We all boarded the flight back from Goa, the laughter of the trip still lingering faintly. But when the plane landed in Rajasthan, something felt different. Aroohi didn't speak to us, didn't even pause. She booked her cab straight from the airport and rushed toward the hospital — an emergency, she said.

I watched her leave, a strange heaviness settling in my chest. Karan, Riya, Vikram, and I moved toward our havelli, the familiar walls welcoming us back.

Inside, my family was already gathered in the living room. We talked for a while — small things, routine things — but my mind kept drifting. Her silence, her sudden departure, it gnawed at me.

Later, I went to my room, changed my clothes, and headed to the office. The day passed in meetings, files, and endless calls. Work kept me busy, but not enough to silence the thought of her.

When I returned home in the evening, Maa's voice pulled me back to reality.
"Reyansh, go change and come back. Dinner is prepared."

I nodded, went to my room, changed again, and returned to the dining hall. The table was set, the family gathered, but even in that warmth, I felt her absence.

After dinner, we all moved to our rooms. The havelli grew quiet, the laughter fading into silence. I came into my room, but sleep refused to come.

I lay on the bed, restless, my mind circling back to her. Aroohi. She had left so suddenly, without a word, without even looking back. Everyone believed her reason — hospital emergency.

I turned, opened my drawer, and pulled out her photo. The moment my eyes met her smile, the heaviness in my chest softened.

I held the photo close, staring at it as if it could answer the questions burning inside me. Why do you hide from me, Aroohi? Why do I feel like there's more behind your silence?

The world outside was asleep, but I stayed awake, my gaze fixed on her face. Slowly, exhaustion pulled me under, and I drifted into sleep — still holding her photo, still looking at her.

Two days passed quickly, my mind buried in work. I hadn't been in the office for four days, and with our marriage date coming closer, I wanted to finish everything before the wedding. I wanted to give her time, to be free for her.

That evening, I returned home for dinner. The family was gathered around the table, voices overlapping in cheerful conversation. Maa smiled and said,
"Only twenty days are left for the marriage. We have to start shopping. We'll go tomorrow."

Karan leaned forward, curious.
"Aur Aroohi aur uski family aaegi?"

Maa shook her head.
"Nahi, they also have to prepare."

Then Dadu spoke, his tone casual but his words sharp enough to silence the room.
"Aroohi waise bhi yaha nahi hai. Vo New York gayi hai."

Everyone turned to look at him — even me. My chest tightened.

Dadu raised his hand, almost defensive.
"Aise mat dekho. Mujhe bhi aaj pata chala uske chacha se. Vo kisi emergency ki wajah se gayi hai."

The room fell quiet. My mind raced. She hadn't told me. She hadn't told anyone. Just gone.

Dinner ended, and everyone moved to their rooms. I walked into mine, the silence pressing against me. The thought of her leaving — without telling me, without telling anyone — made my heart ache in a way I couldn't explain.

I sat on the bed, restless, my mind replaying her goodbye at the airport. So quick, so distant. She hadn't even looked back.

I opened my drawer slowly, my fingers trembling, and pulled out her photo. Her smile stared back at me, soft and innocent, yet it carried secrets I couldn't reach.

I held the photo close, my chest tightening. Why didn't you tell me, Aroohi? Why do you keep your world hidden from me?

The questions burned, but the answers never came. My eyes grew heavy, and slowly, I drifted into sleep — still staring at her face, still holding onto the only piece of her I had tonight.

The days slipped by in routine — office in the morning, family in the evening, and nights spent staring at her photo. Work kept me occupied, but beneath it all, the ache of her absence never left.

And now, only one week remained before our wedding. The thought alone made my chest tighten with anticipation.

We were all traveling together to the place where the wedding was going to happen. The havelli was buzzing with excitement, laughter echoing in the halls, plans being made at every corner. Maa's voice carried through the air, reminding everyone of the preparations.

I sat quietly, listening, my mind torn between two worlds — the joy of our upcoming marriage and the silence of her absence. She was still in New York, still hidden behind the excuse of "work" and "emergency."

