Kumkum Bhagya: Rishton Ki Ankahi Kahani - Chapter 108 updt on pg 22 - Page 17

Chapter 85

A Night of Secrets and Betrayals

Aryan’s Room – A Shocking Demand

Aryan froze at Sunny’s words, his breath catching in his throat. His voice wavered as he asked, “What? What did you just say, Bhai?”

Sunny’s expression remained cold, unwavering. “You heard me, Aryan. Walk away from Mishti’s baraat and marry Shahana instead—right in the mandap meant for her and Rishi.”

Aryan paled, his heart pounding in his chest. His entire world tilted at that moment, his mind scrambling for a way out of this madness. But before he could respond, the sound of approaching footsteps made both him and Sunny freeze.

In an instant, Sunny moved swiftly, concealing himself behind the long curtain in Aryan’s room. A second later, Purab appeared in the doorway, his face lit up with joy as he looked at his son.

Aryan, still reeling from Sunny’s demand, struggled to regain his composure. Purab, noticing his tense expression, stepped closer. “Aryan, is something wrong? You seem worried.”

Aryan forced a smile and hurriedly replied, “Oh, it’s nothing, Dad! Just the usual pre-wedding jitters.”

Purab chuckled, patting his son’s back. “Now I’m sure you’re my son! Because, before my marriage to your mom, I was sweating bullets from anxiety—just like you.”

He suddenly stopped mid-sentence.

Aryan’s curiosity piqued. Even Sunny, still hidden, grew expectant, waiting for Purab to continue. But when silence stretched between them, Aryan took a guess. “You weren’t prepared to marry Mom, were you, Dad?”

Purab’s expression flickered with something unreadable.

Sunny, from behind the curtain, felt a strange unease.

Purab shook off his momentary hesitation and turned to Aryan with a question of his own. “And what about you, Aryan? Are you prepared to marry Mishti?”

Both Aryan and Sunny tensed at those words.

Sunny’s mind raced. “What is this idiot doing? Why is he planting doubts in Purab Khanna’s head?”

But Aryan quickly composed himself. “Of course, I’m prepared, Dad! If I weren’t, why would I be dressed as a groom?”

Purab laughed again, nodding in satisfaction. “Good! Because this marriage isn’t just about your life, Aryan—it’s about our family’s honor. For 21 years, the Kohlis and we have been more than business partners—we’ve been like family. And now, through this marriage, we will become one! I know my son will always uphold his father’s pride and legacy.”

Aryan forced a smile, but Sunny’s mind wandered elsewhere.

Flashback – Rakhi’s Plan

Rakhi’s voice echoed in Sunny’s head.

"You want to avenge your father by making him feel the same pain he caused your mother, isn’t that right? And for that, you’ve been breaking Aryan little by little, so that he collapses in front of your father’s eyes—shattering his heart. Just like your mother’s pain tormented you all your life, you want your father to suffer through his son!"

Sunny had been stunned by how precisely Rakhi had read his intentions.

She had continued, “But listen, Sunny—you don’t need to give up your revenge. You can still achieve it while also saving Shahana.”

Sunny had narrowed his eyes. “How?”

Rakhi had smirked. “A man’s greatest pride lies in his children. If his child commits an unforgivable act before the world, it shatters not just his heart, but his honor. If Aryan marries Shahana instead of Mishti—on the day he’s supposed to marry her—then your father, Mr. Purab Khanna, will lose his honor in front of everyone. His son will have wronged so many people… and that will break his heart.”

Both Sunny and Sanju had been left speechless at the brilliance of her plan.

Sanju had grinned. “Bhai, Bhabhi ji is truly two steps ahead of you in the brains department.”

Sunny had taken a moment to think before finally agreeing.

But Rakhi had given him a final warning.

"Your revenge will be complete when your father crumbles… but the consequences will be huge. Have you thought about that?"

Sunny had smirked. “I know exactly how to handle the consequences.”

Present – A Dangerous Game

Purab left Aryan’s room, reminding his son to finish getting ready.

As soon as he was gone, Sunny stepped out from behind the curtain. His expression was unreadable, but his eyes held a dark amusement. “Well, Aryan, it looks like you’re about to break not just your father’s heart… but also his honor and pride.”

Aryan turned to him, his mind still clouded with confusion. “What do you mean, Bhai?”

Sunny smirked. “All this time, I was trying to break you—to make you crumble in front of your father so that he would suffer. But now, I’ve realized there’s an easier way. If you marry Shahana today—on the same day you were supposed to marry Mishti—your father’s pride will be publicly destroyed.”

Aryan was horrified. “But, Bhai… if I do that, it won’t just be Dad who suffers. So many others will be affected—Mom, Abhi Mamu, Vikram Uncle, Ranbir, Mishti—”

Sunny cut him off coldly. “And if you don’t marry Shahana, Priyanka will shoot her to death right after the wedding.”

Aryan’s breath hitched.

He was trapped.

Outside Aryan’s Room – A Suspicious Observer

Sanju paced anxiously outside, running his hands through his hair. “Why is this taking so long? Bhai’s never failed before—so why is it so hard to convince Aryan?”

His thoughts were interrupted when he saw Rhea approaching.

His eyes widened, and he quickly ducked behind a pillar. “Last time, she almost killed me with her interrogation. If she sees me again, she’ll start her nonsense all over again!”

He watched as Rhea walked past him, heading toward another room. His brows furrowed in curiosity.

"Why does she look so worried? Where is she going? Wait… is she going to complain about me to that devilish Booji of hers?"

His eyes glinted with interest. “I need to find out.”

Moving swiftly, he followed her.

Aliyah and Purab’s Room – A Desperate Plea

Aliyah stood before her mirror, fastening her jewelry. The room was dimly lit, but the glow of the vanity lights illuminated her sharp features.

A soft knock on the door made her turn.

Seeing Rhea, she smiled. “Come in, sweetheart.”

Rhea hesitated, then stepped inside.

Aliyah turned back to the mirror, adjusting her bangles. “What is it, darling? Aryan’s wedding is in just a few hours—why do you look so troubled?”

Rhea took a deep breath, her voice unsteady. “Booji… please don’t let this marriage happen.”

