Author's POV

Singhania Mansion stood like a grand masterpiece, adorned with elegant floral arrangements and shimmering lights. Delicate white lilies and roses adorned the walls, while golden drapes cascaded from every corner, giving the space a soft, regal glow.

In the center of the sprawling, vibrant garden, a magnificent pavilion stood, draped in rich velvet curtains and soft fairy lights, casting a dreamy ambiance over the evening. The faint scent of jasmine lingered in the air, adding to the magic of the moment.

Riya moved through the area, eyes scanning each preparation, ensuring not a single thing was out of place. This was her final duty for her boss. After today, she would be free-forever. The thought brought a rare glow to her face.

Meanwhile, the bride was in her room, getting ready. Soon, she would emerge, radiant in her wedding attire. Riya had to admit, the bride was breathtakingly beautiful.

The ceremony was an intimate affair.

With a final glance around, Riya began walking towards the bride's room, just to check on her one last time.

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.

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Angad stood in his room, adjusting the deep maroon sherwani embroidered with intricate golden patterns that traced the fabric like delicate vines. The rich silk shimmered under the soft light, and a matching stole draped over his shoulder completed the regal look.

Yet, Angad's expression was unusually serious.

A soft knock interrupted his thoughts, and his younger brother, Aadir, stepped into the room, already dressed in a navy blue sherwani with silver accents, looking equally sharp.

"Let's go," Aadir said, his voice steady.

Angad nodded but remained still for a moment.

"There's still some time left, You should quickly go to the bride's room."

Without another word, Angad snapped out of his reverie. He left the room in long, purposeful strides, as he made his way towards the bride's room.

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.

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Riya stood frozen, when she heard the bride speak, her voice low but clear enough to stop Riya in her tracks.

"I... love someone else."

Riya's breath caught in her throat. "What... you love someone?" she asked, her voice tinged with shock and disbelief. How could this be happening, now of all times?

Both their breaths hitched when they noticed Angad standing at the door, his cold, piercing gaze fixed on them. His presence immediately shifted the atmosphere, making the room feel smaller, more confined.

They gulped in unison as Angad slowly stepped inside, his face unreadable.

Both Riya and the bride instinctively backed up, their movements halted by the bed behind them. In an almost comedic synchrony, they sat down, wide-eyed, unsure of what to expect next. But what he did next took them by complete surprise.

Without a word, Angad closed the door with a loud click and locked it. He strode toward them, pulling a chair in front of them and settling down, his gaze piercing through the silence.

"So, what are you doing here? Ready to run away like Simran did with her Raj?" Angad asked.

Riya blinked in confusion. Was he serious?

"What I mean is..." he clarified, "just like Simran ran away with Raj, why don't you pick up your lehenga and run away from here too?"

Their eyes widened in disbelief, jaws dropping as they tried to process what he had just said. Was he really telling his bride to run away? What kind of groom says this to his soon-to-be bride?

"What the hell..." Riya whispered, completely stunned by the absurdity of the situation.

Angad rose from his chair, his expression darkening as his voice turned cold and commanding. "Ready."

The word sent a jolt through both women. Riya's head snapped towards him, eyes filled with confusion and shock.

The bride wasted no time. She shot to her feet, frantically pulling off her heavy jewelry, her trembling hands working quickly. Angad moved towards the window, pulling it open, revealing Aadir standing outside, ready and waiting.

Without another word, the bride hurried past Angad, giving him a quick, grateful smile as she slipped out the window. "Thank you, Angad. I honestly thought you were going to marry me for a second there-you scared me." She said it with a half-laugh, half-sigh of relief before disappearing from view.

And just like that, she was gone.

Riya watched the bizarre scene unfold, her expression one of sheer disbelief. It was as if she were watching a performance by clowns. When Angad turned to her, she instinctively straightened up, her confusion deepening. His movements were swift, and before she could process anything, he pulled out his phone and made a call.

"Are you coming?" His voice was cold and sharp.

After a brief reply from the other side, Angad spoke again. "Come fast." He hung up, cutting the call abruptly.

Riya flinched when Angad's gaze suddenly snapped to her. His serious demeanor sent a shiver down her spine.

