The sun rose over Jodhpur the next day, casting a warm golden glow over Singhania Palace. The excitement in the air was palpable as the family gathered for a momentous occasion-Avantika and Reyansh's engagement day. The palace, already grand, was dressed in its finest attire, with flowers adorning every hallway, and the scent of jasmine filling the air.

Avantika woke early, the events of the previous night still fresh in her mind. She had barely slept, thoughts swirling around her new life, her uncertain feelings about Reyansh, and the strange, yet comforting, sense of belonging she had felt in the palace. The words he had spoken to her in the garden echoed in her mind. You're not alone in this. Whatever comes, I'll be there.

As she stood before the mirror, she couldn't help but wonder what the future held. Reyansh had been kind and understanding, but their marriage was still a distant reality. It was a world she wasn't sure she was ready for, yet the quiet sincerity in his eyes made her wonder if, maybe, she could find her place in this palace, in his life.

A soft knock on her door broke her reverie.

"Come in," she called, adjusting the delicate fabric of her lehenga.

Siya and Radha stepped inside, both dressed in beautiful attire for the ceremony. Radha smiled brightly at Avantika. "Ready for the big day?"

Avantika forced a smile, though her nerves were evident. "I think so. It's just... all so overwhelming."

Siya, always the calming presence, stepped forward and gave Avantika a reassuring hug. "Don't worry. You've got this. And besides, today is just the beginning of your new chapter. It'll be a day to remember."

Avantika nodded, taking a deep breath. "I just hope I don't mess it up."

"You won't," Radha said, her eyes sparkling. "You're going to shine today. Just enjoy it."

They helped Avantika with the final touches-adjusting her jewelry, smoothing the fabric of her lehenga, and making sure every detail was perfect. As they finished, a knock on the door signaled it was time for the ceremony to begin.

❤

The grand hall of Singhania Palace was decorated in a stunning display of gold and red. A beautiful mandap stood at the center, draped in intricate floral arrangements. The guests had already arrived, and the family was gathered, waiting for the engagement ceremony to commence. Avantika stood nervously near the entrance, her heart racing as the moment approached.

Reyansh was already standing at the front, looking every bit the regal heir to the throne. He wore a traditional sherwani, his posture perfect, but there was something in his eyes-something soft, perhaps, that suggested he too was feeling the weight of the occasion.

Kamini and Raghavendra, seated nearby, offered her warm smiles as they noticed her approach. "You look beautiful, beta," Kamini said kindly, her voice full of love.

"Thank you," Avantika whispered, feeling the comforting presence of her new family.

Aaradhya, Reyansh's mother, stood beside her, offering her a gentle pat on the back. "Don't be nervous. Today is the start of something beautiful."

Avantika managed a small smile, though her thoughts were still a little scattered.

Reyansh turned to face her as she stepped into the hall, his eyes meeting hers across the distance. Red lehenga paired with multicolored dupatta. Minimal makeup. 'Borla' i.e Rajasthani maangtika at center of her forehead. Long Jhumka. Bangles in either  wrists. Kamarband around her waist adding charm to her beauty.

There was a quiet moment between them-almost like the world stood still for just a second. Then, with a small, reassuring smile, Reyansh gestured for her to join him.

The soft music of traditional instruments filled the air as Avantika walked slowly toward him, her heart pounding in her chest. The family watched with pride, their eyes shining with the anticipation of the upcoming engagement.

Among the guests, Kiara, who had been watching her bua intently, couldn’t contain her excitement. Her eyes widened as she took in Avantika's attire, her admiration clear. "Bua, you look like a princess!" she exclaimed, her voice full of wonder.

Avantika chuckled softly, reaching down to give Kiara a playful ruffle on her head. "Thank you, Kiara," she said warmly.

Not able to contain her excitement, Kiara spun around, showing off her own outfit to everyone around. She was dressed in a small red lehenga, almost identical to Avantika’s, but designed for her tiny frame. She loved how it made her feel like a little queen, and her face glowed with pure joy as she ran toward her parents and the other family members.

"Look, look!" Kiara said, her voice bubbling with excitement. "See how I look in my red lehenga! It’s just like Bua’s! Do you think I look pretty?"

