I can't describe my feelings when I see that people are actually taking interest in this story. It's really motivating to write for people who are waiting anxiously for me to post. I'd like it even more if you could show your love by voting and commenting. I don't know if you like the characters or the way I'm writing, that's why it's good to get someone's opinions sometimes. Even if you personally don't write but see something wrong with my writing, any kind of grammatical error or anything else at all, I'd love for you to point it out to me.❣️

"Sometimes, the script life hands you still finds room for unscripted feelings."

Mittal's Residence

The next day

Taani stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the pleats of her off-white Anarkali suit. It was beautiful, but it felt nothing more than a façade, much like the way she was holding herself together. She'd applied minimal makeup, not wanting to look as lifeless as she felt inside. Each movement felt automatic, her mind far from the ceremony that awaited her.

The sound of cars pulling into the driveway broke her reverie. Curious, Taani stepped out onto the balcony, hoping to catch a glimpse of what was unfolding. As five sleek cars lined up in the driveway, she couldn't help but think, 'They sure know how to make an entrance.'

Her eyes immediately searched for the Singhanias, and soon enough, she saw them. Two men stepped out of the first car, and there he was—Yuvraj. His black kurta and pajama combination, paired with sunglasses, made him appear almost unreal.

'He really is handsome.' Taani admitted reluctantly. And he knew it too. She could feel the air shift when his gaze landed on the balcony, her breath catching in her throat. He squinted, attempting to see who had caught his attention, but as soon as she realized it was him, she quickly disappeared inside, her pulse racing.

Yuvraj, unfazed, walked to the next car to help Meenal out, his attention momentarily diverted. Behind him, a row of servants unloaded gifts and sweets, signaling the start of the celebrations. The Mittal family welcomed them with open arms. Sumitra and Meenal embraced, tears of joy mixing with the excitement of becoming family.

As they made their way inside, Yuvraj couldn't help but notice how concerned the family was about Sumitra's health. It was clear she wasn't doing well, but she brushed off their worries with a reassuring smile.

"Sumu, why do you look so weak?" Meenal asked, concern lining her features as she gently placed her hands on Sumitra's cheeks.

Sumitra patted her hand gently, a soft smile on her face. "Don't worry about me. I'm just a little tired." She had already instructed her family not to mention her health issues to the Singhanias, especially not to Meenal.

As the greetings continued, Divya stepped forward to congratulate Siya and Ranveer, her voice warm. "Badhai ho, Siya aur Ranveer bhaiya." (Congratulations, Siya and brother Ranveer.)

"Aapko bhi bohot bohot badhai Divya aur Aadesh." (Many congratulations to you both as well, Divya and Aadesh.) Siya replied, her voice trembling with emotion, a small smile tugging at her lips.

Divya gave her a sympathetic smile and assured her she would look after Taani as though she were her own daughter.

Yuvraj then moved toward Sumitra and touched her feet, seeking her blessings.

"Namaste, Aunty," he said, bowing slightly as he touched her feet.

Sumitra smiled warmly, her hands reaching up to pat his cheeks. "Aunty nahi beta, ab jese hum Taani ki Amma hain, waise tumhari bhi," (Don't call me aunty, I'm your grandma just as much as Taani's.) She said, her voice affectionate, treating him like her own.

"Ji Amma," (Yes grandma.) he replied with a smile, accepting her love. He moved on to touch Siya and Ranveer's feet, but instead of the traditional gesture, Ranveer pulled him into a tight hug, patting his back firmly.

Yuvraj shook Avi's hand with a stiff smile, but his eyes caught the subtle tension in Avi's expression. 'So, someone's not exactly thrilled about this wedding,' Yuvraj thought, his smile twitching slightly.

He then greeted Dhriti and Kiara, the latter hiding shyly behind her mother. Yuvraj, ever the charmer, flashed his most genuine smile of the day as he bent down to offer Kiki an assortment of chocolates, coaxing her to come closer. The little girl giggled, accepting his bribe with the innocence of youth.

Siya watched this exchange, a flicker of doubt easing in her chest. 'Maybe he won't be so bad for Taani after all,' she thought, her heart still heavy with concern but softening at the sight of Yuvi's playful side.

As everyone settled into their seats, conversations flowed while they waited for the bride-to-be, Taani, who was busy making tea in the kitchen.

Yuvraj, excusing himself to use the washroom, found his steps slowing as he passed by the kitchen doorway. A flash of movement caught his attention, and he saw her—Taani.

