I will never marry you,” she said fiercely.

He stepped toward her. She pushed him, fighting with all her strength.

He shoved her back, and she fall her body feel weak.

“Today, your marriage will happen,” he said darkly.

“But only with me.”

He grabbed her by the hair and dragged her toward the exit. She tried to resist but his grip was firm unshakable.

Seeing the scene unfold, every cousin froze in shock. No one could move.

Paakhi was still crying, her legs feeling unbearably heavy as she watched Siya being dragged like that. Her heart pounded painfully in her chest.

Paakhi pushed the relative aside and ran toward Siya.

Raj dragged Siya to the mandap and shoved her forward. She fell hard onto the ground. Her body felt weak, and as she hit the floor, her forehead struck against the surface. Blood slowly appeared, and her vision blurred. She was barely conscious now.

Raj grabbed her by the hair and forced her to look at him.

“You will regret everything,” he said coldly.

With whatever strength she had left, Siya whispered, “I will ... I will never marry you.”

Raj turned to the priest.

“Start the wedding.”

Paakhi ran desperately toward Siya, but a man dressed in black blocked her path, holding her back.

“No—!” Paakhi cried, struggling helplessly.

Just then—

A sound echoed through the mandap.

Everyone turned.

Paakhi froze and saw him .

Paakhi and everyone else suddenly turned toward the entrance.

Aarav was there—walking straight toward Siya.

But the moment his eyes fell on her condition, he froze. She was injured, half-conscious, blood on her forehead. Paakhi was crying .

For a second, the world around him disappeared. He saw only Siya.

And the brutality done to her.

Rage filled his eyes.

He moved toward her, but men dressed in black stepped in front of him, blocking his way.

Aarav didn’t stop. He fought them—pushing, punching, throwing them aside—taking a few injuries himself but refusing to slow down.

Raj watched him coldly.

After clearing his path, Aarav rushed toward the mandap. Raj shoved Siya aside and stepped forward.

And then the fight began.

Paakhi ran to Siya, holding her carefully.

“Didi… didi, open your eyes,” she cried. “Bhai has come. He’ll save you.”

Aarav ’s mother kavita and father Rahul arrived. Traffic had delayed them. They froze in shock at the scene in front of them—the blood, the chaos, the violence.

Aarav and Raj were both injured now.Kavita saw and understand they were mittals.

With all his strength, Aarav punched Raj hard. Raj fell to the ground. Aarav climbed over him, beating him mercilessly. Blood spilled from Raj’s mouth.

“Aarav !” kavita screamed. “No!”

Aarav paused and looked at her.

“Don’t kill him,” she pleaded. “They are Mittals. The enmity with them has lasted for generations.”

But Aarav was blinded by rage and struck him again.

“Bhai!” Paakhi cried out. “Leave him now. Look at didi.”

Aarav’s fists stopped mid-air.

He turned his head toward Siya.

Aarav stood up and walked straight to Siya. He knelt beside her and gently touched her face.

“Siya… Siya, open your eyes. I’m here,” he whispered.

She heard his voice. Her eyelids fluttered open for a brief second, then closed again.

Fear shot through him. Without wasting another moment, He carefully lifted her into his arms and started walking away from the mandap.

A weak laugh echoed behind them.

“Where are you taking her?” Raj said hoarsely.

Aarav didn’t stop. He didn’t even turn back.

“Who is she to you, huh?” Raj continued.

Paakhi and Aarav both looked at him.

“Leave her,” Raj sneered. “She is nothing to you. She’s an orphan now.”

Aarav turned slowly. His eyes were cold, unwavering.

“She is not an orphan,” he said firmly.

Raj laughed again. “Really? Her father is gone. Her brother is gone. Her relatives have all run away. Who does she have now?”

Aarav took a deep breath. His parents stepped closer, standing beside him.

Raj smirked. “Tell me, then.”

Aarav held Siya closer to his chest.

“She is not an orphan,” he said calmly . “From today—” he looked at her -

“She will be known as my wife.”

Raj’s smile faded completely.

Aarav’s parents exchanged glances, eyes misty, but there was pride in their expressions.

Paakhi looked at Aarav. He was holding Siya close to his chest, steady and protective.

Aarav turned to the priest.

“Start the wedding,” he said firmly.

Tears welled up in kavita eyes. Rahul placed a steady hand on her shoulder, silently proud.

Paakhi’s eyes were also teary, but now her heart felt lighter, knowing Siya was finally safe.

The priest began the ceremony. Aarav sat with Siya cradled in his arms.

After chanting the mantras, the priest instructed, “Now stand up for the phere.”

Aarav rose, carrying Siya in his arms, and walked around the sacred fire seven times. With each step, he silently vowed to protect her, to keep her safe and happy, no matter what.

When the phere were completed, they sat again. The priest handed him the vermilion.

Gently, Aarav applied it to Siya’s hair parting. A few grains fell softly on her nose.

priest gave him the nuptial chain. With care, he fastened it around her neck.

Siya was unconscious, but in that moment, she became his wife.

Aarav held her close, his mind and heart filled with silent promises—he would never let harm come to her again.