The morning sunlight streamed through the tall windows as Kiara descended the staircase, only to freeze midway. Her eyes widened at the sight before her—the mansion was being decorated, vibrant drapes cascading along the walls, fresh flowers filling every corner, and the faint scent of incense mingling with the morning air.
She turned to Angad, who was casually adjusting a garland, a teasing grin on his face. "Angad… what's going on here?"
Angad shrugged, eyes sparkling with mischief. "I don't know either sister-in-law! Someone's got big plans for today… maybe it's Yuvaan brother."
Before she could ask more, the rest of the family arrived, their expressions stormy. Riddhi whispered to Aakash, while Vinod and Susheela glared sharply at the staff. "Who instructed all this decoration?" Susheela demanded, her tone heavy with irritation.
From the top of the staircase, a familiar presence appeared. Yuvaan descended with effortless grace, dressed in his signature black, his chest slightly exposed, the morning light highlighting the sharp lines of his face and the commanding aura around him. Every eye in the room immediately fell upon him.
He reached Kiara and lightly took her hand. "The world may not have seen our wedding," he said smoothly, "but they're about to witness our wedding reception."
Kiara blinked, caught off guard. Angad smirked beside them, clearly enjoying the scene, while the rest of the family exchanged glances, their faces a mixture of confusion and disapproval.
Yuvaan's gaze held hers, teasing yet protective, as if silently daring the family to challenge him. In that instant, it was clear—this reception would be nothing like anyone expected.
Yuvaan stood at the head of the hall, arms crossed, his usual confident smirk in place as he addressed the family. "When my in-laws—the Shettys—arrive, they should be welcomed grandly. No half-hearted gestures."
Susheela raised an eyebrow, her voice sharp. "Why should we entertain your in-laws? Ask your heck of a mother to do that."
Yuvaan's smirk didn't waver. "Well, if she were in the condition, she would have happily done it. So, I have to rely on you all to handle this small deed. And perhaps you don't know how rich the Shettys are. This family and theirs are on a competing scale. My father-in-law owns a major college in this city. If you fail to welcome him properly, he might just tarnish your so-called reputation—and I know how much my dearest uncle cherishes his reputation."
Riddhi, who had been quietly observing, suddenly straightened, a determined look on her face. Varun will be coming. I should be more friendly with Kiara, after all, she is Varun's sister.
"Of course," Riddhi declared, voice bright and confident, "we will welcome our sister-in-law's family with pride!"
Yuvaan and Kiara exchanged amused glances, and even Angad's lips twitched with a suppressed laugh. He reached over to lightly ruffle Riddhi's hair. "She seems fine… did you just say that?"
Riddhi swatted his hand away, cheeks flushing. "Stop joking! Yuvaan is my cousin, yes, but his wife's family will be welcomed with respect. Now understand?"
Angad chuckled, clearly entertained, while Kiara couldn't help but smile faintly at the sudden shift in Riddhi's tone. Yuvaan's smirk widened as he watched his cousin's transformation—this reception was already shaping up to be interesting.
Later, in their room, Yuvaan placed a black-and-golden lehenga before Kiara, the intricate embroidery glinting under the soft light.
Kiara stared at it, brows furrowed. "Why… why are you doing this?"
Yuvaan's lips curved into a teasing smirk. "What do you mean?"
Kiara pointed at the lehenga. "You married me forcefully, only to get your hands on some dark stronghold, right? So why are you throwing a reception like our relationship is real? What is this—pretending to be husband and wife?"
Yuvaan's expression softened slightly, though the villainous glint never left his eyes. "Yes, I married you forcefully," he admitted. "But that doesn't mean I won't perform the duties of a husband."
Kiara's eyes widened in disbelief. "Duties? Aren't you a warlock… a demon? Why should you care about human responsibilities?"
He stepped closer, his gaze steady. "Maybe… because in this lifetime, I'm part human, part warlock. And even a fragment of humanity carries a sense of duty."
With that, he placed the lehenga near her and added, "Get ready for tonight's reception. It's time."
Kiara stood frozen, her mind racing. She couldn't understand why he was treating their forced marriage with such seriousness, and a flicker of confusion—and perhaps something else—washed over her.
Night had fallen, and the Pratap Singh mansion gleamed under the soft golden lights of the reception. Inside the room, Kiara adjusted the last folds of her black-and-golden lehenga, her hair cascading like a waterfall down her back.
Bhoomi entered quietly, her eyes lighting up as she saw Kiara. With a playful smile, she exclaimed, "Arre, Pari dost! Angel on earth, look at you!"
Kiara laughed softly, a little embarrassed, and immediately enveloped Bhoomi in a warm hug. "You're too sweet, MiL," she said, feeling the affection in Bhoomi's words.
Hand in hand, they descended the grand staircase, the soft rustle of Kiara's lehenga accompanying them.
Down in the hall, Yuvaan was addressing the assembled guests and media, his commanding presence drawing attention effortlessly. But when he caught sight of Kiara stepping into the hall, his speech faltered mid-sentence.
Her elegance, her poise, the gentle support between her and Bhoomi—it all struck him. He couldn't take his eyes off the two women who had become his world.
For a moment, the crowd and the flashing cameras ceased to exist. All that remained was the sight of Kiara, glowing under the chandelier lights, and Bhoomi by her side, walking with a grace and confidence that made Yuvaan's heart beat faster.
Even amidst the grandeur, Yuvaan felt a rare, quiet admiration. Two women, each so different, yet both integral to his life, walking together in harmony—he allowed himself a private, lingering glance, drinking in the beauty and the moment.