soft but hesitant "They went back to the palace… to make arrangements for you."
Isha froze.
Her eyes widened in disbelief.
Isha anger rising inside but voice dead, "Arrangements? I said I needed time… yesterday… and now suddenly?"
Dhruv didn't reply.
He knew anything he said would trigger her again.
He gently held her arm and led her to her room.
Dhruv, "You rest. Ishika and Prisha already packed your bags are almost done. You don't have to do anything."
Isha sat on the bed silent, staring into nothing.
Dhruv left the room, closing the door behind.
A minute later — a knock.
Before she could answer, the knob turned.
The door opened.
Shivansh walked in.
He had her room key — of course he did.
She didn't even look at him.
Didn't flinch.
Didn't acknowledge his existence.
Shivansh stood in front of her… waiting for her to scream, throw something, insult him — anything.
But she didn't.
She was calm. Too calm.
He finally spoke.
Shivansh voice steady, emotion hidden,
"Isha, whatever you say… whatever you feel… one thing cannot be changed now. We are married. Whether it happened normally, forcefully, or because everyone wanted it… the truth is you are my wife now."
She blinked once — no reaction.
He continued.
Shivansh: "You have to come with me. To our home. Everyone is waiting for you… they have been waiting for you for years. You don't have to talk to me. You can hate me. You can stay angry. But you are coming with me."
Inside her mind — fire.
Raging fire.
"You want me to come? Fine. I will. I will make your life hell. You forcefully married me. Now you want to take me to your palace? Good. I will destroy your peace. I will break you the way you broke me. And once I finish… I will ask for divorce. And I will get it."
Her thoughts were loud — but her voice was quiet.
Isha expression blank, "Okay."
Shivansh froze.
That was the last thing he expected.
He came prepared for yelling, crying, hatred — but she was calm… too calm.
Shivansh confused, trying to read her, "Okay?"
She didn't respond.
Just stayed still.
He swallowed hard.
Shivansh, "okay then. We will leave soon."
He walked out.
Ishika and Prisha entered instantly, helping her to get ready silently — stealing glances at her, scared to speak.
Soon they all came down to the hotel entrance.
Her parents were waiting there with their luggage.
Isha shocked, "Why are you leaving? Why aren't you coming with me?"
Her father guilty smile, avoiding her eyes, "Beta… you are going to your house now. To your husband's home. We… we will come to pick you up in a day or two for Pagphera. Till then… stay there."
She stared at them, heartbroken again — but didn't say a word.
Everyone started leaving for Delhi.
She didn't talk to Luka.
Didn't talk to Alessandro and meher.
But when little Riyan came running toward her, her mask cracked — just a little.
She crouched and hugged him tightly.
Isha soft voice, tears almost, "I'll come in two days, okay? Don't trouble mama too much. No too much masti. When I come… we'll do masti together."
Riyan smiling, "Okay mama."
She kissed his forehead… and let him go.
One by one — her people left.
Now only one car remained — going to Jaipur.
And guard car which are following them from behind silently and secretly.
In the car, Dhruv was driving,
Shivansh sat in the passenger seat,
Isha alone in the back.
The AC was running, but the atmosphere was burning.
Silence filled the entire car.
After some time, Dhruv looked at the rear mirror.
Dhruv soft, "Are you comfortable, bachha?"
Isha blank "Yes."
Again silence.
Shivansh couldn't stop himself.
He turned slightly, looking at her.
Shivansh quiet, almost a whisper, "If you need anything… tell me."
Isha didn't reply.
She kept staring outside the window —
expressionless, soulless, tired.
Inside her mind though — chaos.
"This is not over. You dragged me back into your life. Now you will pay for it."
The car kept moving toward Raghuvanshi Palace.
Toward a future full of pain.
A war that was only beginning.
The three-hour drive to Jaipur had already turned silent… painfully silent.
Dhruv kept driving… eyes on the road, but his heart was restless.
Shivansh sat in the passenger seat… stiff… fists clenched… eyes fixed on the mirror as if he was trying to read Isha without disturbing her.
And Isha… sitting behind… head resting on the window glass… staring outside… expressionless.
She was not crying… not angry… not shouting… but this kind of silence was worse than any breakdown.
After almost an hour,
Dhruv, "Isha… you okay?"
No response.
Five more minutes passed…
Shivansh looked again in the rear mirror and finally asked, Shivansh quiet, careful, "Isha… do you want water?"
She didn't answer again.
And then—soft… barely audible… she whispered,
Isha, "…stop the car."
Dhruv immediately pressed the brakes, worried.
Dhruv, "What happened? You okay?"
Isha didn't look at anyone, just opened the door and stepped out.
She didn't even wait for them — she started walking toward a small old dhaba on the side of the highway.
