Yashvi's heart skipped a beat as she caught a glimpse of the majestic palace perched atop a hill, its gleaming marble facade reflecting the warm glow of the setting sun. It was beautiful, ethereal - like something straight out of a fairytale. She took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves as she made her way through the bustling streets of Udaipur, the vibrant colors of the city's traditional attire and the lilting strains of Bollywood music filling the air.

Her thoughts drifted back to the events that had led her here: the endless rounds of court hearings, the hurt and anger that seemed to follow her everywhere. But now, as she neared the palace, she couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation, even excitement. Her best friend Ishani was getting married, and despite the complicated personal circumstances, Yashvi was determined to make the most of this special occasion.

Finally, she arrived at the grand entrance, where a uniformed attendant ushered her inside. The opulence of the palace was breathtaking: intricately carved marble pillars soared towards the sky, their gold-leafed archways framing vistas of manicured gardens and sparkling fountains. The sound of laughter and music drifted through the air, carrying with it the heady scent of roses and jasmine.

Yashvi made her way through the throng of guests, many of whom she hadn't seen in years.

"Yashvi!" Ishani exclaimed, rising to her feet. "Oh my God, you made it!" She threw her arms around her best friend, hugging her tightly. "I'm so glad you could make it."

Yashvi returned the embrace, tears welling up in her eyes. "Of course I had to be here for you. You know I wouldn't miss it for the world." She whispered, wiping her face with the back of her hand.

"I know, I know." Ishani said, her voice trembling with emotion.

"It's just...so much has happened since we last saw each other. I'm just glad we could catch up. And this little guy...he's grown so much too!" She exclaimed, crouching down to be at eye level with Ansh.

Ansh, who had been shyly hiding behind his mother, peeked out from behind her skirt. He flashed a shy smile at Ishani before ducking back again.

"Hi Ishu Aunty." He whispered.

Ishani laughed softly, her eyes twinkling. "Hello there, sweetheart. You're just as cute as I remember." She reached out a hand to ruffle his hair, making him giggle.

"The vibe here is so good Ishani. It completely defines the dream wedding you always wanted." Yashvi exclaimed, a bright smile on her face.

"Ansh especially loves all the colors and the music." She gestured to the Mehendi artists nearby, who were carefully applying henna designs to the guests.

Ansh perked up at this, his big brown eyes fixed on the artist. "Can I have some mehendi too, mumma?" he asked, tugging on Yashvi's sleeve.

"Of course, sweetheart," Ishaani said, ruffling his hair.

"Why don't we go over there and let the artist draw something on your hands too?" She stood up, offering her son a helping hand. "What do you think, Yashvi? Want to join us?"

Yashvi looked surprised for a moment, then smiled. "Oh, well...I mean, I'm not really..." She trailed off, hesitating.

"Nonsense!" Ishani exclaimed, linking her arm through Yashvi. "We're here to celebrate together, remember? Come on, let's make some memories." Together, the three of them walked over to the Mehendi artist, laughing and chatting like old friends.

As the artist finished drawing something on Ansh, he looked up at Ishani with big, hopeful eyes. "You can have some paint too, Auntie," he said shyly. "The artist is really nice." At this, both Ishani and Yashvi couldn't help but to laugh. As Ishani's design would take time, her being the bride, she was set to proceed with them later on.

"So, what should I get painted on my hand?" She asked.

Ansh beamed up at her, his cheeks flushed with excitement. "You could get a butterfly." he suggested. "Mommy says butterflies are special because they can fly and see the whole world."

The sun dipped lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the lawn. The music grew louder and more celebratory, and the air was thick with the scent of flowers and spices. The three of them sat there for what felt like hours, lost in conversation and laughter.

Finally, the artist finished with a flourish, revealing a vibrant red butterfly on Ishani's hand. She handed her a small mirror so she could see. "Oh, it's beautiful!" Yashvi exclaimed, admiring the design.

Ansh clapped his hands together, his eyes wide with delight. "It looks just like a real butterfly, Auntie Ishani!" he exclaimed, beaming up at her.

As the night wore on, they moved on to other activities - dancing, eating, and sharing stories.

