The entire day dragged on with the same pattern.
Yash glued to Reha's side, being unusually clingy, while Ved followed them like a shadow. But every stolen glance at Yash's hand brushing against Reha's, every playful smile, every laugh they shared… it burned Ved alive from the inside. By nightfall, when they finally got a moment alone in Ved's room, his patience was hanging by a thread.
Reha was folding Ved's clothes, carefully placing them in his drawer, when Ved stepped out of the shower, hair damp, droplets still tracing his jawline. He leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, his voice low and sharp.
"Reha… don't you think Yash is acting… fishy?"
She paused, looking up. "Fishy? What do you mean? He's helping us, Ved."
Ved walked closer, his jaw tightening. "Helping us? Really? And suddenly, this sister of his shows up, one that no one's ever heard of before? Sounds pretty damn suspicious to me."
Reha shook her head softly. "I don't think so… honestly, I was thinking I misjudged Yash. He's actually… nice."
That was it. Ved's jealousy snapped.
He grabbed the clothes out of her hands, his voice laced with quiet frustration. "Give it to me. I'll do it. You… go to sleep."
"What? Why? I'm doing it...."
"I said I'll do it, Reha. Just… go." His tone was harsher than he intended.
Reha stared at him, confused. "Fine," she muttered, moving toward the bed.
But Ved stopped her cold. "…I meant go to your room."
She turned, eyes widening. "What? Why, Ved? What happened to you?"
"Nothing." His voice dropped, darker now. "Just go… before we end up fighting."
Reha folded her arms, stepping closer instead of moving away. "No, Ved. Say it loudly. I can see it — you're jealous."
"I'm not jealous," Ved hissed, avoiding her gaze.
"Then why are you acting like this, huh?!" she snapped back, her voice trembling slightly.
And right then, the knock came.
Knock knock.
"Reha, open up! It's Yash," came the voice from outside.
Ved exhaled sharply, muttering under his breath, "Perfect timing… your so-called fiancé has arrived."
Reha glared at him and opened the door. "Yash, what happened?"
Yash smiled faintly. "Reha, we need to leave right now. I have to pick up Maddy — my sister — from the airport. She just landed from London."
Before Reha could respond, Ved growled from behind, "I'm not coming. Go with him."
"Ved—"
"Ya, Reha, come fast. She's about to arrive," Yash interrupted.
Reha didn't argue. She simply grabbed her things and walked out with Yash without even trying to convince Ved.
And that… broke something inside him. He stood there in silence, jaw clenched, watching her walk away — his Reha — with another man.
The door closed behind Reha, leaving Ved standing there — motionless, wet hair dripping against his bare neck, chest rising and falling with quiet, controlled breaths.
Every sound outside felt louder. Every laugh Reha shared with Yash on their way out felt like a dagger twisting into his chest.
He slammed the drawer shut, running a hand through his damp hair, muttering to himself.
"Helping us… huh?" A bitter chuckle escaped his lips. "Sure. Helping me lose my damn mind."
He walked to the balcony, leaning against the railing, watching their car drive off under the pale moonlight. His fists clenched around the metal so tight his knuckles turned white.
Meanwhile, in Yash's car…
Reha sat in the passenger seat, fiddling with the end of her dupatta, sensing something was off but unable to name it. Yash, on the other hand, looked far too calm, a faint smirk playing on his lips as if he knew exactly what he was doing.
"You okay?" he asked casually, his eyes on the road.
"Hmm? Yeah, just… Ved seemed upset," she murmured.
Yash's lips curved slightly. "Ved's always upset when it comes to me, isn't he?"
Reha frowned. "That's not true. He just… doesn't trust easily."
"Or maybe," Yash glanced at her, "he knows deep down I can give you a life he never can."
Reha whipped her head toward him, her brows furrowed. "What's that supposed to mean?"
Yash just smiled and didn't answer. The silence that followed made Reha's heart pound — she didn't like where this was going.
Back in Ved's room…
Ved paced the floor, running his hand over his jaw. His thoughts were a mess — frustration, anger, and a sharp sting of helplessness.
He hated this. Hated watching her leave. Hated that Yash had a hold on her life because of this damn wedding drama.
Finally, he picked up his phone and dialed a number.
"Track Yash's car," he ordered coldly when his man answered. "And send me every single detail about this so-called sister of his. I want her entire life history on my desk by morning."
There was a pause. "Boss… should we follow them right now?"
Ved hesitated for a moment… but then said, "No. Let him think he's winning. Let her see the truth herself."
But deep down, his chest ached. Because right now, Reha was out there… and she wasn't with him.
An hour later, Yash's car finally stopped at the airport. Reha spotted a young woman walking toward them — tall, gorgeous, with wavy brown hair and piercing hazel eyes. She was dressed in a chic black dress, a rolling suitcase trailing behind her.
"Maddy!" Yash called out, pulling her into a tight hug.
Reha smiled faintly, stepping forward. "Hi, I'm Reha—"
But before she could finish, Maddy's eyes locked on her… and in that single glance, Reha felt it.
There was something off. Something dangerous. The way Maddy sized her up wasn't friendly at all.
"Oh," Maddy said smoothly, her accent crisp, "so you're Reha. I've heard… a lot."
Reha blinked. "A lot? About me?"
Maddy smiled faintly, almost wickedly. "Oh yes. More than you can imagine."
And just like that, Reha knew…This wasn't going to be simple.
Back at the Oberoi mansion, Ved stared out the window, a storm raging in his chest. He didn't know why… but something told him Yash wasn't just playing a game anymore. This time, he was setting a trap.
And Reha… was right in the middle of it.