The room shined more than before because of the smile Romaisa held, which effortlessly lit up everything around her. The pink lehenga hugged around her body so perfectly as it was custom made just for her. The net veil rested delicately over the intricately done hairdo which intentionally had a few hair strands dropping down to have the ethereal look she held. Her henna had turned into a deep shade of red which rested beautifully along side with her newly done manicure for the function. Her room was filled with family and helpers to help the bride get ready for her wedding.

Romaisa stood in front of the full-length mirror and her breath got caught in her throat as she took in her reflection. Everything else seemed to blur as she stared at the woman she had become. She had dreamt of this day for so long and imagined herself as Prihan's bride but nothing could have prepared her for the mix of emotions rising in her heart at the moment. Her pink lehenga shimmered under the soft glow of the lights ad the fine silk fabric adorned with intricate gold embroidery which contained delicate floral patterns. 

It was more than just an outfit, it was a reflection of her journey and the love she shared with Prihan. The outfit had been meticulously crafted as she wanted her perfect wedding. The lehenga skirt flared out creating a gentle sweep of fabric around her feet, making her feel like she was floating, which matched her feelings as she felt as she was floating in the air and everything is just a dream. The net veil rested lightly over her hair, which was pulled back into a sophisticated bun but a few strands had been left loose to frame her face adding softness to the royal look. 

Kavya, her mother, entered the room, her sari flowing gracefully around her. She carried with her a calm strength, the kind of energy that only mothers have when they are seeing their daughters dressed as brides. Kavya's eyes softened as she took in the sight of Romaisa, and for a moment, her hand instinctively went to her heart, overwhelmed by the beauty and the realization that her little girl had grown up. "Romaisa," Kavya said softly, stepping toward her daughter. "You look- breath-taking."

Romaisa turned and smiled at her mother,  "Mama," she whispered, "I still can't believe this is happening, It feels like a dream" said her mother with tears slowly welling up in her eyes. "No waterworks, your makeup will be ruined and the picture's will come out bad" said Romaisa in a teasing tone to make her mother stop crying, her mother chuckled. Kavya adjusted the necklace around Romaisa's neck, a stunning piece made of delicate gold and adorned with pink sapphires, matching the soft shades of her lehenga. The necklace had been a family heirloom, passed down through generations of women in their family. The weight of it against her collarbone felt like their love.

Her mother took the kohl from the edge of her eyes using he pinkie finger and placed it behind Romaisa's ear, "Let no evil eyes befall on you" said Kavya with a soft smile and Romaisa returned the soft smile. "You grew up too soon, my baby is already a bride" said Kavya gulping tears and continued, "It just feels like yesterday when I held you in my arms for the first time" said Kavya. "I'm always your little girl Mumma, Love you Mumma" said Romaisa taking her mother's hand and kissing. "My baby girl" said Kavya and kissed her forehead.

"You look like someone straight out of a fairytale" said Zara with her voice full of admiration and her expression turned into a tease, "Prihan's going to lose his mind when he sees you" she continued. Romaisa laughed softly and the thought made her heart flutter. The thought of seeing him dressed as a groom, waiting for her at the mandap. "Look at how red your henna is, They say the deeper the colour, the stronger the love between the bride and groom" teased Zara holding Romaisa's henna clad hands. Romaisa smiled with her eyes twinkling with joy, "If that's true then I'm definitely the luckiest girl in the world."

Zara winked at her and hugged her to whisper in her ears softly, "You definitely are and remember no one knows that there was love involved and not strictly some business deal. You and Prihan really lucked out". Romaisa's heart filled with gratitude, "I know" she said softly with her voice carrying the weight of all the emotions she had been holding in. "I still can't believe it sometimes, Our families think this is about business and power, but for us it's our love and It feels like the universe wanted us together"

The helpers began to move around ensuring that everything was perfect for the bride's appearance. They adjusted the drapes and made final touches to her attire Romaisa's mind drifted to the future. As the final preparations were made, Romaisa took one last look in the mirror. Her reflection was that of a bride ready to step into her future with a life she had always dreamed of. Everything looked perfect like it was carved off one of her dreams and the wishes she passionately longed for. She muttered a prayer thanking god for the occurrences of events that took place.

