The soft hum of conversation filled the beautifully decorated Kapoor mansion, adorned with marigold garlands and twinkling fairy lights. The engagement of Dhruv and Nandini had created an air of celebration, and despite the unease from the recent incident, the families were determined to focus on the joy of the occasion. After all, this was the moment when two souls would promise each other a lifetime of love.

Abir Rajvansh, Dhruv’s best friend since childhood, arrived with his characteristic carefree swagger. Tall and broad-shouldered, Abir’s sharp features were softened by his mischievous grin and warm eyes. As he stepped into the crowd, his presence was magnetic, drawing attention wherever he went. It had been months since he had last seen Dhruv, and he couldn’t have been more excited to witness his best friend’s engagement.

Spotting Anand and Anumita, Abir made his way over to them with his usual charm. “Mr. and Mrs. Kapoor! You’re looking as radiant as ever. It’s like you’ve both stepped out of a royal portrait,” he said with a teasing smile, bowing dramatically.

Anumita laughed, her earlier tension easing at the sight of Abir. “And you, Abir, always the charmer. It’s good to see you, dear. Dhruv will be so happy you’re here.”

“I wouldn’t miss this for the world,” Abir replied, his smile fading slightly as he lowered his voice. “How’s he holding up? I heard about the… incident.”

Anand sighed, his expression grave. “He’s better now. The doctors still don’t have answers, but Dhruv insists he’s fine. He doesn’t remember much of what happened, but we’re trying not to let that dampen the celebration.”

Abir nodded, his brow furrowing slightly. Something about the situation didn’t sit right with him, but he trusted Dhruv’s judgment. “Well, I’ll make sure to keep his spirits up,” Abir said, flashing his signature grin. “Where is the man of the hour?”

“Upstairs with Nandini,” Anumita replied, her smile returning. “Go on, I’m sure he’ll be thrilled to see you.”

Abir nodded, making his way upstairs. As he neared Dhruv’s room, he could hear the familiar sound of his best friend’s laughter mingled with Nandini’s soft voice. It brought a smile to his face—seeing Dhruv happy had always been his priority.

He pushed open the door without knocking, his grin widening. “Look who’s here to crash the party!”

Dhruv, who had been sitting on the bed beside Nandini, looked up, his face lighting up with joy. “Abir!” He stood up, crossing the room in a few long strides to pull his best friend into a tight hug.

“I was starting to think you’d forgotten all about me,” Dhruv teased, punching Abir lightly on the shoulder.

“As if I could ever forget this face,” Abir shot back with a smirk. He glanced at Nandini, giving her a playful wink. “Nandini, looking more radiant than ever. Dhruv’s a lucky man.”

Nandini blushed slightly, smiling at Abir. “Thank you, Abir. It’s good to have you here.”

Dhruv’s expression softened as he looked at Nandini. “I am lucky,” he said, his voice sincere. “Luckier than I ever thought I’d be.”

Abir glanced between them, feeling a warm sense of pride for his friend. Dhruv had always been the more serious one between them, but seeing him so happy and settled with Nandini made Abir realize just how far they had come.

“So,” Abir said, clapping his hands together. “What’s the plan? Are we going to make this engagement party unforgettable, or what?”

Dhruv chuckled, though there was a hint of weariness in his eyes. “I think it’s already shaping up to be quite the event. But first, I need to thank you for showing up. I wasn’t sure you’d be able to make it.”

Abir gave him a mock glare. “You thought I’d miss my best friend’s engagement? Come on, Dhruv. You know me better than that.”

As they continued to banter, Nandini observed them with quiet affection. Abir’s arrival had lightened Dhruv’s mood, and she was grateful for his presence. But despite the joy of the moment, a nagging worry still tugged at her heart. The events of the previous night weighed heavily on her mind, and though Dhruv had assured her he was fine, she couldn’t shake the feeling that something darker was lurking beneath the surface.

Just then, there was a knock at the door, and Sneha poked her head in, her wide eyes sparkling with excitement. “Mumma says it’s time for the ceremony! Everyone’s waiting.”

Dhruv grinned, ruffling his little sister’s hair. “We’ll be right there, Nehu.”

As Sneha skipped off, Abir turned to Dhruv, his eyes twinkling. “Well, this is it, man. Ready to make it official?”

Dhruv looked at Nandini, his smile softening. “I’ve never been more ready.”

The three of them headed downstairs, where the engagement ceremony was about to begin. The living room had been transformed into a beautiful, romantic setting, with soft lighting and floral decorations adorning every corner. Family and friends gathered around, eagerly awaiting the moment when Dhruv and Nandini would exchange rings and take their first step toward their future together.

As Dhruv and Nandini took their places in the center of the room, the crowd hushed, watching with bated breath. Dhruv’s heart raced as he held Nandini’s hand, her touch grounding him in the moment. Everything felt perfect—almost too perfect.

But amidst the soft music and the smiles of their loved ones, Tarini stood in the shadows, her eyes fixed on the couple. She watched as the priest began chanting the sacred mantras, her gaze flickering with a dangerous intensity. Her fingers clenched around the glass she held, her knuckles white.

In her mind, the engagement wasn’t just about Dhruv and Nandini’s future—it was a betrayal. A betrayal of everything she had ever wanted. Dhruv was supposed to be hers, not Nandini’s. And she wasn’t going to stand idly by and let her sister take him away.

As the priest called for the rings to be exchanged, Tarini’s lips curved into a cold smile. She had spiked Dhruv’s drink earlier, and now, she would watch as the effects took hold.

Dhruv’s hand shook slightly as he reached for the ring, a sudden wave of dizziness washing over him. He blinked, trying to focus, but the room seemed to spin around him. He glanced at Nandini, her worried face blurring before his eyes.

“Dhruv?” Nandini whispered, her voice filled with concern.

“I—I’m fine,” Dhruv muttered, though his legs felt unsteady beneath him. He could feel the eyes of everyone in the room on him, waiting for him to complete the ceremony.

But as he tried to place the ring on Nandini’s finger, his vision darkened, and his body swayed. Abir, noticing the sudden change in his friend’s demeanor, rushed forward, catching Dhruv just before he collapsed to the floor.

The room erupted into chaos. Anumita screamed, rushing to her son’s side, while Abir tried to shake him awake. Nandini knelt beside Dhruv, her heart pounding in terror.

“Call the doctor!” Anand shouted, his voice filled with panic.

Tarini watched the scene unfold, her cold smile fading as a strange mixture of satisfaction and unease settled in her chest. She hadn’t expected this. She hadn’t thought the effects would be so immediate… or so severe.

As Dhruv lay unconscious on the floor, the engagement party dissolved into a frantic blur of shouting and confusion. But amidst the chaos, one thing was clear—this wasn’t just a momentary setback.

It was the beginning of something far darker.

Dedicated to my best friend forever @Madhusudana_