Chapter Two Hundred and Sixty Eight.

Chapter Two Hundred and Sixty Eight.
Three days later...

Meera stood in front of the full-length mirror, her breath caught in her throat.

She barely recognized herself.

Draped in deep crimson silk that shimmered under the golden lights, the lehenga clung to her figure like it had been stitched by destiny itself.

The heavy jewelry adorning her neck, the delicate nose ring linked to her earring by a thin chain, the intricate bangles stacked along her henna-covered wrists, each piece transformed her into a goddess, ethereal and glowing.

Her makeup was soft yet radiant, highlighting the natural beauty she often tucked away behind simple clothes and quiet smiles.

Today, that shy girl was gone.

Today, she was a bride.

Soon, the rituals would be completed... and she would officially become Arjun’s wife.

The thought alone made her cheeks heat up. A shy, uncontrollable blush rose as she bit back a smile, staring at her reflection in wonder.

Was this really happening?

Just then, the door creaked open.

She turned, her heart warming instantly. It was her father.

But something about his face, the way his shoulders drooped, the misty layer in his eyes, made her throat tighten.

“Papa?” she said softly, stepping toward him as fast as her heavy outfit would allow.

He looked at her as if memorizing her. “I’ll miss you so much, Meera...” he said, his voice cracking. “My daughter is finally getting married.”

With great effort, she lifted the lehenga slightly and walked into his embrace. Her arms circled his back gently.

Then she pulled away just enough to cup his face with both palms, wiping away the tears sliding down his cheeks.

“Papa, please don’t cry..” she whispered, though her own eyes shimmered with unshed tears.

He gave her a small, sheepish smile. “Who said I’m crying? I'm not. And what about you, huh? Don’t start... you’ll ruin that beautiful makeup.”

Meera laughed through her teardrops. “It’s waterproof..” she said with a sniffle. “I’m fine.”

He chuckled and pulled her into another warm hug. But this time, his words came out low… guarded.

“Just… be careful, beta. Life with Arjun will be different. Please... just be safe.”

Meera’s eyes flickered with emotion, but her smile remained.

“I will, Papa. You don’t have to worry.”

Her father studied her face with the kind of silence only a father could give, full of thoughts, memories, fear, and pride.

“You look just like your mother did on our wedding day..” he murmured, brushing a finger gently under her eye.

That made her chuckle again, sniffing. “Thank you, Papa.”

He gave her one last smile, then turned. His footsteps were slow, reluctant… and he closed the door quietly behind him.

Meera stood still for a moment, staring at the door with a soft, wistful smile.

“Papa...” she whispered.

Just then, her phone buzzed on the vanity table.

She blinked and walked over, picking it up delicately.

A message from Arjun.

“Will finally be my jaan today ❤️”

She blushed again, her lips curling into a wide grin.

But before she could reply, another message popped up.

This one… wasn’t from Arjun.

It was from a private number.

“You look so beautiful, Meera.”

Her smile faded.

Her brows pulled together as she stared at the text. No name. No number. Just... the message.

A chill crawled down her spine.

Meera slowly lowered the phone, her heart starting to thud.

Who sent that?

And more importantly... how did they know what she looked like right now?

♤♤♤

The loud beating of dhols echoed through the lavishly decorated venue as Arjun stepped out of his car, dressed in a regal ivory sherwani embroidered with intricate gold thread.

His dark hair was slicked back neatly, and his sharp jaw was slightly clenched, not because he was nervous, but because his eyes were searching for her... his bride.

The baraat behind him was in full swing. Karan stood beside him, smirking, while Siddhartha and a few close men tossed rose petals and cheered.

"Bhai, are you ready?" Siddhartha grinned, adjusting his sunglasses dramatically.

Karan leaned closer, teasing, "Ready to become a husband? Say goodbye to freedom, bro."

Arjun shot him a side glance. “I just want to see her.” His voice was deep, firm...that possessive tone slightly laced in it.

He was never one for noise or crowd, but, he endured it all... for her.

But just as he was about to step toward the entrance, a group of women blocked his way, dressed in lehengas and bright smiles, Meera’s girl gang had formed a playful wall with their hands linked tightly.

"Areee no no no, Mr. Groom!" Ami said, arms crossed. “You can’t just walk in like that. Where’s the shagun?”

Jiya stepped forward, wagging her finger. "If you want to meet our Meera, you’ve got to pay the toll!”

Ishita giggled, “Or go back and come again with more cash!”

Siddhartha burst out laughing from behind. “Yesss, this is the real tradition. Arjun bhai, better pay up or they won’t let you in!”

Arjun raised a brow, amused, watching the determined girls.

“Ami..” he said, “Move aside.”

But she shook her head, not intimidated. “Not until we get what we deserve. Meera is too precious, we can’t just give her away for free.”

“Fine..” he sighed and looked at Karan. “Give them whatever they want.”

Karan stepped up, reaching for his wallet, but Jiya stopped him, shaking her head. “No no no, not him. You, Arjun. From your own hands.”

Siddhartha whispered with a laugh, “Oof. Even your money isn’t yours today.”

Arjun pulled out his wallet, eyes never leaving the girls. “How much?”

They all looked at each other mischievously, and Ami said, “Fifty thousand.”

Arjun chuckled. “That’s all?”

“Each..” Ishita added with a wink.

Even Arjun cracked a rare smirk. “Greedy little witches.”

“You love one of us, remember?” Ami teased.

Arjun gave the money without argument, his eyes still glancing once toward the building. She was inside... waiting.

After counting the money like victorious warriors, the girls stepped aside dramatically, bowing and saying, “You may enter now, Your Highness.”

The smile on Ami's lips faded slightly, not out of fear, but out of respect for how serious Arjun was about Meera.

He finally entered the main venue, the soft glow of fairy lights cast across the marble floor, and the scent of jasmine filled the air.

His heart raced slightly... he was about to see his Jaan.

♤♤♤

Meera heard the rhythmic beat of the dhol echoing from downstairs, loud, celebratory, full of joy.

Her lips curved into a smile.

He’s here.

Her Arjun.

Her heart fluttered wildly at the thought. She gently placed her phone down on the dresser and took one final look in the mirror.

In just a few minutes, she’d be walking down to become his, his wife, his forever.

She bit back a shy laugh, her cheeks heating with that giddy nervousness that only love could bring.

But just then, a knock.