Chapter 49: chapter 49

       The bridal suite was a picture of elegance and quiet luxury. Soft fairy lights lined the ceiling, casting a golden halo around the room. The faint murmur of distant laughter and the clinking of cutlery from the reception hall below drifted up like background music to a moment frozen in time.In front of the ornate mirror, Rhea sat still — her slender shoulders relaxed, her hands clasped loosely in her lap — but her eyes, wide and searching, betrayed the storm of emotions within. She was breathtaking. Her blush-pink gown, encrusted with pink diamonds, shimmered every time she breathed. The stones caught the light like morning dew on rose petals, elegant yet impossibly ethereal.Her accessories were chosen with precision: delicate diamond drop earrings, a bracelet to match, and a dainty pink-stone tiara nestled in her styled curls. Around her neck, a freshly tied mangalsutra peeked through — stark and sacred in contrast to the soft glamour of her reception attire. The black and gold beads seemed to hum with the weight of meaning, even though the man who had tied it remained a mystery to her eyes.The makeup artist flitted around her like a honeybee, applying final touches — a hint of shimmer here, a curl adjustment there. She chattered now and then, complimenting Rhea’s features, her dress, her glow. But Rhea barely heard her.Her gaze was fixed on her reflection. Her lips moved, silently mouthing words she hadn’t dared speak aloud. Am I married? Really? To him? Was that really my wedding — or someone else’s dream I accidentally stepped into?The rituals had been a blur — sacred, beautiful, but distant. A veil between them, the crackling of the fire, the chanting priests, and the swirl of relatives had formed a haze she hadn’t been able to pierce. She remembered the moment the mangalsutra was tied around her neck — she had bowed her head, eyes closed as tradition dictated — and by the time she looked up, it was over. The man who was now her husband had never met her gaze.She reached up and gently touched the mangalsutra with her fingers — grounding herself in its reality. It was real. She was married. Whether her heart had caught up or not, her life had changed forever. A soft knock on the door interrupted her thoughts. “Rhea, it’s time. Are you ready?” kajal with Arrea in her arms and with Rhea( Arjun's wife)called from outside.Rhea blinked and turned to look once more in the mirror. A bride stared back — beautiful, yes, but not just that. There was something deeper in her eyes now. A quiet question. A whispered hope. She stood slowly, smoothing down her gown. Her voice, when she spoke, was low but clear.“Almost ready…”Because in her heart, she knew — she wasn’t just walking into a reception hall. She was walking toward him — Dr. Amar Mehta, who was now her husband.kajal gets in and says wow Rhea you're gorgeous, but Rhea eyes was completely on the baby in her arms. It's then Smitha comes in and Rhea gets up and rushes to her mom although she felt her costume to be heavy. Smitha hugs and Rhea gets emotional. Adi enters in and says my little angel, all your make up will be smudged off if you shed your tears. Daddy... Saying she stomps her legs and hugs him. The family shares a hug, and the photographer clicks a picture. Kajal too joins them and calls Rhea too. Adi who sees Rhea identifies her immediately and asks, aren't you Mr. Arjun Ray's wife. Rhea nods her head and says yes sir. Adi " why the formalities? You can call me Uncle". Rhea Ray agrees. After clicking some pictures the photographer leaves and Adi takes Arrea in his arms and he stays quietly with him. Rhea Ray was shocked to see his son being so calm. Adi" Rhea dear shall I have this chubby boy with me for a while?". Rhea Ray stays quite and says uncle what If he troubles you? Adi " he's just a 5 month old how he's going to trouble me". Finally Rhea agrees and he leaves with Arrea and Smitha follows them.     Ram, Adi, Shikha and Smitha forgets their own kids and keep having fun with Arrea. Arrea stays quite and calm and laughs at them showing his teethless mouth. Then and there they also welcomed their guest and introduced Arrea to be their grandson. However many mistook it to be Kajal's son but Ram cleared it out. Saying he's my grandson through Amar's friend. Arjun who saw this felt like his son is blessed to get too much love from his extended family and his eyes meanwhile search for his wife. Kajal who comes there pulls his legs saying, Arjun your wife is with Amar's wife. Arjun scratches his head and smiles at her, Thank you didi. Kajal " Wish even Amar becomes like you after getting married". That Rhea changed this Heartless Arjun, hope this Rhea changes our kind Amar too... She mutters to herself. And asks Arjun is Amar ready? Arjun hisses and rushes into check Amar. Revenge continues...