His eyes momentarily widened, recognizing her, and he couldn't help but notice the way the soft light caught her figure as she stood near the stove.

'Kuch bhi kaho, hai to bohot hi sundar...' (Whatever I may say, she is quite beautiful indeed.) he thought, his gaze lingering on her, impressed by her natural beauty, even as she stood there, unaware of him.

Taani, caught up in her own nerves, drummed her fingers on the sugar container as the water warmed. The thought of meeting the Singhanias made her anxious, and the quiet of the kitchen gave her a moment to gather herself.

She instinctively began humming a melody—something she did often to soothe her nerves. Then, without thinking, she adjusted the mobile camera in front of her, closed her eyes, and began to sing.

"Ehsaan tera hoga mujh par,

Dil chahta hai use kehne do,

    Mujhe tumse mohabbat ho gayi hai,

Mujhe palko ki chaaon mai rehne do,

Ehsaan tera hoga mujh par..."

Her voice filled the kitchen, the familiar song easing the tension in her chest. As the final note left her lips, she slowly opened her eyes—only to freeze when she saw Yuvraj standing right behind her, watching her with an expression of mild surprise.

"Hey bhagwan!" (Oh God!) Taani exclaimed, her heart racing.

In the shock of the moment, her hand slipped, and the sugar container clattered to the floor with a loud bang, scattering sugar across the floor in every direction.

From outside the kitchen, Ramu Kaka's concerned voice called out, "Kya hua, Taani bitiya?" (What happened, Taani?)

"Kuch nahi Kaka, bas shakkar ki barni gir gayi dhoke se. Aap chinta mat karo, mai saaf kar dungi." (Nothing uncle, just the sugar container slipped by mistake. Don't worry though I'll clean it up.) Taani quickly called out, trying to cover up the awkwardness and avoid Ramu Kaka from walking in.

She didn't want him to see Yuvraj there, especially not after the shock of him hearing her sing.

Hurriedly, she grabbed a broom and started to clean up the mess. As she swept the sugar into a pile, Yuvraj stood in the corner, his eyes still on her.

She could feel his gaze on her every move, making her uncomfortable, but she didn't say anything. The shock of being caught in her private moment left her speechless.

"Aap bahar jaake aaram se baithein, yahan kaafi garmi ho rahi hai," (You should go and sit outside, it's getting quite hot in here.) Taani said, attempting to get him to leave the kitchen.

She was still trying to gather her bearings, her mind still spinning from the moment he had heard her sing.

Yuvraj didn't move, though. Instead, his voice was low and teasing, "Mujhe nahi pata tha tum itna achcha gaa leti ho." (I didn't know you could sing so well.) His words carried a hint of surprise, almost playful, but his smirk was more than enough to make Taani's heart race.

She turned away, focused on finishing the tea, avoiding his gaze. "Aap humare baare mein abhi jante hi kya hain?" (What do you even know about me?) She asked instead, her voice steady despite the fluttering in her chest.

Yuvraj leaned against the wall, his expression turning more serious. "Koi baat nahi. Ab jo tumne shaadi ke liye haan kar hi di hai, to jaan hi jaenge. Tumko bhi aur tumhari aadaton ko bhi." (No worries, now that you've agreed to get married, I'll get to know all about you and your habits.) He said, his words hung in the air, playful yet loaded with a sense of challenge. He gave her a sly grin before turning and walking back toward the drawing room.

As Yuvraj disappeared back into the drawing room, Taani remained in the kitchen, still holding the broom in her hand. Her heart pounded in her chest, and her breath came in shallow bursts.

Her face was flushed, and she couldn't tell if it was from the heat of the kitchen or the embarrassment that had washed over her in waves. The sound of the sugar container crashing to the floor echoed in her ears, a stark reminder of how out of control she'd felt in that moment.

'Why did he have to hear me sing?' The thought played over and over in her mind. She had always kept her singing to herself, a secret she cherished in the quiet moments when no one was watching.

She never meant for anyone to hear her voice like that—especially not someone like Yuvraj, who seemed to have the power to make her feel both small and noticed in the same breath.

Taani looked down at the broom in her hands, not really seeing it. Her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, swirling and colliding. Her initial reaction had been to freeze, to be caught off guard, but now that the moment was over, she couldn't shake the image of Yuvraj's surprised expression. The way his gaze lingered on her, like he was searching for something more behind her quiet façade.