The bangle in Aliyah’s hand slipped, rolling across the floor toward Rhea’s feet.

Aliyah turned around slowly, her eyes narrowing. “What did you just say?”

Rhea swallowed hard, fear creeping into her expression. She stammered, “Booji… Aryan loves Shahana.”

Sanju, still hidden behind the door, sucked in a sharp breath.

This wedding was about to get even more complicated.

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To be continued.

Chapter 86

Aliyah’s eyes widened, a stunned silence settling over the room. She stared at Rhea for a moment, as if trying to comprehend what she had just heard. Then, slowly, she placed her bangle on the table and turned fully to face Rhea, her expression growing serious. "What are you talking about, Rhea?" she asked, her voice steady, but with an edge of disbelief. "Aryan loves Shahana? Are you sure about that?"

Rhea nodded, her voice trembling as she explained, "I... I heard it from Sanju earlier, and then Aryan himself admitted it to me. He said that he was in love with Shahana. He doesn’t want to marry Mishti. I... I’m just worried about what this will do to everyone—to the family, to Dad..."

Aliyah's face hardened as she processed the information. If Aryan is in love with Shahana, this complicates everything she thought. She quickly regained her composure and turned to face the mirror once more, her eyes narrowed with a calculating gleam. "This changes things," she murmured to herself, her mind racing. "But it doesn’t change everything."

Rhea, still standing with uncertainty in her eyes, asked, "What are we going to do, Booji? If Aryan doesn’t marry Mishti, it will ruin everything. Our family's reputation, his father's pride, all of it."

Aliyah, her voice cold and determined, looked at Rhea through the mirror. "We need to control this situation, Rhea. We can’t let this get out of hand. Aryan’s feelings for Shahana—if true—are irrelevant. He’s marrying Mishti, and that’s that. We need to make sure he does."

Rhea, still not fully understanding the depth of Aliyah’s plan, asked hesitantly, "But how, Booji? How can we make him marry Mishti when he doesn’t want to?"

Aliyah’s lips curled into a sly smile as she thought about the possible ways to manipulate the situation. "We’ll give him an incentive. Something that will ensure he walks down the aisle with Mishti no matter what. A little push, a little pressure. You’ll see, he’ll do what’s expected of him."

Rhea, despite her confusion, nodded, trusting her aunt’s judgment. "What do you need me to do?"

"Stay close to Aryan," Aliyah said with a sharp look. "Keep an eye on him. If he shows any signs of wavering, you let me know. And most importantly—don’t let anyone else find out about his feelings for Shahana. If anyone else hears about this, it could destroy everything."

Rhea nodded, her face filled with determination. "I understand." But something deep within her felt a deep unease as she desperately wanted to help Aryan, even if it meant going against her Booji.

As Rhea left the room, Sanju, who had been eavesdropping from the hallway, smirked to himself. Looks like things are about to get interesting, he thought, before silently following Rhea at a safe distance.

Back in Aryan’s room,

He stood in front of the mirror, his mind swirling with conflicting thoughts. He could still hear Sunny’s voice echoing in his head: Marry Shahana, and destroy your father’s pride, break his heart. It’ll be the ultimate revenge for everything. But Aryan also knew the consequences. He wasn’t just betraying his father, his family’s honor, but he was also putting Shahana’s life in danger.

If I don’t marry Shahana, Priyanka will kill her, the words haunted him.

He clenched his fists, feeling trapped in a nightmare. On one hand, he had his father’s pride and his future with Mishti to think about, but on the other hand, there was Shahana—someone he had secretly loved for so long.

Before he could sink further into his thoughts, a knock at the door interrupted him. He opened it to find Sunny standing there, his expression unreadable.

"Everything okay?" Sunny asked, his eyes narrowing as he took in Aryan’s tense demeanor.

Aryan’s mind was a storm of emotions, but he forced a smile. "Yeah, just... just getting ready," he said, trying to sound casual. "What’s up?"

Sunny leaned in, his voice low and serious. "We need to talk. Alone."

Aryan nodded, stepping aside to let Sunny enter. Once the door was closed behind them, Sunny turned to face him. "Have you made up your mind yet?" he asked, his voice laced with both impatience and anticipation.

Aryan looked at him, his gaze hardening. "I don’t know, Sunny. This isn’t as simple as you’re making it sound. There are a lot of people involved here—people I care about."

Sunny stepped closer, his tone colder now. "So you’re going to let all those people dictate your life, Aryan? You’re going to let your father’s pride stop you from doing what you want? What we want?"

Aryan flinched, the weight of Sunny’s words hitting him harder than he expected. What do I want? Aryan thought to himself. Do I want to destroy my father’s pride? Do I want to lose everything I’ve worked for?

"You don’t understand," Aryan muttered, his voice breaking. "This isn’t just about me and Shahana. It’s about everything—my family, Mishti, my future... I can’t just throw it all away."

Sunny’s expression hardened, his voice dropping to a whisper. "You’ll throw it all away anyway, Aryan. If you don’t marry Shahana, she’ll die. And your father... he’ll never forgive you. Do you really want that on your conscience?"

Aryan’s breath caught in his throat. Shahana could die. My father will never forgive me. But if I marry her, everything will fall apart...

Torn, Aryan ran a hand through his hair, struggling to find the right path. "What am I supposed to do, Bhai?"

Sunny’s eyes glinted with cold determination as he stepped forward, placing a hand on Aryan’s shoulder. "You know what you need to do. Do it for your father’s pride. Do it for your family. Do it for Shahana."

As Aryan looked into Sunny’s eyes, he realized that there was no easy way out. His heart was breaking in two, and no matter what decision he made, someone he cared about would be hurt.

A Deal in the Shadows – Rhea and Sanju Join Hands

The dimly lit corridor outside the wedding hall was buzzing with murmurs and hurried footsteps. Guests moved about, lost in the excitement of the upcoming ceremony. But away from the crowd, in a quieter corner near the back entrance, Rhea stormed ahead, frustration evident in her sharp movements. She couldn’t stand this anymore—watching Aryan suffer, being forced into a marriage he didn’t want.

Just as she turned the corner, she collided with someone, almost stumbling backward.

