~ The worst part about being so numb is that there will come a time when you'll want to feel something, but you won't know how to. ~

~~~

The Rajvansh ancestral haveli buzzed with excitement as the Mehendi and Sangeet ceremonies marked the beginning of Aaradhya and Shivansh's wedding festivities. The grand courtyard, adorned with marigolds and jasmine, radiated warmth, while colorful drapes swayed with the evening breeze. The aroma of fresh Mehendi, sandalwood, and roses lingered in the air, adding to the festive charm.

Aaradhya sat in the center of the grand hall, dressed in an elegant emerald-green lehenga with delicate golden embroidery. Her long, dark hair cascaded over one shoulder as the Mehendi artist began tracing intricate designs on her hands. She remained quiet, her eyes lowered, occasionally glancing at her hands as patterns unfolded.

Shivansh entered soon after, dressed in a cream-colored kurta with a matching green stole, subtly complementing Aaradhya's outfit. As he stepped inside, his gaze instinctively found her.

"Oh ho! Look at our bhaiya," Abhir teased, nudging Vihaan. "Bhai and Bhabhi are twinning today! How cute."

Aaradhya, who had just noticed their matching outfits, stiffened slightly. Her fingers curled as a faint pink tinted her cheeks.

Shivansh, on the other hand, simply smirked. "You all act like you haven't seen a groom and a bride matching before."

Vihaan chuckled. "Not one who sneaks glances at his bride every two minutes."

Shivansh shot him a sharp look, but before he could respond, Abhir joined in. "Bhai, I think Bhabhi should hide your name so well in her Mehendi that you take hours finding it. Let's see if your 'business mind' can crack that puzzle."

Meera and Kavita chuckled from the side. "Aaradhya beta, make sure to test him. If he can't find his name, we'll have to come up with a punishment," Kavita teased.

Aaradhya's cheeks turned pink, and she lowered her gaze further, making his brothers and cousins grin in victory.

Meanwhile, the Mehendi artist leaned in and asked, "Should I hide the name well, madam?" Aaradhya nodded slightly, feeling her heartbeat quicken.

Just then, Avni clapped her hands. "Alright, enough teasing! Let's make it official—if Shivansh fails to find his name, he'll have to do whatever Aaradhya asks for an entire day."

Shivansh raised a brow but smirked. "Challenge accepted."

Aaradhya peeked at him through her lashes, her heart stirring at his confidence.

As the Mehendi dried, the elders blessed Aaradhya, and the teasing slowly gave way to warmth. Meera kissed her forehead softly, whispering, "You look beautiful, beta." Aaradhya's heart swelled at the genuine affection in her voice.

Little did she know, the night was only getting started.

---

By the time the Mehendi ceremony ended, the other side of the haveli transformed into a grand stage for the Sangeet. The night sky twinkled with fairy lights, and the scent of fresh roses filled the air. The younger generation had gone all out in planning the performances, determined to make it a night to remember.

Aaradhya had changed into a gorgeous royal blue lehenga with silver embellishments, while Shivansh now donned a midnight blue kurta set, perfectly complementing her attire.

As she stepped into the venue and settled beside Shivansh in their special chair beside him, the music shifted, and suddenly—

"Gallan Goodiyan" blasted through the speakers.

Aarav, Vihaan, Abhir, and Ishaan dragged the elders onto the dance floor, making everyone sway to the peppy beats. Even the strict Suryavardhan Singh Rajvansh couldn't escape, laughing as his grandchildren pulled him into the fun.

Next was a performance by the girls of the family, led by Abhira and Avni, who danced to "Cutiepie," making the crowd cheer.

And then, the moment everyone was waiting for—the groom's turn.

"Aankh Maarey" started playing, and all eyes turned to shivansh, who usually avoided dancing. But before he could protest, his brothers surrounded him.

"before you all say anything, I want to make it clear I am not going to dance" he exclaimed, every cousin of his gave him a side eye but eventually they let him be as they know he will not listen, and all the cousins of both of them started dancing on the music. 

Just as the song ended, the lights dimmed, and a soft melody filled the air.

"Raataan Lambiyan" began playing. And everyone exclaimed "now no excuses, you both have to dance" in reply Shivansh just smirked

Aaradhya's breath hitched as she felt a presence beside her. Turning slightly, she found Shivansh extending a hand. "May I?" he asked, his voice low.

She hesitated for a moment, but as the warmth of his gaze wrapped around her, she slowly placed her hand in his.

The crowd fell silent as the couple moved to the music, their steps slow and unhurried. Shivansh led gently, making sure she was comfortable. As the lyrics wove through the air, Aaradhya felt something shift—a silent understanding, a connection unspoken yet undeniable.

~Aaradhya's pov~

For the first time that night, I could hear my own heartbeat over the music.

His hand reached out, steady and unhurried, and before I could think too much, my fingers slipped into his. It felt strange—warm, safe, almost like it belonged there.

I wasn’t used to this kind of attention; in fact, being watched had always made me uncomfortable. Yet somehow, with him beside me, the weight of all those eyes didn’t feel as heavy.

His steps were gentle, guiding me as if he already knew I’d be unsure. And he didn’t rush, not once. Every time I dared to look up, his eyes were on me—not demanding, just patient, as though he was telling me without words that I wasn’t alone.

I didn’t smile much in general; it wasn’t something that came easily anymore. But in that moment, I felt a tug in my chest, like maybe I could.

Maybe I wanted to.

It was just a dance, just a few minutes of music—but it felt different.

For the first time in a long while, the numbness wasn’t the only thing I carried. For the first time, I let myself feel—quietly, cautiously, but genuinely.

~

By the time the song ended, there was a soft flush on her face, and Shivansh's hold on her hand lingered a second longer than necessary.

Aarav, Vihaan, and Abhir were the first to break the moment. "Okay, okay, enough staring. We get it—you two are the stars of the night!" Vihaan teased, making Aaradhya step back, flustered.

The family laughed, and just like that, the teasing and celebrations resumed.

The night ended with laughter, music, and lingering gazes. Tomorrow would be another day of traditions and emotions, but for now, the echoes of the Sangeet lingered in the air, marking the beginning of something unspoken yet beautifully real.

