49. Veiled Truth
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"What do you think... keeping me locked here like this convinces me to marry Olivia?" I gritted out, my wrists straining against the ropes as I glared at Adhvait.
He stood in front of me, calm, almost amused; like this was nothing more than a business meeting.
One brow lifted, that smug curve settling on his lips. "Interesting, little brother."
I let out a harsh laugh. Bullshit.
"You kidnapped me. Drugged me, tied me up, kept me here for a whole damn day-and you still think I'll just walk out of here and marry her like nothing happened?"
Adhvait took a slow step closer, slipping his hands into his pockets.
"You've been here for the last twenty-four hours, Yugant.
Not a single person has figured it out." His voice dropped, colder now.
"And if you still believe you can just walk out of here and ruin everything. .. that's your biggest mistake."
My jaw tightened, but I didn't look away.
"I won't marry her," I said flatly. "Not after knowing the truth. About you. About Olivia. About everything."
For a second, his expression didn't change. Then he exhaled like he was dealing with a stubborn child.
"You don't have a choice."
"Ohh yes, I do," I snapped. "The moment I step into that pavilion, I'll call it off. In front of everyone, because you won't keep me tied here anymore."
Before he could respond, my phone buzzed in his hand. Both of us looked at it.
Ishaan.
"Ishaan," he muttered, glancing at the screen. "He's probably asking where to bring your wedding outfit."
God! He had messaged Ishaan from my number earlier, and that fucker followed the order in just one text.
Adhvait stared at the phone for a moment... then disconnected the call, typing something.
"See Yugant, I know we don't share a good bond, but try to understand you have to marry Olivia, it's important. You will only get advantage from this marriage."
I laughed, this time slower, sharper. "Do you think I am mad?
You've been using me for years, haven't you?
You sent Kingsley to 'help' me," I continued, my voice turning colder with every word.
"I thought you cared. But no... you used me as bait to pull him into your company in the US.
Then you tied me into this marriage with his daughter so he'd invest again. Brought him to India... all planned."
His silence confirmed everything.
"And all this while," I added, my voice dropping, "you were having an affair with his daughter. Betraying your own wife. Your own child." I looked straight into his eyes. "Don't you feel even a little shame?"
Adhvait chuckled.
"I don't," he said simply. "When it comes to money, I have none of those limitations."
My stomach twisted.
"She came to me herself," he went on, like he was explaining a deal. "Olivia knew exactly what she wanted. And Vedika..." he paused, almost bored, "she was tolerating everything quietly. Until you walked into her life."
My fists clenched.
"You've ruined things for me in the past few days," he said, his voice hardening. "So no... if I'm drowning, I'm not letting you walk away clean."
"I don't care," I shot back. "I love Dhwani. And I'm not marrying anyone else. Anyone."
His expression shifted-irritation now, mixed with something darker.
"Love?" he scoffed. "She's useless, Yugant.
She has nothing except a good body. No power, no money, no influence.
If you want her on your bed, I can help you but-" He leaned closer.
"A man needs money. Stability. Olivia gives you everything.
Marry her, use her father's wealth, and later-divorce her. Simple."
The moment those words left his mouth I lifted my leg and kicked him hard.
He staggered back with a grunt, his face twisting in pain.
"Don't," I growled, breathing hard, "you dare call my Dhwani useless."
For a second, silence filled the room.
Then Adhvait straightened, his eyes turning dangerous.
"Until now, I was talking calmly," he said, his voice low, controlled. "But you just made a mistake."
I smirked despite the ropes cutting into my skin. "Then what? What are you going to do?"
He stepped closer again, this time there was no calm left in him.
"If you don't marry Olivia..." he paused, watching my face carefully, "...I'll kill Dadi and Dadu."
I laughed. Not because it was funny-but because I saw right through him.
"Do you think I'm stupid?" I said, shaking my head. "You won't touch them. Not until you get their signatures on the Raizaada Emporium shares." I leaned forward as much as the ropes allowed. "You're greedy, not suicidal."
His jaw clenched.
