At night, Veena made her way to Vihaan's balcony, the moonlight casting a gentle glow on her face. She found him standing with his back to her, gazing out at the stars.
"Sweetheart," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper.
Vihaan turned to face her, his expression neutral. Veena's eyes searched his, filled with understanding.
Her voice was filled with love and concern. "Beta, I know marriage is a big responsibility. I want you to be happy, and I believe Adrija will be a good partner for you."
Vihaan's gaze dropped, his emotions heavy and conflicted. Her words were gentle, yet laced with a deep understanding.
"I know you've always put others before yourself, Vihaan. But I want you to remember that your happiness matters to me too."
Vihaan's eyes met hers, a storm of emotions swirling within. "Mom, I'll do what's best for our family. I'll marry Adrija."
Veena's face softened, her eyes shining with maternal pride. "I know you'll make the right decision, beta. You're a good son, and I'm proud of you."
---
Meanwhile, outside her modest home, Gauri stood lost in thought. The recent incident with Charvi weighed heavily on her mind. She turned, her gaze falling on Gayatri and Adrija inside. Gayatri was carefully applying a face mask on Adrija, who was giggling, glowing with self-indulgence.
Gauri's expression turned melancholic. Her heart whispered painfully, "Despite having a mother and sister, I feel utterly alone. Baba, you may not have given me birth, but you brought me into this house. And then you placed Charvi's responsibility on me."
Her thoughts darkened. "But I've failed. I don't know if I can protect her. My mother and sister are drowning in their greed, blind to Charvi's fragile condition."
Her anxiety spiked as reality hit her. "How will I arrange the money for Charvi's surgery? I've only managed to save half. Where will the rest come from? How can I gather it all in just one month?"
Her eyes blurred with tears, her chest tightening under the weight of helplessness. She lifted her face toward the night sky, her voice a trembling whisper.
"Bhagwan, please… help me. Show me a way."
Her body shook as sobs escaped, hot tears streaming down her cheeks. The crushing burden of responsibility, the fear of losing Charvi, and the loneliness of her struggle consumed her.
Standing there under the vast, indifferent sky, Gauri broke down completely—vulnerable, desperate, and utterly alone.
The next day, the elders of the Kothari family arrived at the chawl to meet Gayatri and Adrija. Gayatri welcomed them into her small home with an eager smile, though her sharp eyes darted constantly to the glittering jewelry adorning the Kothari women. Greed gleamed in her gaze even as she feigned humility.
Veena and Dadi began to discuss the alliance and Adrija's acceptance.
"As long as my daughter Adrija is happy, I am more than happy to give my blessing," Gayatri said smoothly.
The families finalized the initial arrangements, and Adrija kept her composure, her lips curving into a subtle smile. Inwardly, she was giddy with triumph. A grand future was opening before her, and she was ready to seize it.
Curiosity got the better of Gayatri. "How is Vihaan? I would have loved to meet him today."
Urvashi answered politely, "Vihaan couldn't make it. He is tied up with work."
Gayatri nodded, pretending to be understanding, but her eyes glowed at the thought of their wealthy heir.
Then Dadi leaned forward with a warm smile. "We'd like to hold the engagement ceremony tomorrow. What do you say?"
Gayatri's face lit up instantly. "That would be wonderful!" she exclaimed eagerly.
Adrija's eyes sparkled as she sat straighter, her voice suddenly soft yet calculated. "Aunt, I'm truly grateful for this alliance. And yes, it's true my mother and I live here… but I'm not alone. I have two younger sisters as well. One is already working, and the other is still in school."
Her words were laced with pride, a deliberate attempt to present herself as part of a wholesome, respectable family rather than a lonely daughter of a greedy mother.
Veena's face lit up with even more affection. "Then we must meet them! It would be wonderful if they also came for the engagement."
Adrija nodded sweetly. "Of course, Aunt. I'll make sure they attend. My family should be part of this happiness."
Across from her, Gayatri's smile froze. Behind her polite expression, her thoughts burned. "Foolish girl. I hid those two for a reason — and now she drags them into this? If anything goes wrong, she'll be the one to blame!"
But outwardly, Gayatri clapped her hands in joy. "Yes, yes, of course, they will be there!" she agreed quickly, desperate not to let her irritation show.
After the final arrangements were settled, the Kothari family prepared to leave. Veena and Urvashi fed sweets to Gayatri and Adrija, congratulating each other warmly.
The air was filled with festivity as the families exchanged blessings.
"Congratulations to both our families on this auspicious occasion!" Veena declared, her voice ringing with joy.