𝐑𝐚𝐨: 𝐀 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐎𝐟 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐞𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐥.

╰┈➤"𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐥𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐬, 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐨𝐟 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐥."

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Parvika stood before the closet mirror, adjusting her dark red saree.

The setting sun's rays streamed through the open balcony door, casting an orange glow on the white floor. A faint smile played on her lips as she recalled their escape plan.

The door creaked open, and Atharv entered, resplendent in a neatly ironed black suit.

Their eyes met through the mirror. "You look breathtaking, Pearl," he whispered, his gaze locked on hers as he approached.

"So breathtaking, that I want to lock you away, hiding your beauty from the world." Atharv's words sent shivers down her spine as he wrapped his arms around her, nuzzling his head into her shoulder.

Parvika rolled her eyes. "You talk as if you haven't been keeping me confined."

Athrav chuckled softly, his breath caressing her skin. "You know me well."

His touch made her eyes widen in surprise. She pushed him away. "Don't touch me!"

Athrav raised his hands in mock surrender, a chuckle rumbling in his throat. "Okay, okay...but just one thing." He gently took kajal under her eyes and dotted the back of her ears.

"Nazar na lage meri Pearl ko," he whispered, running the leftover kajal on his finger on his hair.

( Evil eyes off)

"Come down quickly, I'll be waiting." With that, Atharv strode out of the room, leaving Parvika staring after him, her heart racing.

She pressed a hand to her chest, her voice barely above a whisper. "Damn, it's beating so fast...calm down."

A single gesture made her cheeks flush and her heart race. "Why did that made my heart beat this fast?"

Parvika took a deep breath, attempting to calm herself racing heart. She cast one final glance in the mirror before exiting the room.

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Downstairs, Parvika joined Veda, Tejal, Avyan, and Ayur. A bright smile spread across Avyan's face as he gazed at Parvika.

"Wahh, Parvika Bhabhi, you look stunning!" Avyan exclaimed.

Veda shot him a surprised look. "He didn't compliment me, and now he's saying Parvika didi looks pretty!" she whispered to herself.

"Why should I care if he compliments me or not? I'm beautiful, and I know it." Veda said while flipped her hair, a sassy way.

Parvika smiled, thanking Avyan for his compliment. "Let's get going now," Avyan said, gently pulling Veda outside.

As they stepped into the evening sunlight, the mirror on Veda's navy blue saree glinted, catching the fading light.

Ayur gestured for Tejal to follow him without looking at her, his expression unreadable. Tejal looks at him confused.

Ayur had never given her the cold shoulder before, especially not after an argument. But now he's not even looking at her.

As they walked, Tejal's eyes remained fixed on Ayur's back. She couldn't understand why he was being so distant.

"It's good, though," she whispered to herself, walking towards the car. "He won't bother me again with his useless comments."

Tejal slid into the car, settling beside Ayur, who gazed straight ahead, his eyes fixed outside.

As she entered, the warm sunlight streaming through the open window cast a soft orange glow on her pink saree.

Ayur started the car, and the security guards at the gate swung it open, allowing him to drive out of the mansion.

Avyan held Veda's hand as they strolled towards their car, his excitement palpable as he chattered on about god know what things.

Making Veda's patience wearing thin because of his non stop speaker box mouth.

"Shut up, Avyan! You're causing too much sound pollution," Veda snapped, yanking her hand free. She flung open the car door and slid inside.

Avyan's eyes widened in confusion, his hand instinctively rising to scratch his hair. "Huh?!"

Veda's irritation boiled over as she rolled down the window. "Are you coming or not? Just going to stand there like a clueless kid who passed his exam by fluke?"

Avyan hastily jumped into the driver's seat, a sheepish grin spreading across his face. "Sorry, madam ji." He started the car and pulled out of the mansion's driveway following Ayur's car.

Parvika watched as the two cars disappeared through the gateway, leaving her alone. Her eyes scanned the surroundings, her brow furrowed in annoyance.

"He was the one who told me to come downstairs quickly, and now he's nowhere to be seen," she muttered to herself, crossing her arms over her chest as she glared at the nearby jasmine plant.

Just then, a car pulled up in front of her, and the window slid open. "Get in, Pearl," Atharv's voice called out.

Parvika's eyes narrowed. "Seriously, Atharv? Where were you? Everyone's already left. You're the one who told me to be on time, and now look at you." Her voice was laced with irritation.

Atharv winced, rubbing his ear. "Oh god, Pearl, you're hurting my ears. I got an important call; I stepped away to take it. Now, get inside."

Parvika rolled her eyes and slid into the car as they drove away from the mansion.

The evening sunlight spilled across the floor, casting a warm glow. The sweet scent of blooming jasmine flowers filled the air, accompanied by the distant chirping of crickets.

≻───── ⋆✩⋆ ─────≺

The three cars pulled up at the parking lot, where rows of sleek, luxurious vehicles gleamed under the evening light.

The couples emerged from their cars and strode towards the entrance, where a sea of paparazzi awaited.

Cameras clicked and flashed as they snapped photos and videos of the VIPs and VVIPs arriving at the event.

Nobody wants their secrets and problems exposed to the world, so people often wear a fake smile and pretend to be the happiest person alive.

With impeccably polished smiles, the couples made their way through the throng, their faces frozen in picture-perfect composure.

Cameras flashed, and reporters shouted questions, but the questions remain unanswered, their expressions frozen in practiced cheer.

As they entered the grand hall, a fleeting grin crossed Parvika, Veda, and Tejal's faces, their eyes sparkling with a shared secret of their escaping plan.

The hall was a whirlwind of glamour and sophistication, filled with A-list celebrities, influential politicians, and high-society business moguls.

They mingled, laughing and chatting, their masks of civility hiding the darkness beneath.

The air was heavy with the scent of expensive perfumes, but beneath the fragrance, a subtle undercurrent of jealousy simmered.

Tejal's eyes scanned the crowded room, a whispered "Perfect" escaping her lips.

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