Slowly, one week passed in the Goenka mansion.

Now Siya was eating a little more. Paakhi was taking care of her, and Aarav stayed around her—not close, but close enough. Strangely, his presence made her feel calm.

everyone was sitting in the living room. Siya came there with Paakhi and sat down. Aarav and Kavita were already there.

Kavita looked at Siya, and Siya smiled—just a little. Not much, but her eyes showed she was better now. Seeing her like this after everything, Aarav smiled too.

Kavita said softly, “Siya, can we do something?”

Siya looked at her. “What?”

Kavita smiled. “Aarav is our only son. His marriage didn’t happen in good conditions, but after marriage there are still some rituals left. Siya, can we do them?”

Siya nodded.

Kavita smiled. Aarav did too.

“I’m excited,” Paakhi said happily.

Kavita added, “If you want, Siya, we’ll call your relatives too.”

Hearing this, Siya said quietly, “My relatives ran away that day—when I needed them the most. The Mittal men were few, but my relatives were many… yet they all ran away. From that day, they mean nothing to me.”

Aarav looked at her.

Paakhi didn’t say anything.

But all of them understood—every word siya said was true.

Kavita smiled and said, “Alright, Siya.”

Just then, Aarav’s phone buzzed, and he excused himself and went out.

Kavita turned to Siya and said gently, “Siya, we’ll do your reception.”

Siya nodded.

“Okay then,” Kavita continued. “Let’s go shopping.”

Siya hesitated and said softly, “I’m not feeling very well. You both go.”

Kavita nodded. “Fine.”

Paakhi pouted playfully. “But if you don’t like our choice, then don’t blame us.”

Siya smiled faintly, shook her head, and said, “You’ll bring everything nice. I know.”

Paakhi smiled, and Kavita and Paakhi left for shopping.

Siya went to her room. After thinking for a long time, she finally realized something—

the Goenkas were the only ones who stood by her every time she needed someone the most.

After a while, Aarav came in and saw her.

“You didn’t go?” he asked.

“I wasn’t feeling well, so I didn’t,” siya replied.

“Are you okay?” he asked, concern clear in his voice.

She nodded.

“Okay,” he said. Then paused. “But if you need anything… just tell me, okay?”

She looked at him. There was genuine worry in his eyes.

Her heart raced slightly as their eyes met.

She nodded again.

He gave her a small look of reassurance and left the room.

Today was her reception.

Siya was in the room when Kavita and Paakhi entered. Kavita placed a red lehenga in Siya’s hands.

Siya looked at it, her eyes instantly turning teary. She quickly wiped her tears as Kavita pulled her into a hug.

“But… it’s red,” Siya whispered.

Kavita smiled softly. “It’s my wish. I want to see my son’s bride in red. I chose it myself. How is it?”

Siya looked at the lehenga again and said quietly, “It’s beautiful.”

Kavita cupped her face and said, “That day, everything was ruined.” Siya looked at her, worried. Kavita smiled reassuringly. “But today, everything will go well. Now get ready—we have to go.”

Siya nodded.

The makeup artist arrived. Siya went into the changing room and stood silently, staring at the lehenga. It was truly beautiful. As she wore it, she whispered to herself, I am strong.