The Royal Silence

44. Haldi Ceremony

"Dhwani... here is your dress. Get ready for the haldi ceremony. I've also placed the flower jewellery near the vanity," Dhrithika said sweetly, handing me the shopping bag.

Get ready, huh!

She was seriously getting on my nerves.

Actually, not just her, everyone in this house was. Do they really think I came here to attend his wedding?

Huh.

Wedding my foot.

"Dhwani? Where are you lost?" she asked again, lightly shaking my shoulder. "Do you need any help?"

"Huh? No, thanks. I'll get ready myself," I said quickly, trying to push her toward the door.

"Alright then. I'm going downstairs, dadi might need me," she said, pushing her hair behind her ear before turning to leave.

"Dhrithika..."

She stopped near the door and looked back.

"Yes?"

"Did... he come back?" I asked, trying very hard to sound normal.

"He? Who?"

Argh!!! Not again.

Stop testing my patience, girl.

"Uh... your brother."

"Ohh, Adhvait bhaiya? Yes, he came a few minutes ago. The Kingsleys came as well."

My fist tightened automatically.

"I... I mean Yu-Yugant," I finally forced out and I swear for a split second I saw a devilish smile flash on her lips before she hid it.

What is she doing?

"Ohhh... Yugant bhaiya?" she stretched his name, "yes, he also came back. He's with Olivia, right now."

My jaw clenched.

"Do you want to meet them and congratulate them?" she added sweetly. "Should I call them?"

Congratulate my ass.

"No," I said through my teeth. "I'll do that later, you can go now."

She nodded and finally left.

The moment the door shut behind her, I threw the shopping bag on the bed and stomped my foot in frustration.

I was angry, so angry.

How could he do this?

How could he say he loves me... and then marry someone else just a few days later?

"It's okay Dhwani... control," I muttered to myself.

I inhaled.

Exhaled.

Again.

Fine.

Let's see how calmly he sits in that haldi ceremony when I'm standing right there, with that thought I grabbed the bag again and pulled the dress out.

It was so beautiful. A white lehenga with delicate rainbow thread work scattered across it, the dupatta was soft yellow.

And the blouse...backless.

Well.

At least I got something good out of this disaster. Taking the outfit, I walked into the closet to change and the moment I stepped inside, I froze.

My things.

All my clothes... my shoes... even my canvases and colors were neatly arranged in the drawers nicely.

I didn't expect that. I honestly thought they would've packed everything away somewhere but they didn't, they kept it all.

That small thing made something warm flicker inside my chest.

I quickly shook the feeling away and opened my suitcase to take out my stick-on bra. The blouse was backless, so it was the only option.

Also, if I was going to walk into his haldi ceremony, I was going to look hot.

Even if it was the wedding of the man I love.

Stripping out of my clothes, I stuck the adhesive cups carefully in place, trying to make the shape of my cleavage look right.

It was harder than it looked.

I remembered some Instagram reel where a guy was explaining how to wear it properly and somehow he managed to make it look perfect. You know his cleavage.

Honestly, sometimes men explain things better.

Settling it properly, I wore the lehenga and blouse and immediately ran into the biggest problem.

The hooks at the back, where my hands barely reached.

Thankfully there was a small mirror inside the closet.

I tried once. Missed.

I tried again and still nothing.

Third time.

No luck.

Again and again, it didn't work but my arms started hurting.

"Seriously?" I muttered under my breath.

After the sixth failed attempt, my shoulders were aching and my patience, already hanging by a thread today, was officially gone.

Taking a deep breath, I tried again. Finally one hook caught.

"Thank god," I muttered under my breath, jjust as I was about to reach for the next one, the closet door suddenly opened.

I was startled and turned only to find Yugant was standing there. He was holding a large frame covered with cloth in his hand.

My blouse was barely hanging by that single hook, and I instinctively tightened my grip behind my back to hold it in place.

His gaze moved slowly from my face, down to the neckline, then lower and back to my eyes.

My throat went dry.

The memories from Florence flashed into my mind without permission.

The shower, his hands, his voice.

Okay, stop Dhwani.

I forced those thoughts away. Better to stand blank than remember all that again.

"Wh-what are you doing here?" I finally managed to ask.

He didn't answer immediately, instead, he leaned the covered frame carefully against the closet wall and started walking toward me.

Why is he coming closer?

My heartbeat picked up instantly. I could feel every step he took.

Thud.

Thud.

Thud.

I stepped back, then again and the next moment my back touched the cold mirror.

