Chapter 12: The Diverging Paths

The sound of wedding songs echoed through the modest temple as Meera and Raghav completed their final circle around the sacred fire. The small gathering of family and friends cheered as Raghav tied the mangalsutra around Meera's neck, sealing their vows.

Raghav leaned closer and whispered, "You look breathtaking."

Meera smiled softly, her heart swelling with gratitude for the man who had been her constant anchor in a world of chaos.

The ceremony was simple but full of warmth - just the way Meera had wanted. Riya, her best friend and her anchor, wiped away a tear as she stood beside her. "You're glowing," Riya whispered.

"Am I?" Meera replied, her voice soft.

"You are." Riya said firmly. "This is your fresh start, Meera. You deserve every bit of happiness."

The days was full of joy. Meera cried a lot about her each sorrow while separating from her parents though she was living a far from them since her graduation day. On the same ,

Their parents went to their homes.

Meanwhile, across the city, Arjun sat in his dimly lit penthouse, the blinds drawn tight to block out the sunlight. His desk was cluttered with empty glasses, documents, and unopened mail.

Raj hesitated at the door before stepping in. "Sir, the board meeting starts in an hour. Shall I arrange for your car?"

Arjun didn't look up. His fingers toyed with the whiskey glass in his hand, the liquid swirling lazily. "Cancel it."

"Sir, this is the third meeting you've skipped this month," Raj said cautiously. "The board is starting to ask questions."

"Let them." Arjun snapped, his tone sharp. "I pay them to do their job. They don't need me to hold their hands."

Raj sighed but nodded. "As you wish, sir."

When Raj left, Arjun leaned back in his chair, staring at the ceiling. His mind was consumed by images of Meera - her laughter, her defiance, her betrayal.

She's married now, he thought bitterly. The news of her wedding had reached him only hours before, and the idea of her with Raghav, smiling, happy, burned like acid in his chest.

Meera's new life with Raghav began in a modest two-bedroom apartment in their quiet neighborhood. She woke up to the smell of coffee brewing in the kitchen.

"You're up early." she said, stepping into the kitchen where Raghav was humming softly to himself.

"First breakfast as a married couple." Raghav said, turning to her with a grin. "Thought I'd make it special."

Meera chuckled. "You didn't have to, but I appreciate it. But now onwards let me handle this duty."

As they sat down to eat, Raghav reached across the table to hold her hand. "I know life won't always be perfect, Meera, but I promise you this - I'll always do my best to make you happy."

Her chest tightened at his words. "I know, Raghav. And I'll do the same for you."

But as she said the words, a shadow lingered in her heart - memories of Arjun that refused to completely fade.

At Malhotra Enterprises, Arjun threw himself deeper into work, using it as a distraction from his spiraling emotions. His cold demeanor became even more ruthless, and the staff tread carefully around him.

During a meeting, one of the executives hesitated before presenting a proposal. "Sir, we believe this deal could take six months to finalize..."

"Make it three." Arjun interrupted, his tone icy.

"But, sir, the logistics..."

"I didn't ask for excuses." Arjun said sharply. "Get it done, or I'll find someone who will."

The room fell silent, the tension palpable.

After the meeting, Raj approached cautiously. "Sir, with all due respect, maybe you should take a break. You've been pushing yourself too hard."

Arjun turned to him, his expression unreadable. "Do you know what happens when you stop moving, Raj? You fall. And I don't plan on falling."

Raj swallowed hard, nodding. "Understood, sir."

Back at her apartment, Meera busied herself setting up their new home. She hung curtains, arranged furniture, and laughed as Raghav struggled to assemble a bookshelf.

"Who designed this thing?" Raghav groaned, holding up a piece of wood.

"Someone who clearly hates humanity." Meera teased, handing him a screwdriver.

Despite the simplicity of their life, Meera felt a sense of peace. Raghav's presence was steady and grounding, a far cry from the chaos she had known with Arjun.

But late at night, when the world was quiet, her mind sometimes wandered. She wondered if Arjun had heard about her wedding. She wondered if he even cared.

In his penthouse, Arjun stared out at the city lights, his glass empty in his hand. He had heard, of course. The news of Meera's wedding had been like a knife to the heart he claimed he didn't have.

But instead of mourning, he buried the pain under layers of anger and ambition.

If she thinks she can erase me from her life, she's wrong, he thought bitterly.

As the clock struck midnight, Arjun made a silent vow to himself. Meera may have chosen someone else, but the story between them wasn't over. Not yet.

.

To be continue...