"Two lives were entangling. One pretending to smile through the goodbye, the other pretending it wasn't tearing him apart."

The engagement was done. Surrounded by their closest family members, Taani and Yuvi had exchanged rings, marking the beginning of a new chapter in their lives. The air had been thick with joy, laughter, and blessings, but beneath it all, an unsettling weight pressed down on Taani's heart. 

It was finally hitting her—harder than ever—that in just a few days, she would be married. She would leave behind everything familiar, step into a new home, embrace a whole new family, and carry responsibilities she had never truly prepared for. No more lazy mornings. No more tantrums when things didn't go her way. Life, as she knew it, was about to change forever.

Tomorrow was their haldi photoshoot, and the day after, the ceremony itself. She should have been excited, basking in the warmth of the celebrations, but no matter how much she tried, she couldn't shake off Yuvi's words. They echoed in her mind, shadowing her every thought. 

And yet, she continued to play her part flawlessly—smiling, dancing, laughing with her cousins—never allowing her sadness to show. It was only when she retreated to the privacy of her room that the weight of it all came crashing down. 

When she was surrounded by people, it was easy to drown out her thoughts, but the moment she was alone, they consumed her, suffocating her with their intensity.

Needing air, she stepped outside into the garden, letting the cool night breeze caress her face. Most of the guests were staying at a nearby hotel, so the house was quieter now, a rare moment of peace amidst the chaos of the wedding festivities.

"Not feeling sleepy?"

She turned to find her brother, Avi, standing beside her. He casually draped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close as they fell into an easy stroll.

She took a deep breath, her voice barely above a whisper. "Not really."

Avi ruffled her hair playfully, a small attempt to lighten her mood, but the concern in his eyes didn't fade.

Meanwhile, Yuvi and Rishi, who had arrived to deliver a few things from Divya, happened to pass by the garden. Spotting Avi and Taani, they instinctively moved forward to greet them, but just as they got closer, Avi's words made them pause.

"Tu khush toh hai na?" (You are happy, aren't you?)  

Yuvi stopped in his tracks, his grip tightening around Rishi's wrist. Something in Avi's tone made him want to listen—really listen—to what she had to say. Without a second thought, he pulled Rishi behind a tree, his heart pounding.

Avi knew his sister better than anyone. He had always understood her dreams, her heart. He knew she had always longed for love, for a marriage built on choice, not obligation. But he also knew she was a dutiful daughter, willing to sacrifice anything for her family.

Taani's lips stretched into a bright, almost blinding smile. "Of course, bhaiya. Why wouldn't I be?"

But Avi didn't even blink. His expression remained unreadable, his sharp eyes scanning her face like he was searching for cracks in her carefully crafted illusion.

"Don't insult me by thinking I would fall for that pathetic fake smile," he said, his voice firm yet gentle. "I've never seen you try so hard to look happy." He exhaled deeply, gripping her shoulders as he met her gaze head-on. "Taani, there's still time. Just tell me once that you're not happy with this marriage, and I will end it right here. I don't give a damn about family reputation. Nothing—nothing—is more important to me than your happiness."

Yuvi's breath caught in his throat. His pulse thundered in his ears as he stared at the girl he was about to marry.

That smile of hers—the one he had been so sure was real—was fake?

Something twisted in his chest. He had never truly tried to understand her, had never looked beyond what she had chosen to show him.

And now, for the first time, a terrifying thought crossed his mind.

'What if she told her brother exactly what he was asking? What if this wedding never happened?'

The possibility sent a jolt through him, sharp and unwelcome. The thought of her walking away, of this marriage dissolving into nothingness, unsettled him far more than he was willing to admit.

He wasn't in love with her. Not yet.

But for the first time, the idea of falling in love with her didn't seem terrifying.

In fact, it didn't seem like a bad idea at all.

Taani's eyes burned with unshed tears as her brother's words sliced through her carefully constructed façade. Of course, he would see through her act—how could she ever fool him? He had always known her better than she knew herself. A shaky breath escaped her lips as the walls she had so desperately held up all day crumbled in an instant.

