Author pvo///

The atmosphere is filled with laughter chatter, and the sweet scent of henna. women dressed in colourful attire, adorned with sparkling jewelry, applying mehndi on each other hands, sharing stories and bonding over joyous occasion guests gather round the bride to be who sit gracefully on a decorative throne like chair hanna designs on the bride's hands and feet, symbolising good fortune, prosperity,and spiritual growth.

At the mehndi function at that big hall one girl is sitting at one corner her stender figure was draped in stunning saree, the saree soft silk fabric hugged her curves , showcasing her petite frame the saree's colour was a mesmerizing blend of turquoise and silver, reminiscent of a moonlit night sky

Her eyes are deep shades of brown, sparkled with a mix of nervousness and her hair was pulled back into a beautiful braid a few stary strands framed her face softening her features.

"Avani" that word made her come out of her thoughts

A woman in her 70s stood gracefully, though she looked no older than 50. Her deep black eyes twinkled with warmth and wisdom, sparkling like stars.

She was none other than Nalini Aakash Singh sharp-minded, sweet yet steely, compassionate, and fiercely protective of those she loved.

"Why are you sitting here ,and you don't even apply mahadi "

Avani hesitated, trying to come up with an excuse."beta, you have to wear mehndi and besides, Vrishabh will be so happy to see you with mehndi on your hands." Avani's, heart sank as the woman mentioned the name' Vrishabh.

"let's go" the woman takes her hand and leads her towards hinan artist Avani sat quietly her hands outstretched as the mehndi artist start her work the woman sits inside Avani the woman chatted happily beside her.

Just as the artist is going to finish her work then suddenly

The woman said "I want you to write my grandson's name"

As the hinna artist asked"what is the name "

Avani forced a smile. "N-no, it's okay," she said, trying to seem like any normal wife. But she didn’t want his name on her hand—not at first. Who would willingly carve their nightmare into their skin? His name alone sent shivers down her spine, haunting even her dreams.

"Avani, don't be shy. Tell her your husband's name," Nalini teased, her smile warm. If only she knew. If only she understood that Avani wasn’t shy she was terrified.

"Vri-Vrishadh," she stuttered, struggling with a name she had never dared to utter before.

His grandmother laughed, amused by her hesitation. "You’re so cute," she said, pinching Avani’s cheek affectionately. "Your mehndi will be so bright! My Vishu loves you so much."

A forced smile stretched across Avani’s lips, though her heart clenched at the thought. If mehndi truly reflected a husband’s love, she doubted hers would leave any color at all.

What if he found out she was here? She hadn’t asked for his permission his grandmother had assured her she would handle everything.

She had never wanted to come in the first place.

She had never met Vrishabh’s grandmother until this morning  in the kitchen. The woman was warm and talkative but held undeniable power in her eyes. She insisted Avani attend her friend’s daughter’s mehndi, as she couldn’t go herself, and wanted Avani to meet the family. No one knew Vrishabh’s wife, and Avani refused countless times, but in the end, his grandmother left her no choice. Nalini gave her saree to wear and even did her makeup like a professional.

Her gaze swept across the grand hall magnificent and opulent. Yet, unease settled over her.

And thena pair of gray, piercing eyes caught hers.

Her heart lurched. The air around her grew heavy, suffocating. The moment their gazes locked, a shiver ran down her spine like a frozen current.

He was here.

Her hands began to tremble. Was he here for her? Or for his family? No, don’t overthink, she told herself. He wouldn’t come for me. But deep inside, she knew she had broken the rule.

His expression darkened, his gaze sharpening like a blade. The muscles in his jaw flexed, tension rippling off him in waves. Without hesitation, he marched toward her, his long strides eating up the distance between them.

Avani’s breath hitched.

Vrishabh’s grip was unyielding, his fingers wrapped tightly around Avani’s wrist. The wet mehndi smeared against his skin, dark stains spreading across his hands, but he didn’t flinch. Instead, his hold tightened as he pulled her forward.

"Vrishabh! What are you doing? What is the meaning of this behavior?"

Nalini’s voice rang out, firm and unshaken.

Vrishabh turned, his gaze ice-cold as he faced her. "Mind your own business, Nalini Aakash Singh," he spat, venom lacing every word. "Do not interfere in my family, my matters, or my wife."

Avani’s stomach twisted. How could he speak to his grandmother like that?

Nalini’s eyes burned with authority as she stepped forward. "And don't forget who you are talking to."

Vrishabh met her gaze, his own filled with the same power—except his carried hatred. "I know very well who I am talking to, Nalini Singh."

Nalini’s expression remained unwavering. "Then you should also know how to speak to your grandmother."

His jaw clenched. "You are no one to me."

Turning away, he tightened his grip on Avani’s wrist. She winced, confusion clouding her mind. What was happening? Why was he speaking to his grandmother this way?

But Nalini’s next words froze him in place.

"You haven’t changed one bit. Just like in the past, when you ran from your responsibilities, you're doing the same now."

Vrishabh’s eyes darkened, his veins protruding as rage coursed through him. His body trembled with barely restrained fury as he turned back to Nalini.

"Don’t compare me with you, Nalini Singh," he growled, his teeth clenched. "I have never run from my responsibilities neither in the past nor now."

Nalini held his gaze, unwavering. "Then why are you refusing to take responsibility now? She needs you."

His expression hardened. "She is not my responsibility."

He turned to walk away, dragging Avani with him, but Nalini’s next words stopped him in his tracks.

"If you come, I will give you that."

He paused for a brief moment but then resumed walking, dragging Avani out of the venue.

Once outside, he abruptly turned to face her. His eyes scanned her arms, trailing over every inch of her skin. His breath was sharp, his movements frantic. Only when he found nothing the tension in his features eased, his shoulders relaxing ever so slightly but only for short time.

He looked at her like a predator ready to devour its prey. Without a word, he yanked her toward the car, his grip unrelenting.

Before she could react, he shoved her into the back seat and slammed the door shut with a sharp smack, the sound echoing in the silence of the night.

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