The Regal Reunion

Prologue

(Warning: Mentions of Suicide and depression)

*3 years ago*
Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.

{Shivansh POV}

Hopeless. Senseless. Pointless.
Thats what my life has become. I was not made for this. All these luxuries, fame and power is all worthless when life is not worth living.

I came to Jaisalmer for the wedding of one of my friends- Ashish.
I thought I could get some fresh air if I get out of that big house or what people call it- A palace, but for me that is just a cemented structure I feel suffocated in.

Right now, as I stand in my hotel room balcony, nothing feels right yet alone good. I am not living but rather only surviving. What is even the point of this life?

My hands feel numb as I hold my mother's locket,

She gave it to me when she was leaving me and said, "never give up on this world my son."

What even is the point? What even is the purpose of this locket or this life or anything??

I clutch the locket in my hand, take a deep breath and let go of it. What is even the point of keeping my mother's last memory when I already will be joining her soon?

——
Same day

{Keya POV}

Today is 3rd October.
It has been officially 15 years and 27 days since my parents left me. 4 years and 5 days since I left that awful place and started my own business. And exactly 2 months since.. that incident.

Amidst all of this wedding chaos and loud noises, my mind is blank. It is so exhausting. The pretentious game- to smile and look happy. To dissolve among the cheerful chatters when in real it's just an illusion.

For instance as I look at myself in the mirror I do not see the Keya Mathur I was once 4 years ago, when I left everything and ran away to be independent. Rather I see a pathetic, broken, helpless soul just dressed in a pretty outfit.

Sana and I are in Jaisalmer to organise the wedding for the Oberois. My part of planning and arrangements is done, now it's her part with the finances and money shit. So if my role is finished I don't think anyone will notice one girl missing from the cocktail party right?

Right.

It's nice they gave me a room on the 6th floor, a good view.. and now a good jump.

Opening the balcony door a smile crept on my face, finally, away from this pathetic world-

*thud*

Something fell down from I don't know? The sky? And landed near my feet.

I bend down and pick it up. Its a locket with a key charm which says,

It's not what the world holds for you
It's what you bring to it.

Huh.

As if on cue a gush of wind hit my face, chilling against my tear striken face.
The words echo in my mind..

It's not what the world holds for you
It's what you bring to it.

Once
Twice
Thrice

And I realise. I am not weak. I am Keya Mathur, the co-founder of Elegant Affairs Co.

Taking a deep breath I look at the setting sun- somehow the weakening eye of the day is bringing me solace. I clutch the locket closer to my chest and close the balcony door.

I have a wedding to organise.

——

{Shivansh POV}

Cocktail party. Perfect excuse to drink away my last night in this world. Tonight I will drink to my hearts content and then I'll go in my room where my bathtub full of water is waiting for me.

I am already down 4 glasses of whiskey, and was about to go for my 5th when-

{Author POV}

Amidst the chatter, a hush fell over the room as a young woman was invited to the stage to say a few words. She moved with grace, her poise and elegance commanding attention. As she spoke, her voice was like a beacon cutting through the noise, drawing Shivansh's gaze toward her.

Her dress, a shimmering gown of deep blue, flowed elegantly around her, accentuating her slender figure. Her hair was swept up in an intricate bun, with tendrils of curls framing her face. She wore minimal jewelry, allowing her natural beauty to shine through.
"Um hello everyone, hope you are having a great evening. I am Keya - from Elegant Affairs Co. Aka - the wedding planner. "

Keya.. Shivansh's heart did a little tingle at the name, it was probably the 4 glasses of whiskey.

"Tonight, as we gather to celebrate the first pre wedding function of Ashish and Neha- we also should look upon their journey together.. how they both helped each other in their darkest phases.." she began, her voice warm and inviting, "we are reminded that hope is not just a fleeting wish, but a beacon that guides us through the darkest of times. It's about finding strength in adversity and emerging stronger on the other side, with that one person..."

Her words seemed to resonate with Shivansh, touching a chord deep within him. She spoke of the challenges that life presents, and the resilience that comes from facing them head-on. "It is in our most trying moments that we discover the true depth of our inner strength and what we can do with a ray of hope by our side." she continued, her words weaving a tapestry of hope and determination.

"As we raise our glasses to toast to a brighter future," she added, her eyes twinkling, "let us also raise our spirits, filled with the hope and belief that better days are ahead. Here's to a future filled with hope, resilience, and the unwavering belief that anything is possible."

She turned her gaze towards the soon to be wed couple, a smile playing on her lips. "To the happy couple," she exclaimed, raising her glass, "may your days be filled with love, laughter, and endless joy. And to all our guests, may you have a wonderful evening filled with love and laughter. Cheers!"

As she spoke, Shivansh felt a shift within him. The heaviness that had weighed on his heart began to lift, replaced by a sense of hope and possibility. He looked at the woman on stage, her beauty illuminated by the soft glow of the spotlight, and felt a sense of gratitude wash over him. In her words, he had found a renewed sense of purpose, a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always a glimmer of light.

Keya...

_____________