"Of course I'm unhappy, bhaiya," she whispered, her voice trembling with the weight of emotions she could no longer suppress. "But not for the reasons you think." A tear slipped down her cheek, quickly followed by another, until they streamed freely, unrestrained.

"In a few days, I'll be leaving my home. My whole life, everything I've ever known, will be behind me. How am I supposed to just walk away like it means nothing?" Her voice cracked, and a choked sob escaped before she could stop it. "I wasn't even given time to let it sink in. I—I will miss you all so much."

Her body trembled as the grief she had been bottling up surged through her, raw and unfiltered. "Who will handle my tantrums now? Who will take care of me? Who will protect me the way you do, love me the way you all do?" Her breath hitched, and before she could say another word, Avi pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly as if he could shield her from the inevitable.

Taani buried her face in his chest, gripping his kurta like a lifeline as sobs wracked her small frame. She had been so strong all day, laughing, dancing, pretending. But now, in the safety of her brother's embrace, she finally allowed herself to break.

Hidden in the shadows, Yuvi's grip on Rishi's wrist tightened. He felt something inside him crack as he watched Taani break down in her brother's arms. The raw pain in her voice, the way her body trembled with sobs—he had never imagined her feeling this way. 

He had been so caught up in the logistics of the wedding, in his own emotions, that he hadn't even considered how hard this must be for her. Leaving her home, her family, the people who had cared for her every need since she was born—how could anyone expect her to just move on in a matter of days?

For a moment, his body moved on instinct, ready to go to her, to wipe her tears and tell her she wasn't alone. But before he could take a step, Rishi's grip tightened around his shirt, silently warning him to stay put. Yuvi clenched his fists, forcing himself to remain hidden, even as every fiber of his being screamed at him to comfort her.

He swallowed hard, his chest tightened with an unfamiliar ache. Love or not, he promised himself one thing in that moment—he would take care of her. He would make sure she never felt alone, never felt like an outsider in his home. If she missed the warmth of her family, he would give her that warmth tenfold. He would spoil her, protect her, cherish her—and he knew that his family would do the same.

Beside him, Rishi wiped at his own eyes, his usual carefree demeanor shattered by the sight of Taani in pain. He had always thought of her as strong, as someone who could handle anything with a smile. But now, seeing her like this, he realized just how much she was leaving behind. 

A silent vow formed in his heart—he would never let his sister-in-law regret this marriage. She would always have his respect, his support and would never cry because of them.

Avi, meanwhile, sensing the weight of her sorrow, did what he did best—lighten the moment.

"Ek kaam karte hain, ye rishta hata ke koi ghar jamai dhoond lete hain! Waise bhi Yuvi itna kuch khaas nahi hai." (Let's just ditch this match and find you a groom who will move in with us! Anyway, Yuvi's not that great to begin with.") 

Taani's teary face broke into a fit of laughter, the sound ringing through the still night like an enchanting melody. Even Rishi struggled to contain his chuckles, but it was Yuvi who stood frozen, his jaw tightening at the audacity of Avi's words.

"Baat toh sahi hai, par ab jo hai so hai." (You are right, but it is what it is.) She teased, still laughing as she wiped away the remnants of her tears.

Yuvi's eyes narrowed dangerously. 'Tumhe to mai bataunga mai kya hu, my soon to be darling wife.' (I'll show you what I am, my soon to be darling wife.)  

His pride was wounded, but more than that, he was captivated. She was standing there, laughing freely even after breaking down just moments ago.

And for some reason, he found himself wanting to be the reason behind her laughter.

After a few more minutes of lighthearted teasing, they all eventually went their separate ways—Avi took Taani inside while Yuvi and Rishi quietly slipped away into the night. But as Yuvi walked toward his car, he couldn't shake off the thought that had planted itself deep in his mind.

He would take care of her.

Not because he had to.

But because, for the first time, he truly wanted to.