"Careful, Lakshmi Ji," came a cocky voice, laced with amusement.

Rhea’s eyes snapped up to meet Sanju’s smirking face. Annoyance flickered across her features as she straightened. "What the hell, Sanju? Don’t you have anything better to do than lurking around like a creep?"

Sanju chuckled, brushing off imaginary dust from his jacket. "Oh, but I do. In fact, I was just about to do something very interesting." He took a step closer, lowering his voice. "Something that might just help Aryan out of his little problem."

Rhea narrowed her eyes, her frustration shifting into suspicion. "What do you mean?"

Sanju leaned against the wall, his smirk widening. "Aryan loves Shahana, and everyone is forcing him to marry Mishti. Poor guy, huh? But you... you want to help him, don’t you?"

Rhea’s breath hitched. He knew. But how?

Sanju chuckled at her silence. "Relax, Rhea. I’m not your enemy here. In fact, I think we both want the same thing—Aryan and Shahana together."

Rhea crossed her arms, still wary. "And why do you care?"

Sanju sighed dramatically. "Let’s just say I have my reasons. Besides..." He suddenly grinned. "I have a trump card—someone who can make this happen."

Rhea frowned. "Who?"

Sanju straightened up, his chest puffing slightly with pride. "Sunil Bhai."

"Who?"

Sanju rolled his eyes. "Sunil Sharma! Your Dad’s company chief costume designer. He’s already working on Aryan."

Rhea’s eyes widened in realization. "Sunil wants Aryan to marry Shahana too?"

"Of course," Sanju boasted. "He’s been planting all kinds of thoughts in Aryan’s head, and trust me, it’s working. Aryan’s already confused as hell. We just need to remove one obstacle, and everything will fall into place."

Rhea’s mind raced. If Sunil was already manipulating Aryan, and Sanju was willing to help, then maybe... just maybe, they had a real shot at making this work.

She took a deep breath. "And what obstacle are we talking about?"

Sanju’s smirk turned almost devilish. "The groom."

Rhea’s breath caught. "Rishi."

Sanju nodded. "If he’s not around, we can easily bring Aryan to his place. Simple, right?"

Rhea hesitated for a moment, but then steeled herself. She wasn’t doing this to hurt anyone—she was doing this to save Aryan.

"Fine," she said, her voice firm. "I’m in."

Sanju grinned. "Knew you’d see it my way, Lakshmi Ji."

As the two shook hands on their dangerous alliance, the wedding music echoed in the background, unaware of the storm that was about to break loose.

The Wedding Venue – The Chaos Begins

The grand hall was adorned with shimmering lights and fresh flowers, the air thick with the scent of jasmine and sandalwood. Guests moved about in elegant attire, laughter and music filling the space as the final preparations for Rishi’s wedding were underway. But amidst the celebration, three figures lurked in the shadows, their eyes set on a different goal.

Rhea adjusted her dupatta, scanning the crowd with a sharp gaze. "Sanju, are you sure Rishi will be alone for at least ten minutes?"

Sanju smirked, tapping his fingers against the pillar. "Of course. The groom always gets a few moments to himself before the wedding starts. And that’s when we make our move."

Sunny stood beside them, his expression unreadable. He had already planted enough doubt and fear in Aryan’s mind, twisting his emotions just enough to make him question everything. Now, all that was left was to remove the one person who could stop Aryan from marrying Shahana—Rishi.

"Remember," Sunny spoke in a low voice, "this has to be quick. No noise, no mess. The last thing we need is a full-blown scene."

Rhea nodded, determination flashing in her eyes. She wasn’t doing this for Sunil Sharma, nor for Sanju. She was doing this for Aryan. She knew how much he loved Shahana, and she wasn’t going to let her family’s stubbornness destroy his happiness.

Sanju leaned forward slightly, peering into the corridor leading to Rishi’s room. "There he is," he whispered.

Rishi was standing near the window, adjusting his sherwani, his phone in his hand as he typed a message. He had been feeling uneasy for a while now, as if something wasn’t right. His fingers hovered over Shahana’s name on his screen, but before he could hit send—

A sudden movement.

Before Rishi could react, Sanju grabbed him from behind, pressing a cloth over his mouth. Rishi struggled, his muffled protests lost in the thick fabric, but he was no match for Sanju’s strength. Within seconds, his body went limp.

Rhea and Sunny moved quickly. "Hurry!" Rhea urged as Sanju and Sunny dragged Rishi toward the side exit.

As they slipped away unnoticed, the sounds of the wedding festivities continued, oblivious to the storm brewing in the shadows.

Aryan, unaware of what was happening behind the scenes, stood in front of his window facing his mandap, his mind in turmoil. He had minutes to make his decision.

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To be continued.

Rhea playing double game the moment Aliya knows about it Rhea is dead meat literally

Sanju Sunil master of 4d chess and poor Aryan lmao... Groom swap will have a lot of issues. Ranbir might break his friendship and poor mishti.

What kind of mother and sister are aliya and rhea?they don't care about aryan's happiness.they care only about their prestige.poor aryan is confused.but sunny gave him the right advise.Is rhea double faced?sanju and rhea will remove rishi for arhana to happen?

Originally posted by: jasminerahul

What kind of mother and sister are aliya and rhea?they don't care about aryan's happiness.they care only about their prestige.poor aryan is confused.but sunny gave him the right advise.Is rhea double faced?sanju and rhea will remove rishi for arhana to happen?

@bold - No Rhea has genuinely changed in this story. She wants to unite Aryan and Shahana, she is not double faced. She does want Aryan's happiness.

@italic - Yes Sanju, Rhea and Sunny have joined hands and abducted Rishi to make Arhana happen.

Chapter 87

Aryan’s Dilemma and Decision

Aryan stood before the mirror, his hands clenched into fists, his mind a battlefield of emotions. His father’s pride, the weight of his family’s expectations, and, above all, Shahana—her voice, her eyes, her love—tormented him.

A knock on the door snapped him out of his thoughts. He turned to see Sunny standing there, arms crossed, eyes expectant.

"Well?" Sunny asked, stepping inside and shutting the door behind him. "Have you made up your mind?"

