Rayaan's pov:

I don’t know what came over me.

One second, Arvi was standing in front of me beautiful, strong, mine and the next, she said something that ripped the ground from under me.

“Maybe, in a year, I might even become a mother.”

And I snapped.

I didn’t mean to. God, I didn’t.

But I roared, “DONT TALK ABOUT KIDS!”

The second the words left my mouth, I regretted them.

The look in her eyes it was like I’d shattered something sacred. Like I’d told her she wasn’t allowed to dream.

And maybe I had.

Because the truth is… she doesn’t know.

She doesn’t know what the doctor told me

The doctor's words still echo in my mind, cold and cruel:

"There’s severe damage in her uterus. If she ever conceives, it’ll be nothing short of a miracle."

I’d stood there, numb.

And since that day… I’m not haunted by the possibility that I might never see Arvi with a child in her arms the child we’d make together, the family I know she wants.

So I pushed it away. The whole idea of kids. The talk. The plans.

If Something hurts my wife, I will always make sure it will not reach her

And if she finds out… if she looks at me with pity or worse, heartbreak I won’t survive it.

I heard the soft click of the door as she stepped away from me. My chest ached, my throat burned.

I wanted to run to her.

Tell her everything.

But I didn’t.

I stood there,hurting the only person who’s ever loved me without conditions.

Because I was too afraid… of the truth.

I couldn’t stay in that room any longer.

Not with my own guilt choking me.

I ran a hand through my hair, trying to steady my breath, but the ache in my chest only grew heavier. I opened the door and stepped out.

As I descended the stairs, the faint sound of laughter and conversation drifted from the living room. And then I saw her.

Arvi. My bacha.

Sitting on the couch, surrounded by my family.

Graceful, quiet, holding her broken pieces together like nothing had happened.

She didn’t even look at me.

But I looked at her.

And for a second… I almost turned back. Almost walked to her. Almost said, I’m sorry.

But instead, I looked away.

“Mom,” I said, loud enough for everyone to hear.

She turned, eyebrows raised. “You’re leaving again?”

“Something urgent came up at the office,” I lied. “I won’t be late.”

Arvi finally looked up. Our eyes met. Just for a breath.

But in her eyes… I didn’t see anger.

I saw something worse.

Disappointment.

I tore my gaze away, not trusting myself to speak. And before anyone else could ask questions, I turned on my heel and walked out. Runing from her

The one person I could never lie to, and yet the only one I had to.

Because if she ever found out the truth…

I wouldn’t know how to hold her together when I myself was falling apart.

Arvi's pov:

I watched him walk out.

Didn’t say a word.

Didn’t ask him to stay.

Because what do you even say to someone who just shattered your heart in one sentence?

Don’t talk about kids.

Those words kept circling in my head like a cruel loop.

I smiled faintly at the family’s chatter, nodding when someone spoke to me, but inside I felt like I was drowning.

After a while, I slipped away from the living room and went upstairs to Aleesha’s room. I knocked lightly before entering.

I shut the door to Aleesha’s room behind me softly, trying to hold myself together. She looked up from where she sat cross-legged on the bed, her eyes filled with nervous hope.

I couldn’t meet her eyes for a second.

“He said no,” I finally whispered, my voice barely holding.

Her expression crumbled.

“No?” Her voice broke. “He… he really said no?”

I nodded.

And just like that, the dam burst.

Aleesha covered her face with both hands and broke into quiet, painful sobs. Not dramatic ones just the kind that hurt more. The kind where you’re trying to stay strong and failing.

I rushed to her, wrapping my arms around her small frame. She clutched my shoulders like she was falling and needed something someone to keep her upright.

“He didn’t even listen, did he?” she whispered through tears. “I knew it. I knew he wouldn’t understand…”

I closed my eyes, pressing my cheek against her head, feeling the sting in my own eyes. “He was angry, Aleesha… and surprised. He wasn’t ready for it. That’s all.”

“I love Riaan,” she whispered. “I really love him, Arvi… what am I supposed to do now?”

My heart ached. She didn’t deserve this pain. Not her.

I cupped her face and wiped her tears gently. “You’re not going to do anything alone. I’m with you, okay? Always.”

“But—”

“No buts,” I said, firm but kind. “I’ll talk to him again. I will convince him. Somehow.”

“You promise?”

“I promise.”

She leaned into me again, still crying softly.

And I held her, even though inside I was falling apart too.

