The wedding was quiet, exactly the way Aarya wanted it.
No crowd. No noise. No unnecessary faces. Just a small garden behind the London
villa, pale winter light brushing over white flowers, and a handful of people
who mattered.
Aarya stood in her room, the one her father had never changed. The curtains were the
same soft cream, the furniture untouched. This room had held her childhood
secrets, her first heartbreak, and now—her second beginning.
Riya sat on the edge of the bed, watching her carefully.
"You're not shaking," Riya said softly.
"I already broke once," Aarya replied,
adjusting the edge of her ivory sari. "I don't think I can break again."
Riya reached out and squeezed her hand. "Whatever happens, you won't be alone this
time."
When Aarya stepped into the garden, Devraj was waiting beneath the arch of flowers.
He wasn't smiling, but his eyes softened the moment he saw her. Riya took her
seat in the front row, close enough that Aarya could see her nod—small,
reassuring.
Devraj's hand was warm when he took hers.
The ceremony passed quietly. When Devraj spoke, his voice was steady.
"I don't want a marriage built on obligation," he said. "I want a real wife. Someone who
stays because she chooses to, not because
she's trapped."
Aarya met his gaze. "I agree."
No hesitation. No fear.
The signatures were completed, witnesses confirmed. Riya signed last, glancing up
at Aarya with a soft smile that said you did
it.
Devraj leaned in and kissed Aarya—not for the guests, not for tradition. Just for her.
His hand rested at her waist, gentle and certain.
Later, after the garden emptied, Aarya stood on the balcony with Riya, wrapped in a
shawl.
"You're smiling," Riya said.
"Ididn't expect to," Aarya admitted.
Devraj joined them, handing Riya a glass of wine before she quietly excused herself,
giving them space without a word.
"You okay?" he asked.
"Yes,"Aarya said honestly. "For once, yes."
His thumb brushed her jaw before he kissed her again—slow, unhurried. When they
parted, her breath was uneven, but her heart was steady.
Inside the bedroom, the lights were dim. Aarya removed her jewelry carefully while
Riya waited outside, pretending not to listen. Devraj approached, resting his
hands at Aarya's waist. She leaned into him instead of pulling away.
The kiss deepened—not rushed, not claimed. Chosen.
Later, when she was alone, Aarya lay back against the pillows and placed a hand over
her stomach.
This time, she
promised silently, I will protect you.
From the hallway, Riya paused, hearing the quiet in the room, and smiled to herself.
Far away, a man who believed distance would bring forgiveness had no idea that
Aarya had already chosen a life that did not include him.