Ansh, ever the curious one, kept glancing between Ishani's hand and his own, marveling at the similarities between their designs. Yashvi smiled at the sight, her heart swelling with pride and love for her son. She reached over and tousled his hair, a familiar gesture that made him beam with pleasure.

The music shifted from traditional wedding tunes to more modern Bollywood hits, and soon everyone was up on their feet, swaying and clapping.

As Yashvi glanced down at her intricately adorned hands, the mehendi wrapping around her fingers and palms seemed to mock her.

With her free hand, she tried to gently nudge her two-year-old son Ansh back towards her. The little boy, however, had other ideas. His eyes lit up as he spotted his favourite person in the world. Before Yashvi could react, Ansh had broken free from her grasp and darted across the lawn towards his father.

"Ansh!" she called out, her heart racing with both fear and anger. The mehendi stained her skin, making her fingers appear darker and more menacing. She felt a stinging sensation in her eyes as she struggled to control her emotions. She knew that this situation was only making things more awkward for everyone involved.

As Ansh ran towards the certain someone, the guests around them began to murmur, their eyes following the little boy. Yashvi felt a lump forming in her throat, her breath coming out in short, sharp gasps. She tried to remain calm, but the frustration inside her was threatening to consume her.

Finally, Ansh reached that person, throwing his little arms around the man's legs. The man knelt down, scooping up the toddler and hugging him tightly.

"Hey, buddy. How are you doing?" He said softly, his voice barely audible above the chatter of the guests.

Yashvi watched as Aviraj's hands smoothed down Ansh's tousled hair, his expression softening. She felt a pang of jealousy deep in her chest. It had been so easy for him to pick up their son, to act as if nothing had changed between them. She wanted to believe that he still cared for them as much as she did, but the doubt lingered in the back of her mind.

As Aviraj stood up, he placed Ansh on his hip, his gaze meeting hers across the lawn. For a moment, she thought she saw a glimmer of regret in his eyes. But then he smiled, and it was gone.

"Are you ready for the party, little man?" He asked their son, swaying him gently from side to side.

Ansh giggled, his tiny fingers curling around Aviraj's neck. Yashvi swallowed hard, trying to keep her emotions in check. She knew that Aviraj was Ansh's father, that he had every right to be with their son. But it hurt, seeing them together like this. It made her feel like she was losing a part of herself.

She forced a smile onto her face, pretending that everything was fine.

"Aviraj." She called out, her voice strained.

"Can you please help me watch Ansh during the ceremony? I really need to talk to Ishani about something important."

Aviraj glanced over at her, his expression unreadable. "Of course," he said finally.

"I'll take him to the kids' table and make sure he's settled in. You just take your time." He leaned down and kissed Ansh's head.

As Yashvi made her way across the lawn, she couldn't help but feel the weight of everyone's eyes on her back. The mehendi on her hands seemed to grow darker, more oppressive with each step. She wished she could just disappear, be anywhere else but here. But she knew that there was no escape. Not now, not ever.

She spotted Ishani amidst the crowd, her long hair flowing over her shoulders, a warm smile on her face. Yashvi forced a smile in return, trying to ignore the lump that had formed in her throat.

"Hey, can I talk to you about something?" She said, her voice strained.

"Of course. Is everything alright?" Navya nodded, her expression growing more serious. She glanced over at Ansh, who was now playing happily with some of the other children, before looking back at Yashvi.

"It's just...with Aviraj here...it's making things really awkward. I don't know what to do." She paused, her cheeks flushing with shame. Yashvi took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves.

"I understand how you feel, Yashvi. It must be difficult for you." Ishani's expression softened. She hesitated, then reached out and took Yashvi's hand. "I wouldn't have called him at the wedding if it wasn't for Ishant. Aviraj is his only best-friend. I am so sorry. Just try to ignore him, if you can. Focus on the things that really matter."

"It's not that easy. Every time I look at him, I just...I just want to scream. I don't know how much longer I can pretend that everything is okay." She said, her voice barely above a whisper.

"I know Aviraj is still Ansh's father, and he has every right to be with his son. But it hurt, seeing them together like this. It made me feel like I was losing a part of myself." She paused, her own voice cracking.