The next morning, Taani felt like she was on autopilot, going through the motions of what was expected of her. The weight of pretense pressed down on her, threatening to crack her carefully composed exterior. 

She had barely slept the night before, her mind replaying every fleeting moment with Yuvi, every accidental brush of his hand, every stolen glance that set her heart racing. And yet, she knew—none of it meant anything to him.

She forced herself through her morning routine, taking a shower and having a few bites of breakfast before her makeup artist arrived. As the MUA carefully worked on her face, she frowned. "You should rest more, miss. The dark circles are too prominent."

Taani simply gave a small smile in response, not bothering with an explanation. How could she say that sleep evaded her when her heart and mind were in constant battle?

An hour later, Yuvi arrived to pick her up for their Haldi photoshoot. He walked in, adjusting his cuffs, but the moment he looked up, his steps faltered. His heart skipped a beat.

There she was, descending the stairs, looking like she had stepped straight out of a dream. The rich embroidery of her lehenga shimmered under the soft lighting, her jewelry framing her face with an elegance that took his breath away. And then she smiled—not at him, but at someone else's comment. Yet, for that moment, it felt like time stood still.

Ranveer coughed lightly, pulling Yuvi out of his trance. When Yuvi glanced around and found her entire family watching him, their amused expressions barely concealed. Embarrassment crept up his neck, and he quickly bent down to touch the elders' feet, trying to mask his reaction.

"Pick up your jaw, Yuvi, or you might catch flies," Taani teased, her voice laced with amusement.

Her family burst into laughter while Yuvi narrowed his eyes playfully at her. A spark of the old Taani flashed in that moment. The playful banter she once effortlessly engaged in was now a rare occurrence.

Siya stepped forward and gently wiped a bit of kohl from her eye, placing it behind both Taani and Yuvi's ears. "Kisi ki buri nazar na lage mere bachchon ko." (May no one cast an evil eye on my children.)

With their final goodbyes, they headed to the car and drove to the shoot location. The entire ride was filled with comfortable silence—at least for her. Yuvi, on the other hand, felt restless.

The photoshoot began, and she posed with ease, moving gracefully like a seasoned model. Their closeness, their intertwined hands, the soft embraces—it was all part of the act, and she played her role perfectly. Smiles bloomed on her face, but Yuvi couldn't help but notice that none of them reached her eyes.

Yuvi's gaze kept flickering over to her between shots.

Then came a moment that tested her patience.

The photographer's assistant stepped forward, demonstrating the next pose by casually slipping her arms around Yuvi.

Taani's blood boiled instantly.

A sharp, irrational possessiveness surged through her, so intense it almost startled her. She hated the sight of another woman's hands on him, the way the assistant leaned in so effortlessly, as if she had every right to be that close.

For a fleeting, vicious second, an image flashed through her mind—of her yanking the woman's hands off him, of cutting them off entirely if it meant she'd never touch Yuvi again.

Her grip on her bangles tightened, nails digging into her palm as she forced herself to breathe. It doesn't matter. It shouldn't matter.

But it did.

Yuvi stiffened almost immediately, his discomfort evident as he stepped away. Good.

She should have felt victorious. Relieved, even. But instead, a different panic clawed at her chest when she saw him turn toward her, his gaze searching for something—some kind of reaction, some sign that she'd felt something.

Taani caught herself just in time.

In the split second before his eyes met hers, she forced every emotion down, buried the fire that had flared so violently inside her.

By the time Yuvi looked at her, expecting a glare, a sharp remark, anything— He got nothing.

Taani merely adjusted the heavy bangles on her wrist, her expression smooth, unbothered. As if the scene before her had meant absolutely nothing.

Deciding to push her buttons, he changed the next pose. Instead of a simple hug, he reached out, cupping the back of her neck and pulling her closer. Caught off guard, she placed her hands on his chest to steady herself. Their proximity made her gasp softly, her wide eyes locking onto his.

Their lips were barely a breath apart.

Finally, a reaction.

Yuvi smirked, pleased with her stunned expression, his heart hammering in his chest. But before anything more could happen, the photographer called out, signaling the end of the shoot. The spell was broken, and Taani quickly stepped back.

