Romaisa sat in the dimly lit bedroom, She looked at the clock on the wall and she knew that Prihan would return soon. Her heart was heavy with a mix of longing and fear. Longing for the man who had once made her feel like the centre of his world and fear of the cold attitude that he now seemed to use on her like a knife against her. Prihan stepped in,  He didn't glance in her direction but instead headed straight to the wardrobe. He looked every bit like the man she had fallen in love with but now his attitude said something else.

 "Good evening" Romaisa greeted softly. She hoped for a flicker of acknowledgment, a simple word or anything that would reassure her. "Hmm" Prihan responded without even sparing her a glance. He opened the wardrobe and pulled out a change of clothes then moved toward the bathroom. Romaisa's heart sank, she tried to hold back the tears threatening to spill determined to keep her composure. This was not how she had dreamed their marriage to be like. It was supposed to be the start of a beautiful journey but now she felt like a stranger in her own life.

Even though on Everyone's mind, their marriage was an arranged one but the truth was that they held love for each other. Romaisa knew that and knitted beautiful dreams since it was like everything was falling into place but right now their relationship seemed worst that a arranged marriage deal to her, at least her heart would've hurt less in the process. When Prihan emerged from the bathroom,  He walked over to the small desk near the window  opening his laptop. The glow of the screen illuminated his face, but his expression remained distant.

"Prihan" Romaisa began hesitantly as she twisted her fingers nervously in her lap, "Can we talk?" she whispered, "What is there to talk about?" he replied in his cold tone as his eyes never left the screen. Romaisa felt the sting of his words but she continued,  "About us- About- whatever it is that's come between us". He finally looked up with his gaze, "Romaisa, nothing has come between us,  You're here and I'm here, What more do you want?". "I want my boyfriend back" she said her voice trembling with emotion. "The man who held my hand, who looked at me like I was his entire world, The man who-" Her voice broke.

"The man who made me believe in love, You've changed and that too drastically, You call me Romaisa and not Macy" completed Romaisa, by the end her tone turning into an emotional whisper. He exhaled sharply and ran a hand through his hair, "You're making this more dramatic than it needs to be". Her voice rose slightly and frustrations increased in her, "Dramatic? How can you say that? You've been shutting me out ever since our wedding day, I don't even know if I did something wrong because you won't tell me"

"Shut up Romaisa, Go and scream at Shamsher Sazal because I'm not dealing with this drama, If you want I'll dial him up for you, I'll feel no trouble in doing as such" said Prihan and got his gaze and attention back to his laptop. Romaisa slumped against the bed in deep thoughts of where it went wrong, When did things go bad. Before the ceremony even, Things were going great like a dream come true but something happened during the ceremony which is wrecking her world to pieces. She didn't even realise when darkness engulfed her eyes and she succumbed to slumber.

The morning sun filtered through the  curtains casting a soft glow over Romaisa who was sitting  absently running her fingers over the delicate embroidery of her dupatta. Vanya's footsteps echoed in the hallway before  the sound of knocks echoed in the room, "Come in" said Romaisa. Vanya entered the room, dressed in a pale blue silk saree as she carried herself with the poised authority that defined her. Romaisa quickly stood offering a polite smile as her mother-in-law approached, "Good morning " Romaisa greeted. "Good morning dear," Vanya replied with a warm smile. She gestured for Romaisa to sit and took the seat across from her. 

Vanya approached her with a faint smile playing on her lips. "I came to remind you about the reception this evening, It's an important event and I want you to be prepared, Remember you'll be representing both families at this event". Romaisa nodded with her smile faltering slightly. The thought of another grand event filled with strangers was daunting especially with so much things going on already in her life but she knew better than to let her emotions show. "I understand" Romaisa replied with her voice steady, "I'll make sure everything is perfect."

"I expect nothing lesser from you, You're accustomed to this life style from your childhood itself, All the fake smiles and showing no weakness, I'll be very honest that I expect you to do a great job" said Vanya and patted on Romaisa's shoulder, "I'll try my best not to let you down" said Romaisa and Vanya smiled at her. "You'll do great and also remember that I'm here for you if you need anything, You can talk and complaint to me, I'll try my best to tackle it, I know I might've not seem the most keen due to our past-"

Vanya composed herself, "But now You're a Manvik and You're my responsibility, Don't think twice in approaching me" said Vanya. "Thank you" said Romaisa with a smile but she wondered if she'd ever be able to tell her about what's happening in her life. She knew Vanya might be able to solve everything, She knew how highly Her husband placed his mother. "The stylists will arrive 5 hours prior to the event and photoshoots will commence 2 hour prior to the event" said Vanya and Romaisa internalised the details involved in the intricate event, "Okk" said Romaisa and Vanya left.

