Chapter 57: chapter 56

Vihaan held Aarohi’s hand tightly, his thumb brushing over her knuckles in reassurance. She looked up at him, her heart fluttering at the intensity in his gaze.

But just as the priest was about to announce the final step of the wedding, a loud voice shattered the moment.

“STOP THIS WEDDING!”

Gasps filled the venue as everyone turned toward the entrance. Aarohi’s heart dropped.

There she was—Tara.

Dressed in a disheveled saree, her eyes wild, her hair a mess, she stormed inside, her face twisted with rage.

Vihaan’s grip on Aarohi’s hand tightened as his jaw clenched. He had been expecting something like this.

“Tara,” he said coldly, stepping slightly in front of Aarohi, shielding her. “What the hell are you doing here?”

Tara laughed bitterly. “I should be asking you that, Vihaan! How could you do this to me?” She turned to Aarohi, her eyes filled with venom. “And you! You stole him from me!”

Aarohi stiffened, but before she could react, Vihaan took a threatening step toward Tara.

“Enough,” he said, his voice dangerously low. “I was never yours, Tara. You knew that.”

Tara’s hands clenched into fists. “No! You loved me once! And I loved you! You belong with me!”

Vihaan let out a sharp laugh, his eyes blazing with fury. “Belong? To you? Tara, I was never in love with you. Whatever delusion you’ve been living in, end it right now.”

Tara’s face twisted in agony, her eyes filled with unshed tears. “Then why did you let me be around you? Why didn’t you stop me?”

Vihaan’s expression was pure ice. “Because I was a fool. I didn’t see your obsession in time. But it ends today.”

Aarohi watched, frozen, her heart pounding. She had always sensed something off about Tara, but this… this was madness.

Tara shook her head, stepping forward. “No. I won’t let this happen.” Her voice turned desperate. “Aarohi, don’t you see? He’s just using you. He’s marrying you because his family wants it, not because he loves you!”

Aarohi’s breath caught. For a brief moment, she felt a flicker of doubt, but then she looked at Vihaan.

And in his eyes, she saw everything.

Love. Possession. Devotion.

Before she could say anything, Vihaan grabbed Tara’s wrist, his grip firm. “That’s enough.”

Tara gasped, struggling against his hold.

“You will leave. Now.” Vihaan’s voice was calm, but the underlying threat in it was unmistakable.

Tara’s lips trembled. “Vihaan, please—”

“I said leave.” His grip tightened for a second before he let go, his eyes flashing with finality.

Just then, Karan and a few security guards appeared. Without hesitation, Karan stepped forward. “Take her out.”

The guards grabbed Tara’s arms, and she started screaming, thrashing. “No! Vihaan! You can’t do this to me!”

Vihaan didn’t even look at her. He turned back to Aarohi, his expression softening instantly.

As Tara’s cries faded into the distance, he cupped Aarohi’s face gently. “Are you okay?”

Aarohi let out a shaky breath, nodding. “I… I think so.”

He smirked slightly. “Good. Because I still have to make you mine.”

Aarohi blinked, then let out a small laugh, tension melting away.

The priest, a little hesitant at first, finally cleared his throat. “Shall we continue?”

Vihaan didn’t even wait for an answer. He pulled Aarohi closer, his voice filled with certainty.

“Yes. Let’s finish what we started.”

And this time, nothing could stop them.

As Vihaan applied the sindoor, his fingers caressed her skin with possessiveness. As he tied the mangalsutra around her neck, he whispered against her ear, “Now you’re truly mine, Aarohi.”

She shivered, her heart bursting with happiness.

And as they took their final vows, under the glow of the sacred fire, Aarohi knew—no matter what storms came their way, Vihaan would always be there.

And she… she would always choose him

The wedding was over, but the celebrations continued. Laughter, music, and teasing filled the air as the guests congratulated the newlyweds. Aarohi, now officially Mrs. Vihaan Malhotra, sat beside her husband, her cheeks flushed from all the teasing and attention.

Vihaan hadn’t let go of her hand once since the pheras. Every time their eyes met, his intense gaze sent a shiver down her spine.

As the guests slowly started leaving, Aarohi’s mother-in-law came to her, smiling warmly. “Beta, it’s time for your griha pravesh.”

Aarohi’s heart raced as she was led to the entrance of the Malhotra mansion. The house was decorated beautifully, glowing in the soft lights of the night. Vihaan stood beside her, his fingers lightly brushing against hers, sending warmth through her veins.

She kicked the rice pot, stepping into her new home, and then pressed her feet into the kumkum thali. Her footprints stained the white marble, marking the beginning of a new journey.

Vihaan leaned in and whispered, “No turning back now, Mrs. Malhotra.”

Aarohi looked up at him, her heartbeat accelerating.

Their families performed the remaining rituals, and soon, the teasing started. Karan, always the mischief-maker, smirked. “Alright, Vihaan, time to take your bride to your room. Don’t keep her waiting.”

Aarohi’s cheeks burned. “Karan!”

Vihaan only smirked, pulling her closer. “Good idea.”

Her breath hitched.

The next thing she knew, Vihaan had lifted her in his arms. Gasps and cheers erupted around them, but she barely noticed—her heart was racing too fast.

“Vihaan, put me down!” she whispered, squirming.

He chuckled. “Not a chance.”

With slow, confident steps, he carried her upstairs, pushing open the door to their room.