"Be careful, Diya!" Shanti said with worry etched on her face. "The doctor specifically told you to not strain your right arm." But her daughter seemed determined to ignore her advice. Diya had put in all her effort to adorn the Chauhan mansion with the most exquisite decorations, leaving no stone unturned.
The vibrant colors of the orchids and tulips painted a beautiful scene at the wedding altar, their petals delicate and bright against the ivory drapery. The candles, strategically placed, added a warm glow to the already ethereal setting.
The air was filled with a heady and intoxicating scent, a delicious blend of the floral perfumes from the orchids and tulips, mingling with the warm and inviting aroma of the scented candles.
As Diya carefully arranged the flowers, she could feel the velvety petals of the orchids and the smooth, delicate petals of the tulips. Running her fingers through the arrangements brought a sense of calm and tranquility.
"Don't worry, Auntie," Atharv reassured, putting his arm around Shanti. "It's been a while since she let go of her worries and just enjoyed the moment. Let's not bring them up today." Shanti shook her head in frustration and let out a heavy sigh. As a mother, she couldn't help but be concerned, but Atharv seemed immune to those thoughts as he watched their daughter hop around from one spot to another. Her narrowed eyes followed their daughter's movements, still filled with worry despite Atharv's comforting words.
"Bring the bride!" The staircase came to life as Aditi Singh Chauhan descended, wearing a pastel pink outfit with intricate golden embroidery that oozed elegance. She wore minimal jewelry and let her wide smile light up the entire room. Her brother Atharv offered his arm and led her to the altar. As Pranav's gaze fell upon his beautiful bride, he couldn't help but be in awe of her ethereal features. His ivory sherwani and pastel pink pagdi perfectly complemented her ensemble.
Diya playfully winked at her best friend, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Don't gape like a crazed man, Mr. Groom!" she teased, smirking at him.
Pranav rolled his eyes. "We'll talk about being desperate when it's your turn to walk down the aisle and I'm standing next to Atharv, okay?"
Diya let out a giggle at his retort and stuck her tongue out at him. She then went to Aditi's side and helped her make her way to the altar, fixing any stray strands of hair or wrinkles in her dress as she settled next to Pranav.
Atharv made his way to Diya's side, his fiery breaths brushing against her bare back and causing her to inhale sharply. "I didn't expect this gown to look so ethereal on you," he commented.
Diya rolled her eyes in his direction, a playful smile spreading across her lips. "Looks like your compliments and flirting skills have gotten rusty, Atharv. You might want to work on them before I hand the groom's side the keys to the shoe safe!"
Atharv raised his eyebrows in surprise, a sly smile spreading across his face. He leaned closer to her, taking in the scent of freesia and orchid that lingered on her skin. She couldn't help but shiver as she fought the urge to shock their company.
"Is that so? I recall sealing the deal with more than just a kiss last night."
"Well, let's just say the absence of any morning-after gestures was a deal-breaker," she retorted, raising an eyebrow in challenge.
Atharv let out a hum in response and wrapped his arm around her waist, tracing aimless patterns on her exposed skin. "I just had to take another look at everything; it's my sister's wedding after all," he explained with a smirk on his face.
Diya folded her arms across her chest. "Well, it's my best friend's special day, and now I can't resist keeping an eye on you to ensure his shoes stay safe from your tricks. Humph!" she huffed.
She pulled away from his grasp and weaved her way through the crowd, with him close behind. A frown creased her forehead as she scanned the area for any sign of Pranav's shoes behind the altar. The decorative curtains surrounding the sacred space provided privacy from their guests' curious glances. She whirled around to confront the smug culprit, hands planted firmly on her hips.
"That's cheating! You took the shoes before the ceremony even began! That's not fair!" she exclaimed, huffing in outrage.
His smirk grew wider as he advanced towards her. Diya's breath caught in her throat with eagerness, and her eyes dilated with longing. He noticed the way she leaned towards him and the tremble of her lips.
"I'll give back the shoes and admit defeat, but on one condition," he declared, getting closer to her. Her hands were now resting on his strong chest, exploring its contours before moving down to his waist.
"So, what's your wish?" she asked in a hushed voice.
Atharv gently brushed away a stray strand of hair from her ear and ran his thumb along her defined jawline. He looked into her eyes and his smirk turned into a sincere smile.
"I want Pranav to take my shoes next."
Atharv's question snapped her out of her daydream and brought her back to reality.
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YOU ARE READING
Anguish & Affection
Romance"You took away my parents from me, stole my childhood, and crushed my heart like it was nothing. But yet, I feel something for you and my mind is still conflicted about our relationship." Atharv's words tore through the air, his voice trembling with...