But soon, she would be here. Soon, she would walk into this havelli not as a guest, but as my bride.

And as the car rolled toward the wedding venue, one thought echoed inside me: No matter what secrets you're hiding, Aroohi... in one week, you'll be mine.

Days passed in a blur. Work, meetings, emergencies — everything kept me occupied, but inside, my mind was restless. The countdown had begun. Only one week remained before the wedding.

I stood by the window of my hotel room in New York, staring at the city lights. My heart was torn between two worlds — the life waiting for me in Rajasthan, and the shadows I carried here with them.

Tomorrow, I would leave. Tomorrow, I would return to the place where my marriage was going to happen. Everyone must be busy with preparations, laughter filling the havelli, colors and music painting the air. And me? I was still hiding. Still carrying secrets no one knew.

I touched the edge of the mirror, whispering to myself,
"Pari... soon you'll be Aroohi again. Soon you'll stand as a bride. But will they ever know who you really are?"

The thought made my chest ache. Reyansh's confession echoed in my mind, his promise of love, his eyes filled with sincerity.

I closed my eyes, breathing deeply. Tomorrow, I would go back. Tomorrow, I would step into the world of family, rituals, and love. But tonight, in this city, I was still Pari — the girl of shadows, the girl of revenge, the girl no one truly knew.

The car moved steadily along the road, carrying me closer to the place where our wedding was going to happen. My heart thudded with every passing mile. From today, the functions would begin. And today... was my haldi.

I leaned back against the seat, watching the scenery blur past the window. The air outside was filled with anticipation, but inside me, there was a storm. Everyone must be waiting, excited, preparing for the rituals. Smiles, laughter, colors — all of it waiting for me.

But I sat quietly, my face calm, my thoughts restless. Pari and Aroohi — two names, two lives, colliding inside me. To them, I was the bride-to-be, the girl stepping into love and family. But deep within, I carried shadows no one could see.

The driver announced softly, "Madam, we are almost there."

I nodded, clutching the edge of my dupatta. My chest tightened. This wasn't just a ritual. This was the beginning of everything — the wedding, the promises, the life everyone believed I was ready for.

And yet, as the car rolled toward the destination, one thought echoed in my mind:
Will they ever know who I truly am? Or will I always remain Pari in the shadows, and Aroohi in the light?

The car finally stopped at the grand destination where our wedding was going to happen. My heart raced as I stepped out, greeted instantly by my family's warm smiles and cheerful voices.

Chachi came forward, her hands gently holding mine.
"Aroohi, come beta. Go to your room and get ready. The function will start soon."

I nodded, following her through the decorated corridors, the air already buzzing with excitement. My room was filled with the fragrance of flowers, the walls glowing with festive colors.

I changed into my outfit, the yellow fabric brushing against my skin like sunlight. When I stepped out, Vanya and Ishita were already waiting inside. Their faces lit up the moment they saw me.

I rushed forward, hugging them tightly. Their laughter filled the room, easing the heaviness in my chest.

"Chalo, Aroohi," Ishita said with a grin, "let's make you the prettiest bride-to-be today."

Together, they began helping me get ready — adjusting my dupatta, fixing my jewelry, teasing me with playful remarks. Their chatter wrapped around me like comfort, but deep inside, I carried the silence of my secrets.

The morning sun spilled into my room, and today felt different. The wedding functions were about to begin, and the air carried a restless energy. I stood before the mirror, adjusting my kurta, when Vihaan and Arjun barged in, their laughter filling the room.

"Bhai, today is the start of everything," Arjun teased, tossing a scarf at me.
"You better look perfect. After all, it's your haldi."

Vihaan grinned, helping me fix my collar.
"Don't worry, Reyansh. We'll make sure you look like the groom everyone talks about."

Their banter eased the tension in my chest, but beneath the laughter, my thoughts kept circling back to her. Aroohi.

Just then, Karan entered, his voice carrying news that made my heart skip.
"Reyansh bhai... Aroohi has come back. She's here."

For a moment, the world stilled. My breath caught, my pulse quickened. She was back. After days of silence, after the ache of her absence, she was finally here.

