Chapter 39: the wedding day part 8

Amidst the subtle melodies of the wedding festivities, Abhimanyu extended a hand, gently assisting Anupriya onto the stage. Unbeknownst to some guests lost in the joyous atmosphere, an air of tension enveloped those aware of the intricate web of deception at play.

While some enjoyed the celebration, the weight of the situation lingered for those in the know. Ramya's parents wore expressions of shame, their discomfort evident, while Abhimanyu's parents reluctantly tried to navigate the unfolding circumstances with strained composure.

A moment of confusion rippled through the venue as Abhinav and Karthik, understanding the truth beneath the veil, rose from their seats with determination to halt the wedding. Their intentions, however, were swiftly thwarted by vigilant guards, abruptly interrupting their course and adding a layer of suspense to the unfolding drama.

As the guards took Abhinav and Karthik away, ayesha, seizing a moment of urgency, intercepted them. With a resolute expression, she presented a letter to the them both .Abhinav and Karthik, stunned by the revelation, were left in disbelief.

Ayesha, stepping into the unexpected narrative, calmly stated, "Anupriya herself agreed to be the bride." The revelation left both Abhinav and Karthik flabbergasted, their understanding of the situation crumbling beneath the weight of the unexpected turn.

Amidst the unfolding drama, Abhinav watched the entire wedding with tearful eyes, a heavy burden of blame weighing on his conscience for the tangled mess. In contrast, Karthik, not oblivious to the shifting dynamics, was keenly observant of the subtle changes in Ayesha's persona, sensing a layer of complexity in her involvement.

The wedding proceeded, adhering to every Hindu ritual in a traditional manner, the carefully choreographed union unfolding amidst the clash of emotions, hidden motives, and unspoken truths.

After the wedding, Abhinav, with a heavy heart, attempted to approach Anupriya, only to be halted by vigilant guards, further emphasizing the controlled nature of the situation.

Karthik, witnessing Abhinav's emotional turmoil, couldn't bear to see his friend's condition. Taking matters into his own hands, he led Abhinav out of the venue, a silent departure that spoke volumes about the underlying tension.

Guests, handed return gifts by diligent servants, left the venue as the Sharma family and close relatives headed to their residence. The air was thick with unspoken words and lingering discomfort, the aftermath of the orchestrated event still settling.

At the bride-welcoming rituals, a palpable tension gripped the atmosphere. Although everyone was aware of the switched bride, a veil of silence shrouded the gathering. Family elders, however, seized the opportunity to criticize Anupriya, labeling her a gold digger for purportedly taking advantage of the opportunity to marry Abhimanyu. The accusing whispers added a layer of discomfort to the already strained post-wedding rituals.

Upon entering his room, Abhimanyu, fueled by the anger he had suppressed for so long, revealed the space decorated as a bridal chamber. In a fit of rage, he began to sabotage the meticulously arranged decor, the room becoming a battleground for his pent-up emotions.

Anupriya, confronted by the sudden eruption, found herself in a state of genuine fear. Locked in, she was unable to call for help, her options restricted by the closed door that separated her from the outside world.

Summoning courage, Anupriya attempted to intervene and stop Abhimanyu's destructive spree. However, her efforts were met with aggression, as Abhimanyu, in the heat of the moment, pushed her aside. The forceful encounter resulted in a twisted ankle, and Anupriya, unable to contain the pain, let out a cry.

Abhimanyu, halted by the sound of her distress, paused in his destructive path, a moment of realization dawning upon him in the midst of the chaotic scene.

Abhimanyu's frustration echoed in his words, "What happened now? Can't you stop being an annoyance for a second?"

Anupriya, in pain, responded, "I think I twisted my ankle." The vulnerability in her voice was palpable.

Abhimanyu, with an irritated expression, walked towards her. As she closed her eyes in fear, she could feel his touch on her injured ankle. Suddenly, he gave it a twist, prompting a sound of discomfort from Anupriya due to the abrupt movement.

Observing her reaction, Abhimanyu remarked, "I don't think it's fractured. It will work for now. Tomorrow, I will call a doctor to check on you." His clinical tone held a hint of detachment, leaving Anupriya to navigate the complexities of her situation, both physically and emotionally.

Anupriya, with a trace of gratitude, uttered a quiet, "Thanks."

Abhimanyu, in a dismissive tone, ordered, "Now stop staring at me like an owl and go sleep on that couch. Right now, the last thing I want is to deal with you. You are one of the people I hate most right now."

His harsh words pierced Anupriya, leaving an emotional wound. As she lay on the couch, sleep slowly claiming her, the perplexing question lingered in her mind—why did Abhimanyu's feelings affect her so profoundly? In the silence of the room, where emotions tangled with uncertainty, Anupriya found herself grappling with the enigma of her unexpected connection to the man who had just become her reluctant spouse.