"Ms. Riya Banerjee," he began, his voice dangerously low, "Whatever happened here, you neither saw it nor heard it. Clear?"

Riya swallowed hard, nodding quickly. This was the first time she'd seen him so serious, and it unnerved her.

"Is. It. Clear?" he repeated, emphasizing each word, his intense gaze boring into her.

"Yes," Riya replied softly, knowing he wouldn't be satisfied until he heard her speak aloud.

Angad's expression remained stern as he gave his next order. "Within five minutes, a girl is going to come through this window. You have to take her inside without anyone seeing and get her ready for the wedding."

Riya's mouth fell open, panic bubbling up inside her. "But... how am I supposed to-"

Angad's lips curved into a faint, almost mocking smile. "For the first night, you decorated my bed without my permission. Now prepare my bride too. That shouldn't be a big deal for you."

Her mouth went dry again. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. He was ordering her to do the impossible as if it were just a routine task. Before she could respond, Angad turned on his heel and walked out of the room.

"Until you hear my voice at the door, you will not open it. Understood?" He paused by the door to give her one last commanding look before leaving.

As the door clicked shut behind him, Riya immediately moved to lock it from the inside, following his orders. Her mind raced with confusion and frustration. "This man is completely different," she muttered under her breath, trying to make sense of what had just happened.

This was beyond anything she had expected.

.

.

.

Riya had been waiting anxiously for eight minutes, her eyes glued to the window, but no one came. Just as, the door opened, revealing Angad with a blank expression. His gaze was steady, locked onto hers.

"She hasn't arrived," Riya stuttered, the uncertainty in her voice clear.

"She's not coming," Angad responded flatly, his face devoid of any emotion.

"What?" Riya's voice was filled with shock. She couldn't comprehend what was happening. Panic started rising as she babbled, "I think we should go outside and tell them that-"

As she moved past Angad, anxious to find a solution, her words were abruptly cut off. Angad grabbed her hand, halting her mid-step. Her breath hitched as her eyes darted down to his firm grip, then back up to his still-blank face.

Fear crept into her as Angad's grip tightened slightly. He pulled her closer with a swift jerk, his next words shaking her to the core.

"Tum mujhse shaadi karogi," his deep voice cut through the silence. His tone was calm, but the words made Riya's blood run cold.

Riya's eyes widened in disbelief. "What?" she gasped, her mind reeling.

Angad released her hand and stepped back slightly, his gaze unwavering as he spoke again. "But only a contract marriage."

Riya stumbled back. "What are you saying?" she asked, her voice trembling with confusion. "Where's the girl who was supposed to come?"

Angad closed his eyes for a brief second, "There's been an emergency," he finally said, his voice measured. "I don't have any other option left, which is why I have to do this."

Riya's heart raced as some silent words exchange between them. Riya listen to angad as he speaking. She nod.

Before she could respond, a knock interrupted them. Aadir entered the room, glancing between Angad and Riya, sensing the tension. "Dadi is calling you both. Hurry up," he said.

"You go ahead," Angad said firmly. "I'm coming."

Angad picked up the bridal dress and handed it to Riya, his voice firm as he said, "Get ready."

He turned to leave, but her soft voice stopped him in his tracks.

"I will but-," she said, her words barely above a whisper.

Angad whipped around, his eyes narrowing. "But-?"

She swallowed hard before speaking. "You'll need to ask my father first."

A slow and genuine smile spread across Angad's lips. Without a word, he pulled out his phone and played a recording. Riya's eyes widened as she listened, he agreed.

"Now, you have to do this," he said.

Riya felt trapped, her chest tightening with the weight of the situation. She wants to help him but this was never supposed to happen. Their paths were never meant to cross, let alone lead to something like this. But fate, or perhaps Angad's determination, had other plans.

With a deep breath, she closed her eyes and whispered, "Okay, I will do this-for the family."

Angad gave a curt nod and left the room, leaving Riya to face the mirror. She sat down, staring at the unfamiliar dress that now lay in her lap. Slowly, she began to prepare herself.

Sometime later, Angad re-entered the room, carrying a set of papers-the contract. Without a word, they both signed it, the sound of the pen scratching against the paper marking the beginning of a new chapter neither of them had anticipated.

