Ishq Hua | 18+

Shreya

The Patel Mansion looked brighter than usual as we arrived - The moment we stepped out of the car, I could feel the change.

It wasn't just excitement.

It was pride.

It was affection.

And... okay, maybe a little bit of over-the-top jawai-worship.

As soon as we stepped through the gate, everyone's eyes went straight to Reyansh.

Not me.

Him.

Ma and Radha came out with an aarti thali, their smile lighting up their entire face. "Welcome, beta."

Dadu-Dadi followed right after, pulling me into a tight hug and whispering, "You're glowing, baccha." Then they turned and gave Reyansh a warm nod.

Reyansh just smiled politely, his hand brushing mine discreetly.

Then came Papa - who didn't even spare me a look before reaching Reyansh and pulling him into a surprisingly warm hug. "Good to see you again, son."

Reyansh chuckled, "I guess I have replaced you Jaan."

And then came Bhai- who smirked at me first, then at Reyansh, and muttered just loud enough for us to hear, "Sambhal ke Jawai sa. The Patels pamper, but they also interrogate."

We all laughed, and finally made our way inside. The pagphere rasam was simple and elegant. Ma handed us both beautifully wrapped gifts - a platinum watch for Reyansh, and a diamond-studded pendant with our initials entwined for me.

"Papa wanted something special," Ma said with a wink. "And Dadu wanted it to be permanent."

My heart softened as I looked down at the pendant. Reyansh's fingers brushed mine gently when he saw it, his eyes softening with something unspoken.

Once the rituals were done and we'd all sat down for snacks in the inner living area, Dadu cleared his throat - and the room shifted slightly.

More alert. More serious.

"Shreya," he said gently, "I know you've been wondering how things stayed so smooth at the wedding."

I nodded slowly, curious. "Yes... Mahir didn't do anything?, I was so sure he would try something."

Dadu looked at Papa, then at Bhai and Reyansh before speaking again. "Because we didn't give him a window. Adhiraj and Preet handled the entire security - personally. Every guest was vetted. Every car was tracked. Even the CCTV blind spots were covered. Mahir didn't stand a chance."

Bhai added, "We didn't sleep for two nights straight. Reyansh didn't want you stressed, so we made sure you wouldn't even feel a ripple of it."

I turned to Reyansh in surprise, my voice quieter now. "You didn't tell me?"

He looked at me calmly. "Because we deserved a perfect wedding. Not another day of drama."

Before I could respond, Papa pulled out an envelope and handed it to Reyansh.

"Of course," he said, his voice heavier, "that didn't mean Mahir stayed silent."

Inside was a single folded note. Reyansh opened it.

"Enjoy your little fairytale while it lasts, Mrs.Shreya Rajvansh.
You walked away once. This time, I'll make sure you don't walk away at all.
As for your beloved husband-
Let's see how long he can protect you before I shatter both of you into pieces.
This isn't over. It hasn't even begun."
- M