I looked at Vihaan and Arjun, their faces breaking into wide smiles.
"See, bhai," Vihaan said, clapping my shoulder, "now everything will feel complete."

I nodded, my chest tightening with anticipation. The functions were starting, the rituals unfolding, and she was here — my bride-to-be, my fiancée, the one I had waited for.

And as I stepped out with my friends, one thought echoed inside me: This week, she will be mine. Forever.

The courtyard was alive with laughter, marigold garlands swaying in the breeze, and the fragrance of turmeric filling the air. Reyansh sat in the center, his friends Vihaan and Arjun hovering nearby with mischievous grins.

"Bhai, today you won't escape," Arjun teased, holding a bowl of haldi.
Vihaan chuckled, "We'll make sure you look more yellow than the sun itself."

Reyansh rolled his eyes but smiled, his gaze drifting toward the entrance. And then, she came. Aroohi stepped in, glowing in her yellow outfit, her friends Vanya and Ishita by her side. The moment Reyansh saw her, his laughter faded into silence — he was lost, somewhere between reality and a dream.

The family gathered around, voices rising in cheer. Maa applied the first touch of haldi on Reyansh's cheek, blessing him. Then, chaos began.

Karan smeared haldi across Reyansh's forehead, laughing.
"Ab dulha ko pehchanna mushkil hoga!"

Vihaan and Arjun joined in, covering his arms and face until he looked more like a golden statue than a groom. Reyansh tried to protest, but his smile betrayed him.

On the other side, Aroohi sat surrounded by her cousins. Vanya dabbed haldi on her cheeks, Ishita playfully smeared it across her nose.
"Dekho, dulhan ko kitni sharm aa rahi hai," Ishita teased, making everyone laugh.

Aroohi blushed, her eyes lowering, but when she glanced up, she found Reyansh watching her. For a moment, the noise faded. A feeling stirred inside her — unfamiliar yet undeniable.

Reyansh smiled, his face glowing not just with haldi but with love. And Aroohi, for the first time, felt the pull of his gaze, the warmth of his presence.

The haldi was meant tobe playful, and it was. But beneath the laughter, beneath the teasing, something deeper was quietly blooming — a bond that neither of them could ignore anymore.

The haldi had ended, laughter fading into the corridors as everyone returned to their rooms. Aroohi stepped inside hers, moving toward the washroom. Standing before the mirror, she began removing her jewelry one by one, her reflection staring back at her with quiet exhaustion.

The sound of the bathroom door opening startled her. Without turning, she smiled faintly.
"Vaanya, acha hua tu aa gayi... ab meri help kar de."

But it wasn't Vaanya.

Reyansh stepped inside, his presence filling the room. She felt it before she saw him — the warmth, the closeness. Her eyes widened as she caught his reflection in the mirror. Shock rippled through her. She turned quickly, her voice trembling.
"Ansh... you... here? How...?"

He moved closer, his steps deliberate, his gaze locked on hers. Leaning near her ear, his whisper was low, intense, and playful.
"Ab hamari haldi hai... toh apni jaan ko apne rang mein nahi rangunga?"

Her breath caught, her heart racing. The room was silent, but inside her, emotions clashed — surprise, fear, and something she couldn't name.

His voice was low, filled with both hurt and longing.
"Bahut intezaar karwaya hai aapne. Bina bataye chali gayi... ek baar nahi socha humara haal kya hua hoga."

Her breath caught. She looked everywhere — at the floor, at the walls, at her own trembling hands — but not at him. Her voice was almost a whisper, fragile and uncertain.

"Ansh... it was an emergency. When I went to the hospital from the airport, I couldn't tell anyone. And then... for the research, I had to go to New York. I didn't know it would take this much time."

Her words hung in the air, soft and incomplete. She avoided his eyes, but he kept looking at her, continuously, as if searching for the truth she wasn't saying.

The silence of the room was heavy, broken only by the sound of her breath. Aroohi stood frozen, her eyes darting everywhere but his. Reyansh's gaze never left her, steady and consuming.

Slowly, he leaned closer, his hand brushing against her cheek. The haldi smeared softly across her skin as his touch lingered, leaving behind not just color but a mark of his presence.

