Author's POV)
After 2 Weeks...
Oberoi Mansion didn't look normal anymore.
It looked like a wedding dream.
The entire place was glowing-literally.
Golden drapes hung elegantly from the ceilings, fresh marigold and jasmine flowers decorated every corner, and fairy lights wrapped around pillars, giving the mansion a warm, royal glow. The soft sound of dhol and wedding songs echoed in the background, blending perfectly with the laughter of people moving around.
Servants rushed from one place to another.
Designers. Decorators. Caterers.
Everything was happening at once.
The Oberoi Mansion had officially turned into a wedding house.
---
The past two weeks had passed in a blur.
Both families had been busy with preparations.
Miya had slowly become comfortable with Reyansh's family-laughing with Riya, shopping with Ira, even sharing small moments with Nisha.
But with Reyansh?
Nothing had changed.
And honestly-
It didn't even matter to her anymore.
On the other hand, Reyansh's life had been equally chaotic. Multi-million deals, back-to-back meetings, and on top of that-
This "wedding drama."
---
And today-
The chaos had doubled.
Because today was Reyansh's Haldi and Mehendi.
---
"Make sure the food isn't too spicy!" Nisha's voice echoed through the hall as she instructed the staff. "And I want at least ten varieties of sweets. Also, where are the return gifts? I know only special guests are coming, but I want gifts for everyone."
She turned around, checking everything personally.
That's when Anshuman walked in, holding a glass of juice.
"Why so much tension early in the morning, madam?" he said casually, handing her the glass. "Here, drink this and relax. They'll handle everything."
Riya nodded immediately.
"Exactly, Mom! Even I'm telling you the same thing. Everyone knows their job. But no-you have to repeat everything again and again."
Nisha shot both of them a look.
"You two just stay out of this," she said. "It's my son's wedding. I don't want a single thing to go wrong. Everything has to be perfect."
Her voice softened slightly.
"God is finally giving my child happiness... I don't want anything to ruin it."
Anshuman smiled reassuringly.
"Nothing will go wrong. You'll see-everything will be perfect for him."
They were still talking when-
"Helloooo, people!"
A loud, dramatic voice echoed from the entrance.
Everyone turned.
And there he was-
Arjun.
Standing there with his arms wide open like he had just returned from war.
Nisha's eyes widened.
"Oh wow... look who finally decided to show his face!" she said, walking toward him and pulling his ear lightly. "Months later-and that too just one day before your brother's wedding?"
"Ouch, badi mumma, please!" Arjun winced dramatically. "It's not my fault. Bhai sent me away for work! And when I said I'll come early, he was like-'Don't you dare show your face until the work is done.' I swear, I'm innocent here!"
"Wait till I see him," Nisha muttered. "How dare he stop you from coming?"
Arjun quickly slipped away and went straight to Vikram, touching his feet.
"Dadu, save me. I just walked into danger."
Vikram chuckled.
"Drama king."
Arjun grinned and then hugged Meera tightly.
"Mummyyy, you missed me, right?"
Meera rolled her eyes but smiled.
"Oh yes, very much. That's why you took so long to come?"
"Arre, I came only because I missed you," he said innocently.
Riya walked up and crossed her arms.
"Wow. Look who's here. Why are you showing me your face so early in the morning?"
Arjun gasped.
"Did you just call my face this? Excuse me, I'm the most handsome in this house."
Riya scoffed.
"In your dreams."
The entire hall burst into laughter.
---
Amid all the chaos, laughter, and teasing-
The house felt alive.
Full of joy.
Full of excitement.
___
Srivastava Mansion
Unlike Oberoi Mansion's royal glow-
Srivastava Mansion had a different kind of chaos.
It wasn't grand.
But it was busy.
Colorful dupattas were tied across the walls, artificial flower decorations hung unevenly, and loud wedding songs played from an old speaker in the corner. The house was filled with relatives' voices, random laughter, and constant instructions being shouted from one room to another.
It felt like a typical wedding house-
Messy. Loud. Real.
---
"Kirti! KirtIIII!"
Rashmi's sharp voice echoed through the hall as she walked in, clearly irritated.
Within seconds, Kirti came rushing down the stairs.
"Yes... Rashmi maa?"
Rashmi crossed her arms, scanning her from head to toe.
"Oh wow... madam is comfortably sitting in her room?" she said sarcastically. "In some time, the haldi and mehendi functions will start, and Miya's outfits aren't even here yet!"
Kirti lowered her eyes.
"And what about the food?" Rashmi continued. "Didn't I tell you to prepare sweets with the help of the servants? Guests will start coming anytime."
"I-I was just-" Kirti tried to speak.
But Rashmi cut her off.
"I don't want excuses."
Her voice turned colder.
"And listen carefully... once the haldi starts, don't show your face there."
Kirti froze.
"I don't want your shadow anywhere near my daughter's wedding rituals. Do you understand?"
Silence.
Kirti just nodded slowly.
"Yes..."
"Good."
Rashmi turned and walked away as if nothing had happened.
---
Kirti stood there for a moment-
Still.