~~~

The next morning the golden morning sun bathed the Rajvansh haveli in its warm glow, making the marigold and mango leaf decorations look even more vibrant. The air carried a mix of sandalwood, fresh turmeric, and the soft melody of wedding songs. Laughter and chatter filled the courtyard as the Haldi ceremony began, a perfect blend of tradition and mischief.

Aaradhya sat in the center of the courtyard on a low wooden stool, draped in a delicate yellow and white contrast saree.Her long hair was loosely braided, adorned with tiny jasmine flowers, and her hands still bore the deep stain of Mehendi from the day before. She sat quietly, her posture poised but slightly tense, her fingers interlocked in her lap as if grounding herself. The anticipation of the ritual, the weight of the occasion—it all pressed on her, but she didn't let it show.

The Rajvansh and Rathore families gathered around, ready to apply Haldi to the bride and groom. Meera was the first to step forward, holding a silver tray filled with turmeric paste. She knelt beside shivansh and smeared haldi on his face with glossy eyes. And then she turned towards Aaradhya, her touch as gentle as her voice. "May this Haldi bring you all the happiness in the world, kids" she whispered to both of them, applying a light stroke of turmeric to Aaradhya's cheeks.

Kavita followed, she first applied haldi on shivansh's face and hands and then, her fingers warm and careful as she spread a bit of Haldi on Aaradhya's arms. "You are our daughter now, always remember that," she said softly, making Aaradhya's heart clench at the kindness.

Before Aaradhya could process the emotions swelling inside her, the younger generation decided it was time for some fun.

Vihaan and Abhir exchanged mischievous glances before smearing a handful of Haldi all over her face.

"Bhabhi, you're glowing even more now!" Abhir teased, laughing as Aaradhya scrunched her nose in mild protest.

Aarav chuckled, leaning down to apply more Haldi to her arms. "You were too clean, Bhabhi. Now you actually look ready for your wedding."

Abhira, who had been waiting for her turn, giggled before smudging Haldi on Aaradhya's neck. "Sorry, Bhabhi, but you can't leave without looking like a proper bride-to-be."

Aaradhya tried to glare at them, but the blush on her already turmeric-covered face gave her away. Her heart swelled with an unfamiliar warmth—one that came from being surrounded by love, laughter, and a family that truly cared.

But before she could get too comfortable, her biological family approached.

Sarita and Suresh Rathore stepped forward, their expressions filled with pride and affection. Sarita cupped Aaradhya's face, her voice thick with emotion. "May this marriage bring you all the happiness that life never gave you before, beta," she whispered before applying Haldi to her forehead.

