The lights of the Raj Mahal glistened like stars fallen to earth. Built decades ago by Elara's grandfather,(Tanaji Raj Singhana) the mansion stood as a symbol of tradition and pride-its marble floors echoing history, and its hand-carved pillars whispering stories of generations. Tonight, it was dressed in royal hues of ivory and gold, draped with fresh jasmine and roses, shimmering beneath the chandeliers.
It was not just another evening-it was Elara Raj Singhania's engagement. A celebration woven with heritage, rituals, and expectation.
Inside the main hall, a soft breeze carried the scent of sandalwood and celebration. Women in sarees floated past like poetry, and men in sherwanis stood tall with pride. The house buzzed with laughter, gossip, and the anxious energy that only Indian weddings can bring.
Yet amid the joy, Elara sat quietly in her room upstairs, her lehenga heavy not just with embroidery, but with emotion. Her reflection stared back at her: poised, regal, but uncertain. She was ready-or so she kept telling herself. She believed in this decision, in the path laid before her. And still, somewhere deep inside, a quiet tremor whispered: Is this truly my choice... or my destiny?
A soft knock interrupted her thoughts. Her Choti Mom-(Shakthi Raj Singhania) wife of her uncle Aditya Narayan Singhania-entered the room with calm eyes and a knowing smile.
"Elara," she began, her tone gentle yet firm. "Are you truly okay with all this?"
Elara blinked. "Yes, Choti Mom. Why do you ask?"
Shakthi stepped closer, knelt beside her, and took her hands. "Because I know what it means to be silent when everyone else is speaking for you. You're not just someone's daughter or fiancée-you're you. So tell me, from your heart, is this what you want?"
Elara smiled, a little tear clinging to her lashes. "dad's is looking so happy, Choti Mom. And Devraj... he's family too. His my dad's own sister Son, I'll still be here, close to home, close to my work, to the legacy... I'm not going anywhere. This is where I belong."
Shakthi kissed her forehead. "Pagli... (idiot) you listen to everyone. But don't forget to listen to your own heart too."
Before Elara could respond, a voice called from the hallway-"Elaraaa!"
She rose, adjusting her dupatta. "Maa is calling. Time to go."
Let's go...
---
As she descended the grand staircase, time seemed to pause. Draped in crimson and gold, Elara looked like royalty reborn. Her smile was soft, eyes lowered in grace, every step radiating elegance. Her younger sister Anaya Raj Singhania her own yonger sister and cousin sister Ishitha Raj singhania flanked her on either side, giggling quietly, while Aarav Raj singhania her Elder brother and Aadvik Raj Singhania Cousin brother walked behind, their expressions protective yet proud.
The crowd fell into a hush. Heads turned. Conversations stopped. It was a wow moment-pure, breath-stealing awe. Elara walked like a queen, not out of pride, but from the strength of generations behind her.
At the foot of the stairs stood her father, Arjun Rajveer Singhania. His sherwani glinted in the light, but it was his eyes that held the sparkle-a mix of pride, love, and something heavier: nostalgia. He reached out his hand as Elara reached him.
For a moment, neither spoke.
Then gently, he cupped her face in both palms. "You're perfect, my little princess," he whispered, voice shaking. "I still remember your first steps... and now you walk like a queen."
A tear slid down Elara's cheek, and she pressed her forehead to his. "Don't make me cry, Papa. Not now."
He chuckled softly, wiping her tears. "Not now. Today, we smile."
With a proud nod, he offered her hand to Devraj Oberoi, who waited at the stage.
Devraj leaned in and whispered, "You look... breathtaking and Gorgeous.
Elara gave a small nod, replying with a quiet, "Thanks."
Just then, Mahira Oberoi, Devraj's mother, (Arjun Rajveer singhania and Aditya Narayan Singhania Own Sister) swept in and clutched Elara's hands with dramatic enthusiasm. "Oh my god, sweetheart, you look divine! Let's not waste another moment-shall we begin?"
The sacred rituals began. Families circled the stage, the sound of mantras filling the air. Elara and Devraj exchanged rings under the warm gaze of their families and the flashing lights of countless cameras. Applause erupted, and petals rained from above.
Two hearts were now officially bound.
But far beyond the glimmering celebration, a silent storm was beginning to brew.
As the engagement rituals ended and blessings poured in, the music began to flow through the grand courtyard. The vibe shifted from traditional to celebratory-young cousins rushing to the center as the DJ kicked off a classic Bollywood number.
Anaya, Elara's younger sister, tugged at her hand. "sis" Come on! You can't escape dancing today!"
Behind her, Ishitha chimed in, "Right! Bride-to-be must give a solo performance. That's the rule!"
Aarav grinned, folding his arms. "Let her breathe, guys. Poor thing's barely surviving in that ten-kilo lehenga."
Advik raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Still, she looks like she walked straight out of a royal painting."
