The next morning, the house buzzed with preparations. Everyone was getting ready. Prerna, dressed and anxious, walked straight into Devika's room.
"Prerna, you're looking perfect! What about the others?" Devika smiled warmly.
"Mom... I need to talk to you," Prerna said, her voice quieter than usual.
"About what?" Devika asked.
"This marriage..."
"Oh, yes. We'll talk once we reach Dev's house. It's a big day," she said, brushing her off lightly.
"No, mom. I mean— I want to say something important, before—"
Suddenly, Aanya appeared at the door, interrupting. "Aunty?"
Both women turned to her.
"Aanya, you're still not ready?" Devika said with mock surprise.
Me? Should I really?" Aanya asked hesitantly.
"We're going to Prerna's in-laws' house. Of course, you should come!"
""I don't have anything nice to wear..."
Devika turned to Prerna. "Give her one of your dresses, na."
Prerna hesitated, visibly torn, but nodded. She led Aanya to her room and handed her a beautiful white churidar.
Aanya's eyes widened. "Wow, Prerna! This is so pretty... but..."
"But?" Prerna asked, distracted.
"It looks expensive."
"It's nothing," Prerna said, forcing a smile. "It'll suit you perfectly."
Aanya smiled brightly. "Really? Then I'll wear it. Thank you so much!"
She left with a happy glow. Prerna stayed still, her smile fading the moment Aanya disappeared.
---
Soon, everyone gathered in the hallway—Aryan, Devika, Prerna, and Nandini.
"Let's go," Nandini said curtly.
"Wait... where's Aanya?" Devika asked.
Aryan glanced up the stairs—and then he saw her.
Aanya descended slowly, dressed in the white churidar, silver earrings glinting, her hair cascading in soft waves. Aryan stared, frozen. She looked... ethereal.
Aanya noticed his gaze and blushed, looking down shyly. Aryan quickly turned away.
Nandini also glanced at Aanya—and frowned.
Devika clapped her hands. "Aanya, you look beautiful!"
"Thank you, aunty. But all credit goes to Prerna. She picked the dress."
"Right, Prerna?" Devika asked, nudging her.
Prerna was lost in thought. "Huh? Oh. Yeah. It looks good."
"Let's go," Devika said cheerfully.
But just as they began to walk, Nandini stopped. "Wait. Why is Aanya coming with us?"
Everyone froze. Aryan's jaw tightened. Aanya looked down.
Devika blinked. "Sister-in-law, I asked her to come. She's part of the family."
"But she's not," Nandini said sharply. "This is a family discussion. Outsiders shouldn't come."
Aanya's face fell.
"She's like my daughter," Devika said firmly. "She will come."
Nandini scoffed and walked ahead in silence. Aanya quietly followed, her heart sinking.
---
In the car, Aryan adjusted the rearview mirror. His eyes met Aanya's in the reflection. She quickly looked away. He did the same. A strange silence filled the space between them.
"Aryan? What are you waiting for?" Devika asked.
"Oh. Yes, Mom," he said, starting the car.
---
At the Raichand residence, Shreya was in full command mode.
"Are the flowers done?"
"Yes, ma'am."
"Seating arrangements?"
"All done."
Aravind walked in. "Shreya, relax. Everything's perfect."
"I just hope they say yes," she whispered.
"They will," he assured her.
Ankitha entered twirling. "How do I look?"
Shreya smiled. "Beautiful. Now help me, I have a million things to check."
Ankitha laughed. "Papa, look at Mom. She's more excited than the bride."
They shared a laugh.
Soon, Aryan's family arrived. As Aanya stepped out of the car, Aryan's eyes unknowingly followed her. Her dupatta got caught in the door. She struggled—until Aryan walked over silently and freed it.
Their eyes met briefly. Aanya lowered hers, cheeks pink.
Inside, servants informed Shreya, "Ma'am, they've arrived."
Shreya and Aravind came to the door, followed by Dev and Ankitha. "Namaste," they all greeted with warm smiles.
Devika introduced Prerna's aunt. Nandini too gave a polite greeting, barely.
"Hi Aryan," Ankitha smiled, and Aryan nodded politely. Aanya watched silently from the side.
Then, "Hi Aanya!" Ankitha said cheerfully.
Hi, Aanya replied with a small smile, sneaking a glance at Aryan.
Inside, everyone sat. Shreya gestured. "We're so happy you came."
"We're sorry for making you wait," Devika replied warmly.
Nandini examined Dev and whispered, "The boy's good-looking."
Everyone smiled.
"Well," Nandini continued. "Devika didn't give an answer last time because I wanted to meet you in person."
Shreya and Aravind beamed.
"We're very happy to give our Prerna to your family," Nandini said.
Shreya practically lit up with joy.
"Then let's consult the priest for an auspicious date," she said.
"Yes, the sooner the better," Nandini cut in before Devika could speak.
Aanya quietly watched, her heart swelling with something she didn't yet understand. She coughed gently to break the silence. Everyone laughed—except Nandini, who shot her a glare. Aanya instantly stopped.
