Kaira’s POV
This morning was all about Bhaiya’s haldi ceremony. The house was filled with laughter, yellow smeared faces, and playful chaos. We had so much fun that my cheeks still hurt from smiling. Now, as the sun began to dip, preparations for the baraat were in full swing.
Fresh out of the shower, I stood in front of my mirror, towel-wrapped hair falling over my shoulders. My outfit for the evening was laid out—a lehenga in soft ivory beige, its base adorned with delicate pastel floral and leafy patterns in green, peach, and pink, all highlighted with subtle sequins and fine embroidery.
I had just finished my skincare routine when a knock came at my door.
“Come in, Aaru,” I called.
She entered, her arms full with boxes.
“Done with your skincare?” she asked, placing them on the table.
“Yes. How’s Bhabhi’s makeup?” I asked eagerly.
Aaru grinned. “Perfect. She’s glowing—absolutely gorgeous.”
Aaru was a renowned makeup artist, so it wasn’t surprising that both Bhabhi and I had begged her to handle our looks tonight.
I eyed the boxes she carried. “What’s in those?”
“My lehenga and jewelry. After doing your makeup, I’ll get ready here itself. Then we can go together,” she explained.
I nodded, settling into my chair. She opened her kit, and soon her brushes and palettes began working their magic on me.
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Author’s POV
At the same time, Reyansh was in his hotel room, adjusting the cuffs of his beige suit. He had been restless all day, unable to focus on anything but her.
He cursed himself silently. How had he never really seen her before? He had visited Vihaan’s house countless times for business with his father. Back in school, he and Vihaan had been inseparable, and little Kaira was always around. But she was just a child back then—tiny, in second standard, before she shifted schools. She had barely been a blur in the background.
Now, years later, she wasn’t just noticeable—she was unforgettable. And worse, she had assumed he was a shopkeeper when they met at the market.
That thought made him chuckle bitterly. She hadn’t realized who he was. Maybe that was a blessing.
Because now, after seeing her again, he was certain of one thing: he wanted her. Needed her. No matter the obstacles, he would face them all. Kaira Oberoi was going to be his.
Straightening his tie, he grabbed his car keys, walked to the parking lot, and began driving toward the palace.
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Reyansh’s POV
The palace glowed with thousands of lights, every corner wrapped in flowers and shimmer. Guests moved in bright outfits, laughter filling the grand halls. But as I stepped inside, I saw none of it.
My eyes searched only for her.
Five minutes later, my heartbeat surged like a drum. And then, I saw her.
My Cariño.
She walked gracefully in her ivory-beige lehenga, embroidered with pastel blossoms that shimmered in the lights. Her hair fell in soft curls, her face glowing with Aaru’s artistry, a subtle bindi adorning her forehead.
Breathtaking. Absolutely breathtaking.
I found myself staring for ten whole minutes, lost in the sight of her. My gaze caught on the bangles at her wrists—the same ones I had slipped onto her hands in the market. The memory brought a slow smile to my lips.
I finally gathered the courage to approach her. She was kneeling, playing with a little boy, her laughter soft and gentle.
“Excuse me,” I said, my voice lower than usual.
She turned, eyes widening slightly, and then smiled faintly. “You’re excused.”
Her words hit me like déjà vu, pulling me back to that stall in Tripolia Market. I couldn’t help but smile. I opened my mouth to speak—
“Kii! Let’s go, the varmala is starting!” someone called, rushing in to pull her toward the stage.
I clenched my jaw, watching her walk away, helpless to stop her.
Instead, I made my way to the stage, where Vihaan stood beside his bride-to-be. Greeting him warmly, I hugged him.
“Congratulations, brother,” I said, smiling.
“Thank you, Reyansh,” Vihaan beamed. He turned to introduce us. “This is my sister—”
But before he could finish, Kaira interjected softly. “Bhaiya, I know him. He’s your school-time best friend. We were in the same school for a while. He also came to our house often for business.”
Vihaan nodded with a smile, while I blinked at her in surprise.
She remembered me?
If she knew, then why had she pretended not to? Why call me bhaiya at the market? Why assume I was a shopkeeper?
The questions circled my mind as I stepped away, blending into the crowd of old classmates. But my eyes kept finding her, again and again.
And deep down, I knew this was only the beginning.
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✨ This version keeps the romantic tension, Reyansh’s obsessive yet soft attraction, and Kaira’s innocent side. It also strengthens
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