As they were about to leave, Angad's eyes lingered on her face for a moment. He walked to a nearby dresser and picked up another dupatta-dark red with a heavy, intricate border. He approached Riya and carefully placed it over her head, their eyes locking for a brief, silent moment before he covered her face entirely.

"It will help you protect your face," he said softly, his voice now devoid of the cold detachment he'd shown earlier.

And with that, they stepped into the unknown, bound by circumstances neither could escape.

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.

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The atmosphere outside was filled with anticipation, everyone waiting eagerly for the groom and bride to make their appearance. Divit, noticing the growing irritation on Dadi's face, decided to speak up. "Dadi, I'll go bring him."

Before he leaves, Antara strictly intervened, "No, Siya, you go and bring Angad quickly."

Siya nodded and was about to leave when her steps halted abruptly. Her gaze froze on a sight straight ahead. The rest followed her gaze, and there he is-Angad, walking towards them, his hand firmly holding the bride's. They were taking careful steps toward the mandap.

Siya rushed forward, her eyes darting between Angad and the bride. She ask them to settled. Niranjan narrowed his eyes suspiciously as he observed the bride, her face hidden behind the veil.

Without pausing, Angad moved towards the mandap with Riya, and they both settled down. The pandit began chanting the mantras, and the rituals proceeded. Angad's face remained emotionless, his expression calm, while Riya sat quietly behind her veil, her heart racing.

Angad looks towards Aadir who gives him a signal by closing his eyes. He then looks towards the Pandit in front who slightly nod his head.

Yes, Aadir had asked Pandit ji to skip ten or fifteen mantras.

"Now, the bride and groom will stand for the varmala," Panditji instructed.

Angad stood up first, and Riya, following his lead, did the same. Drishti handed them the garlands. Angad briefly glanced at Riya before placing the varmala around her neck. Riya, her hands trembling slightly, followed suit, completing the ritual.

"The bride's parents will now come forward for the Kanyadaan," Panditji announced.

Angad's gaze shifted to Riya's supposed parents as they approached, moving with the weight of tradition and expectations. Riya, on the other hand, froze. Her eyes widened in panic. She couldn't breathe properly, her mind screaming with the fear of being exposed.

As the Kanyadaan began, Riya's hand was placed in Angad's, and he grasped it firmly, feeling her hand tremble. He squeezed her hand gently, attempting to calm her down, sensing her overwhelming fear.

With the Kanyadaan completed, Drishti stood up to perform the gathbandhan, as Angad had no sister to do the ritual. She tied the sacred knot, symbolizing the bond of marriage.

The time for the seven rounds arrived. Holding hands, Angad and Riya stood up once more and began the rounds, with Panditji explaining the significance of each vow they took. As they circled the fire, Riya could barely focus on the words, her mind swirling with fear and uncertainty. Angad maintained his calm demeanor, his grip steady on her hand.

Once the seven rounds were completed, they sat down again, and the priest handed Angad the box of vermilion for the final, most symbolic gesture of marriage.

Angad's eyes briefly flickered toward Riya's veil, noticing it had shifted slightly, revealing a glimpse of her lips.

(Without smiling)

He cast a quick glance around the room, making sure no one else noticed. His eyes landed on his parents and then grandfather, who watched intently.

Returning his focus to Riya, Angad picked up the vermilion. Just as he was about to lift her veil, Riya instinctively turns her head towards him so if he lift they can't see. As Angad continued, carefully lifting the veil just enough to meet her eyes. Their gazes locked for a moment-hers filled with fear, his with silent resolve.

In one swift motion, Angad applied the vermilion to the parting of her hair, just above the mang tikka. A small streak fell onto her cheek, marking her as his bride. Gently, he pulled her veil back over her face.

As the pandit's voice rang out, declaring the wedding ceremony complete, he said, "Now, the bride and groom will stand to receive the blessings of the elders."

Angad and Riya stood up together, the weight of the vows they had just taken settling heavily on their shoulders, preparing to face.

                           ******

𝗜 𝗵𝗼𝗽𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘂𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲!

𝗗𝗶𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗻? 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀!

𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴! ❤️✨