Chapter 12

T

he whole ride, I was thinking about Vani. The way she was annoyed, frustrated, I love it. I love how she tried to ignore me, but failed. I love how she looked like a nervous little tomato when Dadi said she’d be our second daughter-in-law. We looked so good together.

She looked stunning in that white floral frock. Gorgeous. Especially when she sat beside me.

We reached Ludhiana around 11 o’clock.

Watchman uncle opened the gates to the haveli, and we all entered, exhausted. Still, I was happy. My brother might finally find his happiness.

We settled in the living room. The maids brought water. Bade Papa and Papa came in too.

“What do you think, Simran ji?” bade  Papa asked.

“She’s exactly like you said, innocent, beautiful, and cute,” badi Ma replied.

Then Papa looked at me. “But I want to know what Nav thinks.”

I smiled. “Papa, I’m sorry I ever doubted your judgment. The girl you chose is perfect for Yash.”

“I knew you’d like Inaiyat,” he said with a grin.

Everyone smiled. The mood was light.

I jumped up. “Guys, I’ll be back in a minute.”

Before I left, I heard Bade Papa chuckle, “Watch—he’s going straight to his brother.”

Everyone laughed.

I found a servant and asked where Yash was. “In the study,” he said.

I rushed there. I wanted to be the first to tell him the news. I opened the door, grinning.

“Guess what?” I said, teasing.

He looked as if he was possessed by a ghost—but that’s normal.

“Tell me?” he asked, tense.

“We went to Rajasthan today—for your marriage. And we fixed your wedding! The girl is—”

“What the fuck are you saying?” he cut me off.

I was taken aback. He looked furious.

“Listen—” I tried again.

“You knew! You always knew! And you didn’t even tell me where you all were going? I always thought of you as my real brother. But you did this?”

He pushed me aside and stormed out.

A tear slipped down my cheek. I wiped it quickly.

Real brother? Is this how little he thinks of me? After everything?

I followed him to the living room.

He was yelling—for the first time in his life.

“Oh, so you can all fix my wedding, but I can’t even speak for myself?” he snapped.

“What’s your reason for refusing?” Amrinder Papa asked calmly.

“I have someone else in my life.”

WHAT?

“WHAT?” Bade Papa shouted, his hand on his chest.

Next second, he collapsed.

“BADE PAPA!” I yelled.

Subh had entered and ran with me. We carried him to the car.

Yash drove. I sat beside him, mentally cursing myself. If I had just told him earlier—if he had let me finish—we wouldn’t be here.

We reached DMC Hospital fast. Yash and I rushed him inside. They took him to the emergency ward.

Yash and Badi Ma sat outside. I stood where they couldn’t see me, but I could hear them.

“Yash, you shouldn’t have spoken to your father like that,” Badi Ma sobbed.

“I’m sorry, Mom, but how could I marry someone else?”

“Yash, trust me. The girl your father chose is perfect.”

“My heart belongs to someone else, Mom. What will this other girl do with just my body?”

“When I married your father, we didn’t know each other either. Love came later, through trust and understanding.”

“But you and Dad didn’t love someone else before. I do. That girl is in my every breath.”

Badi Ma’s voice cracked. “Can’t you do it for your father’s health? That girl’s been through hell. Her aunt tortured her. She deserves a good life, and you could give her that.”

Yash sighed. “Fine. I’ll marry her.”

Badi Ma held his hand. “Just promise me you’ll respect and care for her.”

“I will, Mom. But I need time for love.”

“That’s enough for me. Do you want to see her picture?”

He shook his head. “If you love her, that’s enough.”

Idiot. Just see the picture once.

I wiped my tears and walked forward. Yash had his head down.

“I’ll be back in a few minutes,” he said and left.

I brought water to Badi Ma. She didn’t want anything—just her husband back. I hugged her.

“Don’t worry, Ma. He’ll be fine. He has to.”

✧

Few Weeks Later

Bade Papa was back home, better but still recovering.

Me and Yash barely talked. Just a few words about medicines, nothing else.

He buried himself in work, skipping meals. He thought no one noticed.

One morning, there was chaos in the living room.

“What’s happening?” I asked. “Bade Papa, are you okay?”

“Look at him!” Badi Ma said. “He wants to go to Jaipur! Alone!”

“I tried stopping him,” Papa added.

“Bade Papa, you need rest,” I said.

“I’m fine, beta. And this is very important,” he replied.

“Then I’m coming with you. You’re not going alone.”

“I don’t need anyone to—”

“Anyone?” I cut in. “So I’m just anyone now? Fine. I’ll call Yash, maybe your son can help.”

He caught my arm.

“Don’t say that. All my children are equal to me. You are my best son.”

We smiled. “Fine. You come with me.”

“But you’re still not well,” Badi Ma said.

“Trust me, Ma. I’ll take care of him more than I take care of myself.”

She nodded, and Mom hit my arm.

“Don’t say that. Nothing will happen. Waheguru will protect you both.”

We left for Jaipur.

✧

In the Car

“Papa, why are we going to Inaiyat’s house?” I asked.

“To ask for forgiveness… and to cancel the wedding,” he said.

I slammed the brakes.

“What? Why would you do that?!”

“He only agreed because of my health. I can’t force him.”

“But—Papa…”

“You wanted his consent, Nav. He doesn’t want this marriage!”

I looked down. Silent.

Papa noticed.

“Tell me what you’re hiding.”

I sighed. “Remember when you asked if I was hiding something? I knew. I knew he liked someone. I found out the day we went to Inaiyat’s house. He loves her. He just didn’t know that she’s the one we chose.”

Papa’s eyes widened.

“That’s great! Let’s tell him now!”

He pulled out his phone.

“Wait, wait, wait. I have an idea.”

“Oh God, what now?”

“Let’s tease him a little. Don’t tell him the girl is Inaiyat. Let him stay confused. Just for a while. When he finds out, his face will be priceless!”

Papa laughed. “You’re evil.”

“But you love me.”

“Alright, let’s do this.”

We both laughed together.
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Hey guys tell me if you are with nav’s plan !

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English is not my first language kindly excuse any errors

Your Writer
Fanaa

Heading off!!!