Aryan exhaled deeply, his chest tightening. "I’ll do it," he said, his voice steady but heavy with emotion. "I’ll marry Shahana."

A slow smirk spread across Sunny’s face. "Good choice, lil'brother. You won’t regret this."

Aryan scoffed, his lips curling into a humorless smile. "I already do."

Sunny chuckled and patted his shoulder. "Trust me, once you see her in that mandap, you won’t."

As much as Aryan despised the manipulation behind this plan, deep down, he knew this was his only chance. He had lost too much already. He wouldn’t lose Shahana too.

The Escape from the Wedding

Meanwhile, Rhea and Sanju waited outside Aryan’s room, their eyes darting around the corridor.

"Everything ready?" Rhea whispered.

Sanju nodded. "The exit’s clear. We just need to get Aryan out without anyone noticing."

As soon as Aryan and Sunny stepped out, Rhea took the lead, expertly navigating the back corridors, avoiding nosy family members. The moment they reached the venue's parking lot, Sanju flung open the car door, and Aryan slipped inside.

"Drive. Fast," Rhea ordered as she got in.

Sanju grinned and sped towards Rishi and Shahana’s wedding venue.

The Groom Swap

By the time they arrived, their plan was already in motion—Rishi had been abducted earlier and was now locked away.

Inside the wedding hall, guests remained oblivious to the deception unfolding before them. Under the cover of the bustling ceremony, Sanju and Rhea swiftly led Aryan to the mandap.

The priest chanted sacred verses as Aryan, his face hidden behind the wedding sehra, took the groom’s seat. Moments later, Shahana arrived, looking breathtaking in soft pink. Her heart pounded as she hesitantly sat beside the man she believed was Rishi.

Shahana’s Realization

Something felt... off.

Shahana’s hands trembled slightly. She had spent the entire day convincing herself that marrying Rishi was the right decision, yet her heart had refused to listen.

As the priest continued chanting, she stole a glance at the man beside her. Though his face remained covered, something about his presence felt startlingly familiar.

Then, her gaze dropped to his hands.

Her breath hitched.

On his palm, written in delicate letters, was her name.

Her eyes widened. I wrote this myself… on Aryan’s palm.

A flood of emotions—shock, disbelief, hope—rushed through her. Her fingers curled over her lap as she struggled to keep her emotions in check. Slowly, she turned towards him, her heart racing.

“Aryan?” she whispered, barely audible over the wedding chants.

He didn’t respond, but she saw his posture stiffen.

That was all the confirmation she needed.

Tears pricked her eyes, but before she could say anything more, the priest instructed them to stand for the pheras. Shahana swallowed hard.

Whatever was happening, she wasn’t alone in this. Aryan had come for her.

(“Mangalam Bhagwan Vishnu, Mangalam Garuda Dhwaja” plays in the background.)

The Families Realize the Truth

Back at the Kohli house, the air of celebration had shifted into unease.

Aryan’s absence had not gone unnoticed, and soon, whispers turned into frantic murmurs as family members searched for him.

"Where is Aryan?" Vikram demanded, his sharp gaze scanning the room.

"He was here just a while ago," Pallavi said, her voice laced with concern. She turned to Aliyah. "Did you see him?"

Aliyah stiffened. She had been keeping an eye on Rhea, but now—both Aryan and Rhea were missing. A terrible suspicion crept up her spine.

"Where is Rhea?" Aliyah’s voice was sharp, her mind racing.

Suddenly, pieces of the puzzle clicked into place—Sanju’s presence, Rhea’s odd behavior, Aryan’s hesitation.

Aliyah’s heart pounded as the unthinkable realization formed in her mind. She turned to Vikram, her voice rising before she could stop herself—

"Aryan loves Shahana!"

A stunned silence filled the room.

The words hung in the air like a thunderclap, sending shockwaves through the family.

Mishti, who had been adjusting her bridal jewelry, froze. The color drained from her face, her fingers trembling as she clutched the edge of her dupatta.

"What?" Vikram’s voice was barely a whisper, heavy with disbelief.

Pallavi turned pale. "Aryan… loves Shahana?"

Aliyah clenched her fists, realizing she had revealed too much in her anger. But there was no turning back now.

Dasi clutched her chest. "No… this can’t be true."

Ranbir pieced it together first. "If Aryan loves Shahana… and he’s missing from his own wedding…" His eyes widened. "Then that means—"

Aliyah’s face hardened. "He must be in Shahana’s mandap."

The words sent shockwaves through the family.

Purab, who had remained quiet, felt his breath catch. He had always believed Aryan would follow the path laid out for him. But now… was his son truly following his heart?

Mishti shook her head in denial, her voice breaking. "No… no, this isn’t true! Aryan was supposed to marry me… he wouldn’t do this to me!"

But deep inside, a bitter truth gnawed at her—the hesitation in Aryan’s eyes, the forced smiles, the lack of excitement for their marriage.

Pallavi turned to Vikram, her voice urgent. "Vikram, we have to stop this!"

Vikram, his face a mask of silent rage, nodded stiffly. He wouldn’t allow Aryan to shame their family like this.

"Let’s go," he said firmly.

Without wasting another second, the Mehras and the Kohlis rushed towards Rishi and Shahana’s wedding venue—determined to put an end to the madness.

Purab Confronts Aliyah

As the Mehras and Kohlis rushed toward Rishi and Shahana’s wedding venue, Purab lagged behind for a moment, his mind clouded with disbelief. His heart pounded as Aliyah’s words echoed in his head— Aryan loves Shahana!

Something inside him snapped, and before he could stop himself, he grabbed Aliyah’s wrist, pulling her aside into a secluded corridor.

"Purab, what are you doing? We have to stop Aryan before he ruins everything!" Aliyah protested, trying to pull away, but Purab’s grip tightened. His usually calm eyes burned with something she hadn’t seen in years—betrayal and anger.

"Enough, Aliyah!" he thundered. "How long were you planning to hide this from me?"

Aliyah froze. She had expected Purab to be angry that Aryan had gone against their wishes, but this? This confrontation was something she wasn’t prepared for.

Purab’s voice shook with emotion as he continued. "You knew, didn’t you? You knew Aryan loved Shahana, and yet, you pushed him into marrying Mishti! Why, Aliyah? Why would you do that to our son?"