"You're right," he admitted after a second. "I can't touch them." His lips curled. "But Vedika and Pihu...they don't stand in my way."
Asshole.
"You're talking about your own wife. Your own daughter," I said slowly, disbelief cutting through my voice. "You'd hurt them?"
His answer came without hesitation.
"Yes. I will. I can do anything."
He leaned closer, his voice turning into a whisper that felt like a blade.
"If you don't marry Olivia..." he said, "I'll kill Pihu. You care about her right?"
I swallowed the anger, forcing myself not to kick him again.
How could someone be this cruel... to his own daughter?
Didn't he feel anything at all?
"She is just a child, Adhvait... your child. Have some shame. What will you even do with all that money without your family?"
Adhvait didn't even blink.
"Family?" he repeated, almost amused. "They're liabilities, Yugant. Attachments that slow you down."
He tilted his head slightly. "Money stays. Power stays. People don't."
"I can't believe you're my brother," I said, my voice low, disbelief sitting heavier than anger. "You were born into a Raizaada... and this is what you became."
My gaze hardened. "Where is Pihu? And Vedika?"
I already knew the answer wouldn't be good.
Adhvait sighed like I was exhausting him.
"Vedika was getting brave. Thought she'd expose everything.
" A faint smirk touched his lips. "So I took Pihu away from her.
She's probably crying somewhere right now," he added casually.
"As for Pihu..." he dragged her name, circling me slowly, enjoying this, "she's safe. For now."
My fists clenched.
"But that depends on you," he continued. "Go marry Olivia. Let everything happen the way it's supposed to." He stopped in front of me. "I just need one month after your wedding. After that, do whatever you want. Divorce her, keep her... I don't care."
Silence stretched.
I swallowed, forcing the words out. "Alright... I'll marry Olivia. But I want to see Pihu first."
A pause.
Then he exhaled and pulled out his phone.
He dialed a number and switched to video call.
"Turn the camera towards Pihu," he ordered.
The screen shifted towards Pihu.
Lying on a bed, too still for my liking. Sleeping... or maybe sedated. A small scratch marked her forehead, and a band was wrapped tightly around her wrist.
My breath hitched.
"What is that?" I asked, my voice sharper now, looking at her wrist.
Adhvait chuckled.
"A remote-triggered explosive band," he said lightly, like he was talking about a watch. "Tiny, but effective."
My blood ran cold.
"One click..." he lifted his phone slightly, his thumb hovering, "and she went straight to God."
Before I could say anything else, the screen went black.
The call ended.
My chest rose and fell heavily, rage and fear colliding inside me.
"Now," Adhvait said, slipping his phone back into his pocket, completely unfazed, "you'll do exactly what I say." He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a quiet threat. "And Yugant... if you try to be clever even once..."
A pause.
"You already know what will happen next."
I had no choice but to agree. Sitting tied in that room wouldn't save Pihu. Playing along might.
I nodded slowly.
Adhvait smiled, cold, satisfied-before stepping behind me and untying my wrists.
The ropes fell away, but the freedom didn't feel real.
A man walked in and handed him a box.
Adhvait opened it, took out a watch, and fastened it around my wrist himself.
"Through this," he said calmly, adjusting the strap, "I'll hear everything."
My jaw tightened.
"And two of my men will stay close to you," he added, glancing at them. "One wrong move... and you know the result."
I said nothing.
My mind wasn't here anymore. It was stuck on Pihu.
And Vedika.
If anyone knew something... it would be her.
"Where do I go now?" I asked, forcing my voice steady.
"You'll go straight to the wedding venue," he replied. "Ishaan will bring your outfit there. Wear it and send him away. Don't keep anyone close."
A pause.
"If you do... you already know what happens."
I nodded again. "And after that?"
"You marry Olivia," he said simply. "Then I release Pihu."
I looked at him, saying nothing. He really thought I'd believe that. Pihu and Vedika weren't just threats... they were leveraged. His safety net. There was no way he'd let them go that easily.
Still, I didn't argue. I had to get out first.I thought he'd stay behind. I was wrong.
