The house was glowing in warm golden lights. Fresh marigolds hung from every corner, and the air buzzed with the scent of incense, rose petals, and a kind of happiness that only weddings bring.

Today was the day—Mansi and Ishan's wedding.

And Mansi looked nothing less than a goddess.

Wrapped in a deep red Bengali Banarasi saree, with shakha-pola adorning her wrists and her forehead kissed by a bold red bindi, Mansi sat silently in front of the mirror. The reflection that stared back at her held more than beauty—it held dreams fulfilled.

Just then, Ira entered, dressed in a beautiful golden shimmery lehenga with full sleeves matching blouse , her hairs hung open a mangtika touching her forehead , looking no less than a dream , her eyes widening in awe

"You look divine, Mansi," Ira whispered.

"Like Durga herself walked down just to bless this day."

Mansi smiled and turned toward her.

“You know I am genuinely so happy today for both you and Ishan as today after so many being in relationship you both are going to be one, I was there as a part of it from the beginning and have seen all of your up’s and downs and but still you had faith and trust in each other that's what brings you here today,”

“Not everyone is lucky to make their first love the last one, but you guys did it , and you deserve it,” Ira said while getting emotional.

Mansi smiled and replied to Ira that , “I know di I am the luckiest because today it's not only the success of our love but also you were my favorite person always, but now—now you're going to be my nonod (sister-in-law) and someday, bhabi too. Just imagine, so many relations with one person. Who could be luckier than me?"

Ira gave a small fake smile, the compliment warm but the mention of Varun silently tightening something in her chest.

She didn’t reply. Not fully.

A few moments later, they walked down the staircase toward the wedding mandap. Guests gathered, soft music played, and petals rained.

And that’s when his eyes found her.

Reyansh, dressed in a white sherwani with silver embroidery, stood frozen the moment his gaze locked onto Ira. The world didn’t blur, but she lit up like a firefly in a moonless sky.

> "I thought I’d never fall in love again… But how can someone look like this and not change everything I believed in? She's poetry… written just to wreck me."

He couldn’t take his eyes off her.

The rituals began. Ishan and Mansi exchanged garlands. But even amidst the holy chants, Reyansh found himself drawn next to Ira, and as if the universe wanted it too, they ended up standing beside each other.

"How can someone be this beautiful?" Reyansh murmured under his breath.

"Kuch kaha?" Ira turned slightly, raising a brow.

(Did you say something?)

"Kuch suna?" he shot back, smirking.

(Did you hear something?)

She gave a subtle side-eye. "I heard. That’s why I asked."

He leaned a little closer.

“Some things are better left unsaid”

She didn't hesitate.

"And some emotions… aren’t meant to be hidden."

Reyansh smiled, gently.

“Toh kya aap mujhe samajhti hai?"

(Then do you understand mine)

Ira didn’t blink. "I hear your dialogues, not your emotions. And frankly, I’m not interested in either."

He grinned at the challenge.

"But you do care about Varun’s, right?"

That struck a nerve. Ira turned sharply.

"That’s none of your business."

Before the conversation could stretch further, Dadi came and gently pulled Ira aside.

“Beta, go talk to Varun. You two should be seen together now. After all, you both are getting married soon”.

Ira nodded, forcing a calm smile. But something inside cracked a little.

She walked over to Varun, who greeted her with a soft, sweet compliment.

Reyansh, watching from a distance, felt something he hadn’t felt in years—jealousy.

The rituals continued: garland exchange, sacred vows, and the joyous union of two souls. Everyone cheered. It was a perfect wedding.

But every perfect wedding has one goodbye.

Vidai Scene: "The Goodbye That Hurts the Most"

The night deepened. The stars bore witness to the moment everyone had waited for but no one was ready for—Vidai.

Mansi stood in the center of the driveway, her hands still adorned with mehendi, her eyes misty. Ishan stood beside her, holding her gently, whispering comforts.

Varun hugged Mansi tightly, refusing to let go.

"Itna jaldi kyun jaa rahi hai, huh? Stay na, at least for tomorrow's brunch," Ira said, half-joking but mostly broken.

Mansi wiped her eyes and whispered,

"Sobsomoi toh bolte kokhon jabi amr room ta chere r ekhon bolche keno jacchi”, While half smiling and half crying.

(You always used to taunt me to go and leave your room and now you are telling me this?)

Tears streamed down both their cheeks.

The car stood ready. Mansi’s parents wept silently in the background, holding each other. One by one, Mansi touched everyone’s feet, hugged her family, and then turned towards Reyansh.

He had been watching. Quiet. Still. Like something inside him shifted tonight.

She whispered, "Take care of everyone. And... take care of yourself too."

And Ira? She felt it.

She didn’t look back at Varun. She didn't speak to anyone.

She sat silently on the other car with family and drove away, and she whispered only to herself—

> “One wedding gave them forever… and left me facing the beginning of something I didn’t ask for.”

And somewhere, Reyansh was whispering the same thing.

> “She doesn’t know it yet... but she’s the story I’ve been waiting to write.”