In a small, cluttered room adorned with bridal attire and glimmering accessories, Aayat threw her hands up in frustration, her eyes filled with irritation.

"Ugh, fuck off, guys! I just want to escape from this engagement right now!"

she exclaimed, her voice tinged with a mix of exasperation and desperation. She was trying to get ready for the ceremony that loomed ahead, yet the very thought of the impending marriage made her skin crawl.

Hearing her sister's outburst, Hayat looked at Aayat with wide, pleading eyes.

"Ayu, come on! Take me with you,behn!"(Sister)

she implored, her tone laced with a blend of desperation and solidarity. Hayat understood Aayat's feelings all too well; they were both trapped in a situation that seemed impossible.

Arzu, who was standing nearby, couldn't help but interject. With a sneer that reflected her disdain, she chimed in,

"And do you guys really think that I have any interest in marrying him?"

Her disgust was palpable, and she wrinkled her nose as if the very idea were repulsive. The thought of the engagement had turned what should be a joyous occasion into a shared burden.

Aayat sighed heavily, her expression turning somber.

"What should we do now? We don't have any other choice,"

she replied, the gravity of their situation weighing down her words. They were indeed caught in a web of tradition and expectations, and it felt suffocating.

Arzu, ever the pragmatic one, straightened her necklace thoughtfully as she proposed her plan.

"I think we should talk to the grooms! We need to explain our situation and ask them not to go through with the marriage."

Her fingers fiddled nervously with the jewelry, a sign of her anxiety amidst the chaos.

Hayat couldn't help but scoff slightly at the suggestion.

"And Aru, do you honestly think that after we lay our hearts bare, they'll just respond with, 'Ja Simran, ja jeele apni zindagi'?"(Go simran Go,live your life)

she mimicked dramatically, mimicking the iconic dialogue from a famous Hindi film that often showcased love and freedom. It was a sarcastic reenactment of hope that felt utterly misplaced in such a serious moment.

Arzu rolled her eyes in response, exasperated yet amused by Hayat's theatricality.

"This isn't a movie, Hayat!"

she retorted, shaking her head with a smirk, but her expression conveyed that, deep down, she wished it were. The three of them, caught in their own little world of frustration and rebellion against tradition, shared a momentary understanding amidst the chaos of preparations.

Aayat exclaimed,

"Can you guys please stop it right now? We're running out of time, and we don't have any other options to consider! Ugh!"

She said this while fiddling with her bangles, and just as she were trying to adjust them, one slipped from her grasp and dug right into her skin, causing a trickle of blood to appear.

Hayat, glancing over in alarm, shot a worried look at Aayat.

"Ayu... oh my god, can't you figure out how to wear a bangle properly? Seriously!"

she said, her voice laced with tension. She rushed over to examine Aayat's hand, carefully assessing how deep the cut was, her heart racing with concern.

Arzu, shaking her head in frustration, chimed in,

"Stupid fellow!"

as she hurriedly approached Aayat, clutching a First Aid box in her hands. The urgency in the room was palpable, and Arzu's eyes were filled with worry as she reached her friend's side.

Aayat, trying to remain composed despite the situation, said flatly,

"Guys, I'm used to this pain. Seriously, don't panic. I'm okay,"

delivering her lines with an emotionless expression that belied the seriousness of her injury.

"No, Ayuu! You don't understand!"

Arzu started to retort, but she never got the chance to finish her sentence. Just then, they were interrupted by a firm knock at the door. Arzu, sensing the distraction, quickly grabbed her dupatta to tuck herself together and made her way toward the entrance. With a swift motion, she opened the door, revealing not just any visitors, but three incredibly handsome boys. Their muscles were prominently displayed through their traditional Serwanis, and they stood at the threshold like statues, their expressions suggesting that they were there somewhat unwillingly.

Without so much as a word or warning, they stepped into the room, adding a fresh layer of tension to an already chaotic scene.

The tense atmosphere in the room was palpable. Aayat and Hayat were not in a position to face any of the boys who had just arrived. They felt exposed and vulnerable, their collarbones, bellies, and chests barely shielded, and a wave of embarrassment washed over them. As the grooms began to make their grand entrance, casting glances around the room, both girls instinctively turned away, desperately searching for their dupattas to cover themselves.

