In the heart of chaos

Chapter 42

The Goenka Mansion was buzzing with excitement and anticipation. The large courtyard had been transformed into a colorful paradise, with marigold garlands draping from every corner, and fairy lights twinkling against the twilight sky. The Mehendi function was about to begin, and everyone was eager to celebrate the engagement of Aarohi Goenka and Rishi Malhotra.

Aarohi sat at the center of attention, dressed in an elegant green and gold lehenga, her hair pinned up delicately to keep it away from the intricate henna designs being drawn on her hands. Her face was a mixture of nervous excitement, trying to mask the flutter in her stomach. As the mehendi artist meticulously worked on her designs, Aarohi found herself glancing around the courtyard, searching for Rishi.

"Looking for someone?" Trisha teased, leaning in from behind, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

Aarohi rolled her eyes but couldn't hide the smile tugging at her lips. "I'm just making sure everything is going smoothly. You know how these functions can get—chaotic."

"Right," Shalini chimed in, laughing as she joined them. "You're totally checking on the decorations and not searching for your fiancé."

"Please," Aarohi scoffed, trying to sound nonchalant. "He's probably hiding somewhere, avoiding the whole mehendi situation."

At that moment, Rishi entered the courtyard, dressed in a traditional cream sherwani with a touch of gold embroidery. He carried his usual confidence, but there was something in his eyes that softened when they landed on Aarohi. They had bantered and argued for months, but tonight, there was a visible fondness between them that neither could ignore.

As soon as he walked in, a wave of giggles erupted from the women surrounding Aarohi, all eyes darting between the bride-to-be and her fiancé.

"There he is!" Trisha exclaimed, nudging Aarohi. "Looking dashing, as always."

Aarohi pretended to ignore her, keeping her attention fixed on her mehendi artist. "He's probably just here to check if the food is ready," she muttered under her breath, but the slight blush on her cheeks gave her away.

Rishi approached, a small smirk playing on his lips as he watched the designs slowly cover Aarohi's hands. "So, that's what it takes to get you to sit still for more than five minutes?" he teased, his voice low enough for only her to hear.

Aarohi shot him a look, though her lips curled into a smile. "I'll be sitting still for the rest of my life if that's the case, Malhotra. Don't get too comfortable."

Rishi raised an eyebrow, amusement clear in his eyes. "Oh, I'm not worried. I know how restless you get." He crossed his arms, taking a seat next to her but careful not to disturb the mehendi artist. "Besides, you look like you're enjoying the attention."

Aarohi shook her head, a chuckle escaping her. "Please, I'm just counting the minutes until I can wash this off."

Just then, Kairav, who had been overseeing the preparations, approached with a stern expression. "Rishi," he called, his voice serious, "a word."

Aarohi's eyes widened as she exchanged a knowing glance with her brothers Vansh and Kairav, who had been keeping an unusually close watch on Rishi all evening. Both of them had taken their roles as protective older brothers seriously, especially during the pre-wedding functions.

Rishi stood up, giving Aarohi a quick wink before following Kairav and Vansh to a corner of the courtyard. The two brothers stared him down, their arms crossed.

"Look," Kairav began, "we trust Aarohi's decision, but—"

Vansh interrupted, "—But that doesn't mean we're not going to keep an eye on you."

Rishi raised his hands in surrender, a playful smile on his face. "I get it. Big brothers and all. But don't worry, I'm not going anywhere. Your sister is stuck with me."

Vansh smirked, though he couldn't hide his approval. "She better be."

Meanwhile, Aarohi was trying her best not to eavesdrop on the conversation, but her curiosity got the better of her. Trisha and Shalini, noticing the tension between the brothers and Rishi, giggled softly as they exchanged whispers.

"Looks like the interrogation has begun," Shalini teased. "Poor Rishi."

Trisha laughed, "Oh, he'll survive. He's been dealing with Aarohi for months. This is nothing."

Aarohi rolled her eyes, but a small part of her couldn't help but enjoy the fact that her brothers were looking out for her. She might have her differences with them, but family was family, and she appreciated their protective nature.

After a few minutes, Rishi returned, still looking as calm and collected as ever. He leaned down next to Aarohi, whispering just loud enough for her to hear, "Your brothers are intense."

Aarohi raised an eyebrow, her lips curving into a smirk. "And you're just figuring that out?"

Before Rishi could respond, Trisha and Shalini swooped in, both of them grinning mischievously. "Alright, lovebirds," Trisha announced, "let's get some photos before the mehendi dries."

Aarohi groaned playfully, "Do we have to?"

"Absolutely," Shalini chimed in. "It's tradition."

Rishi, ever the gentleman, offered Aarohi his hand, helping her to her feet. They stood together, the soft glow of the fairy lights casting a warm light over them. As the camera clicked away, capturing moments that would be cherished for years to come, there was an undeniable chemistry between them—one that even their endless banter couldn't hide.

As the night went on, laughter filled the air, music played, and the family gathered to celebrate the upcoming union. Amidst all the teasing and the joy, Aarohi and Rishi shared fleeting glances that spoke volumes—despite their constant arguments and disagreements, there was something deeper growing between them.

And though neither of them would admit it just yet, they both knew that this journey—however chaotic—was one they were excited to take together.