The music started up again, signaling that it was time for the DJ session to begin. Ishani gave Yashvi's hand one final squeeze before letting go as her family and cousins were forcing her to join them. Yashvi was once again left in a puddle of her thoughts.

//////////

The cool breeze, gentle as a whisper, caressed Yashvi's face as she stood on the balcony of her palace suite, overlooking the serene lake. Her gaze drifted to the distant horizon, where the sky met the water in a perfect, ethereal blend. It was a breathtaking sight, one that she had seen countless times before. But this time, something was different. Something had changed.

Her mind wandered back to the days when she and Aviraj had first visited Udaipur together. They had been so young, so in love, and so full of hope. They had dreamt of spending the rest of their lives together, surrounded by the beauty of this very city. How quickly things could change, she thought wistfully.

Aviraj's laughter floated up from the courtyard below, where he was playing with their son, Ansh. Yashvi smiled to herself, remembering the way he would tease Ansh and make him giggle uncontrollably. It was a sound that never failed to melt her heart. But now, that laughter only served as a painful reminder of the life they once shared, and the love they once had.

She closed her eyes, trying to push away the memories that threatened to overwhelm her. It had been so easy to blame each other for the collapse of their marriage. She had accused him of being selfish, of always putting his career first. He had accused her of being cold and distant, of never truly loving him.

But now, as she stood here, apart from him yet still inexorably linked by the bond they shared with their son, she couldn't help but wonder if they had been too quick to judge each other. Perhaps there had been truth in both of their accusations. Perhaps they had simply been too young, too headstrong, and too unwilling to compromise.

The thought made her heart ache, and she turned away from the view. Perhaps the problem had been their inability to communicate effectively. They had been so focused on proving their independence, on showing each other that they didn't need the other, that they had forgotten how to be vulnerable, how to be open with their feelings. It was as if they had both been competing to see who could hurt the other more.

Only if they could find a way to forgive each other, to put aside their pride and their hurt, they could salvage something from the wreckage of their marriage. But she knew that it wouldn't be easy. It would require both of them to be willing to compromise, to admit when they were wrong, and to put their son's happiness above their own.

The haldi ceremony was today, and she knew that she would have to face Aviraj once again.

She forced herself out of the balcony, wincing as her muscles protested from the night of dancing. She headed to the bathroom, running a warm bath and slipping into it, hoping that the water would help ease her tension. As she sat there, her thoughts drifted back to Aviraj, and the life they had built together.

She couldn't help but wonder if there was still a chance for them, if they could find a way to make things work. But at the same time, she knew that she had to focus on the fact that the past couldn't be changed, no matter how much she wished it could.

As she dried off and got dressed, Yashvi took a deep breath and reminded herself that she was strong. She could get through this day, and whatever challenges came her way.

Yashvi walked through the marble archway, her gaze drifting over the intricately carved pillars and the grand chandeliers that hung from the ceiling. The scent of roses filled the air, mingling with the sound of laughter and the gentle strum of a sitar.

When she arrived at the haldi ceremony, the first person she saw was Aviraj. He looked so handsome in his traditional Indian attire, his black hair slicked back, his eyes dark and intense. She remembered the way he used to make her feel when he looked at her like that. Desired, cherished, and loved, but there was a weight to his shoulders that she recognized all too well. Ansh was with him as she had sent him off early after getting him dressed in his yellow kurta.

The memories flooded back: the first time they met, their wedding day, the birth of their son Ansh. All the happy moments they shared, tarnished now by the pain and hurt that had come between them. It was hard for her to believe that this man, who had once been the love of her life, was now little more than a stranger to her.

Their gazes met across the room, and for a brief moment, they both hesitated. Did they still care? Did they still want to try? Or was it too late for them? The music started, signaling the beginning of the Haldi ceremony, and Yashvi knew that she would have to face the night, and all its challenges, head-on. But as she took a deep breath and forced herself to smile, she couldn't help but wonder if there was still a chance for them.

"One can sense your sadness from right across the corner Yashvi." She heard a voice and turned to see Ishaant, Ishani's elder brother and Aviraj's best-friend.