"Dev, Prerna—why don't you both talk for a bit?" Shreya suggested.
Prerna hesitated, but Devika gently said, "Go, beta."
The two walked away to a corner.
Meanwhile, Ankitha walked over to Aryan and said, "I didn't think we'd meet again so soon."
Aryan smiled.
Aanya noticed and slowly walked toward them.
"Hey, Aanya!" Ankitha greeted cheerfully. Aryan glanced at Aanya as she smiled back at Ankitha.
"I really loved your dress! Where did you buy it?" Ankitha asked.
Aanya replied with a soft laugh, "Actually, it's not mine. It's Prerna's."
"Oh, I see," Ankitha said with a nod. "Well, it looks great on you."
Aanya hesitated for a second, then asked, "Ankitha, can I ask you something?"
"Sure," Ankitha said.
"How old are you?"
Aryan immediately looked at Aanya, surprised.
Ankitha smiled and said, "I'm 28. Why do you ask?"
Aanya quickly said, "Oh, nothing. Just asking casually."
Ankitha chuckled. "Well, you're so young!"
Aanya replied with a small grin, "Not that young. I'm 20. And in two months, I'll be 21."
Ankitha laughed. "Twenty-one? You're still a baby!"
Aanya looked at Aryan and teasingly said, "Am I right, Aryan?"
Aryan glanced at Ankitha, then looked back at Aanya, a small, unreadable smile on his face. "Yeah," he said simply.
"Meanwhile, Dev was talking, but Prerna was lost in her thoughts. Suddenly, Dev called out, 'Prerna?'"
Dev smiled at her. "You okay?
She blinked and looked at him, startled.
Dev frowned. "Are you alright? Did something happen?"
Prerna quickly shook her head. "No… nothing."
But inside, her mind was restless.
Maybe I can tell Dev about this… she thought.
Prerna hesitated. "Dev… I need to tell you something…"
But just then, Aanya popped in. "I know you two want to talk for hours, but not today! The priest is here and everyone's waiting."
Dev chuckled. "Alright, we're coming."
Prerna's expression was unreadable.
---
The priest sat cross-legged with his charts.
"There are only two auspicious times," he said. "One is five months away…"
"Five months?" Shreya blinked. "Isn't there anything earlier?"
The priest nodded. "There is… in 15 days."
"Perfect!" Shreya beamed. "Let's fix it then!"
Suddenly, Prerna's expression changed. Her heart began to race.
Fifteen days? she thought, anxiety gripping her.
Devika, 15 days i think too early then, she spoke up. "Shreya ji, don't you think 15 days is… too soon? I mean, there's so much to do — shopping, inviting people, preparing everything. Will it all be possible?"
Nandini smiled calmly. "Why not, Devika? We can't wait for five more months, right? So yes, it has to be done in 15 days."
Shreya nodded in agreement. "Exactly, Nandini ji. And Devika ji, if we plan carefully, we'll manage. As you said, for shopping, the kids can go and select what they want. We elders will handle the rest."
"Yes," Nandini agreed. "It's all about proper planning."
Devika looked at Aryan, uncertain. He gave her a small nod, silently reassuring her.
"Alright then, Shreya ji," Devika said slowly. She turned to the priest. "Please fix that auspicious date."
The priest smiled. "Then it is decided. On that day, Dev Raichand will marry Prerna Mehra."
Everyone clapped and smiled. Joy filled the room.
Aanya felt a strange warmth in her chest. She turned to look at Aryan — he was smiling too. Their eyes met, and for a fleeting second, everything felt perfect.
Dev looked at Prerna with a soft, loving smile.
But Prerna…
She stood still. Her eyes were lost in the distance. A storm swirled inside her heart.
She managed a smile — but it didn't reach her eyes.
It was a fake smile. A silent mask over the chaos within.
Later, outside…
Mr. Aravind clapped his hands together. "Alright, Devika ji. Now, we all should start the wedding preparations as soon as possible."
Before anyone could respond, Aanya suddenly shouted, "YES!"
Everyone turned to look at her in surprise.
Aryan blinked, then chuckled softly, trying to hide his smile.
Nandini stared at Aanya with a serious expression, raising an eyebrow.
But Aravind, Shreya, and Devika burst into laughter.
Aravind grinned. "Yes, Aanya, we have to!"
Aanya smiled sheepishly.
Devika nodded. "Okay, Aravind ji, we'll take your leave now."
They exchanged polite smiles. Aryan shook hands with Aravind and then with Dev.
After the cheerful goodbyes, everyone began heading toward the cars.
---
At the car, Aanya was fumbling with her dupatta, muttering under her breath.
"Why can't you stop moving?" she grumbled, trying to tuck it in as the wind played with it.
Just then, Aryan appeared beside her and opened the car door smoothly.
Aanya froze and looked up, startled.
Aryan looked back at her with a soft gaze.
Their eyes locked.
For a moment… the world paused.
And in that silent glance… something unspoken passed between them.
End Of Chapter 31.