Aliyah clenched her jaw, trying to mask her guilt. "Because it was the right thing to do!" she snapped. "You think love is enough? Aryan marrying Mishti was supposed to secure his future, our family’s future! You of all people should understand that, Purab!"

Purab let out a bitter laugh, shaking his head. "No, Aliyah. I understand what it’s like to be trapped in a marriage where your heart belongs to someone else." His voice dropped to a whisper, filled with pain and regret. "And I’ll be damned if I let Aryan suffer the same fate."

Aliyah’s mask of composure cracked for a brief second, but she quickly recovered, crossing her arms. "Don’t compare our past to this, Purab. Aryan is different. He doesn’t know what’s best for him."

Purab took a step closer, his voice low but cutting. "You don’t get to decide what’s best for him, Aliyah. He’s not a pawn in your game—he’s our son. And you tried to control him the way you’ve always controlled everything."

Aliyah’s hands curled into fists, frustration flashing in her eyes. "I did what I had to do! I wanted to protect him—"

"Protect him or control him?" Purab interrupted, his voice like steel. "You lied to me. You kept this from me, from everyone, just so you could force Aryan into a life he didn’t want. And now look where we are—running to stop him from marrying the girl he actually loves!"

Aliyah’s breath hitched, and for the first time in a long while, she felt genuine fear—not for the consequences of Aryan’s actions, but for the man standing before her, the man she had loved and manipulated for years.

Purab didn’t wait for her response. He turned on his heel and strode toward the wedding venue, Aliyah quietly followed him.

Final Touch – The Puppet Master’s Smile

Amidst the brewing chaos, Rakhi arrived at the wedding venue, her lips curling into a triumphant smirk.

She had played her cards flawlessly, ensuring that every move aligned with her greater plan.

As she watched Aryan and Shahana perform the rituals, she let out a small chuckle.

"Perfect. Just perfect."

She had whispered just enough into Sunny’s ears, fueling his resentment, knowing he would convince Aryan. She had nudged Rhea and Sanju just enough to make them act. She had even calculated that Aliyah’s possessiveness would lead her to expose the truth in a moment of panic.

Her eyes gleamed with satisfaction. Everyone was playing into her hands.

"Let the fireworks begin."

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To be continued.

Chapter 88

The Wedding of Fate - Amidst Chaos, Manipulation, and Desperation

The sacred fire crackled softly, casting golden hues upon the mandap as the priest’s rhythmic chants echoed through the grand wedding hall. The air was thick with the scent of fresh flowers and burning incense, a divine aura surrounding the couple seated before the holy flames.

Aryan, his face partially obscured by the traditional sehra, sat rigidly in his place. His heart pounded against his ribs as he stole a glance at Shahana, who sat beside him, her face veiled but radiant. The delicate embroidery of her light pink bridal lehenga shimmered under the chandelier lights, yet beneath her poised demeanor, her mind whirled in a storm of emotions.

The conch shell blew, marking the commencement of the wedding rituals. From the sidelines, the melodious strains of "Mangalam Bhagwan Vishnu, Mangalam Garuda Dhwaja..." filled the air, blending with the rhythmic chanting, adding to the grandeur of the moment. But beyond the sacredness of the occasion, tension brewed like an approaching storm.

Pragya’s Suspicion – An Uneasy Feeling

Pragya stood near the mandap, observing the ceremony with warmth in her eyes but unease in her heart. She adored Shahana like her own daughter, and when the time had come for the kanyadaan, she had stepped forward without hesitation. Yet, something about the entire wedding unsettled her.

Her gaze flickered to Rhea, standing in a corner, anxiously glancing toward the entrance. It was strange. Why was Rhea here, at Shahana’s wedding, and not attending Aryan’s? As a mother, Pragya could read the tiniest expressions on her daughter's face, and right now, Rhea looked as if she were waiting for something—afraid that at any moment, disaster would strike.

Beside Pragya, Prachi was equally puzzled. “Ma, doesn’t it feel odd that Rhea is here? I mean, she barely has a bond with Shahana, but she’s not at Aryan’s wedding?”

Rishi’s parents, standing close, exchanged uneasy glances. “We haven’t seen Rishi since this morning. We assumed he was busy with wedding preparations, but…” his mother trailed off, looking toward the groom.

Pragya’s gaze softened as she turned back to Shahana. Whatever the uneasy feeling was, she brushed it aside. Today was about Shahana’s happiness, and she wouldn’t let any stray thoughts cloud this sacred moment.

With steady hands, she placed Shahana’s palm in the groom’s. Unbeknownst to her, the one receiving Shahana’s hand wasn’t Rishi, but Aryan.

As Shahana’s hand was placed in Aryan’s, a jolt of warmth shot through her. She knew whose hand she was holding. She knew the name scribbled on his palm was not an illusion.

Rakhi & Sunny – The Puppeteers’ Delight

Near the mandap, Rakhi stood with her arms crossed, watching the proceedings unfold with an almost lazy smirk. She had orchestrated every move, every twist, every loophole that had led to this very moment. And now, here they were—watching Aryan and Shahana getting married while the rest of the world remained clueless.

Beside her, Sunny clapped his hands lightly, grinning. “I have to say, Ms. Chashmish, you’re more devilishly brilliant than I thought. Who knew you had such a knack for scheming?”

Rakhi rolled her eyes. “Please, I’ve always been smart. You’re just late to realize it.” She tilted her head toward the mandap. “Look at them—so lost in emotions, so unaware of the grand chess game we played to bring them here.”

Sunny smirked. “And the best part? No one can stop this wedding now. Not Mishti, not Aliyah, not even destiny.” He glanced at Rhea, who was nervously scanning the entrance, biting her nails. “Although, someone should tell Miss Nervous Wreck over there to stop looking so guilty.”

Rhea’s Anxiety & Sanju’s Reassurance

Rhea stood near the mandap’s pillar, arms folded, her heart racing in fear rather than excitement. Her fingers clenched the folds of her dupatta as she watched the wedding progress. The mangalashtak played in the background, but to her, it sounded like a war drum, beating closer to an inevitable explosion.

