TANGLED WITH YOU ✓ [COMPLETED]

Epilogue.

Hapy Reading✨️

I sat near the dressing table, my reflection staring back at me. I was draped in a breathtaking red lehenga, shimmering with intricate gold embroidery. My wrists were adorned with red and gold bangles that jingled softly every time I moved, and delicate gold jewelry rested against my skin - from the heavy choker on my neck to the maang teeka sitting perfectly on my forehead. I looked every bit the bride I had once dreamed of being.

This time, everything felt different. Even though I was marrying him for the second time, it felt like my first. There was no weight of obligation, no shadows of sorrow. The first time, I wore someone else's bridal lehenga - a last-minute replacement, just like I was. But today, I wore a lehenga chosen just for me, stitched to my liking. Today, I wasn't a replacement bride. I was his bride.

We had everything I missed the first time - the haldi, the mehendi, the sangeet. The whole family was present, and we laughed, danced, and celebrated. I finally got to experience the joy of being a bride, not just the responsibility.

I smiled to myself, excitement bubbling inside me. I couldn't wait to see Vansh in his groom's attire. I imagined him, his tall frame wrapped in ivory and gold, his hair neatly styled, and his mischievous smile tugging at his lips. My heart fluttered. I could picture him so vividly - but thanks to Dadisa's strict orders, I hadn't seen much of him since our engagement a week ago. She insisted on keeping us apart before the wedding, saying, "Shaadi se pehle milne se nazar lag jaati hai."

[Meeting before marriage leads to evil eye.]

It was torture, honestly - sneaking in phone calls late at night and sending whispered "I miss you" texts wasn't enough. I missed him. I missed us.

Just then, the door burst open, breaking me from my thoughts.

"Oh my god, Avni!" Ishika gasped, rushing in with Kirtee and Kashish right behind her. Kashish held her seven-month-old daughter, Trisha, who cooed in her arms.

"You look like an actual princess," Ishika said, her eyes wide with awe.

"Sach mein bhabhi," Kirtee chimed in, warding off the evil eye dramatically. "Aap toh sabse sundar dulhan ho."

["Really Bhabhi, you are the most beautiful bride."]

I blushed, smiling shyly.

"I told you Avni would be the most gorgeous bride," Kashish added, bouncing Trisha gently. "Look, Trishu - isn't Badi Maa looking pretty?"

Trisha blinked at me with wide eyes, utterly oblivious to what was going on. I held out my hands for her, and Kashish passed her to me.

"But my Trisha is still the prettiest one here," I cooed, tapping her tiny nose. She giggled, clutching my finger with her little hand, her gummy smile making my heart melt.