The Gift of Betrayal

Trisha and Lavanya take Anya to Adarsh's room and leave her there. As soon as they leave, Anya collapses onto the floor, her eyes welling up with tears.

One by one, Arnav's words echo in her mind, pulling her into the depths of her memories.

Flashback...

"For me, my love is my religion, my duty. This ashram belongs to Anya now, a symbol of my love for her."

Arnav's voice was filled with devotion as he gently held Anya's hands and kissed them.

"Having you makes me the luckiest man in this world, Anya," he whispered.

A bright smile adorned Anya's face as she replied, "And I feel like the luckiest girl for having you, Arnav! I love you, Arnav! I love you so much!"

Arnav looked at her intensely before saying, "And now, the funeral rites of this marriage are complete. I have broken this marriage!"

Those last words dragged Anya back to reality.

Her gaze fell upon her wounded foot, where blood was oozing out. The sight of it triggered another flood of memories.

Flashback...

Anya and Arnav had gone to a temple. As they stepped out, Anya looked around and frowned.

"Oh no! I kept my slippers right here! Where did they go?" she murmured.

Arnav, leaning casually against a pillar, smirked. "What happened?"

"My slippers! I remember placing them here! Where could they have gone?" she said with a pout, her expression turning adorable.

Arnav chuckled at her reaction.

She looked at him suspiciously. "Why are you laughing, Arnav?"

"Because your slippers got stolen."

Anya huffed. "Excuse me! My slippers weren't stolen. They just found someone who needed them more!"

Arnav raised a brow, amused.

Anya continued, "I can always buy another pair! There's a shop in the next lane. Let's go!"

Arnav pushed himself off the pillar. "Wait here. I'll bring the car."

Anya shook her head. "No need! Your car is too big, and the lane is too narrow. It's fine, I'll walk barefoot."

Arnav gasped dramatically. "Anya, your feet are so beautiful! Don't put them on the ground; they'll get dirty!"

Anya burst out laughing. "Wow, what a dialogue! But unfortunately, it's useless because I can't just fly to the shop!"

Arnav smirked. "Flying… not a bad idea!"

Before she could react, he scooped her up into his arms.

"Arnav! What are you doing?" she gasped.

"Following your idea!" he teased.

Anya looked around nervously. "Everyone is staring!"

"Let them stare," Arnav said nonchalantly.

As he carried her down the steps, an elderly woman chuckled.

"Son, did you make a vow? Carrying her like this, are you fulfilling some temple ritual?"

Arnav smiled. "Yes, Aunty. This was my vow! And now that my wish has come true, I'm taking my blessing to buy some slippers!"

Anya flushed crimson.

The old lady chuckled again. "Think twice, son. Once married, all you'll get in return are her slippers!"

Arnav turned to Anya with a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Really?"

Anya giggled and shook her head. Then both of them burst into laughter.

Present...

Tears streamed down Anya's face as she recalled the past. "Why, Arnav? Why did you do this to me?" she whispered, her voice trembling.

Exhausted from crying, she unknowingly drifted into sleep.

Meanwhile, in another room...

Arnav stepped out of the shower when Vedika suddenly hugged him from behind.

"Finally, my dream has come true! I am your wife now!" she whispered against his back.

Arnav gently pulled her away. "Let's sleep," he said, his voice devoid of emotion.

Vedika frowned. "Sleep? Arnav, it's our first night!"

She studied his face, noticing the shadow of sadness lingering in his eyes.

Vedika cupped his cheek. "Arnav, for God's sake, don't tell me you actually loved her!"

Arnav clenched his jaw and pushed her hand away. His voice was sharp as he said, "I hate that woman! I despise her! Don't ever mistake my hatred for love!"

A satisfied smile formed on Vedika's lips. "That's exactly what I wanted to hear!"

She then leaned closer and whispered, "Don't you think we should give her a wedding gift? She deserves to know why she's suffering."

Arnav smirked, pulling her close by the waist. "Don't worry, baby. Her gift will arrive tomorrow morning."

Vedika giggled. "Good! Now let's not waste our first night!"

Arnav smirked and leaned in, kissing her as the night took a sinful turn.

To be continued…