The accidental vows

Janvi's POV "Janvi, get ready fast or we’ll be late! What are you doing?" my mom shouted from outside my room. "Yes, Mom, just ten more minutes!" I replied, though I was still standing in front of my mirror, unsure. Should I really go to the wedding? How could I stand there and watch the person I’ve loved silently for years get married to someone else? Pretend like it doesn't matter? Like I’m just another guest? It felt impossible. And yet… I wanted to see him one last time. Just once, before he officially became someone else’s. Maybe then, my heart would finally accept it. Maybe then, I could let go. For the past six years, I had a huge crush on Raj. He probably never even noticed. And I couldn’t blame him—he never knew how I felt. But to me, he was the love of my life. There was no turning back now. I pulled out a simple yet elegant red saree with a golden border from my wardrobe. I paired it with matching earrings, red bangles, and a delicate ring. A little makeup—red lipstick, kajal, mascara, and a red bindi. I left my hair open and slipped into my black heels. “Janvi! Are you coming or not?” my mom called again. “Coming!” I answered and headed downstairs. My dad saw me and smiled warmly. He hugged me and kissed my forehead. “You look beautiful, my baby.” We drove to the venue—a luxurious five-star hotel glittering with lights and flowers. My heart was racing. The moment we stepped inside, the beauty of the décor faded into the background. All I could feel was the growing weight in my chest. Why did I come here? My feet froze. I wanted to turn back, but I couldn’t. And then, I saw him. Raj. He stood near his car, surrounded by friends, smiling—carefree and handsome as ever. His car was beautifully decorated, and his family looked equally joyous. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Malhotra, had just arrived with his younger brother, Abhi. As they entered, my parents walked up to greet them, and my mom gently pulled me along. “Rahul bhai!” my dad said as he hugged Raj’s father. “Arjun!” Rahul uncle replied cheerfully. Kajal aunty embraced my mom, then smiled at me. “Janvi, you look absolutely stunning in that red saree,” Rahul uncle said. “Thank you, uncle. You look very handsome in your sherwani,” I replied politely. Rahul uncle and my dad had been best friends since childhood. The Malhotras owned one of the top textile businesses in India. Then uncle turned to my dad and joked, “Arjun, we should start looking for a boy for Janvi now.” “Uncle, please!” I said, half-laughing, half-blushing as everyone chuckled at my expense. I quickly made an excuse and slipped away toward the snack counter. I needed a moment to breathe. I picked up a glass of juice, but my eyes had a mind of their own—they searched for Raj. And then… I saw him looking at me. Not casually. Not politely. Intensely. His gaze was locked on mine. I smiled at him instinctively, but he didn’t smile back. He just kept staring with an expression I couldn’t read—like he was thinking something deeply. It made my heart beat faster, confused and unsure. What is he thinking? Why is he looking at me like that? Before I could process it, someone tapped on my shoulder. I turned—and smiled in surprise. It was Abhi, Raj’s younger brother. He was two years older than me, always friendly, always playful. “Well, well,” he teased with a grin, “someone dressed up to impress the whole wedding.” I rolled my eyes. “Oh please, stop it. I knew I shouldn’t have worn this saree. Everyone’s teasing me!” He laughed. “No, seriously. You look beautiful. Honestly, I’m lucky I get to talk to the prettiest girl here. All the guys are staring at you.” I blushed, a little embarrassed. “Stop it.” “Actually, my friends asked me to introduce you to them,” he added, smirking. “Oh God, no! Don’t introduce me to anyone. I’m not interested.” He chuckled. “Alright, alright. I won’t. Promise.” His voice turned serious, like he wanted to say something more, but someone called his name from across the hall. “I’ll be right back,” he said and walked away. My eyes, once again, found Raj. And he was still looking at me. It made me feel something I couldn’t explain—happy, nervous, and sad all at once. Why now, Raj? Why this look today? Raj was four years older than me. I’d always felt shy around him. Maybe that’s why he avoided me… or maybe he just wasn’t interested. Either way, he had never shown any sign. And still, I had held on to these feelings for so long. Just last week, Rahul uncle had come to our house. He looked tense. He told my dad that Raj wanted to marry his girlfriend, Priya. Uncle didn’t seem happy about it. I could tell. And me? I felt like my world was crashing. I ran to my room and cried for hours. And today… here I am. At his wedding. Watching him smile. Trying to tell my heart, this is real. He’s going to marry someone else. Maybe after today, I can finally let him go.