-29-
Two days passed from the incident, Jayasvi was healing slowly.
She was trying to think properly. Whatever happened was wrong but she couldn't blame Raghav in all this.
What Rishabh said was something a brother could never handle.
And on top of that Rishabh abused his mother and sister along with saying so dirty things about him as well.
She remembered how her mother got so worried about her when she got back home. Even she saw her father was so worried but in an instant that worry changed into fury.
"Remove her gold rings. You will get her killed because of all this", he shouted at her mother.
Everything seemed like a dream to her but she knew she was to take action soon. She was clear that Rishabh and Dhara were done. No matter, how much they loved each other that too if they ever did, a relationship can never go further without having respect for each other.
She also came to accept that fact that whatever relation she had with Raghav was because of Rishabh and Dhara.
She couldn't hold him back into this relationship anymore.
She decided to visit her father-in-law, Gajraaj Hooda in his party office or wherever he was.
She needs to clear the things with him. But before that she needs to know Raghav's point as well.
After all it was also involved in all this.
She reached his office only to find his secretary on the reception area. He wished her politely before taking her to his office.
"Sir is currently in a meeting. You can wait in his cabin till then", he spoke opening the door to his cabin and asking her to wait there. She took a deep breath as he closed the door behind him.
"I wish things were this easy", she whispered looking at his cabin with a longing in her eyes. For her, it was the last time she was visiting him. For he would immediately break this engagement after hearing her part. She gulped down before moving towards the glass window.
She could see the city life around her. Her body was still in slight pain. Only she knows how she made her mother agree to coming here. She played with the pearl ring he gifted her looking lost.
Jayasvi's heart pounded in her chest as she turned to face Raghav.
He stood in the doorway, his expression unreadable, but she could sense the tension radiating from him.
The last time they had seen each other, the air had been thick with anger and violence.
Now, she was here to confront him, to seek closure, but the weight of the moment made her feel small and uncertain.
"Hi," she whispered, her voice barely audible in the vastness of his office.
Raghav didn't respond immediately. He closed the door behind him, his eyes never leaving her. Finally, he broke the silence. "What are you doing here, Jayasvi?"
She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. "I came to talk... about what happened, about Rishabh, and about us."
He folded his arms across his chest, his gaze cold and calculating. "Go on."
Jayasvi hesitated, unsure of how to begin.
She knew this conversation wouldn't be easy, but she hadn't expected the icy wall he'd put up between them.
"Raghav, I'm sorry for everything Rishabh said that day.
What he said about your family, about your mother and sister.
.. it was unforgivable. But," she added cautiously, "I don't think it was necessary to. .. to be so physically abusive."
Raghav's jaw clenched, his eyes narrowing as he took a step closer to her. "You think I should've let him insult my family like that? No, Jayasvi. He deserved every punch he got."
"But, Raghav," she protested, "violence isn't the answer. What if things had gone even further? What if—"
"Further?" Raghav interrupted, his voice rising.
"I was holding back. If I hadn't, he wouldn't be walking right now.
And as for that impotent comment," he sneered, "your brother will see the result soon enough after our marriage.
He'll see how his sister has trouble walking after I am done with her. "
Jayasvi's eyes widened in shock and embarrassment, her heart sinking at his words.
This was not the Raghav she thought she was getting to know.
This man was ruthless, driven by pride and anger.
She had hoped to find some common ground, some understanding, but it was clear that wasn't going to happen.
"Raghav, this isn't right," she said, her voice trembling. "We... we don't have any reason to be together anymore. Dhara and Rishabh have parted ways, and that was the only reason we got into this relationship in the first place. It's time we end it too."
Raghav's reaction was immediate and intense.
He closed the distance between them in an instant, his hand gripping her arm tightly, almost painfully.
"End it?" he hissed, his eyes dark with fury.
"You think you can just walk away from this?
From me? Jayasvi tum meri zid ban gai ho.
Tumhe sach mein lagta h I'll let you go?
" (You are my obsession now. You really think I'll let you go)
She winced at the pressure of his grip, trying to pull away, but he held her fast. "Raghav, let go! This isn't just about us anymore. We can't force something that isn't meant to be."
He released her abruptly, causing her to stumble back.
His expression was one of cold determination, mixed with a possessiveness that made her skin crawl.
"You don't understand, Jayasvi. This is about more than just us.
It's about family, about honor, about prestige.
Our families know about the engagement, and I won't let you bring shame to either of us. "
Her heart raced as she stared at him, struggling to process his words. "Raghav..."
"No," he cut her off sharply. "You're finishing your college in two months, right? Well, that's when we're getting married. There's no discussion. No debate."
Jayasvi felt the world closing in around her, the weight of his words pressing down on her like a suffocating blanket. "Two months? Are you mad. I am not marrying you", she spoke with wide eyes.