His other hand held her firmly by the waist, pulling her closer. Her knees weakened, her body trembling, but his hold was strong — unyielding, protective, possessive.

The haldi had ended, but in her room, the ritual continued in silence. Aroohi stood before the mirror, her jewelry removed, her reflection fragile. Reyansh's presence behind her was overwhelming, his cheek brushing hers, his touch leaving haldi smudged across her skin.

And then, he pulled her into his arms. His embrace was firm, protective, unyielding. His face buried in the curve of her neck, his breath warm against her skin.

His voice was low, trembling with both love and hurt.
"Jaan... aage se kahi bhi jaana ho, hume bata dena. Varna... aap toh hamari jaan aise hi le lengi."

The words pierced her heart. She closed her eyes, her body weak in his hold, her soul caught between guilt and longing. Slowly, she nodded, unable to meet his gaze, but silently promising.

He pulled back, his eyes searching hers one last time. Then, without another word, he turned and walked out, leaving her alone in the quiet room — her heart racing, her mind restless, her skin still carrying the warmth of his touch.

NEXT DAY

The havelli was alive with music and laughter. The fragrance of henna filled the air, mingling with the sweetness of marigold garlands. Women sang traditional songs, their voices rising in cheer, while cousins danced in the courtyard.

Aroohi sat in the center, her hands stretched out as the mehndi artist carefully drew intricate designs across her palms. Vanya and Ishita hovered nearby, giggling and teasing.

"Dekhna, Aroohi," Ishita whispered with a grin, "jis haath mein reyansh jiju ka naam likha hoga, wahi sabse gehra rang chhodega."

Vanya added mischievously, "Aur agar rang gehra hua... toh samajh lo, dulha tumse bahut pyaar karta hai."

Aroohi blushed, her eyes lowering, but her lips curved into a shy smile. She tried to hide it, but her cousins caught it instantly.

On the other side, Reyansh entered with Vihaan and Arjun. The moment his eyes found her, he froze — lost in the sight of her, her hands covered in mehndi, her face glowing under the lights.

Arjun nudged him playfully.
"Bhai, lagta hai mehndi ka rang abhi se gehra ho gaya hai."

Vihaan laughed, "Aur agar naam dhoondhna mushkil ho gaya toh... hum madad karenge."

The family burst into laughter, the teasing echoing through the hall. Reyansh shook his head, smiling, but his gaze never left Aroohi. She felt it too — his eyes on her, his presence wrapping around her even in the crowd.

The mehndi had ended in laughter and teasing, the fragrance of henna still lingering in the air. Slowly, the havelli grew quiet as everyone returned to their rooms, the festive chaos giving way to silence.

Reyansh walked back with Vihaan and Arjun, his smile faint but his heart restless. He knew the rules — from tonight until the wedding, he couldn't see her. No stolen glances, no playful interruptions. Just waiting.

On the other side, Aroohi sat in her room, her palms covered in deepening mehndi, her cousins gone, leaving her alone with her thoughts. She traced the patterns with her eyes, her lips whispering his name hidden in the design. Her heart ached with the same restlessness.

The havelli slept under the hush of midnight. Aroohi's room was quiet, her mehndi darkened beautifully on her hands, her breath steady as she lay resting. The moonlight spilled through the balcony, painting her face in silver.

The window creaked open. A shadow slipped inside, moving silently until he sat on the ground near her bed. His eyes never left her face.

It was Reyansh.

Everyone had told them they couldn't see each other until the wedding. But rules meant nothing to him tonight. He was mesmerized — her face glowing in the moonlight, her hair falling softly across her cheek, her lips curved in a faint smile even in sleep.

For a long moment, he just watched, his heart aching with love and longing. She was his bride, his world, his everything. And though he knew he should leave, he couldn't resist stealing this forbidden glance.

Finally, he stood, brushing his fingers lightly against the edge of her dupatta, as if marking his silent presence. Then, with one last look, he slipped back through the balcony, leaving her room as quietly as he had entered.

