CHAPTER-23

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Anaya's pov

As I walked into the venue, the vibrant colors and laughter faded away because all I could see was Shivarth. Dressed in a yellow kurta that perfectly contrasted his sharp features, he looked almost unreal. The way the sunlight hit his face, highlighting the chiseled lines of his jaw and the warmth in his deep eyes-he was simply breathtaking. He was tall, around 6'2", with a strong, broad frame, and he carried himself with that quiet confidence that made everyone turn their heads. I couldn't believe that someone like him-this perfect man that every girl seemed to have a crush on-was going to be my husband.

As I stood there, watching him, a soft warmth spread through me, and I felt that unmistakable flutter in my stomach. Butterflies. Real butterflies, the kind I thought only existed in movies. Suddenly, my mind started drifting: Anaya Shivarth Oberoi... Mrs. Shivarth Oberoi. The thought sounded so surreal but so right, and I couldn't help but smile to myself. Maybe, just maybe, this was meant to be.

But, of course, my dreamy moment didn't go unnoticed. Annie and my friends caught me staring, and before I knew it, they were beside me, nudging and whispering. "Oh my God, Anaya, you're totally drooling," Annie teased, smirking as she gave Shivarth a look of approval. "You're one lucky girl," she whispered, nudging me again. My cheeks heated up instantly, and I tried to brush it off with a laugh, but my heart was racing too fast for me to play it cool.

Then came the inevitable nudge toward Shivarth as they made me sit right next to him. As I sat beside him, the reality of everything began to sink in. This wasn't just any ceremony; it was our Haldi, the first ritual of our wedding. I was going to marry Shivarth Oberoi-a man I barely knew, yet one who was slowly, unexpectedly, making my heart beat in ways I didn't understand. Each glance, each touch felt like a small step toward something unknown, something beautiful and maybe even magical.

It felt surreal, like I was in a dream. I mean, how many girls out there had probably imagined a moment like this with him? Shivarth was everything people admired-handsome, successful, a true gentleman with that mysterious edge. But here he was, not just with me but soon to be mine. The thought made my cheeks warm, and I could barely meet his eyes without my heart skipping a beat.

The teasing only grew louder, as they insisted I should be the first to apply the haldi. My fingers trembled as I reached out, my heart doing somersaults. As my fingertips brushed against his skin, a spark-soft but undeniable-traveled through me. I tried to keep my face neutral, but inside, it felt like a thousand butterflies had taken flight.

When Shivarth's hand moved toward me to return the gesture, his touch was gentle, almost tentative. Our gazes met for a brief second, and in that quiet moment, I felt something new, a strange sense of belonging, like this was just the beginning of something beautiful.
Then, as the gang pulled us back into reality with laughter and teasing, I couldn't help but blush. Annie leaned in close, her mischievous grin barely hiding her excitement. "Look at you, Anaya! It's like a fairytale. I can already picture you two together forever," she whispered. The girls and Ayaan joined in, teasing and laughing, calling us the perfect pair. My heart swelled with a strange blend of joy, excitement, and a hint of nervousness.glanced back at Shivarth, and for a moment, I saw a softness in his gaze that hadn't been there before. I was still nervous, still questioning everything, but I felt something else-hope. Hope that this marriage, this life with Shivarth, could be something more than I'd ever imagined

It was all so sweet and almost too perfect-until the gang, Ayaan and Vivaan leading the charge, decided to amp up the chaos, tossing him into the pool with laughter and shouts.

Shivarth's cold, slightly shocked expression as he surfaced from the water was priceless, and I couldn't help but burst into laughter. But then, as he made his way back to where I stood, I expected some playful revenge. Instead, he walked up to the group and, with a serious look, said, "Don't do that with her. The water's cold." His tone was soft but protective, and those simple words sent a warm blush through me.

Annie leaned in, not missing a beat. "Aww, looks like someone's already watching out for his girl," she teased, winking at me. And as if my blush wasn't already obvious enough, the others joined in, making a chorus of "aww's" and nudging me with sly smiles.

Shivarth looked away, clearly trying to downplay it, but my heart was still racing. Why was he looking out for me like this? We barely knew each other, and we didn't love each other... or did we? It felt confusing yet sweet, like maybe, just maybe, we were both feeling something neither of us wanted to admit just yet.

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I am loving this wedding series hope you guyz too
With loveeee

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