It wasn't royal… not fancy… not clean like palace restaurants…
but maybe that's exactly what she wanted — something simple, something not suffocating.
Shivansh and Dhruv followed her silently.
Inside, the dhaba owner greeted happily, Owner, "Aao beti, khaana kha lo. Kya doge?"
Isha sat at one of the wooden tables, not even looking at the menu.
Isha low, tired, "Whatever is fastest."
Shivansh sat across from her. Dhruv sat beside her.
After a moment, Isha looked at the owner again, Isha, "Actually… give me aloo paratha… and butter. "
That was the first time she asked for something in two days.
Shivansh's heart felt a pinch — even ordering food sounded like pain today.
The food arrived.
Isha took a bite… and then suddenly stopped… like her throat refused to swallow.
Shivansh noticed. Shivansh slow, "Tum… khana kha lo. Please."
Isha didn't answer.
She forced herself to take the second bite… her hand slightly shivering.
After a moment, she said quietly, not looking at anyone:
Isha, "Don't think I'm eating because of you. I just don't want to faint again."
Shivansh lowered his eyes, accepting it.
He didn't defend himself. He didn't try to explain. This time, he just listened.
Dhruv tried to lighten the moment, Dhruv: "And I'm hungry. So thank you for saving my life by stopping the car."
A tiny… very tiny smile came on Isha's lips for one second — and disappeared again.
But Shivansh saw it. And for him that one second felt like breath after drowning.
Shivansh softly, "If you want anything else… say it. If you want to leave… say it. Whatever you say… will happen."
Isha didn't meet his eyes.
Isha coldly, "Don't act like you're understanding me, Shivansh. You don't understand people. You control them."
Shivansh's jaw tightened… but he stayed silent.
Dhruv slowly placed his hand over Isha's, Dhruv, "Bas kha le. Ek baar. Baaki baatein baad mein."
She didn't pull her hand back… but she didn't react either.
After finishing the meal, Isha stood up first.
Dhruv paid the bill.
Shivansh followed Isha like a shadow — not too close, not too far.
While walking back to the car, a little girl from the dhaba pointed at Isha's hand decorated with mehendi.
Little Girl, "Didi shaadi hui aapki?"
Isha froze.
Shivansh's breath stopped.
The girl smiled innocently, looked at from head to down, is ha was wearing red Anarkali, and Little Girl said, "Bahut sundar lag rahe ho. Dulhan lag rahe ho."
Isha's eyes filled for a moment… not tears… pain.
She bent down, touched the girl's cheek, and forced a smile.
Isha, "Haan… hui hai."
Then whispered only the second half of the sentence in her mind —
"…par meri marzi se nahi."
They got into the car again.
Silence continued.
But this time the silence wasn't empty —
it was heavy… emotional… hurting.
After another hour of drive, finally…
the massive golden gates of Raghuvanshi Palace appeared.
And the car stopped in front of the main entrance.
By mid-noon, the car finally rolled into the long stone driveway of the Raghuvanshi Palace.
The whole palace was decorated like a festival — lights, flowers, rangoli, musicians, traditional lamps — the grand welcome for a Queen.
Isha looked at the decorations from the window…
No smile.
No surprise.
Just a numb whisper escaped from her lips,
Isha, "Once I dream to live here but now.."
Shivansh turned back to look at her, voice unsteady but calm, Shivansh, "Now… this is the place where you will rule."
But Isha — without blinking — replied,
Isha, "Kingdoms are for people who feel alive, Shivansh.
Not for someone who died five years ago."
The golden gates opened slowly, and the guard bowed deep, announcing respectfully, "Rani-sa, swagat hai."
Isha didn't react.
Her face — blank.
Her eyes — dead silent.
Her posture — too tired to fight, too tired to feel.
She stepped out of the car first.
Shivansh followed her like a shadow — one step behind, his eyes never leaving her, as if he were afraid that if he blinked, she might disappear again.
Dhruv walked behind both of them, keeping distance, observing everything, ready to intervene if needed.
The palace entrance looked as if the entire place had been waiting for her since years.
Flower rangolis.
Marigold curtains.
Rose petals scattered on the marble floor.
Incense in the air.
Traditional dhols beating faintly.
And right at the door, everyone was lined up.
Shivansh's grandparents.
His uncle and aunt.
Ranveer, Aviyansh.
And shivansh father, and at the center — Shivansh's mother holding the aarti thali.
Everyone forced their smiles… but it wasn't hard to see the guilt beneath.
They were happy she came…
but guilty they forced this marriage.
Still, emotionally, everyone was trembling — for different reasons.
Isha stopped right in front of the doorway.
Shivansh's mother's hand shook as she lit the diya.
She looked at Isha, her eyes full of apology and love and whispered,
"Welcome back… beta."
Isha didn't blink.
