For everyone present, it was a beautiful evening.
The entire garden sparkled under blue and white lights. Elegant decorations covered every corner, and the atmosphere was filled with excitement.
Guests chatted happily.
Families exchanged smiles.
Everyone looked delighted.
Everyone except two people.
Sanchi.
And Kabir.
Hidden beneath Sanchi's flawless makeup was a sadness she couldn't conceal completely. Every now and then, the pain in her eyes betrayed her calm expression.
Kabir, on the other hand, stood silently.
His face was expressionless.
But deep inside his eyes...
A storm of hatred burned fiercely.
A hatred powerful enough to destroy someone's entire life.
Soon, the lights dimmed.
A single spotlight illuminated the entrance.
All eyes turned toward the couple.
Kabir walked onto the stage while holding Sanchi's hand.
Dressed in a dark blue suit, he looked dangerously handsome. His sharp features, commanding aura, and cold gaze made him impossible to ignore.
Beside him, Sanchi looked breathtaking in her deep blue gown.
They looked like the perfect couple.
Only they knew how wrong that illusion was.
After a brief speech, Kabir slipped a platinum ring onto Sanchi's finger.
Thunderous applause echoed throughout the garden.
Sanchi forced herself to do the same.
The moment the rings were exchanged...
Everyone celebrated.
Everyone except them.
Soon, romantic music filled the air.
Couples stepped onto the dance floor.
Kabir extended his hand.
Sanchi hesitated.
A single glance toward her father was enough.
She had no choice.
Slowly, she placed her hand in his.
The dance began.
At first, everything appeared normal.
But only Sanchi knew the truth.
Kabir's grip around her wrist tightened painfully.
His fingers dug into her skin.
"Ka... Kabir, you're hurting me," she whispered.
No response.
His face remained cold.
His grip became tighter.
Pain shot through her arm.
Sanchi struggled to keep up with him.
To everyone watching, they looked like a happy engaged couple.
But in reality...
She felt trapped.
Finally, gathering all her courage, she pulled herself free and rushed toward the washroom.
The moment she looked at her wrist, tears filled her eyes.
Red marks covered her skin.
Evidence of Kabir's cruelty.
Before she could calm herself, a knock echoed on the door.
Sanchi opened it.
And froze.
Kabir stood outside.
A dangerous smile rested on his lips.
"Sanchi, baby..." he said softly.
Fear instantly spread through her body.
"Please..." she whispered. "I don't want this marriage."
Kabir's eyes darkened.
He stepped closer.
And closer.
Until her back hit the wall.
"There is only one thing you need to understand," he said quietly.
His voice was calm.
Too calm.
"The wedding will happen."
Sanchi's eyes filled with tears.
"Why are you doing this to me?"
For a brief second, something dangerous flashed across Kabir's face.
Then he leaned closer and whispered,
"Because some debts can only be paid through suffering."
Before Sanchi could understand what he meant, Kabir gently wiped away her tears.
Then he placed a kiss on her forehead.
A gesture that should have felt comforting.
Instead...
It terrified her.
"Only one week left, future Mrs. Raichand."
And with those words...
He walked away.
Leaving Sanchi alone with her fear.
And countless unanswered questions.
— End Of Chapter 5 —