24. REALLY? DIDN'T REMEMBERED HER ?

Hey Akshya Family 💗 hope you all are good and well here is your next chapter after taking so long its ready .

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Here Somehow three days passed in which aarvika attended navya's house function with rushali of only haldi like this, Aarvika would cry every night and then go wakeup in the morning with a slight smile, in college she had become a gossip who was difficult to ignore, she just regretted it every day that if she had not gone to Kartik's birthday then this whole matter would not have happened.

She was going to tie the knot with a man about whom she did not know anything. She did not even know who was there in Vardhan's house. She was going to jump into a pond whose depth she did not know.

After continuing like this for three days, now her relatives also started talking about it Aviraaj ji had also come and met Shailesh ji, but Shanaya was still on her own point. On one side was Aarvika and on the other side was Shanaya, both of them did not want this marriage to happen.

(Arvika walks into the house, exhausted from the long day at college. She drops her bag on the couch and runs a hand through her hair, sighing. Just as she is about to head to her room, her mother, Sadhvi, walks in, holding a few fabric samples in her hands, her face glowing with excitement.)

Sadhvi (cheerfully): Oh, good! You’re home. Freshen up quickly—we need to go shopping.

Arvika (raising an eyebrow): Shopping? For what?

Sadhvi (casually, flipping through the fabric samples): Your engagement, of course. We don’t have much time left, and there’s still so much to buy—your outfits, jewelry, everything.

(Arvika freezes. Her breath catches in her throat as she processes the words. The room suddenly feels suffocating.)

Arvika (slowly, in disbelief): Engagement… shopping?

Sadhvi (nodding, excited): Yes, dear. The date is almost here. We can’t leave everything for the last minute!

(Arvika’s heart pounds. Her mind races. She had known about the engagement, but she didn’t realize it was this soon. Her fingers curl into fists at her sides.)

Arvika (voice barely above a whisper): When… when is the engagement?

Sadhvi (smiling brightly): Next week. Isn’t it wonderful?

(Arvika feels the ground shift beneath her. A sharp chill runs down her spine. Next week? She hadn’t even processed the idea of being engaged, and now she was supposed to prepare for it? Her throat tightens, but she swallows down the panic, forcing her voice to stay steady.)

Arvika (softly, almost to herself): That soon…?

(Sadhvi, too caught up in excitement, doesn’t notice the shock on Arvika’s face. But Arvika knows—her life is about to change, whether she is ready or not.)

(After when she changed her dress she came downstairs in The living room is filled with the soft rustling of fabric as Sadhvi carefully unfolds sarees , her eyes sparkling with excitement. The air smells of fresh flowers and sweets—an atmosphere of celebration. But for Arvika, it feels suffocating. She stands still, her arms crossed, staring at nothing in particular. Her mother’s voice feels distant, almost unreal.)

Sadhvi (smiling, holding up a saree ): Look at this, Arvika! This shade of pink will look beautiful on you. And we’ll get matching jewellery.

Silence. Arvika doesn’t react. She doesn’t nod, doesn’t lift her gaze. Her fingers twitch at her sides, the only sign of the storm raging inside her.

Sadhvi (frowning slightly): Arvika? What’s wrong? Beta .

Arvika (voice controlled, but sharp): Since when was the engagement next week?

Sadhvi (softly chuckling): Oh, we finalized it a few days ago. There was no point in troubling you with the details, beta. Everything’s done. You just need to get ready and enjoy—

Arvika interrupting, her voice cold): No point in troubling me? Are you serious, Mumma? You’re talking about my engagement. My life. And you didn’t think I needed to know the date?

(Sadhvi’s smile falters, surprised at the bitterness in Arvika’s tone.)

Sadhvi (sighing, trying to pacify her): Beta, it’s Vardhan family who decided this and it was vardhan choice . As you also gave conditions to him so he decided date . What is there to worry about? One day it has to be ..it just he is vardhan roy ! .

Arvika (letting out a bitter laugh): Oh yes, of course. I should have known my life would be planned without asking me. That one day I’d wake up and be told, ‘Congratulations, your engagement is next week. Now go buy a dress and smile for the guests.’