Yuvi ran a hand through his hair, exhaling deeply. He had almost kissed her.

'It's a good thing it ended there,' he told himself. But the heat simmering beneath his skin said otherwise.

As they settled into the car, he glanced at her. "Would you like to grab something to eat before heading home?"

Although she hadn't eaten much since breakfast, she hesitated. Spending more time with him was the last thing she wanted. The longer she was near him, the harder it became to keep her heart in check.

"No, I'm fine."

His frown deepened. She used to always say yes to food before. Why was she holding herself back now?

Determined, he announced, "I'm hungry, so we're stopping anyway."

Taani internally rolled her eyes at him, thinking why bother asking if my opinion doesn't even matter?

They pulled up to a small restaurant, and just as they stepped out, an elderly woman approached them, her hands trembling as she held them out.

Taani immediately reached into her purse and handed her a five-hundred-rupee note. The woman's eyes welled with tears, and she clasped her hands in gratitude. "Aapki jodi salamat rahe, beta." (May your union be blessed, my child.)

Yuvi watched as the woman walked away, still wiping her tears. He turned to Taani, something warm settling in his chest. She hadn't even hesitated. She had simply given, without expecting anything in return.

As they entered the restaurant, all eyes turned to them, drawn by their extravagant attire. Some even clicked pictures discreetly, but they ignored it and finished their meal quickly.

As the house quieted down and the world outside dimmed into silence, Taani sat on her bed, absentmindedly twisting her engagement ring around her finger. The delicate shimmer of the diamond caught the dim light of her bedside lamp, and for a fleeting moment, she imagined what it would be like—if Yuvi had looked at her with love when he slid the ring onto her finger. If he had wanted this marriage as much as she had once secretly hoped to be wanted.

Unbeknownst to her, Yuvi too was fighting his feelings while sliding the ring on her finger, his heart was filled with feelings he couldn't possibly name.

The thought alone sent a fresh wave of emotions crashing over her. Before she knew it, a sob escaped her lips.

She tried to muffle her cries, pressing her palm against her mouth, but the ache in her chest was relentless. Tears streamed down her face, and soon, she was a trembling mess—overwhelmed, exhausted, and unsure of how much longer she could keep up this brave façade.

Tomorrow was her haldi and mehendi. In two days, she would be married. She would be someone's wife. Someone's daughter-in-law. A new life awaited her, and yet, it felt like it was happening too soon. Too fast. 

Meanwhile, across the city, Yuvraj lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, feeling an unfamiliar restlessness crawl under his skin.

He turned onto his side, frowning. Something didn't feel right.

It wasn't logical, and yet, he felt it—like a tug in his chest, an unexplainable feeling that Taani wasn't okay.

He scrubbed a hand down his face in frustration. What the hell was wrong with him? He wasn't in love with her. This marriage was a compromise forced upon him. So why couldn't he stop thinking about her?

Irritated with himself, he grabbed his phone before he could second-guess his decision and typed out a quick message.

"Awake?"

Taani, still hiccupping through her tears, blinked at her phone screen. Her breath hitched slightly when she saw his name flash across it.

Her fingers hovered over the keyboard. Should she ignore it? But then, curiosity got the better of her.

"Yes. What do you need?"

As soon as she hit send, she realized how curt her response sounded. And, of course, Yuvi didn't miss a chance to point it out.

"Can't I text my soon-to-be wife without any reason?"

Taani rolled her eyes at his typical arrogance, but there was something oddly comforting about this familiar banter.

"Careful there, you're getting a bit too comfortable calling me your wife..."

A smirk played on Yuvi's lips as he read her reply.

"SOON-to-be wife. And what's wrong with it? Shouldn't I call you that? Are you getting second thoughts about marrying me?"

Taani hesitated for a moment before replying, fingers typing out words faster than her brain could filter them.

"Not just second. Third, fourth, and fifth even."

