Reyna :-
The morning light crept in softly through the carved jharokha, painting the room in shades of gold and warmth. Udaipur always had this magic-like the city itself whispered stories of royalty, love, and sacrifice.
I stood in front of the mirror, adjusting my earrings, watching my reflection far too closely.
Today... I'd see Advik Raichand again.
But instead of panic or heartbreak, there was only mild irritation.
A few days ago, his presence had felt loud in my head too intense, too confusing. But now? It felt distant. Like a song I once liked but had already skipped.
It was just attraction, Reyna.
A moment. A mistake.
He was about to marry Ira. That alone closed every door in my mind. Whatever tension existed between us didn't deserve space anymore. Not when my sister's happiness was at stake.
My thoughts drifted somewhere else.
Rohan.
The way he had looked at me that night- steady, protective, calm. No chaos. No power games. Just... comfort.
Without thinking too much, I picked up my phone and dialed his number.
It rang.
Once.
Twice.
Thrice.
No answer.
I frowned slightly, staring at the screen until it went dark.
"Of course," I muttered. "He did say he'd be busy."
Still, disappointment brushed past my chest- soft but noticeable.
It's fine, I told myself. He'll call later.
I turned back to the bed where my Rajputi poshak lay waiting- ivory and maroon, heavy with embroidery and tradition. As I slipped into it, the fabric settled around me like armor. Elegant. Controlled. Unbreakable.
Just as I finished fixing my dupatta-
"GOOD MORNING, YOUR HIGHNESS," Maya announced, bursting into the room like a storm.
I looked at her and instantly felt lighter.
She stopped mid-step, eyes widening. "Oh. Wow."
She walked around me slowly, hands on her hips. "Reyna... you look like the final boss level of royalty."
I laughed. "Please. It's just clothes."
"No," she said firmly. "It's presence. If looks could commit crimes, you'd already be arrested."
She sighed dramatically. "Which reminds me- I have nothing to wear. Everyone here looks like they belong in a palace and I look like I belong in a coffee shop."
I smirked. "I knew you'd say that."
I walked to the cupboard and pulled out another outfit- a soft pink Rajputi poshak, delicate and graceful.
Her mouth dropped open.
"You planned this," she whispered.
"Always," I replied.
A few minutes later, she stepped out wearing it, struggling with the dupatta. I helped her drape it properly, adjusting her jewelry while she watched us in the mirror.
"You okay?" she asked gently, catching the faint seriousness in my eyes.
I nodded. "Yeah. Just... a long wedding ahead."
She grinned. "Well, whatever happens- remember. We're here on a mission."
I smiled.
And for the first time that morning, I believed it.
Advik Raichand was just a chapter I'd already turned the page on.
Right now, my heart was focused elsewhere-
on my sister,
on our plan,
and on the boy who made me feel safe without trying to own me.
I took one last look at myself in the mirror.
Ready.
After we were done getting ready, Maya practically dragged me till the corridor.
"I'm going to the garden," she announced, already unlocking her phone.
"This place deserves to be posted. If I don't upload at least ten pictures, did we even come to Udaipur?"
I smiled faintly. "Go. Princess duties call you."
She saluted dramatically. "Wish me good lighting," and disappeared toward the park, dupatta flying.
The moment she was gone, the smile slipped off my face.
My feet moved on their own.
I didn't even realize when I reached Ira di's room.
The door was slightly ajar.
I pushed it open gently.
She was sitting near the window, dressed beautifully in a - too beautifully for someone who hadn't slept. Her eyes were red, swollen, like she'd cried all night and then some more. The sunlight touched her face, but it didn't reach her eyes.
My chest tightened.
"Ira di..." I whispered.
She looked at me.
And then looked away.
The silence hurt more than shouting ever could.
I stepped inside and closed the door behind me. "Please don't ignore me."
Still nothing.
"I can't see you like this anymore," I said, my voice trembling despite myself. "You're killing yourself slowly, and everyone is acting like it's normal."
She finally turned to me then.
Her eyes were sharp. Angry. Broken.
"Wow," she said bitterly. "Look at you."
I froze.
