Inside the Kothari mansion, Veena and Urvashi continued buttering up Adrija, their smiles never faltering.
"Our Vihaan is not just strong but also deeply devoted to his family," Veena said warmly. "There isn't anything he wouldn't do to protect us."
Urvashi added with pride, "And he's well-educated, responsible, and blessed with a good heart. A son every mother dreams of."
Adrija nodded politely, but inside, her thoughts churned.
Just then, Vihaan and Yug entered the hall. Veena and Urvashi immediately turned their attention toward Vihaan, their words glowing with praise.
"Here comes our Vihaan," Urvashi said proudly. "Handsome, hardworking, and the pride of this house."
Vihaan froze mid-step, clearly uncomfortable with all the compliments being heaped on him. His jaw tightened, and he cast a quick, awkward glance at Yug.
Yug smirked, leaning close to his brother. "Bhaiya, if they keep praising you like this, your ears might start glowing red," he whispered mischievously.
Vihaan shot him a warning look, but Yug only chuckled, enjoying his discomfort.
Meanwhile, Adrija's eyes locked onto Vihaan. She took in his tall, muscular frame, the sharp lines of his jaw, the long locks brushing past his shoulders, and the effortless grace with which he carried himself. His face was undeniably handsome—striking even.
Her gaze sharpened, lingering with a hidden calculation. Not just handsome… but also the heir of such a wealthy family. Filthy rich. A golden opportunity.
Suppressing her smirk, Adrija softened her expression into one of shy acceptance.
"If you all truly wish it…" she said with feigned modesty, "I would be honored to accept this alliance."
Veena and Urvashi's faces lit up with joy, their hands clasping Adrija's warmly. "You've made us so happy, beta," Veena said with teary eyes.
The whole Kothari family buzzed with excitement, their hearts swelling with relief.
But Vihaan… Vihaan felt only a hollow ache inside. He forced a small nod, pretending to be relieved, but deep within, unhappiness gnawed at him.
Marriage? His thoughts churned. I'll do it for my family, but… this doesn't feel right.
With a coy smile, Adrija nodded, pretending to be overwhelmed by the proposal.
"I... I'm grateful for your proposal. It's a yes from my side, but we'd still need to meet my mother, Gayatri."
Dadi nodded graciously. "Of course, dear. Gayatri has played the role of a mother in your life. It would be right for us to seek her permission."
Raani and Yug couldn't resist teasing Vihaan about his impending marriage.
"Looks like someone's getting hitched!" Raani said with a giggle.
Yug chimed in, smirking, "Yeah, Bhaiya's finally off the market!"
Vihaan's expression turned stern as he shot them a warning glance. Just then, his phone rang.
"Excuse me, Mom, Dadi, I have some work at the station," he said, answering the call.
With a brief nod, Vihaan left the room, his eyes lingering on Raani and Yug with a clear "stop teasing me" look.
Later that day, Adrija came back home almost skipping with joy, her arms wrapped tightly around Gayatri.
"Ma! We've hit the jackpot!" she cried, her voice trembling with excitement.
Gayatri frowned, suspicious but eager. "What are you babbling about, girl?"
With a triumphant grin, Adrija whispered, "The Kothari family... they want me to marry their son, Vihaan. He's rich, handsome, and everything I could ever dream of. Do you understand, Ma? Our lives will change forever!"
For a moment, silence fell before both Gayatri and Adrija burst into greedy laughter, hugging each other tightly. Their eyes glittered with ambition, the kind that devoured everything pure.
Just then, Gauri appeared at the doorway, her face darkened by suspicion. "What's going on here?"
Gayatri instantly tried to cover. "Nothing you need to worry about. Tell me, how's Charvi doing?"
The mention of her sister made Gauri's blood boil. Her voice cracked with fury. "Don't you dare speak Charvi's name! You already tried to sell her once. That's why I sent her to the hostel — to keep her safe from your poison, your greed!"
Gayatri's lips curled, venomous. "Watch your tongue, Gauri. No matter what you think, you're still my daughter."
Gauri's eyes filled with tears, but her words were sharp as daggers. "You're no mother to me. You've only ever brought ruin and shame. Every scar I carry, every wound in my heart—it's because of you!"
Gayatri's eyes blazed, her voice low and dangerous. "I wonder where you learned to bite back like this."
Gauri laughed bitterly, her tone cutting like glass. "From you. If there's anything I've inherited, it's your venom. You've always known how to slice people apart with your words."
Gayatri sneered, pride mixed with malice. "Then you're my blood through and through. Just like me though you are an artificial blood because I didn't birth you."
Gauri's voice trembled with disgust. "No. I'll never be like you. You live for greed, for wealth, for schemes. I live to protect the ones you'd destroy."
Tension crackled in the room until Adrija stepped in, smirking as if the argument was beneath her. "Enough of this drama. Gauri, I have news that changes everything. A rich family is considering me as their daughter-in-law."
She plucked a sweet from the box and forced it into Gauri's mouth, her smile dripping with mockery. "That's right. Tomorrow they'll come to see me."
Gauri's response was cold and hollow. "Congrats."
She turned away, went inside, and emerged with her rickshaw keys. But Gayatri's commanding voice stopped her.
"Don't show your face tomorrow, Gauri. I don't want Adrija's future in-laws to see you. You'll bring misfortune to this alliance."
Gauri let out a bitter laugh, her eyes burning with defiance. "As if I care for your shameless dreams. You've already sold your soul. I won't let you sell mine."
Without another word, she stormed out, leaving behind the sound of Gayatri and Adrija's greedy, triumphant laughter echoing through the walls.