After a moment of weighing his options, Veer finally said, "Fine, we will marry. But remember your conditions."
Pari's face lit up with a radiant smile, a blend of triumph and confidence swirling in her eyes. She nodded firmly and turned to leave, her maid trailing closely behind her. As Veer watched her graceful figure fade into the distance, a myriad of thoughts raced through his mind. "Did she ever love that Reyan?" he asked, turning to his servant.
"Yes, master, that's what everyone says," the servant replied, his voice laced with the gossip swirling around the kingdom.
The royal doctor, however, wore a frown, contemplating the scene he had just witnessed. "But she didn't seem heartbroken or despondent. On the contrary, she looked carefree and even happy that her engagement was broken," he noted, crossing his arms in thought.
Veer mulled over the doctor's observation. There was an enigmatic quality to Pari that intrigued him. "Perhaps," he conceded slowly, "but we should inform the emperor about this arrangement."
Meanwhile, as evening fell, Pari roamed the lively streets of the city. The air was thick with the scent of blooming flowers and the sounds of laughter, but all eyes were drawn to her. She moved like a vision, her dress flowing light as a whisper, accentuating her ethereal beauty.
Arriving home, she opened the door to find the atmosphere in the hall charged with tension. Her father held a scroll, his expression a cocktail of disbelief and awe. Reeta and Niya shot her fiery glares, envy igniting their eyes. Niya's frown deepened when she saw how beautifully Pari carried herself; her sister looked like a fairy come to life, and jealousy bubbled beneath her skin.
Yet Maira, Pari's mother, wore a radiant smile as she beamed with pride, her heart swelling with joy for her daughter.
"You…" her father began, his disbelief palpable. "Prince Veer was ready to marry you." The words hung in the air, surreal yet triumphant. How had his daughter, once deemed useless, managed to capture the heart of a prince in just one meeting?
Pari approached her mother, enveloping her in a warm embrace. "As you can see, mother is one of the beauties of this kingdom; it's natural for me to be beautiful as well. Perhaps the prince simply fell for my looks," she teased, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
An awkward silence blanketed the room, but deep down, everyone recognized the truth; Maira was indeed a striking beauty, and Pari inherited her graceful allure.
Reeta struggled to hide her growing resentment, her features taut as she strained to maintain composure. Niya simmered, her jealousy flaring as she acknowledged the painful reality: her sister was a goddess, commanding attention and admiration effortlessly.
Feeling a mix of awkwardness and joy, her father nodded, pride glimmering in his eyes. "You did wonderfully, my daughter. We shall go to the emperor and finalize this marriage."
As days passed, anticipation swirled thicker than ever, culminating in Niya's grand wedding day. Clad in a luxurious gown that shimmered like spun gold, she was the very picture of beauty and poise. This was no ordinary wedding; it was a monumental event that filled the hearts of all with envy. Niya reveled in the attention, her heart set on proving herself as the crown jewel of their family.
On the other side of the hall stood Reyan, looking dashing but burdened. Despite the lavish surroundings and the delight of the guests, he felt an emptiness gnawing at him, a shadow that dulled his smile. He faked his enthusiasm.
Father Mayank greeted guests with boisterous pride, showcasing his daughter's marriage to a prince, the royal connection boosting his status and ego.
Just then, Pari approached Niya, her beauty radiant as ever. "Sister, you look absolutely stunning," she praised, genuine admiration in her voice.
Reyan watched, his eyes narrowing as he took in the sight of Pari. She was effortlessly gorgeous, radiating confidence and joy. Yet the happiness that adorned her face only deepened his discomfort; he wanted her to be sad, torn apart by her loss.
Finally, Pari strode toward Reyan, a playful smile on her lips. "Brother-in-law," she said, her voice lilting and teasing. "I trust you'll take good care of my sister?"
The term "brother-in-law" made Reyan's heart race with an uncomfortable mix of emotions, a flutter of awareness igniting within him. He returned her smile, though it was tinged with awkwardness.