Neeti Bhati had always been the quiet kind—the kind of girl who could walk into a crowded room and still remain untouched by the noise. Her calmness wasn't shyness; it was the confidence of someone who had grown up with everything yet desired nothing but peace.
The only child of India's richest industrialists, she lived in a world built with glass towers, luxury touches, and parents who loved her fiercely. But right now, her heart beat louder than any corporate announcement ever made.
Tonight was special. Tonight wasn't about the Bhatis being the richest family in India.
Tonight was about her… and Vansh.
She stood in front of her mirror, adjusting the faint diamond pendant her mother had gifted her. The soft blush on her cheeks wasn't makeup—it was the effect of the man she was about to meet.
Across the city, in the towering skyscraper of Rathore Empire, Vansh Rathore loosened his tie for the fifth time. He had faced boardrooms full of investors, sealed multi-million deals, and run India's 6th largest company with the calm of a season professional—yet the thought of seeing Neeti made his heartbeat falter.
"She must not be nervous," he mumbled to himself.
But he was.
Just a little.
His younger sister, Aashi, peeked into the room with a grin.
"Bhai, you look like you're going to propose all over again."
Vansh shot her a look. "I'm not nervous."
"Sure," she laughed. "That's why you're breathing like you just ran a marathon."
He rolled his eyes but smiled. Aashi was the only person who could pull that expression out of him—except Neeti.
The engagement had been decided by their families, but it wasn't forced.
Not when Vansh already adored Neeti.
Not when Neeti's heart had always softened for him.
The business world called it a merger.
But their hearts called it destiny.
The Gathering
The Bhati mansion glowed like something out of a dream—lanterns hanging from every arch, gold lights wrapping around every pillar. Guests from the highest circles of India walked around with glasses of crystal wine, conversations flowing like the soft music in the background.
Neeti descended the marble stairs slowly, catching sight of both families waiting for her. Her father smiled warmly.
But her eyes searched for only one person.
And she found him.
Standing near the grand piano, in a black tailored suit, Vansh looked breathtaking. Strong jawline, eyes sharp but softening the moment they landed on her.
Everyone vanished from their sight.
Vansh took a step forward.
Then another.
And another.
When he reached her, he didn't care about the reporters, the business partners, the elite families around them. He gently took her hand—warm, soft, trembling.
"You okay?" he whispered.
Neeti nodded. "You?"
"Only nervous about one thing," he said.
"What?"
"That you'll disappear if I blink."
Her cheeks heated. Vansh loved teasing her, but only in ways that made her feel cherished.
The Announcement
Both families gathered near the stage. The hall fell silent as Mr. Bhati stood forward.
"Today, two families unite. But more importantly, two hearts do."
Mr. Rathore continued, "From this day, our children begin a journey not just as heirs, but as partners—Vansh and Neeti."
Cameras flashed, applause filled the room—but Neeti only felt Vansh's fingers tightening around hers protectively.
She looked at him from the corner of her eye.
He was already looking at her.
"Ready?" he whispered.
"For what?"
"For forever."
She didn't speak.
She just nodded—the kind of nod that says everything without a word.
After the Crowd
When the formalities ended and the noise faded, Vansh led her to the terrace garden, where fairy lights hung low and the wind moved softly.
"Neeti," he said gently, "I know this world—our world—is heavy. Business, expectations, legacy… it's a lot."
She watched him silently, her eyes steady.
"I want you to know," he continued, "I'm here. Always. You don't have to be loud for me to understand you. Just be you."
Neeti's heart warmed.
He always understood her silence better than anyone understood her words.
"How do you do that?" she asked softly.
"Do what?"
"Read me."
He smirked. "You're not that hard to read. You're quiet… but your eyes tell everything."
"And what do they tell now?"
"That my fiancée," he whispered, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear, "is falling in love with me."
She blinked, taken aback, embarrassed yet smiling.
"And what about you?"
"Already did," he said, not even hesitating.
Her breath caught.
End of Chapter 1