“This feels too easy,” she muttered under her breath, her eyes darting toward the entrance. “What if someone finds out? What if we get caught? What if they stop this before the phere?”

Sanju, standing beside her, scoffed lightly and patted her shoulder. “Relax, Lakshmi Ji. You’re seriously underestimating the two most intelligent minds in this room—Rakhi and Sunny. They’ve used their brains, their strategies, and trust me, there’s no way this wedding won’t happen.” He smirked. “We played our parts perfectly, and now, we just sit back and enjoy the fireworks when everyone realizes what happened.”

Rhea wasn’t convinced. “But what if—”

Sanju sighed dramatically. “God, you’re worse than a soap opera heroine. Listen, even if Aryan suddenly gets second thoughts—which he won’t—we already made sure Rishi’s out of the picture. And if someone suspects anything? We’ll handle it. Just breathe.”

Rhea exhaled shakily, but the tight knot in her stomach refused to ease.

The Sacred Rounds – A Bond Sealed in Fire

The priest signaled for the phere to begin. Aryan and Shahana stood, their hands entwined by the sacred gathbandhan, the knot that symbolized their union. As the first step was taken, Aryan felt the weight of everything—his love, his decisions, the consequences. But then, as Shahana’s fingers tightened around his, a silent message passed between them.

I trust you.

With each step, the chants grew louder, the fire’s glow illuminating their faces. The final steps marked the moment of no return. The world outside could rage all it wanted, but within this moment, Aryan and Shahana were bound together.

Sunny leaned toward Rakhi, whispering, “And… checkmate.”

Rakhi smirked. “Let the real chaos begin.”

As Aryan and Shahana completed the last round, the doors of the wedding venue burst open—an enraged Vikram, Pallavi, Aliyah, and the rest of the family stormed in.

Rishi’s Escape and His Desperate Rush to the Wedding Venue

The dimly lit storeroom was eerily silent, except for the sound of Rishi’s heavy breathing as he struggled against his restraints. His wrists burned where the ropes dug into his skin, and his shoulders ached from the countless attempts he had made to break free. His mind raced—he had to get out. He had to stop this madness before it was too late.

He thought of Shahana, sitting at the wedding mandap, unknowingly about to marry someone else. The very idea sent a fresh surge of panic through him.

Bursting through the side entrance, his eyes darted to the mandap. His breath caught in his throat.

There, seated next to Shahana, was Aryan.

The sacred fire burned brightly, the priest’s voice echoed through the air, and just as Rishi took another step forward, he saw it—Aryan lifting his hand, his fingers coated with red vermillion.

“No!” Rishi shouted, his voice ringing across the hall.

But before he could make a move to stop what was happening, a wave of gasps and shocked cries filled the venue. The Mehras, Kohlis and Aryan's parents had arrived too—just in time to witness Aryan filling Shahana's maang.

And Pragya finally realized... something was terribly, terribly wrong.

--------

To be continued.

Chapter 89

At the Wedding Venue

The final ritual was approaching. Aryan, his heart thudding wildly, picked up the sindoor, his hands trembling slightly.

Shahana, still processing everything, stared at him. She had so many questions, so much to say. But as she gazed into Aryan’s eyes, something in them—an unspoken plea, a silent confession—made the decision for her.

The moment his hand moved toward her forehead, she closed her eyes and accepted her Kumkum Bhagya.

Just as Aryan filled Shahana’s maang, the doors to the venue burst open.

The Mehras. The Kohlis. And Rishi.

A collective gasp echoed through the hall as they witnessed the final moment—Aryan completing the wedding with Shahana.

Rishi, having escaped his captors, stood frozen, his fists clenched. Pallavi let out a cry, while Vikram looked at Aryan in utter disbelief.

Ranbir’s eyes widened as he took in the sight before him—the sindoor in Shahana’s maang, the shocked faces around him, and most of all, Aryan standing beside her as her husband. His voice was barely above a whisper, yet laced with disbelief.

"Bro… what did you do?"

Mishti, standing beside Pallavi, felt the ground shift beneath her feet. Her heart pounded as realization dawned on her. The wedding—the wedding she had imagined with Aryan—had just happened, but not with her. A sharp ache settled in her chest, her breath hitching. She shook her head, refusing to accept what was in front of her.

"No… this can’t be real."

Her voice wavered, and her eyes flickered to Aryan, silently pleading for an explanation. But Aryan didn’t meet her gaze. Instead, his focus remained on Shahana, on the sindoor that now bound them.

Ranbir clenched his jaw, his anger finally breaking through. "Dude, tell me this is some sick joke. Tell me you were forced into this." His voice was urgent, desperate for a different reality.

But Aryan remained silent, his face unreadable.

Mishti swallowed back her tears, her fingers curling into fists. "You promised me, Aryan! You said we’d—" She stopped herself, realization hitting her like a storm. "Was it all a lie?"

Aliyah stood motionless, her face drained of color. This was her worst nightmare playing out before her eyes. The son she had raised, the future she had envisioned for him—everything had crumbled in an instant. Her fingers trembled, gripping the edge of her saree as if holding on to the last shred of control. She wanted to scream, to demand an explanation, but the words refused to form.

Purab, standing a few steps behind her, exhaled sharply, his eyes filled with concern. He had seen Aliyah fight battles, manipulate situations, and bend fate to her will, but never had he seen her this shaken. His gaze then shifted to Aryan, a storm of emotions raging within him—concern, confusion, and a deep-seated worry. He had never interfered in Aliyah’s way of raising Aryan, but now, seeing his son stand there, having upended his entire life in mere moments, he couldn’t help but wonder—had they failed him?

And then, there was Abhi.

He had arrived just in time to witness the moment that changed everything—the sindoor, the gasps, the shock rippling through the hall. But unlike the others, his reaction was different.

Abhi didn’t gasp. He didn’t demand answers. He just stared at Aryan.

His nephew. His blood.

For years, he had stood as a silent observer to Aliyah’s ways, watching how she shaped Aryan, how she pushed him to believe certain things, to act a certain way. And now, as he looked at the young man before him, standing by Shahana, unflinching despite the storm around him—he saw something else.

