BOOK ONE IN THE HEARTSTRINGS SERIES
He's a dedicated businessman, always immersed in deals and meetings
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She yearns for a partner as idealistic as her fictional heroes.
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Reyansh and Aadya, two individuals who are vastly dif...
The scent of turmeric and sandalwood usually brought me joy, but today, a knot of nervous anticipation twisted in my stomach. My haldi ceremony. Tomorrow, the wedding. It felt surreal. I sat on the swing, a forced smile on my face.
The venue buzzed - vibrant fabrics, the dhol's rhythm, excited relatives. It should have been perfect, but something felt off. I glanced at Reyansh, who was chatting animatedly with some relatives. He seemed…distracted. A flicker of unease went through me.
My eyes scanned the crowd, searching for…something. Reassurance, maybe? A sign that everything was going to be okay? I couldn't quite put my finger on it.
Mom approached, eyes glistening. "You look beautiful, Aadya," she whispered. I managed a smile. She was radiant. I didn't want my worries to dim her happiness.
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Haldi outfit
The ceremony began. Mom applied the first haldi, her touch gentle. Then came the others, each blessing me. Laughter swirled around me. But the knot remained. Reyansh was there, physically present, but his attention seemed elsewhere. He caught my eye once, offered a quick smile, but it didn't reach his eyes.
Suddenly, a voice cut through the noise. "Such a simple ceremony," Aunt Maya from Reyansh's side sniffed, her voice dripping with disdain.
"For such a grand family, I expected more."
My blood ran cold. Aunt Maya had always been…difficult. But this? On my haldi? I saw Reyansh stiffen beside me.
Mom stepped forward, her voice calm but firm. "Maya," she said, "this ceremony is about love and blessings, not grand displays."
Maya scoffed. "Love? Blessings? Please. It's about status, about family. And frankly, Aadya, your family's… lack of grandeur is disappointing." She shot a pointed look at Reyansh, as if expecting him to agree.
I felt tears prick my eyes. How could she? On such a joyous occasion? I looked at Reyansh, searching for…something. Disapproval? Agreement? He remained silent, his expression unreadable. My heart sank.
Just then, before I could react, Reyansh spoke. His voice was low, but carried across the gathering. "Aunt Maya," he said, his gaze fixed on his aunt, "that's enough."
Maya blinked, surprised by his interruption. "Reyansh, darling, I'm just saying—"
"What you're saying is hurtful and inappropriate," he interrupted, his voice hardening.
"This is Aadya's day. A day for celebration, not for your snide remarks about 'grandeur'." He turned to me, his expression softening. "Aadya," he said, taking my hand, "you are perfect. Your family is perfect. And this ceremony is perfect."
He then turned back to his aunt, his grip on my hand tightening. "Aunt Maya," he continued, his voice now laced with steel, "if you have nothing positive to contribute, then I suggest you leave. This is a celebration of love, and your negativity is not welcome here."
