Chapter 1: A Twist of Fate

Chapter 1: A Twist of Fate

The wedding venue was buzzing with laughter, clinking glasses, and the subtle hum of a love song playing in the background. The air smelled of marigolds and roses, blending with the mouthwatering aroma of Indian delicacies. Avni adjusted the pleats of her lehenga(an Indian dress usually worn at special occasion)nervously, already feeling out of place amidst the sea of relatives. Her elder sister, Meera, was the center of attention today, radiant in her bridal ensemble.

Avni wasn’t fond of crowded places, but weddings had a certain charm she couldn’t resist. At least, until she spotted him.

Her heart stopped. Literally, stopped.

Leaning casually against the buffet table, dressed in a crisp kurta(an Indian dress usually worn at special occasion) and a careless smirk, stood Ayaan. The Ayaan. Her long-time, never-speak-about-it crush from college. The guy who probably didn’t even know she existed.

Avni froze mid-step, clutching her dupatta tightly. “What the heck…?” she whispered under her breath, her pulse racing.

Ayaan was laughing with a group of cousins, completely at ease, radiating a carefree energy that contrasted sharply with the formal setting. His disheveled hair and easy demeanor made him look annoyingly attractive.

Avni's mind swirled with confusion and panic. Why is he here? She glanced around, searching for Meera. Spotting her sister adjusting her jewelry near the mirror, Avni stomped toward her, determination flaring in her chest.

Grabbing Meera by the arm, Avni dragged her into the nearest corner, away from prying eyes and ears.

“Avni, what’s wrong with you?” Meera asked, startled.

“What’s wrong with me?” Avni hissed. “What is he doing here?”

“Who?” Meera blinked, clearly confused.

Avni tilted her head in frustration, jerking a thumb toward the direction where Ayaan stood. “That guy! The one at the buffet table. Laughing like he owns the world. What is he doing at your wedding?”

Meera squinted toward the buffet, then turned back to Avni, suppressing a smile. “Oh, you mean Ayaan?”

Avni flinched at how casually Meera said his name. Of course, she knows his name. Everyone probably does.

“Yes, Ayaan.” Avni crossed her arms, trying to appear calm. “What’s he doing here?”

Meera arched a brow. “Why are you so worked up? Do you know him?”

Avni’s cheeks turned crimson. She quickly shook her head. “No! Why would I know him? Just answer the question!”

Meera studied her sister for a moment, then smirked knowingly. “Well, if you must know… Ayaan is Raj’s younger brother.”

Avni blinked, her brain struggling to process the revelation. “Wait. What? Raj as in your fiancé?”

Meera nodded. “Correction. My husband. The one I’m marrying today, in case you forgot.”

Avni’s jaw dropped. Her crush… was her sister’s brother-in-law? The universe clearly had a twisted sense of humor.

Before Avni could recover from the shock, Meera leaned in closer, her voice teasing. “Now, tell me honestly. You do know him, don’t you?”

“I told you, I don’t!” Avni lied, trying to keep her voice steady.

“Uh-huh.” Meera grinned. “Well, if you don’t know him, why does his presence bother you so much?”

“It doesn’t!” Avni snapped, though her flushed face gave her away. “I just… didn’t expect random strangers to show up uninvited.”

“Strangers?” Meera laughed. “Avni, he’s family now. And he’s not that bad. Just… a little, um, unconventional.”

Avni frowned. “Unconventional how?”

Meera shrugged. “He’s different. Doesn’t believe in relationships, always lost in his video games or hanging out with his friends. He’s more of a child than a grown-up, honestly. But he’s harmless.”

Avni’s gaze drifted back toward Ayaan. He was now juggling a plate of samosas(an Indian snack in the shape of triangle, filled with a stuffing made up of potato) while explaining something animatedly to a group of kids. The way he interacted with them was almost endearing, but his carefree attitude only made Avni’s feelings more complicated.

Her sister’s voice snapped her out of her thoughts. “Avni, relax. He’s just here to celebrate with the family. Whatever’s going on in your head, don’t overthink it.”

Easier said than done, Avni thought. She gave Meera a curt nod and walked away, trying to ignore the butterflies wreaking havoc in her stomach.

As the music grew louder and the celebrations continued, one thing became clear—this wedding wasn’t going to be as simple as Avni had hoped.

Because Ayaan wasn’t just a guest anymore. He was family. And her heart wasn’t ready for it.

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