Paakhi stepped out of her room wearing a white bodycon dress

She looked stunning.

Siya walked toward her.

Paakhi gasped dramatically.

“Bhabhi… you are looking breathtaking!”

Siya smiled softly.

“And you’re looking gorgeous, Paakhi.”

Paakhi grinned mischievously.

“Bhai must have fainted.”Paakhi said.

Siya rolled her eyes lightly.

“Let’s go.”

They got into the car.

Aarav started driving.

For the first few minutes, it was quiet.

But he kept glancing at her.

Once.

Twice.

Again.

Siya noticed.

And turned her face toward the window.

He smirked.

“Focus on the road,” siya said firmly.

“I am,” he replied calmly.

“No, you’re not.”Siya said

He glanced at her again. “ I want to but It’s not worth watching.”

She shot him a glare instantly.

Paakhi, sitting in the back, tried very hard not to laugh.

Siya sighed in annoyance.

He smirked.

He loved irritating her.

They reached the venue — Novelty Palace.

The entrance was grand. Lights, music, laughter.

The moment Siya stepped inside—

Heads turned.

Not because she tried.

But because she didn’t.

Confidence wrapped around her like a second skin.

Paakhi walked beside her.

Aarav just slightly behind—

Watching the way people looked at her.

Kartik rushed toward them.

“Bhabhi!” he said dramatically. “You’re looking beautiful. I guess Aarav bhaiya won’t leave you alone tonight.”

Siya only smiled politely.

“Where’s your bride?” siya asked.

Kartik grinned and led them inside.

He brought them to a girl in a stunning red dress.

“This is Kavya.”

Kavya smiled warmly.

“Hi! I’ve heard so much about you.”Kavya said.

Siya returned the smile gracefully.

“Congratulations.”

Aarav stood beside her.

He was feeling both Proud and protective.Silent.

And somewhere in the crowd—

Eyes were watching.

Siya was standing near the bar, Paakhi beside her.

A waiter approached politely.

“Ma’am, would you like a drink?”

Siya smiled slightly.

Before she could answer—

“No, Siya.”

Aarav’s voice was calm but firm as he stepped beside her.

Siya turned to him.

She Raised an eyebrow.

Then smirked.

“I will drink.”

She took the glass from the waiter.

Aarav exhaled softly.

Paakhi sensed the tension, smiled awkwardly, and slipped away toward her cousins.

Siya lifted the glass and took a slow sip.

Aarav stood beside her.

Silent.

Watching.

Siya turned toward him teasingly.

“Won’t you drink?”

“I don’t drink.”

She nodded casually. “Nice.”

And took another sip of her wine.

Just then—

The entrance doors opened.

Vansh walked in.

Kartik immediately went toward him.

“Vansh! You came. Thank you!”

Siya saw him.

For a second—

Her expression didn’t change.

Then she simply turned her face away.

As if he were invisible.

Aarav noticed Vansh too.

His jaw tightened slightly.

He stepped closer to Siya.

Not possessive.

But deliberate.

Vansh’s eyes landed on her.

And he froze.

He hadn’t expected to see her.

Like this.

Confident.

Unbothered.

Standing beside her husband.

Kartik followed Vansh’s gaze and laughed lightly.

“Oh — she’s Siya bhabhi. Aarav bhai’s wife.”

The word wife landed heavily.

Aarav smirked faintly.

Without breaking eye contact with Vansh, Aarav placed his hand lightly on Siya’s bare back.

Not tight.

Not aggressive.

Just enough.

A statement.

She felt it.

She looked at him.

He leaned slightly toward her and murmured,

“It’s okay. I’m here.”

She stiffened slightly.

“I don’t need you.”

He didn’t argue.

He just smiled.

Because her words said one thing.

But the way she didn’t move away said another thing.

Across the room—

Vansh looked away first.

Vansh walked to the bar.

He picked up a glass.

His eyes kept drifting toward her.

Siya didn’t even glance at him.

Not once.

And that hurt more than anger ever could.

He remembered how she used to tell him everything.

Every small thing.

Every thought.

And now—

She was acting like he didn’t exist.

But deep down, he knew.

It wasn’t her fault.

It was his.

Vansh looked at her again.

She looked stunning.

Confident.

Unreachable.

Aarav noticed the gaze.

And he didn’t like it.

Not at all.

Vansh lifted his drink and took a long sip.

Paakhi came and pulled Siya away toward the cousins.

Siya went easily, laughing at something they said.

Her laughter echoed lightly.

Aarav’s eyes shifted back to Vansh.

Vansh walked toward Aarav and said.

“So… you’re Siya’s husband?”

Aarav looked at him calmly and said

“Yes.”

Vansh looked away, jaw tight.

Silence hung between them.

Then Aarav stepped slightly closer.

“Thank you.”

Vansh frowned. “For what?”

Aarav’s voice was smooth.

“For not coming with the baraat.”

Vansh went still.

Aarav held his gaze.

“You never deserved her.”

A small smirk touched Aarav 's lips.

“She’s precious.”

No anger.

No shouting.

Just certainty.

And that made it heavier.

Aarav walked away without waiting for a response.

Vansh stood there.

Glass in hand.

Regret heavier than the drink.

Across the hall—

Siya was sitting with her cousins.

Laughing.

Unaware of the silent battle that had just ended.