The next morning, Pratap called his family together. “Everyone,” he began, “there is an important announcement. Poornima will be marrying Veeresh Singh.”

A murmur of shock and disapproval ran through the room. Many family members shook their heads, voices rising with objections.

“This… this is impossible!” one aunt exclaimed. “She is older… he is the son of Veerendra Singh… it’s unheard of!”

But Pratap’s voice cut through the chaos, firm and unwavering. “Tomorrow is the marriage. And after one week, Anand and Kavya will be married. This is decided.”

Poornima stood silently, her heart pounding. Shock froze her in place. “Papa…” she whispered, her voice trembling.

“I gave you a lot of time,” Pratap said gently but firmly. “But you didn’t decide. Get ready. Tomorrow is your wedding with Veeresh Singh.”

Poornima turned and walked slowly to her room, tears blurring her vision. She sank onto her bed, clutching her hands to her chest, and cried quietly.

“How… how can I marry my samdhan?” she thought, anguish flooding her mind. “What will Anand think… my son? How can I do this?”

The room felt heavy, the walls pressing in as she sat there, overwhelmed by the impossible reality. Her heart was torn between duty, love, and the weight of society’s expectations, and the thought of tomorrow seemed almost unbearable.