Defiance.

Not the arrogance he had seen in Aliyah. Not the blind rebellion he had expected. But a quiet, unshaken resolve.

Abhi’s hands clenched into fists. He could already sense the chaos that was about to unfold—the accusations, the heartbreak, the anger. And for the first time in a long time, he wasn’t sure whose side he was on.

But for Aryan and Shahana, despite the chaos surrounding them, in that moment—nothing else mattered.

The Aftermath—Truth Unraveled

A stunned silence filled the hall, broken only by the priest’s final chants, sealing Aryan and Shahana’s union. The fire crackled between them, a witness to their Kumkum Bhagya.

Before anyone could react, Rishi stormed forward, his eyes blazing with fury.

"What the hell is going on here?" he demanded, his voice cutting through the air. His gaze darted between Shahana and Aryan, disbelief clouding his features. "How did you—why is Aryan—?"

Shahana opened her mouth to respond, but words failed her. She looked at Aryan, silently pleading for answers she wasn’t sure she was ready to hear.

Pallavi’s voice trembled with rage. "Aryan! What have you done?"

Before Aryan could speak, Aliyah stepped forward, her face pale with shock. "No! This wedding isn’t valid. Aryan was never supposed to be the groom! Someone—someone switched them!"

The murmurs in the crowd grew louder. Pragya, standing with Prachi and Rishi’s parents, watched everything unfold with growing suspicion. Her sharp eyes landed on Rhea, who stood rooted to her spot, anxiety written all over her face.

"Rhea," Pragya’s voice was calm but laced with authority. "What are you doing here? Why are you at Shahana’s wedding instead of Aryan’s?"

Rhea stiffened, swallowing hard. "I—uh—Booji asked me to—" She stopped herself, realizing she had no valid excuse.

Pragya’s frown deepened. "Something isn’t right."

Rishi turned on Aryan. "Tell me the truth, Aryan. Did you do this on purpose? Were you a part of this plan?"

Aryan met his gaze, his expression unreadable, but he remained silent.

Silence.

A suffocating silence that held more weight than any answer ever could.

Then, a voice shattered it.

"NO!" Aliyah’s furious scream echoed through the hall, her entire body trembling with rage. Her worst nightmare had come true—her son had just married a girl she never considered worthy of him. "This marriage is NOT valid!" she spat, her voice filled with venom as she stormed toward Aryan. "I refuse to accept this! You were supposed to marry Mishti, Aryan! NOT HER!"

Aryan finally looked at his mother and uttered, "It’s done, Mom."

Aliyah’s eyes flashed with fury. "No. I won’t let this stand! Someone manipulated you, forced you into this. Tell me it wasn’t your choice!" She turned sharply to Purab, seeking support. "Purab, say something! Tell him this isn’t right!"

Purab, who had been watching everything unfold in stunned silence, exhaled heavily. His eyes flickered between Aryan and Shahana before settling on his son. There was disappointment in his gaze.

He stepped forward, his voice calm but firm. "Aliyah, shouting won’t change what’s already happened."

Aliyah whipped around to face him, betrayal flashing in her eyes. "Are you seriously saying we should just accept this?"

Purab sighed, his gaze locked on Aryan. "I’m saying that Aryan needs to answer for himself." He looked directly at his son. "Aryan… tell me the truth. Did you do this of your own free will?"

The entire hall fell silent.

All eyes were on Aryan.

Rakhi and Sunny exchanged glances, realizing the moment of revelation was near. Sanju took a step back, inching toward the exit.

But before anyone could leave, Aryan finally spoke. His voice was steady, unwavering.

"Yes, Dad."

Shahana’s eyes widened. "Aryan…"

Rakhi smirked. Sunny was thunderstruck.

(Aa-Aa-Aa….Kumkum Bhagya Dramatic tune plays in the background)

----------

To be continued.

Chapter 90

The Aftermath—A Father's Wrath

Sunny stood frozen, his mind reeling from Aryan’s words.

"Yes, Dad."

The words echoed in his head, but they made no sense.

This wasn’t part of the plan. Aryan was supposed to resist, to deny, to reveal that he had been tricked into taking Rishi’s place. But he wasn’t doing any of that. Instead, he stood there—calm, firm—as if he had truly accepted all the blame.

"What the hell is going on?"

Sunny’s eyes darted toward Rakhi, who had a small, knowing smirk playing on her lips. Did she expect this? Did she know Aryan would accept all the blame?

Flashback

After Sunny put forth the demand, “Marry Shahana and break your father’s pride,” Rakhi stealthily entered Aryan’s room without letting Sunny notice.

Aryan stood rigid, his mind a whirlwind of emotions. Sunny’s words echoed in his ears—Marry Shahana and break your father’s pride.

Before he could process it further, Rakhi entered the room, her steps cautious yet purposeful.

"Aryan," she called softly, shutting the door behind her. "I know you must be furious at Sunny right now. But trust me, there’s a reason behind all this."

Aryan scoffed, running a hand through his hair. "Oh really? A reason for betraying me? For forcing me into a marriage I never agreed to?"

Rakhi stepped closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. "I’ve seen it, Aryan. I’ve seen the way Sunny looks at you."

Aryan frowned. "What are you talking about?"

"The love he has for you," Rakhi said, conviction lacing her tone. "It’s buried deep, hidden beneath layers of resentment and ego, but it’s there. And the only way to bring it out—to awaken his brotherly instincts—is to cover up for him now."

Aryan shook his head. "You think taking the blame for this mess will fix things? You think that’ll suddenly make Bhai care?"

"Yes," Rakhi insisted. "Because if you take responsibility, if you shield him from the backlash, it will force him to realize what you mean to him. It will make him understand that you were willing to put yourself in the fire to protect him. And that guilt, that realization, will bring him back to you."

Aryan hesitated, doubt clouding his thoughts.

Rakhi placed a hand on his shoulder. "Trust me, Aryan. I know Sunny better than he knows himself. He may act indifferent, but deep down, he can't bear to lose you. This is the only way to reach him."

Aryan’s jaw tightened as he processed her words. A long silence stretched between them before he finally exhaled, resignation settling in his eyes.

"Fine," he muttered. "I’ll do it."

