CHAPTER17 [HALDI / MEHENDI]
The next few days pass like a blur—
But for Aarohi…
Every moment feels heavy.
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Haldi ceremony—
She sits there quietly.
Yellow dupatta, haldi on her face—
But no glow.
No happiness.
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Just silence inside her.
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She forces a faint smile.
But her eyes—
Still empty.
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On the other side—
Sana is glowing.
Laughing.
Blushing.
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Because she’s getting the love she always wanted.
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But even in her happiness—
There’s a pinch of worry.
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For Aarohi.
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“Kya sab theek hai? (Is everything alright?)” she whispers softly to herself.
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At the Singhania mansion—
Haldi is happening for Arjun and Sana together.
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Flowers everywhere.
Lights.
Guests.
Music.
Laughter.
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Everything perfect.
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Except—
One absence.
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Vihaan Singhania.
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“chota bhai shadi ke din hi aayega… (younger brother will come directly on the wedding day…)” someone mentions casually.
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But unknown to them—
He’s already closer than they think.
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Sangeet night—
Music loud.
Everyone dancing.
Celebrating.
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Aarohi stands in a corner.
Watching.
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Lost.
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Aarohi cousin pulls her—
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“Chal na dance kar! (Come on, dance!)”
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Aarohi shakes her head.
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“Man nahi hai… (I don’t feel like it…)
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Later that night—
Aarohi again confronts her mom.
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“Ab to bata dijiye… ladka kaun hai? (Now at least tell me… who is the groom?)”
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Her mom’s expression stays firm.
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“Shaadi ke baad sab pata chal jaayega. (You’ll know everything after the wedding.)”
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Aarohi feels trapped.
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Like she’s walking into something—
She doesn’t understand.
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Mehendi day—
Designs cover her hands.
Beautiful.
Intricate.
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But her heart—
Still restless.
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“Naam likhwao dulhe ka… (Get the groom’s name written…)” someone teases.
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Aarohi’s fingers stiffen.
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“Jiska naam bhi nahi pata… (Whose name I don’t even know…)” she whispers under her breath.
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At that moment—
The groom’s family arrives.
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Carrying gifts.
Jewelry.
And—
The bridal lehenga.
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Everything looks perfect.
Expensive.
Grand.
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But Aarohi—
Feels nothing.
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No excitement.
No curiosity.
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Just one question—
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Who is he?
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Night passes.
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And finally—
The day arrives.
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Wedding day.
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