A loud chuckle escaped Yuvi as he read her text. Cheeky little vixen. This—this was what he had missed. The playful bickering, the sharp comebacks, the way she never hesitated to match his energy.

"Let me know when you decide to act on it. I'll throw a party. Don't worry, I'll invite you too."

Taani shook her head, biting back a small smile despite the dampness on her cheeks.

"Why aren't you sleeping?" she asked instead, steering the conversation away.

"Why aren't you?" he shot back.

She sighed. "I was just going to."

Yuvi hesitated, his fingers hovering over the keyboard. A part of him wanted to ask—Are you okay? He could tell something was off. Even over text, she didn't sound like herself. But he knew she wouldn't tell him. Not anymore.

So instead, he settled for something simple.

"Good night, Taani."

She stared at the words on her screen longer than she should have. There was something so effortlessly natural about this exchange. Something that made her feel less alone, even for just a few minutes.

Even unintentionally, Yuvi had made her laugh. He had pulled her out of her thoughts, however briefly.

But then, she remembered his words from weeks ago, the ones that still lingered like a shadow over her heart.

'I have no feelings for you, nor do I think I ever will.'

The smile on her lips faltered, turning into something softer. Sadder.

"Good night, Mr. Singhania." She finally typed, before placing her phone aside and curling up beneath her blanket.

Just friends it is then, she told herself.

And yet, as she drifted off to sleep, she couldn't help but wonder—why did it feel like something had shifted tonight?

***

Everyone was dancing and enjoying when Rishi arrived, bringing the 'haldi' from the groom's side. The house was alive with music, laughter, and the scent of turmeric mixed with the sweetness of marigold flowers. Siya welcomed him warmly and playfully insisted that he stay for a while. Seeing no harm in extending the celebration, he decided to spend some time with his soon-to-be sister-in-law.

"Bhabhi jaan! Kaisi hain aap?" (Darling sister-in-law, how are you?) Rishi grinned as he bent down to touch her feet. Taani, taken aback but amused, patted his head, murmuring, "Khush raho," (Stay happy) while blushing at the affectionate nickname. 

She had grown fond of Rishi's easygoing and playful nature. Every time he visited, he made it a point to greet her first, never forgetting to touch her feet out of respect.

"Bilkul theek, dewar ji. Aur aap kaise hain?" (Very well, brother-in-law. And how are you?) She asked as relatives gathered around, their hands ready to smear her with turmeric paste.

"Hum bhi bilkul theek hain, par koi hai jo aapke aane ka besabri se intezar kar raha hai." (I'm fine too, but there's someone eagerly waiting for you to come home.) Rishi teased, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

Taani flushed, her hands freezing mid-air. "Kuch bhi!" (Nonsense!) She scoffed, though her heart skipped a beat.

"Aapko bharosa nahi humpe? Rukiye, abhi batate hain." (You don't believe me? Wait, I'll show you.) Rishi quickly pulled out his phone and clicked a selfie with Taani, who was now covered in haldi, her radiant smile shining through. 

Before she could protest, he sent it to his brother and, for good measure, uploaded it as his WhatsApp status with the caption: 'My favorite person in the whole world.'

Across the city, Yuvraj's phone chimed just as he was about to step into the shower. His fingers, still stained with turmeric, unlocked the screen, revealing Rishi's text as well as his status. His breath hitched as he took in Taani's image. Even with turmeric smeared on her cheeks, she looked ethereal—soft, glowing, and breathtakingly beautiful.

But his admiration was quickly overtaken by irritation as he read the caption. His jaw clenched. Without thinking, he fired off a message to Rishi.

'She's mine, not yours! Delete this caption, or I'll tell everyone about your Manali trip and how it wasn't exactly an "educational" tour.'

Back at Taani's house, Rishi burst into laughter as he read the message. He turned the screen toward Taani, whose eyes widened at Yuvraj's possessive words. Her heart did an unfamiliar flip. If he didn't care, why did he react this way? Why did he claim her as his when he had made it clear they were "just friends"? The confusion made her frown.