Quiet.
Then she turned and walked toward the kitchen.
Her eyes slightly teary.
But she didn't let the tears fall.
Not here.
Not now.
---
Inside the kitchen-
She started working silently.
Cutting. Stirring. Preparing.
Surrounded by so many people in the house-
Yet she felt completely alone.
And that wasn't how it used to be.
Her hands slowed down for a moment as thoughts filled her mind.
What kind of fate is this...?
Papa... who once loved me... now can't even look at me properly.
And Rashmi maa... doesn't even let me attend the functions.
She swallowed the lump in her throat.
It's not like I even want to go...
But every time Miya asks me... and I say no... it hurts.
Because Miya-
Was the only one who still saw her.
---
Just then-
Miya entered the kitchen.
"Kirti..." she said softly.
Kirti quickly wiped her eyes and turned.
"Yes?"
Miya frowned slightly.
"You're crying again, aren't you?"
Kirti forced a smile.
"No... just smoke from the kitchen."
Miya didn't believe it.
But before she could say anything-
"MIYA!"
Rashmi's voice echoed again.
Miya rolled her eyes slightly.
"I'll come back," she whispered to Kirti and walked out.
---
Hall Area
Rashmi was standing with a few relatives, showing them jewelry.
"Yes, this is all specially customized," she said proudly. "After all, it's my daughter's wedding."
Rajesh stood beside her, half-listening.
Miya walked up.
"Yes, Mom?"
Rashmi turned instantly.
"Where were you? Guests are arriving and you're roaming in the kitchen?"
Miya frowned.
"I wasn't roaming. I just went to-"
"Enough," Rashmi cut her off. "Go get ready. And please behave properly in front of guests."
Miya's patience snapped slightly.
"I am behaving properly."
Rashmi leaned closer, lowering her voice.
"Then act like a bride. At least pretend to be happy."
That hit.
Miya looked away.
Rajesh finally spoke, trying to ease things.
"Rashmi, let her be. She'll manage."
Rashmi sighed dramatically.
"Of course, I'm the only one who worries about everything in this house."
Then turning to Miya again-
"Just go and get ready."
Miya didn't argue this time.
She simply walked away.
---
Back in the kitchen-
Kirti continued working.
Silently.
Carefully.
Hiding everything behind her calm face.
Because in this house-
That's all she could do.
___
Oberoi Mansion - Haldi Ceremony
The Oberoi Mansion was glowing even brighter now.
The Haldi ceremony had officially begun.
Yellow drapes, fresh marigold flowers, and sunlight falling perfectly over the decorated courtyard-it looked straight out of a dream. Traditional songs played in the background, mixed with laughter and teasing voices.
Riya and Ira were dressed in matching yellow shararas, both looking absolutely radiant as they moved around excitedly, managing everything and also creating chaos at the same time.
Nisha and Meera, dressed in elegant sarees, looked graceful-perfectly fitting the role of the groom's mother and chachi.
And in the center of it all-
Sat Reyansh.
Wearing a simple white kurta.
Expression?
Completely uninterested.
He sat there, surrounded by happiness-
Yet detached from it.
---
One by one, family members came forward to apply haldi.
Light laughter. Blessings. Smiles.
Nisha walked toward him first.
Her eyes softened the moment she saw her son like this.
Before applying haldi, she gently put a black tika behind his ear.
"To protect you from evil," she whispered.
Then, taking haldi in both her hands, she applied it softly on his cheeks.
For a moment-
Her eyes got slightly teary.
Meera came next, smiling warmly as she applied haldi on his arms and face.
"Stay happy... always," she said softly.
Then came Vikram, placing a firm hand on Reyansh's shoulder before applying haldi.
"Be strong," he said simply.
Anshuman followed, ruffling Reyansh's hair slightly.
"Don't run away now," he joked.
Reyansh just sighed.
---
And then-
The chaos squad arrived.
Arjun.
Aarav.
Riya.
Ira.
All together.
"Wait wait wait!" Arjun said dramatically. "First, photos!"
Within seconds, they surrounded Reyansh, posing like it was a magazine shoot.
"Bro, at least smile once," Aarav whispered.
"Not happening," Reyansh replied dryly.
Click. Click. Click.
Photos done.
And then-
Arjun cracked his knuckles.
Reyansh narrowed his eyes immediately.
"If you all are thinking of doing something stupid..." he said slowly, "don't even think about it. Just apply haldi and leave."
Silence.
Then-
Arjun grinned.
"Bhaiyaaa... how can you say that?" he said dramatically. "I literally came all the way just to make your wedding interesting."
Riya and Ira giggled behind him.
Aarav smirked.
Reyansh gave them a warning look.
"Last chance."
Too late.
While Reyansh was busy glaring at Arjun-
Riya and Ira exchanged a look.
And in the next second-
SPLASH!
A full bucket of haldi water-
Right on Reyansh.
"What the-?!"
Before he could even react-
Aarav and Arjun grabbed him.
"Happy Haldiiiii, bro!" they shouted.
