CHAPTER FOURTEEN : BRIDAL ROOM CONFESSIONS
The doorbell rang sharply through the house. Priya quickly walked over, smoothing her clothes nervously before opening the door.
Standing outside were Mr. and Mrs. Khanna. A smile instantly appeared on her face, though her heart was pounding. “Hello, Uncle and Aunty,” she greeted politely, her voice soft yet respectful.
Mrs. Khanna’s eyes widened in surprise as she blurted, “Priya?”
The moment the name slipped out, Priya froze. Her breath caught in her throat, and for a second, she felt as though her entire world had collapsed. Oh no… she recognized me… I’m dead…
But before she could even think of a reply, Mrs. Khanna quickly corrected herself with a gentle laugh. “Oh, I mean Riya… What are you doing here?”
Relief washed over Priya’s face like a wave. She discreetly inhaled deeply, forcing her racing heartbeat to calm down. Putting on a composed smile, she replied, “Aryan had said that I should shift here.”
“For the first time in his life this boy has done a good deed,” Mr. Khanna remarked warmly as he stepped inside and sat down on the sofa, his tone half-teasing, half-approving.
Just then, Aryan entered the room, his presence commanding attention. “Oh really, Dad?” he asked, an amused smirk playing on his lips.
“Oh, my son… come here,” Mr. Khanna said happily. He stood up and pulled Aryan into a proud hug. His voice was filled with joy as he congratulated him. “Finally, you got the girl you wanted.”
“Yes, Dad,” Aryan replied calmly, his tone steady, though his eyes flickered briefly toward Priya.
Mrs. Khanna, who had been watching quietly until then, raised her brows and said with mock annoyance, “Looks like someone is forgetting I’m here too.”
Aryan chuckled at her playful taunt and walked over. “Mom, how could I forget you?” he said affectionately as he embraced her.
Wanting to ease the atmosphere, Priya spoke up politely, “Both of you must be hungry. I’ll bring you something to eat.”
Mrs. Khanna waved her hand dismissively with a smile. “No, we don’t feel hungry. We’ve just come from outside after having dinner. You two have dinner.”
“We just did it too,” Priya replied softly, her voice calm but her nerves still knotted inside.
“Mom, Dad, you must be tired. Go take a rest,” Aryan said, stepping back into his role as a caring son.
Mrs. Khanna’s expression softened, and then she said casually but with affection, “I will sleep with Riya tonight.”
Priya froze for a split second but quickly nodded with a polite smile. “Sure,” she said, masking her anxiety.
Inside though, her heart skipped another beat. How will I survive the night sharing a room with her? What if she asked something?
They both went into Mrs. Khanna’s room. The atmosphere was calmer there, the golden lamp throwing a warm glow around the space. Priya hesitated for a moment before speaking softly, her voice laced with gratitude.
“Thank you, Aunty.”
Mrs. Khanna smiled knowingly, but instead of taking the thanks, she redirected it. “Say thanks to your friend who told us everything at the right time.”
Her tone was calm but carried a hint of mystery, making Priya blink in surprise.
Priya tilted her head, curiosity flashing in her eyes. “Did you meet her?”
Mrs. Khanna nodded, her expression softening as she recalled it. “Hmm… yesterday, when Aryan told us about both of you, we were preparing to come here. Then I got her call. She said she wanted to meet me, and when I met her, she told me that the girl Aryan was talking about is you. She informed me that you two met each other in Paris and now you both love each other. And Aryan still doesn’t know that you are the same girl he was going to marry. He just knows you as Riya.”
As she listened, Priya’s eyes grew misty with relief. Her shoulders relaxed a little, and her voice trembled with sincerity. “Thank you, Aunty, for supporting me.”
Mrs. Khanna leaned closer, her gaze firm but kind. “You know why I supported you?”
Priya’s brows knitted slightly. “Why?” she asked, her voice careful.
Mrs. Khanna’s tone turned gentle but carried emotional weight. “Because you were the first and last girl I chose for Aryan. Already, you would have become my daughter-in-law if you weren’t…”
Priya quickly interrupted, her guilt surfacing. “I know I did wrong. I shouldn’t have run away. But I had a reason to do it.” Her voice broke slightly, confessing the regret that had haunted her.
Mrs. Khanna’s eyes narrowed slightly with curiosity. “And what is it?” she asked firmly, wanting the truth.
Priya swallowed hard, then spoke with honesty. “Actually, I wanted to become an actress. And at that time, I thought that if you guys did not support me like my dad, then how would I fulfill my dreams? So, that’s why.” Her tone carried a mix of vulnerability and determination, showing both her fear of rejection and her passion for her dream.