Her family, unable to resist her infectious enthusiasm, showered her with compliments. Yug smiled and nodded, “You look beautiful, Kiara! Just like a little princess.”

Raghav couldn’t help but grin. "I think you look even better than Bua!" he teased, making everyone laugh.

Kiara's eyes sparkled with delight as she twirled around, making her lehenga flare out. "I knew it! I knew I looked amazing!" she declared proudly.

The scene was filled with laughter and warmth, as Kiara’s innocence and joy brought a lightness to the air. Avantika watched her niece with a fond smile, her heart softening at the sight of Kiara’s excitement.

Soon, The pandit, a wise-looking man draped in traditional robes, began the ceremony, chanting sacred mantras. The air around them seemed to hum with ancient energy as Avantika and Reyansh exchanged rings, a symbol of their bond.

As the ring was placed on Avantika's finger, Reyansh's gaze lingered on her. She met his eyes, and in that brief moment, she realized how much this moment meant. It wasn't just about the ceremony-it was about two lives coming together, two worlds colliding, with all their complexities and challenges.

The ceremony continued with blessings from the elders, the exchange of gifts, and the lighting of ceremonial lamps. When it was over, Reyansh turned to Avantika, a smile tugging at his lips.

As the guests congratulated the couple, the atmosphere grew even more festive, with music and laughter filling the air. Reyansh's family surrounded them, offering their well-wishes and gifts, each one a warm gesture to welcome Avantika into their fold.

Kiara, who had been watching everything intently, suddenly piped up, looking up at her bua with wide eyes. "Bua, why did Scary man make you wear a ring? And why did you make him wear one too?"

The family paused, and everyone turned to look at Kiara, who was genuinely puzzled. Aaradhya, standing nearby, smiled warmly at the little girl and crouched down to her level, making it easier for her to understand.

"Well, Kiara," she began, speaking slowly, "when two people love each other and want to be together forever, they exchange rings. It's like a promise. Reyansh gave your Bua a ring to show he will always take care of her, and she gave him one to show she will always love him. That’s why they both wear a ring."

Kiara blinked, her little face lighting up as she absorbed the explanation. "So, it’s like a promise?" she asked, her voice full of wonder.

Yes, exactly," Aaradhya said with a soft chuckle.

Kiara thought for a moment, then her face lit up with a new idea. "I want a promise too! I want someone to make me wear a ring!" she declared, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

The family laughed at her innocence and her sweet demand.

But as she saw everyone laughing at her innocent demand, Kiara’s face suddenly fell. She pouted, her lower lip trembling. "Why are you all laughing?" she asked in a mock-complaining tone, her eyes welling up with pretend tears. "I really want a ring!"

The family couldn't help but laugh even harder at her dramatic face, but Reyansh, unable to resist, kneeled down beside her. "Alright, alright, Kiara," he said with a smile, "I promise that one day, someone will give you a ring. But not just anyone. It has to be someone very special, like your Bua's promise with me."

Kiara’s pout immediately disappeared, and her face brightened. "Okay!" she said, satisfied, and in an instant, she was back to her bubbly self, running around again.

As the evening wore on, the two families came together to celebrate. The laughter grew louder, and the music filled the air, but there was also a quiet understanding between Avantika and Reyansh. The weight of the engagement wasn't lost on them-it was just the beginning. And while there were still many uncertainties ahead, in that moment, there was an unspoken bond between them, something that held promise.

Amidst the hustle and bustle, Radha, always the life of the party, caught sight of Avantika and Reyansh as they stood near the center, quietly exchanging words. Her eyes sparkled with mischief as she made her way toward them, a grin plastered on her face.

"Alright, you two!" Radha exclaimed, her voice filled with playful authority. "It's time for a little tradition."

Avantika raised an eyebrow, unsure of what Radha meant. "What do you mean?" she asked, glancing at Reyansh, who seemed equally puzzled.

Radha didn't answer immediately. Instead, she gave Reyansh a teasing look and turned to Avantika with a mock-serious expression. "It's simple, really. No engagement is complete without a dance! Now, before you two say no, trust me. It's tradition. The future bride and groom must dance in front of everyone."

