A Love Written in the Stars

Chapter 5: The Mehndi Ceremony

The night of the Mehndi ceremony arrived, and the atmosphere was electric with excitement. Colorful decorations adorned the mansion, and the air was filled with the scent of henna and spices. Khushi was in her element, helping her sister and friends as they prepared for the event.

As guests arrived, laughter echoed through the hall. Arnav, dressed in a traditional kurta, stepped into the vibrant atmosphere, scanning the room. He spotted Khushi in the corner, her hands covered in intricate henna designs, chatting animatedly with Payal.

"You should see this design! Isn't it beautiful?" Khushi exclaimed,

 showing off her hands.

"It's stunning! You always choose the best patterns," Payal praised

Arnav approached them, drawn to Khushi's enthusiasm. "Looks like you're having fun," he commented, a hint of a smile on his face.

"Of course! The Mehndi ceremony is one of the best parts of a wedding!" Khushi replied, her eyes lighting up. "It's all about celebrating with family and friends!"

"I can see that," Arnav said, glancing around at the laughter and joy surrounding them. "So, how does this work? Do you just sit and get decorated?"

Khushi laughed, her voice melodic. "Pretty much! But it's more than that. It's a chance for everyone to come together, share stories, and dance."

"Dance again?" Arnav raised an eyebrow, pretending to look skeptical. "I thought we agreed I'd avoid that.""Oh no! You have to dance tonight!" Khushi insisted, her eyes sparkling with challenge. "We need a group dance to start off the evening."

Arnav sighed dramatically. "I can't believe I'm agreeing to this."As the evening unfolded, Khushi was swept up in the festivities, encouraging everyone to join in the dance. She pulled Arnav into the circle, his initial reluctance turning into laughter as he tried to keep up with the rhythm.

"See? This isn't so bad!" Khushi shouted over the music, her energy infectious.

Arnav couldn't help but smile as he twirled her around, their laughter blending into the melody. For the first time in a long while, he felt a sense of freedom, letting go of his usual stoicism.

As the night wore on, Khushi and Arnav found themselves sitting together, catching their breath."You know," Khushi said, brushing her hair back, 

"I didn't think you'd actually dance."

Arnav smirked. "Neither did I. But you have a way of convincing people.""It's a gift," Khushi teased, her eyes dancing with mischief. "Maybe you should consider it a talent."Their playful banter continued, the connection between them deepening as the night progressed.---