"Amidst the chaos of new beginnings, it’s often in the quietest moments that two hearts begin to truly find each other."

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The days leading up to the wedding passed in a blur of excitement and activity. Both families were caught up in the whirlwind of rituals, shopping, and final arrangements. Amid the chaos, moments of quiet connection began to blossom between Roohi and Vivaan, strengthening their bond in subtle yet meaningful ways.

One evening, the Chaturvedis and Ahujas gathered for the mehendi ceremony at Roohi’s house. The air was filled with the rich scent of henna, the rhythmic beats of traditional music, and the laughter of family members.

Meera, ever the mischievous sister, leaned toward Roohi with a grin. “I can’t wait to see Vivaan’s reaction when he sees your mehendi. I bet he’ll be speechless!”

Roohi laughed softly, brushing a stray strand of hair behind her ear. “Speechless? He barely speaks as it is. How will we know if he likes it?”

Meera chuckled. “Trust me, bhaiya’s silence speaks louder than words. He’ll notice, even if he doesn’t say it outright.”

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Vivaan arrived at the ceremony, dressed in a simple yet elegant kurta. His eyes scanned the room until they landed on Roohi, who was seated in the center with her hands outstretched as the artist applied intricate henna patterns. For a moment, he stood still, taking in the sight of her radiant smile and the way her laughter lit up the room.

Meera noticed him and nudged him playfully. “Bhaiya, why are you standing there like a statue? Go talk to her!”

Vivaan hesitated, feeling a mix of shyness and uncertainty. Finally, he took a deep breath and approached Roohi. She looked up as he neared, her smile softening into something more reserved yet warm.

“Your mehendi looks… intricate,” he said, his voice quiet but sincere.

Roohi tilted her head slightly, a teasing glint in her eyes. “Is that your way of saying it looks nice?”

Vivaan’s lips curved into a small smile. “Yes. It suits you.”

She looked down at her hands, her cheeks tinged with a faint blush. “Thank you.”

As the night wore on, Vivaan found himself surrounded by cousins and family friends, all eager to tease him about the upcoming wedding.

“So, Vivaan,” one of Roohi’s cousins said with a grin, “do you know how to find your name in her mehendi? That’s a test for every groom-to-be!”

Vivaan’s eyes widened slightly. “My name is in there?”

Meera laughed, coming to his rescue. “Don’t worry, bhaiya. I’ll help you find it. It’s tradition, after all!”

Vivaan’s ears turned slightly pink, but he managed a small nod. “Alright. But no tricks.”

Roohi watched the exchange from across the room, her heart warming at the sight of Vivaan’s quiet efforts to engage with her family. She appreciated the way he navigated the teasing with grace, his reserved demeanor never overshadowing his sincerity.

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Later that night, as the guests began to leave, Roohi and Vivaan found themselves alone on the terrace. The cool night breeze carried the distant hum of music and laughter, creating a serene moment away from the crowd.

Roohi glanced at Vivaan, who was leaning on the railing, gazing at the stars. “Do you often look at the stars like this?” she asked softly.

Vivaan turned to her, his expression gentle. “Sometimes. It’s calming… makes everything else seem smaller, less overwhelming.”

She smiled, leaning beside him. “It’s beautiful, isn’t it? How vast and endless it all feels.”

Vivaan nodded. “Kind of like life. Vast, unpredictable… but somehow, when you find a rhythm, it feels less daunting.”

Roohi tilted her head, studying him. “You’re more philosophical than I imagined.”

He chuckled faintly, his shyness evident. “I’m not sure about that. I just… think a lot.”

“I’ve noticed,” she teased lightly, her eyes warm. “But I like that about you. You don’t speak much, but when you do, it feels… meaningful.”

Vivaan looked at her, his gaze steady but soft. “And you… you make it easier to speak. I’m not good with words, but with you, it doesn’t feel as difficult.”

Roohi’s heart fluttered at his quiet confession. She turned her gaze back to the stars, her voice barely above a whisper. “I’m glad. I want you to feel comfortable around me, Vivaan. We may not have chosen this, but I want us to build something real.”

Vivaan’s expression softened further, and after a pause, he said, “I was hesitant at first. Not about you, but about… all of this. But now, I think I’m starting to understand what it could mean to share a life with someone.”

Roohi smiled, her eyes glistening with unspoken emotions. “And I think I’m starting to believe that maybe, just maybe, fate got this right.”

Vivaan’s lips curved into the smallest of smiles. “Maybe it did.”

The mehendi ceremony marked not just a step closer to their wedding but also a step closer to understanding each other. For Vivaan and Roohi, this journey was no longer just about fulfilling their families’ wishes it was becoming their own.