The moment I stepped into the car, he slid in beside me, his presence suffocating, while his men took the front seats.
God... just keep Pihu safe.
"Can I get my phone?" I asked, turning to him.
He pulled it out and held it between us.
For a second, I thought he'd actually give it.
But as I reached- he slipped it back into his pocket. "You can't."
Damn it.
The car started moving.
The ride stayed silent, except for his voice cutting through it now and then-orders, instructions, warnings.
What to say.
What not to do.
Who not to look at.
Especially Ishaan.
I stared ahead, memorising every word, every tone.
By the time the car stopped... The venue stood in front of me. And there was no way out anymore.
He didn't let me meet anyone.
The moment we entered, Adhvait took me straight to the groom's room. Dadi rushed in behind us, Ishaan right after her.
"Yugant... where have you been since last night?" Dadi asked, her voice tight with worry. "We kept calling you."
I opened my mouth but Adhvait cut me off. "Dadi, he was with me," Adhvait cut in smoothly. "We had a bachelor's party. Nothing more."
Ishaan raised a brow. "Bachelor's party... without men?"
Smart.
"There were men," Adhvait replied, irritated. "Just not you. You don't attend parties, right Yugant?"
His eyes shifted to me. I forced a tight smile. "Of course."
Dadi still looked unconvinced. "Then why did you refuse the baraat? Why this simple entry?"
I scratched my neck deliberately, turning the watch towards them.
Look at it..look at it, Please.
No one did.
"Why are you scratching? Answer me," she pressed, pulling my hand down.
Wow. Just wow.
"I... I just wanted it simple," I said, my words uneven.
Ishaan didn't speak but his eyes stayed on me. Watching. Reading.
"Alright," he said after a moment. "You all can go. I'll stay here with sir in case he needs anything."
Yes, please.
"No." Adhvait's voice came too fast. "I mean..." he corrected himself, stepping closer and placing a hand on my shoulder, "I'll stay with Yugant. We're brothers, after all."
Brother? I puked internally.
"It's fine," Ishaan said calmly. "You don't know his routine. I'll handle him."
"I said I'll stay," Adhvait snapped, irritation slipping through. "Why are you interfering again and again? You're just a PA. Stay in your place."
My fists clenched, I wanted to punch him so badly but couldn't.
"Bhaiya... how dare you talk to him like that?"
Dhrithika's voice cut through the room.
I turned. She stood at the door, eyes blazing.
Finally. Someone sensible.
She walked in, heels clicking sharply against the floor, and stopped beside Ishaan.
"How dare you insult him like that?" she demanded.
"Dhrithika, I was just showing him his place," Adhvait said, forcing control back into his voice.
"And who are you to show him his place?" she shot back instantly. "Does he work for you? Was he even talking to you?"
Silence.
"You interfered," she continued, her jaw tight. "Then you insult him? When no one in this house does?"
Good. Someone needed to say it.
"Dhrithika, leave it," Dadi stepped in, as always. "It's your brother's wedding."
Why Dadi? Why?
I exhaled sharply and dropped onto the bed, running a hand through my hair.
"Bhaiya," Dhrithika said, turning to me now, "do you need Ishaan here?"
Yes, of course.
I shook my head.
Her eyes flickered for a second... like she didn't believe me.
"Good," she said anyway. "Because I need him." She grabbed Ishaan's wrist and pulled him out with her.
He didn't resist but he looked back once at me.
Dadi followed them, telling me to get ready.
And just like that...
I was alone. Silence filled the room. I sat there, staring at nothing.
What now?
Get ready... for my own funeral?
Where is Dhwani?
She never left my side at any function, followed me around like she belonged there- now Gone.
Did she leave?
Did she really think... I would marry Olivia?
Exhaling slowly, I looked up-Only to find Adhvait still there.
"Your wedding outfit," he said, pointing towards the bag.
Outfit?
More like a costume.
I grabbed the shopper without replying and walked straight into the washroom, avoiding his gaze.
For a second... I actually looked around.
Windows. Vent. Anything.
Every stupid movie scene flashed in my head.
Escape. Run. Fight. Nothing.