Curious cousins leaned in, trying to see the phone, but Rishi quickly dodged them and re-uploaded his status with a safer caption: 'Bhabhi jaan.'

Meanwhile, the haldi ceremony turned chaotic as Taani's cousins ganged up on Rishi, smearing him with turmeric. He protested, but they had him cornered.

"Chha gaye aap to, dewar ji!" (You've truly made an impression, brother-in-law!) Taani teased, playfully pulling his cheeks.

"Ab main itna bhi kuch khaas nahi!" (Oh, I'm not that great!) Rishi replied, rubbing the back of his neck, slightly embarrassed.

Laughter echoed around them as someone suggested another picture. Taani, feeling bold, pecked Rishi's cheek while smearing more haldi on the other side of his face. The camera clicked, and before Rishi could think twice, he sent this one to Yuvraj as well.

At Yuvraj's house, he was surrounded by guests as he unlocked his mobile absentmindedly, only for his eyes to darken at the sight. There was his brother, grinning like a fool, while Taani kissed his cheek.

His patience snapped.

"Maa! Rishi ko call karke ghar bulao, wahan meri hone waali biwi par line maar raha hai!" (Mom! Call Rishi home; he's flirting with my soon-to-be wife over there!) Yuvraj blurted out, making heads turn and laughter erupt around him.

Rishi, who had just entered, heard this and gasped dramatically. "Arey bhaiya, kyu jhoot bol rahe ho? Aur woh meri hone waali bhabhi bhi toh hain!" (Brother, why are you lying? And she's my sister-in-law too!)

"Saale kamine! Tu toh ruk, abhi batata hoon tujhe! Bohot chipak raha tha Taani se!" (You scoundrel! Just wait till I get my hands on you! You were getting too close to Taani!) Yuvraj lunged at him.

Rishi's eyes widened in alarm. "Maa! Mujhe bachao!" (Mom! Save me!) He sprinted across the hall, dodging furniture and guests, but Yuvraj was faster. In seconds, he caught Rishi in a headlock, both of them rolling on the floor like children.

"Haldi dene gaya tha ya uspe try maarne?" (Went there to deliver the turmeric paste or to flirt with her?) Yuvraj growled, tightening his hold.

Rishi, gasping, still had the audacity to tease. "Jali na? Jali na?" (Aww, are you jealous?)

Meenal rushed in, prying Yuvraj's arms away. "Yuvraj! Leave him!" she scolded. With a huff, Yuvraj finally let go and pulled Rishi up, giving him a half-hearted glare.

Karan clapped a hand on Yuvraj's shoulder. "Bhai, tu toh abhi se itna possessive ho raha hai. Shaadi ke baad toh pata nahi kya karega!" (Brother, you're already this possessive. I wonder what you'll be like after the wedding!) The guests burst into laughter, and Yuvraj's ears burned red. Without another word, he turned on his heel and walked away, leaving everyone amused.

The mehendi ceremony followed soon after, stretching late into the night. Taani found herself dancing, laughing, and soaking in every moment with her cousins. But beneath all the joy, a bittersweet thought lingered—this home, these people, this life... she had only one more day left before she had to say goodbye.

Hello my lovely readers!!!🎀

This chapter was a little emotional, wasn't it? We saw Taani break—and Yuvi finally began to truly see her. Two people, carrying the weight of change in different ways, slowly stepping into something deeper... even if they're not ready to admit it yet.

Did you enjoy the chapter? What part hit you the most—the garden scene, the almost kiss, or that tiny flicker of jealousy?👀

You already know how much I love hearing from you, so please don't forget to VOTE AND COMMENT! Your thoughts seriously keep me going.🥹💬

And hey—if today's your birthday,

Happy Birthday Sunshine! 🎉🎂

Sending you all the love, warmth, and plot twists your heart can handle. You deserve the best kind of magic—bookish or otherwise.🦋

The next chapter? Oh, it's going to stir things up even more. So stay tuned.👀

Until next time,

Shukriya and lots of love ✨

-Your Author

Exquisite🕊️