UNDER THE VEIL
The sun rose over the "Sila Lounge," the most luxurious banquet hall in the city, owned by the prestigious Rajvansh Group.
The hall, adorned with grand chandeliers and elegant decor, was a spectacle of luxury, reserved for the most exclusive events. Today, it was the venue for the much-anticipated wedding of Shivika and Vedant. As relatives and guests arrived, they marvelled at the splendour, their chatter filling the air with excitement. The atmosphere was private, with no media, ensuring the ceremony remained an intimate family affair.
Manish stood at the entrance, greeting each guest with a warm smile. Inside, Pallavi moved through the hall with an air of authority, ensuring every detail was perfect. Aarohi, dressed in a simple red Anarkali, floated through the room, her face betraying a sense of unease despite her composed exterior. She busied herself with final arrangements, her heart heavy with an inexplicable dread.
Shivika sat alone in her room upstairs, dressed in a breathtaking dark red lehenga. The intricate embroidery glittered under the soft light, and her jewellery sparkled with every movement. Her hands, covered in delicate mehendi patterns, trembled slightly. She felt trapped, suffocated by the weight of expectations and the looming ceremony. Tears welled in her eyes, and she hurriedly wiped them away as a knock sounded at the door.
"Come in," Shivika called, trying to steady her voice.
The door opened to reveal her younger cousins, Rekha, Ishita, and Megha. They burst into the room, their energy momentarily lifting the sombre atmosphere.
"Shivika Di, Dulha a chuka hain baraat lekar!" Rekha announced with a wide grin.
Shivika glanced at her phone, her expression clouded with doubt. She forced a small smile, nodding as tears threatened to spill over. The girls exchanged worried glances but said nothing, sensing something was wrong.
Downstairs, Vedant arrived in grand style, wearing a regal beige sherwani with a traditional shehra that concealed his face. He exuded confidence, embodying the perfect groom. Pallavi, spotting him, signalled Aarohi to bring the puja thali for the welcoming ritual. As Aarohi approached, a strange sensation washed over her, burning in her chest. She couldn't bring herself to meet Vedant's eyes, feeling a turmoil she couldn't explain. Vedant, too, seemed distracted, his gaze lingering on Aarohi as she quickly retreated upstairs.
Arriving at Shivika's door, Aarohi knocked gently but received no response. She turned to Rekha, who was passing by.
"Shivika di ready haina?" Aarohi asked, her voice tinged with concern.
Rekha nodded. "Haan, lekin unhone kaha unhe akele mein kuch dair rehna hain"
Aarohi's unease grew and went downstairs along with Megha, Rekha and Ishita.
Downstairs, the pandit called for the bride
"Kanya ko bula dijiye"
Nodding, Pallavi looked at Aarohi who kept her head low as she could feel the strong gaze of Ved on her.
"Bachoko lekar ja aur Shivi ko bula ke le a" Pallavi ordered Aarohi, who simply nodded her head and went upstairs with Rekha, Megha and Ishita
The four girls reached Shivika's room and knocked but no one responded, they waited and knocked again but still no response, so Aarohi twisted the knob and opened the door, only to find it empty. The windows were open, the curtains swaying in the breeze. Finding the room empty
"Kaha gayi Shivi di?" Aarohi whispered, her inner feeling was telling her something was off.
"Megha, tum bathroom check karna", Megha checked the bath only to find it empty too, when
Ishita noticed a note on the dressing table. She picked it up, her eyes widening as she read it aloud:
"I'm sorry, but I can't go through with this. I need to follow my heart. Please forgive me -Shivika."
The room fell silent, the weight of Shivika's words sinking in. Aarohi felt a cold chill wash over her. This was a disaster. She didn't know what to do
Pallavi, noticing the delay, decided to go check by herself what taking them this long.
Pallavi stormed into the room, her face a mask of fury and fear. "Kya hogaya itni dair kyun kar rahe ho tum log? Where's Shivika?" she demanded, her voice sharp.
YOU ARE READING
Mere Piya
General Fiction"Tajali Ho Jo Teri, To Ratian Jagi Meri Rahian Mil Ke Pyar Se Zameen Asman" He was my sister's fiance. My sister was supposed to get married to him, but what happened in this short span of time, I'm standing behind him taking pheras What will happen...
