Chapter 1: The Wedding Announcement

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The Raizada mansion buzzed with excitement as the family prepared for the wedding of Akash Singh Raizada and Payal Gupta. Anjali, Arnav's elder sister, was on the phone, orchestrating the event with enthusiasm.

"Yes, the flowers need to be delivered by tomorrow," she instructed, her voice ringing with joy. "White orchids for the entrance and marigolds for the main hall. Everything must be perfect for Akash's big day."

As Anjali hung up, she turned to see Arnav standing at the door, his expression serious as always. Dressed in a crisp white shirt and navy blue suit, he cut a dashing figure, but the lines on his forehead hinted at his preoccupation with work."

Chote, have you heard the news?" Anjali beamed, her excitement bubbling over.Arnav raised an eyebrow. "What news, Di?""Akash is getting married! Payal's family has agreed, and the wedding will take place in a month!"Arnav's expression softened slightly.

He had always been fond of Akash, a younger brother figure to him."That's good news," Arnav replied, nodding. "I'm glad for Akash."Anjali's eyes twinkled. "And Payal's family is wonderful! You'll love them."Arnav couldn't suppress a smirk.

"As long as Akash is happy, that's all that matters."Just then, Akash walked in, his face glowing with excitement. "Arnav Bhai! You're back!"He pulled Arnav into a quick hug, the bond between them evident.

"I was just telling Di, I'm nervous about the wedding.""You? Nervous?" Arnav raised an eyebrow. "You're the calmest person I know."Akash laughed. "I know, but it's Payal. I want everything to be perfect for her."Before they could delve deeper into their conversation, the doorbell rang.

The servants announced the arrival of the Gupta family for the initial meeting, and Anjali clapped her hands in excitement."Chote, come on! You should meet them!" she urged, pulling him along.Reluctantly, Arnav followed. He wasn't particularly keen on meeting new people, especially in the context of weddings.

But as they entered the main hall, his eyes fell upon a girl he had never seen before.Khushi Kumari Gupta was in the center of the room, surrounded by her family. She wore a simple pink salwar kameez, her hair cascading in soft waves around her shoulders.

Her laughter was infectious, and as she spoke animatedly to Payal, something about her captivated Arnav."That's Khushi Kumari Gupta," Anjali whispered, noticing her brother's gaze.Khushi's joyous laughter rang through the hall, and for reasons Arnav couldn't explain, he felt his heart skip a beat.

She radiated warmth, a stark contrast to his usually controlled world."What's wrong?" Anjali asked, nudging him gently.Arnav quickly turned away, mentally chastising himself for being distracted. "Nothing," he replied curtly.As the Gupta family was welcomed, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement and warmth.

Khushi, ever the chatterbox, engaged with everyone, her enthusiasm contagious."Di, we have to make sure the decorations have a traditional touch," she said animatedly, her eyes sparkling. "I can help with the arrangements!"Anjali laughed, charmed by Khushi's enthusiasm.

"Of course, we would love your help!"Meanwhile, Arnav stood slightly apart, observing the interactions, still inexplicably drawn to Khushi. As the evening progressed, he found himself glancing her way more often than he intended.

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