𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐖𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐎𝐟 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞

Chapter 43 Last day

A U T H O R

The resort garden was glowing under strings of yellow fairy lights and hanging marigold garlands. Laughter and music filled the air as people moved between the food counters, the open dance floor, and the mehndi corner where vibrant cushions were laid out in a cozy setup.

Nitika walked beside Aleena, trying her best to steady her breath and ignore the heat still simmering beneath her skin.

Her heart was still tangled in that kiss-every heartbeat echoing the way his lips had felt on hers.

They made their way to a semi-circle of women sitting near the mehndi artists. Bella, the bride, sat cross-legged on a raised platform, her hands already half-covered in beautiful henna patterns, glowing in a deep mustard and green lehenga.

"Oh my god, finally!" Bella grinned as she saw them approach. "Where were you both?"

"Don't ask," Aleena muttered with a knowing smirk.

Nitika shot her a side-glance but quickly smiled as Bella's mom and grandmother turned toward them from their seats beside her.

"Arey tum dono bhi mehndi lagwa lo na!" Bella's mom said warmly, patting the space beside her. "Don't miss the fun-this is the most important part!"

"Exactly," her grandmother smiled. "Unmarried girls get the prettiest designs."

Nitika laughed politely, sitting down beside Aleena. "Okay, okay, we'll get it done. No one wants to argue with such wise women."

As the mehndi artist reached for her hand, she stole a glance across the garden-and there he was.

Avyaan, standing with a group of friends near the bar counter, laughing at something someone said. But then, like he felt her eyes on him, he turned.

Their eyes met for a fleeting second-and that second held everything.

He didn't smile this time. Just looked at her like she was the only real thing in the crowd.

Nitika looked away quickly, cheeks warm, heart fluttering wildly as the mehndi artist began tracing delicate vines onto her palm.

Beside her, Aleena whispered, "Your cheeks are redder than the bridal roses."

"Shut up," Nitika whispered back, unable to stop the smile playing on her lips.

A few minutes passed-Nitika was admiring the intricate swirls forming on her palm when a familiar voice chimed in nearby.

"Thirsty, bride-to-be?"

Karan approached with a playful grin, holding a glass of fresh juice. He bent down slightly in front of Bella, his presence alone making her blush.

"Oh, thank you," Bella said "but my hands-"

"Uh-uh. Let me."

Before she could argue, he held the glass to her lips, helping her drink with a smile so soft and adoring it made everyone nearby go silent for just a beat.

Bella, of course, rolled her eyes but still let him do it.

Across the seating, Bella's mom and Karan's mother shared a warm, knowing smile. They sat side by side like proud matchmakers, watching their kids glow.