In morning -

Siya slowly opened her eyes.

Her head was still heavy.

She sat up carefully and pressed her fingers to her temple.

“Ah…”

The door opened.

Aarav walked in.

“Are you okay?”

“I’m fine,” she replied, though her voice wasn’t steady.

He didn’t look convinced.

“Haldi is in the afternoon.”

She nodded. “Fine.”

She took her clothes and went to shower.

Under the water, she closed her eyes.She needed to move forward with her plan.

Time was slipping.

She came out, combed her hair quietly, and walked downstairs.

Voices stopped her midway.

Aarav was standing in front of two cousins.

His jaw was clenched.

His expression was cold.

“Why did you spike the drink?” he asked.

His voice wasn’t loud.

But it was controlled anger.

“It could have been harmful.”

The cousins stood with their heads lowered.

“We were just joking, Bhaiya…”

“It wasn’t serious—”

“It was serious,” Aarav cut them off.

“You don’t play with someone’s health.”

Just then—

Siya walked toward them.

“It’s okay.”

All three turned to look at her.

The cousins looked relieved.

She nodded slightly at them.

“Go.”

They didn’t wait.

They left immediately.

“Siya—” Aarav started.

“Let it be,” she said calmly.

He looked at her.

“You could have—”

“I’m fine,” she interrupted.

Silence stretched between them.

He exhaled and turned his face away.

Not because he was angry at her.

But because he didn’t like that she always minimized everything.

She looked at him for a second.

Then walked past him.

But something inside her shifted.

Because this time—

His anger wasn’t control.

It was concern.

The palace was buzzing with laughter and music.

In the center of the courtyard, Kartik sat on a decorated seat, smiling as relatives surrounded him with bowls of haldi.

Siya stood beside Paakhi.

She was glowing.

A soft yellow frock flowed around her.

Her hair was styled in a loose braid, adorned with tiny white flowers.

Floral jewelry completed her look.

She looked radiant.

Across the courtyard—

Aarav wasn’t watching anyone else.

He was only watching her.She was looking beautiful.

Relatives began applying haldi on Kartik’s cheeks.

“Not too much!” Kartik protested, laughing.

Everyone laughed.

But Siya froze.

Her smile faded slowly.

Memories rushed back.

“Veer, just watch. I’ll throw you into the haldi pool at your wedding!”

“Okay fine,” Veer had laughed.

“And I’ll dance the most at your wedding.”

Siya had nodded proudly back then.

The memory broke something inside her.

Her eyes filled.

She quickly wiped her tears before anyone could notice.

Then she turned—

And walked toward her room.

Aarav saw everything.

He didn’t hesitate.

He followed her.

Inside the room—

She sat on the bed.

And the tears came freely.

He closed the door quietly behind him.

For a moment, he just stood there.

Giving her space.

“Why did you come?” she said through tears. “Go.”

“You need me right now.”he said.

“I don’t need anyone,” she replied sharply. “Just go.”

He walked closer and stood in front of her.

She looked at him—

Then turned her face away.

He paused.

“You’re remembering Veer… aren’t you?”

She looked at him again.

This time surprised.

He continued softly,

“You don’t have to pretend you’re strong all the time.”

Her eyes searched his.

There was no judgment in his gaze.

Only pain.

And worry.

“I am always with you,” he said quietly.

He reached to hold her hand.

But she pulled it back.

“I’m fine.”

She wiped her tears quickly.

Before he could respond—

There was a knock on the door.

“Bhabhi! Kartik is calling you!”

They both looked toward the door.

“I’m coming,” siya answered.

She stood up.

Adjusted herself.

And walked out.

Aarav exhaled softly.

Then followed her.

Kartik spotted her immediately.

“Bhabhi! You didn’t apply haldi on me!”

Siya smiled gently.

Walked toward him.

Took some haldi in her fingers.

And softly applied it on his cheek.

Kartik grinned.

The crowd cheered again.

And Aarav stood there watching her.

The way she held herself.

Graceful.

Composed.

Even after breaking down minutes ago.

He smiled faintly.

Because he knew—

She was strong.

But she shouldn’t have to be alone.

The cousins weren’t done yet.

“Bhabhi!” one of them shouted mischievously. “Now put haldi on Bhai!”

Siya froze.

Inwardly, she sighed.

The cousins began hooting loudly.

“Don’t be shy!”

“Such a romantic moment!”

Paakhi was smiling brightly.

Even Kavita looked at Siya and gave her a small nod.

Siya didn’t want this attention.

But there was no escaping it.

Aarav, who had been standing a little away, went still for a second.

Then Aarav walked toward her.

The cousins moved aside, forming a small circle around them.

Still giggling.

Still teasing.

Siya looked at him.

He looked back.

She shot him a warning glare to deny this.

Which only made him smile.

She quickly dipped her fingers into the haldi bowl.

Before she could overthink—

She reached forward and applied haldi to his cheek.

Fast.

Almost hurried.

Then she turned to leave immediately.

Her own cheeks were already pink.

But before she could take a step—

He caught her wrist gently.

She stopped.

Stunned.

She looked back at him.

He didn’t say anything.

He just took a little haldi between his fingers.

And slowly applied it to her cheek.

Carefully.

Deliberately.

His touch lingered a second longer than necessary.

Her heart skipped.

The cousins exploded.

“Ooooo!”

“Ideal couple!”

“So romantic!”

She pulled her hand back quickly.

Flustered.

And walked away without looking at him.

He stood there.

Smiling.

Watching her retreating figure.

She hated it.

Hated how her body reacted.

Hated how her heart refused to stay neutral.

And most of all—

Hated that he knew.

Siya was sitting quietly in the room.

The haldi laughter downstairs still echoed faintly.

The door opened.

Aarav entered.

“Everyone is still calling you downstairs,” he said softly. “Won’t you go?”

She didn’t look at him.

He stepped a little closer.

“Still embarrassed… or confused?”

She turned sharply toward him.

“What was the need to create drama in front of everyone?”

He raised an eyebrow. “Drama?”

“You could have denied it. You didn’t have to—” she stopped, irritated.

A slow smirk appeared on his face.

“How could I let that golden chance go?”

She closed her eyes briefly in frustration.

“Aarav,” she said more firmly now, “the things you are thinking about us… will never happen.”

His smile faded.

She continued, steady but distant.

“I am just pretending. I’m fulfilling my responsibility.”

Her voice hardened.

“Don’t mistake this for love.”

He looked at her carefully.

“Really?” he asked quietly. “You don’t feel anything?”

“No,” she replied without hesitation. “I have no feelings for you.”

The words were sharp.

Measured.

Controlled.

“And don’t expect anything from me. For me, this is just a play. And I have to play it… even if I don’t want to.”

Silence filled the room.

She stood up.

Walked past him.

And left.

He didn’t stop her.

He didn’t argue.

He just stood there.

Every time he thought they were getting closer—

They ended up further apart.

He exhaled slowly.

Because what hurt wasn’t her denial.

It was how desperately she was trying to convince herself.