The moment Sonia steps out, she helps her with her pink lehenga. “Careful, beta! Don’t step on it!”
For a second, everything inside me softens as I take Sonia in. She looks breathtaking in her soft pink lehenga that shimmers under the porch lights. Her hair is pinned neatly with sprigs of baby’s breath, and her silver-pink bangles glint under the light when she moves.
“You look gorgeous,” I smile at her. I’d already said it at home, yet I can’t help but want to tell her again.
Before Sonia can say a word, Aunty chimes in. “No talking! Just smile sweetly and nod a little… like a shy bride.”
Sonia nods like a scolded child, and I roll my eyes, murmuring under my breath, “Yeah, right… shy bride. Ugh, these theatrics are ridiculously dramatic.”
Just then, a few ladies in crisp uniforms, carrying plates of flowers, approach to usher us inside. They scatter petals around Aunty and Sonia as they begin to walk. I trail behind, carefully balancing the thali in both hands. My wine-coloured lehenga, heavy with intricate zardozi work, brushes against my ankles, making each step slow and deliberate as I try to avoid a misstep.
The moment I step inside, I’m struck by the crowd of impeccably dressed guests and the décor. Soft yellow light spills from crystal chandeliers, fairy lights cascade down the walls, and marigold garlands frame every doorway. White drapes, goldcushions, and a stunning floral rangoli at the centre lend the space a regal elegance. It’s a far cry from how I remember the place from last time.
An elderly man in a crisp white kurta and a woman of the same age in a heavily embroidered green saree walk towards us, accompanied by a striking young man in his late twenties, dressed in a white sherwani.
The moment they stop in front of us, Aunty’s posture snaps into rigid perfection. I don’t need to guess that these must be the Mehtas.
“Namaste, Pooja ji,” the elderly man says, his brown eyes shining beneath neatly combed, grey-streaked hair.
The woman beside him folds her hands in greeting as well, her smile warm and welcoming. “Namaste. We’ve all been waiting.”
Aunty returns the gesture. “Namaste, Dheeraj ji and Sharmila ji. I’m sorry, we got caught in terrible traffic. And you know how brides take time to get ready.”
Mrs. Mehta steps forward, and her hand cups Sonia’s cheek. “Sonia beta, you look so beautiful… truly radiant.”
Sonia blushes. Mrs. Mehta then turns slightly towards the young man standing beside her. “Kushal, come and see how beautiful your fiancée looks today.” She places her hand on his shoulder and guides him forward.
“Namaste, Aunty,” he says, bending to touch Aunty’s feet. She blesses him and presses a kiss to his forehead. Then he turns to Sonia and smiles softly. “Hi, Sonia. You look lovely.”
She lowers her eyes shyly, and I can’t help but feel that they’re all genuinely nice people. Nothing about them seems alarming.
Kushal then offers a polite nod to me. “You must be Meera, Sonia’s friend. Dev mentioned you.”
At the mention of that jerk’s name, a pang of irritation hits me, and I force a smile. “I am.”
“Nice meeting you, beta,” Mr. and Mrs. Mehta say, smiling warmly at me, and I return the gesture. Then Mrs. Mehta looks at Aunty. “Let’s go, the stage is ready and waiting for us.”
“Of course!” Aunty says excitedly.
They start moving towards the elegantly decorated stage at the far end of the room—soft pink drapes, cascading fairy lights, and two cushioned seats. I remain rooted to the spot with the thali clutched tightly in my hands.
Everyone looks happy, and I should be happy too. I should feel relieved that Sonia is with good people.
My gaze lingers on Sonia, who is smiling softly as Mrs. Mehta adjusts a stray strand of her hair.
“What’s running through that pretty little head of yours?” An irritating voice whispers in my ear from behind.
Pulling in a steady breath, I turn to Dev with a cold smirk.
“Well, I don’t reveal my secrets to my enemies, especially not the ones I’m planning to bring down.”
“You still think I’m your enemy?” he asks, mock-offended. “I’m the one who arranged this wedding, took care of everything, and most importantly…” He gestures towards Sonia. “She’s happy.”
“One good deed can’t undo the mountain of sins you’ve stacked up,” I reply coldly.
His lips tilt into that maddening, arrogant smile. “Haven’t you heard? Sinful men are always worth the risk. You would know, only if you dared to take the chance.”
I scoff. “I’d rather ruin you than even think about taking a chance.”
