The stage was illuminated by dazzling lights, casting a golden glow over the grand event. Music played softly in the background, blending with the rhythmic sound of heels clicking against the ramp. The fashion show was in full swing, with models walking one after the other, exuding elegance and grace.

And then, she appeared.

With a confident stride and an air of poise, she commanded attention. The crowd erupted into applause, cheers echoing through the hall. But in a heartbeat, the enthusiastic cheers turned into hoots and jeers. The confidence in her eyes wavered. Her poised steps faltered. The sharp sting of humiliation struck her as she stumbled on her heels, her balance slipping away.

And then—she fell.

Laughter filled the air, mingling with the flashing lights. Disapproving murmurs followed, fingers pointed, gestures of discontent thrown her way. Accusations, taunts—each word like a dagger tearing through her soul. She remained frozen, numb. A single tear betrayed her, slipping down her beautifully made-up face. It mixed with her mascara, creating a dark, smudged trail down her cheek.

"Nooo!"

She gasped and woke up with a jolt, her body drenched in fear and shock. Her wide eyes darted around the dimly lit room. Her chest heaved as she struggled to steady her breath, as if invisible hands were choking her. Sweat beads trickled down her forehead. Her hands trembled, her fingers curling into a fist as she tried to ground herself.

Realization struck—it was just a nightmare. Again.

She squeezed her eyes shut and inhaled deeply, forcing herself to regain composure. Bringing her hands up, she covered her face for a moment before pushing back her disheveled hair. She let out a shaky breath, slowly leaning back against the bedpost. A lone tear escaped, trailing down her cheek, but she made no move to wipe it away.

Her eyes, now blank, held an abyss of untold pain. She didn't want to cry, but tears always found their way out, no matter how much she fought them. Her mind drifted to the same haunting memories she revisited every single day. Memories she wished she could erase. But could she? Was it better to forget or to remember?

Her trance broke when the shrill alarm rang, shattering the silence. Blinking away the haze of her thoughts, she turned her head toward the clock—6:00 a.m. Yet again, she had woken before the alarm. With a sigh, she reached out and turned it off.

She climbed out of bed, her bare feet meeting the cool floor as she walked toward the window. Pulling the curtain aside, she stood there, watching as the sun prepared to rise. The morning air carried a peaceful stillness, interrupted only by the sweet chirping of birds in the garden. Within moments, a few of them fluttered toward her window and perched themselves on the sill.

Shalvi Arya's lips curved into a faint smile. She reached for the drawer, pulling out some seeds. Gently, she scattered them on the sill and poured water into a small container from her bottle. As the birds pecked happily, she watched them, her expression relaxed. Yet, the smile on her face never reached her heart.

Half an hour later, she emerged from the bathroom, dressed in a modest brown full-sleeve Anarkali suit with a neatly fastened collar. She carefully pinned her dupatta over her shoulder and braided her long, damp hair. Once ready, she made her way downstairs.

Stopping by the in-house temple, she lit a diya and began the morning aarti. The soft flicker of the flame cast shadows over her serene yet pained face. Soon, Chitra Arya and Bhavesh Arya joined her, standing by her side as she continued the prayer. Chitra smiled gently at her daughter, while Bhavesh, as always, remained expressionless.

As the aarti concluded, Shalvi opened her eyes. Despite the solemnity of the moment, she did not ask for anything. She had long stopped wishing for things she knew the universe wouldn't grant her. It wasn't a lack of faith in God; rather, she believed that divine help only came to those who helped themselves. And she... she was just too tired, too worn out to fight anymore.

Turning around, she softly greeted her parents. But Bhavesh walked away without a word, his cold indifference a familiar ache. Chitra offered her a weak smile before following him. Shalvi took a deep breath, steeling herself. Then, without dwelling on it, she headed to the kitchen.

Today was just another day—except for one difference.

For a change, she had somewhere to go. Not the usual market or park.

Today, she had to leave for Jaipur.

She started preparing breakfast at a slow pace, knowing she had more than enough time. Today was a new beginning. Or perhaps, just another chapter in the same endless cycle of her life.

