Thrones of Thakurs

❉ III ❉

»»-----　Aishwarya　-----««

The ache in my back was getting worse with every task I crossed off the list, but no complaints. We were getting paid well-one of the few perks of working for the rich.

It was the mehendi function, and I was doing the final round of checks. Most of the event coordinators and managers had already left.

The instructions were clear-finish up and be out at least half an hour before the guests arrived, with no interaction whatsoever.

I glanced around, taking in the surroundings. The venue looked exquisite, draped in layers of roses and orchids that created intricate patterns, especially around the stage area.

The curtains, in shades of cream and gold, swayed lightly as if they were part of the floral arrangement.

A table sat in the center, adorned with all the mehendi essentials-bowls of henna, cones lined up in neat rows.

It was a smaller event compared to tomorrow's wedding, giving us enough time to breathe and prepare.

As I checked the seating arrangement for what felt like the hundredth time, I heard a voice behind me.

It was Avantika Thakur, the groom's mother.

She stood there in her royal yellow saree, a diamond necklace resting against her collarbone, heavy earrings, and golden bangles that jingled with her every move.

She looked like she belonged in another era-elegant, intimidating.

I, on the other hand, was wearing a faded blue t-shirt with white stripes, the hem untucked over my worn-out jeans.

My ID card hung around my neck, like a label that screamed out of place.

She stared at me for a moment, her sharp eyes taking in every detail. It felt like she was silently judging me-my appearance, my presence.

"I was just double-checking everything, ma'am," I said, gripping my purse tighter, offering her the most professional tight-lipped smile I could muster.

"If everything is done, you may leave," she replied, her eyes still scanning the decorations. Not even a flicker of emotion on her face.

I nodded, turning to leave, but froze in my tracks when I caught sight of another pair of eyes.

Ocean blue. The kind of blue that used to make my heart stop.

I blinked. Once. Twice. Gone.

No, it couldn't be. He couldn't be here. Not after all these years. My heart pounded, slamming against my ribs.

I looked around again, scanning the area, desperate to prove myself wrong. There was no one. It had to be my imagination.

Tears pricked the corners of my eyes as memories I'd buried deep down began to resurface, clawing their way back into my mind.

I took a deep breath, willing myself to stay composed.

No, it couldn't be him.

This was the past-when I was young and naive.

I wasn't that girl anymore.

Steeling myself, I forced my feet to move, walking briskly toward the exit.

My mind struggled to shake off the moment, telling me it wasn't real. It couldn't be.

Suddenly, a hand gripped my wrist, and before I could even process what was happening, I was pinned to the wall.