Chapter 7

The morning of my wedding dawned with a mix of emotions I couldn't quite place—anxiety, curiosity, and a strange sense of calm. It was a day I had envisioned countless times in my childhood, but this wasn't the fairy-tale wedding I had imagined. This was something different, something arranged and calculated, yet undeniably grand.

The preparations for the wedding had been entirely handled by Veeranshu's team. My uncle and aunt had done little except bask in the prestige of marrying me off to someone of his stature. Everything was elegant, expensive, and carefully planned down to the last detail.

My bridal lehenga, delivered to me in a pristine white Sabyasachi box, was a deep maroon with intricate gold embroidery, paired with a dupatta edged in Swarovski crystals. It was breathtaking, heavier than anything I had ever worn, and a stark reminder of the kind of life I was stepping into.

The jewelry came in velvet-lined boxes from high end store . A heavy gold choker adorned with rubies, matching earrings, and a delicate maang tikka completed the ensemble. My aunt and Kiara fussed over the pieces, their envy barely concealed.

"Do you even know how lucky you are, Tara?" Kiara muttered as she helped me with the dupatta. "This lehenga probably costs more than our entire house."

I didn't respond. Her words, though meant as a compliment, only heightened my unease.

The ceremony was small and intimate, held at a beautiful heritage hotel. Veeranshu had insisted on keeping it private, with only close family and a few friends in attendance. Even so, no expense had been spared.

The mandap was adorned with white roses and orchids, sourced from Bloom & Wild, and the chairs were draped in silk fabric embossed with gold. My aunt had spent the morning pointing out the extravagance of it all, her voice tinged with pride as she boasted to the few relatives who had been invited.

As I stepped into the ceremony, my eyes searched for Veeranshu. He stood tall near the mandap, dressed in an ivory Manish Malhotra sherwani with gold accents. He looked every bit the poised, powerful man the world knew him to be.

When our eyes met, there was no warmth, but there was respect—a silent acknowledgment of the step we were taking together.

The rituals proceeded smoothly, each one steeped in tradition and solemnity. My grandfather sat beside me for most of it, his quiet presence giving me strength. When the time came for the kanyadaan, he whispered, "Be brave, Tara. This is your new beginning."

After the ceremony, Veeranshu and I were whisked away in a sleek Mercedes-Maybach S-Class to what would now be my home. The drive was silent, neither of us making any effort at conversation. My hands fidgeted with the edge of my dupatta as I tried to prepare myself for what lay ahead.

When the car finally pulled up, my breath caught.

The mansion was unlike anything I had ever seen—a sprawling, modern estate that seemed to stretch endlessly. Its towering glass windows reflected the evening light, and the perfectly manicured lawns looked like something out of a magazine.

"This is home," Veeranshu said simply, his tone devoid of emotion.

The grandeur of the mansion was overwhelming, but it was our room that left me truly speechless. The double doors opened to reveal a space that was both luxurious and inviting.

The room was dominated by a massive canopy bed with plush white linens from Frette and a velvet navy-blue headboard. The walls were painted in soft, neutral tones, accented by abstract artwork from Ravissant.

Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a breathtaking view of the estate's gardens, and a private balcony extended out, complete with Dedon outdoor furniture.

To the left, there was a walk-in closet that looked like it belonged in a movie—rows of perfectly lit shelves, mirrors framed in gold, and a seating area with a Hermès throw draped over the bench.

The en-suite bathroom was equally opulent, with marble countertops, a freestanding tub from Victoria + Albert, and gold fixtures by Grohe. A crystal chandelier from Swarovski hung above, casting a soft glow over the space.

As I stood in the center of the room, still in my wedding attire, the weight of the day finally hit me. This was my life now—a life of wealth and opulence, far removed from the modest upbringing I had known.

Veeranshu, sensing my unease, spoke. "I'll leave you to settle in. If you need anything,  I am just a call away."

I nodded, grateful for the solitude.

That night, as I changed out of my lehenga and into a simple cotton kurta, I sat on the edge of the bed and stared out at the city lights twinkling in the distance. The events of the day played over in my mind, each moment feeling surreal.

Marrying Veeranshu had been a decision driven by circumstances, but as I sat there in the quiet of my new life, I couldn't help but wonder if it would ever feel real.

will him and I ever be able to open our hearts to eachother , in a marriage where we can't even hold a conversation , loving each other seems a very far away thing , he is polite and respectful and I am grateful for it but at the same time he is detached and distant and above all am I ready to dive in this , what if he makes effort am I ready to show him my worst fears and nightmares , the courage to move towards him , I looked around the room tough grand didn't felt like mine , this home this life nothing fells like mine the decision to marry him was a desperate attempt something I would have not done if things were normal at my home  , I know he got to buy the land which dadaji didn't want to sell , but to tied to someone for life just for the piece of land seems unreasonable , what if he sees me just like a stranger like someone who helped him getting what he wants , as I waited for him to come my eyes felt heavy body aching from exhaustion and before he can come sleep came to me first

A/N PLEASE VOTE GUYS