The day passed in packing last-minute essentials and double-checking everything. Shalvi was helping Chitra while Bhavesh had some important work, so he left, assuring them that he would try to return soon.

It was around 3 p.m. when Chitra received a call. She picked it up.

"Yes, Bhavesh... What?... Oh... Okay. Alright, we will be there," she said before disconnecting the call. Then, she walked toward Shalvi's room.

"Shalvi," Chitra called softly.

"Ji, Maa?" Shalvi responded, looking up from her book. Since there was still some time left before leaving for the airport, she had been reading to pass the time.

"Bhavesh just called. The flight has been preponed by an hour. It's scheduled for 4:30 p.m. He is stuck at work, so he asked us to leave for the airport. He will meet us there directly. Get ready quickly; we should leave soon," Chitra informed her.

Shalvi nodded. "Okay, Maa. You go ahead and get ready. I'll book the cab."

"Yes, and you too, get ready soon," Chitra reminded her before leaving for her room.

Shalvi folded the page she was reading, closed the book, and carefully placed it on the shelf, which was filled with books. They were her only true companions—books that she read and reread, losing herself in their pages to escape reality.

Standing there for a moment, she thought about how, after three long years, she was finally traveling somewhere. She wasn't particularly excited, but it was her cousin's wedding. For her parents' happiness, she would at least try to enjoy it.

Taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes momentarily, then picked out her dress and went to get ready.

A while later, they reached the airport. Bhavesh had also arrived. They sat in the waiting area as he handed out their boarding passes. He gave one to Chitra and then turned to Shalvi, extending her pass but pausing before speaking.

"Shalvi, it's good that you agreed to come with us. Now that we're going, I expect you to behave well. Be polite and respectful to everyone. They are our family. I don't want any kind of unethical or foolish behavior from you there," Bhavesh said in a low but firm tone, his face serious.

Then, he handed her the pass.

Shalvi lowered her gaze and took the boarding pass. "Ji... ji, Baba," she murmured.

Chitra was about to intervene when the check-in announcement was made, prompting them to proceed. Soon, they completed the check-in process and boarded the flight.

Shalvi took the window seat, while Chitra sat between her and Bhavesh. The flight soon took off. Chitra and Bhavesh engaged in a conversation about relatives and other matters, but Shalvi remained silent, resting her head against the seat as she gazed out of the window.

The view outside was breathtaking—the soft clouds, the golden hues of the setting sun painting the sky—but she was lost in her thoughts. A sense of unease crept over her. She felt nervous, restless, and unsure of what awaited her. It had been years since she had traveled anywhere, and the unfamiliarity of it all unsettled her.

She rubbed her fingers together continuously, trying to calm herself, but the unease lingered.

After a couple of hours, they landed at Jaipur airport. Stepping outside, Bhavesh spotted the car that had come to pick them up for the palace, where the wedding was to take place. They loaded their luggage into the car and then got in, ready for the journey ahead.

After a journey of half an hour, they reached the palace. Bhavesh and Chitra stepped out of the car, followed by Shalvi, while the driver went to retrieve the luggage. Lifting her eyes, she took in her surroundings. The palace was breathtaking, exuding an aura of royalty. Fountains and ponds adorned the space before the grand entrance, and in the fading evening light, the palace seemed to glow, casting a magical ambiance. The sight was mesmerizing, and Shalvi found herself lost in admiration, unaware that Bhavesh and Chitra had already moved ahead. It was only when Chitra called out to her that she snapped out of her trance.

Turning to her mother, she noticed a couple and a few others standing nearby. Her gaze settled on the middle-aged man and woman, and she immediately recognized them as Bua Ji—Pranika Yashvardhan—and her husband, Samarth Yashvardhan. And so, the act of pretense began. Plastering on her best smile, Shalvi stepped forward to join Chitra.

As they entered the palace, a grand hallway unfolded before them, even more opulent than the entrance itself.

"It's so overwhelming to have you both here, Bhai and Bhabhi," Pranika said with a warm smile.

"Yes, we are truly happy that you have become a part of our joy and are here to bless Ira as she begins her new journey," Samarth added.