Because tonight, he broke something in me…

But I wouldn’t let him break her too.

It was night time. The dining table was quieter than usual.

Plates clinked, cutlery moved, and soft murmurs filled the room but something was missing.

Rayaan.

I sat between Vanisha and Arekha, my gaze flickering every few minutes toward the stairs. Aleesha sat opposite me, barely touching her food. Her eyes were puffy, rimmed red she hadn’t said a word since we came down.

She didn’t even look up when he finally walked in.

Rayaan came down freshly changed, hair still damp, shirt sleeves rolled up. His expression was unreadable, but I could feel him like I always did.

My fingers tightened around my spoon as he took his seat silently, not sparing a glance in my direction.

Not in hers either.

Aleesha kept her head bowed, stabbing at her food, lips trembling slightly.

God, he saw her like that. And still said nothing.

Just as I thought the silence might break me, Bade Papa cleared his throat.

The entire table turned to him, including Rayaan.

“I have an announcement to make,” he said with a proud smile. “It’s about Vivaan.”

I glanced at Vivaan instinctively he looked confused.

“We’ve spoken to the Rathore family again,” Bade Papa continued. “And we’ve decided Vivaan’s engagement will be announced next week.”

My fork clattered against the plate.

I turned sharply to look at Vivaan, who looked stunned like someone had pulled the ground from under him.

Rayaan stiffened beside Bade Papa, his jaw ticking.

Vivaan opened his mouth. Closed it. Nia’s name never made it past his lips.

But I could feel it.

Rayaan could feel it.

Because we both knew Vivaan didn’t want this.

Vivaan loved Nia.

Not the Rathore's daughter.

And just like that, the air around the table turned heavy with unspoken truths.

Aleesha looked up for the first time, eyes wide, shocked.

Rayaan was silent.

And me?

I looked at him really looked at him.

Because maybe… just maybe, I wasn’t the only one keeping heartbreak hidden tonight.

.

.

The moment we stepped into the room and the door shut behind us, I couldn’t hold it in any longer.

I turned to face him, my voice low but sharp. “Why didn’t you say anything downstairs?”

Rayaan paused, unbuttoning his cuff slowly, avoiding my eyes. “About what?”

“Vivaan,” I snapped. “You know he loves Nia. I know it. And you just sat there like it didn’t matter?”

He looked up then, finally meeting my gaze, and there was something tired in his eyes. Something pulled tight, like a string about to snap.

“It’s not my place to interfere,” he said flatly.

“That’s bullsh*t and you know it,” I shot back. “You’re Rayaan Oberoi. You walk into a room and people listen. If you’d spoken, he might’ve your dad might’ve—”

“It won’t change anything,” he cut in, his tone sharper now. “My father made up his mind. You heard him.”

“So you’re just going to let Vivaan get pushed into a marriage he doesn’t want?” I asked, voice shaking. “You think that’s okay?”

“I didn’t say it was okay,” he muttered, running a hand through his hair. “I just… I have bigger things to worry about right now.”

That stung more than I expected.

I took a step back, my voice softening, but it trembled.

He looked at me then, and for a moment, I saw something flicker in his eyes. Guilt. Pain. Something he wasn’t saying.

But instead, he just muttered, “I’m tired, Arvi. Lets sleep.”

And with that, he turned away.

But I couldn’t.

Not when my heart was breaking for Vivaan…

For Aleesha

For myself

I stood frozen for a moment.

And then I broke.

The sob hit me from somewhere deep, and I covered my mouth, trying to hold it in, but I couldn’t.

Tears spilled down my cheeks faster than I could wipe them. My chest heaved with the ache I’d been swallowing since morning since he told me not to talk about kids, since I watched Aleesha cry, since I saw Vivaan’s eyes scream silently for help.

“Why are you so cruel?” I choked out, my voice barely above a whisper.

That made him turn instantly.

“Arvi…” he stepped toward me, alarm flashing in his eyes.

“I keep trying,” I said through sobs. “I keep trying to understand you, to stand beside you but you just shut me out again and again. You didn’t speak for Aleesha. You didn’t speak for Vivaan. You didn’t speak for us. How can you be so… so cold?”

“No baby,” Rayaan’s voice dropped as he pulled me into his arms. “I’m not cold. I’m not.”

But I was already trembling in his hold.

He hugged me tighter, his palm pressing to the back of my head gently. “Bacha, please… please chup. I’m sorry.”

I sobbed harder against his chest.

