WAJHA TUM HO

8. || Twilight Whispers ||

Destiny had begun its relentless game. Dev was jubilant, and Ananya mirrored his happiness, deriving her joy from his. Yet, underneath her smiles lay a twinge of guilt, aware that her happiness came at the cost of another's sorrow.

P.S.: I’m skipping all the functions except the engagement and marriage, of course!

Finally, the day arrived that Dev had been eagerly anticipating – their engagement day. As evening descended, Dev was a picture of joy, dressed in a meticulously tailored black coat over a crisp white shirt, exuding a charisma that turned heads. Sid, equally dashing in a sleek black blazer, resembled the greek god. Karuna Ji, radiant in an exquisite saree, glowed with pride; after all, it was her son's engagement day. Together, they departed for the venue, anticipation thick in the air.

Meanwhile, at Ananya's residence, Rhea took charge of preparing her for the evening. Ananya donned a stunning floral red gown, her hair elegantly styled into a bun adorned with minimal makeup and resplendent jewelry that accentuated her graceful demeanor. She looked breathtakingly beautiful, yet her eyes betrayed an inner turmoil, weighed down by the guilt of betraying Dev for the elusive Ray.

Rhea, her suspicions evident, probed gently, "How did you agree to this? How could you accept Dev's proposal when your heart belongs to Ray? What made you consent to this relationship so easily?"

Ananya hesitated, her voice wavering, "Dev's mother... she brought the proposal to my family..."

Rhea's brow furrowed, "And you accepted it? Despite loving that good-for-nothing Ray?"

Ananya confessed, her guilt palpable, "Dev loves me... and I find solace in that."

Rhea, stating what was obvious to her, pressed further, "Are you certain, Ananya? If you're embarking on a new life, do it wholeheartedly, or it could become a burden."

Ananya met Rhea's gaze but remained silent. Their conversation was interrupted by the sounds of arrival. Rhea peeked outside and exclaimed from the staircase, "Dev's here!"

Returning to Ananya's room with an infectious smile, Rhea remarked, "Wow, I've never seen the great Dev Joshi up close before. What a sight! And there's that good-for-nothing Ray. It's a good thing you're not marrying him, or it would spell disaster for your life."

She descended to where Dev stood, scanning the gathering eagerly. Rhea approached him with a mischievous grin, "Looks like you've misplaced something important, and sadly, you won't find it here."

Dev, bemused, inquired, "What... what have I lost?"

Rhea teased, her grin widening, "Your heart."

Dev blushed, and Rhea chuckled at his bashfulness. Then, Devki Ji instructed Rhea to escort Ananya downstairs.

Dev, eager, urged, "Let's go, Rhea, let's bring her down."

He ascended a few steps before realizing Rhea wasn't beside him. Turning back, he saw her giggling. Embarrassed, he returned to his previous position, his cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

Rhea, still amused, quipped, "No, no, you go ahead. I'm sure you can manage the engagement yourself."

Laughter erupted around them, and Dev's embarrassment deepened. Karuna Ji, chuckling good-naturedly, intervened, "Rhea, please fetch Ananya down, or he might just conduct the engagement up there."

Rhea nodded and made her way to Ananya's room. When they descended together, Dev was captivated by her ethereal beauty. Ananya, her gaze lowered, moved gracefully toward him. As she stood beside him, they exchanged genuine smiles.

Leaning closer, Dev whispered in her ear, "I can’t decide which is more beautiful – the moon in the sky or you."

Ananya blushed and replied softly, "Thank you for the compliment, but I hope the moon doesn’t feel offended."

Dev's voice was husky as he murmured, "I'm willing to face the world's wrath, for my beloved is more radiant than the moon." They both blushed, their hearts racing in unison.

Rhea nudged Dev playfully and teased, "Save your sweet nothings for later. Let's get this engagement underway." She handed him the ring with a playful smile, and he accepted it eagerly.

Dev took Ananya's hand gently. She glanced briefly at Ray, who stood at a distance, sipping his drink and nodding irritably. Ananya reluctantly gave Dev her hand, and he slid the ring onto her finger. Sid offered the second ring to Ananya, and she delicately placed it on Dev's finger, prompting applause from their families and friends.

Karuna Ji, beaming with pride, lovingly stroked Ananya's cheek. "Devki Ji, soon you'll have another son and I'll have a daughter. Just a few more days, and she will officially be a part of our family."

Dev interjected eagerly, "Mine."

Karuna Ji chuckled warmly, and Sid playfully nudged Dev, saying, "We know, bro. She's all yours." Laughter filled the room.

After receiving blessings and gifts, they proceeded to a celebratory dinner. Ananya excused herself to her room to remove the ornate jewelry that adorned her for the occasion. Meanwhile, the Joshi family prepared to depart. Before leaving, Dev approached Rhea hesitantly, "Could you please call Ananya down once more?"

Rhea smiled knowingly, "No, now you'll see Ananya only on the wedding day."

Dev, adopting a pleading expression, implored, "But that's not fair."

Rhea chuckled softly, "Yes, it is. Rules are rules, Mr. Joshi – or should I say, Dev bro?"

Defeated, Dev made his way out, a pout on his face that only made Rhea laugh harder. As they departed, Dev passed by Ananya's balcony lost in thought. She watched him leave, torn between thoughts of Ray and the future she was about to embark upon with Dev.

Time seemed to fly with excitement, and before they knew it, it was the night before their wedding. Ananya stood on her balcony, her mind racing with thoughts of Ray and Dev. Suddenly, a paper ball hit her cheek. Looking up, then down, her eyes widened as she spotted Dev standing in the lawn below.

He gestured for her to join him. Ananya hesitated, covering her face with her hands. Dev's eyes pleaded with her, and she sighed, locking the balcony door before descending.

As she jumped gracefully from the balcony, Dev gasped, momentarily covering his mouth in astonishment before rushing to catch her as she stumbled upon landing.

He steadied her, clapping softly. Ananya, momentarily defiant, lifted her chin proudly before gently grasping his collar. "What are you doing here at this hour?"

Dev loosened her grip, his voice gentle yet determined. "I want to take you on a date. After all, tonight is my last as a bachelor. I want to spend it with you."

Ananya, shocked and amused, protested, "Dev, are you out of your mind? Our wedding is tomorrow. What if my mom catches us? She’ll think I'm running away and then instead of you yamraj will come himself. To take me."

Dev's voice remained calm and unwavering. "You worry too much. Relax, nothing will happen. Tomorrow, we’ll be bound by responsibilities and obligations. But tonight, I want to be your lover. I want to spend this night with you."

He extended his hand, his eyes pleading playfully. "So, Ms. Ananya Sharma, will you elope with your fiancé a day before the wedding?"

Ananya laughed, her eyes twinkling with mirth. "Elope with my fiancé? You're the one who wants to run away!"

Dev, confidence radiating from every word, nodded emphatically. "Any doubts?" Ananya shook her head, her laughter ringing through the night air as she placed her hand in his.

Hand in hand, they ran toward Dev's waiting car, giggling like carefree children.

After a short drive, Dev blindfolded Ananya, heightening the suspense as they arrived at a secluded spot. Parking the car, he rushed to open her door, offering his hand to guide her out.

Ananya, impatient and curious, began to remove the blindfold, her eyes wide with anticipation. "Where have you brought me, Dev?"

Dev chuckled mischievously, "Don't worry, I haven't kidnapped you. Just wait a minute."

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