Threads of Fate

Two days before the engagement ceremony, the Raizada mansion was bustling with energy. The entire family had gathered in the spacious living room, which had been transformed into a temporary fashion studio. Fabrics in every color imaginable were draped across the furniture, and racks of luxurious outfits lined the walls, each one more dazzling than the last. The air was filled with the sounds of laughter and excited chatter as everyone debated over which outfits to choose for the upcoming engagement.

Siya was in the middle of twirling in a bright yellow lehenga when the door to the study opened. Arjun, Arnav, and their parents stepped out, their expressions unusually serious. The light-hearted atmosphere in the room shifted as everyone noticed the change in mood.

Anjali, always perceptive, was the first to speak. “Is everything okay?” she asked, concern lacing her voice.

Arjun was quick to respond, his tone reassuring as he flashed a smile at his sister. “Everything’s fine, Anjali di. No need to worry.” He glanced at Aditi, trying to redirect the focus. “Aditi, you should pick the pink lehenga for the engagement. It’ll look perfect on you.”

Aditi, caught off guard by the sudden attention, blinked before nodding slowly. “Pink? Um, sure… if you think so.”

The others slowly returned to their discussions, though a lingering sense of unease remained. Khushi, who had been carefully inspecting a pair of earrings, noticed the tension and couldn’t help but glance at Arnav. His face was unreadable, but there was something in his eyes that made her feel unsettled.

Suddenly, Arnav stood up, the abruptness of his movement drawing everyone’s attention back to him. “I need to pack,” he said, his voice calm but firm. “My flight leaves soon.”

Nandini nodded in acknowledgment, her expression solemn. The room fell into a stunned silence, the weight of Arnav’s words sinking in.

Siya was the first to break the silence, her voice tinged with confusion and worry. “What flight, Bhaiya? Where are you going?”

Devendra, who had remained quiet until now, cleared his throat and answered in a measured tone. “Arnav is returning to the UK tonight.”

The shock was palpable. Siya’s face fell, her eyes wide with disbelief. “What? But… the wedding is in two days! You’re not even going to stay for that?”

Anjali’s brow furrowed, her earlier concern now turning into frustration. “Arnav, this is so sudden. Why didn’t you tell us before?”

The Guptas, sensing the tension and recognizing that this was a family matter, exchanged glances. Aditi gently placed the pink lehenga back on the rack, her earlier excitement dimming. Khushi’s heart sank, her mind racing as she remembered Arnav’s cryptic comment about staying if he had a reason. So, this was it. He hadn’t found a reason to stay, and now he was leaving.

Feeling awkward and out of place, Aditi turned to Anjali. “Maybe we should head home. It seems like you all need to talk.”

Anjali nodded, her lips pressed into a thin line. “Thank you, Aditi. We’ll see you soon.”

The Guptas gathered their things and quietly made their way out of the Raizada mansion, the cheerful mood from earlier completely dissipated. Khushi lingered for a moment at the door, her eyes flickering toward Arnav, who was still standing by the couch, his face unreadable. She hesitated, but then quickly turned and left, determined to push aside whatever feelings had started to bud.

As she walked back to the Gupta house, Khushi’s thoughts were a whirlwind of confusion and disappointment. Arnav’s words from earlier replayed in her mind—something about staying if he had a reason. But clearly, whatever reason he was looking for, it wasn’t strong enough to keep him here. And she couldn’t blame him for that. After all, who was she to be the reason he stayed?