Laila stood in front of the large mirror in the bedroom, the silence in the room was only interrupted by the gentle rustling as she adjusted the deep emerald green saree she had worn for the wedding. The saree was adorned with golden embroidery, intricate patterns that looked regal on her. She tucked the saree's end part carefully over her shoulder and made sure that it's draped elegantly. She could almost lose herself in the process, focusing solely on the details of her appearance, being the perfect Manvik daughter-in-law who made no mistakes. The elder daughter-in-law bringing the younger one home.

The sound of footsteps drew her attention and she slightly turned to see Parth entering the room through the mirror. He was already dressed in his green coloured sherwani, tailor-made  perfectly to his frame, looking royal as always. The cold expression on his face didn't waver as his eyes fell on her. "You're not ready yet?" Parth's voice was low but enalced with impatience. He walked past her, moving toward the wardrobe, where he began adjusting the cufflinks on his sleeves. Laila swallowed the familiar surge of anxiety that his presence triggered. "I'm almost done" her voice barely above a whisper.

She turned back to the mirror, her fingers trembling slightly as she reached for the delicate gold jewellery that had been laid out for her. Her mind racing to keep up with the expectations of the day, a significant event that demanded her utmost composure. But at what cost? her sanity and peace was lost, She knew she had to go almost robot but with grace to ace it. She could feel Parth's gaze on her even though he was busy with his own preparations. The weight of his gaze was something she still had not grown used to, unsettling her.

Parth glanced at her briefly through the mirror, his expression unreadable. "Make sure you don't embarrass me today," he said bluntly, the warning clear in his tone. "There will be many people there, including my parents. We both know what's expected."

Laila's fingers froze for a moment before she resumed wearing her earrings. "I know" she replied trying to keep her voice steady and confident. The idea of facing everyone, having to maintain the façade was daunting but she had learned to mask her feelings well. It was something she had perfected over time. Parth satisfied with his appearance turned toward her fully, "Everyone will be watching us, Don't make any mistakes."

The way he spoke, the subtle threat behind his words reminded her of the countless times she had been on the receiving end of his cruelty. She could see the cracks in him too, an almost frantic need to maintain control and the need to keep everything as perfect as possible. "I won't" Laila said with her voice firmer this time. She placed the last of her bangles and turned to face him, keeping a calm expression onto her face which was on contrast to her emotion, "I'll play the part perfectly"

Parth's eyes scanned her from head to toe, his expression still unreadable. With a sharp nod he moved toward the door, "We leave in ten minutes, Tardiness won't be tolerated". The door closed with a soft click as he exited, Laila let out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. She could feel the knot in her chest tightening, the familiar ache of her suffocation. With a final glance at her reflection, Laila stood confident and walked toward the door. The mask was firmly in place and she was ready to play her role, no matter how hard it felt.

Vanya stood before the mirror absentmindedly adjusting the pleats of her saree. The crimson silk saree with its intricate gold embroidery clung to her figure perfectly, but her face which's usually poised and composed was in it's true form being a mirror of emotions, it held a flicker of reluctance. "Rishi, this doesn't feel right" she said turning towards her nonchalant husband. "What doesn't feel right? Vani" he asked even though his tone suggested he already knew the answer. He moved towards his dresser and began adjusting his collar, his eyes occasionally drifting to Vanya through the mirror.

"You know what I mean" said Vanya defeatedly, she looked at him and he looked at her through the mirror. "This entire arrangement or business deal with Shamsher Sazal, He's been our enemy for years and now he's is walking into our home today, not as a rival but as my to be family" Her voice grew sharper and filled with the bitterness she could barely contain. "It's absurd Rishi" Said Vanya and turned away from him. "Romaisa may be a sweet girl but her father? Shamsher's been nothing but a thorn in our side, You very well know what all he did" said Vanya venomously