She exhaled slowly, forcing herself to focus on the task at hand. She needed to finish the tea, to regain some semblance of control. But even as she worked, the thought of Yuvraj and the way he had watched her lingered, pulled at her insides.

She couldn't ignore it anymore. The connection between them, no matter how brief, felt tangible, like the air between them had thickened with unspoken questions.

What did it mean? Was this just the pressure of the arranged marriage, or was there something more which was complicating everything?

***

A priest was called in to examine their 'Kundalis' and suggest an auspicious wedding date. After reviewing the details, he affirmed that Taani and Yuvraj were an excellent match, destined to make a wonderful couple.

He then presented an option—a wedding in just two months—though he cautioned that if they missed this window, they'd have to wait at least eight more months.

A stir went through the room. Some voiced their concerns about the rushed wedding, especially Taani and Yuvraj, while others, like Meenal and Sumitra, pushed for a swift decision.

In the end, Meenal's insistence and Sumitra's enthusiastic support won the day. Everyone agreed to the proposed timeline, albeit reluctantly.

"I'm just saying, why wait? Eight months is too long. Two months are more than enough to prepare for a wedding," Meenal argued, her voice firm.

Sumitra nodded in agreement, supporting her point with her usual zest. Soon, the room was filled with hesitant nods and murmurs of agreement, and the date for the engagement was set for two weeks from now.

Taani could feel the weight of the moment, the pressure of the decision pushing down on her. Her heart fluttered erratically as she tried to stay composed, but it was becoming increasingly hard to ignore the sense of being swept along by a current she couldn't control.

As the evening unfolded, the atmosphere lightened. Laughter echoed through the house as Taani, with her natural grace, charmed everyone in the room.

Meenal wrapped her in a tight hug, tears brimming in her eyes, overwhelmed with joy at the thought of her future. Taani, ever the comforter, gently consoled her, but internally, a storm was brewing.

The two families exchanged extravagant gifts—both wealthy households spared no expense in their efforts to honor one another. As Taani and Yuvraj sat side by side, engaging in light conversation with their families, Yuvraj found himself noticing her in a way he hadn't before.

She was calm, poised, and effortlessly charming, but there was something in her eyes—a subtle wariness, perhaps—that made him wonder. 'Is this all an act?' He thought, his gaze lingering on her. 'Or is she really that good at playing the role?'

Rishi, seated beside him, elbowed him playfully. "Stop staring, bro. You'll have her all to yourself soon enough. Why keep stealing glances?"

Taani, who had been sipping water at that moment, choked slightly, her eyes widened in surprise as she overheard Rishi's comment. Her cheeks flushed a shade of pink as she tried to compose herself.

"Tu to ghar pe mil mujhe, batata hu mai," (I'll deal with you at home!) Yuvraj shot back at Rishi, irritation creeping into his voice.

He turned to Taani, his hand gently patting her back in an attempt to offer comfort. Ranveer, who had been preparing to intervene, paused and returned to his seat, giving Yuvraj the space to care for his daughter.

As everyone exchanged teasing smiles, the atmosphere remained lighthearted. Just then, little Kiara, who had been happily nestled on her mother's lap, suddenly spotted Taani sitting next to Yuvraj. Without hesitation, she scrambled off her mother's lap and waddled over to Taani, intent on claiming her attention.

Taani smiled warmly, scooping Kiara up and sitting her on her lap. But the little girl had other plans—she immediately swatted Yuvraj's hand away from her, an unmistakable demand for space.

"Dur! Dur!" (Away ! Away!) Kiara insisted, her face scrunching in defiance.

Yuvraj immediately pulled his hand back, letting out a mock sigh. "Seems I've got some serious competition for Taani's attention," he quipped, clearly amused by the little girl's possessiveness.

"You have no idea," Dhriti chimed in, watching as Kiara nestled further into Taani's arms. "Kiki never lets anyone get close to her."

Yuvraj raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "Just wait. We'll become best friends soon enough, and then Taani will be the one being pushed away."

Taani, now clutching Kiara tightly to her chest, shot him a pointed look. "No chance," she replied firmly, though there was a softness in her tone that made it clear she was amused by his playful teasing.

Yuvraj smirked, clearly enjoying their banter. "We'll see about that."

As their playful exchange unfolded, the rest of the room was filled with laughter and teasing smiles. For a brief moment, Taani allowed herself to relax, lost in the warmth of the family's joy and the innocence of her niece.

