The haveli was glowing.

Amber chandeliers cast golden light across the marbled floors. The air smelled of mogra flowers and saffron-rich food. Silk sarees rustled, men in bandhgalas murmured greetings, and the walls bore witness to a union that not everyone had chosen — especially not the bride.

Saanvi Mehra stood at the grand entrance, a deep maroon saree wrapped around her like armor. Her coat — her doctor’s shield — was gone tonight. Instead, her mother’s gold hung heavy around her neck.

And her heart?

It was heavier.

Inside, the Singh family was already playing host. Aarya Singh, radiant and poised, greeted guests with an effortless grace. Rhea, Veer’s sister, excitedly flitted around helping organize trays, teasing everyone in sight.

Veer’s two brothers, Rudra and Anirudh, stood together watching the entrance.

“She’s late,” Anirudh said, checking his watch. “Maybe she ran.”

Rudra laughed. “If she’s smart, she should’ve. But too bad — Bhai’s already ten steps ahead.”

At that very moment, Veer Aarya Singh stood near the stage, calm, hands in his pockets, eyes focused only on the gate.

And when she entered — he saw no one else.

Saanvi’s heels clicked as she approached. She saw him — dressed in a black sherwani with silver threadwork, light beard tracing his jaw, eyes unreadable.

“Hello, Saanvi,” he said, like he’d been waiting centuries.

She kept her face neutral. “We’re really doing this?”

“You were always mine,” Veer said softly. “Tonight just makes it visible.”

Before she could respond, Aarya approached with Neelima and Rajeev. They exchanged pleasantries, though Neelima’s hands remained tense at her sides.

Then came Arvind Singh — cold, controlled, and commanding.

He looked at Saanvi once. “You’re stronger than I expected. Good. You’ll need it.”

The priest began the rituals. Everyone gathered.

The moment arrived.

Saanvi was handed the ring — a simple platinum band Veer had chosen. Elegant, minimal. Powerful.

She looked at it.

Her father’s eyes urged her. Her mother’s smile trembled. Raghavan uncle nodded in reassurance. But her chest was tight.

And still… she slipped the ring onto Veer’s finger.

His turn came. He took her hand — gently, surprisingly — and slid the ring onto hers.

Their hands didn’t part.

“You’re shaking,” Veer whispered.

“You planned everything,” she replied. “Except how I feel.”

He leaned in, just enough. “I plan to own that too.”

Back in the lounge area, Rudra handed Veer a drink.

"Look at you. Mr. Mafia finally got engaged. You going to tattoo her name next?”

Anirudh added, “Or maybe buy her a hospital. Romantic gestures, Singh-style.”

Veer didn’t respond. But his eyes were still on Saanvi.

Rhea sat beside Saanvi, chatting and laughing, making her feel — for the first time that night — less like a pawn, and more like someone gaining a sister.

Savita aunty watched it all from a distance. “She’s different,” she whispered to Aarya.

Aarya smiled. “Yes. That’s why he chose her.”

Mahesh uncle sipped his chai quietly. “Let’s hope she survives us all.”

After the Guests Left

Saanvi stood alone by the balcony, the city lights glowing below.

“Cold?” a voice asked.

She turned. Veer.

“A little,” she said.

He offered his coat.

She didn’t take it.

“Why did you do this, Veer?” she finally asked. “You don’t know me.”

“I knew you before you knew yourself,” he said.

Saanvi frowned. “That doesn’t make sense.”

Veer looked at her — eyes dark, voice low:

“It will. Soon.”