"Believe me, I came prepared. But the circumstances are not easy." Yashvi said glancing towards him as the haldi event was happening with Ishani's bright smile lighting up the event.

"You both never believed me when I said you guys were doing wrong. There's still time, please understand. Aviraj has completely stopped listening to me in this matter." Ishaant nearly pleaded. He was one of their closest people who knew everything about them.

"The final court hearing might be in the next week." Yashvi told him.

As the haldi event ended, everyone proceeded towards the dance floor or the lunch tables. While Ishaant persuaded Yashvi for a quick dance, she didn't know it was his trick.

While she was twirling around, she never realised when Aviraj got up there and when she landed in his arms, with them around her waist.

"I am sorry." Yashvi's face was flushed, thinking of giving Ishaant a good lesson of not to mess again.

"Ishani sent me here saying you were asking for me." He said.

"You know Ishani and Ishaant. They're playing with their old tricks once again." Yashvi said. Well it was Ishani and Ishaant's courtesy only that Yashvi and Aviraj ended up together.

"We should leave." Yashvi said.

"Might as well dance now that we're here." Aviraj spoke up, looking at Yashvi's flushed face.

"Uhh- I am not sure if..."

"It's alright, no big deal." Saying this, Aviraj put his hands on her waist drawing her closer as he started swaying with the beats.

The unsaid words hung in the air between them, heavy and oppressive. They both knew there were no easy answers, no simple solutions. All they could do was keep dancing, keep pretending that everything was fine, when deep down they both knew it wasn't.

"One step at a time," Aviraj said finally, offering her his hand. "Let's get through this night together, yeah?"

She took a deep breath, squaring her shoulders, and forced a smile. "Okay, one step at a time." She said, squeezing his hand.

They danced on, their bodies moving in perfect rhythm, their eyes locked on each other. But as the night wore on, and the alcohol flowed freely, the weight of their situation became harder and harder to ignore. They both knew that they were dancing on the edge of a precipice, teetering between the life they once had and the one they were about to lose. And as they moved together, their bodies pressed tightly against each other, they couldn't help but wonder if they were moving closer together or further apart.

The rest of the evening passed in a blur of laughter, tears, and shared memories. The pain of their separation was still there, lurking beneath the surface, but there were also moments of joy and happiness as they celebrated their love for each other and their friendship.

//////////

The palace in Udaipur glimmered like a jewel on the lake, its ornate architecture casting a warm, golden glow across the terrace. The cocktail night was in full swing, the air thick with laughter, music, and the scent of exotic blooms. Yashvi, dressed in a midnight blue gown, moved gracefully through the crowd, her heels clicking against the marble floor.

She couldn't help but feel out of place. Her divorce was still in the process, and she heard the whispers, the taunts, the unwanted opinions. It made her feel like an outsider, as if everyone was waiting for her to fail.

A familiar figure caught her eye across the room, and her heart skipped a beat. It was Aviraj, standing alone at the balcony, his posture rigid, his gaze fixed on something in the distance. They hadn't spoken much since their last conversation.

As she neared him, Yashvi couldn't help but wonder if he was thinking about her too. Maybe, deep down, they both regretted their decision to split up. Maybe they were both starting to realize that divorce wasn't the answer after all. The thought sent a shiver down her spine. She cleared her throat, and he turned to look at her, his expression unreadable.

"Hey. You okay?" She said softly, her voice barely audible over the music.

He nodded, his jaw clenched tight. "Yeah, I'm fine." He took a deep breath and exhaled slowly.

"Look, I just... I want you to know that I don't blame you for any of this. It's not your fault." His words caught her off guard, and for a moment, she didn't know how to respond. "I just wish things could be different. For us, and for Ansh." He continued, his voice barely above a whisper.

The mention of their son brought her back to reality. Their son, Ansh, was the reason they were here, after all. They couldn't bear the thought of him growing up without both of his parents. The air between them seemed to shift, and for a fleeting moment, they were just two people who once loved each other, struggling to find their way back to something resembling normalcy.