NEXT DAY

I buttoned my maroon shirt, the fabric smooth against my skin, the color bold and commanding. The black pants balanced it perfectly, sharp and clean. For a moment, I stared at my reflection — not as the groom everyone would see tomorrow, but as a man restless tonight.

Vihaan barged in, whistling.
"Bhai, bas! Dulhan toh kal fida hogi... aaj hum sab fida ho gaye."

karan  laughed,and say.
"Bachelor party hai, bhai. Aaj club mai sab bhai ko hi dekhenge."

I smiled faintly, adjusting my cuffs. Outwardly, I looked calm, but inside, my thoughts weren't on the party. They were on her. Aroohi. Somewhere in the havelli, she was also getting ready, surrounded by her cousins, probably blushing at their teasing.

We all stepped out of the cars together — me, Vihaan, Arjun, Karan, Vikram, Aarav, and Kabir. The night was alive with neon lights and the pulse of music spilling from the club. Arjun led the way with his usual swagger; after all, this was his place. Owning the club meant no restrictions, no interruptions — tonight belonged to us.

As we entered, the staff greeted us with respect, guiding us straight to the VIP suite. The doors opened, revealing a space drenched in luxury — dim lights, plush couches, a private bar stocked to the brim, and the bass of the music vibrating through the walls.

I adjusted my maroon shirt, the fabric catching the glow of the lights, my black pants sharp against the sleek interior. Vihaan clapped me on the shoulder.
"Bhai, dulha toh kal banega... aaj raat humari hai."

Arjun grinned, raising his glass.
"Welcome to your bachelor party, Rey. No rules, no limits — bas yaadgar raat."

I smiled faintly, taking in the scene. The laughter of my brothers, the energy of the night, the freedom of this moment — it was all perfect. And yet, even here, surrounded by them, my mind drifted. I thought of her. Aroohi. Somewhere in her own party, probably blushing under the teasing of Vanya and Ishita.

We settled into the VIP suite, laughter echoing, glasses clinking, music humming in the background. Arjun leaned forward, his eyes sharp but playful.
"Reyansh... sach bata. Do you even like Aroohi? Tum forced toh nahi ho? Hum sab ne bola aur tum maan gaye?"

I turned to him, my brows furrowing, giving him a look that said what the hell.
"Do you think anyone can force me to do something I don't want? If I don't want it, I won't do it."

Vihaan chuckled, nodding.
"True, bro. Reyansh is not the type to bend. But... I know one thing — he doesn't just like Aroohi."

Everyone's eyes shifted to him, curious. Karan leaned forward, his tone serious.
"Then why are you marrying her, bhai? She's such a nice girl. If you don't like her... tell us. And if you're gay, you can say it. We won't feel bad. Brother-in-law ho ya sister-in-law, hum welcome karenge."

I shot him a sharp look, my voice firm.
"Karan, are you not talking too much? I'm not gay."

Vihaan laughed, raising his glass.
"Exactly. He's not gay. And he doesn't dislike Aroohi either."

I leaned back, my voice steady but carrying the weight of truth.
"I don't just like her... I love her. Idiots"

The suite was buzzing a moment ago, but now... silence. Everyone stared at me like I had just revealed something impossible. Their eyes were wide, their expressions frozen — as if they were seeing a ghost.

Everyone, except Kabir. He sat back calmly, a faint smile on his lips. He had always known.

Vikram finally broke the silence, his voice low with disbelief.
"Wow, bhai... jo kabhi kisi ladki ki taraf dekhte tak nahi the, aaj keh rahe ho ki kisi se pyaar karte ho."

I leaned forward, my tone firm, my eyes steady.
"Apni biwi se karta hu... kisi aur se nahi."

And then, Karan — the idiot — leaned forward, grinning.
"Not wife, bhai... soon‑to‑be wife."

I shot him a look, half irritation, half amusement. He always had to add his twist. But even his teasing couldn't shake the truth I had spoken.

The words cut through the quiet like fire. For years, I had been the one who kept distance, who never let anyone close. And now, I wasn't just admitting love — I was claiming it, openly, without hesitation.

I stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the white off‑shoulder bodycon dress. The slit at the knee hugged my curves perfectly, every line of the fabric making me feel bold, confident, and... different. This wasn't just any night. It was my bachelor party.

For a moment, I couldn't believe it was me staring back. The girl in the reflection looked like someone else — someone stronger, someone glowing.

Just then, the door opened and Priya Bhabhi, Ishita, Vanya, and Riya walked in. They froze, their eyes widening like they had seen a ghost.

Ishita gasped dramatically.
"Aru babes... who gave you the right to look this hot?"

Vanya clapped her hands, laughing.
"Seriously, dulhan‑to‑be, you're going to kill us with this look."

And then Riya, with her usual mischief, leaned against the doorframe, smirking.
"If you weren't marrying my brother, I would have definitely married you myself. I wouldn't even hesitate."

We walked into the club together, laughter spilling out as the bass of the music shook the walls. The staff guided us straight to our VIP suite — plush couches, glowing lights, and a private bar waiting for us.

The first round of drinks arrived, glasses clinking as the music started to pulse louder. Ishita pulled me to the center, Vanya followed, and soon we were all dancing, lost in the rhythm. The white off‑shoulder dress hugged me perfectly, and every move felt like freedom.

Priya Bhabhi raised her phone, clicking pictures as we laughed, posed, and spun around

I blushed, hiding my smile, but the teasing only grew louder. Ishita shouted over the music,
"Babes, you're glowing. Reyansh better be ready, because you're setting the bar too high tonight."

The music had slowed, our bodies still buzzing from dancing like maniacs. We collapsed onto the couches, drinks in hand, cheeks flushed, laughter echoing. Ishita clapped her hands, eyes sparkling.
"Okay babes, truth and dare time!"

Everyone cheered, and the spotlight turned to Priya Bhabhi. Vanya smirked.
"Bhabhi, your turn. Dare."

Priya raised her brows, pretending to be nervous.
"Oh god, what are you girls planning?"

Riya leaned forward, grinning wickedly.
"Simple. Call Aarav bhai and say 'I miss you'... but then immediately say 'Oops, wrong number!'"

The room burst into laughter. Ishita clapped her hands.
"Yes! Poor Aarav bhai will be so confused."

Priya Bhabhi rolled her eyes but picked up her phone, putting it on speaker. Aarav answered casually,
"Hello?"

Priya, trying to keep a straight face, said sweetly,
"I miss you."

There was a pause. Aarav's voice softened, surprised.
"Really? You do?"

And then Priya burst out laughing, shouting,

"Wrong number!" before hanging up.

The suite exploded — Ishita fell off the couch laughing, Vanya clutched her stomach, and Riya screamed,
"Bhabhi, you're savage!"

Priya hid her face, laughing uncontrollably.
"He's going to kill me when I get home!"

The suite was still buzzing with laughter from Vanya's crazy dare. Everyone was clutching their stomachs, drinks half‑spilled, pillows flying. Ishita tried to catch her breath, but Riya pointed straight at her.
"Okay babes, now it's your turn. Dare only."

Ishita groaned, hiding her face.
"Oh god, I'm scared. What are you all planning?"

Priya Bhabhi smirked, her eyes glinting with mischief.
"Alright Ishita... your dare is to post a story on Instagram with a ring on your finger and caption it 'Got proposed 💍'."

The room exploded in squeals before she even moved. Vanya clapped her hands.
"Yes! Imagine the chaos when everyone sees it."

Ishita's jaw dropped.
"Are you insane? My mom will faint, my cousins will start calling, and half the family will think I'm engaged!"

Riya leaned in, grinning.
"Exactly. That's the fun."

The teasing was relentless. Finally, Ishita slipped a ring onto her finger, posed dramatically, and clicked a picture. She quickly uploaded it to her story with the caption:
"Got proposed 💍"

The suite erupted — Priya Bhabhi screamed, Vanya fell onto the couch laughing, and I covered my mouth in shock. Within seconds, Ishita's phone started buzzing with notifications.

"Oh my god, people are already replying!" she shouted, half horrified, half laughing.