Didn't fold her hands.
Didn't smile.
Just stared — blank.
The aarti circle moved in front of her.
Everyone watched her face, hoping for the slightest confirmation that she accepted them.
Nothing.
She silently stepped forward.
Next came the rice-filled lota.
The tradition — the bride kicks the pot gently to signify prosperity entering the house.
Isha looked at it for 3 seconds… not understanding whether she should or whether she wanted to.
Shivansh didn't say anything. He just waited, like a man who could take any wound — except forcing her again.
Dhruv whispered softly, from behind, "Do whatever you want, Isha… no one will stop you."
Her throat tightened.
With the weakest push of her foot, the pot rolled… the sound echoing in the huge marble hall.
Everyone sighed some in relief, some in sorrow.
Next ritual, palm prints.
A plate with red alta color was placed.
Isha dipped her hands lifelessly, pressing them on the wall, leaving two perfect, red marks.
She didn't look at them.
Everyone clapped weakly, forcing a happy expression, but the heaviness in the air was unmissable.
Her feet were washed for the next ritual.
She stepped into the milk bowl mixed with rose petals and alta, and walked inside, leaving crimson footprints toward her new home.
Shivansh kept distance.
One wrong move… and she might break again.
He walked beside her, silently, eyes only on her — not touching, not helping, but guarding.
Then came the final ritual "finding the ring" game.
A large brass bowl was brought, filled with milk, rose petals, turmeric, tiny pearls, and the ring inside it.
Everyone stood around the round, decorated table.
Shivansh's grandmother announced with a smile,
"The one who finds the ring first will rule the marriage."
Everyone laughed lightly, trying to make the moment light.
Except Isha.
She sat opposite of Shivansh.
Emotionless.
Hands on her lap.
Eyes on the bowl not because she cared… but because she didn't want to think.
Shivansh leaned forward slightly and whispered his tone soft, not forceful:
"If you don't want to play… just tell me."
She didn't look at him.
And the ritual officially began.
The room was divided into two teams now, one Isha and second shivansh,
In Isha team was shivansh father, Shivansh mother, shivansh grand father, his chote papa and chote maa, aviyansh and Dhruv.
In Shivansh was just ranveer and his grand mother.
Just placed her hand inside the bowl.
Everyone froze.
Shivansh placed his hand too — but slower… careful… as if he were scared of touching her by accident.
The room was filled with laughter and loud cheers after Isha won the first round.
But the moment her smile faded, Shivansh's eyes instantly followed her expression — like his happiness was tied to hers.
Grandmother teasingly,
"Round one — Isha wins. But don't be so confident, beta. My Shivansh will not lose this time."
Isha (cold smirk):
"Let's see, Dadi saa."
Both dipped their hands into the wide bowl of milk again — this time the ring hidden deeper.
She could feel his hand brushing nearby.
He? He kept his hand away, careful, scared to touch her, scared she might get triggered again.
Shivansh in his mind: "Even by mistake, I don't want to hurt her again…"
But fate was cruel their fingers touched slightly.
Isha flinched.
Shivansh froze immediately, pulling his hand back like he touched fire.
Isha whispering angrily so only he could hear,
"Don't… touch me."
Her eyes had pain, not hatred… but Shivansh didn't dare speak.
Grandmother was cheering for him loudly.
Avyaan and Dhruv were cheering louder for Isha.
Suddenly Isha's hand felt something round — the ring…
But Shivansh also found it from the other side — both holding it together, underwater, not letting go.
Everyone leaned forward.
Grandmother:
"Aahaa! A tie? Pull it out together!"
Isha looked into Shivansh's eyes under the surface of milk — a silent dangerous challenge.
Isha soft but sharply, "Let it go."
Shivansh heartbreaking calm, "You win."
He wasn't even trying.
He loosened his fingers.
She came up with the ring — victorious again.
Everyone cheered loudly.
Dhruv, "Yessss! My sister again!"
Avivansh happy dance,
"I told you! Team Isha always wins!"
A tiny smile escaped Isha again — unplanned, unwilling… but real.
Shivansh saw it.
And for a second, he forgot he was breathing.
She looked alive again… and that was everything for him.
Round Three — Final Round
Grandmother tried to boost Shivansh:
Grandmother, "Beta now play properly. Show her who the king is!"
But his mother whispered to grandmother:
Shivansh's Mother, "Ma… let her win. This happiness belongs to her today."
Grandmother didn't speak further.
The third round began.
Isha immediately caught the ring… but paused.
She looked at him — wanting to win proudly, but something inside stopped her.
She spoke very softly:
Isha, "This time… if you want… you can win."
He looked up at her hope flickering in his eyes.
But after two seconds she shook her head with bitter realisation:
Isha, "No… you don't deserve victory from me."
