I was feeling incredibly low, almost devoid of energy to defend myself. The weight of recent events pressed down on me, leaving me numb and traumatized. Desperate to move forward, I clung to the hope of a future without further turmoil. With Rohan by my side, I found a glimmer of strength, a beacon in the darkness.

As we rose early the next morning to visit Sharad at the jail, I couldn't help but feel a mix of apprehension and determination. Sharad's surprise at our presence was palpable, his guarded expression betraying his inner turmoil.

"Why are you here? To taunt me or curse me? What is it?" Sharad's sharp tone cut through the air, dripping with bitterness.

Rohan's protective instinct kicked in immediately. "Hey, don't you dare speak to her like that!" His voice was firm, a shield against Sharad's hostility.

Sharad's smirk only widened. "Whoa! The boyfriend's here to shield you! Don't worry, Rohan! With him here, I can't do anything to her!"

The tension in the room was thick as Sharad continued to lash out. "Why are you here? To seek vengeance against me? Answer my questions and get out!"

I took a deep breath, gathering my resolve. "Sharad, I'm not here to curse you, mock you, or seek revenge. None of that will benefit you or society."

Rohan chimed in, his tone unwavering. "Her love for you was genuine, Sharad. But it wasn't what you think it was."

Sharad's eyes flashed with defiance. "My love for her is genuine and pure, don't you dare compare me to him," he retorted, his voice tinged with anger.

But I stood my ground, determined to make him understand. "Sharad, your obsession with me wasn't love. Rohan... he completed me and brought happiness into my life that I never dared to dream of."

After expressing my sentiments, I excused myself to speak with the officers about the proceedings, leaving Rohan and Sharad to face each other. Rohan's surprise at my actions was evident, his concern etched in his furrowed brows.

"I never thought I'd see the day you'd come visit me," Sharad remarked bitterly, his eyes filled with a mixture of emotions.

"I didn't come here to make you feel worse, Sharad," I replied softly, attempting to diffuse the tension.

Rohan's presence beside me was a comforting anchor as we faced Sharad's hostility. "She's not here to hurt you, Sharad. Show some respect," he stated firmly, his voice unwavering.

Sharad's laughter filled the room, a bitter sound that echoed off the walls. "Respect? From her? That ship sailed a long time ago."

My patience wearing thin, and I intervened, determined to bring the conversation to a close. "Enough, Sharad. I came here to offer closure, not to engage in a pointless argument."

Rohan's hand on my shoulder was a reassuring gesture, a silent reminder of his unwavering support. "Let's focus on moving forward, Shivina. We've got better things to do than dwell on the past," he suggested, his voice calm but resolute.

Sharad's frustration boiled over, his words laced with bitterness. "And what do you two have planned, huh? Living happily ever after?"

Rohan's response was firm and decisive. "We plan to live our lives, Sharad. Without you in it."

With that final statement, we turned to leave, determined to put the past behind us. As we walked away, a sense of relief washed over me, accompanied by a newfound strength. Rohan's presence beside me served as a constant reminder that I was not alone in my journey of healing.

As the chaos subsided elsewhere, we began to feel alive again, united. Sharad's father anxiously awaited the outcome, and the tension was palpable. Finally, the anticipated wait was over. Sharad was granted bail but was dismissed from the army. As Sharad approached me, I braced myself nervously.

"Hey, don't worry! I'm not going to cause any trouble. I've been reflecting on your words and finally understand why you chose him over me. I'm convinced. I'm sorry for what I did yesterday," Sharad apologized, his tone remorseful.

His words conveyed his guilt and remorse towards me and Rohan. He finally realized the extent of his wrongdoing and let go of his obsession. Everyone deserves a second chance. Sharad's father expressed gratitude for our kindness towards his son, despite his actions.

"Rohan, I was thinking of visiting uncle's house as it's been a while since I last went. Can I go and stay there?" I asked Rohan, seeking his permission.

"Yeah, sure! Why not? Come on, I'll drop you off," Rohan replied, his tone accommodating.

We headed to my uncle's house, and time seemed to fly by until we reached our destination quicker than I anticipated. As we parted ways, our farewells were filled with mutual affection and longing.

"Hey, stay safe and take care of yourself. Don't forget to call me every day. I'll miss your amazing cooking! Bye!" Rohan bid farewell.

Separated for the time being, we both began to miss each other immensely. It was as though I couldn't contain my affection for him. Everything seemed normal. I went to the hospital with my uncle, sneaking into his room during lunch hour to leave his lunch

AFTER FEW MONTHS

As I was preparing for work, I couldn’t help but notice that the house was beautifully decorated with flowers and natural elements. It was as if we were preparing for a grand festival or celebration.

“Dear Shivina,” my uncle began, his voice serious yet filled with excitement, “I need you to stay at home today. It’s really important, and I’ve already spoken to the hospital management.”

I was taken aback. “What’s happening today?” I asked, my curiosity piqued.

“You’ll find out soon!” he replied with a twinkle in his eye. “For now, stay in your room. I’ve arranged for people to help you get ready.”

I was completely baffled by the unexpected turn of events. The house was bustling with activity, and my uncle, who was usually calm and composed, seemed unusually excited. I was whisked away to my room by a team of bridal artists, who worked their magic on me. They adorned me with makeup and dressed me in a beautiful lehenga that belonged to my late aunt, Ms. Vrinda.

I couldn’t help but wonder about the occasion and why I was wearing Ms. Vrinda’s dress. It was the first time I had experienced such an elaborate bridal makeover, and I felt like an Indian princess. As the house filled with guests, I was instructed to wait in my room until my uncle came to fetch me. I was locked inside, waiting anxiously for the revelation.

Suddenly, the door swung open. “Surprise, Shivi!” my family exclaimed as they greeted me downstairs.

