Arnav finished dressing in his wedding attire and gazed at his reflection, a smile breaking across his face.
"At last, my dream will come true. Now I can hold Pari in my arms without hesitation and shout my love to the world." But his joy dimmed as Khushi's image clouded his mind.
He understood this marriage would proceed without her consent, forcing her into his life. Guilt twisted inside him. He had envisioned a grand wedding for her after winning her love, yet persuading her to accept him as her husband loomed as a formidable challenge. Still, as ASR, how could he yield so easily?
"If she turns stubborn, I'll match her. In fact, I'll outdo her. And how long can she resist ASR's charm? Very soon, Pari, very soon, you'll be mine," he smirked, determination flaring.
His mother Ratna and younger sister Anjali swept in, teasing him with delight. "Oh hooo! So eager to meet my bahu?" Ratna chirped. Arnav blushed faintly. "Kya Mom, aap bhi na!" he protested. "Achcha, okay, enough teasing. Come down ASAP. We must leave," she instructed, ushering Anjali out.
Aman entered as they departed, his face lighting up at his friend's rare happiness. "Hey, brother! Finally, you're marrying today. The whole world's buzzing-do you know how many big shots will attend? I'm thrilled, man. Now I can marry too!"Arnav burst into laughter at Aman's final remark, shaking his head.
"Who stopped you all these days? By the way, who'd marry a chimpanzee like you?" Aman grumbled but grinned, pulling Arnav into a tight hug.
"Don't worry. Nothing will go wrong. They've started their work," he whispered. Arnav nodded, and they headed downstairs.
•──────☆──────•
After a while, the baraat set off for the Gupta house, a vibrant procession drawing the whole of Lucknow and half of Delhi into the celebration. After all, the Prince of Lucknow's wedding electrified the city. They received a grand welcome upon arrival.
Everyone gathered at the pavilion, where the pandit began preparations. He called the groom for rituals, then summoned the bride. Arnav grew restless as the pandit requested the bride.
"Sheetal must've gone by now," he murmured to himself, glancing at Aman.
Aman cast a questioning look at someone in the crowd. The stranger beckoned him, signaling to stay calm.