In a moment of frantic searching, Aayat spotted her dupatta draped carelessly over the edge of the bed. With a sense of relief, she quickly wrapped it around her shoulders, feeling the familiar fabric offer a sense of comfort and modesty. Unfortunately, Hayat's search proved less fruitful. As if on cue, the grooms continued to filter into the room, taking their seats on the couch one by one, their expressions inscrutable. They sat like statues, each one maintaining an air of detached indifference as they observed the scene unfolding before them.

Caught in this chaotic moment, Arzu emerged from the other room, her face a mask of concern. With a decisive slam, she closed the door behind her, stepping inside to assess the situation. Her gaze immediately fell on Hayat, who was still struggling to find her dupatta. Panic flickered in Hayat's eyes as she searched frantically around the room. But then, Arzu's eyes landed on the dupatta, which lay innocently on the chair. Without a second thought, she rushed over and handed it to Hayat, whose relief was almost palpable as she gratefully accepted it and draped it over her shoulders.

As the girls scrambled to regain their composure, the grooms sat silently, their faces betraying no emotion, merely spectating the unfolding drama with an unsettling calm. Aayat, now seated on the bed, was still visibly shaken and tended to by Arzu, who had brought a first aid box in hopes of treating a minor wound. The atmosphere was thick with tension and unspoken emotions.

Just as Arzu began to open the first aid kit, Aayat sprang to her feet suddenly, her urgency overtaking her caution. She started heading towards the door, perhaps eager to escape the awkwardness that filled the room. Vansh, one of the grooms, spoke up, his voice void of any warmth or empathy.

"We're not here to watch your drama,"

he remarked flatly, his tone sharp and unapologetic. The remark hung in the air, adding to the already strained ambiance of the room, as Aayat paused momentarily, caught off guard by his words. The girls were left to navigate the swirling emotions while the grooms remained stoic, creating an atmosphere filled with unspoken tension.

After she heard her soon-to-be husband's voice for the very first time, she came to a sudden halt just before the door. Her back was turned to the group of groomsmen, the air around her thick with tension.

Vansh's voice rang out, sharp and piercing, cutting through the silence like a knife.

"Can't you hear me? Just come and sit down!" he called out to Aayat, his tone rising as he pushed himself off the couch. His words had a dominating quality that made both Hayat and Arzu flinch, their faces reflecting a mix of surprise and concern. Vyom and Veer, noticing the shift in atmosphere, exchanged worried glances as they took in the scene unfolding before them. Despite the commotion, Aayat found herself rooted to the spot, her mind racing.

Frustration began to boil within her, and in a moment of emotional turmoil, she clenched her wounded hand, intentionally digging her nails into the already tender cuts. The sharp, stinging pain coursed through her, only intensifying her anger and desperation, and soon the floor beneath her was splattered with her blood. The sight of her own crimson droplets seemed to ripple through the room, grabbing Vansh's attention. His previous bravado flickered slightly as he caught a glimpse of her injury-his brow furrowing in concern. He hesitated, momentarily softening, before he sank back down onto the couch, the authoritative edge in his voice dissipating.

Arzu, filled with alarm, rushed towards Aayat, her heart pounding. "Ayu... please don't do this," she urged, her eyes wide with worry. "For God's sake, please... don't hurt yourself." As she reached Aayat, she noticed that her friend's body was trembling uncontrollably, her eyes squeezed shut as if she were trying to retreat into herself. When Arzu recognized the signs of an impending panic attack, she wrapped her arms around Aayat in a tight embrace, attempting to offer solace in a moment that felt so chaotic.

"Hayuu... bring water quickly!" Arzu called out to Hayat, her voice laced with urgency. "She's about to have a panic attack!" The room was filled with a rush of activity, the severity of the situation igniting a frantic energy as they all rallied to support Aayat in her time of need.

Before long, Hayat made her way over to Aayat, a look of concern written all over her face. She gently handed her a glass of water, hoping it might calm her nerves. But the moment was cut short, as Hayat's gaze shifted toward Vansh with a fiery intensity that spoke volumes.

With an edge of frustration in her voice, Hayat confronted him; "If you don't know how to treat a girl with even a hint of respect, then you really need to go and learn some manners." Her words were sharp, loaded with the kind of indignation that left no room for misinterpretation. To her surprise, Vansh simply shrugged her off, his disinterest evident as he sneered back, "I have zero interest in what you have to say." His focus was unwavering, his gaze fixated on Aayat, who stood trembling, clearly shaken by the escalating tension.

Vyom, ever the provocateur, couldn't resist adding fuel to the fire. As he rose from the couch and moved closer to Hayat, he spat out his words like venom. "And if you don't know how to show some respect to your elders, perhaps you should ask your parents for a lesson... oh, wait a minute-my bad! I keep forgettin' that you guys are orphans!" His mockery hung in the air, thickening the atmosphere around them.

Arzu, sensing the atmosphere escalating dangerously, stepped forward with fierce protectiveness. "Vyom Rai Singhania, you'd better watch your mouth and not drag our parents into this, or else I swear I'll-" She left her threat hanging in the air, standing resolutely beside Hayat, her presence a shield against Vyom's taunts.

Meanwhile, Veer, with a smirk that could curdle milk, leaned into the hostility, teasing Arzu with a casual, "Or else what, darling?" He positioned himself defiantly in front of Arzu, challenging her unflinching stance.

The tension in the room reached a boiling point when Aayat, overwhelmed by a rush of emotions, took the glass of water in her hand and smashed it down onto the floor with incredible force. The shard of glass shattered loudly, instantly drawing everyone's attention. Her eyes were ablaze with anger, the redness in them reflecting the fury that burned within. Her cheeks flushed crimson, mirroring the storm of emotions swirling inside her. The noise reverberated through the room, a shocking reminder of the explosive conflict that had erupted, leaving everyone stunned into silence for a brief moment.

A sudden crash echoed through the room as Aayat let the glass slip from her hand and shatter against the floor. The sharp sound startled everyone, and all eyes instantly turned toward her, their faces filled with confusion and suspicion.

Aayat, her voice trembling yet laced with irritation, snapped-

"Just stop it! Enough is enough!"

Her tone was sharp, angry, almost broken, as though she had been holding something in for too long.

Hayat rushed closer, worry flashing in her eyes.

"Ayu, what happened? Calm down, please," she whispered in a tense, almost pleading voice.

Aayat quickly shook her head, trying to hide the storm brewing inside her.

"Nothing... nothing at all. Let's just go. Everyone must already be waiting for us," she muttered, forcing her voice to stay steady, though her fists were trembling.

Vansh opened his mouth to say something, his expression unreadable, but before he could speak, a firm knock sounded at the door.

A young woman entered, dressed neatly in formal attire-Aayat's personal secretary. She bowed slightly before speaking.

"Chief, everyone is waiting for you downstairs. They sent me to call you all."

Aayat's eyes narrowed. She leaned forward and asked quietly, "Rishi, is everything under control?" Her words carried a hidden meaning, her gaze sharp, as if she was signaling something only the secretary could understand.

Rishita-known as Rishi-nodded instantly.

"Yes, Chief. Everything is under control."

Hayat, still restless, intervened, her protective instincts rising.

"Rishi, check once more. The electricity should not go off during the function. And stay close to Ayu... always. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Hayu. Don't worry," Rishi replied softly, casting a reassuring glance at both of them.

Rishi had been more than a secretary; she was a childhood friend of Hayat, just like Arzu. Though officially appointed as Aayat's assistant to manage her countless responsibilities, she had become a shadow to all three sisters. Whenever they needed her, she was there-loyal, silent, dependable.

Moments later, Arzu and Hayat forcefully tied a bandage on Aayat's injured hand before all three sisters were led to the stage, where their so-called grooms awaited.

On the grand king-sized couch, Aayat and Vansh-Mr. Rude himself-sat side by side, though a heavy silence hung between them. The distance they kept was obvious, almost painful, as though they were strangers forced together by fate.

To the left, Arzu sat with Veer, the same strained gap between them mirroring Aayat and Vansh. But unlike them, Hayat had no such relief-Vyom sat far too close, his body brushing against hers deliberately, his eyes glinting with a cruel sort of amusement. Hayat stiffened, shifting uncomfortably, but Vyom only leaned closer, relishing her unease.

The tense atmosphere was suddenly interrupted when Aayat's phone began to ring. It lay on the couch between her and Vansh, vibrating insistently. Vansh's eyes flickered to the screen-an unknown number.

The call kept coming, again and again. On the third attempt, Aayat finally answered.

"Hello? Who's speaking?" Her voice was low, cautious.

Silence.

Her frown deepened. "Hello? Who's this?" she asked again, her tone sharper now. Still no response. The silence on the other end was suffocating, eerie. Frustrated, she cut the call and placed the phone back down, though her heart thudded uneasily in her chest.

The ring-exchange ceremony ended, and soon the brides and grooms began to see off the guests.

"Baccho, let's have dinner now," Malini said warmly, her voice motherly as she gestured to the newlyweds.

At once, Aayat, Hayat, and Arzu replied in unison, their voices flat.

"We're not hungry."

Malini raised her brows. "No excuses, bachche. Chalo, everyone is waiting for you. From today, we are one family. Families eat together. So, let's go."

The sisters exchanged glances but said nothing. Quietly, they followed her to the dining table.

Aayat's POV-

There were six empty chairs on one side of the table and six people already seated on the other. Two of them I recognized-my soon-to-be father-in-law and mother-in-law. But the remaining four? Strangers. Their eyes lingered too long, their smiles too rehearsed.

I thought maybe we three sisters could sit together, away from the others, but before I could even breathe, Dad-in-law declared firmly:

"The grooms will sit with their brides."

And just like that, the seating was decided. No room left for us to be near each other.

The order was set: Vansh - me - Veer - Arzu - Vyom - Hayat.

I lowered my head and quietly ate, trying to steady my nerves. But suddenly, without warning, the lights went out. A sharp click, followed by suffocating darkness.

My spoon slipped from my trembling hand, clattering loudly against the plate. The sound echoed in the silence. My chest tightened-I couldn't breathe. My phobia clawed at me mercilessly. The darkness swallowed me whole.

I could hear my own heavy breathing, ragged and loud. My palms were slick with sweat, my body trembling uncontrollably. My heart pounded like a war drum.

And then... I felt it.

A strong, warm hand rested on my shoulder, steady, grounding. Slowly, I turned my head and saw two intense eyes staring at me through the blur of darkness. Vansh.

He slid his hand down to mine, his touch firm yet careful, silently urging me to breathe, to calm down. His thumb brushed my trembling skin, anchoring me back to reality.

The lights flickered back on, too bright, too harsh. I squeezed my eyes shut before opening them slowly again-only to realize that everyone was watching me.

And Vansh... he was still holding my hand.

Panicked, I quickly pulled away, wiping the sweat from my forehead, pretending as if nothing had happened.

"Ayu... are you okay?" Hayat's voice broke through, filled with worry.

"Sissie, here-have some water," Arzu said, passing me her glass with trembling fingers. I drank greedily, trying to silence the storm inside me.

Just then, Rishi came rushing in, breathless as though she had been running for miles.

"Chief! I'm so sorry. Are you okay?" she gasped, eyes wide with guilt.

I forced a shaky smile. "Guys, don't worry. I'm fine... really. It's okay."

But Malini wasn't convinced. "What happened? Why do you all look so tense?"

"Nothing," I muttered quickly, my voice too sharp, too defensive. "I'm full. I'll go to my room now. Good night."

The words spilled from me like an excuse, as if I had been caught red-handed doing something I shouldn't. Without waiting for anyone's reply, I pushed my chair back and hurried out of the dining hall.

Behind me, I could feel Vansh's gaze burning into my back, following my every step.

Hayat and Arzu rose soon after, silently trailing behind me. We three sisters always stayed together in one room. It was the only place we still felt safe.

Inside the room,

Aayat shut the door firmly behind her, her face pale but her eyes sharp. She paced back and forth across the room, her heels clicking against the floor, while Hayat, Arzu, and Rishi sat on the edge of the bed, watching her anxiously. The scene almost looked like a teacher scolding her students.

She finally stopped, her voice cutting through the silence-

"Listen to me carefully. I need to make one thing very clear. You all know I don't like showing my weakness to anyone. Not now, not ever. What happened out there... nobody should know. Do you understand me?"

Her tone was stern, almost cold, but her trembling hands betrayed the storm inside her.