Rishi glanced at her, "This isn't about our personal feelings Vanya, This is about business and securing the future for Prihan, most importantly for our family." He turned toward her, his dark eyes holding hers on a lock. "Shamsher Sazal may be an enemy but this deal is bigger than our rivalry, look at the whole picture Vani". Vanya looked away, her fingers continuing their task of fastening her jewellery and her eyes glued to the mirror, "It's easy for you to say that," she replied bitterly. "It doesn't matter to you but I can't just forget what he's done"

Rishi sighed and walked over to her, placing his hands gently on her shoulders. "I'm not asking you to forgive him, I'm just asking you to see the bigger picture because this marriage will bring stability, not just for Prihan but also for the company,  It's an alliance that will help us stay ahead and We've fought long enough with Shamsher now it's time to turn that fight into an opportunity". Vanya looked up at his eyes, "I'm well aware that Romaisa is innocent and I've nothing against her, my forgiveness and forgetfulness stops there, I don't want to be associated with him"

Rishi released her shoulders and stepped back, "Shamsher isn't stupid and He knows this marriage benefits him as much as it does us so If he tries to cross us, he risks losing everything and he knows it, He's not going to gamble with his daughter's future" explained Rishi. Vanya exhaled, "This isn't right". "You don't have to like it Vanya" said Rishi firmly, "but we need to move forward and also This marriage isn't just a business arrangement, it's a truce and a way to ensure that our children don't have to carry the same burden we did" said Rishi calmly.

"Fine," she said finally, "But don't expect me to play nice with him, I'll tolerate him but I won't pretend to like it". Rishi knowing that was the closest he would get to agreement from his wife, "That's all I ask" he said, "let's go, We have a wedding to attend". Vanya straightened her saree one last time. She wasn't ready to forgive and she certainly wasn't ready to forget but she wouldn't show that. The Manvik family had always been about power and control and today, she would show exactly how strong they are.

Romaisa sat on the edge of the bed with her heart fluttering with anticipation. She was finally married to Prihan and everything she had dreamed of was finally coming true. The room was softly lit by golden lamps, It was filled with the scent of the decoration of jasmine and roses, matching the delicate scent of the henna still fresh on her hands. Her pink bridal lehenga flowed around her like a pool of fabric, everything meticulously crafted for this moment. She touched the gold bangles on her wrists, smiling as they jingled softly. Her life was now complete, she had a content smile.

She glanced at the door every few seconds, her breath catching in her throat each time she thought she heard a sound. He would be here any moment now, Her husband, Her Prihan. The door finally creaked open and her heart skipped a beat. Prihan entered the room, his expression unreadable. His sherwani once perfect, now looked slightly dishevelled after the long day of rituals. His eyes which she had always found so warm and inviting seemed distant tonight. Romaisa smiled nervously trying to catch his gaze, but he avoided it and walked straight to the dresser.

"Prihan?" she called softly, her voice barely above a whisper. She had imagined this moment countless times , the two of them alone and the joy of being together after years of waiting but something felt wrong. "Yes?" he replied flatly not looking at her, His voice was cold and almost dismissive. Romaisa's smile faltered with confusion taking over her face, "Aren't you going to sit with me?" she asked gently with her tone laced with hope. "I'm tired Romaisa," he said, finally meeting her eyes but the warmth she longed for wasn't there. "It's been a long day" His words were like ice.

She was taken aback by his distant demeanour, "I know it's been exhausting," she said trying to stay optimistic, "But we're finally married, I've been waiting for this moment with you for so long". He turned away removing his sherwani without a word. Romaisa's heart sank, the excitement she had felt just minutes ago quickly fading into anxiety. "Prihan what's wrong?" she asked while her voice trembling slightly. "Why are you being so distant? This is supposed to be our moment, Our first night together" said Romaisa Lovingly. He sighed with clear irritation on his face, "I told you I'm tired, Can we not do this right now?", Her chest tightened with hurt, "But-" she whispered.

"Romaisa, enough" he interrupted sharply with his tone final.

Authors note
I'm done writing, I've been trying to write on multiple sittings
Khair it's my besties bday so here it's
I did a lot of foreshadowing in this chapter, lot more to come
Anyone intrigued about Prihan and Romaisa
If luck falls, you might get an update next week.