~ FEAR has two meanings: 'Forget Everything and Run' or 'Face Everything and Rise', the choice is yours. ~

~~~

The Rajvansh Mansion had been filled with laughter and warmth throughout the day, but as the evening approached, excitement buzzed in the air once more,

Tonight was Aaradhya and Shivansh's grand reception.

The family had taken a brief rest after the morning rituals, but soon, preparations were in full swing. Aaradhya had remained quiet yet attentive, listening and responding as Avni and Abhira helped her get ready with little chit chat.

~

Aaradhya sat before the mirror, dressed in an elegant grey lehenga embroidered with silver threadwork. The outfit was light yet regal, matching Shivansh's sherwani in color—a detail that hadn't gone unnoticed.

Abhira grinned. "Bhaiya ke saath matching?"
(Matching with bhaiya?)

Avni smirked, adjusting Aaradhya's earrings. "Arey, yeh toh newlyweds ka style hota hai!"
(Oh, this is the style of newlyweds!)

Aaradhya lowered her gaze, her fingers fidgeting with her bangles.

will Shivansh notice?

Before she could dwell on it, Avni softly squeezed her shoulder. "You look perfect, Aaradhya."

Aaradhya met her gaze in the mirror—there was sincerity in her words, a warmth she wasn't used to receiving so easily.

~

Downstairs, the Rajvansh family and few close relatives from both sides were already waiting when Aaradhya was finally ready. As she stepped toward the staircase, she felt the weight of many eyes on her.

But the only gaze she felt most intensely was his.

Shivansh had been standing casually beside Ishaan and vihaan, discussing business with them.

But the moment he looked up—he stilled.

His dark eyes flickered over her, taking in every detail—the way the silver embroidery caught the light, the delicate way she carried herself, the slight hesitation in her steps.

Vihaan nudged ishaan. "Bhai ki aankhon ko to dekho, jaise unki dulhan chand se utar ke aayi ho." Ishaan just smirked and gave him a look.

(Look into brother's eyes, as if his bride has descended from the moon.)

Shivansh royally ignored them. But something about his expression softened as Aaradhya reached the last step.

"Shall we?" she asked quietly.

He gave her a short nod. "Yeah."

---

The event was held at a grand banquet hall, decorated with chandeliers, white roses, and soft golden lighting. The Rajvansh family arrived in pairs—elders first, followed by the younger generation.

As Aaradhya and Shivansh walked in together, the murmurs of admiration filled the air.

"She looks ethereal."

"They both looks so good together! bilkul shiv Parvati Ke Jodi Hai!"
(They are indeed a perfect couple, just like Shiva and Parvati.)

Aaradhya felt the weight of the attention, but Shivansh's presence beside her grounded her. He didn't touch her, didn't say much, but he was there - solid and unwavering.

---

The first part of the evening was spent meeting guests, exchanging pleasantries, and accepting blessings.

Suryavardhan and Sushma stood proudly as they introduced Aaradhya to some of their closest associates.

Meera and Kavita made sure she was comfortable, always staying close.

Nishant, Vardaan and Ishaan occasionally intercepted guests, lightening the mood.

Meanwhile, the younger cousins—Vihaan, Aarav, Abhir, and Abhira—took every chance to tease Shivansh.

"Bhai, aaj bhabhi ko compliment doge ya sirf dekhte rahoge?" Vihaan smirked.
(Brother, will you compliment sister-in-law today or just keep watching?)

Shivansh shot him a look but didn't answer.

Avni grinned, nudging Aaradhya. "Shivansh compliments kam deta hain, par nazar nahi hata sakta. Usme bhi ek tareeka hota hai pyaar jatane ka."
(Shivansh gives less compliments but cannot take his eyes off you. That is also a way to express love.)

Aaradhya felt her cheeks warm.

After all the teasings she excused herself to find a little peace in a corner. Among the many guests, Aaradhya had forgot her family was there too.

Her grandparents, Sarita and Suresh Rathore, greeted her with soft smiles. Their warmth, unlike the others, felt genuine.

Her brother Aahan stood beside them, his gaze filled with a mix of emotions - pride, relief, and protectiveness.

"Are you ok, Aaru?" he asked quietly.

She gave him a small nod, but before they could talk more, her parents arrived.

Aditi and Suraj Rathore wore polished smiles, carefully curated for the crowd.

"You are looking very beautiful, dear." Aditi said smoothly, her voice too sweet to be true.

Suraj chuckled. "I hope the new house suits you."

Their words were publicly affectionate, but the weight behind them was suffocating.

As they stepped closer, Aditi leaned in—so softly that only Aaradhya could hear.

"Achha hai tumhe itna pyaar mil raha hai. Bas dekhte hai, kitne din tak sab tumhari parwah karte hain."
(It's good that you are receiving so much love. let's Just see how many days everyone cares for you.)

Aaradhya's fingers curled tightly around her lehenga. A familiar ache settled in her chest.

She didn't react, didn't let them see the effect their words had. Instead, she met her mother's gaze with an expression of quiet defiance.

Before either of them could say more, Shivansh's voice cut through.

"Chaliye, Aaradhya. Dadi bula rahi hain."
(Come on, Aaradhya. Grandma is calling.)

