Selfish For You

36

The first function of Ruhi’s sister’s wedding was the mehendi, and the venue was buzzing with energy. The lush garden had been transformed into a colorful haven, with marigold garlands hanging from every corner, fairy lights twinkling in the trees, and cushions spread across the lawn in vibrant hues of pink, yellow, and orange. The smell of fresh henna wafted through the air as women sat in small groups, having intricate designs drawn on their hands.

Kritika was looking around to find her friends, she had never attended a wedding like this before, and though she was still shy about being in such a large crowd, the warmth of Ruhi’s family and friends made her feel comfortable.

"Kritika, oh my God you are looking amazing" Ruhi exclaimed, rushing over in a flowy emerald green lehenga. Her enthusiasm was infectious. "You know this mehendi function is going to be epic! We’ve got music, food, and some serious dancing planned, we gonna enjoy a lot " she exclaimed excitedly

Kritika smiled softly, smoothing down the green-red lehenga she wore " you are looking beautiful" she said sweetly and ruhi flipped her hairs like she knows that before chuckling

She nudged Kritika playfully. "Ready to get some mehendi done?" she asked, her voice teasing.

Kritika looked around at the women getting elaborate henna designs "I don’t know… I’ve never done it before" she admitted hesitatedly

Ruhi grinned "First time for everything. Come on, you’ll look beautiful with it"

Before Kritika could protest, Ruhi grabbed her hand and dragged her to one of the artists. "Trust me, it’s the best part! Plus, it’s tradition for the bride’s friends to get mehendi done"

As Kritika sat down to get her mehendi applied, Yuvraj leaned against a nearby pillar, watching her with a soft smile on his face. He was usually the confident, brash one in every situation, but something about seeing Kritika in this delicate moment, her eyes wide with curiosity, made his heart stir.

Yuvraj walked to her in a simple yet striking black kurta, his natural charisma turning heads. It's first time he's seeing her today after waking up as he was really busy with all the preparations but looking at her now, it's really worth all the wait. Kritika look up feeling gaze on herself and her curious eyes meet his intense one

Anu, meanwhile, had been watching the two of them from a distance, her jealousy growing with each shared glance between Yuvraj and Kritika. She wore a deep red sari, clearly aiming to grab Yuvraj’s attention, but his focus remained firmly on Kritika. As she moved closer, she plastered on a fake smile. "Kritika, your mehendi is looking nice" she said, though her tone lacked any real warmth.

"Thanks" Kritika replied softly, still unsure of how to navigate Anu’s backhanded compliments.

Yuvraj, sensing the tension, gave Anu a look that silenced her instantly "Why don’t you go get some mehendi done too, Anu? You wouldn’t want to miss out on the fun, would you?" he said with a smirk, his voice laced with just enough sarcasm to make Anu retreat.

Ruhi, sensing a potential disaster, quickly intervened although she don't know how long she can prevent it with Anu always there to provoke him "Alright, guys, let’s not kill the vibe. The DJ is about to start! Dancing time" She grabbed Pranjal and akki, dragging them toward the dance floor as the loud beats of the dhol reverberated through the air.

Mohit, ever the reluctant dancer, was already inching toward the buffet. "I’ll stick to the food" he muttered, but Yuvraj wasn’t having it.

"Not today, man. You’re dancing" Yuvraj declared, pulling him toward the dance floor despite his protests.