There was no way out.
By the time I stepped out, dressed like a groom I didn't choose to be-I found Samarth.
Sitting on the couch, one leg crossed over the other like he owned the place.
I blinked once. Did he actually come to save me... or just to enjoy the drama?
"What are you doing here?" Adhvait snapped instantly. "Get out."
I let out a slow breath, glancing between them.
Great.
It's my wedding and I looked less like the groom and more like some compulsory guest dragged into his own function... while others acted like main characters.
"Oh?" Samarth leaned back, completely unbothered. "Getting a little too eager to throw me out, aren't you?"
His gaze sharpened.
"Trying to hide something, Mr. Adhvait Raizaada?"
Adhvait stiffened for a fraction of a second.
Then scoffed. "What nonsense are you talking about? You bark too much."
Samarth chuckled.
"But you react too fast," he replied smoothly. "That usually means I'm close to something."
His eyes moved around the room now.
Slow. Observant. Calculating.
Not missing anything.
My pulse picked up.
"Relax," Adhvait said, forcing a smirk. "This isn't your playground. Don't try to act smart where you don't belong."
"Funny," Samarth tilted his head, "because the more you speak, the more it feels like you're the one out of place."
Silence stretched.
"You know what I think?" Samarth added, his voice dropping slightly. "I think something's off. And you're trying very hard to keep it covered."
Adhvait's jaw clenched. But before he could lose it his phone rang.
Perfect timing.
He shot one last look at them as if warning, before stepping aside to take the call.
The moment he turned his back...
I looked at Samarth-and found him casually eating the starters laid out on the table.
"Hmm..." he hummed, picking another piece with a toothpick. "These are actually good. Tried them?"
I stared at him.
"Asshole," I muttered, dropping into the seat beside him. "You're eating the starters of my fucking funeral."
"Funeral?" He paused mid-bite, glancing at the paneer before looking back at me. "I thought this was a wedding. You planning to die after it or something?"
I shut my eyes for a second.
God... give me patience.
"You wanted me to marry your sister," I said, my voice low now. "Fine. I'm ready."
That got his attention.
He turned his head, studying me for a second then chuckled.
"Yeah... about that," he leaned back, completely relaxed, "I changed my mind."
My brows pulled together. "What?"
"You're not marrying my Dhwani."
My Dhwani
"Why?"
He picked another starter, like this conversation meant nothing.
"Because she's already getting married."
My chest tightened. "What?"
"Yeah," he nodded seriously. "Guy is a little stupid, not gonna lie. But she chose him, so... I'm letting it pass."
My jaw clenched. "Who?"
Samarth glanced at me, a faint smirk playing on his lips.
"Someone who's clearly not thinking straight," he said with a smug. "Imagine choosing a man who can't even stand up for himself on his own wedding day."
I genuinely didn't get anything.
"And still," he added, tilting his head slightly, "she picked him. So either she's in love...or she's just as stubborn as him."
His eyes held mine for a second longer than needed.
I swallowed.
"Then why are you here?" I asked, angry, frustrated, everything at once.
Samarth smirked, popping the starter into his mouth.
"Free food," he said lightly. "And front row seats.... It would be a shame to miss this drama."
Either I was going to die today, or kill someone. And right now, Samarth was dangerously close to being that person.
"Do you even care about me?" I asked, this time not sarcastic. Just... real.
He looked at me for a second then nodded, almost too easily. "Of course I do. That's why I'm here."
My brows pulled together. "To do what?"
"To save you."
I froze.
Save me?
Before I could question him further, his gaze flicked past me-to Adhvait then back to me.
And he winked.
I blinked.
Wait...
Did he just? My breath slowed.
He knows.
The realization hit slowly, but solid.
"You came to save me from this wedding?" I asked, a hint of hope slipping into my voice.
"Of course not," he replied instantly, almost offended. "Not even God can save you from this wedding. That's definitely happening."
My face fell.
"But..." he added casually, pulling a pen from his pocket, "some things can still be fixed."
He leaned forward, grabbing a tissue from the table.
