Finally, the day of the wedding arrived. The entire Rey manor gleamed with elegance, adorned exquisitely for the grand occasion. The garden glowed under the gentle warmth of the morning sun, adorned beautifully with fresh flowers and golden drapes, ready to witness the third wedding in the Rey family.
Only close family members were present, each dressed in regal silks and dazzling diamonds, their presence adding to the aura of sophistication that filled the air.
Inside his room, Ayaan stood before the mirror, dressed as the groom. The weight of the moment pressed heavily on him, his heart pounded, and his palms were damp with sweat. His reflection looked perfect, but inside, he felt anything but composed.
His eyes drifted toward the wall, the one that once held Zara’s photo. Ayaan walked to the night stand, opened the drawer, and pulled out a photograph. His fingers trembled as he traced her smiling face, gently brushing over her cheek in the picture.
“I’m sorry. Please forgive me for this. I didn’t mean or intend this to happen. No matter what’s happening to me or what I feel, I won’t stop until this revenge is complete — even if it means breaking myself over and over again because I know I will crumble and my heart will shatter all over again in the name of revenge. Please forgive me “
A sudden knock on the door startled him. Quickly, he placed the photo back into the drawer and shut it, masking the turmoil in his eyes.
When he opened the door, Ishaan stood there, smiling warmly at his brother. Ayaan managed a faint smile in return, trying to bury the storm that still raged within him.
“Ayaan, I’m not here to give you a long speech. You’re mature enough and you’ve already faced the worst life could throw at you. You know how to handle things better than most. I just wanted to say that everything is worth sacrificing for love. I speak from experience. Nothing weighs heavier than love and anyone who gives it up for anything else is a fool.”
He paused and his voice softened. “Our human mind can act like both a demon and a god, sometimes in the same breath. But love… love is what keeps us human. Zara seems like an innocent, pure-hearted woman. Cherish her, Ayaan. I can already see it, she’ll worship the ground you walk on. She will be the light that guides you through the darkness.” Ishaan said and turned to leave, but Ayaan’s voice stopped him.
“What do you feel about me?” Ayaan asked quietly, his eyes searching his brother’s face.
“I think you already know the answer. If I’m right, you still feel torn between the woman you lost and the woman you’re about to build a future with. But here’s the truth, Ayaan, you’ve already fallen for the woman waiting to stand beside you today.” Ishaan said softly, a knowing smile tugging at his lips.
Ishaan stepped closer, ” You said you wanted to marry her but not once that you love her but I can see in your eyes. They don’t lie what you feel for her. Don’t hold yourself back,Ayaan. Give your heart a chance. You both have what it takes to complete each other. But if you’re still too stubborn to admit what your heart truly wants… then, my little brother, it’s not too late to walk away.” he in a gentle but firm tone.
With that, Ishaan gave him a reassuring pat on the shoulder and walked out, leaving Ayaan frozen in place.
A lone tear slipped past his eyes and he held the edge of the vanity for support.
” Do you think I don’t know, brother ? I do….but I’ll ruin her and I’ll wreck myself alongside her ” He took a long, steadying breath, then turned and walked away without looking back.
Ayaan sat on the mandap, following the priest’s chants and rituals with composed grace. His gaze drifted to his family, their faces glowed with joy, their smiles were radiant and he smiled back.
When the moment arrived, Vaishu called Pari, who was with Zara, and asked her to bring the bride to the garden.
A few minutes later, Zara appeared, walking alongside Pari and the world seemed to slow around her. She was draped in a dusty blue silk saree woven with threads of pure gold, adorned in exquisite diamond jewelry that shimmered under the soft daylight. Her hair was braided and crowned with fresh jasmine flowers, the scent of them lingering in the air like a spell.
She looked divine, ethereal and with every step she took, her grace captured every eye in the garden. Ayaan’s breath caught in his throat, the sounds around him faded into silence. He couldn’t look away, utterly lost in the sight of her, until the priest gently patted his shoulder, snapping him back to reality.
