Lilith was done feeding Ramira as they took her to a room
"Madam please let him go" Ramira said softly
Lily sat beside her and looked at her with a calm but firm expression
"I don't raise monsters Any man who lays his hands on a woman in my house gets punished" Lily said
The maids soon entered carrying several neatly folded outfits
"Here These are new clothes for you and if you're hungry there is enough food in the kitchen It's a wedding so be comfortable" Lily said
Ramira stared at the clothes in disbelief
"C Can I work for you Madam?" Ramira asked
Lilith giggled
"Yeah sure" she said with a smile before leaving
Once the door closed Ramira wiped her tears
She slowly walked toward the window
From there she could see the cage
Vishal was still inside it
He sat there silently his head lowered his body exhausted his fingers broken and his heart filled with guilt pain and regret
For the first time Ramira did not know whether she hated him or pitied him
Nine days later
Today was the Mangni
The engagement ceremony where the couple's families formally confirmed the marriage
The mansion had been transformed completely
Every corridor had been decorated with powder blue flowers ivory roses crystal ornaments pearl strings and delicate silver decorations
The gardens were filled with glowing lanterns while fountains reflected the soft lights surrounding them
The entrance was covered in enormous floral arches
Guests began arriving one after another
Lilith personally welcomed each of them
She smiled warmly as families entered the mansion and were guided toward the grand hall
Soon Hammed and his family arrived
"Salam" they greeted
Lilith smiled
"Wa Alaikum Salam Welcome"
Hammed's eyes immediately searched for Amma
He saw the tiny woman standing nearby
"Amma" he said softly
He walked toward her and touched her feet respectfully
"Bless you" she said warmly
Everyone smiled
Hammed stood up
For a moment the family simply looked at one another
Then Mr Jameel looked at Lily
"Sorry how old are you?" he asked
"Nineteen" Lily replied
"But they called you mother How is…" Mrs Nargis began
Lily simply smiled
"That's a long story"
Hammed sat down while nervously checking his ring
Mr Jameel noticed
"Nervous?" he asked
Hammed chuckled slightly
"A little"
Mrs Qamar then appeared with Farhid
The entire hall gradually became quiet
Hammed's heart skipped a beat
Ya Allah
She was beautiful
Mrs Nargis stared at her in amazement
"Ya Allah She's very beautiful"
Then she noticed the veil
"But why is her face covered? It's her wedding right?"
Ms Meher looked toward her
"It's not of your business"
Hammed immediately turned toward his aunt
"Exactly"
Farhid was dressed in a breathtaking royal powder blue Pakistani engagement ensemble
Her entire face was gracefully covered by a sheer powder blue embroidered veil allowing only the delicate outline of her features to remain subtly visible
The veil was adorned with scattered crystals pearls silver zari and intricate Mughal floral motifs cascading from an ornate jeweled headpiece
Her heavily embroidered long velvet peshwas featured a structured princess silhouette flowing dramatically to the floor
Underneath it was a matching silk gharara
The entire outfit was covered in delicate silver zari antique gold thread crystal droplets pearls and intricate Mughal inspired floral jaal embroidery
Tiny powder blue stones were scattered throughout the embroidery catching the light whenever she moved
The neckline was high and regal framed with hand sewn pearls and crystal edging
Her sleeves were long and fitted with elaborate embroidered cuffs
A sheer powder blue organza dupatta fell gracefully over her head and face and draped across her shoulders
It was finished with a wide scalloped border of pearls silver zari crystals and miniature floral motifs
She wore a magnificent polki and diamond style bridal choker layered necklaces chandelier earrings a delicate maang tikka pearl encrusted bangles ornate rings and a jeweled passa
Together the jewelry created the appearance of a mysterious modern Mughal princess
Her powder blue khussa featured crystal embroidery and pearl detailing
Everything about her appearance was elegant royal and ethereal
Hammed was dressed in a sophisticated royal powder blue Pakistani sherwani crafted from luxurious textured silk
It was tailored closely through the torso with a long regal silhouette and subtle structured shoulders
The sherwani was decorated with exceptionally fine silver zari and antique gold embroidery featuring symmetrical Mughal vines delicate florals geometric borders and scattered crystal embellishments
The collar cuffs front placket and hem carried heavier embroidery creating a commanding royal finish
Underneath he wore a crisp ivory silk kurta with matching slim trousers