"It's our pleasure, Samarth Ji and Pranika. Ira is like our daughter, and no one is happier than us to be here. Right, Chitra?" Bhavesh said with a smile.

"Yes, Bhavesh," Chitra nodded.

"And... our Shalvi has grown up so much," Pranika remarked, stepping toward her.

Shalvi responded with a smile and folded her hands politely in front of them.

"Namastey," she greeted, trying to suppress her nervousness.

"God bless you, beta. How are you, Shalvi?" Samarth said, patting her head lightly.

"I am fine, thank you," she replied with the same composed smile.

"She is so beautiful, just like you, Bhabhi. I remember seeing her when she was so little. May God grant you all the happiness, and thank you so much for coming, Shalvi," Pranika said, cupping her face before pressing a gentle kiss on her forehead as a blessing.

Shalvi felt a small sense of ease and comfort in their presence. Chitra, too, smiled, relieved to see her daughter more at ease.

"And where is our Ira?" Bhavesh asked.

Pranika was about to ask someone to call her when she suddenly turned her head, her eyes catching sight of someone at the staircase.

"Look at that," she mused, a teasing smile on her lips. "Speak of the devil, and there she is."

All eyes followed her gaze as a girl descended the grand staircase, the soft fabric of her deep purple anarkali trailing behind her. Her hair, left open, swayed gently with each step, and an effortless grace accompanied her movements.

"Ira, beta," Samarth called out warmly.

She lifted her face, her lips curving into a soft smile at the sound of his voice.

"Come here, princess," he said, his eyes filled with affection.

She walked toward him, radiating confidence, unaware of the storm brewing in the heart of the girl standing in the shadows.

Shalvi stood behind Chitra and Bhavesh, her eyes fixed on the floor. She had no idea who this girl was—only that she was her cousin. A stranger bound to her by blood. Her heart pounded against her ribcage, the suffocating weight of unease pressing down on her. Her fingers curled into her dupatta as she tried to steady herself, but the anxious energy within her refused to settle.

"Ira, beta, meet your Mama and Mami. I told you about them, remember?" Samarth said, his voice warm and welcoming.

"Yes, Papa. I remember." Ira smiled, folding her hands in greeting. "Namastey, Mamaji, Mamiji. I'm so happy to finally meet you both."

Chitra and Bhavesh returned her greeting with warm smiles, blessing her.

But Shalvi... something felt off.

A strange feeling clawed at her chest. An unsettling familiarity.

Pranika's voice carried a note of excitement as she gently pulled Shalvi forward.

"And here she is—Bhavesh and Chitra's daughter. Your cousin, whom you were so eager to meet the moment you found out about her... Shalvi."

Shalvi forced a polite smile, extending her hand toward the girl in front of her. But the moment her eyes lifted—her world stopped. Her breath hitched, the color drained from her face, and the soft murmur of voices around her faded into an unbearable silence. The weight of the moment crashed down on her like an unforgiving storm because standing in front of her was none other than Adhira Yashvardhan.

"Adhira..." A barely audible whisper escaped her lips before she could stop it.

On the other side, Adhira's expression mirrored hers—stunned, disbelieving. She, too, was frozen, her dark eyes widening as she took in the sight of Shalvi, dressed in a black and red salwar suit. Their hands—suspended in mid-air—never met.

For a long, agonizing moment, they just stood there, staring at each other with emotions too complex to define.

"What happened, Ira? Shalvi?" Samarth's voice broke the tense air, his tone laced with confusion. The elders, sensing the sudden shift in the atmosphere, exchanged puzzled glances.

Shalvi was the first to react. She quickly averted her gaze, blinking rapidly, forcing herself to push back the turmoil raging within her. Taking a deep breath, she clenched her trembling fingers, fighting to compose herself. Adhira did the same, swallowing the lump in her throat before forcing a small, controlled laugh.

"Nothing, Papa," Adhira said, though her voice carried a faint tremor. "I was just... surprised to see Shalvi here. We went to the same college in Mumbai."

"What?" Pranika's eyebrows shot up. "You two already knew each other?"

