Reception Morning
The morning of the reception arrived with a flurry of activity. The Chaudhury mansion was a sight to behold—its grand gates opened to welcome guests, and the entire property was dressed in lush floral arrangements, twinkling lights, and elegant drapery. The sprawling lawns outside were transformed into a reception area fit for royalty, with delicate chandeliers hanging from large canopies and fountains adding to the grandeur. Inside, the marble floors gleamed under the sunlight streaming in through tall windows, and every corner of the house was bustling with people finalizing the last-minute details.
I stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the deep red saree that Nikita had picked for me. The fabric was rich and heavy, and it shimmered every time I moved. My hair had been styled into soft waves, cascading over one shoulder, and the makeup Riya had helped with gave me a soft glow. Yet, despite the external perfection, my heart was pounding. This was the biggest event since the wedding, and I wasn’t sure what to expect.
Downstairs, I could already hear guests arriving, their voices mingling with the sound of laughter and conversation. I took a deep breath, bracing myself for the day ahead.
---
As I descended the grand staircase, I felt a rush of emotions—anxiety, excitement, and a sense of detachment from the glamorous world I was stepping into. The Chaudhury mansion had transformed into a buzzing hive of elite guests, business associates, and media personalities. Crystal chandeliers reflected the soft glow of golden lights, while waiters in crisp uniforms carried trays of champagne.
The mansion itself was a reflection of the family’s stature. The sheer size of the house was overwhelming, with towering ceilings and intricate designs on the walls. Portraits of the Chaudhury family hung in golden frames, each one radiating wealth and tradition.
The first faces I spotted in the crowd were Ahan’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Chaudhury. They looked regal, standing near the entrance, greeting guests with wide smiles. When Mrs. Chaudhury’s eyes landed on me, her expression softened into something warm and welcoming, and she waved me over.
“Samira, darling, you look absolutely beautiful,” she said, placing a gentle hand on my arm.
“Thank you, Mrs. Chaudhury,” I replied with a small smile, feeling the weight of her kindness.
“Please, call me Mom now,” she insisted with a wink, and I couldn’t help but feel a sense of belonging in her words.
Just then, I saw Ahan approaching. He was dressed in an impeccably tailored black suit, looking effortlessly handsome as always. His presence immediately commanded attention, and I noticed a few heads turn as he moved toward me. He gave me a soft nod, his eyes briefly scanning me before they settled on his parents.
“Are you ready?” he asked quietly, his voice calm but firm.
“As ready as I’ll ever be,” I replied, trying to hide my nerves.
---
Soon enough, Ahan’s friends began to arrive, and to my surprise, they were far more welcoming than I had expected. One by one, they greeted me with polite smiles, easy conversation, and a level of warmth that I hadn’t experienced much before.
“Samira, right? Ahan’s told us a lot about you,” one of his close friends,Naksh Oberoi, said with a friendly smile as he shook my hand. “It’s great to finally meet you.”
I blinked in surprise, not expecting Ahan to have spoken about me. “Nice to meet you too,” I replied, feeling a little lighter at his genuine tone.
Another friend, Priya, stepped forward, pulling me into an unexpected hug. “You look stunning!” she gushed. “We’ve been so excited to meet you.”
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Tujhko Jo Paaya.
RomancePrevious title: Bounded By Faith, Forged In Love. Her Heart Stirred First, But His Sank Deeper They say nothing is as beautiful as falling in love. But what if love is found where it was never meant to exist? **Samira Chakraborty** is a dreamer trap...