She lifted her hand, showing the ring, winning the third time.
Everyone cheered loudly.
Dhruv, "Three–zero!! Queen of the house!!"
Even the elders smiled proudly.
Not because she won but because finally Isha smiled again.
Shivansh stood there… expression soft, hurt hidden beautifully.
He clapped for her — gently… silently.
Not pretending. Not acting.
He was genuinely happy for her.
Grandmother laughing, "So according to the ritual, the one who wins will lead the marriage… so Isha beti will rule the home from today! Officially!"
Isha whispering to Shivansh only, "I have been ruling myself since the day I lost everything… don't expect me to rule like a wife."
Her smile disappeared again.
Shivansh swallowed quietly accepting whatever came from her.
Shivansh soft voice, almost breaking, "You can do anything… just don't destroy yourself in the process."
She looked away pretending she didn't hear.
Everyone was celebrating the game…
but the storm between their hearts had just begun.
By the time the rituals ended and the ring-finding games were over, night had already fallen.
No one realized how quickly the hours had passed — maybe because everyone was tired… or maybe because everyone was pretending everything was normal.
The entire family moved toward the grand dining area.
The huge dining table looked as if it had been waiting for this moment for years — royal, decorated, filled with countless dishes.
Isha walked silently, not looking anywhere, not reacting to anything.
Shivansh followed her like a shadow not too close, not too far simply there.
Dhruv walked beside her, protective like always.
Everyone sat.
No one spoke for a minute. Only the sound of plates and spoons filled the air.
Shivansh's mother finally broke the silence.
Shivansh mother soft tone,
"Isha beta… have something. You haven't eaten the whole day."
Isha didn't reply. She simply served herself a very small portion.
Grandfather smiled a warm, trying-to-fix-everything smile.
Grandfather, "You like dal makhni, right? It used to be your favorite."
Isha gave a tiny nod, not rude, not friendly, just… tired.
Shivansh watched her secretly, memorizing every small reaction.
And for the first time since the marriage… she gave a faint smile.
Not a happy one just a normal, polite smile when Ranveer cracked a light joke.
It was the first little sign that she was responding to the world again.
Dhruv noticed it, and exhaled in relief.
Dinner continued quietly.
No emotional talk, no arguments only safe topics.
Aviyansh teasing:
"Isha bhabhi sa, tomorrow I'll take you for a desert ride. You can scream there freely, we won't stop you."
Everyone laughed softly.
Even Isha smiled… a little.
After dinner, everyone stood.
Shivansh's grandmother held the responsibility.
Grandmother, "Isha, beta… your room is ready. You must be very tired. Go and rest."
Isha's steps stopped.
Her throat tightened for a moment.
Her heart whispered:
Years ago… I never had to ask where my room was. I knew. I lived here… I belonged here. And now I have to be told where to go…
But she did not show it.
She only nodded.
Isha soft, expressionless, "Okay."
Dhruv walked with her until the staircase.
Dhruv whispered, "If you need anything… I'm just one call away."
She only nodded.
Dhruv left, trusting her to stand tall on her own.
She walked to the massive royal bedroom… Shivansh's room… their room.
The moment she entered, she froze.
The room was exactly the same as five years ago —
same curtains… same fragrance… same sofa in the corner…
the only difference was the distance between two hearts who once belonged to each other.
She stood still — one minute, two minutes — expressionless, blank, thoughtless.
She wasn't crying.
She wasn't angry.
She wasn't happy.
She wasn't sad.
She was nothing.
She sat down on the bed slowly… her eyes staring at nowhere.
Not the wall, not the mirror — just… emptiness.
A few minutes later, the door opened.
Shivansh walked inside.
He didn't make a single sound while entering — as if he was afraid that even footsteps might disturb her.
He stopped near the door.
Didn't come close.
Didn't speak.
He just watched her…
her blank eyes…
her still hands…
her lost mind.
He exhaled painfully.
Shivansh very softly, "Isha…?"
No response.
He stepped a little closer — not too close — just enough that she could hear him clearly.
Shivansh, "You had dinner… but you didn't eat properly. You must be hungry."
Still no reaction.
He swallowed, controlling his voice.
Shivansh, "I know you don't want to talk to me. And I also know that… I deserve that.
So I won't force you. I won't ask questions. I won't argue.
Just… if you need anything… I'm here."
Silence again.
She didn't blink.
Didn't move.
But her jaw tightened which was answer enough.
Shivansh lowered his gaze in pain… whispering:
He whispered almost like a confession,
Shivansh, "You looked… happy today. During the game.
Even for a second.
And I don't deserve it… but thank you for smiling."
He left quietly for the washroom closing the door behind him.
Isha remained on the bed… staring at the same empty spot…
as if she was reminding herself again and again:
"I am here only to break him. Not to break myself again."
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