The sun had just begun to dip below the horizon and painted the sky in hues of orange and pink. The garden venue for the Manvik-Sazal wedding reception was shining with golden lights, Rows of white chairs with golden designs on it placed around intricately decorated tables, each adorned with vibrant floral pieces and sparkling silverware. Guests dressed in their finest attire filled the venue. The evening was grand which is as expected of an event hosted by the Manvik family, The attendees were waiting for the hosts to finally arrive at the venue and grace the evening.

Romaisa stood near the entryway with her newly assigned stylist making last-minute adjustments to her hair. She wore a a dusty pink off shoulder gown which showcased her strong collarbones, The tulle wrapped around her hands was sparkling due the intricate rosegold designs enlaced in it, The diamonds look hung elegantly against her neck, a heavy choker resting against her neck and her soft wavy hair his the low back of her gown effortlessly. She was the epitome of elegance but her heart raced with nervous energy.

Her eyes darted toward Prihan, who stood a few steps away from her who adjusting the cuffs of his white and golden suit.  He was in game stance which is cold and powerful, The family power was evident in their demeanour, but sadly that same coldness is what she received inside closed doors. Their earlier interactions or lack of, played in her mind but Romaisa quickly pushed those thoughts aside. Tonight, she had to focus on the event and on representing her new family with grace.

The sound of murmurs and shifting gazes pulled her attention, It was utter silence now. All eyes turned toward the main pathway as Rishi and Vanya Manvik entered the venue, their presence commanded attention and respect. Rishi was dressed in a sharp charcoal-black suit as he walked with the poise of a man accustomed to power. His piercing gaze was on the crows while his expression unreadable yet magnetic like always. Beside him was his better half, Vanya was adorned in a rich emerald saree, her jewellery had matching emeralds which was put together by the understated but elegant aura she held. Her hair was tied in a classic bun adorned with jasmine adding grace and authority.

Romaisa's gaze lingered on Vanya as she approached, "Romaisa, You look lovely and Remember, tonight is about making an impression, Stand tall and let them see the woman who now carries the Manvik name" said Vanya with Authority. Romaisa's lips curved into a small smile, "Thank you, I'll do my best". Vanya's hand briefly brushed Romaisa's arm as an unspoken gesture of encouragement before she moved aside. Rishi's eyes flickered toward Prihan ,"Prihan, Keep your composure tonight because This is not just a celebration but also a statement" said Rishi in a firm tone. "Yes Dad" Prihan replied. 

As the couple moved through the crowd, the whispers grew louder. Guests exchanged stories of the Manvik family's influence, their calculated moves since everyone knew the deal behind this union. The Couple's postion was illuminated with warm lighting and a backdrop of cascading flowers framed the scene. Vanya gestured subtly, ensuring Romaisa's posture was poised and Prihan's stance exuded confidence. The cameras flashed as the couple posed, their smiles perfected for the occasion even if the tension between them lingered just below the surface

Pulkit and Prachi arrived together with their sibling banter lightening the atmosphere. Pulkit, in a deep green kurta with golden embroidery teased Prihan mercilessly about his serious expressions during the photos, "You could scare the guests away bro" he said and earned  a glare from Prihan, "This, exactly this". Prachi dressed in a green lehenga chimed in, "Don't worry, Romaisa balances him out, See how pretty she looks? It's like she's carrying the glow for the both of you". Romaisa managed a soft smile, grateful for the lightheartedness they held. Prihan, however, merely rolled his eyes, his cold demeanor refusing to thaw.

Romaisa couldn't help but admire the dynamics of the Manvik family, especially the unspoken synergy between Rishi and Vanya. Her sister-in-law still held a bit of struggle to fit in with the energy but Romaisa was impressed by how she was handling it despite from being from a different background. Despite the grandeur, Romaisa's heart felt heavy when Her gaze occasionally locked with Prihan's, his coldness remained impenetrable . The cheers and laughter of the crowd felt distant, the lights too bright and the noise too loud. Yet she held her composure, her smile unwavering even as her heart ached.

"Laila, what's with the short hair all of a sudden, I heard that you rushed to the saloon to get this done" asked Vanya and Laila's eyes darted at Parth for a moment. "You told me you loved your hair so much" continued Vanya.

Author's note

I know that I didn't update in a long time, I had exams. Yaaay
That got over and here I'm.
I got distracted way too much so the update took too long but here I'm hopefully I'll regain some discipline over my life.
Anyway anyone noticed that Romaisa and Prihan's outfits lowkey have Ariel and Eric from the little mermaid. Yeah

Yang_Alyssaa as I promised