Sacred Games Of Twisted Fate {18+}

*THE WEDDING*

***author's pov***

The Oberoi mansion was a vision of opulence, with every detail meticulously arranged for the grand occasion. The two beautifully adorned mandaps, standing side by side, became the center of attention in the vast hall, both glowing under the soft, warm light of the chandeliers.

Arjun sat confidently in his regal sherwani, his posture firm, exuding authority and control as usual. His sherwani was a deep shade of maroon, intricately embroidered with gold, matching his powerful persona. He glanced around the hall, his gaze sharp, but his mind was on Aayara, whom he would soon claim as his wife.

Rudra, on the other hand, sat in a similar outfit but looked far from composed. His light cream sherwani contrasted with the storm raging inside him. He felt conflicted and uneasy, still reeling from Dia’s sudden agreement to marry him. His eyes kept darting toward the entrance, hoping to catch a glimpse of Aayara, the girl he truly desired.

The guests whispered among themselves, admiring the grandiosity of the event. The tension in the air was palpable, as both brothers were on the brink of life-altering decisions. Today, the Singhania name would be further solidified, but beneath the surface, emotions ran wild, threatening to unravel it all.

As the two brides walked down the aisle, all eyes turned toward them, captivated by their beauty and grace.

Aayara, delicate and innocent, was adorned in a traditional red and gold lehenga. The intricate embroidery on the rich fabric shimmered with every step she took, highlighting the grace with which she carried herself. Her dupatta, draped modestly over her head, framed her face like a halo, while her jewelry, a combination of gold and red gemstones, sparkled subtly in the soft light. Her eyes, lined with kohl, were downcast, but the inner turmoil was clear on her face. Each step was weighed down by the heavy burden of her emotions, her future now tied to Arjun. Her beauty was ethereal, but the innocence in her gaze spoke of a soul not ready for the events unfolding around her.

Dia, in stark contrast, was every bit the confident bride. She wore a stunning pink and silver lehenga that reflected her modern yet traditional outlook. The silver embellishments shimmered brightly, complementing her lively personality. Her makeup was bold, enhancing her sharp features and the confident smirk that graced her lips. Her dupatta was placed elegantly over her shoulder, showcasing her carefree demeanor. Unlike Aayara, Dia walked with a sense of purpose, her eyes scanning the room until they found Rudra. She knew what she wanted, and today was her day to claim it. Her boldness matched the intricate beauty of her attire, making her stand out as the fiery counterpart to Aayara's softness.

The contrast between the two brides was striking—Aayara, delicate and hesitant, while Dia, confident and fierce, both walking toward two brothers who would change their lives forever.

Arjun’s smirk deepened as he watched Aayara approach, knowing that he had won—both the battle and the woman he desired. His gaze was possessive, eyes gleaming with triumph as he admired her delicate form in the bridal attire. The thought of her becoming his, bound to him by marriage, filled him with a sense of power and satisfaction. Every step she took was a reminder of his control, his dominance over her fate. He glanced briefly at Rudra, pleased with himself, knowing his younger brother was forced into this situation.

Meanwhile, Rudra sat in silence, his face void of emotion as he watched Dia, his soon-to-be wife, walk toward him. There was no joy, no excitement in his expression—just a quiet acceptance of the reality thrust upon him. His heart, however, betrayed him as his eyes instinctively drifted from Dia to Aayara. A hint of longing flashed across his face, though he quickly suppressed it. He couldn’t afford to show weakness now, but the sight of Aayara, her gentle beauty wrapped in that radiant lehenga, made him clench his jaw. He couldn't deny the pain simmering beneath his calm exterior.

Both brothers were about to be married, yet only one wore the mask of victory.

Dia’s smile faltered for a brief moment as she followed Rudra’s gaze, realizing he wasn’t looking at her—he was staring at Aayara. The love and longing in his eyes were unmistakable. Her mind raced as the pieces began to fall into place. The way Rudra had spoken about someone he cared for that day… the tenderness in his voice, the pain in his eyes. It wasn’t her.

It was Aayara.

The realization hit Dia like a wave, her heart sinking with the weight of it. Rudra, the man she was about to marry, loved his brother’s fiancée. The truth was right in front of her now, painfully clear. She had misread the situation all along, thinking she had a place in his heart. But it wasn’t her he desired.

Dia’s mind spun with questions—how long had this been going on? Did Arjun know? She swallowed hard, her heart aching, but she forced herself to maintain her composure. This wasn’t the time to confront the truth. Not here. Not now.

But deep inside, she felt the sting of betrayal and rejection, even if Rudra had never promised her anything.

Meera and Mehak, with proud smiles on their faces, led Dia and Aayara toward the mandaps. The two brides, adorned in their resplendent wedding attire, walked gracefully down the aisle, each step heavy with the weight of their futures. The hall buzzed with excitement, the guests eagerly watching the two couples that would soon be united.

As they reached the mandaps, Meera and Mehak gently guided Dia and Aayara to sit beside Rudra and Arjun. Meera's gaze lingered on Arjun, satisfaction gleaming in her eyes as she saw her plan unfolding perfectly. Mehak, on the other hand, stayed focused on Rudra, unaware of the turmoil brewing inside him.

Aayara sat beside Arjun, her heart pounding in her chest, while Dia, still reeling from her earlier realization, sat beside Rudra, who was cold and emotionless. The ceremonies were about to begin, but underneath the surface, tension crackled between the four of them.

The moment felt heavy, especially for Rudra, who couldn't bring himself to even glance at Dia. His eyes, as if magnetized, kept returning to Aayara, despite the sacred rituals being about to unfold before him.