𝐂𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐁𝐨𝐰𝐥𝐞𝐝 [ Shubman Gill ]

Three

The sunlight streamed into the bridal suite, casting a warm glow over the room as Aditi and Shahneel helped Kiara get ready for her mehendi ceremony. The air was filled with the faint scent of jasmine, as the two girls laughed around.

Aditi leaned over Kiara, gently adjusting the drape of her green and gold lehenga. "You know, Kiara," she said, glancing at her cousin's expression in the mirror, "for someone about to get married, you look like someone's dragging you to a funeral. Are you happy, or should we start planning a rescue mission?"

Kiara's face remained blank, her gaze distant. She forced a small smile, but it didn't reach her eyes. "Of course, I'm happy," she replied, though her tone lacked conviction.

Before Aditi could press further, Shranya, Kiara's older sister, swept into the room, her bangles clinking with every step. "Aditi, bas karde ab!" she said in a firm voice, casting a look at Kiara's expression. "Everyone's asking for the bride, and we need to finish getting her ready quickly. The ceremony can't start without her."

Shahneel began pinning fresh flowers into Kiara's hair while Shranya worked on securing the final touches of her jewelry. The four of them chatted idly, but the lively energy that usually accompanied such preparations was missing. Kiara remained distracted, her responses to the conversation half-hearted and vague, as if her mind was elsewhere entirely.

The mehendi ceremony had begun, the sound of traditional music filling the air as family members gathered on the decorated terrace. It was an intimate affair, with only close relatives present. The resort's garden had been transformed with fairy lights and colorful drapes, lending a festive charm to the evening.

On one side of the terrace, Shubman sat with Ishan, Abhishek, and Atharva, each holding a can of beer wrapped with a tissue and lounging on the cushioned seats set up for the groom's side. Their laughter and casual conversation provided a contrast to the otherwise formal atmosphere.

"I'm telling you, it's all about maintaining your composure," Shubman said, a smirk playing on his lips as he and Ishan debated over some cricket statistics.

"Composure?" Ishan shot back, raising an eyebrow. "Coming from the guy who nearly fainted last year when his phone fell into the pool?"

As Shubman prepared his witty retort, Atharva and Abhishek wandered off, their eyes scanning the tables for something to snack on. On their way, they nearly bumped into Aditi, who was walking alongside Shranya's husband, Kunal.

"You look like you're on a mission," Abhishek teased Aditi as they approached.

Aditi shook her head. "Just trying to find something sour for Kiara. She's been acting... strange. Distant, and even stupid, for the lack of better words."

Kunal offered a reassuring smile. "It's probably just the wedding jitters. Happens to a lot of brides, especially as the big day gets closer."

Atharva frowned, exchanging a look with Aditi. There was a silent understanding eye contact between them, the kind that siblings shared. They both felt it—something wasn't right. Kiara's behavior wasn't just nerves; it was something more.

The brief pause ended as Shranya's voice cut through the chatter, calling Aditi to help with the ceremony arrangements. Atharva and Aditi sighed and separated, each returning to their respective tasks, though their thoughts lingered on Kiara.

A while later, Aditi and Shranya managed to steer Shubman toward where Kiara was sitting with her mehendi artist, intricate patterns already snaking up her arms. "Come on," Aditi said as they guided him, "Even though I don't like you that much, sit with your bride-to-be and give the photographer some cute moments to capture."

The photographer adjusted his camera lens, calling out for the couple to sit closer. "Just a bit more, yes, perfect," he said, framing the shot.

Kiara sat beside Shubman, her expression still somewhat blank. Shahneel, who had just stepped up to watch the proceedings, gave Kiara a nudge. "Smile, Kiara," she urged. "You're the bride. You're supposed to be glowing."

Kiara attempted a smile, but it looked forced and unnatural. Shubman noticed and leaned in, his voice low. "Everything okay?" he asked, his eyes searching her face for an answer.

She nodded quickly. "I'm fine," she said, her tone dismissive as she rose to her feet. "I think someone's calling me." Without waiting for a response, she walked away, leaving Shubman to stare after her, bewildered.

As the photo sessions wound down, the guests were called over to start dinner. Shubman, Atharva and Ishan made their way to where the men of the family were gathered, their fathers exchanging stories and laughing together. The aromas of rich curries and freshly baked naan wafted through the air, making their stomachs growl.

On the other side of the garden, Aditi and Shahneel were the last to have their mehendi applied. Their giggles and banter drew attention as the artists worked quickly to finish the delicate patterns on their hands.

Shubman and Ishan wandered over to find Abhishek, who had gone to receive a call, stopping near Aditi and Shahneel. "I didn't know you were into this girly stuff," Shubman said with a playful smirk.

Aditi shot him a look of mock annoyance. "It's not for you, jija ji. I'm just commemorating your last few days of being happy and free. This mehendi is to celebrate your impending doom."

The others burst into laughter, and even Shubman couldn't help but grin as he rolled his eyes. "Puri pagal hai tu."

"Just keeping it real," Aditi replied with a wink, raising her hands to admire the intricate designs.

As the laughter faded, Aditi's gaze drifted across the garden, landing on Kiara, who was standing by herself at the far edge, speaking quietly to someone on her phone. Even from a distance, her face looked pale, and there was a tense expression in her eyes.

Kiara's mother, walking past with a tray of sweets, noticed her standing off to the side. "Kiara, come on, beta," she called. "It's time for dinner."

Kiara quickly ended the call, her hand trembling slightly as she pocketed her phone. She joined the others at the dinner table, forcing another smile as she took a seat.

But as everyone began to eat, Kiara suddenly placed her hand over her mouth, her complexion turning a sickly shade of white. She abruptly stood up, mumbling an excuse, and rushed toward the resort's entrance.

Shranya looked after her with concern. "It must be the excitement," she said. "She hasn't eaten much today."

Aditi watched Kiara hurry away, a knot forming in her stomach. She glanced at Atharva, who was seated across the table, and their eyes met again, sharing that same unspoken worry. Something wasn't right, and they both knew it.

It wasn't just nerves—it was something deeper, and they were determined to find out what was really going on with Kiara.