Marriage

ANVI pov

I stare at the mirror, and a stranger looks back at me. It's me, yet it isn't. The person staring back isn't wearing her usual casual clothes; she's dressed in an extravagant bridal outfit, as if preparing for a traditional Indian ceremony. No, it's not just any outfit—it's a bridal outfit. She's a bride. A wave of disbelief crashes over me. My mind struggles to comprehend the image. I'm attending a wedding, MY wedding, where I am the bride, and the groom is none other than Vivaan Rajshekawat. I've met him only once, a week ago. He seemed like a nice person—though I didn't speak much, he talked. He had this way of holding my gaze, speaking directly into my eyes. His cobalt blue eyes—so captivating, so intense—kept me locked in place. He was tall, almost six feet, with sharp features, looking like a model from a magazine. And then there was me—5'6", average face, nothing special. But I didn't care about that. At least, I didn't want to.

Whatever... I heard my subconscious mutter as I snapped back into reality, taking in the full image of myself, sitting there in a bridal dress. Just then, I heard a knock. "Anvi!!" My mom's voice echoed through the door. I turned to find my older sister and my brother standing there. "Oh my god, she looks pretty, for the first time, Mom!" Annu Di said, her tone clipped. What was that supposed to mean? Was I not pretty before? It sounded more like she was saying I was only pretty because of the makeup. "Yes, Mom," Viraj said, his voice distant. "Alright, you two bring her down when I call for her," Mom instructed before leaving the room. I wasn't keen on being alone with them. It's not that I hated them; I just didn't know where I stood. They said things—mean things, jokingly, but the sting lingered long after the laughter faded. My father never stopped them. And they knew it.

I was pulled from my thoughts when Annu Di said, her voice dripping with sarcasm, "Be good, okay? Be useful to your husband." I froze, my breath catching in my throat. I knew exactly what she meant. It wasn't even subtle. "What do you mean by that?" I asked, though I already dreaded hearing the answer. "I mean, you barely know anything about business, fashion, or shoes. You took up writing, and you're barely making any money. And now you're marrying the third son of a business family," she said, feigning concern as she looked at me like I was some kind of burden.

Viraj chimed in from the doorway, his voice mocking. "It's alright, sis. Otherwise, she can just be a stress-buster for her husband to vent his anger on." He laughed as he walked out, leaving the door wide open. As soon as Viraj was gone, Annu Di leaned in, her voice barely a whisper. "I should have been the one to marry into that family, not you. I'm better than you in every way. I run the family business. I always scored better than you. I'm prettier than you. The only thing you've got going for you is your age—but don't think I'm bothered. Not now, anyway. I've recently learned that the groom's older brother doesn't have a wife..." Her words cut through me like ice. I stared at her, disgusted and unbelieving. She simply walked away, laughing. I made a mental note to keep my new brother-in-law—Bade Bhai—far from her.

(Skipping the marriage part)

Now it was time for the Vidai ceremony. I was struck by the contrast of Annu Di's behavior. After all the venomous words she had spoken, she was putting on an act—acting as though she was heartbroken to see me go. And then there was Mom. She seemed genuinely upset, her tears flowing freely. But my father? He didn't shed a single tear for me.

At least I knew Mom truly cared. As she hugged me before I left, she whispered, "I know you've felt alone in this house. I'm sorry I couldn't stand up to your father. I know you thought I loved your brother more than you, but dear child, let me tell you, I love you the most. Don't look back. Start a new life. Leave behind the bitterness and try to keep the secret from your father. He will never understand. But keep writing. I've read your books, Aadya Mist. I will keep reading them."

By the time she finished speaking, I was in the car, and tears were flowing freely down my face. It was as if a weight had been lifted. I had always thought I was alone, but now I understood. I wasn't the only one lonely. Mom had no one, either.The car started, but the tears didn't stop. And then I felt a hand offering me a handkerchief. I turned to see Vivaan's cobalt blue eyes, full of concern.

In that moment, I didn't care that I had just married him, or that he barely knew me. Without a word, I moved toward him, burying my face in his chest. I cried, and all he did was wrap his arms around me, gently patting my head.

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so how was it guys??

did you like our youngest couple??

why don't  guys suggest a couple name for them.