Maya
"Maya, how do I look?" Aditi asked, her voice edged with panic as she fussed with the intricate embroidery of her lehenga. "I mean-this is fine, right? Will Aadi like this dress? What if the makeup's too much?" Her words tumbled out in a rush, her brows furrowed as she looked at me with desperate eyes.
I bit back a laugh, smirking at her exaggerated worry. "Relax, baby girl. You look like a damn queen. Aadi's already head over heels for you. If he sees you now, he'll probably faint from sheer adoration."
That earned me a half-laugh, half-sigh from her. Aditi looked gorgeous in a deep green lehenga paired with delicate floral jewelry. Her makeup was light but striking-those long lashes did wonders-and the way the lehenga hugged her body, she looked like a walking dream. Elegant, yet undeniably hot. She had that glow brides always had, and I couldn't wait to see Aditya's expression when he laid eyes on her.
"You're a lifesaver, Maya," Aditi said, finally exhaling. "If you hadn't come early to help, I swear I would've lost it. I'd probably have disappointed Aadi big time."
I rolled my eyes playfully. "You're not even married yet and you're already worried like a wife. Chill, darling. That's what your girls are here for-to manage your panic attacks. We all knew this would happen."
She let out a genuine laugh this time, her shoulders relaxing a little.
Just then, I caught the sound of heels clicking behind us, followed by a familiar voice. "Someone say 'ladies'?"
I turned, already knowing who it was.
"Ah, the queen herself," I grinned. "Of course, I said ladies. Because we, my dear, are setting the damn bar today."
There stood Ishanvi, my best friend and a walking definition of glamour. She wore a stunning Sabyasachi green sari that clung perfectly to her curves, revealing just enough waist to be tantalizing without crossing the line. Her designer blouse had a tasteful neckline, and the expensive heels only made her aura more powerful. Her hair flowed in soft waves, makeup light yet flawless. She looked every bit the fashion icon she was.
Ishanvi gave us her signature smirk. "You girls are glowing. And Maya, don't even start. You look like you're about to steal the groom."
I raised an eyebrow. "Why settle for the groom when I can steal the show?"
The three of us burst out laughing, the tension in the room finally breaking like sunlight after a storm.
As we laughed together, Aditi suddenly paused and looked around. "Where's Shravni? Our chill girl?" she asked, her tone turning a little anxious.
I let out a small sigh. "She's caught up with her new music video project. You know how demanding shoots can be. But don't worry-she promised she'd be here by the Haldi ceremony."
Aditi's face fell slightly. The four of us-me, Aditi, Ishanvi, and Shravni-were more than friends. We were a squad. Unbreakable. And nothing felt complete when even one of us was missing. Shravni, with her boss energy, short temper, and fierce loyalty, added the spice to our group. And despite her being a little hot-headed, we all adored her.
I placed a reassuring hand on Aditi's shoulder. "Don't pout, sweetie. She'll be here before you even blink. Right now, just focus on your mehndi."
"Yes," Ishanvi chimed in with a grin. "Focus on the mehndi. Or on Aadi jiju."
Aditi's eyes widened in mock annoyance at the teasing nickname. She waved her hand as if to swat Ishanvi away, but the faintest pink touched her cheeks.
I laughed, amused. "Oh look, a natural blush-just from hearing his name. What a love story," I teased, earning a playful eye roll from Aditi.
I turned toward the mirror, picking up the eyeliner pen and carefully touching up the corners of my eyes, wanting that perfect flick. Just a little more sharpness, a little more edge-just like the woman I'd become. I was dressed in a light green skirt paired with a matching crop top, the ensemble striking a perfect balance between traditional elegance and modern flair. Subtle jewelry, bold red lipstick, and Louboutin heels completed the look. I knew I looked good. Good enough to make any man turn his head.
But I didn't want just any man.
My reflection smirked back at me, but my thoughts had already slipped away-from the laughter in the room to the man who had been living rent-free in my mind since the moment I saw him by the poolside.
Utsav Mehrotra.
Even his name carried weight. Ever since I laid eyes on him, something inside me had been on edge. His walk was calculated, powerful. His presence-undeniable. And those eyes... they weren't just intense; they were dangerous. As if they held a thousand locked doors, and I'd made it my mission to find the key to every single one of them.
He's not just a man. He's a puzzle. And I intend to solve him-piece by piece.
"Hey, where did you get lost, Maya?"
I blinked, pulled out of my thoughts by Ishanvi's voice. She was watching me curiously, her head tilted slightly, a teasing glint in her eyes.
I smiled faintly. "Nothing, Ish. Just thinking how much we're going to miss Aditi once she leaves us after the wedding."
Her playful expression faltered for a second, a brief flicker of emotion crossing her face, but she quickly waved it away. "No senti stuff today, okay? It's her big day! Let's celebrate with full energy and no drama."
She looped her arm with mine, her voice turning mischievous. "Now come on. I bet our Aadi jiju is already restless to see his bride."