“Oh my God, Dhivya! I’ve missed you so much!” I exclaimed, embracing my friend.

“I’ve missed you too! I have to say, you looked stunning today, like a true princess,” Dhivya complimented.

“Wait, how did you get here?” I asked, puzzled.

“With my parents, of course, you duffer. Come on, let’s bring her downstairs!” Dhivya replied, laughing.

“Okay, Dhivya! Can you wait outside? I need to talk to Shivina,” my uncle requested.

“Bhabhi, I’ve always wanted to meet Dhivya, but work kept me busy, and recently, I faced some major trouble,” I confessed.

“Hey, I understand. Sometimes, we all need a break. I just want to thank you for saving Dhivya and taking care of her all this time. You’re a blessing to me and Dhivya. From now on, Dhivya is like your own child too!” I expressed, feeling grateful.

“Aww, Bhabhi, why are you getting emotional?” I responded, my voice filled with warmth.

“Everyone’s waiting for me? But why?” I wondered as Bhabhi held my hand and led me downstairs. As we descended, I was taken aback by the sight that greeted me. My colleagues, my family, Abhi’s family, Rohan's family; everyone was there, dressed in their finest. The room was filled with a festive air, but I was clueless about the occasion.

I turned to Dhivya, who was standing nearby, and whispered, “Dhivya, what’s happening? Why am I dressed like a bride?”

She looked at me with a twinkle in her eyes and said, “Shivina, it’s your Sagai, your engagement ceremony!”

I was stunned. “Engagement? But how? Who arranged this? And who’s the groom?!”

Dhivya chuckled and replied, “Uncle did. He wanted it to be a surprise.”

“But why didn’t anyone tell me?” I asked, still in shock.

“Well, it wouldn’t be a surprise then, would it?” Dhivya teased, leaving me in a whirl of emotions and anticipation for what was to come.

I watched as Shivina's face registered shock, then surprise, and finally, a hint of joy. She was getting engaged, and she had no idea. The surprise engagement ceremony was a success! I couldn't help but admire her in her bridal attire. She looked stunning, and I wasn't the only one who thought so. Her colleagues were whispering, their eyes filled with envy.

"Shivina, you're something!" Deepti teased her, and I couldn't help but overhear.

"Why are you saying that, Deepti?" Shivina asked, her confusion evident.

"You managed to melt a cold-hearted eligible bachelor in the army!" Deepti nudged her, causing Shivina to blush.

"Oh, stop it, yaar!" Shivina retorted, her cheeks turning a deeper shade of red.

"Wow! You look beautiful when you blush. You don't even need a blush!" Deepti teased her again.

I found myself staring at her, captivated by her beauty. She noticed my gaze and blushed even more.

"Wow! I knew she was beautiful, but I never knew she could be this beautiful! I just want to make her mine now! Oh, my cupcake!" I thought to myself.

"Someone's gonna need a cold shower for sure," Abhi and Yash chimed in together, their teasing grin wide.

"Ehem! I heard you, son! Save that for your first night, son," my dad chimed in, causing me to blush this time.

"Sorry, Dad, I couldn't resist her!" I replied, my eyes never leaving Shivina. This was going to be an engagement to remember.

As the engagement ceremony progressed, the air filled with laughter and chatter. Friends and family exchanged banter, teasing one another in good spirits.

"Rohan, my man, you've outdone yourself with this surprise," Abhi clapped me on the back, a proud grin on his face.

"I had some help, but I'm glad it worked out," I replied, feeling a surge of happiness.

Shubhum, Shivina's cousin, couldn't hide his annoyance. "This is ridiculous! Who plans an engagement without even consulting the bride?!" he grumbled under his breath, earning a stern look from his father.

"Come on, Shubhum, lighten up! It's a celebration!" Yash tried to ease the tension.

But Shubhum wasn't having it. "This whole thing is a sham! I won't stand for it!" he protested, his frustration evident.

I exchanged a knowing look with Shivina, silently reassuring her that everything would be fine. Despite the initial chaos, the engagement ceremony continued smoothly, filled with love and laughter.

After the formalities were over, I found myself pulled into the dance hall by Shivina's colleagues, eager to celebrate. As the music filled the room, I couldn't resist joining in, showing off some of my dance moves alongside Shivina.

"My man, you've got some killer moves!" one of her colleagues complimented me, causing Shivina to laugh.

"Thank you! I've been practicing," I replied, twirling her around the dance floor.

My father's words echoed in my ears, "I'm grateful that you chose a wife who's just like your mother. She's the same as a mother, only the face's different." I couldn't help but smile, "Yeah, Dad! I'm sure mamma and Smriti would've loved her."

As the engagement ceremony progressed, the bride's and groom's families exchanged offerings, symbolizing their agreement with the alliance. We then exchanged our rings, marking the beginning of our journey together. Shubhum, however, was not pleased with the proceedings and tried to disrupt the event in every possible way.

But uncle was quick to intervene and stop him. Gifts were exchanged between both sides, adding to the joy of the occasion. The family members performed song-and-dance items, adding a dash of color to the occasion.

Shivina's colleagues were having a great time. They even dragged her to the dance floor, where she showcased her hidden dance skills. I was amazed to see her grace and elegance. After the engagement ceremony, she stayed back with her uncle, Dhivya, Bhabhi, Bhaiya, and her dad. It was a pleasant change after the engagement. Every day was filled with sweetness. Dhivya wanted to stay with me and Abhi, and after much deliberation, she moved in with us.

My father missed her a lot, and they're making up for it. I used to call her every day via video call, met her during lunch breaks, and went home back to video call. I even sometimes sang lullaby songs for Dhivya and her. It was a beautiful time, filled with love and laughter.