Shadows of Same Face

Chapter Seven: Pre-Wedding Festivities

The sun hung high in the sky, casting a warm glow over the Bansal residence as the air buzzed with excitement and anticipation. Colorful decorations adorned the house, vibrant garlands of marigold flowers and shimmering fabric draped over the walls, creating a festive atmosphere for the pre-wedding functions of Nandini and Dhruv. Family and friends filled the space, laughter and chatter mingling with the soft strains of traditional music.

Nandini stood in front of a mirror, her hands nervously smoothing the bright green lehenga she wore for the mehendi ceremony. The intricate patterns of henna danced over her palms, a reflection of the joy and love surrounding her. Her long, dark hair fell in soft waves around her shoulders, adorned with delicate jasmine flowers. She could hardly believe that in just a few days, she would be marrying the man of her dreams.

“Nandini, you look beautiful!” Tarini exclaimed, stepping into the room, a wide smile plastered on her face. She wore a similar lehenga, though hers was a deep blue that accentuated her features. Despite the previous tension between them, today’s festive spirit seemed to bridge the gap.

“Thank you!” Nandini replied, her eyes shining with happiness. “I can’t wait for everyone to see the designs on my hands. I hope they’re as beautiful as I imagined.”

As they shared this moment, Nandini noticed a slight shadow pass over Tarini’s face, as if her twin sister was grappling with something deeper beneath her smile. “Are you okay, Tarini?” Nandini asked, concern creeping into her voice.

“Of course!” Tarini said too quickly, her tone light. “I’m just so excited for you, that’s all!” She forced a bright smile, but Nandini could see the flicker of uncertainty in her eyes.

“Are you sure? You can talk to me about anything,” Nandini pressed gently.

Tarini hesitated, a brief conflict flashing across her features. “I’m fine, really,” she insisted, though the hesitation lingered.

Nandini decided to let it go for now, wanting to focus on the celebration ahead. “Okay, then let’s get going! I can’t wait to see everyone’s reactions!”

As they stepped into the main hall, the atmosphere transformed into a whirlwind of color and laughter. Family members were busy preparing for the mehendi ceremony, with henna artists setting up their tools while the aroma of delicious snacks filled the air. Nandini’s mother, Anandita, stood at the center, directing the chaos with grace.

“Ah, there you are! Nandini, sweetheart, you must come and greet the guests,” Anandita called out, her face glowing with pride. “Everyone is waiting to see you!”

Nandini and Tarini made their way through the bustling crowd, exchanging smiles and hugs with family and friends. Among them, Dhruv’s family had also arrived, and excitement danced in the air as they were greeted warmly.

“Sneha!” Nandini called out as she spotted her future sister-in-law. The little girl was twirling around, her laughter bright as she tried to catch the colorful streamers that floated down from above.

“Did you see my mehendi, Nandini bhabhi?” Sneha asked, holding out her small hand, adorned with bright floral designs.

“It’s beautiful, just like you!” Nandini said, kneeling down to give Sneha a hug. “Are you excited for the ceremony?”

“More than anything!” Sneha replied, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. “Can I help you?”

Nandini smiled, touched by Misthi’s eagerness. “Of course! You can be my little helper today.”

As the henna artists began setting up, the atmosphere was electric with anticipation. Nandini and her friends settled onto the large, decorated couch, ready to have their hands adorned with intricate designs. Laughter bubbled around them as the henna artists started working, each girl showing off her own unique designs while comparing notes on which patterns looked best.

Suddenly, the door swung open, and Dhruv walked in, his presence commanding the room. He wore a cream kurta that highlighted his athletic build, and a smile broke across his face when he saw Nandini.

“There’s my gorgeous bride-to-be!” he exclaimed, making his way toward her.

The room erupted in applause as Nandini blushed under the attention. “You made it!” she said, her heart fluttering. “I thought you were stuck with family obligations.”

Dhruv shrugged, the lightness in his eyes never fading. “I wouldn’t miss this for the world. Plus, I had to come see you in your stunning outfit.”

As Dhruv leaned down to give her a kiss on the cheek, a sudden chill passed through the room. Tarini stood off to the side, her smile faltering as she watched the scene unfold. She felt an unexpected wave of jealousy wash over her, but she quickly masked it with a cheerful demeanor.

“Hey, Dhruv!” Tarini called out, stepping forward with forced brightness. “What do you think of our designs? Nandini is going to steal the show!”

Dhruv turned his attention to her, a smile breaking across his face. “You both look amazing! I can’t wait to see the final results.”

“Thank you!” Tarini said, but her voice felt distant, and the sparkle in her eyes was gone.

The event continued to unfold, filled with music and joy. But as the sun began to set, casting a golden hue over the gathering, a hush fell over the crowd when the henna artists unveiled their intricate designs on Nandini and her friends.

“Nandini bhabhi, your henna is so beautiful!” Sneha gushed, clapping her hands together in delight. “It’s like a fairy tale!”

“Thank you, sweetheart!” Nandini beamed, her heart swelling with affection for the little girl.

But as she looked at Tarini, she noticed her sister’s eyes were dark, her smile strained. It was a stark contrast to the joy that enveloped everyone else. Nandini felt a pang of guilt—she wanted to share this happiness with Tarini, but how could she reach her sister when she was so lost in her own emotions?

Just then, Abir made his way through the crowd, his gaze scanning the room until he found Dhruv. “Hey, buddy! You made it!” he exclaimed, clapping Dhruv on the shoulder. “Looks like the party is in full swing.”

“Wouldn’t miss it,” Dhruv replied, grateful for his best friend’s presence.

Abir turned to Nandini, grinning. “And you, my dear, are the star of the show! You’re going to shine brighter than all the lights here.”

As the evening wore on, traditional dances filled the space, and laughter echoed through the halls. Sneha pulled Karan into a dance, her youthful energy captivating everyone around her. Nandini watched with warmth, but her gaze drifted toward Tarini, who stood on the periphery, her expression a mix of longing and sorrow.

“Why don’t you join us, Tarini?” Nandini called, hoping to draw her sister into the fun.

Tarini hesitated, glancing at Dhruv and then back at Nandini. “I’m okay here,” she replied, a note of sadness creeping into her voice.

Nandini’s heart sank as she realized that no matter how much she wanted to celebrate, her sister was still fighting a battle of her own.

As the night grew darker, the celebratory atmosphere remained, but a tension lingered, unspoken yet palpable. Nandini couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more beneath the surface—an undercurrent of emotions that could shift everything in an instant.

Unknown to her, as the music swelled and the laughter rang out, Tarini’s thoughts spiraled into a realm of conflict, and Dhruv remained oblivious, caught up in the beauty of the moment.

Tonight was supposed to be about love and celebration, yet as the stars twinkled overhead, shadows loomed closer, intertwining with their joy and weaving a complex tapestry of emotion that threatened to unravel the bonds they had all so carefully constructed.

And deep within the heart of the festivities, the unspoken tension simmered, a reminder that love, jealousy, and vengeance were tangled together, waiting for the right moment to reveal their true colors.