A shiver ran down my spine.

He stopped just inches away, I needed to leave before something stupid happened.

Gathering my courage, I stepped forward to pass him, still holding the back of my blouse tightly.

But before I could move past him, his arm wrapped around my waist and in one swift motion he pushed me back against the mirror.

A soft gasp escaped my lips.

My chest was rising and falling too fast now, my breath uneven.He stepped closer, and our chests collided then he lowered his face and buried it in the crook of my neck.

My fingers curled instinctively into his bicep as I tried to steady myself, forgetting the blouse I was holding.

His voice came out rough, almost tired, against my skin.

"When will you leave my mind, huh?"

My breath caught.

"When will I stop seeing you in this room... in every corner of this house?"

His words brushed my ear.

"What have you done to me," he murmured quietly, "that even when I know coming closer to you will only hurt me twice as much... I still can't stop?"

Before I could respond, he caught my earlobe gently between his teeth, my eyes shut instantly.

A soft tremor ran through me. My grip on his arm tightened without thinking.

Never in my life had I imagined someone's presence could do this to me that someone's breath so close to my skin could make my own breath disappear.

That there could be someone whose closeness I would crave this much, someone I would want with no distance between us.

But this man.

This man had completely ruined the plan to stay alone, to stay untouched and to stay safe and even now-he was still stealing the air from my lungs.

I licked my lips, trying to gather the courage to speak.

"Mr. Raizaada... I... I am actually here."

He slowly lifted his head from my neck and looked straight into my eyes, blinking slowly.

God.

How can a man look this innocent after doing things like that?

"You are actually here?"

"Yes," I whispered. "I am actually here."

For a moment neither of us moved, then his hand, which had been resting on my waist, shifted trailed upward, from my waist to breast, the warmth of his hand left goosebumps along the way.

My breath hitched.

His fingers moved slowly upward as he cupped my face gently.

"I need proof," he murmured softly. "Can you kiss me?"

My lips parted in shock, my heart skipped a beat.

My mind screamed NO.

He is getting married, don't forget that. I reminded myself.

Marry my foot.

My body betrayed me before my brain could react. My arms slid around his neck and pulled him down before I smashed my lips over his.

I kissed him like someone who had been starving because maybe I had been.

I didn't know what he felt but I knew what I felt.

The moment my lips touched his, something inside me settled.

Like I had finally reached the place my heart had been running toward for months.

His lips were warm.

Familiar.

Dangerous.

And somehow still the only place that ever felt right.

My fingers tangled in his hair as I deepened the kiss, pulling him closer as if the small space between us was unbearable.

Why does he do this to me?

Why does the world suddenly stop when he touches me?

I used to think love was some poetic lie people told each other, something exaggerated, something dramatic.

But this?

This wasn't dramatic, this was terrifying.

Because loving him felt like losing control of everything I had ever carefully built around myself.

I had always planned to stay alone.

Safe.

Independent.

Untouchable.

And then he appeared and suddenly nothing made sense anymore.

I hated him for that, I hate how easily he broke through every wall I had, hate how my heart reacted to him before my mind even had a chance to think but the worst part? I couldn't stop.

I didn't want to stop.

Because somewhere between the arguments, the chaos, the pain and the moments like this, he had become the center of everything inside me.

I wasn't just attracted to Yugant Raizaada.

I was completely, hopelessly, disastrously in love with him.

As if that kiss was enough to convince him I was real, he suddenly cupped my face and pulled back.

Our breaths came in uneven gasps.

His eyes searched my face like he was still trying to believe what he was seeing.

"Fuck... you're actually here," he muttered, almost in disbelief.

"I told you," I said, wiping the corner of my mouth casually, though my heart was still racing.

"But how did you," his words stopped mid-sentence as his gaze dropped to my hand on which a white bandage was wrapped. He pointed at it as if wanted to ask something, but stopped pressing his lips tightly in a thin line.

He scratched his neck and looked behind me, I followed his line of sight and then realized his eyes were now stuck on my blouse still hanging on that single stubborn hook.

That's great.

If he really wanted to marry Miss Anabella, then this shouldn't affect him at all, right?

Let's test that.

I stepped closer and wrapped my fingers around his collar, pulling him slightly down.

"I heard you're getting married," I said sweetly. "Thought I'd attend the wedding."

His jaw tightened. "That's great."

Oh. Playing strangers now?

"Hmm," I hummed lightly. " but I just needed your help."