(She shakes her head, a mocking smile on her lips, but her eyes burn with unspoken anger.)

Sadhvi (softly, trying to reason): Arvika, you’re overreacting. Every girl dreams has to marry one day. You also dreamt na  A grand engagement, a perfect wedding… its happening Nd You’ll be happy.

Arvika (staring at her mother, voice cold): Will I? Or do you just want me to pretend I am? Because that’s what this is, right? Pretending?

(Sadhvi looks taken aback. The excitement in her eyes dims slightly, replaced by something unreadable. Arvika doesn’t stop.)

Arvika (voice lower, filled with restrained frustration): Did you ever stop to ask me how I feel about this? What if I don’t want this even mumma?

Sadhvi (gently, placing a hand on her shoulder): Beta, I know change is scary. But trust me, this is for the best and you know as we have no choice . Vardhan is good looking ,rich everything and I myself do not even try to find such a relationship for you, and his family—

Arvika (pulling away, voice sharp): His family. His status. His business. Everything except how I feel. That’s what matters to you, right? Not me. Just how I’ll look standing next to him, smiling for the world while I'm dying inside.

(Sadhvi’s expression hardens slightly, a mother’s patience thinning.)

Sadhvi (firmly): That’s enough, Arvika. You’re not a child anymore. You have responsibilities—towards this family, towards your future. We also don't want it but it happening and We are doing what’s right for you.

Arvika (whispering, eyes darkening): Right for me… or right for you all?

Arvika (voice emotionless )  choose  whatever you like, when you guys have decided everything in my life then what's the big deal in choosing my clothes But don’t expect me to be happy about it.

(She turns opened the gate and gone somewhere her heart pounding. Sadhvi watches her go, clutching the fabric in her hands.)

Aarvika went to The J.K. Temple when no one was there to go with here it was the ending timing in night where temple was going to close JK temple stood in its majestic silence . The air was thick with the scent of sandalwood and fresh flowers, the only sounds being the occasional rustling of leaves and the distant ringing of bells.

In the vast open courtyard, where devotees had come and gone, but aarvika was sitting there alone for so long ! Just looking at the sculpture of her kanha and Radha rani . There were more God's Lord shiv , Lord Ram and sita , Lord hanuman but she was sitting just infront of her Lord Krishna .

Arvika sat on the cold marble steps, her both hands were joined. She had come here hours ago, hoping for peace, but her mind was anything but calm. The tears that had once flowed freely had dried up, leaving only a dull ache behind.

She lifted her gaze to Lord Krishna’s idol, adorned in bright yellow silk, a mischievous smile playing on his lips as always.

“You know everything, right? Still… why is nothing going right?” she said this in her mind her voice was barely whispered.

She sniffled, biting her lip. “I never thought that one day I would be sitting like this and complaining to you, Kanha.” A bitter chuckle escaped her lips. “I always asked you for what would make me happy… but is this what i asked ?.”

Her eyes were looking straight to Lord Krishna only as she was searching  any hope any answer she was asking like he will come and answer her .

“i am tired now…i dont want this ...this marriage ” she murmured, hugging herself. “i don't know what is right or wrong .... i can only hope for good ... but why you doing this to me kanha ?"

She rubbed her temple, exhaustion weighing her down. Was there ever a way out?

Lost in her own misery, she didn’t hear the soft footsteps approaching.

"Beti ...?"

The deep, soothing voice startled her. She looked up to see an elderly priest, dressed in saffron robes, holding a small diya in his wrinkled hands. His gaze was kind, filled with understanding.

"For how long you are sitting here everone is going beta ?” he asked gently, lowering himself to sit beside her.

Arvika wiped her face hurriedly, forcing a small smile. “nothing just i was sitting for some peace .”

The pujari studied her for a moment before smiling. “peace.." Then he asked her to make her smile "  kanha ke mandir me sukoon na ho yesa ho sakta hai ?”

