The scent of turmeric, roses, and marigolds filled the air, mixing with the laughter and music echoing through the grand Rajput estate.
The Haldi ceremony was in full swing-bright yellow drapes swayed with the breeze, and the guests, clad in shades of sunshine, smeared each other playfully with turmeric.
It was a beautiful celebration.
I adjusted my golden dupatta over my shoulder, my bangles jingling as I surveyed the crowd, trying to focus on the festivity.
My cousin Shreya sat in the center, giggling as the women of the family applied turmeric to her hands and cheeks, showering her with blessings and teasing remarks.
This was supposed to be a happy day.
So why did I suddenly feel like something was off?
The feeling settled like an itch under my skin, an unshakable premonition I couldn't quite place. And then- I saw him.
Aditya Singhania.
Standing at the entrance like he belonged here. My entire body tensed.
What. The. Hell?
The golden hues of the ceremony did nothing to soften the sharp contrast of his presence. Dressed in a cream sherwani, the intricate embroidery screamed effortless wealth, his broad shoulders cutting an imposing figure even in a sea of guests.
But it wasn't just him.
Behind him stood his father, Mahendra Singhania-a man I recognized from headlines and business articles-a powerful figure with an air of dominance, his salt-and-pepper hair only adding to his intimidating presence.
My father stood next to them, speaking in a tone too casual, too familiar. His mom - Amrita Singhania , sweet and cheerful woman already laughing with other women in ceremony.
I blinked, confusion swirling inside me. Why were they here?
I barely had time to process it before my father turned, spotting me. His eyes flickered with something unreadable before he gestured me over.
I schooled my expression, keeping my face impassive as I made my way toward them, my steps measured. My blood simmered beneath my skin, but I refused to show a flicker of reaction in front of him.
"Avni," my father said smoothly, a small smile on his lips, as if nothing about this was out of place. "Come here, beta. You remember Mahendra Singhania, don't you?" I nodded stiffly, offering a polite, "Of course. It's nice to see you, Mr. Singhania."
He gave me a calculating once-over before nodding. "You've grown into a fine young woman, Avni. Your father speaks highly of you." I forced a polite smile, ignoring the discomfort crawling up my spine. "Thank you."
And then-his son.
Standing there, watching me like this was his amusement park and I was his favorite attraction.
I turned my gaze to Aditya, who, for once, wasn't wearing his usual smug smirk. No, his expression was unreadable. Dangerous. It was the look of a man who knew something I didn't.
I lifted a brow. "And you?" My voice was cool, controlled. "What are you doing here?" Something flickered in his eyes, just for a second. Then, his smirk returned, lazy and full of arrogance. "Would you believe me if I said I missed you?"
I inhaled sharply through my nose. He's testing you. "I'd believe it if I lost every last brain cell I had." His smirk widened, like I had amused him. Why was he so damn irritating?
"Avni," my father cut in before I could continue, his voice holding a quiet warning. "I invited them."
What?
I turned to him sharply, my brows furrowing. "You what?" My father sighed, placing a firm hand on my back as if to calm me down. "There are things you don't know, beta. Mahendra and I... we go way back."
I didn't like the way he said it. Didn't like the way Aditya was watching me, like he already knew what was about to come next.
My father cleared his throat. "There was a time when Mahendra helped me during a difficult period. A debt of friendship, you could say." A cold wave washed over me. I glanced between my father and Mahendra Singhania, my mind racing.
Debt? I had never once heard of my father owing anything to anyone. And then-realization struck me like a punch to the gut.
My father-the man who had helped me built the Rajput legacy from the ground up-owed this man something significant enough to have him standing in our home. My stomach twisted.
Aditya was watching me intently, his arms loosely crossed over his chest, his head slightly tilted, as if he was waiting for me to figure it out. I straightened my shoulders, locking eyes with him. I wouldn't let him see my confusion. My weakness.
"Debt," I repeated, voice carefully neutral. "And this... invitation is your way of repaying it?" My father hesitated for a second too long. And that's when I knew.
There was more to this. More than he was telling me.
I shifted my gaze back to Aditya. He was still watching me, his expression unreadable-but beneath it, there was something else. Something that looked a lot like... victory.
"Well," I said finally, turning back to my father. "Enjoy your debt repayment. I have a real celebration to attend." With that, I spun on my heel, my heart hammering, my mind racing.
i realize they knew something i didn't know !
And I was not liking it!
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Double Update! YAY!
Okay I was so excited that I couldn't wait for tomorrow so I posted it today only. Hehe :)
vote and comment guys
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