𝐀 𝐓𝐰𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐎𝐟 𝐅𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐉𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲.

2

Chapter 2:
The Wedding Preparations

The Chavan estate buzzed with vibrant activity as Meera and Rishabh’s wedding preparations reached their final stretch. The mansion, adorned with cascading floral arrangements and luxurious décor, shimmered with elegance and grandeur. As Sejal stepped out of the car, she stood still for a moment, her eyes wide in quiet awe. The beauty of it all took her breath away.

Inside the opulent foyer, the air was laced with the fragrance of fresh jasmine and marigold. The gentle hum of conversations blended with the rhythmic footsteps of staff hurrying to make sure every detail was perfect. There was an undeniable excitement in the atmosphere, but beneath it all lingered a subtle restlessness, the kind that always accompanies big moments.

Sejal wandered through the hallways, her fingers brushing lightly against the intricate carvings on the walls. Each corner of the estate reminded her of childhood memories with Meera. This wedding, as beautiful as it was, marked the beginning of a new chapter. It was a reminder that Meera would no longer be just her sister, but someone else’s wife. The realization stirred a quiet ache in Sejal’s heart.

As she reached the central courtyard, Sejal finally caught sight of Meera. She stood glowing in her bridal attire, surrounded by laughing relatives and bustling friends. Meera’s smile lit up the space, but Sejal, ever observant, noticed the flicker of something beneath that joy.

"Seju!" Meera’s eyes sparkled as she rushed forward and pulled her sister into a warm embrace.

"You look stunning, Meera di," Sejal said, trying to keep her emotions at bay.

"Thank you," Meera replied, her smile faltering just for a second. "Everything is moving so fast. I’m trying to hold on to each moment, but it’s slipping away before I can even breathe."

Before Sejal could respond, a whirlwind named Karan, their lively brother, dashed over and wrapped her in a tight hug.

"Sejal di! Finally! You’re always so busy with work, and never bring me any gifts. That’s just not fair."

"Karan!" Sejal laughed, struggling to break free. "Let me breathe! And I brought myself. That’s enough, isn’t it?"

Karan grinned. "Barely! You know Meera di’s making us all crazy. She’s in full-on boss mode. Wants every single thing to be flawless."

"She’s always been a perfectionist," Sejal replied with a smile, glancing at Meera who was now talking animatedly with a relative.

"But this time it feels... different," Karan said thoughtfully. "Like she’s holding on too tight. Like she’s scared of something slipping through her fingers."

Sejal’s smile faded slightly, her brow creasing with concern. Before she could ask anything more, she noticed their mother waving from across the room.

"I should go say hello to Mom," she said, giving Karan a quick hug. "We’ll talk more later."

As she walked over, Anvika rose from the plush couch with open arms and enveloped her daughter in a warm embrace.

"Sejal, my darling. Finally. Come sit with me."

"The decorations look incredible, Mom," Sejal said, looking around as she sat down beside her.

Her mother beamed with pride. "Your sister has poured her entire heart into this. Every little touch has been chosen by her. She wants this to be nothing less than magical."

Just then, their father walked over, phone pressed to his ear. He hugged Sejal quickly before resuming his call.

"Yes, the flowers must arrive by tomorrow morning. No exceptions, please."