Chapter 17: A Night to Remember

Kiara's POV

The night had finally arrived, the day that had loomed over me like an unavoidable storm. The shaadi was here—my wedding to Reyaansh Rathore, the man I never imagined would be part of my life in such an intimate way. The evening sky was a perfect blend of twilight colors, the setting sun casting an ethereal glow over everything. Lanterns and fairy lights illuminated the grand hall, where family and friends gathered, buzzing with excitement and joy. The sound of music and laughter filled the air, but my heart was a mix of emotions—anticipation, nervousness, and, surprisingly, a tinge of something deeper that I couldn’t quite place.

I stood before the mirror, looking at myself as I prepared for the ceremony. My heart pounded in my chest as the bridal outfit was draped over me like a second skin. The deep red lehenga shimmered under the soft lights, intricate golden embroidery covering the skirt and blouse. The blouse, a fitted corset-style piece with delicate beadwork, accentuated my waist. The dupatta was a delicate sheer fabric, embellished with fine golden thread, draped over my head, leaving only my face visible. The jewelry was traditional and heavy: a beautiful maang tikka rested on my forehead, paired with a necklace, jhumkas, and a set of bangles that glittered in the soft light.

Her look~

A deep sigh escaped my lips as I gazed at myself, trying to quiet the overwhelming thoughts racing through my mind. It all felt like a dream, one I wasn’t sure I was ready to wake up from. The emotions in my chest were all tangled up, not just about Reyaansh, but about everything that had led me here.

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Meanwhile, on the other side of the hall, Reyaansh was preparing as well. He stood tall in his pristine white sherwani, the fabric rich with silver thread work that caught the light just enough to make him seem like he was glowing. His turban, intricately woven with pearls, completed the look, and the sehra was tied neatly over it. He was the picture of regal elegance, his sharp features softened by the traditional wear. His eyes, though, were focused on the door, as if waiting for something—no, someone.

His look~

The moment I stepped into the hall, his gaze found me. There, in the midst of the crowd, he stood frozen, his eyes fixed on me. It felt as though everything around us disappeared, leaving only the two of us in the moment. I could hear the faint whispers of the guests around us, but it was as if I was deaf to it all.

Reyaansh’s eyes softened as he took a step forward. He didn’t smile, not in the way I expected, but there was something different in the look he gave me—something that made the air between us thick with meaning. He held out his hand, his palm open and waiting for me.

---

I hesitated for just a moment before stepping forward, my heart racing with every step I took. As I placed my hand in his, a strange calm washed over me. The weight of the situation didn’t feel as suffocating anymore. Instead, it felt like a connection—one I hadn’t realized existed until now. His grip tightened slightly, as if sensing my uncertainty, but then he gently guided me toward the stage where the ceremony was about to begin.

The priest began the rituals, chanting mantras in a steady rhythm. The sound was soothing, almost hypnotic, as the fire in front of us flickered and danced. Reyaansh and I exchanged glances, and in that moment, there was a silent understanding between us. This wasn’t just a marriage of convenience, not anymore. Something had changed.

---

The ceremony continued, each step bringing us closer to the vows that would bind us forever. Reyaansh’s hand never left mine, and even in the midst of the formalities, I felt a deep connection. When the time came for him to tie the mangalsutra around my neck, his fingers brushed against my skin, sending a shiver down my spine. His eyes met mine, and for a brief moment, I thought I saw something there—a flicker of emotion, something raw and unspoken.

When the final vows were exchanged, I could feel the weight of the moment. This wasn’t just about the mangalsutra or the fire; it was about the promise we were making to each other. A promise that neither of us truly understood, but one we both knew was inevitable.

---

As the ceremony drew to a close, the crowd erupted into applause, signaling the end of the ritual. Reyaansh turned toward me, a look of satisfaction and resolve on his face. "It’s done," he said softly, as though reassuring himself more than me.

I nodded, my mind a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. "Yes, it’s done," I echoed, though I couldn’t help but wonder what the future would hold for us.

This was just the beginning, and I had a feeling that whatever came next, it would change everything.

---

As the applause continued around us, I felt a sudden rush of warmth spread through me, not just from the ceremony, but from the overwhelming sense of finality in the air. Reyaansh still held my hand, his grip steady, as if he were trying to anchor me in this moment. I could feel his gaze on me, but I couldn’t bring myself to look at him, unsure of what I would see in his eyes. We had made the vows, but did that mean we were truly ready for what lay ahead?

I took a deep breath, trying to calm the whirlwind of thoughts racing through my mind. The wedding was official, and yet, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was about to shift—something I wasn’t fully prepared for. I had known this day would come, but the reality of it was far different than I had ever imagined.

The guests slowly began to disperse, the sounds of the celebration echoing through the hall as they made their way to the banquet area. Reyaansh, ever the picture of composure, turned to me, offering a small smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Shall we?” he asked, his voice smooth but with a certain intensity that lingered beneath the surface.

I nodded, unsure of what to say. He led me through the crowd, guiding me toward the exit. As we passed through the grand hall, the lights flickering like stars around us, I couldn’t help but notice the way people looked at us—some with admiration, others with curiosity. We were a spectacle, a carefully crafted story unfolding before their eyes, but behind it all, I couldn’t ignore the growing tension between us.

We stepped out into the cool night air, the sounds of the wedding still lingering in the background. Reyaansh turned to me once again, his expression unreadable. “We’re married now, Kiara,” he said, his voice quieter this time, the weight of the words sinking into the space between us. “But I think this is only the beginning. Don’t you agree?”

I didn’t respond immediately, my thoughts tangled in confusion. What did he mean? What was he expecting from me? But I didn’t ask—because in that moment, I knew we had both crossed a line, one that neither of us could uncross. The night was only beginning, but it already felt like we were on the edge of something that would change us both forever.