His eyes flicked once towards Adhvait who was still on call then he scribbled quickly.
I watched his hand, my pulse picking up.
He slid the tissue towards me.
I'll save Pihu. Keep them busy and stop talking, your watch is recording every damn thing.
Ohh fuck, I totally forget this.
My grip tightened on the tissue paper.
When I looked up, he was already chewing another starter like nothing had happened.
"I'm already full," Samarth said, brushing his hands lightly. "Come out, the priest is calling you."
He patted my shoulder once and walked away like nothing had happened.
I watched his back.
Would he actually do it? He's a complete bastard when it comes to me. Ego, stubbornness... we clash on everything.
But one thing I know is he won't risk Pihu.
A small breath left me.
For the first time since morning... I felt a little less trapped.
Adhvait returned, sliding his phone back into his pocket.
"What were you talking to him about?" he asked, his tone sharp.
"Nothing," I said, looking away, my fist tightening around the tissue.
"Really?"
Before I could react, he pulled out his phone again and played whatever I talked with Samarth on the phone. Every word.
My blood ran cold, so he actually heard everything.
I forced myself to stay still. Thankfully... neither of us mentioned Pihu.
Adhvait stepped closer, his eyes narrowing.
"Don't try to play games with me, Yugant," he said strictly. "It won't end well for you."
I didn't respond.
One wrong reaction... and it was over.
He studied me for a second longer, then stepped back.
"Good," he muttered. "Stay that way."
A final warning hung in his tone before we walked out.
The moment we reached outside, the aisle stretched ahead, glowing under soft golden lights. Fresh white and red roses draped along the pillars, their scent heavy in the air. Crystal hangings caught the light, scattering it in soft reflections across the marble floor.
Everything looked... perfect.
Beautiful.
Like a dream.
And I was walking straight into it like a sacrifice.
People stood on both sides, smiling, whispering, watching.
For them, it was a celebration.
For me-It felt like a well-decorated trap.
"Smile, Yugant. Smile," Adhvait muttered beside me.
I forced one. The kind that looked real from a distance... and hollow up close.
Dadi came forward, circling her hand in front of my face to ward off the evil eye, murmuring something under her breath before stepping aside.
And just like that-I was led to the stage.
I sat on the couch meant for the groom, my hands resting on my knees, my back straight... waiting.
For my bride.
Seconds stretched, then minutes. And finally, she appeared, walking down the aisle.
A red dupatta was held above her head from all four corners, shielding her as she walked forward.
My eyes narrowed slightly.
Samarth.
He was one of the four holding the dupatta above Olivia's head, walking beside her like her brother.
Wait, is he by any chance her brother? I got this doubt last night as well when he was warning me.
And he said he would save Pihu then why the hell is he here?
"How the hell did this happen? Were you sleeping?" Adhvait's voice snapped from behind, low but furious.
I turned slightly.
What happened now?
Before I could catch more, he walked off, his temper barely contained but his men stayed.
Right there, watching me.
I shook my head and looked back at the bride.
Unfortunately my bride.
And this time, my gaze stilled on her.
Her lehenga was a deep royal red, rich and heavy, embroidered with intricate peacock motifs in gold and emerald threads that shimmered under the lights. The fabric moved like liquid with every step she took.
Her wrists were stacked with red chooda, the kalire hanging and swaying softly, brushing against her hands with each movement.
The faint sound of her anklets echoed beneath the music-soft, rhythmic, almost hypnotic.
Her veil fell long over her face, hiding her expression, while her hair slipped forward, resting against her collarbone. And the slight glimpse of her waist between the lehenga and blouse, Bare. Unintentionally drawing attention.
What the hell am I even doing? Why am I even noticing all this?
Bullshit.
I tried harder to look away, but my eyes refused to listen. Within moments, she was standing near the stage.
I stepped forward, almost absent-mindedly, and held out my hand.
Her head lifted slightly, as if trying to see me through the long veil...then she placed her hand in mine.
In that quiet, fleeting seccond, in that single touch...something inside me stilled, like a part of my soul had just found what it had been searching for without even knowing.