The Rajvansh mansion sparkled under the fairy lights, looking magical as night fell. Inside, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement and chatter as family and friends gathered to celebrate the engagement of Aayan Rajvansh and Tashvi Khanna.

Aayan stood at the center of the grand hall, looking every bit the sophisticated businessman in his tailored black suit. His sharp eyes scanned the room with a cool, detached air. This was a night of obligation, not love.

Tashvi enters the engagement ceremony, exuding confidence in a traditional outfit that blends elegance with her own unique style.

"Tashvi looks stunning tonight, doesn't she?" Kiara whispered to Aayan

"Appearances can be deceiving." He said with a dismissive  glance

Despite Aayan's aloofness, Tashvi gracefully engages with guests, her warmth and charm evident even in the formal setting.

"You handle yourself with such poise, Tashvi." Talking a guest complimented her

"Thank you. It's important to make the best of every situation, isn't it?" She replied smiling graciously

Aayan watches Tashvi from a distance, his expression a mix of skepticism and curiosity as he observes her interactions.

"She handles herself well, I'll give her that."Aayan to himself, begrudgingly

Later, as Tashvi passes by, Aayan's gaze lingers on her for a moment longer than usual.

"You... you're not what I expected." He slightly soften unexpectedly but realize what he said later after when she replied

"Nor am I what you think, Aayan." She said while meeting his gaze with a quite resolve

Tashvi, in contrast, was the picture of warmth and grace. She wore a beautiful red lehenga that shimmered under the lights. Despite her confident demeanor, a hint of frustration flickered in her eyes—a reminder of the uncertain journey ahead. She, too, had been forced into this marriage by familial expectations, and she wasn’t thrilled about it.

The evening began with traditional rituals. The Rajvansh and Khanna families, dressed in their festive best, surrounded Aayan and Tashvi, showering them with blessings. The air was filled with the sweet scent of flowers and the hum of prayers.

Aayan kept a stoic expression, engaging minimally with the guests. Tashvi, on the other hand, greeted everyone warmly, her genuine smile hiding her inner turmoil.

"Aayan, come forward," Mr. Rajvansh called, signaling his son to join Tashvi at the ceremonial space.

Aayan stepped forward, his movements precise and deliberate. Standing beside Tashvi, he couldn't help but notice how different they were—her openness contrasting with his reserve.

The priest chanted mantras, blessing the couple. Aayan and Tashvi exchanged rings, a formal symbol of their engagement. As applause broke out, Aayan caught a glimpse of Tashvi's determined expression. He quickly looked away, his mind troubled by conflicting thoughts.

After the rituals, the couple was surrounded by well-wishers. Among them was Kiara Saxena, Tashvi's lively best friend, who had been eagerly waiting for this moment.

"Tashvi, you look stunning!" Kiara exclaimed, hugging her friend. "And Aayan, congratulations. You both make a striking couple."

Aayan gave a brief nod, his lips barely forming a smile. "Thank you," he said, his tone flat.

Kiara sensed the tension between Aayan and Tashvi and decided to lighten the mood. She turned to Yuvaan Rajvansh, Aayan's younger brother, who was nearby.

"Yuvaan, it's been so long!" Kiara said with a mischievous grin. "What's been keeping you busy?"

Yuvaan laughed, his relaxed demeanor a contrast to his brother's stiffness. "Just work and family, Kiara. How about you?"

Kiara animatedly shared stories of her recent adventures, her laughter ringing through the hall. Yuvaan listened, genuinely enjoying her company.

"Sounds like you've had quite the adventures," Yuvaan said with a smile. "Maybe next time, you can take me along."

Kiara chuckled. "Only if you can keep up with me, Yuvaan."

As the evening wore on, Aayan and Tashvi found themselves alone for a moment. Tashvi took a deep breath, ready to bridge the silence.

"Aayan," she began softly, "I know this engagement isn't what either of us wanted. But I believe we can make it work."

Aayan kept his gaze fixed ahead, his jaw tight. "Tashvi, let's not pretend this is anything more than a deal between our families. We don't need to act like a happy couple."

Tashvi felt a sting at his harsh words but stood her ground. "I'm not asking for pretense, Aayan. I'm asking for a chance. A chance for us to understand each other."

Aayan finally looked at her, a flicker of something unreadable in his eyes. "You don't know what you're asking for, Tashvi. My world isn't easy to step into."

Tashvi held his gaze, her resolve firm. "Then show me. Let me understand your world, and I'll help you understand mine. We owe it to ourselves to try."

Aayan's expression softened just a bit. "We'll see, Tashvi. But don't expect miracles."

Their conversation was interrupted by a call for a group photo. They joined their families, smiling for the camera. Despite the smiles, the tension between Aayan and Tashvi was clear.