Suresh did the same, his fingers trembling slightly. "You deserve all the love in the world," he murmured.

Aaradhya forced a smile, nodding slightly, but when she looked past them, her expression turned blank.

Aditi and Suraj stood there, forced smiles on their faces, but their eyes carried nothing but detachment. Aditi picked up a small amount of Haldi and applied it to Aaradhya's hand, her voice sickly sweet. "Do well in your new home, Aaradhya."

Suraj merely nodded and stepped back without a word.

Aahan clenched his fists but kept his anger in check. Instead, he knelt in front of Aaradhya, taking some Haldi and applying it gently to her hands. His eyes, filled with emotion, met hers. "You will always have me," he whispered so only she could hear.

Aaradhya swallowed the lump in her throat and blinked rapidly to hold back her emotions. She knew if she let herself feel too much, the dam inside her would break.

Shivansh, who had been watching from beside her, noticed the subtle shift in her demeanor. He saw how her expressions changed when her parents approached—how her usual composed self seemed to shrink. His jaw clenched, but he said nothing. Instead, he allowed the ceremony to continue, knowing there would be a time to talk to her later.

Meanwhile, his own Haldi was filled with just as much chaos.

Ishaan, Vihaan, and Aarav took full advantage of the moment, smearing Haldi all over Shivansh's face and hair. who was sitting beside her.

"Shivansh Bhai, you look too perfect all the time. Let's fix that!" Vihaan laughed, rubbing turmeric into his beard.

"Now he truly matches Bhabhi!" Abhir announced proudly.

Shivansh sighed, throwing a helpless look at Aaradhya, who for the first time that morning, let out a small laugh. It was barely there, but he saw it—and that was enough.

After the final blessings, the ceremony ended with showers of rose petals and laughter.

---

After the Haldi ceremony, meera quickly told both of them to take a shower and rest as the makeup artists would be here anytime soon. She walked through the long corridors of the haveli, her yellow saree slightly damp from the Haldi, her hands still covered in the turmeric paste. But as soon as she stepped into her room and shut the door behind her, the weight of everything crashed down on her.

Her breathing grew unsteady, and she clutched her dupatta as her vision blurred. The voices from the ceremony still rang in her ears—the laughter, the warmth, the love. But the cold indifference in Aditi and Suraj's eyes overshadowed everything.

Her own parents had looked at her as if she were nothing more than an obligation.

Tears spilled down her cheeks as she staggered to the vanity mirror. Staring at her reflection, she saw the traces of Haldi on her skin—the bright yellow color that symbolized happiness, yet she felt nothing but a hollow ache in her chest.

A sudden knock at the door startled her. She quickly wiped her tears, trying to compose herself.

"Aaru?" Aahan's voice came softly from the other side. "Can I come in?"

She hesitated but eventually walked over and unlocked the door. The moment Aahan stepped inside and saw her tear-streaked face, his heart clenched.

He shut the door behind him and pulled her into a tight hug. "Aaru... it's okay. I'm here."

She gripped his kurta, her body shaking. "I— I don't know why it still hurts, bhai. I shouldn't care. I shouldn't let them affect me anymore. But... they don't even look at me like I'm human. Like I ever mattered, they loved me once, I was their daughter too. "

Aahan swallowed hard, gently rubbing her back. "They don't deserve you, Aadhya. They never did. And you don't have to pretend that it doesn't hurt. I know it does. But I also know that you have more than their rejection. You have people who love you now—who will always stand by you."

Aaradhya pulled back slightly, looking up at him with glassy eyes. "Do I? What if... what if I never truly belong anywhere?"

"You do," Aahan said firmly. "You belong with Dada-Dadi, with me, and whether you accept it or not—you belong with the Rajvansh family too. You saw how they were today. They love you, Aaradhya. Don't push that love away just because you've never had it before."

Aaradhya bit her lip, more tears slipping down her cheeks. "I'm scared, bhai. I don't know how to accept it."

"You don't have to figure it out today," he assured her. "Just take it one step at a time. And if you ever feel like you're drowning, I'll be right here to pull you back."

Aaradhya closed her eyes, breathing in the comfort of her brother's words. The storm inside her hadn't disappeared, but for now, it had calmed just enough for her to take another step forward.

And that was enough.

~~~