Hayat shifted uncomfortably, biting her lip. "Ayu..." she began softly, worry etched on her face, "but what if-"

Aayat raised her hand sharply, silencing her.

"No excuses, Hayat. No one can know. If word spreads, if they sense even a little bit of it, they'll use it against me. And I will not give them that chance."

Her gaze swept over all three of them, lingering longer on Rishi, who lowered her eyes immediately.

"Is that clear?"

Arzu and Rishi both nodded, their expressions serious, almost fearful. Hayat sighed, but in the end, she too gave a reluctant nod.

Aayat exhaled slowly, trying to steady herself, but her eyes still flickered with unease, as though she knew a storm far greater than this was already waiting at their doorstep.

Next day,

Morning Brought with it the haldi ceremony ,while in the evening the grand mehendi and sangeet were scheduled.

Aayat's POV-

I sat stiffly beside my so-called soon-to-be husband. Vansh. He was glued to his phone, scrolling endlessly, as if I didn't even exist beside him. Typical. I didn't have my phone with me, which only made the boredom feel unbearable. Ughhhh. 🙄

My eyes wandered to the next stage. Arzu sat there too, looking as lifeless as I felt. Veer, like Vansh, was also busy on his phone, his face illuminated by the screen. The two of them seemed perfectly content ignoring us.

But the third couple... they still hadn't arrived. A while ago, Vyom had left to bring Hayat, and yet there was still no sign of them.

And then-my breath hitched.

Authors POV-

Both Aayat and Arzu froze in shock as they saw Vyom walking in-carrying Hayat in his arms in bridal style. Hayat struggled fiercely, trying to wriggle free, her face twisted in fury, but Vyom's grip was iron.

He finally set her down on the couch and settled smugly beside her, while Hayat's eyes blazed with uncontained anger, her whole body stiff with rage.

!!Flashback!!

Vyom leaned in close behind Hayat, his voice dripping with mockery.

"Oh hello... stop acting so high and mighty. I have no interest in marrying you either. But let's just go-everyone must be waiting."

Hayat ignored him, scrolling on her phone, refusing to give him the satisfaction of a reply.

His voice sharpened, cruel.

"What's your problem, huh? Bloody gold digger. Middle-class. Cheap girl."

Hayat froze. The words stung deep, cutting her pride. She had endured his arrogance for long enough, but this-this was too much. Her hand rose before she could stop herself, and a sharp slap cracked across his cheek.

Vyom's face darkened instantly. His eyes flared red, veins standing out on his neck and forehead. With a guttural growl, he clenched his fist and, in a sudden violent move, shoved his other hand around Hayat's throat.

Hayat gasped, choking, clawing at his hand. Her eyes widened in terror as the air was cut off from her lungs. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she weakly patted his arm, pleading silently.

For a terrifying moment, it seemed he wouldn't stop. But then, as if struck by reality, Vyom suddenly released her, stumbling back. His chest heaved with ragged breaths as he turned away, trying to rein in the fury still consuming him.

Hayat's POV-

I collapsed against the wall, coughing violently, my chest burning. I could feel it-my asthma was flaring up. With trembling hands, I fumbled for my inhaler. I didn't want him to see me weak, didn't want him to know this part of me. So I turned my back, pumping quickly, desperate for breath.

When I finally steadied myself and turned around, his eyes were already fixed on me. Cold. Calculating. Without warning, he strode over, scooped me into his arms as if I weighed nothing, and carried me out. I struggled, but he didn't loosen his hold.

!!Flashback end!!

Back at the haldi ceremony, the golden turmeric smeared across skin and clothes, everyone laughed and celebrated. But behind those painted smiles, a different storm brewed.

After the rituals, the brides gathered in a corner, giggling and talking as if all was normal. Yet Hayat's trembling voice broke the facade. She told everything-every horrifying detail-to Aayat and Arzu. Both sisters were stunned into silence, their faces pale with shock, tension twisting in their chests.

On the opposite side, the grooms sat together. Vyom, with no shame in his voice, recounted the incident to Vansh and Veer.

But instead of outrage, the two only smirked. Vansh's lips curled in cold amusement, while Veer's low chuckle carried a dangerous edge.Morning brought with it the haldi ceremony, while in the evenin