Chapter 36 -" The wedding day -part 5"

Abhimanyu, his tone measured, began the interrogation, "Were you aware of what was going on between Ramya and Abhinav?"

Anupriya, maintaining her composure, replied firmly, "No."

Abhimanyu pressed on, "But you are aware that what he did was wrong, and he should be punished for his sins?"

Anupriya nodded in agreement, "Yes."

Abhimanyu contemplated his options, proposing potential punishments, "So, what should be the punishment? I have three ideas in my head:

No. 1

I'll turn my back on him about his lawsuit against his company, making him lose the case and forcing him to give a significant concession. This might put your family in debt, and his startup business will face difficulties in getting investments.

No. 2

I'll destroy his social life by exposing his affair with a woman who has a fiancé. Given your family's conservative values, it could be a massive blow to your parents."

Anupriya, desperate to stop Abhimanyu, stood up from her chair.

Anupriya: "You can't do either of them. You can't."

Abhimanyu halted Anupriya's attempt to intervene by pushing her roughly against the wall.

Abhimanyu: "I can, or maybe I can do both. But sweetheart, since my first priority right now is saving my family's reputation, I will give you one last chance."

Anupriya, anxious and willing to do anything, pleaded, "What? What can I do? I will do anything. Just tell me."

Abhimanyu, with a serious gaze, uttered his proposition, "Marry me." The weight of his proposal hung in the air, a decision that could alter the course of their intertwined destinies.

Anupriya, caught in the whirlwind of the unexpected proposition, sought to reason with Abhimanyu, "Hey, I know this situation is really out of your control, but that doesn't mean you will marry anybody just to save your family's reputation."

Abhimanyu, his patience waning, countered, "I think you are more comfortable getting your family destroyed than marrying me."

Anupriya, attempting to diffuse the tension, replied, "It's just that you're angry; that's why maybe you see how ridiculous you sound."

Abhimanyu, glancing at the dwindling time before the auspicious moment, grew impatient. He slammed Anupriya against the wall again, his tone firm.

Abhimanyu: "Miss Dixit, last warning. Your family destroyed or you marrying me—choose one. The answer I want should come out of your mouth. It should be either yes or no. No more beating around the bush."

The intensity of Abhimanyu's demeanor sent chills down Anupriya's spine. Tears streamed down her face, but Abhimanyu remained unaffected.

Anupriya, left with no choice, reluctantly uttered, "Yes." The weight of her response hung in the air, sealing a pact that neither of them had anticipated.