chapter 6 - part 3 （A wedding writing in deception）
Haldi Ceremony - Morning
The Malhotra mansion was alive with vibrant colors and laughter. Bright yellow marigolds adorned every corner, their fragrance mingling with the scent of turmeric. Ira sat in the center, draped in a simple yellow saree that did nothing to hide her radiant beauty. Her hair was tied in a loose braid, a few strands rebelliously framing her delicate face.
Aarav watched from a distance, his posture casual but his eyes focused solely on her. She looked... breathtaking. Innocent. Untouched. His fists tightened at his sides. She was his, even if only for six months. And no one else was allowed to admire her the way he did.
"Bhaiyya!" Anika's voice shattered his thoughts as she grabbed a bowl of haldi, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Come, it's your turn!"
Before Aarav could protest, his cousins, Kabir and Vihaan, joined the ambush. They grabbed his arms, smearing haldi all over his face, deliberately messing up his perfectly styled hair.
Ira's laughter rang out, soft and melodic. Aarav's head snapped in her direction. She was laughing at him, her eyes dancing with amusement. He took a step towards her, but Anika blocked his path. "Nope! Not until Ira bhabhi puts haldi on you!"
Ira's smile faded, her cheeks flushing. She looked down, nervously twisting her fingers. "I... um..."
Aarav's gaze darkened. Without a word, he strode up to her, his movements swift and confident. He grabbed her wrist, his grip firm but gentle. Before she could react, he guided her hand to his cheek, smearing the yellow paste on his skin.
The room fell silent, every pair of eyes watching the intimate gesture. Aarav's voice was low, meant only for her ears. "If anyone's mark is going to be on me, it'll be yours."
Ira's breath hitched, her wide eyes meeting his. Her heart raced, the weight of his words heavy. For a moment, she forgot that this was a contract, that none of this was real.
But then Aarav stepped back, his face blank, his usual coldness returning. "It's just tradition," he muttered, his tone distant. "Don't get any ideas."
Yet, as he walked away, his fingers lingered on his cheek, tracing the path her hand had made.
__________________
Wedding Ceremony -
Ira stepped into the mandap, her heart pounding as the sacred fire crackled before her. The scent of fresh jasmine and sandalwood filled the air, but nothing could mask the tension wrapping itself around her chest. Dressed in red, adorned with heavy gold jewelry, she looked every bit the perfect bride. But inside, she was crumbling.
As she took her place beside Aarav, she felt the weight of his gaze. His dark eyes scanned her face, taking in every detail, every unspoken thought. His grip on her hand was firm, possessive. Like he was staking his claim.
The priest chanted the sacred mantras, and soon, it was time. Aarav lifted the black-beaded mangalsutra, his fingers brushing against her neck, sending a shiver down her spine. She swallowed hard, trying to steady herself.
But then-
A familiar voice whispered in her ear, so low that only she could hear it.
"Ira... all our debts, the hospital bills... they're paid. Everything."
Ansh. Her brother.
Ira's breath hitched, her fingers trembling in her lap.
It was done. The reason she had agreed to this contract... was no longer a burden.
Her world tilted. Relief, fear, and something unnamed crashed into her all at once.
And before she could even process it, the cool touch of the mangalsutra settled against her skin.
Her gaze snapped up, colliding with Aarav's intense one. His lips curved slightly, but his eyes were dark, knowing. He leaned in, his breath hot against her ear as he whispered, his voice sending a shiver down her spine.
"Now, you're mine... even if it's just for six months."
Her heart stopped.
Possessive. Dangerous. Final.
The sindoor followed, a deep red streak across her forehead-his mark on her. Her fingers curled into fists on her lap, the weight of his words sinking into her soul.
This wasn't just a contract anymore. It felt real.
Their seven pheras followed, each vow sealing her fate. And with each step, the intensity between them grew. The world faded, the priest's chants turning into a dull hum in the background. She could feel his fingers around hers, strong, unwavering.
By the time the ceremony ended, she was Ira Aarav Malhotra.
_____________
Grahapravesh - The Beginning of a Temporary Forever
As Ira stepped out of the car, her heart pounded in her chest. The massive Malhotra mansion loomed before her, adorned with strings of golden fairy lights, making it look nothing less than a royal palace. The entrance was decorated with fresh flowers, and the scent of roses and sandalwood filled the air, blending perfectly with the crisp night breeze.
Aarav walked beside her, his presence commanding yet silent. She felt his fingers brush against hers for the briefest moment before he pulled away, making her shiver at the accidental touch. This was her new home-at least for the next six months.
The moment they reached the doorstep, Aarav's mother, sunita Malhotra, stood waiting with a traditional aarti thali, a warm smile gracing her lips.
"Welcome home, beta," she said, her voice filled with genuine affection.
Ira swallowed the lump in her throat. This wasn't what she had expected. She had prepared herself for formality, for a distant and cold welcome-because this was a contract marriage, not a real one. But instead, she was being welcomed like a daughter.
Sunita performed the aarti, her eyes filled with blessings, before tilting the rice kalash with her feet and stepping inside the house. The women of the house giggled softly as they placed a silver plate filled with kumkum and milk in front of her.
"Come, Ira, step into your new home," Anjali said.
Ira dipped her feet in the mixture, the cool sensation sending a shiver up her spine, and then walked inside, leaving behind deep red footprints on the white marble floor-marks of her arrival.
Aarav's sharp gaze followed her every movement. His jaw clenched as he watched the red stains on the floor, as if something inside him shifted. Like a silent reminder that she was here, that she belonged... even if only for a while.
"Wait, wait, we won't let the bhabhi go without a little fun!" Vihaan, Aarav's cousin, smirked as he stood in front of them, blocking their way.
Kabir and Anika joined in, holding out a glass of milk with mischievous smiles. "First, our dear bhaiya has to make bhabhi drink this with his own hands!"
Ira's eyes widened, and she turned to Aarav, expecting him to refuse. But instead, he took the glass without hesitation.
"You all are ridiculous," Aarav muttered under his breath, but there was the faintest hint of amusement in his voice.
Ira opened her mouth to protest, but before she could, Aarav held the glass to her lips, his fingers grazing her chin in the process. Her breath hitched as his dark eyes met hers-intense, unwavering, almost... possessive.
She took a small sip, her lips barely touching the rim, but the moment felt heavier than it should have. Her heart raced as she looked away, breaking the unspoken moment between them.
"Happy now?" Aarav asked dryly, placing the glass back on the tray.
"Not yet," Anika grinned. "Now it's Ira's turn!"
Ira's eyes widened in alarm. She glanced at Aarav, who simply raised an eyebrow, challenging her.
Her hands trembled slightly as she picked up the glass and held it towards him. For a second, she hesitated, but then Aarav leaned in-without breaking eye contact-and took a slow sip.
The whole room burst into cheers and teasing, but Ira felt her cheeks burn.
This was just the beginning.
As the family finally let them go, Aarav led Ira towards their room. The walk felt long, her heart pounding in her chest.
And then, as he opened the door, she realized-they were now alone.
_______
Guys please vote for me, your votes motivate me