Zara was seated beside him and from that moment, his focus was gone. His heart, his mind, his every thought was consumed by her. When she slowly turned her face toward him, their eyes met and for a brief second, the world vanished. His pulse raced, his breath faltered and he felt himself losing control.
Ishaan noticed and hurried to his side, “Get a grip, Ayaan, She’s yours now but focus on the wedding first.” Ishaan whispered with a teasing smile.
Ayaan regained himself as the rituals continued. Together, they exchanged garlands, their hands brushing in fleeting warmth. Then came the final moment Ayaan clasped the golden nuptial chain gently around Zara’s neck and Zara’s eyes closed in serene acceptance.
His heart pounded as he filled the parting of her hair with vermilion, the deep red gleaming like fate itself. Her soft fragrance enveloped him, intoxicating and familiar.
Zara looked breathtaking…… his bride, his wife.
The newlyweds sought blessings from the elders and warm wishes from their siblings. Throughout it all, Ayaan held Zara’s hand firmly, their fingers interlaced, a silent connection neither seemed willing to break.
They returned to the royal dining chamber of the manor for their first feast as husband and wife. The room shimmered with elegance, but Ayaan barely noticed anything beyond the woman beside him. His gaze lingered on her constantly, his thumb tracing lazy circles over her fingers, playing with them unconsciously as the family conversed and laughed around them.
When the food was served, Zara turned to him, amusement glinting in her eyes. “You’ll have to let go of my hand if you want me to eat,” she whispered softly.
Ayaan raised an eyebrow with a faint, teasing smirk before finally releasing her hand.
Vaishu cheerfully insisted they feed each other sweets. Amid laughter and affectionate teasing, Ayaan and Zara obliged, sharing the first bite together and for the first time that day, the family’s joy felt complete.
Ayaan and Zara arrived at a new room in a different wing. Ayaan had already informed Zara and his parents that he would be moving into a completely separate wing to begin their new life. They were allowed to rest for a while before getting ready for the evening party, a grand celebration with close family, board members, managing directors, and general managers of all the Rey Group ventures. It was only right that everyone met their CEO’s wife.
Special gifts and lunches had been arranged for employees, as well as at old-age homes and children’s shelters as a gesture of generosity that reflected the day’s joy.
Inside the room, Zara stood near the door, hesitant and shy, her heart pounding as she took in the space that would now be hers too. Before she could gather her thoughts, Ayaan stepped closer and wrapped his arms around her from behind. His warm breath brushed against her neck as he nuzzled her gently, pressing soft kisses along her skin.
“God, you’ve been driving me crazy all day. You look beautiful, wifey. I’ve been waiting to have you all to myself. Tell me… are you happy?” he murmured, his voice low and rough with emotion.
Zara turned slowly in his arms, her eyes meeting his with quiet affection. The way he called her wifey made her eyes brim with tears from the warmth in his voice. “You’ve given me everything, Ayaan. I’m not just happy… I feel complete with you.” she whispered.
Ayaan turned her to face him, cupped her cheek tenderly and his thumb brushed over her lips before he leaned in. Their lips met in a slow, passionate kiss, unhurried and deep, filled with unspoken emotion. Her hands clutched at his shirt as he drew her closer, their bodies melting into each other until Ayaan felt his control slipping away.
He pulled back just enough to rest his forehead against hers, breathing hard. “God, you’ll be the death of me. Let’s wait… until we’re back at the villa.” he murmured with a faint smile.
He brushed a stray strand of hair from her face. “Get some rest before Pari barges in to drag you away. This is your room too, Zara, feel at home. Sleep on the bed. I’ll take the couch.”
He pressed a soft kiss to her lips, lingering for a moment before stepping back, his gaze still warm and full of promise.