And literally lifted him-
And threw him into the haldi pool.
"ARE YOU GUYS MAD?!" Reyansh shouted, finally losing his calm.
"YES!" Arjun yelled back. "Completely!"
"Danceeee!" Riya screamed.
Music volume increased.
People started clapping.
Reyansh tried to get up-
But Aarav pushed him back slightly.
"Stay there. Enjoy your moment."
Reyansh glared at all of them.
"You're all dead."
Riya laughed.
"Catch us first!"
And just like that-
Chaos spread.
Riya and Ira started running-
But Arjun grabbed them both and pulled them toward the pool.
"No escaping now!"
"NOOO!" they screamed.
SPLASH!
Both of them fell into the haldi water.
They came up laughing, completely drenched.
Aarav joined in, pushing Arjun-
And within seconds-
Everyone was covered in haldi.
Even the calm ones weren't spared.
---
Meera stood at a distance, watching all this-
Smiling.
Then suddenly-
She walked forward quietly.
And pushed Aarav and Arjun lightly from behind.
Both slipped again.
"mumma" Arjun shouted.
The entire place burst into laughter.
Even Vikram chuckled.
Nisha tried to act strict-
But failed, smiling at the madness.
---
And in the middle of it all-
Reyansh stood there.
Completely drenched in haldi.
Hair messy.
Face covered.
Expression?
Annoyed.
But for a split second-
There was something else too.
A hint of life.
A hint of something real.
Before he hid it again.
---
The Haldi ceremony turned into a full celebration.
Messy. Loud. Chaotic.
But full of warmth.
Full of love.
Exactly how a wedding should be.
___
Srivastava Mansion - Haldi Ceremony
While Oberoi Mansion was filled with laughter and playful chaos-
Srivastava Mansion had its own version of celebration.
Loud. Crowded. Slightly messy-
But alive.
The house was now packed with guests. Relatives had started arriving since morning, filling every corner with chatter, opinions, and unnecessary advice.
Bright yellow dupattas were tied across the hall, marigold flowers hung loosely, and a small haldi setup was arranged in the center with a decorated stool for Miya.
Traditional songs blasted from the speakers-sometimes too loud, sometimes cutting in between-but no one really cared.
---
"Arre Rashmiii!" a loud voice echoed from the entrance.
Rashmi's elder sister walked in, dressed heavily, her bangles clinking as she moved.
"Finally!" Rashmi rushed toward her. "You took so long!"
"What to do? So much work at home," her sister replied dramatically. "But how could I miss my niece's haldi?"
Behind her, their mother entered slowly, supported by a relative.
"Where is my bride?" she asked with a smile.
Rashmi immediately touched her feet.
"Inside, Maa. Getting ready."
"Hmm," her mother nodded, scanning the house. "Good... arrangements are decent."
Rashmi smiled proudly, even though she knew things weren't perfect.
---
Guests continued arriving.
Some praising.
Some judging.
Typical.
"Food ready hai na?"
"Kitne log bulaye hai?"
"Ladka kaisa hai?"
Questions floated everywhere.
Rashmi handled everything with a forced smile, constantly instructing the servants.
"Serve sweets properly."
"Don't let anything finish."
"Keep the trays full!"
She was everywhere at once.
Trying to maintain control.
Trying to look perfect.
---
Finally-
Miya was brought to the hall.
Dressed in a simple yellow outfit.
Minimal makeup.
No heavy jewelry.
She looked beautiful-
But her face?
Still calm.
Still distant.
No excitement.
No bridal glow.
People gathered around her.
"Aww, nazar na lage."
"So pretty!"
"Just like a doll!"
Compliments poured in.
She smiled politely.
Nothing more.
---
The haldi ceremony began.
First, Rashmi stepped forward.
Holding haldi in her hands, she applied it on Miya's cheeks gently.
"Stay happy," she said softly.
But her eyes-
Held expectations more than emotions.
Then her sister came, applying haldi while teasing,
"After marriage, don't forget us, okay?"
Their mother followed, blessing Miya with a warm smile.
"Be strong," she whispered.
One by one-
Relatives came.
Applied haldi.
Took photos.
Laughed loudly.
---
But amidst all this-
Someone was missing.
Or rather-
Someone was kept away.
---
Inside the kitchen-
Kirti stood quietly.
Her hands busy.
Her heart... not so much.
She could hear everything from there.
The music.
The laughter.
The voices calling Miya's name.
She paused for a second.
Listening.
A faint smile appeared on her lips.
At least she's happy...
But then-
Reality hit again.
She wasn't allowed there.
Not even her presence.
She blinked quickly, forcing herself back to work.
Because that's what she had learned-
Stay silent.
Stay invisible.
---
Back in the hall-
The haldi ceremony continued.
Loud. Bright. Chaotic.
But beneath it-
There were things no one was noticing.
Or maybe-
Choosing not to.
.
.
.
Thank you so much for reading ❤️
I hope you liked this chapter.
Please share your thoughts about Arjun-he's quite funny, right? 😆
Don't forget to like and follow ❤️
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