Adhira nodded, stealing a glance at Shalvi, who, after a moment's hesitation, forced a weak smile and nodded in agreement.

"What a coincidence!" Pranika chuckled. "And here we were, excited to introduce you both! The world is so small, isn't it, Chitra?"

Chitra smiled, oblivious to the silent storm raging beneath her daughter's calm facade.

"Shalvi, if you already know your cousin, then I'm sure you must know her fiancé too," Samarth said with a proud smile.

Shalvi looked at Adhira, who was staring at her, before shifting her gaze to Samarth, ready to ask about the man. But before she could, his words sent an icy shiver down her spine.

"Oh, there he is—my soon-to-be son-in-law!" Samarth announced, his face glowing with joy as he spotted someone entering from the main entrance.

Shalvi's body turned rigid, her palms growing cold, yet her heart pounded so loudly she feared it would burst. A strange, gut-wrenching anxiety clawed at her, an all-too-familiar unease that only surfaced in one person's presence. No. It can't be him. It can't be.

"Hridansh," Samarth called out, his voice laced with excitement.

The world around her blurred. Her knees weakened. Her fingers dug into her palms, nails pressing painfully into her skin. No. This is a coincidence, just a cruel coincidence. Yet, deep inside, she knew—her instincts had never failed her before.

Shalvi felt her heart hammering against her ribs, each passing second stretching into an eternity. The shock of discovering Adhira was her cousin had barely settled, and now, the mention of the groom's name sent a wave of sheer terror crashing over her. A cold dread coiled in the pit of her stomach as approaching footsteps echoed in her ears, growing louder, closer.

No. It's not him. It can't be him.

But the unease clawing at her insides, the rapid, uncontrollable thudding of her heart—she had only ever felt this way because of one person. And if her instincts were right, she was mere seconds away from facing the truth she wasn't ready for.

Fixing her gaze onto the cold marble floor, she desperately willed herself to remain composed.

Bhavesh and Chitra turned toward the approaching figures. Two men walked in confidently, their presence commanding. As they neared, greeting Samarth, Shalvi felt herself shrinking behind her father, desperately clinging to the last bit of denial.

And then, Samarth's voice shattered the last sliver of hope she had been holding onto.

"Hridansh, meet them. They are Adhira's Mama and Mami. And Bhavesh Bhai, Chitra Bhabhi, this is Hridansh Rajvansh, Adhira's fiancé."

Every nerve in her body went numb. The breath hitched in her throat.

"Namaste, Uncle. Namaste, Aunty," came a voice she hadn't heard in four long years—a voice that once made her world feel complete, a voice that was now a haunting reminder of everything she had lost.

Shalvi squeezed her eyes shut for a moment, swallowing back the lump rising in her throat.

"And this is Shalvi, our niece and Adhira's cousin," Pranika introduced with a beaming smile, unaware of the storm brewing within her.

Her father stepped aside, revealing her to the man she had once given her heart to. She was forced into the open, no longer shielded from the man standing before her.

She felt her entire body lock in place, her breath catching in her throat. A sharp, searing pain pulsed behind her eyes as she fought back the stinging tears that threatened to fall. Every part of her wanted to crumble, to disappear into nothingness, but she couldn't—not here, not now.

Summoning every shred of remaining strength, she lifted her gaze, and the moment her eyes met his, the world around her ceased to exist.

Fury.

His eyes, once the safest place she had known, now burned with an unforgiving rage that threatened to consume her whole. It was a fire so intense, she felt its heat licking at her very soul, scorching through every fragile piece of her heart.

Her form trembled under his piercing gaze, her legs weak, her breath uneven. The storm swirling in his eyes was deafening, a silent scream of accusations, of memories, of a past they had never truly left behind.

She wanted to run. To turn and flee. To escape the torment of standing before the man she had once loved—the man who now looked at her as if she were nothing more than a wound he wished he could erase.

But she stood there, trapped in a nightmare of her own making, unable to move, unable to breathe—just drowning in the merciless storm of Hridansh Rajvansh's gaze.

His furious eyes never wavered from her. His expression was unreadable—cold, hard, and distant. The man standing beside him was too stunned to react.