A luxurious powder blue jamawar shawl rested over one shoulder woven with subtle metallic floral patterns
A cream and powder blue embroidered khussa completed his outfit
He wore a refined gold and diamond style brooch an elegant traditional watch and a signet ring
His powder blue turban was adorned with a delicate jeweled kalgi
He looked like a contemporary Pakistani prince
Farhid however remained completely veiled
The contrast between the groom's confident appearance and the bride's mysterious elegance created an aura of royal tradition throughout the engagement ceremony
Farhid finally sat beside him
The Imam stepped forward
Everyone became silent
The Imam prayed as the engagement ceremony began
Hammed held his ring
It was a pink pearl oval ring
He looked toward Farhid
She looked back at him through the sheer veil
Slowly Hammed slipped the ring onto her finger without touching her hand unnecessarily
The guests immediately clapped
Farhid then took her golden ring
She carefully slipped it onto his finger without touching him
Everyone clapped even louder
Mila immediately began clapping
Then she started dancing beside Farhid
Farhid giggled beneath her veil
Everyone laughed
The atmosphere became filled with happiness
Meanwhile Ramira carried a tray of food
Her eyes moved toward the cage
Vishal still had not come out
She quietly glanced around
Then she slipped inside
Vishal was asleep
"Vishal ji?" she whispered
His eyes slowly opened
He stared at her
"M M M Mira?" he whispered
Ramira opened the first aid box
"Stay still" she whispered
Vishal stared at her with pain
He had hurt her in many ways
Yet she was still treating his wounds
"Stop Mira If Lily gets to know you came she will get more mad This is my punishment" he said
"I I know" Ramira whispered
"Then why are you here?"
"I'm human Yes I cursed you but this is painful" she whispered
Vishal looked down
"And your curse worked on me for sixteen years"
Ramira gave him a sad look
"Here Eat quickly"
Vishal hesitated
Then he showed her his broken fingers
Ramira's eyes filled with tears
She took a full spoon of lemon rice and brought it toward him
Vishal opened his mouth
He ate from her hand
For a moment neither of them spoke
"You hate me don't you?" Vishal asked
Ramira ignored him
"I guess silence is my answer" he said
She continued feeding him
Afterward she gave him water
"Thank you" he whispered
Ramira stood up
Vishal stared at the floor
"You know back then when we were married nobody taught me how to be gentle with women Nobody taught me how to treat them well It was only the Russian way my father taught me"
He paused
"Because of how Mother left him due to the same way I treated you I told myself that women stay for money Some don't care about their children They just leave them"
Ramira remained silent
"These years passed No woman has taught me how to value a woman or how to treat them like they're the world Only Father's words echoed in my head"
Vishal swallowed
"You can have many women just by having money They're easy to buy Just like your mother"
Ramira's expression changed
"Those words stuck to me I saw the way Father treated women like they were nothing and I unfortunately followed his footsteps"
He gave a bitter chuckle
"When we lost the baby I didn't know what came over me I just went to my father who was drinking with women and burned him alive All of them"
Ramira stared at him
Vishal coughed
"I never had a mother figure When you left I realized what my mother must have felt And your curse was my punishment for years"
Ramira's eyes watered
"The day I laid my eyes on you it was love at first sight But my arrogance my pride my terrible behavior and my upbringing caused my downfall"
He shook his head
"And now Amma has finally beaten the shit out of me"
He laughed weakly
"Go Ramira Let me suffer and go through the pain I caused you Please"
Ramira wiped her tears
Then she ran out
Vishal remained inside the cage
All night
He sat there alone
Thinking about every mistake he had made
Every word
Every action
Every tear
Every wound
Every moment he had destroyed
Meanwhile Nikolai was asleep with Mila
Their positions were almost exactly the same
Mila was curled against him while Nikolai's arm protected her
Lilith entered the room
She looked at them
She giggled
Then she took a picture
"You two are impossible" she whispered
She lay beside them
Soon she fell asleep as well
Elsewhere Hammed was on a call with Farhid
"You look stunning today Jaan" he said
Farhid smiled shyly
"You look more handsome sir"
They continued speaking softly
"Will you apply henna on your hand?" Farhid asked
"Ehhh Only your name" Hammed replied
She giggled
"Oyeeee Go to sleep Stop giggling like a hyena" Charvi said
Hammed laughed
"What the hell?"
