Tied By Destiny

The Sharma Mansion had never looked more beautiful. White lilies lined the entrance. Crystal chandeliers sparkled beneath a glass canopy in the garden, and the soft melody of a live violin echoed through the air. Guests from across the city arrived one after another, dressed in elegant suits and shimmering sarees. It was the wedding everyone had been talking about for months. Inside the bridal suite, Kiara Sharma stood before a tall mirror while her best friend, Maya, adjusted the final pin in her veil. "There," Maya said proudly. "Now if the groom faints when he sees you, don't blame me." Kiara laughed, the sound light and genuine. "He's not that dramatic." "Oh? Give him five seconds." The two friends burst into laughter. For a moment, everything felt peaceful. Kiara looked at her reflection. The ivory bridal gown fit perfectly. Tiny pearls were embroidered across the fabric, and a simple silver bracelet rested on her wrist—a childhood gift she had never taken off. She touched it absentmindedly. It had always brought her comfort. A gentle knock came from the door. "Can we come in?" her mother asked. "Of course." Mrs. Sharma entered first, followed by Kiara's father. Her mother smiled through watery eyes. "My little girl..." Before she could finish, tears rolled down her cheeks. "Oh no," Kiara sighed dramatically. "You're crying already? We haven't even reached the ceremony." "I can't help it." Mrs. Sharma hugged her tightly. "I still remember carrying you in my arms." Mr. Sharma smiled quietly. "And now she's getting married." He tried to sound cheerful, but something about his smile felt... forced. Kiara noticed it immediately. "Dad?" "I'm fine." "Are you sure?" "Just wedding nerves." She wasn't convinced. For nearly a week, her father had barely slept. He spent hours in his study answering phone calls that always ended with silence. Whenever she asked what was wrong, he simply replied, "Business." Nothing more. Before she could ask again, another knock interrupted them. "The groom's family has arrived." "We'll be there," Mrs. Sharma answered. As her parents left the room, Kiara watched her father. His shoulders looked heavier than usual. Almost as if he were carrying something invisible. Something he couldn't share. ... Downstairs, the celebration was in full swing. Guests admired the decorations while photographers captured every smile. Near the mandap stood Aarav Malhotra. Tall, polite, and well-mannered, he greeted everyone with respect. Unlike many wealthy businessmen, Aarav disliked being the center of attention. When Kiara walked into the hall, he smiled warmly. "You look beautiful." "Thank you." "You look nervous." "I am." "So am I." That made her laugh. "Really?" "I've rehearsed my wedding vows three times." "You memorized them?" "I even practiced them in front of the mirror." She shook her head. "That's adorable." "And embarrassing." Their conversation was interrupted by relatives calling Aarav for photographs. "I'll see you at the mandap," he said. Kiara nodded. As she watched him walk away, she felt calm. She wasn't marrying the love of her life. But she believed they could build a happy future together. Sometimes love grew after marriage. At least... That's what her grandmother always believed. ... Near the dining area, several businessmen surrounded Mr. Sharma. "Congratulations." "You've organized an incredible wedding." "Thank you." He smiled politely. His phone vibrated inside his pocket. Unknown Number. He excused himself and walked toward the quiet garden. "Hello?" Silence. Then a calm voice spoke. "Enjoy the celebration while it lasts." The call disconnected. Mr. Sharma stared at the screen. His heartbeat quickened. Who was it? Before he could think further, another message arrived. I'm on my way. No name. No explanation. Only those four words. A cold shiver ran down his spine. ... Back inside, Maya linked her arm with Kiara's. "So..." "Nervous?" "A little." "Too late to run away." Kiara laughed. "I wasn't planning to." "You'd better not." The music grew louder. Guests slowly took their seats. The priest arranged everything for the ceremony. Photographers moved into position. Outside, dark clouds gathered overhead. The bright afternoon sky slowly disappeared behind thick grey clouds. A cool breeze swept across the garden. Several guests looked toward the entrance. "Is it going to rain?" "It wasn't in the forecast." A valet suddenly stopped walking. Another security guard looked toward the main gate. Then another. One by one... Conversations faded. The sound of several engines echoed outside. Black luxury SUVs rolled through the enormous gates in perfect formation. They moved slowly. Deliberately. None of the vehicles carried wedding decorations. None belonged to the guests. The convoy stopped. Every door remained closed. The musicians stopped playing. Guests exchanged uneasy glances. "Who are they?" "Are they invited?" "No idea..." Standing near the entrance, Mr. Sharma looked toward the convoy. The color drained from his face. "No..." He whispered. "Not today..." Not here. The first car door slowly opened. A polished black shoe touched the ground. Then another. Someone stepped out. His face couldn't be seen from inside the hall. But the confidence in his walk was enough to silence hundreds of people. Without hurrying... Without looking at anyone... The stranger walked toward the wedding entrance. And for reasons she couldn't explain... Kiara felt that the happiest day of her life had just come to an end.