"Help?" His brows lifted slightly.

I bit the inside of my cheek, then slowly turned my back toward him, pushing my hair over one shoulder.

"I was trying to hook it," I said, glancing at him through the mirror. "But the hooks are stubborn. If you could help."

For a moment his eyes moved between my bare back and my reflection then he exhaled sharply and shook his head.

"I'm getting married in two days," he said flatly. "I can't touch another woman."

Another woman? Seriously?

What is he? Aadi Manav?

"Alright," I said coolly. "If you can't, someone else will."

I turned toward the closet door, that's when his fingers suddenly wrapped around my wrist and pulled me back.

His eyes were darker now.Angrier.

"Anyone who?" he asked slowly.

"Anyone," I replied calmly. "A servant, maybe a waiter or a guest..."

The effect was immediate.

"Turn around."

His voice came out low and sharp, filling the small closet space.

Oh.

So that's how Mr. Yugant Raizaada works.

I turned my back toward him again without a word, within seconds I felt his fingertips brush lightly against my spine.

My entire body shivered.

My eyes closed for a moment as I felt his fingers moving carefully, fastening the hooks one by one.

Each small touch sends warmth through my skin.

He was being careful, too careful.

Like he was afraid of himself but I wasn't

Because if he thought he could confess his love, make me fall harder, disappear, and then marry someone else like nothing happened then he had clearly forgotten one very important thing.

I had faced my own fears for him.

Admitted feelings I had spent years running from and now that I finally understood what loving him meant...there was no way I was walking away quietly.

Not when every breath inside me still belonged to him, not when every heartbeat still remembers his name.

Not when loving him had already become the most reckless, stubborn obsession of my life.

"It's done... I'm leaving." He turned, only to hear footsteps outside.

"Dhwani, where are you?" Samarth bhai's voice came from outside the room. Yugant cursed under his breath and turned back to face me.

"I need to get out of here without coming into your brother's sight."

Oh, so he's afraid? That's great.

A small smile appeared on my lips as I stepped closer to him.

"How can I do that?" I asked quietly. "Aren't I just another woman to you? It's not like you love me, so why would I help you?"

I moved a little closer, making sure Bhai didn't hear anything. Though honestly, I was a little afraid too.

"Dhwani..." Bhai's voice came again.

"Yes, Bhai! I'm in the closet," I called out loudly.

Yugant's eyes widened instantly.

He placed his hand over my mouth and pinned me against the door.

Ohh... his cologne. I am a die-heart fan of that smell, not the perfume one but the one which comes from his clothes after mixing with his body.

"Shut the fuck up, and tell him to go away from here." He whispered slowly in my ear.

I was so fucking stupid crying and feeling abandoned all this time.

"Alright, I will... if you would let me stay in your room with you tonight." I whispered back in the same hushed tone.

His lips parted as he seemed shocked.

"Dhwani..." Now Bhai was knocking on the closet door. When Yugant didn't answer, I moved my hand towards the knob but he grabbed it quickly.

"Fine."

"Fine what?"

"You can come into my room tonight."

"With you?"

He nodded.

I smiled and wrapped my arms around his neck, going on my toes and burying my face in his neck for a moment.

It's just the beginning. I just found the correct way to make you mine and I am not letting that go, even if I know that's wrong.

"Dhwani... at least say something, are you alright?"

"Yes Bhai, I am perfectly alright, you go. I am just settling my dupatta, will come downstairs soon." I said, turning my face towards the door.

"But I wanted to talk to you." Samarth bhai's voice came again.

"We will talk later, promise."

"Alright, come soon."

Within a few seconds I heard the fading sound of his footsteps. That means he is gone.

I turned my head back to Yugant, leaning towards him, I placed my lips on his jaw and winked.

"See you at night."

Opening the closet door, I walked outside.

I am sure he must be shocked, and that's exactly what I wanted.

Coming towards the vanity, I grabbed the box of flower jewellery which Dhrithika gave. Okay, that's so pretty, as it had tiny pearls between the flowers.

I wore the earrings, the neckpiece and the forehead tika, then slid the yellow glass bangles into my hands.

Behind me I could feel Yugant's gaze, but I didn't dare to look. I feel hypnotized whenever I look in his eyes, as if he controls me.

After standing for a few minutes he walked out of the room.

Shaking my head, I turned towards the bed and grabbed my dupatta. It was heavy, with the same work as the lehenga. I set it around my neck nicely and then did my makeup, a winged liner and a good kajal, then added a touch of my favourite fragrance.

