CHAPTER FIFTEEN : A BEAUTIFUL LIE
When Priya entered the decorated hall, a wave of unexplainable happiness washed over her. The fragrance of fresh flowers, the soft glow of the lights, and the warmth in the air made her heart skip a beat. For a fleeting moment, it seemed as if this was not just a ceremony — but her real marriage. A secret wish stirred inside her: If only this could truly be my wedding… my forever with him.
Aryan’s eyes instantly found her the moment she stepped inside. His breath caught in his chest — she was radiant, more beautiful than anything he had ever dared to dream. The sight of her in bridal attire etched itself into his soul. His heart whispered longings he could not say aloud: I’m so happy she will be mine… even if just in name. But… not in reality. How wonderful it would be if this were truly our wedding, our forever.
Lost in his thoughts, he didn’t notice when she gracefully approached and stood beside him. Their shoulders brushed lightly, sending an unspoken shiver of awareness between them.
A few minutes later, the priest cleared his throat, his calm voice echoing through the silent hall. “Are you both ready?”
In perfect harmony, Priya and Aryan replied, “Yes.” Their voices held both certainty and an undercurrent of secret yearning.
The priest smiled warmly. “Firstly, I want to ask the handsome groom, Mr. Aryan Khanna. Do you want to marry Ms. Riya and be her lifetime companion in sickness or in health, and for richer, for poorer?”
“Yes, I do,” Aryan replied firmly, his gaze locked onto Priya’s face. The words were part of the ritual, yet they carried the weight of his truest desires.
“Now,” the priest continued, turning to Priya, “I want to ask the pretty and kind bride, Ms. Riya. Do you want to marry Mr. Aryan Khanna and be his lifetime companion in sickness or in health, and for richer, for poorer?”
Priya’s lips curved into the faintest trembling smile. Looking into Aryan’s eyes, she softly said, “Yes, I do.” In her heart, she whispered another vow — one she could not speak aloud.
The priest raised his hands in blessing. “Congratulations. From today, both of you are husband and wife.”
The hall erupted into joyful claps and cheers. Suddenly, voices rose together, playful and insistent: “Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!”
Priya and Aryan froze for a second, startled by the chanting crowd. Slowly, Aryan turned his head toward her, his dark eyes searching hers. Without words, he asked her permission, his gaze tender yet uncertain.
Priya’s cheeks flushed pink, her heart pounding like a drum. After a brief pause, she gave the faintest nod.
In the middle of cheers and laughter, Aryan gently leaned forward. Their lips met in a soft, lingering kiss — tender and hesitant at first, but full of emotions they had both kept buried. For those few seconds, the world melted away, and it felt as though they were not pretending at all.
It was not just a kiss. It was a promise, unspoken but deeply felt — that no matter the circumstances, their hearts had already chosen each other.
As their lips parted, the hall erupted into thunderous applause and playful whistles. The guests clapped in rhythm, some teasingly chanting Aryan’s name, others praising Priya’s beauty. For a moment, the atmosphere was filled with joy, laughter, and a kind of celebratory warmth that wrapped around the couple like a blessing.
Priya’s cheeks were glowing crimson, her eyes downcast, as if she could hide the storm of emotions stirring inside her chest. Her lips still tingled from the kiss, and she silently wondered: Why does this feel so real? Why does it feel like my heart belongs here, with him, forever?
Aryan, meanwhile, couldn’t take his eyes off her. His usually confident demeanor had softened, his smile unguarded, almost boyish. He thought, I’ve kissed her before only in my imagination… and now, in front of everyone, it feels like my soul finally found home.
Mrs. Khanna leaned toward her husband, her eyes misty with emotion. “Look at them, Rajesh. Don’t they look perfect together?”
Mr. Khanna, who usually kept a firm, businesslike face, allowed himself a rare smile. “Perfect isn’t even enough. They look… meant to be.”
