Mishti stood in front of her mirror, adjusting her dress for what felt like the hundredth time. The deep red fabric hugged her frame perfectly, the silky material flowing with every slight movement. Despite her composed exterior, her mind was in turmoil. 

Tonight wasn't just another social gathering—it was the party where the official date for her wedding with Raghav would be announced. The grand gesture had been entirely orchestrated by Raghav, and though everyone seemed thrilled about it, Mishti felt like a guest at her own life's event. 

Raghav's decision to make the announcement public wasn't just about their relationship; it was a message to their families, their friends, and the business world. A promise that he was ready to move forward, to build a future together. But Mishti knew better. She could see it in his eyes—the shadow of his unresolved feelings, the weight of his past.

"Mishti, are you ready? The car's waiting!" Meera called from outside the door.

With a deep breath, Mishti straightened up, smoothing her dress one last time. "Coming!" she replied, grabbing her clutch. As she walked out, she felt a sense of unease settle over her. Tonight was going to be complicated.

---

The Party Begins

The ballroom was a vision of opulence. Golden lights shimmered across the elegant decor, while waiters moved fluidly through the crowd, offering champagne to the guests. Mishti entered with her parents, who immediately basked in the limelight, exchanging pleasantries with other prominent figures in the room.

Raghav was already there, dressed sharply in a charcoal-grey suit, his expression unreadable. He greeted guests with a practiced smile, but Mishti noticed the flicker of tension in his movements. 

When their eyes met, he approached her with measured steps, a smile playing on his lips. "You look beautiful," he said, his voice warm but lacking the spark she yearned for.

"Thank you," she replied softly, taking his offered arm as he led her to greet some of his colleagues. 

As they moved through the crowd, Mishti felt suffocated. Everyone was congratulating them, praising their supposed love story, and talking about how perfectly matched they were. It was exhausting to keep smiling, to pretend that everything was fine when she knew deep down that neither of them was truly happy. And she doesn't want to be here. Just a thought crossed her mind what if it's was Aryan not Raghav.

What the hell did she think?.

Aryan!!!

--

Just as Mishti was contemplating sneaking away for some air, the doors to the ballroom opened again, and Aryan walked in. He was dressed casually in a dark shirt and fitted pants, a stark contrast to the formal attire of the other guests. Yet, he exuded an effortless confidence that drew people's attention.

Aryan had been invited by Raghav, likely as a way to keep things cordial among mutual friends. But the moment he stepped into the room, his eyes scanned for one person. When his gaze landed on Mishti, a flicker of something—recognition, perhaps—passed between them.

Mishti's heart skipped a beat. She wasn't sure if it was relief or anxiety that flooded her. And yet again her thoughts, it was making it difficult for her to even look at him. He gave her a small nod, acknowledging her presence before blending into the crowd.

Raghav, noticing her distraction, leaned in. "Everything okay?" 

Mishti blinked, forcing herself to focus. "Yes. Just a little overwhelmed," she replied, hoping he wouldn't press further. And trying to stop her unreadable thoughts about Aryan, why would her mind think that and now makeing evening more complicated.

But Raghav didn't need to. He already sensed her detachment, though he said nothing, choosing instead to guide her to the stage where the announcement was about to be made.

---

Raghav stood at the microphone, his hand lightly gripping Mishti's as they faced the crowd. "Thank you all for being here tonight," he began, his voice steady. "This evening is special not just for us but for both our families. It's a celebration of new beginnings."

Mishti smiled, though her heart felt heavy. She glanced at Raghav, seeing the effort he was putting in. And here she was thinking of someone in his place. It wasn't that he didn't care for her—he did. But there was no escaping the truth: he wasn't over his ex and she has found new feelings for his friend.

Though she could say, she is in love with Aryan but thinking about other men on her engagement wasn't her character. She knows Raghav is not hundred percent faithful to this relationship And yet, here he was, making a public declaration of their future, not for love but for duty.

"As you all know, Mishti and I are getting married," Raghav continued. "And tonight, we're thrilled to announce that the wedding will take place next month."

The room erupted in applause, and Raghav squeezed Mishti's hand as they smiled for the cameras. But as Mishti looked out into the crowd, her eyes found Aryan. He wasn't clapping like the others. Instead, he was watching her with an intensity that made her pulse quicken. 

Damn his eyes and after trip his eyes, his smail is being hunting her.

---

After the announcement, Mishti excused herself from the crowd. She needed air. Walking out onto the balcony, she let the cool breeze wash over her. The distant hum of traffic was a welcome contrast to the loud, suffocating party inside.

"You're running away again," a familiar voice said, startling her.

Mishti turned to see Aryan leaning casually against the doorway, his hands in his pockets. His presence was both calming and unsettling.

Maybe he is just my comfort zone Mishti though.

"I needed a break," she admitted. "It's a lot."

Aryan stepped closer, his gaze steady. "It always is when you're pretending."

Mishti's eyes snapped to his, her defenses rising. "What's that supposed to mean?" She is angry at him for making her feel this way. It's unsure what she feels for him. She couldn't put the name on it.

"It means," Aryan said, his tone calm but firm, "you're putting on a show for everyone in there, but none of it feels real. Not to you, and not to him."

Mishti looked away, her jaw tightening. "You don't know what you're talking about."

Aryan shrugged, his voice softening. "Maybe I don't. But I see you, Mishti. And you don't want this. You're heart don't want this." Her heart beating like drum.

His words hung in the air, raw and unfiltered. Mishti felt her throat tighten as she struggled to process what he was saying. She wanted to argue, to tell him he was wrong. But deep down, she knew he wasn't.

"Why do you care?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Aryan hesitated for a moment before replying, "Because you don't deserve this."

The sincerity in his voice made Mishti's heart ache. She wanted to believe him, to let herself feel the hope his words offered. But she couldn't—not yet.

---

The party wound down, and the guests began to leave. Mishti felt exhausted, drained from the emotional weight of the evening. As she watched Raghav thanking their families and friends, she couldn't help but notice the strain in his smile, the flicker of sadness in his eyes.

He was trying, just as she was. But trying wasn't enough.

Aryan's words from earlier echoed in her mind. *You deserve more than this.*

For the first time, Mishti allowed herself to consider the possibility that he might be right. She had spent so long trying to fit into a mold, to meet everyone's expectations, that she had forgotten to ask herself what she truly wanted.

As the last of the guests left, Mishti found herself searching for Aryan. She spotted him by the exit, talking to Samir. He looked as calm and collected as ever, but when their eyes met, something passed between them—a silent understanding.

Without a word, Aryan nodded, his gaze lingering on her for a moment before he turned and walked out. 

Mishti watched him go, her heart heavy with emotions she couldn't yet name. But one thing was clear: Aryan had stirred something in her, something she couldn't ignore.

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Sunday Update.

Leave your Vote and comments.. Because I need to know what you feel about the story.

Intresting?

List of Ongoing Stories.

1) Sunn Yaara (RagLak)
2) Falling For my Wife (RagLak)(os) ✓
3) You're The One For Me?(TeVin)

Niha🖤