Reyansh chuckled softly, glancing at Avantika, who looked a bit uncertain. "Are you sure we have to do this?" Avantika asked, her cheeks slightly flushed. The thought of dancing in front of so many people made her feel self-conscious.

Radha was relentless, though, her enthusiasm infectious. "Of course, I'm sure! This is a celebration, Bhabhi. It's the first step of many where everyone will see how perfect you two are for each other. Now, come on!"

With a dramatic sigh, Reyansh gave Avantika a reassuring smile. "I think Radha's right. We can make it through this," he said gently, offering his hand to Avantika.

Avantika hesitated for a moment but then smiled, her nerves easing under her calm demeanor. "Alright, if you say so," she replied, taking his hand.

Radha clapped her hands together with excitement. "Perfect! I'll be the one to start the music!" she exclaimed before running off to signal the orchestra to begin.

Na hai yeh paana, na khona hi hai

Tera na hona jaane kyun hona hi hai

Tum se hi din hota hai, surmai shaam aati hai

Tum se hi, tum se hi har ghadi saans aati hai

Zindagi kehlaati hai tum se hi, tum se hi

Na hai yeh paana, na khona hi hai

Tera na hona jaane kyun hona hi hai

As the first notes of a soft, romantic melody filled the air, Avantika and Reyansh slowly moved to the center of the room. The guests, some with glasses raised and others standing in quiet anticipation, turned their attention toward them.

Aankhon mein aankhein teri, baanhon mein baanhein teri

Mera na mujh mein kuch raha, hua kya?

Baaton mein baatein teri, raatein-saugaatein teri

Kyun tera sab yeh ho gaya? Hua kya?

Reyansh, ever composed, led Avantika into the dance, his steps graceful as he guided her. Despite her initial nerves, Avantika found herself slowly relaxing in his arms, the rhythm of the music flowing through her.

Aadha sa waada kabhi, aadhe se zyada kabhi

Jee chahe kar loon is tarah wafaa ka

Chhode na chhoote kabhi, tode na toote kabhi

Jo dhaaga tum se jud gaya wafaa ka

Main tera sarmaaya hoon, jo bhi main ban paaya hoon

Tum se hi, tum se hi raaste mil jaate hain

Manzilein mil jaati hain tum se hi, tum se hi

The onlookers clapped along to the rhythm, some even whispering to each other, impressed by the natural ease with which the couple danced.

Na hai yeh paana, na khona hi hai

Tera na hona jaane kyun hona hi hai..

As the song came to a close, Radha, ever the enthusiast, cheered loudly. Soon the engagement party came to an end and everyone made their way towards dining hall.

As they made their way to the grand dining hall, Reyansh leaned closer to Avantika, his voice low, just for her. "Today was just the first step. But I'll be with you through it all."

Avantika looked up at him, a soft smile playing on her lips. "Thank you," she whispered, feeling the warmth of his words, and for the first time in a long while, she allowed herself to believe that maybe, just maybe, this new world wouldn't be so bad after all.

Reyansh was trying his best to not to mean the words he said on their first meet. This is only marriage of convenience. But after knowing everything about Avantika from his personal investigator he knew Avantika was not the girl he thought. She was too kind and innocent for his harsh world and far away from Reyansh's imagination who thought she would be a merry girl who is ready to marry him for his money and fame. But the innocence in her eyes everytime melted his coldness.

❤️

Reyansh sat in his spacious room, the faint glow of the candlelight casting shadows on the intricately carved walls. He had just finished a call with his business associates, his thoughts still lingering on the quiet evening with Avantika. Despite the lighthearted moments they had shared, something about the night left him unsettled, though he couldn't place why.

His phone buzzed on the polished wooden desk, its screen lighting up with a message notification from an unknown number. He frowned, the hairs on the back of his neck standing on end as he unlocked the phone.

The message was short, yet carried a weight that made his pulse quicken:

"I know your secret, Reyansh. Avantika can't be hidden from us."

Reyansh's eyes narrowed, his fingers gripping the phone tightly. He knew this wasn't a random threat-it was personal. The use of Avantika's name in such a sinister manner stirred a protective rage within him, his thoughts immediately flashing to her safety.

