The engagement ceremony had ended in a whirlwind of lights, laughter, and congratulations. Fireworks had painted the night sky in vibrant colors as relatives hugged and clicked endless photos. Disha sat in the decorated mandap area, her heavy red lehenga weighing her down almost as much as the new ring on her finger. Aryan—now officially her fiancé in the eyes of both families—sat beside her, looking every bit the perfect, respectful groom in his cream sherwani. His hand rested lightly on hers for the cameras, but his thumb traced slow, possessive circles on her palm, a silent reminder of what lay beneath the facade.