But beneath the surface, her mind was racing, her thoughts a tangled web of emotions. Two months. Just two months until the wedding. Two weeks until the engagement.

The reality of it all was hitting her, and no matter how much she smiled and laughed, she couldn't shake the gnawing uncertainty inside. Was this really what she wanted? Or was she simply playing her part, a role in a story that had already been written for her?

As the evening wore on, the laughter continued, and the families became more at ease with the thought of the upcoming celebrations.

But for Taani, each passing moment felt like a fleeting escape from the truth she couldn't ignore: her life was no longer entirely her own, and she wasn't sure she was ready to face the future that was already taking shape.

As the evening came to an end, it was time for the Singhanias to take their leave. Taani once again bent down to touch everyone's feet, seeking their blessings.

What had initially been a hesitant arrangement now felt like a promising union, and despite some initial reluctance, most of the family members were now at peace with the match. Their daughter was marrying into a well-respected family, and that was enough to ease their concerns.

Yet, not everyone shared the same sentiment. Avi, still displeased, made no effort to hide his discontent. His silence spoke volumes, and though no one addressed it directly, the tension in his stance was undeniable.

Later that night, Taani sat in her room, scrolling through the pictures from the day. Her eyes lingered on one particular photo—her and Yuvraj side by side.

She, draped in an ethereal white, exuded innocence, while he, in his sharp black attire, looked every bit the enigma he was. An angel and a devil. A contrast so striking, yet undeniably captivating.

Two months. That was all the time she had before her life changed forever. Whether for better or worse, she didn't know. But one thing was certain—she would step into her new role with sincerity.

As a wife, as a daughter-in-law, she would do everything in her power to uphold her responsibilities and bring happiness to her soon-to-be family. Because if fate had chosen this path for her, she would walk it with grace, no matter where it led.

***

Preparations were in full swing in both families. The guest list was being finalized, invitations were sent out, and a flurry of wedding arrangements consumed every waking moment. The house buzzed with excitement, but for Taani, it was all becoming suffocating.

So, when her father asked her to accompany him and Siya to a charity banquet, she gladly agreed. It was the perfect escape from the never-ending wedding discussions and the looming reality of her impending marriage.

Having attended these banquets before, she knew how extravagant they were—grand venues, elite guests, and endless chatter about business and social standings. Many of her acquaintances, mostly children of her father's business associates, would be there. If nothing else, the night promised a distraction.

Determined to step away from the role of the soon-to-be bride, she decided to go bold. Draped in a striking red saree with a deep neckline blouse, she applied a matching bold red lipstick, letting her reflection assure her that tonight, she was just Taani—not the demure daughter or the dutiful fiancée

They arrived right on time, and as expected, her father made introductions, exchanging pleasantries with familiar faces. As she scanned the crowd, her eyes landed on a familiar group near the open bar—her so-called friends, waving her over the moment they spotted her.

Pranav Khanna, the son of one of her father's business partners, let out a low whistle as she approached. "Well, well, Miss Taani. Someone decided to steal the show tonight," he teased, pulling her into a brief hug.

She chuckled, pulling away just as quickly. "Might as well. Look at all of you—dressed to impress as always." She greeted each one with a hug or a polite handshake, effortlessly slipping into the role expected of her in these circles.

"You've been MIA for way too long! Where have you been? You missed so many dinners. I have so much to tell you!" Sonia gushed, practically bouncing in excitement. She took a sip of her drink and offered to get one for Taani, who declined with a small shake of her head.

"Calm down, Sonia! Breathe," Taani laughed. "I was away for an internship, but I'm back now. So, what's the latest gossip?"

Truthfully, she wasn't too invested in their conversations. She never fully related to them—most were the epitome of spoiled privilege, treating wealth as both a shield and a playground. But she was part of their world, whether she liked it or not, and for nights like these, she played along.

"Raghav and Mahira are engaged!" Sonia announced dramatically, eyes wide with excitement.

Taani mimicked the expression, gasping in feigned shock. "No way!" she drawled, before lowering her voice. "Well, they do deserve each other—two insufferable jerks finally making it official."

Normally, she wouldn't speak so harshly, but Raghav had always been a creep, finding excuses to flirt with her despite her constant refusals. Mahira, on the other hand, was an entitled snob who saw everyone beneath her. If anything, their engagement was poetic justice.

