Episode 7

Archie numbly gazed at the scenery before her. At this moment, Aditya and Adinda were in the midst of their marriage vows. The young woman's tears could no longer be held back as the word "lawful" echoed from the guests.

Archie rose from her seat, intending to leave but was stopped by the grip of Kaivan, her husband.

"Uncle..." Archie whispered softly before wiping her tears.

Kaivan urged Archie to sit down again. "Stay here, Archie. Don't go anywhere," he said softly.

Archie took a deep breath and released it slowly, resuming her seat next to Kaivan who wore his usual impassive expression.

"I heard that the bride was caught cheating with her lover, that’s why they switched the brides," a guest behind Archie and Kaivan whispered.

Whether or not those women realized that Archie and Kaivan, the subjects of their gossip, were right in front of them was unclear.

Archie remained silent, choosing not to seek justification at that moment. Now, Archie could resign herself to being blamed by her sister, but not next time.

Archie chose to stay quiet, but not Kaivan. He stood up and turned around.

At the sight of Kaivan, the gossiping guests were immediately taken aback. They alternated their gaze between Kaivan and Archie.

"You gossip freely without knowing the truth. Who cheated is none of your business," Kaivan said expressionlessly.

"You are guests here, so please enjoy the food. That's where it ends and there's no need to meddle in the bride and groom’s issues," Kaivan added, his eyes sharpening.

The women looked frightened and quickly left the presence of Kaivan and the resigned-looking Archie. The couple, differing in personality and demeanor.

"Don't just resign yourself, Archie. When we are innocent, we must demonstrate innocence, not helplessness," Kaivan said, looking intently at Archie.

Archie remained silent, not responding to her husband's words.

"Come, let's stand on our own wedding dais," Kaivan suggested, taking his wife's hand.

Archie followed her husband's lead to the two daises ahead, one of which was less ornate due to being decorated at short notice.

"Decorate that one, this is my wedding with Aditya," Adinda said sharply.

"I'm older than you, Dinda. Besides, this is my wedding day, not yours," Archie responded determinedly.

Dinda glared at her sister, disgusted by Archie's words and chose instead to cling to her husband's hand.

"Brother, I want the prettier dais, it's so much nicer," Adinda pleaded sweetly.

Aditya smiled, then looked at Archie and her uncle with a haughty gaze.

"Don't forget, Archie. Today isn't just your wedding day, but mine as well," Aditya said before being interrupted by Kaivan.

"But Archie's parents are the ones paying for this lavish reception, you haven’t spent a penny," Kaivan remarked coolly.

Aditya went silent, offended by his uncle's words which seemed to imply that he had no money.

"The dowry—" Aditya’s words were cut off again.

"What dowry? Even the ring has been returned. Here, Archie decides where she will sit," Kaivan interjected swiftly.

Aditya was left speechless and mute. His uncle's words had hit their mark.

"You should give in to your sister!" Adinda exclaimed a bit louder.

Hearing Adinda's voice, the guests began to stare at the two newlywed couples.

"What more do I need to give up, Dinda? You've taken Aditya, my happiness, and my hopes. Isn't that enough?" Archie asked softly.

"I hate you!" Adinda exclaimed, then left the wedding area.

Aditya quickly followed the woman who had gone from mistress to wife.

Meanwhile, Archie and Kaivan stepped towards the dais. Kaivan was pleased to hear Archie's defiance; he wouldn't let her be defeated.

"Good, Archie. You mustn't give in," Kaivan stated devoid of expression as usual.

Archie turned to him. "Are you teaching me to be vindictive?" she asked.

"Not vindictive, Archie. But someone who knows how to deal with people like Aditya and Adinda," Kaivan replied, turning to look at his wife.

Archie remained silent, choosing instead to look straight ahead.

Archie's gaze met her mother's eyes. She could see the sadness and tears in Mama Gita's eyes.

Archie knew her mother must be devastated by all this, both her daughters marrying on the same day amid such tumult.

Her parents had to bear the embarrassment, yet this was preferable to Adinda and Aditya not getting married after their repeated indiscretions.

Archie and Kaivan received many well-wishes from the guests. They accepted them all with grateful smiles.

Before they realized it, the ceremony was over. Archie and Kaivan retired to the hotel room prepared by her parents.

An argument ensued once more; Adinda wanted the room for her wedding night.

"I've gotten the dais; now it's my turn," Adinda staked her claim, standing at the room's door.

"Dinda, I'm tired of arguing with you," Archie responded.

"We'll go to another room. I've reserved one for us," Kaivan offered, looking at no one in particular.

"Good, Uncle. Then go to your room," Aditya dismissed them with a wave of his hand.

Kaivan fixed his nephew with a sharp gaze. Aditya had always had a disagreeable nature, much like his mother. Kaivan disliked it.

Without a word, Kaivan and Archie left the room prepared by Archie's parents.

Kaivan led Archie to the room he had booked. Presidential suite read the door.

"I couldn't find a honeymoon suite. Is this okay?" Kaivan asked as he stepped into the room.

Archie smiled and nodded. "It's fine, Uncle," Archie replied.

"You bathe first; I have to handle some office matters," Kaivan stated indicating the walk-in closet.

Archie nodded, entering with a paper bag of fresh clothes for dinner with the family.

While Archie showered, Kaivan made a call on the room's balcony.

"I've married her, now what else?" Kaivan queried over the phone.

WHO COULD KAIVAN BE SPEAKING TO, GUYS??

To be continued...

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