Chapter 3: A Night of Silence

The engagement hall is grand, decorated with gold and ivory, filled with the soft hum of conversations and the clinking of glasses. Chandeliers cast a warm glow over the guests, and the scent of roses lingers in the air.

I stand at the entrance, my fingers tightening around the edge of my saree.

Yes, saree—not the revealing lehenga my mother chose.

The moment I saw it, I knew I couldn’t wear it. It was too much, too bold, too… Meenu. And I am not her.

So, I made a last-minute decision. I searched through my wardrobe and found a maroon saree—elegant, simple, yet fitting for the occasion. When my mother saw me, she was furious. But in front of the guests, she didn’t argue. She simply smiled tightly and walked ahead, leaving me to follow.

Now, as I step into the hall, I feel the weight of countless eyes on me.

Curious whispers fill the air.

"Why is she wearing a saree?"

"Isn’t she supposed to wear the lehenga?"

I ignore them. I have to ignore them.

My gaze shifts to the stage where Aarav Rathore stands, tall and intimidating, dressed in a black sherwani. His expression is unreadable, his sharp eyes scanning the crowd—until they land on me.

For a brief second, something flickers in his gaze. Surprise? Disapproval? I can’t tell.

But then, just as quickly, his expression turns cold again.

I walk toward the stage, my posture straight, my face calm. I refuse to let his presence shake me.

As I step beside him, I don’t look at him. I don’t acknowledge him.

Neither does he.

The hall quiets as my father steps forward, smiling warmly at the guests. His voice fills the room as he gives a short speech about our families, the importance of this engagement, the future we are supposed to share.

I barely listen.

Then, the moment arrives.

A tray with two rings is brought to us. Aarav and I turn toward each other for the first time tonight.

His face is blank, his dark eyes void of any emotion.

Without a word, I take the ring and slide it onto his finger.

He does the same.

That’s it.

We are engaged.

No warmth, no joy, no whispered promises of a future together. Just a silent exchange of rings, like sealing a contract.

Guests begin to approach, offering their congratulations. I smile politely, nodding, murmuring my thanks. Aarav remains silent, responding only with brief nods.

An hour drags by. The party moves forward, music playing, people laughing, but in this whole process, we do not exchange a single word.

And when it is finally over, Aarav doesn’t spare me a glance.

Without saying goodbye, he turns and leaves.

And I?

I couldn’t be more relieved.

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End of Chapter 3

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