SHATTERED ROSES

Chapter 17

Siya's P.O.V

As I sat there, surrounded by friends, families and joyful chaos of the Sangeet and mehndi ceremony, I couldn't help but feel a sense of disconnection. The henna artist was carefully applying intricate designs on my hands, but my mind was elsewhere.

Everyone around me was dancing and laughing, having the time of their lives. But Vishal and I were the only two people who seemed out of place. We exchanged a glance, and I could see the confusion and sadness reflected in his eyes.

How did I end up here? I thought to myself. How did Rachit and I go from being so in love to being trapped in this chaos?

As the ceremony progressed, the music grew louder and the dancing more energetic. I just sat there, lost in my own thoughts.

I couldn't help but think about the what-ifs. What if we had confessed our love for each other earlier? What if I had met him before Rachit.

But now, it seemed like it was too late. The wedding was just a day away, and I was starting to lose hope.

I sat patiently as the henna artist expertly applied the intricate designs on my hands. The room was filled with the sweet scent of henna and the soft chatter of our families and friends.

"Which name should I write?" the henna artist asked, looking up at me with a smile.

I hesitated for a moment before responding, "Vishal."

The room fell silent, and all eyes turned to me in surprise. Rachit, looked at me with a confused expression.

"Vishal?" the henna artist repeated, raising an eyebrow. "Are you sure, beta?"

Siya's face turned bright red as she realized her mistake. "I mean, Rachit, sorry!" I quickly corrected.

Rachit chuckled and patted My hand reassuringly. "It's okay, my love. I know you didn't mean it."

But Vishal, who was standing across the room, raised an eyebrow, a hint of a smile on his face.

The henna artist smiled knowingly and began writing Rachit's name in bold strokes. "Don't worry, beta. I'll make sure to write the right name."

As the henna artist continued her work, I couldn't help but feel a flutter in my chest. Why had I said Vishal's name? And why was Rachit being so understanding about it?

Rachit leaned in close and whispered, "Don't worry about it, my love. My brother may be charming, but I know you're mine. Don't fall for his charm, okay?" he joked.

I smiled weakly, feeling a mix of relief and guilt. Why was I feeling this way. I was about to marry the man I love, and yet...I couldn't shake off the feeling that I had made a mistake.

As the henna artist finished her work, I looked down at my hands and felt a sense of finality. This was it. This was really happening.

Vishal walked away from where he was standing, leaving me alone amidst the chaos. I knew he was struggling, just like me. But what could we do?

As the night wore on, the celebrations only grew more intense. But for Vishal and me, the sadness only deepened.

We were trapped in a situation we didn't want, forced to pretend to be happy for the sake of our families. But how long could we keep up this charade?

"Siya, my love, come dance with me!" Rachit exclaimed, pulling me up from my seat.

"I don't think so, Rachit," I replied, trying to hide my sadness.

"Come on, Siya! It's our Sangeet ceremony! We have to celebrate!" he persisted.

"Leave me alone, Rachit. I'm not in the mood," I snapped, pulling my hand away from his.