ENIGMA

Engagement Day 3

By 5 PM, the preparations at the Sharma family home were complete, and it was time to leave for the engagement venue. The air was filled with a mix of excitement, nervousness, and anticipation. As Ruhani descended the staircase in her regal attire, her parents beamed with pride, though her heart raced beneath the weight of her attire. It wasn’t just the heaviness of the royal ensemble, but the pressure of the future awaiting her that made her steps slow and uncertain.

The car ride to the engagement venue was quiet. Ruhani sat beside her parents, her eyes focused on the passing scenery outside, yet her mind was swirling with thoughts about Advik, the impending engagement, and the growing dread in her heart. She could feel her hands trembling slightly in her lap, but she remained silent, knowing there was no turning back now.

When they arrived at the venue, a grand, palatial estate greeted them. The entire space had been transformed into a regal celebration, fit for a royal occasion. The entrance was lined with tall, golden pillars, each wrapped in garlands of fresh marigold and jasmine, their sweet fragrance filling the evening air. Large lanterns flickered along the path, casting a warm glow as the sky darkened, adding an ethereal charm to the surroundings.

As they walked inside, the grandeur of the décor took everyone’s breath away. The large central hall, where the engagement would take place, was adorned with hanging crystal chandeliers that sparkled in the dim light. Above, a canopy of jasmine flowers intertwined with strings of twinkling fairy lights covered the ceiling, creating a dreamy, celestial atmosphere. The walls were draped with rich velvet fabrics in deep burgundy and gold, giving the space a royal and timeless feel.

At the center of the hall was a large stage, set up for the couple’s ceremony. The backdrop was an ornate floral design with cascading roses, lilies, and marigolds, while golden thrones awaited the bride and groom-to-be. The floor was scattered with rose petals, and large floral arrangements stood at every corner, their vibrant colors adding to the opulence of the evening.

As guests began to fill the hall, dressed in their finest traditional attire, the soft hum of conversation and the sound of sitar music playing in the background created a sense of occasion. Every detail of the evening had been meticulously planned to reflect the grand union of two prestigious families.

It wasn’t long before she spotted Tiyasha, Astha, and Akansha—her closest friends, standing near the entrance. Their familiar faces brought a brief sense of relief, a reminder that she wasn’t entirely alone in this whirlwind.

"Ruhani!" Tiyasha called out, rushing over to her with Astha and Akansha in tow. They embraced her warmly, but even amidst their excitement, Tiyasha could sense the tension in Ruhani’s stiff posture and distant eyes.

"You look stunning," Astha said, admiring Ruhani’s royal lehenga, while Akansha nodded in agreement. "It’s like a fairytale, Ru!"

Ruhani forced a smile, trying to match their enthusiasm, but her heart was racing. She felt suffocated by the weight of the evening and what was to come.

Noticing her unease, Tiyasha gently grabbed Ruhani’s hand. "Come with me for a minute," she whispered, leading her away from the crowd and toward a quieter corner. Astha and Akansha stayed behind, chatting with other guests.

Once they were out of earshot, Tiyasha turned to Ruhani, her eyes filled with concern. "Are you okay? You’ve been so tense all day."

Ruhani felt her throat tighten, the urge to cry bubbling up inside her. "Tiyasha, I... I don’t think I can do this," she whispered, her voice breaking. "I feel trapped. I don’t see any way out."

Tiyasha frowned, her grip on Ruhani’s hand tightening. "I know, Ru, but you’ve come this far. There’s no way to run now, not without putting yourself at risk. Security is all around. You said yourself—Advik knows everything. If he’s already watching, it’ll be impossible to escape without him knowing."