28. CHECKMATE

Hello My lilies and akshya fam 💝💗 hope you liked the previous chapter and today's too . So as story was going slowly so I made it little faster for you all.

If you found any mistake please do ignore yet tell me also 🤧🫠 English is not my fav subject .

Guyss do follow on wattpad also 🥹 followers are too less and also on Instagram @author._.aarnvi i want to make broadcast channel 🫠.

Guyss as I asked you all you have not told me what you want about the next story mine I asked should I reveal the cover this week only??or you want after my half this story will complete . ?

Two days passed like this and night befpre the engagement day The house was filled with celebration. The women in the living room were busy making mehendi preparations for engagement their laughter echoing through the halls. But in her room, Arvika sat in complete silence.

She traced the mehendi design on her palm, her fingers stopping at the place where Vardhan’s name would be written tomorrow. Her hands were shaking.

Vaishali (entering quietly, eyes full of concern): “Didi… you didn’t eat anything again.”

Arvika didn’t respond. She just kept staring at her hands, as if trying to erase something invisible.

Vaishali sat beside her, holding her hands firmly.

Vaishali (softly, almost in a whisper): “Tell me just once, Didi. Just once. That you don’t want this. And I swear, I’ll take you away from here. Anywhere you want. Just from this disaster ”**

A lump formed in Arvika’s throat. How easy it sounded. Running away. Escaping.

But reality wasn’t that kind.

She gave Vaishali a faint smile and squeezed her hand.

Arvika (hollowly): “Some cages don’t need locks, Vaishu. The fear is enough.”

A tear slipped from Vaishali’s eyes as she hugged her tightly.

Vaishali (breaking down): “I hate this, Didi. I hate seeing you like this. Why can’t someone stop this?”**

Arvika closed her eyes, resting her head on her sister’s shoulder. The word Someone made her think that no one can now stop this not even her own parents . This has to happen

For a fleeting second, a face crossed her mind . She was thinking about the abhir ! About Kartik the moment she had  with him in trip .

About the person whom she loved from 7 years .

She quickly shook the thought away. That chapter was over before it even began.

________..____________..___________.._________..

Other side cigarette burned between Kartik’s fingers, the smoke curling into the cold air. But he wasn’t smoking.

His eyes were locked on the phone screen the photo of aarvika and him

Inside he also know that Arvika was trapped.

And tomorrow, she’d be engaged to the devil himself.

His jaw tightened as he  dialed a number. It rang twice before a deep voice answered.

Voice on the Phone: “You’re calling at this hour. ”

Kartik exhaled, staring at the ground. His hands were shaking with rage.

Kartik: “I need a way to stop this engagement.”

A short silence. Then, a low chuckle.

Voice on the Phone: “You’re still that desperate boy, aren’t you?”

Kartik’s eyes darkened.

Kartik: “Just tell me, can it be done or not?”

The voice hummed in amusement. “Anything can be done, Kartik. But stopping vardhan engagement? That’s not a small task.”

Kartik ran a hand through his hair, breathing heavily.

Kartik (gritted teeth): “I don’t care what it takes. I’ll pay. I’ll beg. I’ll fight. But I won’t let her marry that bastard.”

Another silence. Then, the voice sighed.

Voice: “Do you want him dead or just humiliated?”

Kartik shut his eyes. His mind screamed "Yes!" to the first option.

But his heart… Arvika wouldn’t forgive him if he crossed that line.

Kartik (low voice): “No. Just… just something that will ruin the engagement. Something that will make her safe ”

The voice chuckled again. “That’s even harder. But interesting. Let see what we can do tomorrow ”

Kartik’s fist clenched. Tomorrow was the engagement.

And he was running out of time.

__________..____________..__________..___________..

Next morning it was the day where aarvika will be trapped forever .The entire house and the hotel was buzzing with preparations—the sound of music playing softly in the background, the fragrance of fresh roses and sandalwood filling the air.

Servants rushed around, ensuring everything was perfect. Guests arrived in expensive cars, their footsteps echoing against the marble floors as they admired the grandeur of the event.

Amidst this chaos, one person sat in complete silence. (Time: 9:30 AM)

Arvika sat in front of the large golden-framed mirror,styled in lehenga but her face held no expression.

Vaishali stood behind her, carefully adjusting the intricate dupatta on her head , trying to force a smile.

Vaishali (softly): “You look beautiful, Didi in this dress even without makeup”

Arvika didn't respond. She just stared at herself, her fingers curling into the fabric of her lehenga.

A soft knock on the door interrupted the silence, and Rushali and Navya entered.

Rushali (forcing a smile): “Arvika, today is… an important day. Are you ready?”

Arvika let out a slow breath and stood up for touch up .

Arvika (whispering): "Does it even matter?"