Mrs. Khanna reached out, gently holding her hand. Her voice softened into maternal comfort. “It’s okay, dear. But let me tell you one thing—everyone will support you here.”
Hearing those words, Priya’s lips curved into a genuine smile, her eyes glimmering with relief. “I’m glad to hear it from you,” she said with a sweet smile.
Mrs. Khanna straightened her back, her expression suddenly proud. “I think Aryan may not have told you, but I have been an actress too.” Her voice carried both nostalgia and pride as if reliving those golden days.
Priya’s eyes widened in admiration. “It means you are my senior,” she said with a smile, adding a playful note to ease the heaviness in the air.
Mrs. Khanna chuckled warmly. “And this senior is always there to help you—not like a senior but like your mother.” Then her expression turned more serious as she leaned forward slightly. “I remembered from ‘mother’—what have you thought of informing your parents about you?”
Priya’s smile faltered. She bit her lip, her voice dropping in hesitation. “Right now, I didn’t think of anything like this. But I will tell them soon.”
Mrs. Khanna nodded approvingly, her eyes filled with quiet trust. “Okay. Let’s go to sleep now. You have to work hard tomorrow.”
Priya blinked, her brows furrowing in confusion. “Hard work?” she asked, her tone laced with innocent curiosity.
Mrs. Khanna chuckled mysteriously, her eyes twinkling. “Don’t worry. Tomorrow you will know everything.”
Priya sighed and nodded gently, though her mind buzzed with questions. “Okay,” she said, smiling faintly before preparing for sleep.
The mood in the room settled into comfort—trust being built, secrets being shared, and a maternal bond beginning to grow between the two women.
Everyone except Aryan was already at the dining table, enjoying breakfast together. The morning sunlight streamed in through the tall windows, adding warmth to the cozy atmosphere. While sipping his tea, Mr. Khanna suddenly placed his cup down and looked at Priya with a thoughtful expression.
“I’m sorry, dear,” he said gently, his tone unexpectedly apologetic.
Priya, caught off guard, raised her brows and leaned forward slightly. “Sorry? For what, Uncle?” she asked, her voice soft with concern.
Mr. Khanna exhaled, his face carrying a mix of guilt and sincerity. “Not only you—I think we should apologize to both of you. Because we should have given you some time to understand each other.” His words carried the weight of a parent realizing they might have rushed their children.
Priya’s eyes softened. She quickly shook her head, offering a reassuring smile. “It’s okay, Uncle. And please, don’t feel sorry.” Her gentle response was filled with warmth, making the tension in the air ease immediately.
Just then, Aryan’s voice broke the moment. “What’s going on, guys?” he asked, walking toward the table with a curious look, one eyebrow arched.
Mrs. Khanna quickly responded with a playful smile. “Nothing, we’re just asking how you both met.”
Aryan chuckled, pulling out a chair. “We both met in a very strange way,” he said, his tone laced with mischief. His grin widened as he added, “I thought she was a thief.”
Mr. and Mrs. Khanna burst into laughter at his words. “Thief?” Mr. Khanna repeated, his voice booming with amusement.
Aryan leaned back, enjoying their reaction. “Because she took my bike and ran away,” he revealed dramatically, as if reliving the moment.
Priya instantly shot him a fiery glare. “Again?” she said angrily, her voice edged with embarrassment.
Aryan raised his hands in mock surrender, his eyes twinkling with playful mischief. “Okay… okay… She needed my bike… No, no… She needed my useless bike to catch a thief,” he teased, dragging out the words in a taunting tone.
Priya’s face flushed with frustration. “And for how long will you bother me about this?” she asked, her lips pressing into a thin line as she tried to stay composed.
Aryan smirked, leaning closer as if to challenge her. “Every time this topic comes up,” he said shamelessly.
Priya groaned, exasperation clear on her face. “Why…” she asked with a frustrated sigh, her voice half-annoyed, half-defeated.
Mrs. Khanna stepped in with a sharp yet protective tone. “Aryan, stop teasing my daughter.” Her words carried motherly authority, instantly changing the mood.
Aryan gasped theatrically, clutching his chest in mock shock. “Mom, I had heard that after the marriage of a son, his mother gives more importance to her daughter-in-law. But you will change so soon? I never thought.” His dramatic complaint earned chuckles from both parents.
Mrs. Khanna didn’t miss a beat. “Because she’s my choice,” she replied firmly, with pride sparkling in her eyes.
Aryan blinked. “Yours?” he asked, slightly confused.
