Chahat was taken to Aarav's room.
As soon as she entered, a soft fragrance of fresh flowers filled the air. The room was beautifully decorated—a white silk bedsheet spread neatly over the bed, with rose petals arranged in a perfect heart shape. White and red flowers adorned the bed from all sides, and candles flickered gently, adding a warm glow to the atmosphere.
One wall of the room was painted pink—Myra's favorite color.
The wall behind was dark blue—Aarav's favorite.
Both colors had been chosen together, once upon a time, when dreams were still shared.
The walls were filled with photographs—memories frozen in time.
Their first meeting… the moment they accidentally bumped into each other… the day they confessed their love… the day they decided to get married.
Looking at those memories, Chahat's heart ached deeply.
Fate had played a cruel game with all three of them.
She slowly sat on the bed, pulling her legs close, resting her hands over her knees, lost in guilt and confusion.
Just then, Aarav entered the room.
The moment his eyes fell on the decorations, the colors, the photos—his expression darkened with anger.
Without a second thought, he removed his sehra and threw it aside.
Then, in frustration, he swept away the rose petals from the bed.
One by one, he pulled down the photographs from the wall and threw them away.
Chahat got scared seeing his anger. She stepped forward, trying to calm him.
But Aarav's voice stopped her.
"Stay away from me."
His tone was sharp, filled with hurt.
"What's left now, Chahat? I never expected this from you. I thought we were friends… but no. You supported your friend in the wrong and betrayed me like this. Why, Chahat… why?"
Chahat's eyes filled with tears.
"Aarav… I didn't know it would turn out like this. Please believe me… I was just trying to help Myra."
Aarav raised his hand slightly, stopping her.
"Enough. I don't want to hear anything else."
He picked up a pillow, placed it on the sofa, and went to sleep there.
Chahat, drowning in guilt, quietly lay down on the bed and closed her eyes—though sleep never truly came.
The next morning arrived.
Chahat got ready and went downstairs. No one seemed willing to talk to her. The silence felt heavy.
But her mother-in-law and sister-in-law stood by her.
Her sister-in-law, Seeka, said gently,
"Bhabhi, you didn't do anything wrong. You were just helping your friend."
Then her mother-in-law cupped Chahat's face lovingly and said,
"Beta, whatever happens, happens for a reason. And I know my son… he won't stay angry with you for long."
Later, she was taken to the temple for prayers.
After that came her first day in the kitchen—a traditional ritual.
Chahat had to prepare the entire meal.
Her mother-in-law and sister-in-law helped her with small tasks, while Chahat cooked the main dishes—kheer, paneer, chole, puris, and pulao.
Finally, it was time to serve the food.
Everyone was present—her father-in-law, aunt, elder sister-in-law, Aarav's brother… and Aarav himself.
All of them were still upset with her.
No one spoke a word.
Chahat served the food silently.
Everyone ate quietly… without saying anything.
And once they were done, they all left—returning to their own spaces, leaving behind a silence that spoke louder than words. Chahat felt a sharp pain in her heart.
The house was full of people… yet she felt completely alone.
There were voices all around, but not a single one was meant for her.
No one even looked at her.
Slowly, she placed her plate aside and quietly stood up.
Without saying a word, she walked away.
Her steps felt heavy… as if with every step, her guilt was growing stronger.
As soon as she entered her room, she closed the door and leaned her back against it.
Tears filled her eyes.
"I am the one at fault…" she whispered to herself.
"Everything happened because of me…"
She walked slowly toward the bed and sat down.
Holding her dupatta tightly, as if trying to hold herself together, she murmured,
"Neither Myra is happy… nor Aarav… nor this family…"
"I couldn't become the reason for anyone's happiness…"
Her tears refused to stop.
On the other side…
Aarav sat alone in his room.
The same room… which until yesterday was a part of his dreams.
And today… it only filled him with anger and pain.
He closed his eyes.
Memories of Myra—her voice, her laughter, her dreams—flashed through his mind all at once.
And then suddenly…
Chahat's face appeared.
Her fearful eyes… her guilt… her honesty.
Aarav opened his eyes.
"Is Chahat really the only one at fault…?" he questioned himself.
But his ego… his anger… wouldn't let him accept the answer.
Evening slowly settled in.
A strange calm filled the house.
At that moment, Aarav's mother came to Chahat's room and gently knocked.
"Chahat beta… open the door."
Chahat quickly wiped her tears and opened it.
"Yes, Maa…"
Her mother-in-law looked at her face—her eyes were swollen.
Without saying anything, she made Chahat sit beside her.
"Beta… relationships take time to understand," she said softly.
"Not every truth comes out immediately… and not every mistake is intentional."
Chahat stayed silent… just listening.
"You didn't do wrong… it was just the wrong time."
Hearing this, tears once again slipped down Chahat's cheeks.
Later that night…
Chahat stood in the balcony.
The cool breeze touched her face… but it couldn't ease the heaviness inside her heart.
Just then, she heard footsteps behind her.
Aarav.
She turned slightly… and immediately lowered her gaze.
Silence filled the space between them.
After a few moments, Aarav spoke softly,
"Did you eat?"
Chahat nodded lightly.
"Yes."
It was the first time he had spoken to her since morning.
After a pause, Chahat said slowly,
"Aarav… I really—"
"Chahat…" Aarav interrupted her gently.
He stayed silent for a moment, as if searching for the right words.
"I am still angry…" he said honestly.
Chahat's eyes filled with tears again.
"…but that doesn't mean I won't listen to you."
Slowly, she looked up at him.
Meeting her eyes, Aarav said,
"When you're ready… tell me everything clearly."
"This time… don't hide anything."
Chahat nodded softly.
And somewhere deep inside her heart…
a small spark of hope was born again.