The mention of her name was deliberate, a warning. Whoever had sent it knew just how to get under his skin. He clenched his jaw, trying to stay calm, but the air in his room felt suddenly oppressive, as if the walls themselves were closing in on him.

He quickly typed a response, his fingers moving fast across the screen, his mind racing with possibilities.

"Who is this?"

But the message remained unanswered. The silence that followed seemed to stretch on forever, the tension in the room palpable. Reyansh didn't believe in coincidences, and this felt far too calculated. Someone was trying to send a message-someone who wasn't afraid to use Avantika as leverage.

His heart raced as he thought of her, far from this danger, yet so vulnerable. He couldn't allow this to go on any longer.

With a deep breath, Reyansh dialed Yash's number. The call rang once, twice, before Yash answered, his tone groggy.

"Reyansh? What's up?"

"I need you to get to my room now," Reyansh said, his voice low but firm. "Someone's threatening Avantika. We need to figure this out, fast."

The urgency in his voice jolted Yash awake. "On my way."

As Reyansh paced across the room, he couldn't help but feel a gnawing sense of dread. Whoever was behind this had made it clear-this wasn't just a random act. They were watching. They knew the right buttons to press.

His thoughts flickered back to the quiet walk in the garden with Avantika. Her laugh, her easy smile-it all felt so distant now, overshadowed by the weight of the threat. He couldn't afford to let anything happen to her.

The door to his room creaked open, and Yash walked in, his expression immediately serious. Reyansh handed him the phone without a word. Yash read the message, his face hardening as he met Reyansh's eyes.

"We'll find out who's behind this," Yash said, a steely determination in his voice. "Don't worry. No one will hurt her."

Reyansh didn't respond right away, but his gaze lingered on the message. He was no stranger to danger-but this was different. This time, it wasn't just about him.

He was going to protect Avantika, no matter the cost. But this didn’t feel a duty as soon–to–be husband but something different which he couldn't name.

The next few hours passed in a blur of activity. Yash wasted no time, diving into his network of contacts and resources to trace the origins of the anonymous message. Reyansh sat at the edge of his bed, his fingers tapping restlessly on his phone as he waited for any updates. The unease gnawing at him had only intensified, knowing that Avantika was unknowingly caught in the crossfire of his world.

It wasn't long before Yash returned to his room, his expression grim. He tossed a folder onto the desk in front of Reyansh, who picked it up immediately, his eyes scanning the contents.

"It's Aakash Bachavat," Yash said bluntly, his tone sharp. "I knew he wouldn't let this go easily."

Reyansh clenched his fists, the name hitting him like a punch to the gut. Akash Bachavat was a rival businessman, known for his ruthless methods and lack of boundaries. Though their families had been rivals for years, it had always been about business, power plays, and the occasional public spat. But this? This was personal. Using Avantika to get to him was crossing a line he didn't take lightly.

"He's been behind the shadow moves in the past," Reyansh muttered, his jaw tight. "But this time, he's targeting the people I care about."

Yash's face hardened. "He knows what you hold dear. He's trying to destabilize you by making it personal."

Reyansh stood up abruptly, the weight of the threat sinking in. He knew Akash was dangerous-he had never underestimated his rival. But involving Avantika... that was a step too far. He couldn't risk anything happening to her.

"I'll put an end to this, Yash. But I need to act fast. This wedding... it needs to happen sooner rather than later," Reyansh declared, his voice resolute. "The faster I secure this alliance with Avantika, the safer she'll be."

Yash raised an eyebrow, surprised by the sudden shift in Reyansh's approach. "You want to fast-track the wedding?"

Reyansh nodded, his mind already running through the logistics. "We'll make it official before Akash can do any more damage. I'll take her away from this-keep her close, keep her protected. He won't dare touch her if he knows she's under my protection, fully."

Yash thought for a moment, then gave a single nod of agreement. "It's a smart move. Akash will have less leverage if you act decisively."

Reyansh's gaze darkened, his thoughts momentarily flicking to Avantika. He knew she wasn't ready for all of this-not the threat, not the sudden shift in their lives. But it was the only way to protect her now.

----------------------

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Aakash Bachavat will enter in scene after many long chapters. So hold your chair and wait for twists and turns in the story.

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