PERDITA

..2..

after few months

-Her pov-

Smiles and laughter, a family's delight,

Wishing to join, yet kept from the light.

Not by choice, but by circumstance's decree,

A heartache hidden, only you can see.

Invisible lines, they separate me

From the warmth of their embrace, I long to be.

Though not by blood, love's yearning plea,

To belong in their joy, I hope they see.

This is precisely how I feel right now, standing here alone, leaning against the pillar, observing the bustling hall filled with people who have gathered to witness my brother's engagement ceremony.

Yes, it may seem rushed, but he had meticulously planned everything, focusing not on wedding arrangements or rituals, but on ensuring happiness for both families through his relationship with Kiara. I am sure that I wouldn't be even able to stand here if I wasn't a planner here.

It has been several years since Mrs. Thakur caught me casually discussing my ideas with her personal party organizer. Initially, she disliked the idea of me being involved in parties for even the most trivial reasons. However, the organizer supported my suggestions, gradually winning her over to appreciate my taste. Despite this, she never mentioned it, and never will. Unbeknownst to me, I began assisting more frequently, and with time, the responsibility for every party, function, or event planned by the family fell squarely on my shoulders a 19 year old girl... Well I will be 20 in 2 more months.

I was so occupied with everything that I forgot to prepare myself. I was still running around, managing everything, dressed in my oversized hoodie and denim, neglecting my own appearance. while everyone else here wearing either dresses or Indian traditional

Lost in my thoughts, I almost missed the tense expressions on a few workers' faces. With a sigh, I discreetly withdrew an alcohol bottle hidden behind my back, ensuring no one saw me. In one swift motion, I took a deep swig, nearly finishing the half-filled bottle. Yes, I do drink, although it seems useless since I rarely get wasted. I don't even enjoy the taste, but I hold onto the hope that I might experience the same feelings that Ridhi talks about when she drinks alcohol.

After clearing the evidence, I descended the stairs to see what was happening with the workers. To conserve my energy, one of the assistants hurried over to me.

"Ma'am... Shradha ma'am is looking for you. She seems a little upset," he informed me.

Ah, Mrs. Thakur-yes, her name is Shraddha. Nodding in acknowledgment, I instructed him to ensure no mistakes were made and made my way towards the room where she awaited me.

" what the heck is wrong with you? hmm?" she shouted as soon as I entered the room, maybe I know why is that, or maybe I don't

" what the heck with this only one plus is allowed on one invitation other than the mentioned names?" she again shouted while throwing one of the invitations in my face. which did hit the head and fell on the floor.

Both families are prominent figures in business and politics, attracting numerous celebrities and personalities throughout the function. Her husband oversees the empire established by my grandfather, with bhaiya serving as the current CEO. Kiara, a renowned fashion designer, is the sister of the self-made billionaire Mr. Sheshank Pratap Singh, who has generously offered complete security for all wedding-related events. Hence, I carefully curated the guest list, inviting only essential figures and offering a select few the privilege of a plus one.