The next morning, Arohi sat quietly in her bedroom, staring at Reyansh's wedding photograph.

The previous night's conversation kept playing in her mind.

“We want you to marry Rudra.”

She closed her eyes.

“No… I can't.”

A few minutes later, there was a knock on her door.

Arohi: “Come in.”

Rudra entered.

He stopped near the door, keeping his distance.

Rudra: “Arohi, I came to tell you something.”

She looked at him.

Arohi: “About the marriage?”

Rudra remained silent.

Arohi stood up.

Arohi: “My answer is no.”

Rudra looked at her.

Rudra: “You don't have to explain.”

Arohi: “No, Rudra. I need you to understand. I loved Reyansh. He was my husband, my best friend… my entire world.”

Her voice broke.

Arohi: “I can't suddenly look at you and see my husband.”

Rudra lowered his eyes.

Those words hurt more than he expected.

Rudra: “I know.”

Arohi wiped her tears.

Arohi: “You are Reyansh's brother. How could I ever marry you?”

Rudra took a slow breath.

Rudra: “You don't have to.”

Arohi looked surprised.

Rudra: “I won't force you. I never wanted you to marry me because you felt you had no choice.”

He turned toward the door.

Before leaving, he stopped.

Rudra: “Your happiness matters more than what this family wants.”

Arohi watched him leave.

For a moment, she felt guilty.

She knew Rudra wasn't trying to hurt her.

But she also knew one thing clearly—

She could never replace Reyansh.

Later That Evening

The family gathered in the living room.

Grandmother looked at Arohi.

Grandmother: “Have you made your decision?”

Arohi took a deep breath.

She looked at everyone.

Arohi: “Yes.”

Everyone waited.

Arohi's voice was firm.

Arohi: “Never.”

The room fell silent.

Arohi: “I will always respect Rudra. But I cannot marry him.”

Rudra stood quietly in the corner.

His heart hurt, but he respected her decision.

And somewhere inside him, he knew this wasn't the end.

It was only the beginning of a much more complicated story. 🖤

To be continued…