By the time I reached home, exhaustion clung to me like an unwanted shadow. The Haldi ceremony had been long, filled with endless rituals, laughter, and the overpowering scent of turmeric that still lingered on my skin. But despite the festivities, my mind was stuck on one thing.
Or rather, one person.
Aditya Singhania.
I should have known my father wouldn't invite just anyone to my cousin's wedding. But his family? The Singhanias? That was a calculated move. A deliberate choice.
And I hated being kept in the dark about it.
I changed out of my dress, rubbing my temples as I stared at my reflection in the mirror. My mind replayed every interaction with Aditya today-the smug smirk, the cryptic words, the way he watched me like he knew something I didn't.
Like he was waiting for me to figure it out.
I slammed my brush down onto the dresser, exhaling sharply. No. I wasn't going to let him get to me.
I climbed into bed, determined to push him out of my thoughts. Tomorrow was another event-the Mehendi ceremony. Another day of dealing with relatives, traditions, and hopefully avoiding a certain arrogant businessman.
But as I closed my eyes, the last thing I saw was the way his expression had shifted-just for a second-when he saw me today.
A second of pause. Of something unreadable. And I hated how much I wanted to know why.
The Next Day
By the time I reached my cousin's house, the Mehendi ceremony was in full swing. The estate was bursting with colors-drapes of yellow and green hung from every corner, the scent of fresh henna and rose petals filling the air. Women were seated in a circle, their hands and feet being adorned with intricate designs, while others danced to upbeat music, their laughter blending into the celebratory chaos.
For a moment, I let myself relax.
This was my family. My people. These were the moments I actually enjoyed-the genuine ones, away from the cutthroat business world I lived in daily.
I smiled at my cousin who was laughing happily showing me her heena adorned hands. She mouthed me " You look beautiful". I winked playfully at her making her laugh more.
(Avni's dress)
And then-like the universe wanted to test me-he arrived.
He walked in with the same self-assured arrogance he carried everywhere, dressed in an annoyingly perfect ivory and gold kurta, sleeves casually rolled up as if he had all the time in the world. Women turned to steal glances, some whispered among themselves, while the elders welcomed him with warm smiles.
I wasn't surprised. His family's influence stretched far and wide-almost as wide as his inflated ego. And of course, my father was the first to greet him, his expression unreadable as he shook Aditya's hand.
I stayed back, arms crossed, observing.
The fact that he was here again wasn't a coincidence. It wasn't just about my cousin's wedding. There was something deeper at play, something my father wasn't telling me.
His eyes flickered to mine across the crowd, and just like that, the smirk returned. That same smug, knowing smirk he always wore when he thought he had the upper hand. I rolled my eyes and turned away. If he thought he could get under my skin, he was wrong.
I ignored his presence and went to sit with my cousin. I couldn't ruin this moment because of him. And i was happy surrounded by my family . i decided to enjoy my cousin's mehendi instead of focusing on his annoying smirk.
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