"To her, it was a beginning. To him, it was payback in
disguise. And the wedding… was just step one."
The mandap glowed under golden lights, decorated with fresh
marigolds and roses, as if the universe itself had decided to bless the union.
But not every wedding is built on love. Some are built on lies. Some… on
revenge.Aanya sat silently, her hands trembling slightly as the mehendi on her
palms darkened into deep maroon. Hidden within the intricate patterns was a
name she had barely begun to understand—Riaan.Her husband. A stranger. A
destiny she didn't choose… yet accepted.
Her eyes lifted slowly as she saw him standing across the
sacred fire. Tall. Composed. Expression unreadable. There was something about
him—something powerful, distant… dangerous. Every girl around whispered about
him.
Successful. Cold. Untouchable.
But Aanya? She saw something else. A silence that didn't
feel peaceful. A gaze that didn't feel warm.
And a man… who wasn't here for love.
"Bride and groom, please stand for the pheras." The priest's
voice broke through the air. Aanya stood slowly, adjusting her heavy lehenga.
As she moved, her dupatta slipped slightly—but before it could fall— Riaan
caught it. For a second, their fingers touched. Aanya's breath hitched. His
didn't. He fixed her dupatta without looking at her. Without emotion.
Without care. That small moment… said everything.
With each step around the fire, Aanya made silent promises—
I will respect you… I will stand beside you…I will try to love you…But Riaan?
He wasn't making promises. He was remembering something else. A face. A
betrayal. A broken truth. And in his mind— Aanya was the reason for it all.
As the final ritual approached, the sindoor moment, Aanya
closed her eyes. This was it. The moment she would officially become his. Riaan
picked up the sindoor. His hand paused mid-air. For a fraction of a second…
something flickered in his eyes. Not love. Not hesitation. Hatred. Then he
filled her hairline. Not gently. Not lovingly. But like sealing a decision he
had already made.
🕯️ After the Wedding
The room was quiet. Decorated beautifully for a wedding
night that was expected to begin a love story.
Instead…It marked the start of something else. Aanya sat on
the bed, heart racing, nervous yet hopeful. Maybe he was just reserved. Maybe
he needed time. Maybe this could still work. The door opened. Riaan entered.
Slow. Controlled. Cold. He removed his watch. Then his coat. Not once did he
look at her. The silence grew heavy. Finally, Aanya spoke softly— "Riaan…?" He
stopped. Turned. And for the first time… truly looked at her. His eyes were
sharp. Piercing. Unforgiving.
"Don't expect anything from this marriage." His voice was
calm. Too calm. Aanya froze. "I don't believe in love. And I definitely don't
believe in you." Her heartbeat stopped. "What… do you mean?" He stepped closer.
Each step felt like a warning. "You'll stay in this house. Do your duties. Play
the role of a perfect wife in front of the world." He leaned slightly closer.
"But don't forget one thing—"
His voice dropped.
"—this marriage is not real."
💔 Aanya's World Breaks .
Aanya felt something inside her shatter.
"Then… why did you marry me?" she whispered.
Riaan smiled. But it wasn't a warm smile. It was sharp.
Cruel.
"Because some people don't deserve love." A pause. "And
you're one of them."
That night, Aanya didn't cry loudly. She didn't scream. She
just sat there… Still wearing her bridal outfit. Still holding onto a dream
that had already died. And somewhere in the same room—
Riaan stood by the window. Looking outside. Not at her. Not
at their future. But at a past…