She stood up slowly. "All dressed up. Smiling. Laughing with your friends. Enjoying a destination wedding."
Her voice cracked.
"My wedding."
I swallowed. "Ira-"
"Don't," she snapped. "Don't act concerned now, Reyna."
Her words hit hard.
"You're pretending to be happy," she continued, tears spilling over now.
"You're roaming around like this is a celebration, while my life is being ruined."
"That's not true," I said quickly. "You know I..."
"Do I?" she interrupted.
"Because from where I'm standing, it feels like you've accepted it. Like everyone else."
Her words sliced deep.
"You think I'm enjoying this?" I whispered.
"You think I'm okay watching you being sacrificed like this?"
She laughed hollowly. "Then why does it look so easy for you?"
I stepped closer, my voice soft.
"Ira di..."
"Don't," she snapped, finally looking at me. Her eyes were red, swollen, angry.
"Don't act like you suddenly care."
The words cut deep.
"What do you mean?" I whispered.
She stood up abruptly, her bangles clinking sharply.
"You were there, Reyna," she said, her voice shaking.
"You were standing right there when Maa slapped me. When Papa decided my life in one sentence. When I was crying and begging."
Her chest rose and fell fast.
"Why didn't you help me then?" she demanded.
"Why didn't you stop anything when everything was happening right in front of your eyes?"
I froze.
"Why were you so quiet?" she continued, tears spilling now.
"You're not weak. You never were. So tell me- why did you just watch?"
Her words felt like knives.
"You went back to your room," she said bitterly.
"And I was left alone to be sacrificed."
"Ira di..." my voice cracked.
"No," she interrupted.
"Don't give me excuses now. Don't pretend to be my savior today when you didn't fight for me that day."
I swallowed hard, my throat burning.
"You think I didn't want to scream?" I said, finally breaking.
"You think I didn't want to grab Maa's hand and stop her? Or shout at Papa?"
My voice trembled, but I didn't look away.
"If I had spoken then," I continued, tears blurring my vision,
"they would have locked you inside this room. They would've cut you off from the world completely. From him."
She faltered.
"I stayed quiet because I was scared," I admitted.
"Scared that if I fought openly, you'd lose even the smallest chance of escaping this."
Her anger wavered, confusion replacing it.
"I didn't help you loudly," I said softly.
"Because this isn't something that can be stopped by shouting."
I stepped closer, lowering my voice.
"But that doesn't mean I did nothing."
She looked at me sharply.
"What do you mean?"
"I'm helping you now," I said.
"And I will get you out of this. I promise."
I held her hands, forcing her to meet my eyes.
"This marriage is not happening."
Her breath hitched. "What?"
"I will get you out of here," I said, every word steady.
"You will marry the man you love."
Her eyes widened, disbelief mixing with fear. "Reyna, what are you saying?"
"I'm serious," I said.
"But for that to happen, you have to trust me."
She shook her head slightly. "This isn't a movie. These are mafias. Power. Blood."
"I know," I said. "And that's why everything has to look normal until the wedding day."
I squeezed her hands.
Her breath hitched.
"You just have to trust me," I whispered.
"And pretend. Pretend to be happy. Pretend to agree."
She searched my face, desperation and hope colliding in her eyes.
"And if I trust you?" she asked shakily.
I met her gaze, steady and fierce.
"Then you walk away free," I said.
"With the man you love."
Silence fell between us- heavy, fragile.
And for the first time since this nightmare began,
I saw her shoulders relax... just a little.
Her tears fell faster now. "Why are you doing this?"
"Because you're my sister," I whispered.
"And I refuse to watch you die inside just to keep everyone else alive."
She looked at me like she was scared to hope.
I leaned closer. "Call him."
Her breath caught. "What?"
"Call your boyfriend," I said.
"Tell him to come to Udaipur. Tell him to be ready."
She searched my face. "And if this goes wrong?"
I smiled softly, though my heart was pounding.
"Then it goes wrong with me standing in front of you. Not behind."
Silence stretched between us.
Then slowly- hesitantly- she hugged me.
Tight.
Like she was holding onto the last piece of hope she had left.
"I don't know what you're planning," she whispered against my shoulder.
