✦ 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝟏: 𝐇𝐀𝐋𝐃𝐈 ✦

𝐈𝐧 𝐚 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐝𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧,

𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐚𝐥𝐥.

The lively beats of a Punjabi wedding song filled the air, blending with the claps and cheers of the guests.

"O kudio gud kine khalia,

Sweety good wali chaa kine pitti, Sweety bhua jida nada kine khichchia,

hain o khichke mari kine CT..."

Younger cousins twirled and danced in their bright yellow outfits, the fabric swirling like sunshine. Aunties sipped chai while exchanging gossip, some fussing over decorations and others adjusting their jewellery for selfies. The scent of marigolds, sandalwood, and desi ghee sweets lingered in the golden courtyard, making it feel like something out of a dream.

Everything was perfect.

Or at least... it was supposed to be.

It was Rudhira's haldi ceremony-a daymeant for joy, blessings, and celebration. But beneath all the brightness, emotions ran far deeper than anyone could see.

"Areh Ishaani bhabhi," Mrs. Sharma called out, fixing her dupatta. "Where's the noor of today's function? Has she gone and hidden out of shyness?"

Ishaani smiled politely. "She's getting ready. You know how quiet she is."

"Achha hai," Mrs. Sharma nodded approvingly. "Quiet girls always seem more... well-mannered. These days-"

"I'll just go bring her," Ishaani interrupted gently, not in the mood to hear yet another 'old-school' lecture on how girls should behave.

She turned away and headed toward Rudhira's room, her heart heavy with unspoken thoughts. She knew her daughter too well-Rudhira never wore her heart on her sleeve, but a mother always knew when something wasn't right.

She knocked lightly, then opened the door.

The room was soaked in soft golden light, spilling in from the window and fairy lights outside. Rudhira sat in front of the mirror, dressed in a floor-length yellow lehenga that shimmered as if kissed by sunlight. Floral jewellery adorned her hair and wrists-delicate jasmine, roses, and marigold.

She looked like a bride.

But her eyes... they told a different story.

She was still. Too still. Her gaze fixed on her reflection, unreadable.

Ishaani walked to her slowly and placed a warm hand on her daughter's shoulder. "Kya soch rahi ho, beta?"

Rudhira blinked as if pulled back from some far-off place. A faint smile curved her lips. "Nothing, Maa. Just... everything's happening so fast."

"I know it's not easy," Ishaani said, sitting beside her. "With the families... the tension. But this is your life. Your choice. Whatever decision you make, make it for yourself. I'm with you."

Rudhira chuckled lightly, shaking her head. "Thank you, Maa. I love Ayaan. I made this decision wholeheartedly. Just... please handle Baba for me."

"I will," Ishaani promised, brushing a strand of hair from Rudhira's face. "Ayaan's a good man. I've seen how he looks at you, how you smile around him. You deserve this happiness."

A pause.

"Just promise me one thing," Ishaani said softly. "Whatever happens, be honest with yourself. Always."

Rudhira looked at her mother, her smile now gentler. "I promise."

"Now come on. Your haldi's waiting." Ishaani rose, but just as she reached for the door-

"Can I talk to Di for a moment?" a voice asked.

Vivaan.

He stepped into the room, his usually playful face shadowed with seriousness.

"I'll be outside," Ishaani said, sensing this wasn't just a casual chat.

As the door closed behind her, Vivaan's expression turned grave.

"Are you sure?" he asked quietly. "About all of this?"

Rudhira didn't look away. "I've thought it through."

"I just don't want you to regret this."

"I already know the risks, Vivaan." Her voice was steady. "Even if I get hurt... I will still do it."

Vivaan stared at her, pain and fear flashing in his eyes-but he nodded. "I hope you're right."

•┈๑⋅⋯✧⋯⋅๑┈•

✦ 𝐌𝐈𝐃𝐍𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓 ✦

The house had gone silent. Not even the wind stirred.

She slipped into the room quietly, careful not to wake anyone. A soft creak echoed as she closed the door behind her. Moonlight slanted through the curtains, casting silver shadows along the walls.

She barely took a step when-

"You're late."

The voice sliced through the darkness.

She froze.

Her heart leapt into her throat. Her eyes darted around, searching-until a figure stepped forward from the shadows.

Him.

The man she wasn't supposed to see. Not now. Not here. Not tonight.

"What are you doing here?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

He didn't answer right away. He stepped closer, the smirk on his lips sending a shiver down her spine.

"You finally did it," he said. "You're brave, I'll give you that. But tell me, Rudhira... how long do you think you'll survive this decision?"

She clenched her fists. "You can't control me."

He chuckled, low and dangerous. "Can't I?"

"You disgust me," she spat.

He only tilted his head. "You don't even know what game you've walked into."

She stared at him, her chest rising and falling with rage and fear. "I'm not scared of you."

"You should be."

And then-he was gone. As quickly as he'd come, he disappeared back into the shadows.

Rudhira stood frozen, her breath trembling. The silence returned, heavier than ever.

And she knew-this night was just the beginning.

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Hey cherries,

Thank you for reading till the end—things are only just beginning to unravel.

Who do you think the man in the shadows is?

What game is Rudhira unknowingly part of?

Drop your guesses in the comments!

Don’t forget to vote, comment, and follow if you're loving the story.

See you in the next chapter!