We both turned to look at Aditi, who was trying to control her breathing. She placed a hand on her chest, probably to calm her racing heart. Her excitement-and nervousness-was impossible to hide.
With that, we made our way through the hallway, walking toward the grand living hall where the mehndi ceremony was being held. The space was adorned with yellow marigolds and fairy lights, filled with soft music and the murmurs of cheerful guests.
As we entered, my gaze immediately caught Aditya.
He stood at the center, dressed in an emerald green sherwani laced with fine glittering threadwork. A sleek silver watch hugged his wrist, and-of course-two buttons were undone at the top, revealing the dark ink of a tattoo etched over his chest. He looked sharp. Confident. The perfect groom-to-be, radiating charm.
But my eyes weren't looking for him.
They were scanning, searching-hungry for the presence that had occupied my mind nonstop since today's evening.I didn't even try to deny it anymore.
Utsav Mehrotra.
And then I saw him.
He descended the staircase slowly, dressed in a deep green sherwani with golden embroidery, a matching gold watch glinting subtly under the lights. His hair was styled effortlessly-messy but intentional, waves falling in place like they belonged only to him. His face was blank, unreadable. Those eyes... they held no expression. No acknowledgment. Not even a flicker in my direction.
He didn't glance at me. Not even once.
He simply walked forward with his usual confident stride, each step radiating silent power. His presence alone was enough to shift the energy in the entire room. Controlled. Calculated. As if he knew exactly what he was doing-and how everyone around him would react.
Yet somehow, there was a tightness in his posture. A tension in his shoulders. Like he didn't want to be there. Like this entire function was a burden he was tolerating.
I watched as he walked directly to Aditya, nodded once, and said something I couldn't hear over the music.
He was flawless in every way. Mysterious. Distant. Unreachable.
And perhaps that's why I couldn't stop thinking about him.
"You look beautiful as ever," Aditya said with his signature charming smile, the kind that could melt glaciers.
Aditi's cheeks flushed immediately as she lowered her gaze and walked toward the couch for her mehndi application. Ishanvi and I followed her, standing close to offer silent support as the ceremony began.
But truthfully? My attention was elsewhere.
My eyes kept darting toward him.
Utsav Mehrotra.
I wasn't even trying to hide it anymore-I was staring at him.
Was I ashamed? Not even a bit.
There was something about his presence, something dark and electric, that made goosebumps rise on my skin. The air around him seemed to shift wherever he stood.
"Someone's already found her partner in this marriage," Aditi teased, breaking the trance and making me whip my head toward her in surprise.
She was smirking, playful and smug, like she'd caught me red-handed.
"Come on, Aditi," I said with a sigh, brushing my hair behind my ear. "You know me too well. Ever since that little confrontation with him earlier today, I haven't been able to get him out of my head. It's like I'm already hooked-but the man won't even glance my way!"
I sounded frustrated, and maybe I was. I wasn't used to this-being the one left wondering.
Aditi reached over and lightly squeezed my hand. "Don't worry. Aadi told me Utsav's always been like that-reserved. He doesn't show emotions easily. In fact, he believes emotions are a weakness, and he avoids them at all costs."
She paused, then smiled knowingly. "But I know you, Maya. If anyone can break through that wall he's built, it's you."
Her words made me smirk. Damn right. I was Maya Shekhawat-and the word "impossible" wasn't in my dictionary.
"Hey, what are you two whispering about? Spill the beans," Ishanvi chimed in, clearly intrigued by the hushed conversation she wasn't part of.
She looked between us suspiciously, arms crossed, waiting for someone to fess up.
Aditi grinned like the cat who got the cream. "Oh, it's a long story. But here's the short version-our queen Maya is completely hooked on none other than Utsav Mehrotra. Can you believe it?"
Ishanvi's eyes widened, her jaw practically dropping. "Wait, what? Maya? In love? That's... new. Especially so soon after your last breakup? Damn, I never thought there was a man out there who could make you fall this fast."
Aditi laughed while I rolled my eyes dramatically.
"Yeah, yeah-I'm human too, you know. I'm allowed to fall for someone. And trust me, Utsav's got this magnetic pull... it's like I'm being drawn to him whether I want to be or not."
We all chuckled, keeping our voices low so we wouldn't interrupt the ceremony.
Just then, the mehndi artist began applying henna to Aditi's palms, intricate designs blooming like art on her skin. The music in the background changed to something softer and more romantic, and the scent of rose water filled the air.
But my heart...
My heart was already chasing after a man who hadn't looked at me once.
"You should go and talk to him," Ishanvi said with a teasing smirk, nudging me lightly.
I paused. Me? Hesitating? That wasn't like me. I was Maya Shekhawat-bold, confident, fearless. But confronting him? That wasn't as easy as I thought.
"Are you sure, Ish? I mean... what if he disrespects me in front of everyone?" I asked, my voice lower than usual, betraying the flicker of concern inside me.
Ishanvi let out an exaggerated eye roll. "Oh, come on! Since when does Maya Shekhawat worry about what people think? You're a rising Bollywood star, sweetheart. You've faced tougher crowds. And trust me, he won't disrespect you. He's intense, not rude."