The girls collapsed into hysterics, the music thumping in the background. Ishita buried her face in a pillow, groaning.
"You all are going to get me killed!"

Riya pointed at me with a wicked grin.
"Okay babes, dulhan‑to‑be, now it's your turn. Dare only!"

I groaned, clutching a pillow.
"Nooo, not me !"

But Ishita leaned forward, eyes sparkling.
"This time it has to be chaotic. Something that will shake everyone."

Priya Bhabhi smirked, already plotting.
"Alright Aru... your dare is to send a message in the family group chat saying 'Guys, cancel the wedding. I changed my mind.' And then, two minutes later, you have to send 'Oops, dare game! Don't panic!'"

The room exploded in squeals before I even touched my phone. Vanya screamed,
"Yes! Imagine the chaos. Half the family will faint, half will start calling instantly."

My jaw dropped.
"Are you insane? My chachi will literally run to the club!"

But the teasing was relentless. Finally, I gave in. With trembling fingers, I typed in the family group:
"Guys, cancel the wedding. I changed my mind."

Within seconds, my phone buzzed like crazy — "WHAT???", and even Aarav bhai messaging Priya Bhabhi "Is this true?!"

The girls screamed, rolling on the floor, tears streaming from laughter. Ishita shouted,
"Quick! Send the second message before someone actually shows up here!"

I typed fast, laughing through my blush:
"Oops, dare game! Don't panic 😂💃✨"

The suite erupted again, music thumping, drinks spilling, pillows flying. My phone kept buzzing with half‑angry, half‑relieved replies.

I buried my face in a pillow, groaning.
"You all are going to get me killed!"

(Reyansh's POV – Boys' Party Chaos)

The boys' VIP suite was loud — music blasting, glasses clinking, everyone teasing me about marriage. Aarav, Karan, and the rest were laughing, pulling me into dares of their own. I was just starting to relax when suddenly my phone buzzed nonstop.

I frowned, pulling it out. The family group chat was exploding.

At the top was a message from Aroohi:
"Guys, cancel the wedding. I changed my mind."

The room went silent. Aarav nearly dropped his drink.
"Bro... what the hell?!"

Karan grabbed my phone, eyes wide.
"She's joking, right? Tell me she's joking."

My heart stopped for a second. The music, the laughter — everything blurred. I stared at the screen, my chest tightening.

And then, two minutes later, another message popped up:
"Oops, dare game! Don't panic 😂💃✨"

The boys erupted in chaos. Aarav threw a pillow at me, laughing.
"Bro, your bride is savage. She just gave the whole family a heart attack!"

Karan clapped his hands, still laughing.
"Imagine chacha's face when he read that. Half the family must be dialing her right now."

I buried my face in my hands, half horrified, half relieved.

"She's going to kill me with these stunts."

But deep down, I couldn't help smiling. That was Aroohi — playful, unpredictable, and already turning the night into a memory no one would forget.

NOW BACK TO AROOHI POV

We danced like maniacs, not stopping for even a minute. Drinks kept coming, laughter echoed, and the music never slowed. Hours slipped away without us noticing. Finally, when we collapsed onto the couches, breathless and glowing, we started talking — silly jokes, secrets, teasing. Time didn't exist for us.

Then I glanced at my phone. My eyes widened.
"Bhai! Subah ke 4 baj gaye hai! Hum raat ko 10 baje aaye the... aur hamari party khatam hi nahi ho rahi!"

The suite erupted in shocked laughter. We scrambled, gathering our things, and tiptoed back to the wedding venue. Entering our rooms silently, we tried not to wake anyone.

But sleep? Impossible. My heart was racing. Today was my wedding. The thought alone kept me wide awake.

I slipped into the shower, letting the water wash away the night's chaos. When I came out, fresh and glowing, I lay on the bed, unable to close my eyes. Instead, I picked up a book, flipping through pages, trying to calm my restless mind.

The words blurred, my thoughts drifting. From the madness of the party to the quiet of this moment, everything felt surreal. Today wasn't just another day. Today was the beginning of forever.

stay tuned for next chapter

bye 

lots of love from your

author ikku