The momentary spark was quickly extinguished as reality settled in. Both Vihaan and Gauri remembered the tension and animosity that had defined their interactions, and their faces hardened.
They pulled away from each other, the fall forgotten as they scrambled to their feet. Gauri's cheeks were flushed, while Vihaan's expression was unreadable, though a flicker of irritation shone in his eyes.
Without a word, Vihaan headed toward the washroom, pausing only to say, "Call Charvi. She had called earlier." Then he disappeared inside, leaving Gauri to compose herself.
Gauri sat on the edge of the bed, still feeling Vihaan's irritation lingering in the air. She picked up her phone and dialed Charvi's number.
The call connected almost instantly.
Charvi's worried voice spilled through the speaker.
"Didi! Finally—you answered! I've been trying to reach you for so long. Why didn't you pick up? I was so scared something bad happened."
Gauri softened, her tone gentle but steady.
"I'm fine, Charvi. Don't panic. The rain outside must have disturbed the signal, that's all."
Charvi sniffled, her worry unrelenting.
"No, Didi, you don't understand… I had this strange feeling. I thought—you—what if you…" her voice cracked, "I don't know what I would do if something happened to you."
Gauri's heart melted at her sister's concern. She smiled faintly, though tears pricked her eyes.
"Arrey pagli, I'm not going anywhere. Your Didi is stronger than you think. Don't waste your tears on unnecessary fear. Save them for the day I come to take you with me, hmm?"
Charvi's voice wavered, but a small smile crept in.
"Promise me you'll stay safe, Didi. Don't let anyone hurt you… not even Jiju."
Gauri glanced at the closed washroom door where Vihaan was still inside, and her lips curved into a bittersweet smile.
"I promise, Charvi. No one can break me—not him, not his family, not anyone. You just focus on your studies and take care of Ma for me."
Charvi exhaled shakily, her relief clear.
"Okay… but you better call me every day. If you don't, I'll keep troubling Jiju until he puts you on the phone."
Gauri chuckled softly.
"Deal. Now go and rest. I'll talk to you tomorrow."
They ended the call, but the warmth of Charvi's concern lingered in Gauri's heart like a shield.
Just then, the bathroom door opened, and Vihaan stepped out, wiping his damp hair, unaware of the conversation that had just given Gauri a fresh surge of strength.
Vihaan emerged from the washroom dressed in dry pajamas, his hair still damp. His gaze landed on Gauri, who was standing sitting on the bed, her face tinged with awkwardness from their earlier fall.
"Sleep on the bed," he said curtly, his voice devoid of warmth. "I'll take the couch."
Gauri only nodded, slipping beneath the covers. She turned away, trying to ignore the heaviness of the atmosphere. Vihaan picked up a pillow and blanket, stretching out on the couch with brisk, detached movements. The silence between them felt like a vast chasm, too wide to cross.
Morning sunlight streamed into the room. Gauri stirred awake, her heart a jumble of emotions. She dressed with deliberate care after her bath, brushing her hair neatly and choosing a simple yet elegant outfit.
As her fingers trembled over the small box of vermilion, memories came rushing back—the day Vihaan had compelled her to accept their marriage by having her mother arrested, forcing her hand with ruthless leverage. The weight of her mother's freedom had hung over her like a blade.
Her hand shook as she applied the vermilion to her parting. To her, it was not a mark of love but a reminder of the circumstances that bound her to him. Her expression hardened as she finished, her eyes shadowed by unspoken pain.
"Gauri?" Vihaan's voice pulled her from her thoughts.
She turned, and for a brief moment, Vihaan was caught off guard. Her simple attire, her quiet poise, and the vermilion dot on her forehead struck him in a way he hadn't expected. For just a heartbeat, he admired her. Then, clearing his throat, he said in a flat tone, "My mother wants you in the kitchen."
"Okay, I'll go," Gauri replied calmly, turning to leave.
But before she could step away, Vihaan's hand closed firmly around her arm. His eyes were steady, his voice low and controlled. "Remember, don't do anything that inconveniences my mother."
Gauri looked at him without flinching. "Okay," she said softly, her eyes meeting his with quiet strength. She slipped free of his grasp and walked toward the door.
Vihaan stood staring after her, a faint crease forming on his forehead. He had expected defiance, a sharp retort, or at least resistance. But instead, she had agreed without hesitation. The ease unsettled him.
Meanwhile, Gauri walked down the corridor, a smirk tugging faintly at her lips. His warning hadn't frightened her—it had only strengthened her resolve. If Vihaan thought she would cower under his family's rules, he was mistaken. She would show him that marrying her was the biggest gamble of his life.
With quiet determination glowing in her eyes, she stepped into the kitchen.