"Exactly!" Anaya jumped in. "Princess Elara Raj Singhania. The crown jewel of the evening!"
Elara smiled softly at their excitement but waved her hand playfully. "No solos, I beg you. You all can dance and I'll stand and admire."
"But why so serious today?" Aarav teased. "Where's our mad artist cousin who used to dance with paint brushes in hand?"
"She left," Elara laughed gently. "Somewhere between the lehenga trials and haldi ceremony."
Advik mock gasped. "Bring her back immediately!"
The music changed to a lively beat and the cousins pulled her toward the floor. She gave in-laughing, spinning once with her cousins, but never fully letting go. Her moves were graceful, elegant... but guarded.
She watched her cousins lose themselves in the joy-Anaya's wild energy, Ishitha's graceful twirls, Advik's goofy steps. Elara laughed with them, posed for photos, smiled for relatives... but deep inside, there was a tiny wall she hadn't broken yet.
From afar, Devraj watched her carefully. He noticed how she smiled at every aunt, greeted every guest, and posed for every photo-but never stayed too long in the spotlight. She carried her grace like a veil-shimmering, beautiful, but faintly distant.
As Elara excused herself for a glass of water, Anaya whispered to Ishitha, "She's happy... right?"
Ishitha nodded slowly. "She says she is. And she looks it. But I don't know. Something's... quiet inside her."
The party roared on.
But not every storm is loud.
As Mahira Oberoi disappeared into the crowd with her regal smile intact, her expression shifted the moment she reached the quieter edge of the hall. The charm dropped, replaced by something colder-sharper.
She found Shaury Oberoi standing by the window, a drink in hand, watching the night unfold with a predator's patience.
"She fits the role better than expected," Shaury muttered, eyes flicking briefly to Elara, now surrounded by cousins.
Mahira's tone was curt, controlled. "Let the ring slide on her finger first. Once she's in our name, the rest will follow-slowly, steadily. Her loyalty to Arjun is our biggest advantage. He trusts her to carry his legacy."
Shaury's lip curled. "And she trusts him. That's where it begins. One signature at a time."
Mahira sipped her wine and leaned in slightly. "No sudden moves. Not until the marriage. Once that happens, we press forward. With Devraj by her side, she won't see the cracks forming underneath."
Her eyes gleamed under the golden chandelier. "Raj Mahal, Singhania shares, the architecture empire-everything they built will be ours. Legally."
They clinked their glasses quietly.
Meanwhile, Elara stood just steps away-unaware, smiling softly as her cousin teased her. The stage was lit in gold, but the shadows behind her glowed darker.
---
Rooftop Terrace - Just Past Midnight:
The celebration was long over. The music faded into memory, the lights dimmed, and the last of the guests had left. A soft breeze moved through the open terrace, brushing past the trailing ends of Elara's lehenga. She sat on the low wall, arms wrapped around her knees, her eyes fixed on the stars above.
She didn't need to turn around to know who had just walked in.
"Can't sleep?" Aarav's familiar voice broke the silence.
"Too many people. Too many smiles," she murmured.
He stepped beside her, hands in his pockets, glancing at her side profile-the way her perfectly done hair had loosened slightly, her eyes calm but distant. "You looked beautiful tonight," he said.
She smiled faintly. "Thanks, bhai." ( Bro)
"But you didn't look happy," he added.
That made her pause. She looked down at her hands. "I wasn't unhappy either."
"Elu..." he sat beside her now. "Don't give me that half-answer. I've known you since you drew stick figures on dad's contracts."
She let out a small laugh but didn't reply.
"You've always been strong. You always smile, always stay calm. Even when everyone expects the impossible from you."
She looked at him then. "Because it's easier that way. No expectations to disappoint. Just... flow with what's asked of me."
He shook his head. "But what about you? What about what you want?"
She was quiet.
Aarav leaned in slightly, his tone softer now. "Do you really want to marry Devraj?"
Elara hesitated. "He's... good. Nice. Well-mannered. Everyone likes him. Dad's happy, It just feels like the right thing to do."
"Feels right-or feels expected?"
She met his eyes, finally voicing what she hadn't dared to say. "I don't hate him, bhai. But something about this feels... too perfect. Too fast."
Aarav nodded. "I noticed it too. The Oberoi's... something about their smiles doesn't reach their eyes."
She looked at him, tension rising. "You think they're hiding something?"
"I don't know yet. But I want you to promise me one thing, Elu," he said, gently holding her hand. "If something ever feels wrong-even slightly-you'll tell me. No secrets between us. You're not alone in this."
Her throat tightened, but she nodded. "Promise."
He smiled, kissed her forehead, and stood. "Come on, princess. Time for the real world again tomorrow."
As he turned to leave, she looked up once more at the stars.
For once, I hope they don't lie to me, she thought.
Hey Guys hope u liked it..