She took a deep breath and thought—

I am ready for this new life. A life without my loved ones… but now, at least, I have a sister, a mother, a father she paused and a husband.

After everything, she had learned how to stand alone.

She came out, and the makeup artist began her makeup. It was light and subtle, yet Siya was glowing differently—quiet, graceful, resilient.

Paakhi entered and gasped softly. “You’re looking so beautiful.”

Siya nodded. Paakhi hugged her tightly, and Siya hugged her back.

Then Kavita came in and stopped in her tracks, her eyes filling with emotion. She stepped closer, applied a dot of kajal behind Siya’s ear, and said, “May no evil eye ever fall on you.”

Siya looked at her, her heart trembling. For the first time, someone else did this for her. She had a loving father and brother once—but nothing could ever replace a mother.

Kavita smiled warmly. “Now, let’s go.”

And together, they led Siya out of the room.

Aarav was wearing a cream sherwani, looking every bit like a prince. Rahul entered the room, placed a hand on his shoulder, and Aarav turned toward him. Without a word, they hugged—silent pride passing between them.

Aarav stepped out of his room and headed toward the car, talking on the phone. Just then, Paakhi noticed him. She quickly turned and gently pulled Siya’s veil over her face.

Kavita shook her head with a small smile at Paakhi’s excitement. Siya looked startled doesn't realised what is happening.

“Now it’s okay,” Paakhi whispered.

They reached the car. Aarav glanced at Siya through the netted veil. Even with her face half-hidden, she looked divine. His gaze lingered for a moment longer than he intended.

“Bhai, sit down,” Paakhi teased. “Otherwise we’ll get late.”

“Yes,” Aarav replied—still looking at Siya.

Siya sat on the back seat. Paakhi carefully adjusted her lehenga and said, “You sit properly. We’ll meet at the venue.”

Siya looked up, surprised. “Aren’t you sitting with me?”

Paakhi shook her head. “No, we’ll come in another car.”

“Oh… okay,” Siya said softly.

Paakhi then turned to Aarav with a grin. “Bhai, now sit beside my beautiful bhabhi.”

Siya’s heart skipped a beat.

“It’s fine,” Aarav said quickly. “I’ll sit in the front.”

Paakhi crossed her arms. “No. If she needs help, how will she tell you, huh?”

Kavita nodded in agreement. “Yes.”

Aarav turned his face away for a moment, then finally sat beside Siya—keeping a respectful distance.

Siya gulped, unsure why her heart was racing.

He pretended to scroll through his phone, but his eyes kept drifting back to her. Noticing his gaze, Siya slowly turned her face away. He realized—maybe she wasn’t comfortable.

“You’re looking beautiful,” he said softly.

She froze.

He always hated me… then why is he saying this?

A faint curve touched her lips before she caught herself.

Why am I smiling?

She turned serious again, her heart pounding as she lowered her eyes.

“Siya,” he spoke after a pause, “I know things didn’t happen the way they should have. But I promise—I’ll always protect you.”

She looked at him through her veil.

He dropped his gaze. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have married you that day… in those circumstances. But when he said—” his voice tightened, “—that you’re an orphan… that’s why I married you.”

Her eyes filled, but she refused to let the tears fall.

“I couldn’t bear it,” he continued quietly, “when he said you’re alone… that you have no one.”

She said nothing. Her mind was tangled.

He hated me from the start… always argued with me… and still

Suddenly, a speed breaker came, and the car jolted slightly. Siya lurched forward.

Instinctively, Aarav caught her.

“Drive properly,” he snapped at the driver.

Her heart skipped.

Realizing what he’d done, he immediately pulled his hand back.

She straightened herself.

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

She nodded.