Mrs. Khanna quickly adjusted the atmosphere, smiling as she added, “Your choice is my choice… isn’t it?”
Realizing her intent, Aryan softened and grinned. “Obviously, Mom, it is,” he said, nodding respectfully.
At that moment, Mr. Khanna cleared his throat, steering the conversation in another direction. “Hope you both have taken your dress?” he asked, his tone carrying expectation.
“Yes, Dad,” Aryan answered confidently.
“Then you both get ready tonight,” Mr. Khanna said with finality.
Aryan’s eyes widened, his fork frozen midway. “Tonight?” he repeated in disbelief.
“Hm,” Mr. Khanna confirmed with a casual nod, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
Aryan leaned forward, baffled. “But Dad, we haven’t even decided the venue yet, and haven’t invited anyone.” His voice carried a mix of worry and astonishment.
“I have done,” Mr. Khanna replied coolly, taking another bite of his food, as if it were already settled.
Aryan blinked in shock. “But you just came yesterday.”
Mrs. Khanna chuckled softly and explained, “After hearing your ‘yes,’ he was so happy that he did everything from there with Karan.” Her eyes sparkled with joy as she spoke, pride evident in her husband’s determination.
Aryan finally relaxed, shaking his head with a small smile. “Oh, I see,” he said, admiration and surprise mixing in his tone.
“Now be ready tonight, okay?” Mr. Khanna instructed, his authoritative yet caring tone leaving no room for argument.
Priya and Aryan exchanged a glance, both of them overwhelmed yet unable to refuse. In response, they simply nodded together, their silent agreement reflecting the weight of what was about to come.
The mood in the room shifted—what started with teasing and playful banter had now settled into something serious, the realization of their new reality hanging in the air.
Priya was in the bridal room, standing in front of the large ornate mirror, carefully combing her long hair. The room was filled with a soft fragrance of flowers, her jewelry scattered on the dressing table, reflecting the warm golden lights. She was lost in thought, her heart already beating fast because of the evening ahead.
Just then, Karan stepped inside with his usual casual air and leaned against the doorframe. He grinned and said lightly, “Hey Riya, you’re looking nice, bro.”
Priya turned slightly, surprised but smiling faintly. “Thanks,” she said simply, focusing back on her hair.
Karan walked in and flopped lazily onto the sofa behind her. He watched her through the mirror for a moment before speaking, his tone suddenly shifting into something more curious. “Btw, Riya…”
She hummed softly, not looking up. “Hmm…”
Karan tilted his head, eyes narrowing as if testing the waters. “Do you know any girl named Priya?”
The comb froze in Priya’s hand. Her fingers trembled slightly as her reflection in the mirror stiffened. Slowly, she turned her head toward Karan, her voice shaky and uneven. “N… No…”
Karan stood up and began walking toward her, each step deliberate, his gaze sharp. “Oh really…” he said, his voice calm but laced with accusation. “Then you would also not know that she lives in India… No, no… she used to live in India. But now she lives in Paris.”
Priya’s throat went dry; she gulped hard, her hands gripping the comb tightly. “W-what… are you talking about?” she stammered, her voice breaking slightly.
Karan smirked, finally standing just a step away from her. “I’m talking about you, and who else?” His words came out like a challenge, his eyes daring her to deny it again.
Her lips parted, and she forced out a protest, though her trembling tone betrayed her. “What… Me? No… no… I think you’ve got some misunderstanding.”
Karan raised his eyebrows, crossing his arms. His sharp gaze locked onto her. “Oh, Miss Priya… Do you think I am so stupid that you’ll just refuse to accept everything, and I’ll admit you’re not that girl?” His words cut like a knife, dripping with sarcasm.
Priya’s eyes filled with both fear and irritation. Her voice rose as she snapped, “Karan… It’s enough!”
Karan didn’t flinch. Instead, he leaned closer and spoke in a low, threatening tone. “It doesn’t matter if you don’t want to tell me. I’ll tell everything with proof to the leader, and after that, he’ll ask you everything by himself.” The threat hung heavy in the air — it was blackmail, pure and simple.
He turned, ready to leave, but Priya’s panicked voice stopped him. “Wait!” she cried. Her chest rose and fell quickly as she gathered her courage. Her voice softened, trembling with defeat. “I’ll accept it…” She closed her eyes, inhaled deeply, then exhaled shakily. “Yes… I’m Priya.”
Karan’s lips curved into a smug smile. “Good,” he said, satisfaction dripping from his tone.
Priya’s eyes welled up slightly, but she looked at him with determination. “But now you promise me… that you will not tell him anything.” Her plea was desperate yet sincere.