Vaibhav smirked, leaning in slightly. "Speaking of engagements... where's your shadow today?"

Taani frowned, confused. "Who?"

"Mehra, obviously. He never lets you out of his sight at these events. I always figured you two would end up together," Vaibhav mused, shaking his head. "I never even had a chance to talk to you when he was around. But look, tonight, I finally do."

Something in Taani's chest twisted. For some reason, she didn't tell them about her upcoming marriage. She could have easily mentioned it, made it clear that her fate had already been sealed. But she didn't. Instead, she forced a small smile.

"I don't know. He must be busy," she answered vaguely, quickly steering the conversation elsewhere.

Yet, no matter how much she tried, her thoughts lingered on Siddhartha. They had always attended these events together, rolling their eyes at the arrogance around them, laughing at their inside jokes. But tonight, she was alone. And for the first time, the absence felt painfully obvious.

Melancholy settled over her like a shadow. Some bonds, no matter how strong, faded with time. And maybe, just maybe, she wasn't ready to accept that yet.

Unbeknownst to her, Yuvraj stood a few feet away, half-listening to the conversation as he entertained his own circle of business associates. His jaw tightened as he heard her speak so freely—smiling, reminiscing, and even indulging in casual flirtations.

So, this was her real face. He had suspected it all along.

'She's no different from these people—privileged, shallow, and utterly self-absorbed.' His thoughts were laced with bitterness, but what irked him the most was the way she let them assume she and Siddhartha were meant to be.

When they jokingly mentioned her future with him, she hadn't corrected them. She hadn't said a word about the wedding that was barely a few weeks away.

His grip on his glass tightened.

Without giving himself time to think, he strode towards them, his presence immediately commanding attention.

"Surprised to see you here, Ms. Mittal."

Taani froze. Her breath hitched for a moment before she forced herself to remain composed. Yuvraj was the last person she wanted to deal with right now.

Panic flickered inside her—what if he revealed their impending marriage? The last thing she needed was her friends prying into her personal life, bombarding her with teasing remarks she wasn't prepared to handle.

All eyes turned to them, curiosity sparking in the air.

"Mr. Singhania," she greeted smoothly, masking her unease. "It's surprising to meet you here as well."

He tilted his head slightly, his smirk laced with something unreadable. "It's a charity event, and I happen to be one of the top businessmen in the country. Of course, I'm expected to be here." His voice was confident, sharp, with just a hint of mockery.

"Of course," she replied, offering a polite smile. She prayed he would simply move along, but—of course—he didn't. Instead, he lingered, his piercing gaze locked onto hers.

"Won't you introduce us to this gentleman, Taani?" Sonia asked, her tone laced with blatant interest as her eyes raked over Yuvraj in obvious admiration.

A flicker of irritation ran through Taani at Sonia's tone, but she ignored it, choosing her words carefully. "Uh... he's a business tycoon and a close family friend, Yuvraj Singhania."

Family friend.

Yuvraj's jaw clenched. That was what she chose to call him?

Suppressing his irritation, he merely nodded, exchanging pleasantries with the group, engaging in light conversation—playing the role of the composed businessman. But when he was done, he walked away without so much as a glance in Taani's direction.

Taani exhaled a quiet breath of relief as Yuvraj walked away. She stayed with her friends a while longer, feigning interest in their conversations, but the crowded room soon felt suffocating.

Slipping away, she stepped onto the balcony, letting the cool night air wash over her. The city lights shimmered below, a stark contrast to the turmoil inside her.

But her solitude was short-lived.

A firm grip yanked her back, dragging her into the shadows of the secluded balcony corner. She struggled instinctively, but the hold on her was unyielding.

Before she could even process what was happening, she was spun around and pressed against the wall. Her breath hitched as she looked up—straight into the furious eyes of none other than...

YUVRAJ

Hello my lovely readers!!!🎀

Wow—what a chapter, right? I hope you felt all the tension, the sparks, and the bittersweet moments as much as I did writing them.

If you enjoyed this roller-coaster of emotions, please vote and leave a comment—you know how much your thoughts mean to me. Every like, every word you share, lights up my day and encourages me to write even better.

And now, a little birthday cheer to anyone celebrating today! May your year ahead be overflowing with health, joy, and all the success you deserve.

Happy Birthday Sunshine!✨🌻

Thank you for being the best readers a storyteller could ask for. Your support means the world!

Shukriya & lots of love✨

-Your Author

Exquisite 🕊️