Farhid pouted at Charvi
Everyone laughed
Eventually Hammed and Farhid said goodnight
They both went to sleep
Meanwhile in India Sohan held Riyana all night
He comforted her as she lay peacefully in his arms
There were no noises
No arguments
No chaos
Just the two of them
The morning arrived
"Boss"
Nikolai looked up
"A few workers say an old lady from your side came and gave Mrs Riyana a list and she threw it at her face Some of your aunties were the ones who brought her"
Nikolai frowned
"She's the oldest lady in the family according to the information"
Riyana had been deeply insulted by the woman
Nobody knew exactly what the list contained
Sohan and the boys were under an oath
Until the wedding day they would not say anything
Mrs Riyana had been panicking ever since
"She brought some things According to them it was extremely expensive" Damian explained
"She passed out while counting golden coins for fifty times"
Nikolai's heart shattered when he heard everything
He immediately took his phone
"Stop boss"
Damian raised his hand
"Wait and see what's happening first The old lady's words were that she can call off the wedding So just be patient a little and I'll find out more boss"
Nikolai nodded
"Dada"
He looked down
"Morning Dada"
"Mornin' Dammyyyy"
Mila ran toward him
"Good morning sweetheart" Nikolai said hugging her
They sat down for breakfast
Today was Mayun
A pre wedding ceremony traditionally associated with the bride often involving turmeric oil yellow clothing and family celebrations
The women gathered around Fariha
They began rubbing turmeric gently onto her face
Mila was fascinated by the turmeric
She touched it
Then she looked at herself
"I'm shiny now!" she announced
Everyone laughed
Meanwhile
"Oh bro Look at you So beautiful!" Adrian shouted
Hammed was covered in turmeric
Everyone burst into laughter
"You look like a banana" Nikolai said
Hammed stared at him
"You better run"
Nikolai laughed
The celebration continued
Hammed was actually extremely happy
He was getting married to his Fari
Today was Dholki
A musical gathering where women relatives and friends sang traditional wedding songs clapped danced and played the dholki
Everyone gathered together
Lily blew a whistle
The women clapped
Mrs Qamar began singing
"Ajj mehndi di raat ae chann vi sharmaave
Sohneya de vehre vich khushiyan geet sunaave
Dhol vajda dham dham taaliyan vajdiyan
Ajj saariyan saheliyan nach nach thakdiyan"
(Translation Tonight is the night of henna even the moon feels shy In the beloved's courtyard happiness fills the air with song The dhol beats loudly and everyone claps along Tonight all the friends dance until they are tired)
Nimra joined in
"O mehndi laga ke rakhna sajna de naam di
Chunni meri chamke rang gulab di
Jhumke mere chhan chhan payal bole chan
Ajj meri saheli da sohni lagdi shaan"
(Translation Put the henna on me bearing my beloved's name My dupatta shines like the color of roses My earrings sparkle and my anklets sing Tonight my friend looks absolutely radiant)
Ramira smiled and sang
"Ni nach meri jaan dhol di taal te
Hasde ne saare pyar de khayal te
Phullan di khushboo hawa vich ghul gayi
Ajj di eh raat yaadan vich rul gayi"
(Translation Dance my dear to the rhythm of the dhol Everyone is smiling lost in thoughts of love The fragrance of flowers has filled the air Tonight will become a beautiful memory forever)
Lilith raised her hands
"Laal nahi ajj neela rang sajda
Powder blue jivein asmaan chamkda
Motiyaan di lari sitareyan da noor
Ajj sajna de naal lagda jag mashhoor"
(Translation Not red tonight but blue is the color of beauty Powder blue shining like the sky A strand of pearls glowing like the stars Tonight beside the beloved the whole world seems radiant)
All four joined together
"Dholki vajdi vajdi saari raat vajdi
Mehndi di khushboo hawa de naal sajdi
Nachange gaavange hassange saare
Ajj de din ne supne saade pyaare"
(Translation The dholki keeps playing throughout the night The fragrance of henna fills the air We will dance sing and laugh together Today is the day when our sweetest dreams come alive)
Mrs Qamar and Nimra sang together
"O ho ho mehndi wali raat
O ho ho sajna wali baat
Chann vi vekhe taare vi hassan
Dulhan de mukh te noor hi noor vassan"