"I don't know what we're supposed to do," Yashvi confessed, her voice barely above a whisper.

"I mean, we're still going through with this. We can't keep lying to everyone, can we?" She couldn't meet his eyes, instead focusing on the way the candlelight flickered across the marble floor.

Aviraj exhaled slowly, his broad shoulders slumping. "I don't know," he said finally.

"It's complicated. Look, I'm sorry if I've been distant. I'm just trying to figure out how to deal with all this myself, you know?"He turned to face her, his expression pained.

"I understand." She said softly, her heart aching for him.

There was a long silence as they stood there, the music and laughter from the party drifting around them. She could feel the tension between them, like an invisible thread pulling them apart. But there was also something else, something she couldn't quite name. It was as if they were both searching for a way back to each other, even as they knew it might be too late.

"I just want what's best for Ansh," he said, his voice hoarse with emotion. "I don't want him to grow up without either of us." Finally, Aviraj took a step closer, his hands clenched into fists at his sides.

"Me too." She whispered, meeting his gaze for the first time since they'd started talking. Yashvi swallowed hard, feeling a lump forming in her throat.

Their eyes locked, and for a moment, everything else seemed to fall away. The music, the laughter, the people around them. It was just the two of them, and the love they still felt for each other, even after everything they'd been through. The air between them crackled with an electricity they hadn't felt in years, and she could feel herself starting to lean in toward him.

Just then, a familiar voice cut through the air.

"Mommy, Daddy, come dance with me!" It was their son, Ansh, standing there, his little hand held out to them. The moment was shattered, and they both pulled away, the tension returning to their bodies.

"We should dance with him." She took a deep breath and forced a smile, trying to reassure herself as much as anyone else.

"For him."

Aviraj nodded, his expression pained but resigned. "Yes," he said softly. "For him."

Together, they turned toward their son, and as the music started to play, they took each other's hands, stepping out onto the dance floor. Their son watched them with wide, hopeful eyes, as if he could somehow sense the fragility of the moment, the possibility of something shifting in their world.

And as they swayed to the music, their bodies moving in sync even as their hearts remained out of rhythm, they couldn't help but wonder if this was the beginning of something new, or the end of something old. But for now, they would dance. For their son, and for the love they still held in their hearts.

Yashvi found herself in a state of disbelief. She had never been much of a drinker, but something about being surrounded by the lively atmosphere of the cocktail party for her best friend's wedding had compelled her to indulge just a little too much. The sweet, fruity drinks went down far too easily, and before she knew it, she was feeling more than a little tipsy.

One moment they were exchanging barbs and biting comments, the next they were standing shoulder to shoulder, making sure their son, Ansh, was having a good time at the party. They were both determined to make sure this whole divorce thing didn't ruin the day for him.

But as the night wore on, and the alcohol took its toll, things began to get a little out of hand. And somehow, amidst the revelry, she lost track of Ansh. She couldn't find him anywhere.

Panic starting to set in, she turned to Aviraj, tears welling up in her eyes. "I can't find him," she sobbed. "I swear I just had him a minute ago."

Aviraj put a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "It's okay. Let's just take a deep breath and look for him together." He said, his voice calm and steady.

They searched the party, calling out Ansh's name, their voices intertwining in a desperate harmony.

It wasn't until they finally found Ansh, tucked safely behind a potted plant near the dance floor, sleeping peacefully, that they realized what had happened. The alcohol had lowered their guards, stripped away the anger and resentment that had built up over the years. For a brief moment, they were just two people who loved the same little boy more than anything else in the world. And in that moment, they knew that perhaps their decision to divorce had been a mistake.

As they escorted Ansh back to where chairs were kept, Yashvi leaned into Aviraj, who was holding the sleeping Ansh in his arms, her body swaying with the rhythm of the music. She felt a sense of comfort and familiarity wash over her that she hadn't experienced in years.

"You know," she said, her voice barely above a whisper, "Maybe we should have tried harder."

Aviraj nodded, his eyes never leaving hers.

"Maybe we still can." He replied, a hopeful note in his voice. And with that, they kept dancing, lost in the moment, lost in each other, and for a brief, fleeting instant, lost in the possibility of what might have been.