Then she leaned in, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "Or better yet-go talk to Aadi and ask him to introduce you to Utsav. Classic move. Direct but with backup."
I raised an eyebrow, considering it. Not a bad plan. Not bad at all.
"Okay then. Let's do this."
Confidence surged back into me. I flipped my hair, straightened my posture, and channeled the star in me. I was Maya Shekhawat. Nothing could rattle me-not even a man like Utsav Mehrotra.
As I walked toward the corner of the hall, my heels clicking with purpose, I saw the two men standing side by side. Aditya leaned casually against the wall, engaged in light conversation, his face animated as ever. Utsav, on the other hand, stood like a statue-stoic and still, sipping from his glass, his gaze focused straight ahead.
He didn't look around. Didn't speak. Didn't react.
His presence alone was powerful. Almost unnerving.
He's not just a heart surgeon... he's something else. Something dangerous.
My steps slowed ever so slightly. There was something about him-his intense aura, the sharpness in his posture, the way he seemed to hold an invisible sword of dominance. It made my heart thud louder.
"Come on, Maya... you can do this," I muttered under my breath, adjusting my dress slightly to steady my nerves.
This wasn't just another fan interaction or a red-carpet moment. This was something deeper, darker.
I reached them.
And the moment stretched.
"Hey, jiju," I said in a teasing tone as I approached them, my voice laced with playful sarcasm. "It's your mehendi function and you're standing here talking with your friends? At least go dance a little for your future-you know, start practicing now for when you'll be dancing to Aditi's tunes all your life."
Aditya raised an eyebrow at me in mock offense. "And here comes my sassy saali again, ready to pull my leg," he replied, his voice deep with amusement.
He wasn't exactly the warm and cheerful type-much like his cousin, Utsav. Cold, composed, emotionally distant. But something about the wedding seemed to chip away at his icy demeanor. He was loosening up, if only slightly.
"Of course I'm teasing," I replied, placing a hand on my hip. "A saali is aadhi gharwali, remember?"
Aditya burst into laughter, throwing his head back. "Yes, yes, aadhi gharwali, huh? You want Aditi to throw me out of the house before I even officially move in? Is that your plan?"
I laughed with him, the air around us light and playful. But the man standing beside him remained unmoved.
Utsav.
Silent. Guarded. Unshaken.
He didn't laugh. Didn't smile. Just stood there with the same unreadable expression and unwavering gaze, as if nothing around him was worth reacting to.
I turned toward him, trying not to let my nervousness show. "Oh come on, Mr. Mehrotra. You could at least try laughing. It won't kill you, you know," I said casually, lacing my words with charm.
He gave me nothing more than a brief nod.
A nod? That's all I get? Seriously?
Still, I kept my posture light and my tone casual. "By the way, I'm Maya Shekhawat. Bollywood's favorite rising star and singer extraordinaire. We met earlier today, remember?" I extended my hand slightly, adding a warm smile to soften the tension.
Finally, his voice broke through the stillness.
"Utsav Mehrotra. Nice to meet you."
He said it evenly, with the faintest dip of his head in acknowledgment. No warmth. No curiosity. Just calm courtesy.
And yet... for some reason, that short sentence managed to catch me off guard.
So he does have a voice. And manners. Interesting.
For a split second, the illusion of danger I'd built in my mind seemed to crack. Maybe he wasn't as cold or menacing as I thought. Maybe he was just... reserved. Cautious. A man who didn't reveal himself easily.
But before I could gather another impression or even make a clever reply, he stepped away.
"Excuse me," he said simply, then walked off without looking back.
And just like that, the moment was over.
My smile faltered.
What was that? Polite? Calculated? Or just... distant?
I stood there, watching his retreating figure disappear into the crowd, a thousand questions rushing through my mind.
He was a gentleman, sure. But he wasn't simple. And he definitely wasn't easy to figure out.
There were layers to him. Layers I had every intention of peeling back-one by one.
As I watched Utsav walk away, a strange hollowness bloomed in my chest. I stood there, pretending to sip on my drink, but my eyes followed his retreating figure like a shadow. Why did a single interaction with him leave me feeling like I'd just walked through fire barefoot? There was something maddeningly frustrating about the way he carried himself-so poised, so unreadable, like a damn fortress with no cracks. And yet, in that brief moment when he said "Nice to meet you," something in his voice tugged at me. It wasn't warmth, but it wasn't complete ice either. It was... restraint. Like he was holding back a volcano behind that calm exterior. And God help me, I wanted to be the one to make it erupt.
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"Do let me know your thoughts about this chapter in the comments section. If you liked it, please don't forget to vote. Your single vote is enough to give me the courage to keep writing more.
And please, don't judge the characters solely based on the starting chapters. There's so much yet to unfold. Especially Utsav - I know his personality might seem negative at times, but trust me, he's about to go through a powerful journey of transformation.
Let the story breathe a little before forming opinions. Big twists are coming."
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