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Chapter 55 - Episode 55:Maira-Teju grihapravesh

The tires crunched over gravel as the car sped away from Kakkar Mansion. In the backseat, Maira studied Teju's pale reflection in the window.

"Look at me," Maira said gently, turning Teju's face toward her. The tear tracks glittered in passing streetlights. "Are you okay?"

A broken laugh escaped Teju's lips. "Okay? I just learned my parents weren't mine, my family never was... and they publicly disowned me." Her fingers twisted in the lehenga fabric. "Would you be okay?"

Maira pulled her closer. "No. But everything happens for—"

"Reason?" Teju's voice cracked. "What possible reason could there be for abandoning a baby by the river?"

Maira pulled her closer, her own throat tight. As Teju's quiet sobs filled the car, a chilling thought surfaced: *This reeks of Mohana's work.* The timing, the river abandonment—it fit the witch's brutal patterns. But she bit back the words, sensing Teju wasn't ready for darker truths.

"However it happened," Maira said instead, rubbing circles on Teju's back, "you're not alone now."

Mihir stretched his arms behind his head, the leather seat creaking. "So, *Professor*," he drawled, nudging Sahir's shoulder. "You came here to play hero and ended up as the groom. That's some fieldwork." 

Sahir kept his eyes on the dark road, but a smirk tugged at his lips. "I did it to save my love." His grip tightened on the wheel. "Forget about me—you're the one who married Maira. Voluntarily." 

"Circumstantially," Mihir corrected, shooting a glance at the rearview mirror where Maira was comforting Teju. "We were dodging the Don's goons. Hid in a mass wedding, played bride and groom to blend in..." He shrugged. "Priest got overzealous with the vows." 

Sahir's quiet chuckle filled the front seat. "Always knew you two had chemistry." 

"Shut up dude." Mihir elbowed him, but his usual smirk was absent. In the backseat, Maira's fingers stilled for half a second on Teju's back—whether she'd heard, neither brother could tell.

The wrought-iron gates creaked open as Sahir's car rolled into the estate. Before the engine even cut off, Sapna came rushing down the marble steps - only to freeze at the sight of two brides exiting the car.

"Beta...?" Her silk nightgown fluttered in the breeze as her eyes darted between the brothers' wedding attire. "You... both...?"

Lights flickered on upstairs. Within moments, the entire household clustered in the courtyard -

Moti Baa's cane struck the marble. "Have you lost your minds? Sahir, you were pledged to Ruby! This family's very survival—"

"Yes, Baa," Sahir said calmly, stepping forward with Teju's hand firmly in his. "And I chose Teju instead." He turned to Sapna, whose face had gone pale. "Ma, I know what I promised about Ruby. But this is where my heart led me. I'm sorry to hurt you."

A heavy silence fell. Mihir leaned against the car, arms crossed - the very picture of a man who wouldn't explain himself if tortured.

Then Sapna moved.

Everyone held their breath as she walked stiffly back into the mansion. But when she returned, it wasn't with tears or fury - but a silver puja thali, its diya already lit.

"Uma," she said, voice trembling only slightly. "Prepare the griha pravesh rituals. My daughters-in-law must enter their new home properly."

Mihir's head snapped up. Even Sahir looked stunned as Sapna extended the thali toward the bewildered brides, the flame casting dancing shadows across their faces.

As Uma arranged the kalash and diyas for the grihapravesh, Moti Baa pulled Sapna aside near the hibiscus bushes. The older woman's voice dropped to a urgent whisper:

"You remember what the priest foretold - only Ruby's marriage could protect Sahir from Mohana's evil eye!" Her gnarled fingers clutched Sapna's wrist. "Have you forgotten the prophecy?"

Sapna gazed at where Sahir stood with Teju, his hand resting protectively on her back. "I remember every word," she said softly. "But look at him, Baa. When has our Sahir ever glowed like this?" She turned back with quiet determination. "As his mother, I must honor the happiness he's found. God will protect both my sons in His own way."

She touched the mangalsutra at her throat. "If He's brought Tejaswini and Maira into our family, there must be divine purpose in it."

Moti Baa studied the two brides - Teju's quiet strength, Maira's watchful protectiveness. "I pray you're right," she finally sighed, adjusting her sari pallu. "For all our sakes."

As they rejoined the gathering, Sapna clapped her hands twice. "Begin the grihapravesh!"

The conch shell sounded as:

- Uma sprinkled rosewater before the threshold

- The priest chanted the sacred verses

- Sahir guided Teju over the rice-lined entrance

- Mihir hovered behind Maira, his usual smirk replaced by uncharacteristic solemnity

Outside the gates, unseen by all, a single red bangle rolled across the path before vanishing into the bushes.

As Teju and Maira crossed the threshold together, their feet leaving impressions in the rice-strewn mandala, an extraordinary sight unfolded in the household temple. Every unlit diya along the altar spontaneously flared to life, their flames burning impossibly straight despite the afternoon breeze.

The family continued the rituals unaware - Uma scattering petals, the priest chanting, Moti Baa nodding approval. Only Sapna noticed. Her breath caught as she watched:

• The twin flames before Lord Shiva's idol dancing in perfect sync

• The sacred tulsi plant near the doorway suddenly blooming out of season

• A single ray of sunlight piercing through cloud cover to illuminate both brides' faces

Her hands flew to her neck in quiet awe. *This is no coincidence,* she realized. *The divine has placed these girls in my sons' paths.*

When Maira's nervous fingers brushed Teju's for balance, Sapna saw how the temple flames leaped higher in response. A mother's certainty settled in her heart - whatever dangers Mohana might bring, these unions were blessed.

As she stepped forward to apply the ceremonial tilak, Sapna whispered words only the brides could hear: "Welcome home, betiyan."

The festive atmosphere froze when Ruby appeared in the doorway, her eyes red-rimmed and her designer lehenga slightly rumpled. She clutched a damp handkerchief in trembling hands.

"How could you do this, Sahir?" Her voice broke perfectly as she stepped forward, the picture of a heartbroken woman. "We were supposed to... all the plans we made..."

Sahir stiffened but maintained his grip on Teju's hand. "Ruby, I'm sorry—"

"Sorry?" A single tear traced her cheek. "You and I are engaged to be married . You promised me." She turned to Teju with wounded dignity. "At least be happy, I suppose."

Mihir rolled his eyes. "Oh please, spare us the—"

Ruby's breath hitched dramatically. "I just... need time." She pressed the handkerchief to her lips and hurried toward the guest room.

Sapna immediately moved to follow. "I'll talk to her," she told Sahir, pausing to pat Teju's shoulder. "Don't let this ruin your day, beti."

As Sapna disappeared down the hall, the faint sound of Ruby's "sobs" echoed back to them - a performance almost too perfect to be real.

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