For the first time in my life, I wasn't allowed to do something I wanted.
Not because of a business deal. Not because of a power play. But because of a damn ritual.
I leaned back in my chair, exhaling sharply as my mother continued explaining the list of traditions that apparently needed to be followed before the wedding.
"You cannot see the bride before the wedding," she reminded me for what felt like the tenth time. I smirked. "And if I do?"
She shot me a warning glare. "Then it's bad luck." I raised an eyebrow. "Since when do you believe in all this, Maa?"
She sighed, shaking her head. "I may not follow every tradition, but this one is important. Besides, it's about the excitement, the anticipation. You shouldn't see her before the wedding-let the suspense build. It will make everything more special."
I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. Special?
This wasn't some love story. This wasn't some fairy tale where I was the prince and Avni was the blushing bride waiting for her happily ever after.
This was a deal. And yet, despite knowing that, my thoughts kept circling back to her.
Avni Rajput.
The woman who had thrown water in my face twice without a second thought . The woman who could stare down a room full of powerful men without blinking.
The woman who made insults sound poetic and arrogance look beautiful.
I tapped my fingers against the armrest, my patience wearing thin. I wasn't sure why I wanted to see her before the wedding. Maybe because I was used to having control. Maybe because, despite all my power and wealth, I hated the idea of being restricted.
Or maybe because, deep down, I just wanted one more moment with her before everything changed.
My mother stood up, dusting off her saree. "I need to check on the arrangements. Your father and I will be at the venue later tonight. You should stay home and get some rest." I hummed in response, waiting until she left before pulling out my phone.
I opened WhatsApp and hovered over Avni's chat. We weren't exactly the 'texting' type. Most of our conversations involved either forced interactions or sharp remarks thrown at each other like knives.
Still, my fingers itched to type something. What would she even be doing right now?
Probably buried in work, trying to distract herself from the wedding. Or maybe-just maybe-she was thinking about me, too.
The thought made my lips twitch. I leaned forward, my mind made up. I wasn't going to follow this stupid ritual.
If I wanted to see my future wife, then I damn well would.
The mansion where the wedding would take place tomorrow was buzzing with last-minute preparations. The sound of laughter and music filled the air, along with the scent of fresh flowers and food.
I stepped inside, scanning the hall. My father was talking to the wedding planner, my mother was fussing over the decorations, and my extended family was too busy enjoying themselves to notice my arrival.
Perfect.
My eyes searched for Avni. I knew she would be here somewhere.
I walked past the main hall, slipping into the quieter corridors of the venue. And then- I stopped. There she was.
She was standing near the terrace, her back turned to me, dressed in a simple ivory dress. She was on a call, her voice calm but firm, probably finalizing some last-minute business deal.
Even now, just hours before becoming mine, she was still her. Still independent. Still sharp. Still the same Avni who didn't give a damn about anyone's expectations.
A smirk tugged at my lips. I could just walk up to her. Ruin the whole 'no seeing the bride before the wedding' nonsense. Watch her reaction, hear her sarcastic remarks, maybe even annoy her a little-
But before I could take a step forward, her father appeared from the opposite side, heading straight for her. I quickly slipped into the shadows, curiosity getting the best of me.
"Avni," her father said, placing a hand on her shoulder. She turned, looking surprised for a moment before nodding. "Papa? What is it?" He hesitated. "Are you... okay?"
Avni's expression flickered, just for a second, before she schooled it back into her usual impassive look. "Of course, I'm okay. Why wouldn't I be?" Her father sighed. "I know this isn't what you wanted."
My smirk faded slightly. She stayed quiet. "Beta..." he continued, softer this time. "I know you never expected your wedding to happen this way. And I know you probably hate me for making this deal. But I just want you to be happy."
Avni exhaled, crossing her arms. "You think this makes me happy?" Her father looked pained. "I think, in time, you'll see why this was necessary."
She scoffed. "Necessary? You sold me off in a business deal, Papa." He flinched. My fingers curled into fists.
Not because she was wrong. But because hearing her say it out loud made something sting. Her father swallowed, trying again. "Avni, Aditya isn't-"
She shook her head, cutting him off. "Papa, please. I don't want to talk about this right now." There was a brief silence before her father nodded, stepping back. "Fine. I just hope... I hope you don't hate me forever."
Avni didn't respond. She just watched as he walked away, leaving her alone , her face unreadable.
For the first time since this whole wedding mess started, I saw something in her that she never let anyone see. Something raw. Something vulnerable.
And I hated it. Because Avni Rajput wasn't supposed to look like this. She was supposed to be fierce. Fiery. Untouchable.
But right now, under the dim glow of the terrace lights, she just looked... lost. I stepped back into the shadows before she could notice me.
I shouldn't be here. Not like this. Tomorrow, everything would change.
Tomorrow, she would walk down the aisle, and we would officially be tied to each other.
And whether she liked it or not, she was mine.
And I was hers.
She just didn't know it yet.
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