SHATTERED ROSES

Chapter 15

As the days went by, the Kumars and the malhotras, were busy preparing for the wedding. They had decided on a grand ceremony, with all the traditional rituals and customs.

Rachit's mother, Mrs. Kumar, was thrilled to be planning her son's wedding. She had always dreamed of this day, and she was determined to make it perfect.

"Siya, my dear, you have to try on this wedding dress. It's traditional and will look beautiful on you," Mrs. Kumar said, holding up a stunning red saree.

Siya hesitated for a moment, but then nodded and began to change into the dress. As she looked in the mirror, she couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. Was she really ready for this?

Meanwhile, Vishal was busy arranging the wedding decorations. He had hired a team of professionals to set up a beautiful stage and decorate the entire hall with flowers and lights.

"Vishal, my man, this is going to be epic!" Prithvi exclaimed, as Vishal surveyed the decorations.

Vishal smiled and nodded, but Siya could sense a hint of sadness in his eyes. Was he having second thoughts about this wedding?

As the preparations continued, Siya couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off. Was she making a mistake by marrying Rachit? Only time would tell.

As Siya was trying on the dress for her haldi ceremony, Rachit walked in and helped her with the straps. "You look beautiful, my love," he said, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

Siya blushed and thanked him, feeling a sense of comfort with Rachit that she couldn't quite explain.

As they finished getting her dressed, Rachit poured his heart out to her. "Siya, I have to ask, are you alright? You seem a bit...off. And I want to make sure you're not feeling pressured into this wedding."

Siya was taken aback by his concern. "Rachit, I...I don't know what to say. I'm just feeling a bit overwhelmed, I guess."

Rachit nodded understandingly. "I get it. It's a lot to take in. But please know that I'm here for you, no matter what. If you need someone to talk to or a shoulder to cry on, I'm here."

Siya felt a lump form in her throat as she looked at Rachit. Why was he being so kind to her? And why did she feel like she could trust him more than anyone else?

"Thank you, Rachit," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "That means a lot to me."

Rachit smiled and squeezed her hand. "Anytime, Siya. That's what I'm for."

Siya stood in front of the mirror, staring at her reflection as she tried on yet another wedding dress. She should be feeling excited and happy, but all she felt was a sense of emptiness and disconnection.

As she gazed at her reflection, she couldn't help but think of Vishal, and why is the thought of spending the rest of her life with Rachit felt suffocating.

She tried to shake off the feeling, telling herself that she was making the right decision. But the excitement and joy that she should be feeling about her upcoming wedding were conspicuously absent.

Tomorrow was the haldi ceremony, and Siya knew that she should be thrilled. But as she looked at herself in the mirror, all she felt was a sense of dread and resignation.

Why couldn't she be happy about this? Why did her heart still belong to Vishal?

As she changed out of the dress and put it back on the rack, Siya couldn't help but wonder what the future held. Was she making a mistake by marrying Rachit? Only time would tell.

Just as Siya was lost in thought, Tanu burst into the room, a huge smile on her face. "Siya! Oh my god, I'm so excited! We did it! We passed the final exam!"

Siya's face lit up with a genuine smile as she hugged Tanu tightly. "We did it, Tanu! We're finally graduating!"

Tanu pulled back and held up her admit card. "I know, I can't believe it! All our hard work paid off. We're finally going to get our degrees!"

Siya took the card from Tanu and examined it, feeling a sense of pride and accomplishment. "We did it, Tanu. We actually did it."

As they hugged again, Siya felt a sense of joy and excitement that she had been missing lately.

As they celebrated, a realization suddenly hit Siya like a ton of bricks. She was going to be married to Rachit in just three days, but her heart still belonged to his brother, Vishal. She felt like she was living a lie, and the thought of spending the rest of her life with Rachit felt suffocating.

Tanu noticed the sudden change in Siya's mood and asked her what was wrong. Siya broke down and explained her situation, feeling a mix of emotions: guilt, anxiety, and fear.

Tanu listened attentively, her expression understanding and supportive. "Siya, I can see why you're torn. But you need to think wisely about this. You're going to be marrying Rachit in three days. Have you thought about what that means?"

Siya nodded, feeling a lump in her throat. "I know. I just can't shake off the feeling that I'm making a mistake."

Tanu hugged her tightly. "I'm not here to make decisions for you, Siya. But I want you to be fair to yourself and to Rachit. Think about all the things he's done for you, all the ways he's supported you. Can you really just walk away from that?"

Siya nodded, feeling a sense of clarity wash over her. She knew Tanu was right. She needed to think carefully about her decision and consider all the consequences. But as she looked at Tanu, she knew that her heart was still telling her something else.