"But I trust you."
I closed my eyes, holding her just as tightly.
"Just wait till the wedding day," I murmured.
"And whatever happens- don't lose hope."
Because deep down, I knew one thing with terrifying clarity-
Once the wedding day arrived,
nothing would remain pretend anymore.
A soft knock echoed on the door, breaking the fragile silence between us.
"Ira di?" a familiar voice called gently.
"Reyna di?"
Ira and I both stiffened.
Before either of us could respond, the door opened slightly and Kavya peeked in. Her eyes flicked between us, instantly catching the heaviness in the room.
"Tai sa sent me," she said softly.
"Raichands will be here in a few minutes."
My heart sank.
"She asked me to bring both of you downstairs," Kavya added.
"Everyone's waiting."
Ira slowly pulled her hands away from mine. The vulnerability vanished behind a practiced mask as she wiped her tears quickly, turning her face away.
"Tell Maa we're coming," she said, her voice controlled but hollow.
Kavya nodded, sensing it wasn't the moment to ask questions. Before leaving, she glanced at us once more- concern written all over her face then quietly shut the door behind her.
I turned to Ira.
"This is it," I murmured.
"Just for now."
She took a deep breath, straightening her dupatta, her spine going rigid as if bracing for impact.
"I'll do it," she said quietly.
"I'll pretend."
I squeezed her hand one last time.
"Wait for the wedding day," I whispered.
Her eyes met mine- fear, hope, and trust tangled together.
Then she nodded.
We walked toward the door together, side by side.
Two daughters of the Rathore house.
One pretending to be strong.
The other preparing to break free.
And downstairs, the Raichands were already on their way.
Advik :-
Udaipur unfolded beneath the jet like a forgotten kingdom—sandstone glowing under the afternoon sun, lakes shimmering like secrets that had survived centuries.
Royal.
Untouchable.
Just like the power I was here to claim.
I leaned back in my seat, loosening the collar of my shirt, but the tightness in my chest refused to ease. My fingers drummed against the armrest, restless, irritated- betraying the calm mask I wore so easily in front of the world.
Kiara's face flashed in my mind.
Her tears.
Her accusation.
Her voice breaking when she'd asked me if she was just a body I could discard.
I had invited her deliberately.
Not because I wanted her blessing.
Not because I owed her anything.
I wanted her to see it.
To hear my name attached to another woman.
To understand that this wasn't a threat or a phase.
This was happening.
"You don't have to justify it," Rudra said casually, sipping his drink, eyes sharp as ever.
"I know exactly why you invited her."
I turned my face toward the window, watching the land draw closer.
"You think you know everything."
He smirked. "I know you well enough."
The wheels hit the runway.
And with that sound, denial ended.
From the airport, the convoy moved toward the Rathore Haveli—luxury cars cutting through the city like a procession meant for kings. The streets changed as we drove. Modern chaos slowly faded into heritage walls, carved balconies, ancient gates.
Then-
The Haveli appeared.
Massive stone walls. Intricate jharokhas. Flags fluttering in the wind like they'd been waiting for us.
Dhols erupted the moment we stepped out of the cars.
The Rathores stood at the entrance-Rajveer, Devika, their family lined up with flower garlands, smiles carefully rehearsed, eyes measuring every Raichand step.
I straightened instinctively.
This wasn't just a wedding.
This was a conquest.
Once I married her, I thought with cold certainty,
this Haveli will belong to me.
Then-
My gaze shifted.
And the world tilted.
She stood a little away from the crowd, not trying to be noticed and yet impossible to ignore.
Reyna.
Dressed in a rajputi poshak, deep, regal hues clinging to her like tradition itself had chosen her. Her hair was neatly braided, jewelry subtle but powerful, eyes lined sharply-alert, guarded.
She didn't look excited.
She didn't look nervous.
She looked... controlled.
Like a princess who had learned too early how to survive in a palace full of knives.
For a second, something uncomfortable twisted inside my chest.
"Holy hell," Rudra muttered beside me.
"She is looking beautiful"
I didn't answer immediately.
"Shut up," I said finally.