The rest of the night passed in a blur. They forgot about the divorce papers, the lawyers, the court dates. All that mattered was the here and now, the connection they felt with each other, and the love they shared for their son.

As they finally stumbled out of the party, hand in hand, Yashvi turned to Aviraj and smiled.

"Thank you. For taking care of me." She said, her voice still slightly slurred from the alcohol.

"It's my job." He replied, squeezing her hand.

They walked up the winding staircase, their hands still clasped, and she led him into her room. Aviraj made Ansh lay down in the middle of the bed, who was still sleeping soundly. The bed was enormous, king-sized, the blankets and pillows inviting and soft. As they sat down on the edge of the bed, she leaned into him, her head resting on his shoulder. He wrapped his arm around her, pulling her close, and she felt the warmth of his body, the steady rhythm of his breath against her cheek.

"You know, I always thought we could have made it work." She said, her voice barely audible.

He hesitated for a moment, then replied, "So did I."

There was a long silence as they sat there, lost in their thoughts, lost in the memories of what could have been. And then, slowly, he leaned forward, his lips meeting hers in a tender, almost chaste kiss. She closed her eyes and let herself sink into the moment, feeling the tension between them begin to unravel, feeling the familiarity and comfort of his touch wash over her.

They kissed for what felt like an eternity, their bodies pressing together, their hands exploring the familiar terrain of each other's skin. It was as if they were both searching for something, some lost piece of themselves that they had left behind in the years since they'd been together. And as they kissed, as they touched, as they breathed each other in, it was as if they were finding it again, as if they were finding their way back to the people they used to be.

He helped her to stand, his strong arms encircling her waist, and led her over to the enormous clawfoot bathtub that took up one entire wall of her bathroom. He carefully lowered her into the steaming water, making sure she was comfortable before stepping back. As she sank down into the warmth, she let out a contented sigh.

"Do you want me to leave you alone now? Or would you like some company?" He asked, his voice gentle.

She looked up at him, her face flushed from the heat of the bath, and smiled. "I'd like some company. Just for a little while."

He nodded, understanding the comfort she found in his presence.

He sat down on the edge of the tub, his pants getting wet, and reached out to run his fingers through her hair.

As they sat there in silence, the bathroom's soft light casting a warm glow over them, Aviraj couldn't help but marvel at how much she had changed. She looked so different from the woman he had once loved, so much stronger and more resilient. And yet, somehow, she was still the same person deep down inside. He wondered if she felt the same way about him.

"I'm sorry for what happened. For everything I put you through." He said, finally breaking the silence.

She turned her head to look at him, her eyes filled with understanding. "I know you are, and I am sorry too. For everything I put you through, and for everything I've said and done since then." They sat in silence for a while longer, their fingers entwined in her hair, the only sound the gentle splash of water as it dripped from the faucet.

Finally, he leaned forward, his face close to hers, and kissed her softly on the lips. She wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer, their kiss deepening. As they kissed, he felt her body pressing against his, the heat of her skin, the softness of her skin. He could feel the outline of her breasts through the water, and he couldn't help but wonder what it would feel like to touch them again.

He pulled back, looking into her eyes, and saw the same desire reflected back at him. Without another word, he leaned forward, his hands cupping her breasts, and brushed his lips against her nipples. She arched her back, letting out a soft moan, as he began to suckle her gently, teasing her with his tongue.

Her hands moved down to his waist, her nails digging into his skin as she pulled him closer still. The sensation was exquisite, and he knew that he couldn't stop now. He reached down, his fingers finding their way between her legs, his touch growing more urgent as he sought out her clit. She cried out, her hips bucking against his hand, and he felt her body tighten and shudder with pleasure.

As she came, her muscles relaxing in the water, he kissed her again, tasting her sweetness on her lips. And for a moment, as they held each other in the warmth of the bath, it felt like they were finally back together, as if they could find a way to make it work this time around.

But he knew that wasn't the case. This was just a moment of connection, a fleeting glimpse of what could have been. And as he looked at her, he realized that he couldn't give her what she really wanted: a future with him.