"You think you can decide it," he snapped, his tone final. "You're mine, Jayasvi. This marriage is happening whether you like it or not. So start preparing yourself. Deny if you want and I'll take you in front of your family. Would you like to marry me that way?"
The finality in his voice left no room for argument, and Jayasvi felt a sense of hopelessness wash over her. She had come here to end things, to find a way out, but Raghav had slammed that door shut with a force that left her reeling. This wasn't how she had imagined her life, her future.
"I..." she started, but the words caught in her throat. There was nothing left to say, nothing that would change his mind.
"Go home, Jayasvi," Raghav said, his voice softening slightly, though the underlying threat remained. "Get some rest. You'll need it."
She turned and walked out of his office, her mind numb, her heart heavy with the realization that her life was no longer her own.
She was angry. Angry at herself for letting this self centered man choose her life.
But it was the true world not a fantasy, you can't fight someone as powerful as him.
She knew if she opposed him, he'll still do what he wants.
You can't fight a powerful and stubborn man like him.
As she stepped out into the cold air, she knew that in two months, everything would change—and not in the way she had hoped.
She was too lost in her own world when she reached home. She didn't know what to say anymore. She knew her mother, father and dadi won't agree to her marriage this soon.
But they say things don't seem as easy as you think. Jayasvi got to know about Vandana visiting along with her mother-in-law, Gauri. She leaned her ear on the door to hear the conversation.
"Anjali ji, I wanted to talk about something else", Vandana spoke after Anjali served them coffee and dry fruits.
"Ji", Anjali spoke understanding the thing was serious. She looked at her mother-in-law, Ganga before sitting beside her.
Jayasvi hesitated at the door, her heart racing as she strained to hear the conversation unfolding in the living room. She had barely come to terms with Raghav's declaration, and now, it seemed, the rest of her family was about to be swept into a decision that would shape the rest of her life.
Inside the room, Vandana placed her cup down gently, her expression serious. "Anjali ji, mousi ji, we've been thinking about the situation between Raghav and Jayasvi," she began, her tone measured. "While we initially agreed to let them take their time, recent events have made us reconsider."
Anjali exchanged a quick glance with Ganga, sensing the weight of what was coming. "What do you mean?" Anjali asked, trying to keep her voice steady.
Vandana sighed softly. "It's not right to prolong their relationship without marriage, especially given how the families are already intertwined. There's a certain level of expectation from both sides, and we believe it's best to formalize their relationship sooner rather than later."
Gauri Hooda, who had been quietly listening, nodded in agreement.
"We've discussed this as a family," she said, her voice calm and composed.
"We propose that the marriage take place in three months.
Raghav and Jayasvi are already committed to each other, and it's important to solidify that commitment in the eyes of society. "
Anjali felt a knot tighten in her stomach. Two months? It was too soon—Jayasvi hadn't even finished her studies. But before she could voice her concerns, Vandana continued.
"We understand Jayasvi is still in college, and we don't want to disrupt her education," Vandana added, sensing the hesitation in Anjali's eyes.
"That's why we're proposing a flexible arrangement.
Jayasvi can continue staying with you on weekdays, focusing on her studies, and she can come to stay at the Hooda mansion on weekends.
This way, her education won't be affected, and she'll gradually adjust to her new life. "
Gauri Hooda leaned forward slightly, her expression softening.
"We're ready to be as accommodating as possible, Anjali ji.
We want Jayasvi to feel comfortable and supported as she transitions into her role in our family.
But it's important that the marriage happens now, for the sake of both families' honor. "
Anjali felt a wave of panic rise within her.
She knew what was being asked of her—agreeing to the marriage so soon felt like surrendering control over her daughter's future.
But as she looked into Vandana's and Gauri's eyes, she realized there was little room for negotiation.
The Hoodas had made up their minds, and the issue of family prestige loomed too large to ignore.
Ganga, who had been silent up until now, spoke up, her voice firm but resigned.
"We understand your concerns," she said, addressing Vandana and Gauri.
"Prolonging this relationship without marriage isn't right.
We've always believed in the sanctity of family ties, and we know how important it is to solidify them properly. "
Anjali's heart sank as she listened to her mother-in-law's words. She knew that Ganga was right—there was a certain risk in keeping the engagement hanging indefinitely. But the thought of Jayasvi being married off in just two months felt like a loss too great to bear.
Gauri reached out and placed a comforting hand on Anjali's. "We know this is a lot to take in, but we're all family here. We'll support Jayasvi in every way possible. She's like a daughter to us already, and we'll make sure she's happy."
Anjali managed a small, strained smile, though her heart was heavy. "Thank you," she murmured. "I just... I need to talk to Jayasvi about this. She's still so young."