"You're surprised too, aren't you?" Samarth laughed, oblivious to the silent war waging between them. "Adhira was just as shocked to see Shalvi here. She told us that they were in the same college back in Mumbai. So, you all already know each other!"

His furious eyes never wavered from her. His expression was unreadable—cold, hard, and distant. The man standing beside him was too stunned to react.

Shalvi's breath hitched. Every word felt like a dagger slicing through her soul. She immediately looked away, her heart sinking deeper into despair.

He was here. Hridansh Rajvansh.

Her ex-boyfriend.

As her cousin's soon-to-be husband.

What a cruel twist of fate. What had she done to deserve this punishment? Fate had never been kind to her, but today, it had delivered the cruelest blow of all. He was right in front of her—so close, yet farther than he had ever been.

Hridansh exhaled sharply, nodding at Samarth, attempting to mask his emotions, but his gaze remained locked on Shalvi.

Beside him, Adhira and the man standing next to Hridansh exchanged tense glances. Something about this moment felt off.

"Hello," Hridansh finally said, extending his hand toward Shalvi. His voice was smooth, calculated—an attempt at normalcy, so no one would suspect the chaos brewing beneath.

Shalvi felt her throat go dry. The same voice. The one she hadn't heard in four years. The same presence. The one she had once craved but could no longer bear.

She couldn't move. Couldn't breathe. And shaking his hand? Impossible.

Not now. Not ever.

Slowly, she lifted her trembling hands but didn't take his. Instead, she pressed them together in a polite greeting.

"Namaste," she whispered, her voice fragile, threatening to break under the weight of emotions clogging her throat.

Pranika let out a small laugh. "Seems like your formal 'hello' didn't sit well with your college friend, Hridansh. She preferred a traditional greeting instead," she teased.

Bhavesh, Chitra, and Samarth chuckled lightly. Adhira gave a nervous smile but continued observing Hridansh and Shalvi with concern. The man beside Hridansh—Yuvaan—seemed equally troubled.

Shalvi kept her eyes trained on the floor, praying for an escape.

Hridansh forced a small, empty smile. A mask. One he had perfected over the years.

Just then, a servant arrived, handing a set of keys to Pranika.

"Alright, alright," she said cheerfully, breaking the moment. "You all can relive your college memories later. For now, Bhavesh Bhai, Chitra Bhabhi, and Shalvi, here are your room keys. Get some rest and freshen up. We'll all meet for dinner with our guests and Hridansh's family."

"Yes, she's right," Samarth agreed. "Please make yourselves comfortable. If there's anything you need, just let us know."

"There's nothing to worry about, Samarth ji. We're all fine," Bhavesh assured with a small smile.

"Great! Then see you all at dinner," Pranika said before instructing a staff member to lead them to their rooms.

Shalvi inhaled deeply. A moment of relief. The arrival of the servant had been a lifeline.

Even without looking up, she could feel his gaze—piercing, unrelenting, burning through her. But she refused to acknowledge it. She knew whose eyes they were, and she knew who was affecting her the most.

Bhavesh and Chitra followed the staff member toward their rooms, and Shalvi quickly trailed behind them—more like running.

Running from him. Running from the memories. Running from the truth she could no longer escape.

As she ascended the stairs, the eerie sensation of being watched clung to her, but she didn't turn back. She couldn't.

Downstairs, as soon as Samarth and Pranika walked away, Hridansh's façade shattered.

His jaw clenched. His fists curled so tightly that his nails dug into his palms. His eyes darkened, burning with an intensity that could set the entire room ablaze.

Shalvi Arya.

His ex-girlfriend.

The woman who had walked away.

The woman who had ruined everything.

"Hridansh!" A firm hand gripped his shoulder.

He jerked it away, his entire body rigid, before storming off toward his room.

Yuvaan exhaled sharply, watching his retreating figure.

Adhira turned to him, her face clouded with worry. "What now, Yuvaan?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Yuvaan's jaw tightened. His expression was grim.

"His wrath," he muttered before walking away, leaving Adhira drowning in her thoughts.

To be continued...