"Aviraj?" She asked, her voice soft and uncertain. "What about us?"

He hesitated, searching for the right words. "I care about you," he said finally, "And I always will. But I don't think we should be together." She looked at him, her expression a mix of sadness and anger.

" I want you to be happy, and I want you to find someone who can give you what you need." He continued and she nodded, wiping a tear from her eye.

"But I don't want to lose you." She said

"You won't." He assured her.

He helped her out of the tub, making sure she was dry before she stepped out onto the mat. He wrapped a towel around her. She leaned against him, her head on his shoulder, and he could feel the warmth of her body against his. They stood there for a while, just breathing in each other's presence, before she finally pulled away.

"Thank you for everything." She whispered.

"Anytime." He squeezed her hand gently.

They went to her room, and he helped her get into her favorite nightgown. He tucked her in, kissed her and his son on the forehead, and turned off the light. As he left the room, he knew he would miss her, but he also knew that it was for the best. There were things they couldn't have, and they both deserved to find happiness in their lives.

//////////

The palace grounds, bedecked in hues of gold and ivory, stretched out before them like a living canvas, each arch and pillar adorned with intricate carvings that told stories of love and devotion. The scent of jasmine and roses filled the air, mingling with the laughter and chatter of the guests as they milled about, exchanging gifts and well-wishes. It was the wedding day of Ishani and Neil, and Yashvi's mind was in a haze and dilemma.

The wedding for her had begun with the traditional Mehendi ceremony, where the bride's hands were painted with intricate henna designs. Yashvi had found herself lost in thought as the artist meticulously worked her magic on her palms. She couldn't help but wonder if the final divorce hearing date, which her lawyer had just informed her was next week, would bring an end to the love story she once shared with Aviraj.

As they moved on to the Sangeet, a night filled with music, dance, and revelry, Yashvi found herself growing increasingly uncomfortable. Everywhere she turned, she felt eyes on her and ears straining to hear what others were saying about her and Aviraj's impending divorce. She longed for the days when their love had been the talk of the town, when their every move was scrutinized not out of judgment but out of envy.

The Cocktail Night was no better. The atmosphere was charged with tension as the alcohol flowed freely and old wounds were reopened. Yashvi and Aviraj found themselves drawn together, unable to resist the pull of their shared history and the magnetic chemistry that still lingered between them. In a moment of weakness, they surrendered to their desires, lost in the haze of passion and the throes of a love that refused to die.

It was then that Yashvi realized with a start that she was no longer at the wedding. She was no longer in the palace. She was no longer with Aviraj. She was somewhere else entirely, lost in a haze of confusion and regret, the echoes of their passionate encounter ringing in her ears like a siren song. And as she stood there, the taste of his lips still lingering on her skin, she couldn't help but wonder if she had just made the biggest mistake of her life.

The memory of Aviraj's touch still lingered on her skin, and she knew that she could never truly forget the feelings they had shared. But she also knew that she couldn't keep living this way, caught between two lives and two loves. She had to make a choice, and soon. But what choice could possibly be the right one?

As she stood, lost in thought, she heard footsteps approaching. It was Ishani.

"Are you okay?" She asked softly.

Yashvi forced a weak smile. "I'm fine, Just a bit overwhelmed, I guess. It's been a long few days."

Ishani nodded, but Yashvi could see the doubt in her eyes. "You know," she began, hesitantly, "Ishaant and I have been talking, and we just want you to know that we're here for you, no matter what you decide. We love you, and we'll support you, through thick and thin."

Yashvi felt a lump forming in her throat. She wanted nothing more than to confide in Ishani, to tell her everything and ask for her advice. But she couldn't bring herself to do it. Not yet.

"Thanks, Ishani." She managed to say, her voice barely audible above the beating of her heart.

The two women stood for a bit more longer in silence for a while longer, the only sound the rustling of leaves and the distant laughter of the wedding guests. Yashvi knew that she had to make a decision soon, but she also knew that she couldn't rush into anything. She needed time to think, to sort through her feelings and weigh her options. And so, as the sun continued its descent behind the horizon, she vowed to herself that she would find the strength to do what was right, no matter how difficult it might be.