The elders were all smiles, but in the crowd, Karan stood silently, his hands clenched behind his back. His eyes flickered between Aryan and Priya, emotions unreadable. A part of him was amused at how convincingly she was playing her role, but another part — deeper, darker — felt uneasy. She’s hiding something… and if she falls too deep, neither of them will come out unscathed.
The priest cleared his throat again, trying to restore a sense of calm after the kiss. “Now that the rituals are completed, let us move to the blessings and celebrations.”
As they walked hand in hand down from the stage, Aryan leaned slightly closer to Priya and whispered with a teasing grin, “So, Mrs. Riya Aryan Khanna, how does it feel?”
Priya’s heart skipped, but she quickly masked her fluster with sarcasm. “It feels like you enjoyed that kiss way too much.”
Aryan chuckled under his breath, his voice husky, “And you didn’t?”
Her eyes widened at his audacity, and she turned away with a shy laugh, pretending to be annoyed. Yet deep inside, she couldn’t deny the truth — she had enjoyed every second.
Meanwhile, their families surrounded them, showering them with blessings, hugs, and teasing remarks. The hall glowed with happiness, but beneath the surface, both Priya and Aryan carried a secret longing — a silent wish that this wedding wasn’t just an arrangement, but the beginning of their real forever.
And standing a few feet away, Karan’s smirk lingered. He thought to himself: Sooner or later, truth has a way of breaking through. Let’s see how long this fairytale lasts.
After the grand event, when everyone returned home, the atmosphere still buzzed with the echoes of laughter and celebration. Mrs. Khanna looked at the newlyweds with a radiant smile.
“Now you both go to your room and relax,” she said warmly, her eyes sparkling with affection.
“Yaa…” Aryan replied casually, but there was a hint of playful excitement in his tone. Then he turned to Priya, his eyes softening. “Let’s go,” he said gently.
Priya glanced down at herself, her heavy bridal dress flowing around her like a river of silk. She tried tugging it up to make it easier to walk, but the more she tried, the more impossible it seemed. With a helpless sigh, she looked at Aryan and said, half embarrassed, half amused, “How do I go upstairs in this dress?”
Mrs. Khanna chuckled, her motherly concern mixing with amusement. “Aryan, you should think for yourself—how will she go like this?”
Aryan tapped his chin dramatically as though thinking hard, then snapped his fingers. “Hmm… wait…” His lips curved into a mischievous grin. Without giving Priya another second to argue, he stepped forward, bent down, and swept her up effortlessly into his arms — the classic bridal pose.
Priya gasped softly, her hands instinctively wrapping around his neck. Their eyes met for a brief moment, and in that closeness, her heart skipped a beat. But Aryan, always ready with a teasing remark, broke the silence. “You’re so heavy!” he said with a laugh, pretending to struggle.
Her cheeks flushed, and she narrowed her eyes at him. “I’m not heavy. Maybe you’re just weak,” she shot back, her tone sharp but playful.
Their banter made Mr. and Mrs. Khanna laugh heartily, the sound echoing through the hall like a blessing. For them, this wasn’t just a joke — it was proof that their children already behaved like a real couple.
Aryan glanced at his parents, his lips twitching with a smirk. “Mom… Dad…” he drawled, as if waiting for permission to disappear with his bride.
Mr. Khanna raised a brow, his voice filled with humor yet warmth. “Go up…” he instructed, waving his hand as though dismissing them like little children caught playing.
Aryan grinned, tightening his hold on Priya as he began carrying her toward the staircase. Priya, still hiding her blush, she secretly enjoyed the moment — feeling safe, cherished, and undeniably his.
Perfect scene to blend a touch of tension, shyness, and Aryan’s playful protectiveness. I’ll refine the grammar, expand their emotions, and deepen the mood without changing the dialogues:
They both entered the room, the faint fragrance of flowers and the distant hum of music from downstairs still lingering in the air. Aryan carefully placed Priya on the bed, as though she were something fragile and precious. He straightened up, brushing off his suit and said gently, “Firstly, go and change your dress.”
