Chapter 8: No More Escaping

The banquet hall remained silent after Veeresh and Poornima voiced their objections.

Devraj looked at both of them without losing his composure.

Then, with complete authority, he spoke.

Devraj: "The discussion is over."

Everyone turned toward him.

Devraj: "The wedding will take place next week."

He looked directly at Veeresh.

Devraj: "No more escaping."

Then he turned to Poornima.

Devraj: "And no more excuses."

Veeresh frowned.

Veeresh: "Dad—"

Devraj raised his hand.

Devraj: "Not another word."

The room fell silent again.

Devraj turned toward the families.

Devraj: "Raghav."

Raghav: "Yes?"

Devraj: "Shirisha."

Shirisha: "Yes, Bhai."

Devraj: "Rukmini."

Rukmini: "Hmm."

Devraj: "Aravind."

Aravind: "Yes, Dad."

Devraj: "Arjun."

Arjun: "Present."

Devraj smiled.

Devraj: "The five of you will start preparing for Veeresh and Poornima's wedding."

He then looked at the Rathore brothers.

Devraj: "Revanth."

Revanth: "Yes, Uncle."

Devraj: "Rohit."

Rohit: "Yes."

Devraj: "You both will handle every arrangement from the Rathore family's side."

Revanth: "We'll take care of it."

Rohit: "Don't worry."

Devraj nodded with satisfaction.

Devraj: "Good."

Then he looked at the bride and groom.

Both were standing with identical expressions of disbelief.

Arjun leaned toward Aravind and whispered,

Arjun: "Look at them."

"They're standing like they've been sentenced by the Supreme Court."

Aravind struggled to hide his laughter.

Aravind: "Stop it."

Rajshree: "One more joke and Uncle really will throw cake at you."

Arjun immediately became quiet.

Across the hall, Raghav walked toward Poornima.

His voice was gentle.

Raghav: "Poornima."

She looked at him.

Poornima: "Papa..."

He knew she wanted answers.

But this wasn't the place.

He simply placed a hand on her shoulder.

Raghav: "You both go home."

He glanced at Veeresh.

Raghav: "We'll talk later."

Veeresh looked at his father.

Veeresh: "Dad, I need to speak with you."

Devraj: "At home."

Veeresh: "But—"

Devraj: "At home."

Veeresh exhaled in frustration but said nothing further.

Poornima quietly picked up her handbag.

Without looking at Veeresh, she began walking toward the exit.

A few seconds later, Veeresh also headed out from the opposite side of the hall.

The celebration continued behind them, but for the two people at the center of the announcement, the evening had turned into complete chaos.

As Devraj watched them leave, Raghav came and stood beside him.

Raghav (smirking): "You really are dangerous."

Devraj: "Why?"

Raghav: "You announced their wedding before asking them."

Devraj: "If I'd asked first, both would have disappeared before I finished the sentence."

Raghav laughed despite himself.

Raghav: "Let's just hope your confidence isn't misplaced."

Devraj watched the hotel entrance where Veeresh and Poornima had just walked out.

Devraj: "Sometimes destiny needs a little push."

Raghav shook his head with a smile.

Raghav: "Or a stubborn old friend."

The two fathers exchanged a knowing glance, while neither Veeresh nor Poornima realized that the coming week would test their patience, challenge their past, and perhaps change their future forever.