My hair looked good, but I wanted attention on my back of course, to get over the nerves of Yugant. So I grabbed the flower gajra, it was elastic type, and made a bun, leaving a few flicks on my face.

I twirled a little in front of the mirror, the lehenga moving softly around my legs.

The vibe was so Pinterest core, It looked like I was the bride.

Not bad, Dhwani.

I walked straight into the hall, grabbed Daadi's hand, and pulled her with me upstairs, still not believing what had just happened in that room.

As soon as we entered my room, I turned to close the door, only to find Dhrithika trailing behind us.

"What happened bhaiya?" she asked, her brows furrowed.

I grabbed her wrist and pulled her inside as well before locking the door.

"What happened Yugant, why are you behaving like this?" Daadi asked again, tension clear on her face.

"Daadi, you don't know what I just saw," I said, still holding her hand, even though I myself couldn't believe it.

"What?"

"Dhwani... she is in her room. Can you believe it? She said she came to attend my wedding. Her mind has gone loose. I am telling you something happened to her."

" Ohh..." she said softly.

Ohh? Just Ohh? I told them such big news and both of them were just standing there smiling.

Smiling.

"Don't tell me you guys knew?" I asked, narrowing my eyes.

"Bhaiya, why are you behaving like a dumb man?" Dhrithika said, slapping my arm lightly. "Of course we know. It's our house. In fact we stopped her here, otherwise she was ready to run away the moment she heard you were getting married."

"You mean... my marriage talk affected her?" I asked, hope slipping into my voice before I could stop it.

Dhrithika nodded continuously.

"She was so affected, bhaiya. She looked like she was about to cry. So Daadi and I made sure she stayed and watched the drama. Maybe like this she will finally realize her love for you."

But if that was true... then why did I see a completely different level of confidence on her face?

She didn't look like a woman madly in love with me.

She looked like a possessed soul... ready to kill me if I dared to marry Olivia. Whatever it is, I don't care.Even if I don't end up marrying Olivia, I'm not going back to Dhwani. Not this time.

I already ended everything between us, and for whatever little self-respect I have left, I'm not going to beg her again.

"Guests are already here, get ready my child," Daadi said, giving a light pat to my cheek before walking out of the room.

Dhrithika followed her, leaving me standing there alone.

God, these women. How exactly am I supposed to sit there and enjoy my haldi when everything here is already so complicated.

Shaking my head, I dragged myself into the bathroom and took a quick shower, hoping the cold water would calm my mind even a little.

It didn't.

After that I wore a simple white shirt and trousers.

What was the point of dressing properly when they were going to strip half of it off anyway just to smear haldi all over me?

Running my fingers through my hair to settle it, I walked downstairs.

The whole place looked perfect. Yellow and white decorations everywhere, flowers hanging from every corner, lights glowing softly.

If it had been possible... if I were getting married to Dhwani... I would have enjoyed every single function.

Right now, I just felt like running away from this house.

"Yugant... you finally came?" Olivia walked towards me, dressed in a crop top and palazzo, and wrapped her long arms around my neck.

Her height was perfect for it but I still preferred the feeling of Dhwani's breath against my neck... the way she had to struggle on her toes to hug me properly.

I placed my hand on Olivia's back anyway, even though I wasn't interested in the hug at all.

She pulled away and scanned me from head to toe.

"Why didn't you get ready?"

Ready for what? My funeral?

"Uh... actually Daadi said she wants to apply haldi on me first, so I'll have to remove this anyway." I said, pointing at my shirt.

She made an "O" with her lips and blushed.

Blushed for what exactly?

"Yugant... Dhwani, come, it's time for the Haldi ceremony." Daadi called while arranging the bowl of haldi.

She didn't even realize what she said.

"It's Olivia, Daadi. Olivia Kingsley." Adhvait corrected, his teeth clenched.

"Yeah... Olivia. My tongue slipped."

"It shouldn't slip next time, Mrs. Raizaada. That would be better." Mr. Kingsley said coldly.

"It's okay dad, let's just start the ceremony." Olivia said quickly, grabbing my arm and dragging me towards the sitting area.

"Remove this shirt bhaiya, we'll apply haldi to you first." Dhrithika said, standing beside me.

I removed my shirt and handed it to Dhrithi. Thankfully I was wearing a vest underneath not wanting to grab any unnecessary attention.

Because the only attention I actually wanted was nowhere to be found...and an evil one was already hanging around my neck.