Arvika’s noded her head and gave good smile to him seing her smile he kept diya before Krishna’s idol and folded his hands in silent prayer .

“do you know why shri krishna always smile at every situation?”

Arvika looked up, frowning. “why ?”

The pujari chuckled softly, as if amused by her question. “Kyunki woh jaante hain ki jo ho raha hai, woh sirf ek kahani ka hissa hai. Aur kahani hamesha badalti rehti hai.”**

Arvika scoffed, shaking her head. " but what is going on is not good its giving me pain baba ?”

The pujari smiled knowingly. “ i don't know what is going on in your life beta but .. if you will always think for you that you are in pain then you will always find the pain only ”

He took out a tulsi mala from his pocket and placed it in her palm. “shri krishna life was also not easy but he always smiles .”

Arvika stared at the mala, feeling the cool beads against her skin.

“He smile because he was always positive,” the pujari continued, “ki jo ho raha hai, uska koi na koi matlab zaroor hai.”

His words settled over her, warm and oddly comforting.

She exhaled shakily, turning her gaze back to Krishna’s idol. Maybe… just maybe, this wasn’t the end. Maybe she had been so focused on her pain that she had forgotten—stories always have another chapter.

Priest patted her head gently and gone.

She tightened her grip on the mala, whispering, “Mujhe nahi pata agla mod kya hoga, par… kanha please ye shadi hone se rok  do .. please .” Arvika closed her eyes… and breathed.

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Next day The Mehndi function was in full swing. Laughter echoed, the scent of fresh henna filled the air, and the beats of dhol surrounded the mansion. Women twirled in colorful dresses, and men exchanged light-hearted jokes. But amidst all this, one presence had changed the atmosphere entirely.)

evening air buzzed with excitement. Mansion glowed under strings of fairy lights, draped in the colors of celebration  endless teasing surrounded the bride and groom.

A sleek black car rolled to a stop outside the mansion gates. The guard, who had been lazily watching the celebrations, immediately straightened up. Even before the door opened, there was a shift in the air

The door clicked open, and Naksh stepped out.

(Yellow kurta, crisp and effortlessly sharp. Sleeves casually folded to his elbows. A luxury watch glinting under the warm yellow lights. His sharp eyes, unreadable as ever, scanned the grand entrance. He didn’t need to announce his presence—his aura did it for him.)

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(Kaden, walking beside him, adjusted his blazer and smirked.)

Kaden: Ready to handle all the wedding chaos, boss?

Naksha (adjusting his watch, uninterested): I’m here for Rudra. Not the chaos.

Kaden (chuckling): Good luck with that.

(With that, they walked in, unfazed by the murmurs and stolen glances that followed them.)

*(Naksha, however, was Leaning against a pillar he held a glass of sparkling water, observing rather than participating. His mind was elsewhere, calculating his next business move, thinking about , the deals he needed to finalize. Rudra’s wedding was important, sure, but all this? It wasn’t his scene.

Kaden (grinning, nudging Naksha): At least pretend to enjoy, boss. Someone might think you’re at a funeral.

Naksh (deadpan): If they keep playing this loud music, it might turn into one.

(Karen laughed, shaking his head, but before he could respond—)*

“uff navya hold this !before i drop everything!”

A suddend voice His gaze automatically followed the sound, landing on a girl balancing two plates of sweets, a glass of juice, and a tray full of mehndi cones in her hands. Too much for one person, too little for her to care.

She was wearing a dark green two piece traditional dress , her jhumkas swaying wildly . But what caught his attention wasn’t the vouce or dress . It was her expressions.

(A mix of pure drama , as if she was starring in a personal Bollywood film. Unbothered by the world, lost in her own mischief.)

Arvika (dramatically to Navya): I swear, I should get an award for multitasking. Look at this! Sweets, juice, mehndi—basically, the foundation of Indian weddings is in my hands!

Arvika (muttering to herself): Why do I always end up being the unpaid wedding worker? Where are the actual hosts?

She huffed, making her way toward the groom's section when Navya suddenly called her. Arvika turned—bad idea. The tray tilted, and before she could react—)

SPLASH!