“Yaa, right,” she replied, her voice still soft from the weight of the evening. She stood up quickly, clutching her heavy lehenga, and disappeared into the bathroom. A few minutes later, she emerged in a simple yet elegant night suit, her face fresh, her long hair falling freely over her shoulders.
Aryan then went inside to change. When he came out in casual clothes, comfortable and relaxed, Priya’s eyes instinctively followed him for a moment before she caught herself and looked away.
Trying to break the silence, she asked, almost nervously, “Do we have to sleep in the same room now?”
Aryan arched an eyebrow, his lips curving into a sly smile. “Obviously. Now we are both husband and wife.” His tone was calm but teasing, carrying the weight of the new reality between them.
As he began walking closer, step by step, Priya’s heart raced. She scooted slightly back on the bed, her hands clutching the bedsheet. “Wh… what are you doing?” she asked, her voice trembling, betraying both curiosity and nervousness.
Aryan leaned in, close enough that she could feel his breath, his eyes locked onto hers. The silence was thick, her pulse echoing in her ears. Then, in a slow, deep tone, he whispered, “I… am…”
Priya froze, holding her breath, until suddenly he reached past her, grabbed a pillow from behind, and with a cheeky grin said, “I’m just taking this.”
For a second, Priya blinked at him in disbelief. Then she exhaled in relief, her shoulders sinking. “Oh…” she said, her reaction mixed with embarrassment and relief.
Aryan chuckled softly at her innocence, shaking his head. “Now you sleep comfortably here,” he said, pointing at the bed. “I’ll sleep on the couch.”
She looked at him, almost surprised by his thoughtfulness, but she only nodded. “Okay,” she said, her voice quiet, though inside her chest a different kind of warmth began to spread.
As Aryan woke up, he rubbed his eyes lazily and turned his gaze toward the bed. Priya was still asleep, her face relaxed, her hair scattered across the pillow, and a faint smile playing on her lips as if she were lost in a sweet dream. He couldn’t help but lean closer, his eyes softening.
She looks so cute while sleeping… like a little child. His heart melted. Should I wake her up? No… she’s in such a deep sleep. Let her rest.
Smiling at his own thoughts, Aryan quietly stood up and went into the bathroom.
A few minutes later, Priya stirred. Slowly, her eyes fluttered open, adjusting to the morning light. She stretched slightly, then her gaze shifted toward the mirror. Her eyes widened immediately.
Aryan was there, standing in front of the mirror with nothing but a towel wrapped around his waist. Droplets of water slid down his toned chest, tracing the sharp lines of his body as he ran his fingers through his damp hair. His reflection looked effortlessly hot, like he had just stepped out of a magazine.
Priya’s breath hitched, and her heart started racing. Oh my God… why does he look so… so… Her thoughts scrambled.
And then, as if fate wanted to embarrass her more, Aryan suddenly turned around. Their eyes met for a second before she panicked and squeezed her eyes shut, pretending to sleep again.
Aryan smirked knowingly. “Are you not ashamed? You’re seeing a boy in this condition,” he teased, his voice low and mischievous.
Her mind screamed, Did he see me looking?
“Mrs. Riya Khanna, I’m talking to you,” Aryan said, taking slow steps toward the bed. His smirk widened as he saw her ears turning red. “Don’t act like you’re sleeping, because your blush is saying everything.”
Priya gasped and quickly opened her eyes, bringing her hands to her cheeks. “Did I…?” she stammered, unable to finish her sentence.
“Yes,” Aryan said with confidence, leaning closer, his eyes locked on hers. “You’re blushing right now.”
Before she could protest, the door creaked open.
Mrs. Khanna walked in, holding a soft smile, but the moment her eyes landed on Aryan standing there in just a towel, she froze. Her eyebrows shot up, and she immediately looked away. “Oh… I’m sorry, guys. I disturbed you,” she said quickly. Then, with a playful glint in her eyes, she added, “I just came to invite you for breakfast.” Without waiting for a reply, she slipped out of the room, still smiling.
