Location: Raj Mahal Palace, Udaipur – Reception Night****
The Raj Mahal Palace had never looked more majestic. Draped in resplendent lights, with live sarangi music echoing across the arched courtyards, it felt like time had slipped into a royal past. The sandstone walls glowed under golden chandeliers, while guests dressed in jewel tones fluttered around like butterflies in a royal garden.
The crowd turned to the palace doors as the dhols paused. A hush spread.
And then—they appeared.
The Power Couple Enters.
Yuvraj walked in first — poised, graceful, and intimidatingly handsome in a black bandhgala sherwani, each silver button polished to perfection. His richly embroidered rust-gold shawl cascaded from his shoulder, and the crimson pocket square tucked near his heart whispered one word: Yukti.
And Yukti. A vision in a deep red silk saree intricately woven with golden motifs. Her temple jewelry sat heavily yet elegantly on her neck, maang tikka shimmering under the palace lights. Her chooda clinked softly with every step, and mehendi-darkened hands clutched her groom’s arm with practiced grace.
Gasps rippled through the guests. Some mouths stayed open.
“Aaj toh asli Maharani lag rahi hai,” one of the guests whispered, awe-struck.
Scene 2: A Dance of Shadows
After the welcome rituals and royal thalis being served, it was time for the couple’s first official dance. The palace lights dimmed, chandeliers flickered, and a hauntingly beautiful Rajasthani fusion instrumental began — a veena meeting a piano, a shehnai blending with a cello.
All eyes turned to the centre of the marble courtyard.
Yukti hesitated for a second.
Yuvraj leaned close. “Don’t worry, kitten… main hoon na.”
He extended his hand.
She took it.
And with that — they danced.
It wasn’t a rehearsed performance. It was pure emotion. Yuvraj led gently, letting Yukti spin and flow like a flame in the wind. Her saree shimmered under moonlight, her laughter soft yet proud. He lifted her into a light twirl, one arm around her waist, eyes locked in something that felt eternal.
Guests were mesmerized. Phones dropped. Conversations froze.
This wasn’t just a dance.
This was a declaration.
A warning.
A promise.
Scene 3: The Poisoned Smile – Kritika’s Game
Just as the applause reached its peak, a woman’s slow, deliberate clap echoed louder than anyone else’s.
All heads turned.
Kritika Sharma.
Dressed in a blood-red saree and wearing a smile sharper than a blade.
“Well,” she drawled, stepping forward, “That was quite the performance. Truly moving. Though I wonder…” Her eyes locked on Yukti. “…how well do we really know the ones we marry?”
The silence snapped. Manjri stiffened. Yugant looked ready to throw his mocktail at her. Yukti blinked—confused but calm.
Yuvraj’s jaw tightened. “Kritika, enough—
"No, no,” she said sweetly, stepping closer. “I’m just happy to see you smile again, Yuvraj. I mean, after everything we shared…”
Gasps. A few murmurs from the crowd.
Yukti’s expression froze. The smile faded.
“Kritika—” Yuvraj warned.
But Kritika wasn’t done. She leaned slightly toward Yukti and whispered — loud enough for the mics to catch —
“Ask him about Manali.
Ask him what happened on that night.”
And just like that… she turned and walked away, leaving behind a bombshell that didn’t explode — yet — but left behind its fuse hissing in the air.
Behind the Smile******
Backstage, as the reception wound down and cameras still clicked, Yukti finally looked at Yuvraj.
Her voice was soft but firm. “What happened in Manali?”
Yuvraj closed his eyes. “That’s… not how she’s making it sound.”
Yukti looked down, her fingers lightly adjusting the bangles on her wrists.
“She’s not the type to lie completely,” she said. “She twists truth. But truth still exists.”
Yuvraj took her hand. “Give me a night, Yukti. I’ll tell you everything. I promise you deserve that.”
She looked into his eyes.
“I do.”
Scene Ends
But the spark Kritika lit had already begun to burn…
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