Rudra chuckled, eyes following her.
"Now it makes sense. Why one girl has managed to mess with your head this badly."
I ignored him, but I felt it.
That pull.
That irritation.
That awareness.
My cousins-Ayaan, Tara, Arjun, and Veer—stepped out next. They admired the Haveli openly, awe written across their faces.
All except Veer.
I caught the flicker in his eyes.
Envy.
He'd always wanted what Kabir chachu gave me-authority, trust, expectation. And today, standing here, surrounded by Rathore power, that jealousy burned brighter.
The rituals began.
The dhols were loud.
Too loud.
Their beats echoed against the ancient stone walls of the Rathore Haveli, vibrating through my chest like a war drum announcing something inevitable.
This place-
massive arches, carved pillars, history breathing from every corner....
was a masterpiece.
Once I marry her, this all will be mine.
The thought came again uninvited.
And disturbingly… it didn't feel wrong.
Rajveer Rathore stepped forward first.
With a controlled smile, he lifted the flower garlands and placed it around Kabir chachu's and dada ji's neck. Cameras flashed. Smiles widened. Two powerful families pretending this was a celebration and not a transaction.
Next, Reyna's chacha—Keshav Rathore—garlanded my father. Their eyes met briefly. Old rivals. Older respect.
Then Devika aunty moved ahead.
Her hands trembled slightly as she placed the garland over my mother. My mother smiled- soft, proud—like this wedding was already written in destiny.
Beside her, Chandani chachi welcomed my chachi Manisha, and I watched the women exchange knowing looks. Women always saw more than men did.
Then Aarav Rathore stepped in.
He placed garlands over Ayaan, Tara, Arjun…
and finally Veer.
Veer's jaw tightened when Aarav paused for just half a second longer at me.
I noticed.
Veer noticed.
Kabir chachu noticed.
Everyone noticed.
Then-
It was her turn.
Reyna.
She stood there in that rajputi poshak like she belonged to this Haveli more than the walls themselves. Royal. Fierce. Untouchable. Behind her Ira was also there I thought she would put garland around my neck but she didn't move and then there was reyna.
The garland rested in her hands.
My pulse picked up.
This was protocol.
Tradition.
She would place the garland around my neck.
She took a step toward me.
Then another.
Her eyes didn't meet mine.
She walked past me.
For a second, I thought I imagined it.
Then I felt it-
that sharp, humiliating awareness when people around you go quiet.
I turned.
And saw him.
A boy entering the courtyard with luggage slung over his shoulder.
Casual. Confident. Smiling.
Rohan.
Something twisted violently in my chest.
Reyna lifted the garland and placed it around his neck.
Not me.
Him.
The silence was deafening.
Every gaze snapped in their direction.
Whispers sparked instantly.
Rohan blinked, clearly stunned, then laughed under his breath.
"Uh… thank you?"
Reyna leaned closer to him, her voice low but steady.
"You're welcome."
My jaw clenched.
So this was her answer.
So this was how she chose to humiliate me—in front of my family, her family, the entire damn Udaipur aristocracy.
Power surged hot and ugly beneath my skin.
I forced my face into neutrality.
Rajveer stepped forward quickly, sensing the tension, and placed the garland around my neck himself.
The flowers felt heavy. Mocking.
I didn't bow.
Didn't smile.
My eyes stayed on Reyna.
She didn't look back.
Then Maya stepped forward.
Bright pink poshak. Mischief in her eyes.
Only one cousin of mine remained ungarlanded.
Rudra.
He looked at Maya like he'd just spotted entertainment.
"Hayeee," he said dramatically, clutching his chest.
"So this beauty is going to put a garland on me?"
Maya raised a brow. "Don't flatter yourself."
Rudra bent down exaggeratedly. "Careful. I might fall in love at first ritual."
She slipped the garland over his head and leaned in just enough to say,
"Dream within limits."
Rudra laughed, genuinely amused.
Around us, the dhols resumed. Conversations restarted. Smiles returned.
But for me-
The celebration had already ended.
Because Reyna had made one thing very clear:
This marriage might be about power for me.
But for her-
It was war.
And she had just drawn first blood.