Priya’s face turned crimson. She sat up straight, glaring at Aryan. “First you go and wear your clothes! Don’t know what aunty must be thinking because of you!”
Aryan chuckled, clearly enjoying her flustered state. He leaned against the dresser, his smirk still teasing. “That’s it… the husband and wife were spending some romantic time together.”
Her jaw dropped at his boldness. “Aryan!” she said in disbelief, grabbing a pillow to throw at him.
But he only laughed, catching it mid-air. “Relax, Mrs. Khanna… You’re mine now. Sooner or later, you’ll have to get used to me like this.”
Priya’s heart skipped a beat at his words. She turned away quickly, but her lips curved into a small, involuntary smile.
Mr. and Mrs. Khanna were already seated at the dining table when Aryan and Priya walked in together. Aryan looked unusually fresh and calm, carrying that subtle smugness he always had after teasing Priya.
“Good morning…” Aryan greeted casually, sliding into his seat.
“Good morning…” Mr. Khanna replied warmly, adjusting his glasses.
“Very good morning, Uncle and Aunty,” Priya said politely, her voice soft yet cheerful as she sat down beside Aryan.
“Good morning, dear…” Mrs. Khanna smiled at her, her eyes filled with affection. There was already a motherly warmth in her gaze whenever she looked at Priya.
“What’s your today’s plan?” Mr. Khanna asked Aryan while sipping his tea. His tone carried curiosity, but also a subtle hope that Aryan’s answer would involve Priya.
“What kind of plan, Dad? I’ll go to the office as usual,” Aryan replied matter-of-factly, unfolding the napkin like it was the most obvious thing to say.
“What… office?” Mr. Khanna raised his eyebrows, a little surprised. This boy, even after marriage, doesn’t change.
“Son, both of you got married just yesterday,” Mrs. Khanna said, her tone gentle but slightly scolding. “You should spend time with each other. Go somewhere, stay with each other.”
Priya lowered her gaze shyly, her cheeks warming. The idea of spending time alone with Aryan outside this house made her heart flutter, but she also didn’t know how to react in front of his parents.
“Okay, Mom, we will do it…” Aryan said quickly, trying to calm her down. Then, with a sigh, he added in his usual stern tone, “But for some time, I am very busy. I have a lot of meetings… So, after that…”
Mrs. Khanna exchanged a glance with her husband, slightly disappointed. Mr. Khanna leaned forward and asked firmly, “And how much time?”
“A few months,” Aryan replied without hesitation, taking a bite of toast.
“What?” Mrs. Khanna’s voice rose in shock. “And a week later I was planning to send you on a honeymoon.” Her expression was filled with disbelief. She had dreamed of this moment for years — to see her son enjoying married life.
Aryan placed his fork down and looked at her seriously. “Please, Mom, not now. When I’m free, we’ll go on our own… Right, Riya?” He turned to Priya, seeking silent support.
Priya hesitated for a second but nodded in agreement, her soft “Hmm” enough to back him up. She didn’t want to worsen things by arguing, though deep down she wished he’d consider their happiness too.
Mrs. Khanna sighed, her eyes moving between the two of them. “Okay, as you both want,” she finally said, though her tone revealed her disappointment.
“Thank you, Mom,” Aryan said lightly, as if the matter was settled. He immediately turned back to his plate, focusing on his breakfast.
Priya, however, couldn’t ignore the slight tension that lingered in the air. She glanced at Aryan — who was calm as ever — and then at Mrs. Khanna, whose smile didn’t quite reach her eyes anymore.
❁𝐑𝐄𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑❁
❀𝕴𝖋 𝖞𝖔𝖚 𝖑𝖎𝖐𝖊 𝖎𝖙!❀
♡ 𝙳𝚘𝚗’𝚝 𝚏𝚘𝚛𝚐𝚎𝚝 𝚝𝚘 𝙻𝚒𝚔𝚎, 𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚖𝚎𝚗𝚝 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚜𝚑𝚊𝚛𝚎 ♡
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