Aaradhya turned away without another word.

As she walked beside him, she felt a shift - a silent acknowledgment.

He had seen something. Not heard, perhaps, but seen.

And once again, he had stepped in.

~

The reception continued with a dinner, a few toasts, and soft music.

When it was time to leave, Aaradhya felt exhausted. Not physically, but emotionally—a weight she had carried for too long.

As they returned to the mansion, the family dispersed, heading to their rooms.

Finally, alone, after she had freshen up Aaradhya sat by the window, staring into the quiet night.

She thought about the day, the family, her parents' words.

And then, her gaze drifted to the door.

She knew—on the other side, Shivansh was there.

Not as a savior, not as someone with words of comfort. But as someone who saw. Who noticed.

And for now, that was enough.

~

The Rajvansh haveli was quiet in the early morning hours. The wedding celebrations had ended, yet traces of festivity lingered in the air.

Aaradhya sat by the window in their room, her favorite place, staring at the sky as the first rays of sunlight broke through. Today, she had to return to her parental home for the Pag Phera ritual. 

She was ready in a beautifully elegant saaree which consisted of different blue shades with minimal jewelery and a heart heavy with weight of the unknown that was going to happen after reaching there.

A ritual meant to signify warmth and love from her maternal family—except, for her, it was nothing more than a mere formality.

Meera entered with a gentle smile, carrying a tray. "Beta, have something before you leave," she said softly, placing a small plate of food on the table in front of her.

Aaradhya looked up at her mother-in-law. There was genuine care in her eyes, a warmth that was foreign yet comforting. She hesitated for a moment before taking a small bite.

"Shivansh is waiting downstairs to drop you off," Meera said, brushing a stray strand of hair behind Aaradhya's ear. "Don't worry, beta. He'll come to pick you up soon, and if you want you can stay a day or two, we won't mind."

Aaradhya lowered her gaze but nodded slightly. She wanted to tell her that she didn't want to go there, but stayed quiet, like how she had since all those years.

~

The ride was silent. Aaradhya sat still, her fingers curling into her lap, as the car approached the Thakur mansion.

When they reached, she hesitated for a moment before stepping out. 

"I'm going to the office for some important meeting, as soon as it ends I will call you, is that okay?" he asked from the window and she silently nooded after getting her conformation he started the car and bid bye to her before leaving but the small "take care" made her feel warm inside.

The moment she crossed the threshold, all traces of warmth vanished.

Aditi's expression turned cold. "You took your time coming back," she muttered, her voice laced with irritation.

Suraj barely looked at her. "At least you're not our problem anymore," he scoffed before walking away.

Aahan and her grandparents were the only ones who looked at her with genuine emotion. it is good that her sister was out that day with her friends or it was bound to be a bad day for her.

Sarita cupped her face, her voice filled with concern. "You look so pale, Aaru beta. Are you eating well?"

Aaradhya nodded slightly.

Aahan, standing beside her, let out a slow breath. He had hoped that something in her eyes would be different—that maybe, just maybe, she had found some happiness. But she looked just as lost as ever.

"You should rest," Aahan said softly.

Rest. A word that felt foreign in this house.

~

Time passed in a blur. Lunch was served, but Aaradhya barely touched her food. Her parents didn't bother to act—there was no need to when Shivansh or the Rajvansh family weren't around.

But as the evening approached, she received a call from him, and at the same time Shivansh's car pulled up outside, everything changed.

Aditi suddenly plastered a smile on her face. "Aaradhya, beta, come here," she cooed, straightening Aaradhya's dupatta with fake affection. "You must be so happy. Rajvansh family is treating you well, aren't they?"

Suraj chuckled, shaking his head. "Of course, they are. A Rajvansh bahu is like a queen, after all."

Aaradhya remained silent.

As she stepped toward the door, Aditi leaned in and whispered, her voice dripping with venom, "Enjoy this attention while it lasts. Soon, they'll realize what a burden you are, just like we did."

Suraj added, "No matter how grand your wedding was, remember- koi tumse pyaar nahi kar sakta,jaldhi unhe bhee pata chal jaayega ki tum kitna bada bojh ho."
(No one will ever love you, soon they too will realize how much of a burden you really are.)

Aaradhya stiffened, but before she could react, the door opened.

Shivansh stood there, his sharp gaze scanning the scene before landing on Aaradhya.

Aditi instantly switched back to her sugary tone. "Shivansh, beta! It's so good to see you. Aaradhya was just telling us how wonderful her new family is."

Shivansh's expression didn't change, but his eyes flickered toward Aaradhya. He noticed the tension in her shoulders, the way she was gripping the edge of her dupatta.

Something had happened.

"Shall we?" he asked, his voice calm but firm.

Aaradhya nodded, stepping past her parents without another word.

~

As they drove back, Shivansh didn't speak. But he kept glancing at Aaradhya, watching the way her hands remained clenched in her lap, how her breaths were measured, as if she was trying to hold something in.

Then, without a word, he reached over and covered her hand with his. His grip was firm, steady—an anchor in the storm.

Aaradhya didn't pull away. She didn't look at him either. But after a moment, her fingers relaxed slightly beneath his.

And for the first time, she felt like she wasn't entirely alone.

~~~