The priest listened attentively as Gauri shared her story, his expression a mix of empathy and wisdom. When she finished, he placed a gentle hand on her shoulder.
"Beti, sometimes the ways of the universe are beyond our understanding. The gods have a way of working things out for our good, even when it seems darkest. Trust in their guidance, and they will lead you through this trial."
He smiled softly. "Your mother's freedom, Charvi's condition — bring all your concerns to the divine. They care for you and will provide a way forward."
The priest gently encouraged Gauri, "Close your eyes, beti, and still your mind. Ask the gods for guidance, and trust that the answer will come."
Gauri closed her eyes, and her mind began to wander. She recalled the vivid memory of Vihaan filling her hairline with vermillion, his fingers brushing against her skin as he draped the mangalsutra around her neck. The sensation sent a shiver down her spine, and she felt a mix of emotions swirling within her. As she stood there, eyes closed, she began to sense a stirring within her heart, a quiet conviction that seemed to whisper, "Trust in the divine."
In the background, Charvi watched silently, his eyes glistening with worry for his sister, but he did not speak, letting Gauri find her own strength.
Gauri's eyes fluttered open, and she looked up at the priest with a sense of calm determination. "Pujari ji, I think I've found my answer," she said, her voice filled with conviction.
The priest's gentle smile encouraged her. "What is it, beti?" he asked, his eyes filled with warmth.
Gauri took a deep breath, her mind clear. "I know what I need to do now. I'll find a way to save my mother and Charvi. And I'll follow my heart, too."
The priest's eyes shone with warmth as he placed a gentle hand on Gauri's head. "May the blessings of the gods be upon you, beti," he said, his voice filled with sincerity.
"May you find strength, courage, and wisdom on your journey. May your heart be guided by love and compassion, and may you emerge victorious in the face of adversity."
As he finished speaking, a sense of peace seemed to settle over Gauri, and she felt a surge of determination and hope. She smiled, feeling a weight lift off her shoulders.
Then Gauri came to Charvi and said, "Charvi, come with me. You should go home and get ready for college."
Charvi hesitated, "Sister, but—"
Gauri gently interrupted, "Don't worry, Charvi. Your sister will make the right decision."
Meanwhile at the kothari mansion, Vihaan's phone rang, breaking the silence in the room. He answered, and Gauri's voice was on the other end.
"Vihaan, can we meet up? I need to talk to you about something," Gauri said, her tone calm and determined.
Vihaan's expression softened. "Of course, Gauri. Where do you want to meet?"
Gauri hesitated for a moment before responding, "Somewhere quiet. Just the two of us."
She told Vihaan she'd send him her location, and they agreed to meet soon. After hanging up, Vihaan turned to his grandmother, Dadi, and his aunt, Urvashi, who was sitting with Raani.
"Dadi, Aunt Urvashi, start preparing to welcome your daughter-in-law," he said, his expression neutral.
With that, he headed out, leaving the women to their excitement. Dadi's face lit up with a warm smile as she turned to Urvashi and Raani.
"I'm overjoyed that Gauri is becoming a part of our family," Dadi said.
Few minutes later
As Vihaan reached the field, he was taken aback by the sight before him. Gauri was walking towards him, dressed in traditional bridal attire, her beauty radiating like a vision. She held the contract papers in her hand.
Vihaan's eyes widened in surprise, his mind struggling to reconcile the Gauri he knew with the stunning bride standing before him. For a moment, he was mesmerized, his thoughts faltering. The strategic leverage he had planned suddenly felt different, more personal.
As Gauri approached Vihaan, her eyes burned with resentment. She recalled the painful ultimatum Vihaan had given her—to marry him in exchange for her mother Gayatri's freedom. The memory of his words still seared her, the feeling of being trapped and coerced into this marriage simmering just below the surface.
Her grip on the contract papers tightened, her expression a mask of calm determination. She approached Vihaan, her eyes locked on his, the weight of her sacrifice and his leverage hanging heavy in the air.
Gauri's eyes locked onto Vihaan's as she handed him the signed contract papers. "Congratulations," she said, her voice laced with sarcasm. "You've managed to get what you wanted. I've signed."
Her tone was icy, her gaze piercing, as if daring him to pretend this was anything other than the transaction it was. Vihaan's expression remained neutral, but a flicker of awareness seemed to pass between them, acknowledging the tension beneath the surface.
Vihaan replied, "You've made the right decision. Your mother will be free now."
Gauri's eyes flashed with a mix of anger and determination. "You've made a decision, all right," she said, her voice low and even. "You've made the biggest mistake of your life by making me your wife."
Vihaan's expression darkened slightly as he asked, "What do you mean?"
Gauri's smile was cold and calculated. "I meant exactly what I said. The same effort you used to compel me into marrying you, I'm going to use that same effort to ensure that you end this marriage yourself."
Her words hung in the air, a promise of impending consequences for Vihaan's actions, and a warning that Gauri would not be silenced or controlled.
Vihaan's expression darkened slightly as he asked, "What do you mean?"
Gauri's smile was cold and calculated. "You thought that if you compelled me to sign the contract and then brought me to your house as your wife, it would be over, naah!"
Her tone was laced with a mix of sarcasm and determination, implying that Vihaan's plans were far from over, and Gauri had only just begun to play her part.
Her voice dropped to a low, even tone. "I'm going to trouble you and your family so much that you'll be compelled to throw me out of your house and your life."
The words hung in the air, a promise of chaos and disruption, as Gauri vowed to make Vihaan's life difficult enough that he'd want to end the marriage himself.
Vihaan's eyes locked onto Gauri's as he pulled her closer, their faces inches apart. "You can try to do whatever you want," he said, his voice low and husky. "But you'll remain my wife, whether you like it or not."
Gauri's gaze didn't waver, her eyes flashing with a mix of defiance and determination. "We shall see what our relationship will become," she said, her voice steady. "Only time will tell."