Chapter Two Hundred and Sixty Three.

Chapter Two Hundred and Sixty Three.
The cars rolled to a smooth stop outside the grand Rathore estate's private banquet hall, glittering under the amber glow of hanging lanterns and string lights woven across the facade like stars pulled down just for tonight.

Arjun stepped out first, sharp and composed, adjusting the sleeve, Siddhartha followed behind him, a little more relaxed, but just as dashing in deep maroon.

As they entered through the wide carved doors, a hush of attention swept through the crowd.

Heads turned. Conversations paused.

The air shifted.

Arjun Madhav had arrived.

Businessmen in designer suits and sherwanis nodded in respect, some with subtle bows, others murmuring polite greetings.

The hall was already filling up - elite families, industrial tycoons, and political figures mingling over soft classical music and trays of hors d'oeuvres. The scent of roses and sandalwood hung delicately in the air.

Siddhartha clapped a hand on Arjun's back. "I'll go find mom before she yells my name across the room."

Arjun nodded without looking at him, his eyes already scanning the space, sharp and alert.

Not for threats.

For her.

But Meera hadn't arrived yet.

Across the hall, his father stood speaking to a man with a grave, unreadable face.

The man's posture was perfectly straight, his grey sherwani crisp, eyes cold but calculated. Beside him stood a younger man - tall, broad-shouldered, and strikingly handsome, dressed in a steel grey suit with a silver brooch at the collar.

His jaw was clean-shaven, his smile minimal but charismatic.

Arjun's father spotted him and his entire face lit up.

"There's my son!" he called out proudly, lifting his hand.

Arjun approached, composed but guarded, his eyes narrowing subtly as he sized up the two Men, they looked familiar to him.

He wasn't one to smile for introductions.

His father placed a hand on Arjun's back. "Arjun, meet Mr. Sengar and his son Vihaan."

Arjun extended a hand first to Mr. Sengar. The man shook it firmly, his grip strong but not aggressive.

"Congratulations," Mr. Sengar said with a nod, voice low and unreadable.

Then Vihaan stepped forward, offering a confident hand. "Big congratulations, man," he said, eyes calm but sharp, as if analyzing Arjun too. "You're a lucky guy."

Arjun met his handshake with equal strength. "Thank you."

There was a beat of silence - not tense, but heavy with observation - before Arjun politely excused himself. "If you'll excuse me."

He stepped away, his expression unreadable again.

Across the room, his mother caught sight of him and lit up immediately.

"Arjun!" she called with joy, hurrying over to him. A few relatives trailing behind her smiled and waved.

Arjun greeted her with a respectful bow of his head. She cupped his cheek for a second and beamed. "You look so handsome, beta. Just wait till Meera sees you."

Before he could reply, a loud whistle pierced through the air from the direction of the main entrance.

The chatter in the room quieted slightly, heads turning.

A group of young women entered gracefully - dressed in vibrant lehengas and carrying decorated trays filled with gifts, sweets, and ritual items. Their steps were in sync, their smiles bright.

Arjun's mother gasped and clapped her hands with excitement. "She's here!"

There was a lightness in her tone, a joy only a mother could carry.

Arjun's eyes locked on the entrance.

And despite himself...

He smiled.

The girls fanned out as they stepped aside, revealing her.

Meera.

Every breath in Arjun's lungs stilled.

She stepped in, adorned in a pale blush pink lehenga, Her long dark hair was pulled into a loose bun decorated with fresh jasmine, a few delicate strands falling beside her cheeks. A fine kundan set hugged her neck, the teardrop earrings brushing her collarbone...

Their eyes locked.

The din around them faded.

Her breath caught.

And in that moment, Meera forgot the whispers, the stares, even the weight of her jewelry.

Arjun hadn't blinked once. His gaze burned into her - proud, hungry, reverent.

She lowered her lashes, blushing.

Heat crept up her cheeks as her lips twitched into a soft, shy smile.

He didn't smile back.

Not because he wasn't affected - but because he couldn't. She looked like a dream he wasn't allowed to touch.

Yet.

The soft dhol beats began to pick up, and relatives began clapping and cheering.

Arjun's mother moved forward to greet Meera, placing a gentle hand on her head.

"Welcome, beta," she whispered, placing a small red dot on her forehead. "You're glowing."

The girls surrounding Meera giggled and teased her lightly as they guided her forward, leading her towards the ornately decorated stage - a low, raised platform with floral arrangements, marigold garlands, and golden hanging diyas.

Arjun was already being led by Siddhartha toward the stage.

Siddhartha leaned in with a smirk. "Control yourself, bhai. You're staring at her like you're about to devour her."

Arjun shot him a sideways glare.

"Smile at least," Siddhartha added, "You look like a lion at a wedding."

The priest was already seated beside the table holding trays of sweets, flower petals, rings, and ritual items.

As Meera reached the steps of the stage, Arjun instinctively moved forward and offered his hand.

Meera hesitated for a beat-then placed her palm in his.

Warm. Firm. Certain.

They sat side by side on the carved loveseat beneath the arch of flowers. The crowd clapped and cheered again as they settled, photographers already capturing the frame.

Arjun, still silent, turned slightly to her.

"You're late.." he murmured under his breath.

Meera's eyes widened slightly in shock.

Then she smiled. "You look... nice."

He didn't respond.

He just looked at her - and it was too much. She turned her face away, her heart thudding in her chest.

Siddhartha cleared his throat dramatically. "Should I give you both some privacy on stage or-?"

Laughter rippled through the guests.

Even the priest cracked a grin.

Meera giggled softly while Arjun just leaned back, jaw tense, clearly unamused.

Then the engagement ritual began.