As the suite door shut behind them, the noise of the sangeet faded into a distant murmur,sealing out the distant THRUM.(sangeet of Ashirit and EKanshi) music and the chaotic laughter of the extended family. Silence rushed in, thick and expectant. Reyansh did not move for a heartbeat. He kept his gaze anchored on Ishani.

She stood in the center of the room, the emerald green fabric of her lehnga shimmering under the warm amber glow of the chandelier. The outfit clung to her curves with a precision that felt like a provocation. Intricate gold zari work climbed up the hem and swirled across the border, catching the light with every shallow breath she took. The sheer dupatta draped over her shoulder was a mist of gold sequins, partially obscuring the swell of her breasts.