Both of them lay awake, gazing at each other in the soft silence of the room. Despite the exhaustion from the long day, neither could fall asleep as excitement and unspoken tension hung heavy in the air between them. No words were exchanged, but their eyes spoke endlessly, holding on until sleep finally claimed them on its own.
A sudden, loud knock startled them both. Ayaan sat up, rubbing his eyes before stretching his arm to open the door. Pari barged in immediately, brushing past him with her usual energy.
“Zara, time to get ready for the party. Let’s go ” she said cheerfully.
Zara nodded, getting up quickly. Before stepping out, she glanced over her shoulder, her eyes met Ayaan’s, warm and reluctant.
By evening, the Rey mansion was transformed into a vision of splendor. The ballroom shimmered under crystal chandeliers and soft music floated through the air. Family members, dressed in elegant silks and tailored suits, welcomed guests with radiant smiles.
Ayaan was dressed in a sleek black three-piece suit and he made his way to the room where Zara was getting ready. He knocked and Pari opened the door, flashing him a teasing grin before slipping out.
When Ayaan stepped inside, his breath hitched. Zara stood before the mirror, an ethereal vision in a pastel pink lehenga, intricately embroidered with gold and gemstones. Her dupatta was draped gracefully over one shoulder, the other end held in her arm with regal poise. Her loose curls framed her glowing face, adorned with a diamond-studded brooch, while the emerald and diamond jewelry added a touch of timeless grace.
For a moment, Ayaan forgot to breathe.
Zara smiled, noticing the effect she had on him and placed her hand gently on his chest, pulling him out of his trance.
“I think we should wind up the party as early as possible. I can’t wait to get to our villa. My patience is hanging by a single thread and I’m sure it’ll snap before this night ends.” Ayaan murmured in a low, teasing voice.
He took her hand from his chest and kissed the back of it softly. Hand in hand, they walked toward the ballroom, where the guests cheered at their arrival. Glasses were raised, applause filled the air, and the soft hum of music wrapped the room in warmth.
Ayaan kept his arm resting possessively at the small of her back, as the guest poured their wishes one after the other. Occasionally, his fingers would wander lower, his teasing touch making her freeze in surprise.
“You know, I love teasing you especially watching the way you react.” he murmured close to her ear, his lips brushing her skin.
Before she could respond, he slipped his arm around her waist and guided her to the dance floor. The music swelled and soon other couples joined in, but for Ayaan and Zara, the world had faded away. They moved together in perfect rhythm graceful, lost and utterly captivated by each other.
The party finally came to an end and Ayaan and Zara bid farewell to the family before stepping into his brand-new Rolls-Royce, the latest edition, gleaming under the night lights. Four escort cars followed closely behind, maintaining tight security all the way to their private villa.
As they arrived, Zara’s eyes widened in wonder. The entire villa was bathed in a soft golden glow adorned with candles, petals and delicate floral arrangements. The living room looked nothing short of heavenly, every corner reflecting warmth and romance.
Ayaan tossed his blazer and tie onto the couch and walked toward her with a quiet intensity. Wrapping his arms around her from behind, he brushed her hair over one shoulder and pressed a slow, lingering kiss on her bare shoulder blade. His arms tightened around her waist, pulling her flush against him. Zara gasped softly when his fingers teased near her navel, the touch sending shivers through her.
“Everything feels like a dream, doesn’t it?” Ayaan murmured against her skin.
Zara nodded faintly as her breath turned uneven.
“You’re driving me insane, Zara. Stop me before I lose myself completely. Tell me to stop… and we’ll just get changed and sleep.” he whispered, his voice low and strained.
“Ayaan…” Zara breathed out, his name escaped her lips in a trembling whisper as his mouth trailed open-mouthed kisses along the side of her neck.
In one swift motion, Ayaan turned her to face him. His breath came ragged, his eyes dark with emotion as they lingered on her lips.
“I’ll ask just once more, Zara. Do you want me to stop?” he said, his voice rough and unsteady.
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A/N:
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