Bound by Fire

When Preparations Get Personal

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Sanya found herself on an emotional rollercoaster. She was in the middle of a bustling bridal boutique with Aarav, her mom, his mom, and an array of colorful lehengas sprawled out around her. While she was grateful for everyone's enthusiasm, she wasn't quite sure how she had ended up here.

As Sanya sifted through the racks of bridal attire, Aarav's mom clapped her hands in delight. "Oh, Sanya! You have to try this one," she exclaimed, pulling out an elaborate red and gold lehenga adorned with sparkling crystals and intricate embroidery.

"It's... beautiful," Sanya said, trying not to sound overwhelmed. The lehenga looked like it belonged in a palace rather than on her. Aarav caught her expression and smirked, clearly enjoying her discomfort.

"Careful, Sanya," he whispered, leaning in. "You might blind everyone with that sparkle."

She nudged him with her elbow. "At least I'll look good doing it," she shot back, her voice low but laced with playful annoyance.

Sanya's mom was equally excited, bouncing between the racks with a look of nostalgia in her eyes. "This reminds me of when I got married," she sighed, holding up a veil. "Ah, such memories! And now, seeing you here... It's like a dream."

Sanya felt a surge of emotion at her mom's words. She knew how much this wedding meant to their families, and she was determined to make them proud—even if that meant looking like a sparkling disco ball.

As she was ushered into the changing room, Sanya felt a flutter of nerves. The whole world seemed to be watching, waiting for her to emerge in her bridal attire. Taking a deep breath, she slipped into the heavy lehenga, the weight of it grounding her as she adjusted the dupatta over her head.

When she finally stepped out, there was a collective gasp. Aarav's eyes widened, his usual smirk replaced with a look of genuine admiration. "Wow," he murmured, his gaze locked onto hers. "You look... stunning."

Sanya felt her cheeks heat up under his intense gaze. She hadn't expected him to react like this, and for a moment, she forgot about the crowded boutique and their watchful mothers. All she could see was Aarav, looking at her as if she were the only person in the world.

His mom wiped away a tear, clutching her hands together. "Oh, beta, you look like a princess!" she said, her voice thick with emotion. "I can't believe our little Aarav is finally getting married."

Aarav groaned, breaking the moment. "Mom, please don't make it sound like I've been single forever."

His mom shot him a look, her lips twitching with amusement. "Well, you've certainly tested my patience. But now, look at you! You've found someone who can actually tolerate you."

Sanya burst out laughing, the tension melting away as the group erupted in laughter. Aarav's faux-annoyed expression only made it funnier, and she found herself caught up in the joy of the moment. For all the chaos of planning, she was surrounded by people who loved her, and that was what mattered most.

As they finalized the lehenga, Aarav leaned in and whispered, "You know, I was kidding earlier, but you actually look breathtaking."

Sanya looked up at him, her heart pounding. "Thanks," she whispered back, a soft smile playing on her lips. "And you didn't look too bad yourself in that sherwani you tried on earlier."

Aarav grinned, clearly pleased with himself. "Oh, I know. I make everything look good."

They continued with their shopping spree, trying on accessories and debating over colors, Aarav's constant banter keeping Sanya's nerves in check. They shared stolen glances and playful comments, each moment making her feel more at ease. Despite the grandiosity of it all, the day felt oddly intimate—a reminder of how far they had come from their initial arrangement to something that felt incredibly real.

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Later, they headed to a small café nearby for a break. Sitting across from each other, they sipped their drinks in comfortable silence. Sanya couldn't help but smile as she watched Aarav fiddle with the napkin, his usual confidence replaced with a hint of nervousness.

"Do you ever wonder how we ended up here?" Aarav asked suddenly, breaking the silence. "From fighting like cats and dogs to... whatever this is?"

Sanya chuckled, thinking back to their rocky start. "Honestly? Sometimes, yes. But I wouldn't change it."

He raised an eyebrow, a soft smile curving his lips. "Not even the part where you threw a shoe at me?"

She laughed, the memory making her shake her head. "Okay, maybe I'd change *that* part. But look at us now. We're planning a wedding, and I'm pretty sure you're enjoying it."

Aarav smirked, setting his cup down. "I am, but don't tell anyone. I have a reputation to maintain."

Sanya rolled her eyes, but she couldn't hide her grin. There was something heartwarming about seeing him like this—vulnerable and open. The wedding preparations had been hectic, but moments like these reminded her why she was willing to go through it all. For him. For them.

Just as they were lost in each other's eyes, Aarav's phone buzzed, jolting them back to reality. He glanced at the screen, groaning. "Great. It's my aunt again, probably calling to remind me about the family dance rehearsal. They want me to perform some 'special' number."

Sanya's eyes lit up, her laughter bubbling up. "Oh, I *need* to see this. Aarav Kapoor, dancing in front of the entire family? This I can't miss!"

Aarav groaned, burying his face in his hands. "I swear, I'll find a way to avoid it. Maybe I'll fake a twisted ankle or something."

Sanya leaned forward, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "Come on, it'll be fun! Besides, I'll be right there, cheering you on."

He peered at her through his fingers, giving her a deadpan look. "You better. If I have to make a fool of myself, you're going down with me."

They laughed, their playful banter continuing as they finished their drinks. Sanya marveled at how natural it felt to be with him, like they had been doing this forever. She reached across the table, covering his hand with hers. "No matter what happens, we're in this together. Deal?"

Aarav looked down at their intertwined hands, his expression softening. "Deal."

In that moment, Sanya felt an overwhelming surge of emotion. For all the ups and downs, she was grateful for the journey that had brought them here. She squeezed his hand, feeling a sense of peace settle over her.

As they left the café, walking hand in hand, she couldn't help but feel that they were ready for whatever came next—dance rehearsals, wedding chaos, and all. Because they were together, and that was all that mattered.

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In this chapter, Sanya and Aarav navigate the chaos of wedding preparations with humor and emotion. They share laughter over old memories, tender moments in their wedding attire, and a genuine appreciation for the journey they've been on. It's a reminder of the love they've found amidst the madness, and it brings them closer as they prepare for the big day together.