“I’ll talk to dad, okay?” he murmured quickly. “I’ll fix this. I promise you, I’ll fix it.”

“You mean it?” I whispered between shaky breaths.

“I mean it,” he said, kissing the top of my head. “I’ll talk to him tomorrow. Just… don’t cry like this. It kills me.”

He held me until I stopped shaking. Until my heart stopped racing.

The silence between us had grown soft. Not heavy. Not suffocating. Just quiet… like the calm after a storm. I pulled away slowly, my tear-streaked face still pressed close to his shirt for a second longer before I looked up.

Rayaan gently brushed his thumb under my eyes. “Come,” he said softly.

“Where?”

“To Aleesha’s room.”

I nodded.

We walked in silence, the kind that didn't hurt. I don’t know what it was maybe the way his hand brushed against mine or the rare gentleness in his voice but something told me this time… he meant it.

As we reached Aleesha’s door, Rayaan didn’t knock. He simply opened it and stepped inside, and I followed.

Aleesha was curled on the bed, hugging her knees, eyes puffy. The moment she saw him, her body tensed.

She flinched. Subtle, but I saw it.

She sat up quickly, trying to wipe her face. “Rayaan bhai…”

He didn’t say anything at first. Just looked at her.

Then he walked over and sat down beside her on the bed.

“Still Crying,” he said, and the words were so warm.

Aleesha blinked, lips parting slightly. “I'm not?”

Rayaan reached forward and took her hands, his voice low but steady. “I am your brother I know what's  wrong & right

I was angry… confused. That’s not your fault.”

Aleesha’s lips quivered again.

“I love Riaan,” she whispered again, like it was the last piece of her truth she could still hold on to.

Rayaan nodded. “I know. And I trust your heart. I see you, Aleesha. I see the woman you’re becoming.” He paused for a beat. “And if that woman still loves Riaan after she’s educated, confident, and sure of what she wants in life then I’ll marry you to him myself.”

Aleesha gasped softly. “You… mean it bhai?”

“I do,” Rayaan said firmly. “But first you need to become the version of yourself you deserve to be. Not for anyone else. Not even Riaan. For you. Finish your studies. Stand tall on your own. And then I’ll go to chacha and chachi myself.”

Her tears fell again but these weren’t the broken ones from earlier. These were soft. Relieved. Grateful.

And then, without thinking, she lunged forward and wrapped her arms around her brother.

Rayaan wrapped  his arms around her too. Strong, warm, protective.

“I love you, bhai,” she whispered into his chest.

“I love you too, bachuu,” he muttered, making her laugh through her sniffles.

And just like that…

A small crack in the night healed.

Just a little. But enough.

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Arvi's pov:

I woke up with sunlight streaming softly through the curtains, painting golden streaks across the floor. The weight on my chest from last night was still there… but lighter. Because Rayaan had listened. Because he had said okay.

I lay there for a few seconds longer, soaking in the quiet. The storm had passed maybe not completely, but enough to breathe.

I got out of bed and headed to the bathroom, taking my time as I got ready. I chose a light lavender kurti.

I was brushing the ends of my hair, looking at my reflection, when I heard the soft sound of footsteps behind me. A second later, a warm arm wrapped around my waist.

I startled slightly but relaxed as soon as I felt him.

Rayaan.

He was shirtless, slightly sweaty from his home gym session, and his breath was still a little uneven. His skin was warm against mine as he leaned in and placed a soft kiss on my cheek.

“Good morning, bacha,” he whispered, his voice raspy and low.

My lips curled into a smile as I met his eyes in the mirror. “Good morning.”

He rested his chin on my shoulder for a moment. “You look beautiful.”

“And sweaty,” I teased gently, raising an eyebrow.

He laughed quietly. “Give me ten minutes. I’ll be down soon.”

He stepped back, giving me a final squeeze before heading to the bathroom, a towel slung over his shoulder. I caught the faint grin still on his face as he disappeared.

My heart felt full.

I headed downstairs, where the breakfast table was already set. The family was gathered, laughter and conversation swirling around like the scent of fresh parathas. I greeted everyone with a light smile, my eyes automatically finding Aleesha.

She looked at me, smiling. I just winked.

“Where’s Rayaan?” Chote papa asked, noticing the empty seat beside me.

“Freshening up,” I said lightly.

He didn’t come down for another half an hour.

