Rai POV:

The afternoon sun filtered through the boutique's crystal chandeliers, casting prismatic rainbows across the array of designer gowns.

After what felt like an endless parade of outfits - each more exquisite than the last - Nisha finally settled on a breathtaking blue creation. The gown was a masterpiece of craftsmanship, adorned with countless crystalline stones that caught every ray of light, making her shimmer like a goddess descended from the heavens.

I couldn't help but think that the golden gown would have been more fitting for an engagement ceremony, its regal hue perfectly symbolizing the auspicious occasion. But who was I to question the bride's choice? After all, it was her special day.

"Rai, this is absolutely perfect!" Nisha's eyes sparkled with excitement as she twirled before the mirror. "Can I wear this one?"

"Of course," I managed a smile, pushing aside my reservations. "If that's what your heart desires."

Little Devika, ever the bundle of enthusiasm, bounced over to me clutching a pink gown that made her look like a fairy tale princess. "Rai dii, could I possibly have this one?" Her innocent eyes looked up at me hopefully.

My heart melted at her request. She wasn't just Rudy's sister anymore; she had become my own little sister too. I would give her the world if I could.

Gently running my fingers through her silky hair, I pulled her into a warm embrace. "Anything for you, my little princess! Consider it yours."

Turning back to Nisha, I sought final confirmation. "Are you absolutely certain about the blue one?"

"Yes, yes, a thousand times yes!" She practically squealed with delight.

I instructed my staff to carefully package both selections for delivery that evening. Just then, Nisha's phone trilled through the peaceful atmosphere. With a practiced grace, she excused herself and stepped outside my cabin.

Taking advantage of this private moment with Devika, I had to address something that had been bothering me. "Princess, what happened earlier? That reaction wasn't like you at all. You're usually so kind and understanding."

Devika's usually cheerful face is clouded over. "I just don't like her, Rai dii! I can't accept her as my bhabi!" Her little nose scrunched up in distaste.

"Care to explain why?" I prompted gently.

"There's just something... off about her," Devika burst out, words tumbling over each other in her haste to explain. "Everything she does feels excessive - her smile, her laugh, the way she talks. It's all too perfect, too rehearsed! Don't you feel it too? Like she's putting on an act?"

Her words struck a chord within me. My gut had been trying to tell me the same thing - something about Nisha Roy didn't quite add up. Before I could dwell on it further, my phone vibrated. Rudy's name flashed across the screen.

I barely had time to answer before his voice, demanded, "Where's Nisha?" No greeting, no pleasantries - just raw urgency that set my teeth on edge.

"Breathe, Rai," I whispered to myself. "Only two more days until the engagement. Just keep it together."

"She's here at my office, probably taking a call outside," I replied, maintaining my professional composure.

"Oh." His relief was audible in that single syllable. After a pause, he continued, "Why are you all at your office? Mother mentioned shopping plans. I should have been there - Nisha shouldn't be alone."

If only he knew how far from lonely she seemed! Instead, I explained, "She specifically requested to wear our design house creations for both the engagement and wedding. They've already chosen their engagement outfits. You're welcome to join us if you'd like."

"So you're really taking charge of my wedding preparations," he stated, his voice a strange mixture of calm and steel. "Fine. I'm coming over. I want one of your best pieces for myself."

Even through the phone, I could sense his barely contained anger, imagine his clenched jaw and gritted teeth. But like the perfect gentleman he portrayed himself to be, he kept it hidden beneath a veneer of politeness.
The atmosphere in the boutique suddenly felt heavier, charged with unspoken tensions. I ended the call.

The gentle clink of Devika's fork against the china plate filled my cabin as she savored the cupcakes I'd ordered. My eyes drifted to the clock - Nisha's "quick call" had stretched well beyond reasonable limits.

An uneasy feeling settled in my stomach, prompting me to investigate.

The corridor outside my cabin was bathed in the warm afternoon light streaming through the floor-to-ceiling windows. There stood Nisha, her back turned to me, speaking in hushed tones that carried an edge I'd never heard in her usually honeyed voice.

I approached silently, my heels thankfully muffled by the plush carpet.

"Yes, yes, I'm being careful," her words slithered through the air like a serpent in silk. "No one suspects a thing. Don't worry about me - once the engagement is done, I'll make sure he agrees. Our purpose will be fulfilled." My blood ran cold.

The words hung in the air like poison darts, confirming every suspicion that had been gnawing at my consciousness. This wasn't the lovesick bride-to-be we'd all been led to believe - this was someone with an agenda, someone wearing a mask of innocence while plotting in the shadows.

I needed to act normal, to play this game as skillfully as she was. Stepping back slightly, I called out with carefully crafted casualness, "Nisha? Are you still on your call?" I watched her startle slightly, her mask sliding smoothly back into place. "I just wanted to check on you since it's been about half an hour. Oh, and Rudy called - he's on his way here to choose his engagement outfit."

The transformation was immediate and unsettling. Like a switch being flipped, her face lit up with that too-perfect smile, her voice dripping with manufactured excitement. "Oh, I was just finishing up! And Rudy's coming? That's wonderful! I'd love to help him choose something perfect!"

As we walked back to my cabin together, my mind was racing beneath my composed exterior. Every instinct I possessed was screaming warnings about the woman beside me. Behind her perfectly coordinated outfit and meticulously applied makeup lurked something dangerous - a threat to the family I'd grown to love as my own.

My internal voice grew fierce with determination: "Listen well, Nisha Roy. Whatever game you're playing, whatever purpose you're hiding behind that sugary smile - I will uncover it. You've made a grave mistake thinking you could fool everyone. I've built my success on reading people, and you, my dear, are an open book with suspicious chapters. If you're here to harm Rudy or his family, you'll learn exactly why I'm known for being more than just a pretty face in the fashion industry. I protect what's mine, and this family is absolutely mine to protect."

Walking beside her, I maintained my professional smile while my mind cataloged every detail, every inconsistency in her behavior. The stakes had just gotten much higher, and I was ready to play this dangerous game of cat and mouse. Only time would tell which of us was truly the cat.

As we re-entered my cabin, where innocent Devika still sat enjoying her treats, I couldn't help but feel the weight of responsibility settling on my shoulders. This wasn't just about a wedding anymore - it was about protecting the people I loved from whatever sinister plan this woman had set in motion.The afternoon sun continued to shine through my office windows, but now it felt like the calm before a storm. And I was ready to become the lightning if necessary.

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