One day, One love

Tangled Emotions at Twilight

The house was abuzz with excitement, fully adorned with vibrant decorations for the mehndi function of Riya and Sameer. Bright lights and colorful drapes lined every corner, casting a warm, festive glow. The air was filled with the sweet scent of marigolds and roses, while the soft hum of traditional music added to the lively atmosphere.

In the garden, where the main setup for the mehndi was arranged, intricate patterns of green and gold fabrics draped over canopies, creating an inviting space for the celebration. Cushions and low seating were spread out, and the artists were already preparing their henna cones, ready to embellish the hands and feet of the bride and her guests.

Everyone in the family was beaming with joy, their faces lit up with smiles and anticipation. Children ran around, their laughter ringing through the air, while the elders mingled, exchanging warm greetings and blessings for the couple.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the sky gradually darkened, turning into a deep shade of indigo. One by one, guests began to arrive, their colorful attire adding to the festive ambiance. The garden soon filled with the sounds of chatter and laughter, blending seamlessly with the clinking of bangles and the soft rustle of silk sarees.

Despite the gathering clouds above, the mood remained jubilant. The evening was just beginning, and the celebration promised to be one filled with love, joy, and the creation of memories that would last a lifetime.

Abhishek stood in the midst of the bustling preparations, dressed in a light blue kurta that complemented his tall frame and added a touch of elegance to his look. The soft fabric of his attire moved gently with him as he navigated the courtyard, ensuring everything was in order. He was busy giving instructions to the servants about the menu, making sure that every detail was perfect for the evening's event.

As he was finalizing the arrangements, he heard his mother calling out for Manisha. Curious, he turned around, and the sight that met his eyes made his breath catch in his throat. Manisha stepped into the courtyard, wearing a stunning green dress that hugged her figure gracefully. The deep color contrasted beautifully with her glowing skin, and her hair, styled with soft waves, framed her face in a way that accentuated her delicate features.

For a moment, Abhishek forgot where he was and what he was doing. His eyes locked onto her, and he couldn't bring himself to look away. It was as if time had slowed down, and all the noise and movement around him faded into the background. His heart began to race, pounding in his chest so loudly he was sure everyone could hear it.

He realized, with a sudden clarity, that he had never seen her like this before—not just her physical beauty, but something deeper, something that stirred a feeling within him he had never experienced. His usual composure slipped away, leaving him standing there, completely mesmerized.

Abhishek found himself struggling to remember how to speak, how to act. He had always been calm and collected, but now, in this moment, all he could do was try to remember to breathe. His heart was pounding, and for the first time in his life, he felt something he couldn't quite put into words—a fluttering in his chest, a spark that made him see her in a way he hadn't before.

As Manisha turned and caught Abhishek's gaze, she noticed that he was already looking at her, his eyes locked onto hers. A deep flush spread across his cheeks, and he quickly lowered his gaze, a mixture of embarrassment and surprise evident on his face. He struggled to regain his composure, his mind racing as he tried to make sense of the unexpected emotions swirling within him.

Before Abhishek could fully process what he was feeling, the vibrant sound of dhol drums filled the air, signaling the arrival of the groom's family. The rhythmic beats cut through his confusion, pulling him back to the present moment.

"Abhi!" Yash, his lively cousin, called out, bounding over with a wide grin. "You're not daydreaming now, are you? Come on, the guests are here!". Abhishek shook his head, forcing a smile. "No daydreams, Yash. Just taking it all in,"."Good! Now let's go give them a welcome they won't forget," Yash said, grabbing Abhishek's arm and pulling him toward the entrance.

Together, they made their way to the front where Sameer and his family were greeted with enthusiastic cheers and warm embraces. The atmosphere buzzed with joy and anticipation, everyone caught up in the excitement.

Manisha, her eyes sparkling with happiness, glanced back and caught sight of Riya standing with her friends and cousins. She quickly made her way over, her smile widening. "Riya, they're here!" Manisha said, her voice full of excitement. Riya's cheeks flushed a rosy pink as she looked over at the entrance. "Already? Okay, let's go!"

Before she could take a step, her friends started teasing her, their laughter blending with the lively ambiance. "Look at her, blushing like a bride already!" one of Riya's friends teased, nudging her playfully. Another friend joined in, laughing, "Riya, you're glowing! Someone's excited!"

Riya laughed, trying to fend off their playful jabs. "Oh, stop it! You're all terrible!"."Terrible, but right," Manisha added with a wink, joining in the laughter. As they continued to tease and banter, a servant approached discreetly, bowing slightly. "Madam, you're needed inside."

Manisha exchanged a quick, knowing glance with Riya, and said "Looks like you're being summoned. Come on, Riya, it's your time,". Riya nodded, still smiling from the teasing. "Okay, I'm coming."

With one last smile at her friends, Riya let Manisha lead her outside, where the festivities continued to unfold. The air was thick with joy, laughter, and the promise of a memorable evening ahead.

Abhishek's eyes were fixed on Manisha, who initially appeared radiant with her bright smile, but as she encountered someone, her expression faltered. His concern deepened as he watched her. Nearby, Riya sat with Sameer, and Abhishek's mother guided Manisha over to meet Aarti Desai, Sameer's mother, and her own mother.

As Manisha approached, sweat began to bead on her forehead and her hands visibly trembled. The weight of the moment pressed heavily on her, especially as she glanced at her own mother, Aarti. Dimple introduced Manisha to Aarti Desai. "Manisha, this is Aarti Desai, Sameer's mother," she said.

Manisha, her eyes glistening with unshed tears, managed to murmur a strained "Hi," while deliberately avoiding eye contact. Aarti's heart sank as she perceived the depth of Manisha's distress. Unable to hold back her tears any longer, Manisha excused herself and hurriedly left the room.

Abhishek, still observing the situation, was distracted by his cousins, who began to tease him. "Looks like your eyes haven't left her for a second," Ananya, his cousin, said with a playful smirk. "Yeah, I noticed that too," Yash agreed, joining in the banter. "Don't say anything," Abhishek snapped, clearly irritated, and he walked away from their laughter.

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