Veins Of Obsession

CH - 14 ( Ceremonies )

Haldi Ceremony

The sunlight filtered through the gauzy drapes, casting a golden glow over the room as the families gathered for the Haldi. Laughter echoed as the yellow paste was mixed, and everyone took their turn to apply it to the soon-to-be bride and groom.

Mr. Mehra: (teasing) "So, Ishaan, ready to be covered in turmeric? This is your last chance to run away!"

Ishaan: (smirking) "Run away? I’ve waited too long for this, Uncle. I’m exactly where I want to be."

Mrs. Mehta: (laughing) "Don’t let him fool you! I can tell he’s secretly terrified."

Anaya: (snickering) "Oh, Ishaan doesn’t get scared. But you should have seen him last night, Auntie. Couldn’t stop pacing his room!"

Saanvi: (raising an eyebrow, a mocking smile on her lips) "Really, Ishaan? Nervous already? I thought nothing scared the great Ishaan Mehta."

Ishaan: (leaning closer, his voice low) "Oh, there’s only one thing that scares me... and she’s standing right in front of me."

The crowd around them chuckled, unaware of the tension beneath their playful banter. Aahana nudged Saanvi, who rolled her eyes with a teasing smile.

Aahana: (grinning) "Looks like someone’s in trouble. Isn’t that right, Saanvi?"

Saanvi: (mockingly innocent) "Oh, I have no idea what you mean, Aahana. I’m just here to follow traditions."

Anaya and Aahana had managed the Haldi ceremony together, each trying to one-up the other with jokes and pranks.

Mehendi Ceremony

The air was filled with the scent of henna and the sounds of drums. Saanvi sat with her hands extended as the intricate patterns of Mehendi were drawn on her palms. Ishaan stood off to the side, watching her with an intense gaze, a smirk playing on his lips.

Sidharth: (nudging Ishaan) "Caught staring again, bro? Keep it up, and everyone’s going to know you’re whipped."

Ishaan: (chuckling) "Let them think whatever they want. I’m just... appreciating the view."

Across the room, Saanvi caught his eye and held his gaze, a challenge in her smile.

Anaya: (sitting beside Saanvi, inspecting the designs) "So, did you hide his name in the henna? It’s a tradition, after all."

Saanvi: (smiling mysteriously) "Oh, it’s there... but he’ll never find it."

Ishaan: (overhearing, walking over with a smirk) "Challenge accepted, Mrs. Mehta-to-be. And when I find it... there will be a reward."

Saanvi: (raising an eyebrow) "A reward, huh? I wouldn’t count on it, Mr. Mehta. You’re not as clever as you think."

At the Mehendi, Saanvi’s hands were decorated with intricate patterns, Ishaan’s initials hidden somewhere within the swirling designs. Anaya left them and moved towards Aahana, Rohan and Sidharth...

Rohan: (to Aahana, grinning) “You think Ishaan will find his initials? I’m betting he won’t.”

Aahana: (laughing) “Oh, he will. For sure .”

Sidharth: (mockingly) “I can’t believe you’re making bets over something so trivial. Come on, Aahana, I thought you had better taste.”

Anaya: (smirking) “Jealous again, Sidharth? I think Aahana’s found her new partner in crime.”

Sidharth: (playfully) “Just wait, Anaya. I’ll make you regret those words.”

The Night Before the Wedding