"Of course," Vandana replied, her tone understanding. "But do know that our intentions are pure. We want what's best for both families, and we believe this marriage is the right step."
As the conversation wound down, Jayasvi slowly backed away from the door, her mind racing.
The decision had been made, and it felt like the walls were closing in on her.
She had hoped for more time, more space to breathe and figure out her future.
But now, the countdown had begun, and she felt powerless to stop it.
Two months.
In two months, she would be married to Raghav, a man whose darker side she had only just begun to understand. And as she walked aimlessly, her legs feeling like lead, she knew that her life was about to change in ways she had never imagined.
A few days had passed, and Jayasvi's mood had soured considerably.
She had been withdrawn, skipping college and instead spending her days obsessively exercising, an unusual behavior for someone typically obedient and compliant with her family's wishes.
Her sudden shift in mood had not gone unnoticed by her family, who were growing increasingly concerned.
Her dadi (grandmother) had tried to talk to her, but Jayasvi wasn't in the mood to share her troubles.
She knew she couldn't reveal anything about Raghav to her family; it would only upset them further, and the last thing she wanted was to hurt them.
Her bad mood had become a constant companion, making even the simplest of tasks feel like a chore.
She eventually wandered out of her room, making her way to the balcony where she could at least enjoy some fresh air.
The heavy clouds from earlier in the week had given way to a slightly clearer sky, but Jayasvi found little solace in the weather.
She was hungry, but the thought of eating the same home-cooked meals didn't appeal to her at all.
She had been studying for the last two hours, and the monotony was wearing her down.
Finally, she decided she needed a change. Heading back inside, she found her mother sitting in the living room, watching short videos on her phone. Jayasvi approached her and sat down beside her.
"Mumma, I'm hungry," Jayasvi said, her voice carrying a hint of weariness.
Her mother glanced at her, still engrossed in her videos. "What do you want me to cook?" she asked absently.
"I was thinking of getting something from outside," Jayasvi suggested, hoping for a different taste.
This caught her mother's attention. She put her phone aside and turned to look at her daughter. By now, her father had joined them, sitting on one of the sofas, while her dadi took the other one.
"What do you want to eat?" her father asked, curious about her unusual request.
"Maybe a pizza," Jayasvi replied, as she started scrolling through a food delivery app on her phone.
"I haven't had a burger in a long time. I could go for a burger," her father added, voicing his own craving.
"Then just get a burger," her dadi chimed in, always the practical one.
"Why, Dadi? I want to have pizza," Jayasvi protested, not wanting to settle for anything less than what she was craving.
As she continued browsing the app, she realized there was an additional charge of sixty rupees for delivery.
It seemed excessive to her, especially since the restaurant was only a short distance away.
The thought of paying extra for something so close didn't sit right with her, so she made up her mind to go out and get the food herself.
"I'll just go and pick it up," she said, getting up from the sofa.
"Are you sure? It's about to rain," her mother asked, glancing out at the cloudy sky.
"I'll be quick, don't worry," Jayasvi reassured her, determined to step out of the house and take her mind off things.
She quickly changed into a simple outfit, grabbed her umbrella, and left for the nearby mall, taking the bus as it was the most convenient option.
The streets were bustling with people, and the air was heavy with the scent of impending rain.
The bus ride was short, and soon she found herself at the entrance of the mall, making her way to the food court.
Jayasvi made a beeline for the burger corner, where she placed a modest order—just a burger and some fries. The girl behind the counter looked at her with barely concealed disdain, her demeanor instantly changing when she noticed the size of the order.
"Is that all?" the girl asked, her tone laced with sarcasm.
"Yes, that's all," Jayasvi replied, trying to ignore the rudeness.
When her order was ready, Jayasvi politely asked for a carry bag. She had seen the person before her, who had a larger order, receive one without any fuss.
"Can I get a carry bag, please?" she requested.
The girl behind the counter gave her a dismissive look. "We don't provide carry bags for such small orders," she said flatly, making no mention of any additional charge or other options.
Jayasvi felt a wave of embarrassment wash over her as the girl's words drew the attention of other customers. "But the person before me got one," she pointed out, trying to keep her voice steady.
"That was a bigger order," the girl retorted, clearly enjoying the situation. "We don't waste bags on small orders like yours."
Jayasvi's face flushed with humiliation.
She wanted to argue but found herself tongue-tied, the words caught in her throat.
She always found herself in such situations with lack of confidence.
The man before her spoke with so much confidence and here she could only feel embarrassed.
Her already sore mood got worse. She moved out of the area moving towards the pizza corner when her eyes fell on some familiar faces.
It was Karan along with some other girl.
She didn't want him to know she took a bus till here. It would be so more embarrassing. She waited for few moments letting them leave first before leaving as well. This actually made her realise how much difference their world had. The more she thought about it the more insecure she was getting.
????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????