Her words lingered in the air like bitter truth.

Navya swallowed, trying to keep her own emotions in check.

Navya: "You can still—"

Arvika (firmly): “No.”

The finality in her voice silenced them all.

On the other side everyone was enjoying the event Kartik was also present there but for a prpose he stood in a quiet corner, checking his watch. His plan was in motion.

For two days , he had been gathering evidence—documents, financial records, and details about Vardhan’s secret dealings. If everything went well, today, he would expose Vardhan in front of everyone.

His plan was simple but effective.

Target Vardhan’s Reputation – He had spread rumors among the guests that Vardhan was using this engagement as a business merger, not for love.

He Leak Sensitive Information – He had secretly arranged for certain documents to reach the hands of influential guests, showing how Vardhan had manipulated deals to gain control over companies, including Kartik’s family business.

He also done Public Confrontation – The moment Vardhan was put on the spot, Kartik would bring out the final proof—a file containing Vardhan’s personal transactions that could ruin his credibility.

Kartik smirked, whispering to himself, "Let's see how you escape this, Vardhan."

But Vardhan wasn’t someone who could be easily trapped. He sensed from that night when Kartik entered In his office he can't afford any lose here .

The moment Kartik’s rumors started spreading, Vardhan had already sensed the attack. His instincts were sharp, and his control was unshakable.

He had already taken precautions.

He was  Sealing the Leaks – Vardhan had men planted among the guests. The moment any guest tried to share or discuss the leaked documents, his men intercepted and confiscated them.

He was also Reversing the Rumors – He had already spread a counter-narrative, telling key guests that some jealous businessmen were trying to ruin his reputation out of envy. And Destroying Kartik’s Final Move – Vardhan had someone inside Kartik’s own circle, feeding him updates. Just as Kartik was about to present the final proof, Vardhan’s men stole the files before they could reach the main event.

(Guyss please rate the chapter by hitting on star button 🌟 and do comment on the chapter )

By the time Kartik realized what had happened, it was too late. Inside the Grand Hall

Kartik, confident in his plan, walked towards the center of the hall. He was ready to make his move.

But just as he was about to speak, a voice interrupted him.

Vardhan (smirking): "Looking for something, Kartik?"

Kartik’s heart stopped. His eyes darted towards Vardhan, who stood near the staircase, holding a familiar-looking file in his hands.

Kartik (shocked): "How did you…?"

Vardhan chuckled, flipping through the pages as if they meant nothing.

Vardhan: "You really thought you could play against me? That I wouldn’t know what you were planning?"

Kartik clenched his fists. Everything was slipping from his hands.

Vardhan walked closer, lowering his voice so only Kartik could hear.

Vardhan (calmly): "I knew about your little plan before you even put it into action. You’re predictable, Kartik. That’s your weakness."

Kartik’s breathing became heavy. His mind raced, looking for a way to turn this around.

Vardhan (mocking): "You wanted to ruin my engagement, didn’t you? You wanted to expose me in front of these people. But what will you do now? You have no proof, no backup… just a bruised ego."

Before Kartik could respond, Vardhan did something unexpected.

He tore the file apart, letting the pieces fall to the ground like worthless scraps.

Vardhan (smirking): "Game over."

Kartik stood frozen, his entire plan shattered in seconds.

As if nothing had happened, Vardhan turned away, walking towards the main event where the ceremony was going begins.

The massive doors of the hall slowly opened, and all eyes turned towards the entrance.

There she stood—Arvika.

Draped in an exquisite nude off white  lehenga, embroidered with intricate zardozi work, she looked beautiful. The jewelry she wore was heavy, each piece screaming of wealth, yet none of it felt like her own. A delicate maang tikka rested on her forehead, her wrists adorned with golden bangles that clinked softly as she moved. And a duppata  also on her head .

But behind all the beauty, her face held no glow.

Her steps were slow, hesitant, as if each one was a weight pulling her deeper into something she could not escape. Her hands felt cold, her throat dry.

As she walked down the aisle towards the engagement stage, her mind was far away.

Is this my fate?

Is there really no way out?

Why does it feel like a death sentence instead of a new beginning?

Each step felt heavier than the last.

She didn’t want this.

And yet, she had no choice.

Standing tall at the stage, Vardhan Roy waited.

Dressed in a white suit with gold embroidery, he exuded power. The way he stood, the way his eyes scanned the crowd—it was as if he already knew he had won.

The smug smirk on his face was unmissable.

As Arvika approached, his dark eyes gleamed with amusement. He extended a hand toward her, a silent demand rather than an offer.

Vardhan (smirking): "Took you long enough."

Arvika hesitated for a second, but eventually, she placed her trembling hand in his.

The moment their hands touched, she felt the weight of her reality crushing her. His touch she never wanted .

