•𝐀𝐑𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐄𝐃 𝐅𝐀𝐓𝐄• /𝑳𝒂𝒌𝒔𝒉𝒚𝒂 𝑺𝒆𝒏/

' 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 2 '

ENGAGEMENT DAY-

The sun cast its golden rays on the lush green lawn of the luxurious hotel, where Aarohi and Lakshya's engagement ceremony was about to take place. The air was filled with the sweet fragrance of roses and the soft hum of chatter.

Aarohi, looking stunning in a fitted white gown, her hair styled in loose waves, stood nervously beside her parents.

Just then, Lakshya emerged from the hotel lobby, looking dashing in a tailored black suit.

"Hey, are you okay?" Aarohi asked, as he reached her side.

"Yeah, I'm fine," Lakshya replied, his voice low and husky. But his eyes betrayed his unease.

Aarohi's hands trembled as she held out her hand for the ring. Lakshya's eyes locked onto hers, his gaze filled with a mix of obligation and resentment.

As he slid the ring onto her finger, Aarohi felt a chill run down her spine. This wasn't the start of a fairy tale, but a reluctant commitment.

Their families cheered and applauded, oblivious to the tension between them. Lakshya's smile was forced, his eyes screaming "help me" as he hugged her stiffly.

Aarohi's heart ached, wondering if she'd made a mistake by saying yes. Was she just a convenience, a social expectation, or could she ever be the love of his life?

After the ceremony, as they posed for photos, Lakshya's smile seemed forced, his eyes lacking the excitement and joy that Aarohi felt.

"Hey, what's wrong?" Aarohi asked, as they took a break from the photoshoot.

Lakshya hesitated, looking around nervously. "Can we talk later?" he whispered.

Aarohi's heart skipped a beat. "What is it, Lakshya? You're scaring me."

Lakshya's eyes locked onto hers, filled with a mix of fear and uncertainty. "I don't know if I can do this, Aarohi. I don't know if I'm ready for marriage."

Aarohi's world came crashing down around her. She felt like she'd been punched in the gut.

Aarohi brushed off her concerns, attributing Lakshya's doubts to cold feet. "Oh, it's just nerves, Lakshya! Everyone feels this way before getting married," she said.

Lakshya's expression remained uncertain, but he didn't push the issue further. Aarohi didn't notice, too caught up in the excitement of their engagement and the upcoming wedding.

As the days went by, Lakshya's reluctance grew, but Aarohi remained oblivious, swept up in the whirlwind of wedding preparations. She couldn't wait to start their life together, unaware of the storm brewing beneath the surface.

As the evening wore on, Lakshya and Aarohi were seated together, surrounded by their loved ones. The atmosphere was filled with laughter and chatter, the sound of clinking glasses and the aroma of delicious food.

Lakshya's best friend, Rohan, stood up, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Time for some fun! Lakshya, my man, tell us, what do you love most about Aarohi?"

Lakshya's face turned bright red as he stumbled over his words. Aarohi giggled, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

"I...uh...she's...really...nice?" Lakshya ventured, his voice barely above a whisper.