Ｂｏｕｎｄ ｂｙ Ｔｒａｄｉｔｉｏｎ|| "ʙᴏᴜɴᴅ ʜᴇᴀʀᴛꜱ" ꜱᴇʀɪᴇꜱ ʙᴏᴏᴋ 1 || 18+

CHAPTER 3: DEVANSH

"Itna kyu sharma..raha hai? Sangeet hai, suhagraat thodi hai!?" Kartik said as he walked beside me towards the venue. I was kinda embarrassed as everyone was staring at me and gossiping.

(Why are you blushing this much? Its sangeet, not suhagraat!?)

I was used to be the center of attention but that was only while official meetings, interviews and other things that was connected to my work. But this wedding was causing me being the hot topic. My friends were all teasing me.

My cousins would have done that too but fortunately they are scared of me as I'm the oldest and wouldn't dare to tease me this much.

"Chup kar ja, or else everyone will witness a murder scene." I grumbled.

(Shut up)

I walked up to the place where we were supposed to sit. In way I greeted many relatives and friends.

Finally I reached my seat and then I saw her.

She was wearing a mint colored lehenga that blended with her skintone so well. She sat there radiant in her mint green lehenga, the delicate fabric shimmering under the lights. The lehenga was embroidered with silver and gold threadwork, tracing floral patterns that bloomed with her every move.

A sheer dupatta, lightly draped over her shoulder, glints with sequins, catching the rhythm of the sangeet's lively beats. Her jewellery, subtle but elegant, featured a floral choker adorned with emeralds and pearls, matching her jhumkas that swayed with her movements.

Her hands that were covered with dark henna which she applied yesterday, were resting on her lap. The soft curls framed her glowing face, the mint hue highlighting her natural beauty. She looked ethereal, blending grace with celebration.

"You here Mr Rajvansh?" I heard Kartik's voice again.

I was so lost in my thoughts that I didn't realise that I was standing a feet away and staring at Shreya like a fool. She was also looking at me like a confused puppy.

I shot him a glare and marched towards my seat and sat beside her. Her best friend was sitting beside her. But Kartik left me here and sent Reyaansh instead. He stood beside me, looking in his phone.

"namaste... Aap ko ane me koi taglif to nahi hui na?" she asked with a gentle smile on her face.

(you all didn't have any problem while coming, right?)

I shook my head and looked away from her. I kept my face neutral as always. I was not marrying her to love or show her affection, even though I will surely be responsible and dutiful towards her, I am marrying her because my dadi wanted. Unless I only loved once in my life.

And that was my first and last. That one time made me realise how fool I was that I fell in love with someone. Its forbidden in my family to date someone and I couldn't date her. I couldn't break a family tradition just for love. But I almost did...

That was the first time I didn't care if I was breaking rules, lying to my own family, being reckless or selfish. All I cared about was her and for return she gifted me the most memorable present betrayal. She took my heart and ripped it apart. I trusted her and she used it against me. Because all I did was that I loved her.

And I don't think I can love someone again.

"Good evening ladies and gentlemen. As the stars gather to witness this night of melody and joy, we welcome you to celebrate love, laughter, and rhythm of hearts coming together." I snapped out of my thoughts when the mc spoke on stage and Reyaansh nudged me.

"You are up soon., come with me., and bhabi aap bhi" Reyaansh said with a neutral expression.

(Sister in law, you too)

Shreya got up from her seat along with Avantika. Me and Reyaansh also followed them towards the stage.

Our seat were just in front of the stage so we didn't have to walk too far. As soon as we reached the stairs the Mc said. "It's time to welcome the stars of this evening. Please put your hands together for the couple whose love story is timeless as it is beautiful"

Love story my foot.

I clenched my jaw a bit before composing myself with a sharp and deep inhale. The Mc continued, "From royal grace to elegance, presenting Devansh Rajvansh, the embodiment strength and honor, and the radiant Shreya Agarwal, whose charm lights up every room she enters. Together, they are the perfect harmony of tradition and love"

I can't anymore with this bullshit. why does they keep saying 'love'l We are not in love., we are just strangers. I am just her groom and she is my bride, there is NO love!
I wanted to correct the Mc, my forehead covered with cold sweats. The flashbacks hit me like bricks. The time when she betrayed me. The time when I loved Lavanya..

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Okay.. guess, what happened with him?