Rakhi’s lips curled into a triumphant smile. "Good choice."

Flashback Ends

Sunny turned toward Sanju, who looked equally stunned but was already inching toward the exit, like a rat trying to escape a sinking ship.

And then there was Rhea—standing stiff, her fingers twisting nervously.

Sunny’s face was a mix of shock and confusion. His thoughts were racing, trying to piece together what was happening, but before he could make sense of it all—

SLAP!

The sharp sound of palm meeting skin cut through the hall like a thunderclap.

Gasps filled the room.

Aryan’s head snapped to the side, his cheek burning red from the force of the impact.

The hand that had struck him trembled with anger.

Purab stood before him, his face contorted with a mixture of fury and disappointment. His chest heaved as he glared at his son, his fingers still curled into a fist from the slap.

"You—" Purab’s voice was dangerously low, barely contained beneath the weight of his rage. "—do you even understand what you’ve done?"

Aryan remained still, his jaw tightening, but he didn’t raise his hand to his stinging cheek. He didn’t look away.

Sunny had seen Purab angry before, but never like this. This wasn’t just anger. This was heartbreak. Betrayal. A father’s despair.

Aliyah, snapping out of her shock, rushed forward and grabbed Purab’s arm. "Purab! How dare you slap my son?" she shrieked, her eyes blazing.

Purab yanked his arm away from her grasp, his eyes still locked on Aryan. "Your son?" He let out a bitter laugh, his voice trembling with restrained emotion. "He is my son too, Aliyah. And today… today, he has proven that I never really knew him."

Aryan’s fingers curled into fists, but his face remained unreadable.

Purab took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. "I asked you a simple question, Aryan. Did you do this of your own free will? And you said yes." His voice cracked slightly, but he didn’t stop. "So tell me… when did you become a man who doesn’t care about right and wrong? When did you become a man who would betray his own family?"

Aryan flinched at that.

Sunny watched, unsure whether to intervene. He had never seen Aryan like this—silent, unyielding, taking the hit without a single word in his defense.

"Why isn’t he saying anything?"

Aliyah turned on Purab furiously. "Enough! How dare you question your own son’s choices? If Aryan says this was his decision, then you should respect it!"

"Respect?" Purab repeated, his voice rising. "Respect would be if my son stood here with pride, telling us why he did this. Instead, he’s standing there, silent, as if he has no explanation. He won’t even meet my eyes!"

Silence.

Aryan still said nothing.

Purab exhaled, his chest heavy. He turned away from his son, pain evident in his every movement. "If this is the choice you made, Aryan, then I have nothing more to say to you."

The words hit harder than the slap.

Shahana sucked in a sharp breath, her eyes flickering between father and son.

Sunny felt his own anger bubbling up. “This wasn’t how things were supposed to go. This wasn’t the Aryan he knew. Why was he just… accepting this punishment? Something wasn’t right.”

Rakhi subtly observed Sunny’s reaction, waiting for the moment when the weight of Aryan’s actions would hit him—when realization would dawn—when, just as she had predicted, his buried brotherly instincts would awaken.

But Aryan didn’t flinch. Instead, he finally spoke, his voice steady. "Because it wasn’t wrong, Dad."

Purab’s steps faltered, but Aryan didn’t waver. His gaze met Shahana’s, a silent message passing between them—something unspoken yet resolute. "Because maybe… this was how things were always meant to be."

For the first time, Shahana saw something in Aryan’s eyes she hadn’t fully grasped before—resolve.

Aliyah shook her head in exasperation. "I don’t even recognize you anymore, Aryan."

"No." Rishi shook his head, his hands curling into fists, his voice thick with anger. “You stole my wedding!”

Before the situation could escalate further, Pragya stepped forward. "Enough." Her firm voice commanded everyone’s attention. She turned to Shahana, her eyes filled with both love and concern. "Shahana… do you accept this marriage?"

All eyes were now on the bride.

Shahana looked at Aryan, then at Rishi. Her past, her present, her future—all tangled in one complicated web. But deep inside, she already knew her answer.

She took a deep breath and spoke. "Yes."

The Breaking Point—Consequences and Confessions

Shahana’s single word, though spoken softly, echoed like thunder in the wedding hall.

Rishi’s breath hitched, disbelief flashing across his face. "What?"

Shahana turned to him, her heart twisting at the pain in his eyes. "I’m sorry, Rishi… but this is my reality now."

Pragya took a deep breath and faced Shahana and Aryan. "You may be married now… but marriage isn’t just a ritual. It’s a lifetime commitment. If you both truly accept this bond, then stand by it. If not… this is your chance to walk away."

Everyone waited with bated breath. Aryan reached for Shahana’s hand. He didn’t need words—his actions said it all. And after a long, tense pause, Shahana intertwined her fingers with his. The choice had been made.

Rishi let out a bitter laugh. "So that’s it? Everyone’s just going to accept this?" His eyes found Shahana’s once more. "You made your choice, Shahana. I hope you don’t regret it."

His words stung more than she cared to admit, but she remained silent.

---------

To be continued.

Glad that aryan told sunny that he will marry shahana.now everyone knows about arhana.when aliyah said about stopping arhana wedding purab objecting it was great.loved purab saying that despite of knowing arhana's love aliyah forcing aryan to marry mishti and be in a loveless marriage where one's heart belongs to another was wrong.

Shahana feeling aryan's presence around her and seeing her name on his hand was a nice scene.

Sunny rakhi conversation was interesting.when rhea was tensed it was sanju who was giving her courage and confidence.ha ha.

Aryan filling shahana's maang with sindoor was an epic scene.At the same time it is sad for rishi and mishti.I hope both won't turn negative.Aryan was very close to ranbir.so he should have told him about his feelings for shahana.if so this wouldn't have been a shock to ranbir and ranbir would have supported him and shahana.i hope this won't break aryan ranbir friendship.good to see aliyah in shock.

Rakhi's words to aryan were nice.i didn't expect purab to slap aryan.but it's true that aryan should have thought of the family too.pragya and rishi asked shahana whether she is accepting this marriage or not.but they don't know that shahana accepted this marriage because she also loves aryan.pragya should know it.