They Don't Know about Us

Chapter 29 - Rhythms of the Heart

Chapter 29 – Rhythms of the Heart

The hall shimmered like something out of a dream. Rows of fairy lights draped from the pillars, reflecting off crystal chandeliers suspended from the high ancestral ceiling of the haveli. Floral arrangements of fresh lilies and roses aligned the banister of the stairs, their scent mingling with sandalwood and rosewater in the warm evening air. Laughter rose over the beat of music, and the hum of celebration threaded through the Malik haveli like music itself.

Riddhima descended the grand staircase, one hand brushing the carved banister, the other clutching her crystal potli. The soft pink of her lehenga caught the amber light, each shimmer of the fabric moving like water around her. Her dupatta, delicately pinned over her shoulder, swayed with her every step — just enough to keep the choker at her throat perfectly in place.

She could still feel his lips on hers, on her jaw, on her neck, everywhere he had just touched. Memories of the moment they had shared were still clouding her memory. Butterflies, still alive in her stomach.

For a heartbeat, no one noticed — and then they did. Heads turned. A few gasps, some smiles, a few whispers that followed her like wind. Dadi's eyes softened, and Ananya, who stood by the entrance with Atul's mother, leaned toward her mother-in-law with a grin. "I told you she'd look like a dream."

At the far end of the hall, Armaan looked up mid-conversation with Rahul. His words died before they left his mouth.

He didn't move, didn't breathe — just looked.

Her. The lehenga. The rose-dust glow on her cheeks. The way she tried not to meet his gaze and failed spectacularly. His eyes took her in, from top to bottom, she was a vision.

Sneha noticed his silence before anyone else. "What happened, Armaan?" she asked, stepping a little closer, hand brushing his arm. "You zoned out."

He blinked, forcing himself back to composure. "Nothing," he said, too quickly. But his eyes betrayed him — drawn back to where Riddhima stood under the chandelier, caught between Ananya and Muskaan, laughing nervously.

Sneha followed his gaze and saw it instantly. Her smile faltered. "Oh." Her tone turned falsely bright. "She looks... nice."

"More than nice," Rahul murmured, watching Riddhima wave at him. Armaan shot him a glare that said shut up.

"Riddhima beta, you look so gorgeous. Kissi ki nazr na lagge." Ananya gushed over her look, wiping the kajal from her eye and putting it behind Riddhima's ear, to ward off evil eyes. Riddhima blushed and mumbled a thank you.

As Muskaan and Riddhima made their way towards the stage, Muskaan mumbled, her eyes glinting. "Someone's getting used to turning heads, hmm? You should've seen Armaan when you walked in — he forgot to blink."

"Muskaan!" Riddhima hissed, clutching her potli tighter. Riddhima's heart stuttered. "Stop it. Someone will hear you."

Muskaan smirked, whispering conspiratorially as they reached the stage steps. "Relax, everyone's too busy swooning over you to notice. Even Sneha looks like she's about to combust."

"Muskaan!" Riddhima hissed, but her friend's grin only widened.

They reached the center of the hall where the guests were gathering for the opening segment of the evening. The music dimmed slightly as the emcee announced the bride and groom's arrival.

From the main entrance, Anjali and Atul appeared — radiant, hand in hand. Anjali glowed in deep maroon and gold, laughter lighting up her face as petals were showered from above. Atul's eyes never left her; he looked both proud and hopelessly in love.