As the wedding celebrations continued, Yashvi found herself drifting through the various events, feeling more and more disconnected from the joyous atmosphere. She knew that she had to have that final conversation with Aviraj, to confront him about their relationship and their future. But every time she saw him, she could feel the pull of their attraction, the undeniable chemistry that still existed between them. It was as if they were two magnets, drawn inexorably toward each other, no matter how hard they tried to resist.

As she made her way through the crowd, she caught sight of Aviraj, standing by himself, a glass of whiskey in hand. His eyes met hers, and for a brief moment, she could see the conflicting emotions swirling behind his usually stoic facade. They exchanged polite greetings, but the tension between them was palpable. The thought of confronting him about the divorce filled her with dread, but she knew it had to be done.

Finally, she mustered the courage to approach him.

"Aviraj, can I talk to you for a moment?" She asked, her voice barely above the din of the celebration. He nodded, gesturing for her to follow him to a secluded corner of the garden. As they found a bench to sit on, she took a deep breath, steeling herself for the conversation to come.

"I wanted to discuss the...divorce." She started, her voice trembling slightly.

"I know it's not how either of us wanted things to end, but it feels like it's the only way forward." He looked at her, his expression unreadable.

"Don't you think?" she asked, her voice wavering.

"I don't know what to think anymore, Yashvi." He admitted, running a hand through his hair. "I miss us. I miss our family. I just...I want what's best for Ansh. I want him to have both of us in his life." She looked down at her lap, unable to meet his gaze.

"I'm sorry if I've hurt you. I never meant to." He confessed.

"I know you didn't." She said softly.

"Neither did I. But sometimes...things just happen, and we can't control them." They sat in silence for a moment, lost in their own thoughts. The sound of the music drifted over to them, the rhythm of the dhol and tabla filling the air with a sense of longing and nostalgia. It was as if the universe was trying to tell them something, reminding them of the life they once shared and the love they once had.

"Aviraj," she began, taking a deep breath, "I've been thinking...maybe we should try...maybe we should try to work things out." His eyes widened in surprise, and for a moment, hope flickered in them. "I mean, not rush into anything...but maybe...give it another chance?"

He looked at her, his expression a mix of surprise, hope, and fear.

"Are you sure, Yashvi? Because once we go down this road, there's no going back." He asked, his voice barely above a whisper. She took his hand in hers, squeezing it gently.

"I know." She said softly.

"But I think...I think we owe it to ourselves, and more importantly, to Ansh...to try." He looked into her eyes, searching for any sign of doubt or reservation. But all he saw was love and determination. And in that moment, he knew that whatever happened next, they would face it together.

As the music began to wind down and the guests started to filter out of the garden, Yashvi and Aviraj found a quiet spot away from the festivities. They sat on a wooden bench, their hands entwined, watching the stars begin to appear in the night sky.

"I'm sorry for how things ended between us, I never meant for any of it to happen." He said, his voice barely audible.

"I know you didn't." She replied, leaning her head against his shoulder.

"And I'm sorry too. But we can't change the past. All we can do is move forward and try to make things better." They sat in silence for a while, the weight of their words hanging between them like a physical presence. But somehow, it didn't feel as heavy or as suffocating as it had before.

Finally, he turned to face her, his eyes filled with an emotion she hadn't seen in a long time. "So, what do we do now?" he asked, his voice trembling slightly. "Where do we even start?" She smiled at him, feeling a sense of renewed hope and determination welling up inside her.

"Well, first things first. We need to talk. Really talk. About everything. About what went wrong, and what we can do to make things right." He nodded, his grip on her hand tightening.

"And then, we need to be patient. This won't be easy, but I think...I think we can do it." He leaned in closer, his face mere inches from hers.

"I hope so. Because I don't want to lose you again." He whispered.

And in that moment, as they stood together under the stars, Yashvi knew that they were going to try. They were going to fight for their marriage, for their family, and for the love that they once shared. And maybe, just maybe, they could find their way back to each other.

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How was it? Idk why I am writing such emo stories😭 Anyway, how are you guys? Long time no see.

Ps: Literally have over 11 drafts.