The time had come.

The wedding celebrations had been filled with laughter, rituals, and promises, but now, as the final farewell loomed over them, the air grew heavy. The joyous melodies of the dhol had softened into a melancholic tune, and the twinkling lights around the venue seemed dimmer, as if mourning the moment with them.

Kainaat stood at the threshold of her home—no, her past home. The place where she had spent every moment of her life, where every corner held memories, now felt like it was slipping away. She clutched her dupatta tightly, her fingers trembling as she tried to hold herself together.

Charulata Ji-her dadi, the one who had raised her with unwavering love, stood in front of her, her wrinkled hands shaking as they cupped Kainaat's face. "My child… you are leaving as a daughter, but remember, no matter where you go, this home, will always be yours."

Kainaat's throat burned as she tried to hold back the sob threatening to break free.

Her best friend, Preety, wiped away her own tears and forced a smile. "Kai, if your husband ever troubles you, just give me one call. I’ll come running, even if I have to fight the whole world."

A broken laugh escaped Diya before it turned into a quiet sob. "You won’t need to," she whispered. "I’ll be fine…"

But was she convincing them or herself?

Her gaze finally landed on Yuvraj, standing a few steps away. Unlike her, he looked calm, composed, his expression unreadable as always. He had been silent throughout the ceremony, following the traditions without much reaction. Did this moment mean anything to him?

Her heart clenched. She wanted to see something in his eyes—reassurance, understanding, anything. But he simply extended his hand toward her, a silent gesture for her to step forward.

But like always, she chose to ignore it, convincing herself that this was just how he was. Maybe, after living with him, understanding him—she would finally get to know the man behind this silence.

Taking a shaky breath, she turned back one last time.

Charulata ji was crying now, openly, clutching Priya's hand for support. Her uncle wiped his eyes discreetly, and her little cousins waved at her, too innocent to understand the depth of this farewell.

As Kainaat stood at the threshold of her home, trying to hold herself together, a sudden chorus of excited voices broke through her whirlwind of emotions.

"Kainaat Didi!"

Before she could react, a group of little girls came running towards her, their tiny feet pattering against the ground. Their faces were flushed with emotion, their eyes glistening with unshed tears.

One of the youngest clung to her leg, her voice trembling. "Didi, are you really going away?"

Kainaat crouched down, pulling all of them into a warm embrace. "I have to, my little stars," she whispered, stroking their heads. "But I will always be with you."

Another girl, slightly older, sniffled as she held Diya’s hand tightly. "Who will teach us dance now? Who will tell us stories?"

Kainaat swallowed the lump in her throat and smiled, though it wobbled. "You all are my best students. You’ll keep dancing, won’t you? And whenever you miss me, just close your eyes and remember everything I taught you."

The smallest one wiped her tears with the back of her hand. "But we’ll miss you too much, Didi!"

Kainaat kissed her forehead. "I will miss you more, I promise."

One of the elder girls looked at Yuvraj, then back at Kainaat. "Is he nice?" she asked innocently. "Will he let you dance?"

Kainaat hesitated for a moment before smiling. "Of course. He will."

As she straightened, one of them suddenly rushed forward, tying a small beaded bracelet around Kainaat’s wrist.

"This is for you, Didi. So you don’t forget us."

Tears spilled over her eyes as she held the little girl's hand. "I could never forget you."

As she turned towards the car, her heart ached in a way she had never felt before. The little hands that had once pulled her into playful twirls were now waving goodbye, and with every step she took, a piece of her heart stayed behind.

As Kainaat took slow steps towards the car with Yuvraj beside her, her heart felt heavier with each passing moment. The voices of her little students calling her name, the tearful eyes of her loved ones—it was all becoming too overwhelming.

Just then, her Dadi, Charulata Ji, turned towards Yuvraj’s mother, her wrinkled hands trembling slightly as she folded them in a plea.

"Please treat her well," she whispered, her voice filled with emotion. "She is my life… my little girl. I’ve raised her with all the love I had."

Shilpa Ji, Yuvraj’s mother, with a warm, reassuring smile, gently took Charulata Ji’s hands in hers.

"Don’t worry, Charulata Ji," she said firmly. "She will be treated as a queen in our home. As my daughter, not just my daughter-in-law."

Hearing those words, Kainaat felt a lump rise in her throat. She turned to see Charulata ji's eyes brimming with unshed tears, yet a small sense of relief flickered across her face.

Shilpa Ji cupped Charulata Ji’s hands. "She is my responsibility now, and I promise you, she will never feel alone."

Kainaat’s eyes misted as she looked at her grandmother one last time before stepping into the car.

The car door closed, sealing her fate.

As they drove away, leaving behind everything she had ever known, she stole a glance at the man beside her.

Would this new life be everything she dreamed of, or something entirely unexpected?

She had no answer yet.