Karan tilted his head, studying her carefully. “And why would I not?” he asked doubtfully, suspicion clouding his features.
Her eyes softened as she whispered, her voice trembling yet filled with honesty, “Because… I don’t want to lose him.”
Karan narrowed his eyes further. “Why?”
She swallowed hard, her heart racing, then admitted in a low voice, “Maybe I like him… that’s why…” Her cheeks flushed slightly, but her words were firm, like a confession she could no longer hide.
Karan smirked, but his tone remained skeptical. “And why should I trust you… when you’ve already left him once?”
Her eyes shimmered with tears as she clasped her hands together. “Please trust me… and please don’t tell him anything. Not for me… at least for his happiness.” Her voice cracked with emotion, pleading for understanding.
Karan raised an eyebrow. “Means?” he asked, intrigued but not convinced.
“Didn’t you notice?” she said earnestly, her voice growing stronger. “Since yesterday, there’s a different kind of happiness on his face. And Uncle and Aunty — they’re so happy too. Do you want to snatch everyone’s happiness by telling this in front of everyone?”
Karan’s smirk faded, replaced by a thoughtful silence. He rubbed his chin, clearly torn. “But sometime everyone will know this,” he reminded her.
Priya nodded, her expression serious. “But before that time comes, I will tell everyone myself. But until then, can you please…” Her eyes begged him, silently pleading for mercy.
Finally, Karan exhaled and waved his hand. “Okay… okay… fine,” he said, agreeing reluctantly.
Priya’s shoulders sagged with relief. She wiped at her damp eyes, then asked curiously, “Btw, how did you know all this?”
Karan chuckled, his arrogance returning. “Very wisely. You deleted all your dad’s contacts and details from the company’s database. And all his contacts and websites were also blocked…” He smirked knowingly. “But you forgot one thing — they were blocked only on your computer. They could still be searched on the rest of the computers.”
Priya’s eyes widened, and she smacked her forehead with her palm. “Ahh… how could I be that stupid!” she muttered, slapping herself lightly in frustration.
Karan laughed, leaning against the wall casually. “It’s okay… it’s okay. Some things people get to know late.” His laughter filled the room, taunting her.
Priya narrowed her eyes, suspicious of his cryptic tone. “Means?” she asked.
He smiled mischievously, shrugging. “Nothing,” he said, his grin refusing to fade, leaving Priya unsettled.
The room grew quiet again, but the tension lingered — Priya’s secret was no longer safe, yet Karan’s silence bought her a fragile reprieve.
Just then, the door creaked open and Mrs. Khanna stepped inside with her usual graceful presence. Her eyes immediately softened at the sight of Priya in her bridal attire. “Riya, are you ready?” she asked warmly, her tone carrying both affection and curiosity.
Priya’s heart was still pounding from the intense conversation with Karan. She quickly tucked away her anxious expression, forcing a small smile. With a gentle nod, she replied softly, “Hmm.” Her voice sounded calm, but inside, her nerves were a storm.
Mrs. Khanna’s gaze shifted, and she noticed Karan lounging casually nearby. Her brows arched slightly. “I sent you here to bring her down, and you’re sitting here,” she said in a mildly scolding yet playful tone.
Karan straightened, hiding his smirk. “Sorry, aunty,” he said, putting on his best innocent face. But Priya, who had just seen the calculating gleam in his eyes minutes ago, knew better.
Mrs. Khanna waved a hand dismissively. “It’s okay… Now let’s come.” She walked closer and gently touched Priya’s arm, guiding her toward the door with motherly affection.
Priya stood up slowly, smoothing down her bridal dress. She stole a quick glance at Karan, who gave her a knowing look — a silent reminder of the secret that now bound them together. She looked away quickly, afraid that Mrs. Khanna might notice the tension in her eyes. As they left the room, Priya forced herself to walk gracefully beside Mrs. Khanna, every step echoing with the weight of the evening ahead. The warmth of Mrs. Khanna’s hand on hers gave her comfort, but the lingering shadow of Karan’s smirk followed her like a whisper she couldn’t escape.
❁𝐑𝐄𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑❁
❀𝕴𝖋 𝖞𝖔𝖚 𝖑𝖎𝖐𝖊 𝖎𝖙!❀
♡ 𝙳𝚘𝚗’𝚝 𝚏𝚘𝚛𝚐𝚎𝚝 𝚝𝚘 𝙻𝚒𝚔𝚎, 𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚖𝚎𝚗𝚝 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚜𝚑𝚊𝚛𝚎 ♡
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