_________..___________..__________.._________

In the corner of the hall, Kartik stood, watching.

His chest burned, his fists clenched at his sides.

Everything he had tried—every single attempt to stop this engagement—had failed.

His heart ached as he saw the girl he loved, the girl who deserved so much more, standing beside a man who did not deserve her.

Arvika wasn’t smiling. She wasn’t happy.

And yet, she was here, trapped.

Kartik (murmuring to himself): "This isn’t fair… Arvika, don’t do this."

But she didn’t hear him. She couldn’t.

His gaze shifted to Vardhan, who stood like a king in his court, looking down at everyone else like pawns in his game. And Kartik was one of those pawns who had lost.

As the priest announced the exchange of rings, a round of applause echoed in the hall. Guests smiled, cameras flashed.

A velvet tray was brought forward, carrying the diamond engagement rings.

Vardhan, picked up the ring meant for Arvika. He took her hand, raising it slightly, his thumb brushing against her skin. She flinched.

For a split second, Vardhan’s grip tightened, a silent warning.

Vardhan (low voice, smirking): "Don’t try anything, Arvika. Just smile and get it over with."

Her breath hitched. Tears threatened to well up in her eyes.

Her mind screamed at her to run, to stop this, to fight—but her body didn’t move.

As the heavy diamond slid onto her finger, it felt like shackles locking into place.

The hall erupted into cheers. But inside her heart, everything went silent.

It was now her turn to put the ring on Vardhan’s finger. Her hands shook as she picked up the ring.

Her vision blurred slightly, and for a moment, everything around her faded.

She thought of her mother’s words.

She thought of Kartik’s desperate pleas.

And then, she thought of her future.

A future with Vardhan.

Her fingers trembled as she reached for his hand.

Vardhan, still smirking, tightened his grip around hers.

Vardhan (whispering, mockingly): "Go on, sweetheart. We don’t have all night."

Arvika swallowed hard.

Her eyes darted to Kartik, standing in the crowd, watching her, helpless.

I have no choice… I have no choice… I have no choice…

Her breath was shallow as she forced herself to slide the ring onto Vardhan’s finger.

___________..__________..___________.._______

The moment the ring was in place, Vardhan raised their joined hands high, announcing his victory.

The crowd cheered. Cameras flashed, capturing the perfect moment.

But Kartik turned away. He couldn’t watch anymore. He had lost.

Arvika, standing beside Vardhan, finally let a single tear escape down her cheek.

And in that moment, she knew. Something had died inside her tonight.

Aviraj, father of vardhan stepped on stage raised his glass and cleared his throat. The hall fell silent.

"Before this beautiful moment ends , I have a small gift for my soon-to-be daughter-in-law." His voice echoed with authority.

Arvika lifted her eyes, confused. Vardhan, too, turned to his father, his smirk faltering slightly.

A servant stepped forward, carrying an ornate black velvet box. Aviraj took it and opened it carefully, revealing a set of documents.

"Arvika," Aviraj began, "as a Roy bahu, you must not just carry the name— So, I am officially transferring to you—50% of the shares of our company ’  along with legal rights over our biggest upcoming project,"

A collective gasp spread through the hall. Even Vardhan stiffened, his fingers twitching slightly.

"This means, my dear, that you will not only be Vardhan’s wife… but also his equal in business after today . No deal in this city can be signed without your approval if you want ."

For the first time, Vardhan's arrogant smile flickered. His jaw tensed as he turned to his father.

"Dad, this what you are doing this without telling —"

"This is my decision, Vardhan." Aviraj cut him off, his voice dangerously calm. " And afterall aarvika is your only so the shares is also yours ."Vardhan smirked at this statement for him it was right .

But shanaya was staring in anger as she don't want it to be happened.

Arvika looked at the papers, her heartbeat thudding in her ears.

Her fingers hesitated before taking the papers. She could feel Vardhan’s gaze on her .

With a deep breath, she took the pen.

The hall watched in silence as she slowly signed the papers everyone present there were clapping . Sadhvi and shailesh were so happy for aarvika now there dauther also is a part of company .

Vardhan was smiling and gossiping with guest as he won everything he wants . Well yes ! As he wanted everything went like that only firstly he was doubting on the shares but now he was also ok with that because the maine thing matter was aarvika ! And she was now bound to him .

All for today it was a lengthy chapter and ya it was simply not so dhamakedar 😗 but trauma is for some people is that !

Yes guyss you haven't think that engagement will be done but it's done with Vardhan and aarvika 🙈sorry guyss maine bola tha ki mai umeedo pe pani feringi

Butt ! Relax interesting part is coming this is not the end as I said ( picture abhi baki hai mere dost 😉) i will come with new chapter soon .