By the time he did, people were halfway through their food. But when he entered fresh, crisp shirt, sleeves rolled up, hair slightly damp the energy at the table shifted subtly. It always did when he walked in

He took the seat beside me, and I watched him quietly his jaw was tight, eyes thoughtful. Something was coming.

Bade Papa cleared his throat, folding his newspaper. “Rayaan, we need to talk. I was thinking we should finalize the Rathore rishta today. The engagement should happen next week.”

Rayaan looked up, setting down his fork. “Vivaan’s not marrying the Rathore girl.”

Everyone stilled. I felt Aleesha beside me freeze.

Bade Papa narrowed his eyes. “Excuse me?”

Rayaan leaned forward, steady. “Vivaan loves someone else.”

A ripple went around the table. Chote Papa looked at Vivaan, confused. “Someone else? Who?”

My heart beat faster. I already knew. I looked at Vivaan, then turned back to the table.

“It’s Nia,” I said quietly. “My best friend.”

Vivaan’s head snapped up to me, shock and something close to panic in his eyes.

Chote Papa blinked. “Vivaan… is that true?”

Vivaan looked down, swallowing hard. “Yes,” he whispered. “I love Nia.”

Silence fell like a heavy curtain. My gaze flickered to Maa, who looked stunned, then softened.

“Then why didn’t you tell us, beta?” she asked gently. “We would’ve gone for her rishta instead.”

Vivaan’s lips trembled slightly. “Because… she doesn’t love me back.”

And just like that, the heartbreak in his voice cracked something in me.

I reached for his hand across the table and squeezed it gently. “She thinks she doesn’t,” I said carefully. “But I have an idea.”

Everyone looked at me.

I glanced at Rayaan, who gave me the smallest nod.

Then I smiled. “Let me handle this.”

—

Later that evening, the sun dipped low, casting a golden glow through the large Oberoi Mansion windows. We all gathered in the living room Vivaan, Aleesha, Arekha, Vanisha… and Rayaan, who leaned against the wall with his arms crossed, watching quietly.

I stood in the middle, heart racing a little from excitement, nerves, and the slight madness of what I was about to propose.

“Okay,” I started, clasping my hands together, “we're going to tell Nia that Vivaan is getting married.”

Aleesha’s jaw dropped. “Wait what?!”

Arekha frowned. “To who?”

“To a mystery girl,” I said, winking. “We don’t need a name. The idea is to shake her up a little. Wake her up.”

Vivaan looked like he’d just forgotten how to breathe. “You want me to… pretend I’m getting married?”

“Yes,” I said, nodding. “You love her, right?”

He nodded silently.

“She thinks she doesn’t love you. But love isn’t always loud. Sometimes it hides behind fear. Doubt. The moment she hears you're getting married… we’ll know the truth.”

Vanisha leaned forward. “But what if it backfires?”

Rayaan’s voice finally broke the silence from his corner. “It won’t.”

We all looked at him.

He pushed off the wall and walked over to stand beside me. “Nia’s eyes follow Vivaan whenever he walks into the room. She just doesn’t know she loves him yet.”

Vivaan blinked. “She does that?”

“Like a lovesick puppy,” Arekha muttered.

A soft laugh escaped me, but I quickly sobered. “We’ll keep it simple. I’ll message her tomorrow. Tell her Vivaan’s roka is being held in three days. She’s invited. All of us will play along.”

Aleesha grinned. “She’ll lose her mind.”

“Exactly the goal,” I said with a smile.

Vivaan still looked unsure. “And if she really… doesn’t care?”

“Then at least you’ll know,” I said softly. “You’ll have your answer. And maybe closure.”

He nodded, slowly, like someone bracing for impact.

Rayaan slipped his fingers into mine.

And just like that, our crazy little plan was in motion.

Because if love needed a nudge well, we were ready to shake it awake.

My wife is so intelligent,” he said, his tone full of quiet authority and admiration.

Everyone went quiet for a beat. I blinked, heart skipping.

Wife

It still made my stomach flip every time he said it. And with that dominant edge in his voice?

I could feel the heat crawl up my neck.

Aleesha let out a teasing “Oooooh!” while Vanisha grinned wide.

I rolled my eyes and looked away, trying to hide my smile completely failing.

Rayaan leaned in closer, his voice low near my ear. “Blushing suits you, bacha.”

I turned to lightly swat his arm, whispering, “Behave.”

He only smirked, absolutely not planning to.

And somewhere in that laughter, that teasing, that warmth I realized this home, this chaos, this him it was everything I had never known I needed.

A/N

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