(Translation Oh what a beautiful henna night Oh what a beautiful celebration of love Even the moon watches and the stars smile The bride's face shines with pure radiance)
Ramira and Lilith joined them
"Dhol wajao zor naal ajj khushi da din ae
Nach nach pao dhamal ajj pyaar da din ae
Hathaan te mehndi dil vich armaan
Rab rakhe hamesha eh sohni jodi jaan"
(Translation Play the dhol loudly today is a day of happiness Dance with all your heart today is a day of love Henna on our hands and dreams in our hearts May God always protect this beautiful couple)
Then all four sang the finale
"Ajj di raat suhag di ajj di raat pyaar di
Dholki di awaaz goonje khushiyan de sansaar di
Nimra bole Ramira gaave
Lilith nachdi Qamar taaliyan paave
Saari mehfil ikko awaaz
Mubarak hove mubarak hove
Dulhan nu pyaar dulhe nu pyaar
Rab rakhe dono nu sada khushgawaar"
(Translation Tonight belongs to love and celebration The dholki echoes through a world filled with happiness Nimra sings Ramira joins her Lilith dances while Qamar claps along The whole gathering speaks with one voice Congratulations congratulations Love and blessings to the bride and groom May God always keep them happy together)
They finished with one final chorus
"Nacho ni nacho dholki wajdi ae
Gao ni gao mehndi sajdi ae
Ajj saadi mehfil roshan roshan ae
Dulhan dulha dono rab di rehmat ae"
(Translation Dance everyone the dholki is playing Sing everyone the henna is being adorned Tonight our celebration is glowing brightly The bride and groom are both blessings from God)
The women clapped
Everyone giggled
Mila sat on Nikolai's lap
He fed her while watching the celebration
Hammed sat nearby reviewing work on his laptop
Then a woman walked into the room
Her name was Mehwish
"Hammed!"
She smiled as she approached him
Hammed looked up
"Who are you?"
Mehwish froze
"You don't remember me?"
"No"
Her smile disappeared
"I'm Mehwish We used to live together before your mother died"
Hammed stared at her
Still nothing came to mind
"Still don't remember Sorry"
Mr Jameel walked in
"Ah Mehwish Good to see you again You came just at the right time for Hammed's wedding!"
Mehwish's face fell
"Wedding?"
"Yes I'm getting married the day after tomorrow" Hammed said
Mehwish turned toward Ms Mehar
"You told me that he is back and we can get married right?" she whispered
Hammed heard her
He slowly looked toward her
"Hold on What?"
The entire atmosphere changed
"Hammed Your mother and Mehwish's mother were best friends and they also wanted their children to get married together Since you're the only son and she's the second daughter I called her Maybe you both can talk" Ms Mehar explained
Hammed stood up
"Are you fucking insane?"
"Hammed calm down bro" Jaxon said
Hammed's anger intensified
"Listen I worked hard on this wedding I really did And I will kill anyone who dares try to stop my wedding"
Everyone went silent
"If Amma calls off this wedding Oh so help you all I wouldn't think twice before I burn you all alive!"
Everyone flinched at his voice
Then his phone dinged
Hammed looked down
His expression immediately changed
His anger slowly disappeared
He read the message
A smile appeared across his face
"This is so beautiful and they have been teasing me all day I'm like a tomato for days now"
He smiled at his phone
Then he sat down
Ms Mehar was trembling
Mehwish stared at Hammed
Her anger burned in her eyes
"Please take her to the guest room Bibi" someone ordered
Mehwish refused to move
"He is mine"
Nobody answered
The servants eventually escorted her toward the guest room
Hammed did not even look at her
His attention remained on his phone
His wedding was coming
His bride was waiting
The mansion was glowing
And for the first time in a long time the entire household was preparing for a celebration that felt almost too beautiful to be real
But beneath the music laughter flowers and powder blue decorations
Secrets were still moving quietly through the mansion
Vishal remained trapped with his regrets
Ramira carried wounds that forgiveness could not erase overnight
Riyana was hiding behind an expensive mystery
Damian was investigating the strange old woman
Nikolai watched everything carefully
And Mehwish had just arrived with an old promise that could threaten Hammed's wedding
The celebrations had only begun
And the wedding was getting closer