So yeah, precautions were necessary.

Daadi sat in front of me and dipped her fingers into the bowl of haldi. She gently applied a little on my cheeks and then on my hands.

"May God bless you with the woman you truly want in your life," she said softly, before leaning forward and kissing my forehead.

She was talking about Dhwani. I understood it instantly but stayed silent.

"If your parents were here today, things might have been different. I'm sorry I couldn't fill their place in your life, Yugant." Daadi's voice turned heavy and trembling, her eyes turning glassy with unshed tears.

"They are in a better place," I said quietly, kissing her hand. "Don't cry... I'm not strong enough to hold you and pretend everything will be fine."

She nodded slowly and wiped the tears resting at the corner of her eyes.

"God will give you everything your heart truly desires," she said, placing her palm over my head in blessing. "And when the time comes, He will bring that person into your life in a way no one will ever be able to separate you."

I smiled forcefully, trying to pretend I am happy, that's what I could do right now.

I wanted to tell her I had already lost all hope and she should stop hoping too but like always, I stayed silent.

Next, Dadu came forward. He took a little bit on his fingers and applied them on my cheeks and shoulder.

"Life has a strange way of surprising us, Yugant," he said slowly. "The things we chase with all our heart sometimes slip away... and the things meant for us arrive quietly when we stop expecting them."

His hand rested on my shoulder.

"Don't measure your life only by what you lost," he continued, his voice calm but deep. "Sometimes the love we beg for gives us very little... but the love that chooses us, that refuses to leave even when we push it away... that love is far greater."

I stayed still, listening.

He patted my cheek once and continued, "trust time, it has a habit of correcting what people try to force."

I nodded, understanding... though honestly I had no idea why everyone around me had suddenly started speaking like philosophers today.

Next came Dhrithika.

She scooped a full handful of haldi and without any mercy smeared it all over my face. I didn't stop her, I could never stop her when she was smiling like that.

All I have ever wanted is to see her happy.

"Dhwani ko laga dun yeh haldi?" she whispered in my ear, showing me her hands covered with that bright yellow paste.

[ Should I apply this over dhwani?]

My eyes instantly moved around the hall searching for her, "she didn't even come here."

"She's right here watching everything, look at the left corner near the counter."

I looked at the direction and my eyes just stuck over her. How can she look so pretty today? It wasn't even her day, or was it?

"Let everyone finish the ritual... then I'll push Dhwani forward. Aap sambhal lena bas."

She winked and stood up, fixing her hair as if she had not planned the greatest crime of the century.

I wanted to say no, don't do that but the words never came out of my throat.

One by one a few more guests came forward and applied haldi on me.

"Okay, now it's Olivia's turn," Dhrithika announced loudly.

Olivia stood and stepped back instantly raising both hands.

"No, no. Don't apply that on my skin, my beautician strictly told me to stay away from it."

Dhrithika blinked at her, devilishly.

"What? That means you won't apply it?"

Olivia shook her head lightly. "Sorry. I can't."

"But it's an important ritual," Daadi pressed gently.

"It's important according to your traditions," Olivia replied calmly. "And you all have already done it. So that's where it ends."

"But Olivia-"

"Daadi, leave it," Adhvait cut in while stepping beside her, almost as if shielding her. "If she doesn't want to apply it, it's fine. You've already done the ritual by applying it on Yugant. Let's just end it here."

Daadi stayed silent for a moment then she sighed. "Alright... as you all wish."

"Alright, we are leaving now. We'll meet you all at tomorrow's function," Mr. Kingsley said calmly, he shook hands with Dadu once before walking out with Olivia and Adhvait.

The moment they disappeared, Daadi and Dadu turned their attention to the guests and started guiding them towards the buffets.

"Dhwani... can you please help me?" Dhrithika suddenly called out, holding the bowl of haldi in one hand while touching her ear with the other.

Another new drama now?

I heard footsteps approaching.

"What happened?" Dhwani asked as she came closer to us.

The moment she reached near, Dhrithika suddenly turned.

And just as she had planned, she pushed Dhwani lightly but suddenly, before Dhwani could even react, she stumbled backward and fell straight into my lap. At the same time the bowl tilted in Dhrithika's hand or she practically threw the haldi over us, and ran away.

The thick yellow haldi mixture flew everywhere.

Some smeared across my shoulder and neck, some landed on Dhwani's cheeks, her neck, even the edge of her white lehenga and bare waist.

So fucking mesmerizing.