(A drop. Just one. On his sleeve.)

For a moment, there was pure silence. A tiny, innocent drop of juice on Naksh perfectly crisp kurta. And yet, it might as well have been a scandal.

Arvika’s eyes widened she didn’t look towards him . Kaden gasped slightly, he was already waiting for his reaction.

(But instead of getting angry, Naksh just… looked at her.)

(His sharp eyes locked onto her face, expression unreadable. Not irritated. Not amused. Just… observing.)

Arvika (blinking, then gasping dramatically): Oh, no! No, no, no!

She quickly set the plates down and took a step closer, grabbing a tissue from the nearby table. Before Naksh could move, she—without hesitation—started dabbing at his sleeve.

Arvika (muttering to herself as she cleaned): Just great, Arvika. First, you carry half the wedding in your hands, and now you’re attacking guests with juice? What’s next? Dropping mehndi on someone’s shoes?

Naksha raised a brow. Listening her words.

Kaden was now fully smirking, enjoying the scene.

Kaden (low voice to Naksha): Boss, should I get a security team to protect you from juice attacks in the future?

Naksha finally speaking, calm as ever: That won’t be necessary.

(His voice made Arvika freeze. It was deep, smooth, and someone she remembered.)

(She slowly looked up, meeting his gaze properly . And for reasons she didn’t understand, her stomach did an unexpected flip.)

(The silence stretched between them. The tension was thick, the onlookers holding their breath. But of course, Arvika was Arvika. Silence wasn’t her thing.)

Arvika (raising an eyebrow, crossing arms): Hmm. Sooo you are here … are you going to say something? Or do we have a staring contest going on?

(Still, nothing. Naksh didn't understand how this girl was talking to him so casually .he  narrowed eyes recognizing hers. Nothing. He simply pulled out a handkerchief from his pocket  and dabbed his sleeve.)

Naksha (calmly but saying in taunt ): You should be more careful.

(Arvika’s eyes widened slightly. That was it? No arrogance? Just this boring, response? Her mind struggled to process it.)

Arvika (mock gasping, pressing a hand to her chest): Oh wow, what a  reaction. I thought you would argue with me .

(Still, no reaction. Just an unreadable stare. The Naksh she knew would’ve said something sarcastic, something to one-up her. But this Naksh? He was distant. Like a stranger in the crowd.)

(Her fingers clenched. The feeling in her for mixed. She tilted her head, stepping closer, eyes locking onto his.)

Arvika (softly, challenging): You are reacting  like you don’t remember me, do you?

(For a second—just a second—something flickered in his eyes. But it was gone before she could grasp it.)

Naksha (calmly, yet firmly): Should I?

(That hit her. It hit her in a way she wasn’t expecting. She swallowed the sudden lump in her throat, forcing out a laugh—light, casual, but a little too forced.)

something was different. There was no recognition in his gaze. No flicker of familiarity. No sign that he knew who she was or he was acting still )

(Her heart clenched.)

Arvika (forcing a casual smile, even though it hurt): Uh… sorry about that. But good news! It’s just a drop, and I saved your kurta from a full disaster. So… no harm, right?

(Naksh’s eyes stayed on hers for a second too long before he finally responded.)

Naksh: I’ll keep that in mind.

(And just like that, he turned away, walking off as if nothing happened. As if she was just another stranger. Kaden remembered the scene and he went towards naksh .)

(Arvika exhaled, She turned to leave, but Karen, Naksha’s assistant, was watching the exchange with a knowing smirk. He had seen enough.)

Kaden (leaning toward Naksh, amused): You sure you don’t know her, boss? She looks like someone who could’ve driven you insane.

Naksha (calmly): really? I don't remember i meet a lot of people, Kaden. I don’t remember all of them.

Karen (chuckling): That’s the problem, boss. It's ok leave it .

(What will happen next Naksh will remember about aarvika or not? Or really aarvika will get married to vardhan) Drop comment let me know your thought about it .🤔

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Next part of this chapter is also be posted soon don't worry .