As the night came to an end, guests began to leave. Tashvi and Aayan stood together, saying their goodbyes. Kiara and Yuvaan approached them, still chatting animatedly.

"Tashvi, let's catch up more often," Kiara said, giving her friend a quick hug. "And Aayan, don't be a stranger."

Aayan nodded slightly with his expressionless face. "I'll try."

Yuvaan placed a hand on his brother's shoulder. "Take care, Bahi. And welcome to the family, Bhabhi."

Tashvi smiled, grateful for Yuvaan's kindness. "Thank you, Yuvaan. I'm looking forward to getting to know everyone."

With the guests gone, the mansion fell silent. Aayan and Tashvi stood in the empty hall, the weight of the evening hanging over them.

"Good night, Tashvi," Aayan said, his voice cold. "I trust you'll find your way to your room."

"Good night, Aayan," Tashvi replied softly, watching him walk away. She stood there for a moment, thinking about the road ahead. It was clear that breaking through Aayan's walls would be tough, but Tashvi was determined to try.

The engagement had been the first step in a long journey. As Tashvi made her way to her room, she felt a glimmer of hope. Perhaps, in time, they could find a way to build a relationship based on understanding and respect.

In the grand Rajvansh mansion, where tradition met modernity, Aayan and Tashvi's story was just beginning. Though the path ahead was uncertain, they both wanted to make the best of their circumstances and, against all odds, find a way forward together.

The engagement ceremony had ended, and the first night was filled with quiet thoughts. Aayan went to his room, his mind a mix of conflicting emotions. He was always in control, always composed. But tonight, Tashvi's words had affected him. She was determined and resilient, unlike anyone he had expected.

Tashvi, too, lay awake in her room, thinking about the evening. Aayan's coldness had been a shock, but she saw glimpses of vulnerability beneath his tough exterior. She decided to be patient, to give him the space he needed while gently pushing for the connection she believed they could achieve.

The next morning, the sun rose bright and clear, bringing a sense of renewed purpose. The engagement was over, but the real journey had just begun.

Author: "If you're wondering how they're managing to stay together, it's because Khannas, along with Kiara, are staying as guests in the Rajvansh mansion until the wedding. On the request of Yashwardhan Rajvansh."

In the time that followed, Aayan and Tashvi navigated the complexities of their new relationship.Aayan remained distant, his guard up, but Tashvi's quiet determination began to wear down his defenses. She made small gestures of kindness, showing genuine interest in his life and work.

Aayan, initially skeptical, couldn't help but notice her efforts. She was persistent yet patient, gentle yet strong. Slowly, almost without realizing it, he began to lower his walls. But realized when he spoke soft

In evening, as they sat in the mansion's garden, Tashvi brought up something that had been on her mind.

"Aayan, I know you're not used to sharing your life with someone else," she said calmly. "But I want to be a part of your world. I want to understand you."

Aayan looked at her, the usual hardness in his eyes softening slightly. "Why, Tashvi? Why do you care so much?"

Tashvi smiled gently. "Because I believe that beneath your tough exterior, there's a good man. And I want to know that man."

Aayan was silent for a long moment, the night air filled with the sounds of crickets and distant traffic. Finally, he spoke, his voice low and earnest. "It's not easy for me, Tashvi. Trust doesn't come easily to me."

"I understand," Tashvi replied softly. "I'm not asking for immediate trust. I'm asking for a chance to earn it."

Aayan nodded, a small but significant gesture. "Alright, Tashvi. Let's see where this goes. But i am not willing to take it anywhere"

It was a tentative beginning, but a beginning nonetheless. As she tried so hard to melt his cold walls but failed She's not alone in this forced marriage; she's also striving to make it happy. She once told Kiara that people eventually fall in love after marriage, and she's determined to discover that love within her own marriage. She's putting in her best efforts.

Meanwhile, Yuvaan and Kiara's interactions grew warmer. Yuvaan found himself looking forward to their conversations, appreciating Kiara's zest for life and her ability to make him laugh.

"Kiara, I never imagined you'd be such a breath of fresh air," Yuvaan admitted  day, smiling at her. "You have a way of brightening up even the dullest day."

Kiara laughed. "And I never imagined you'd be so easy to talk to, Yuvaan. I guess we're both full of surprises."

Their growing bond didn't go unnoticed. Tashvi often found herself smiling at their interactions, silently cheering for her friend's happiness. It was a small comfort in the midst of her own complicated situation.

As Tashvi and Kiara sat in Tashvi's room, Kiara couldn't help but voice her thoughts.

"Tashvi, are you really okay with all of this?" Kiara asked, concern evident in her voice. "I know how strong and Bold you are you can do it"

Tashvi made a silent promise to herself. She would approach this new chapter with an open heart and a willingness to find common ground with Aayan. It wouldn’t be easy, but she believed that together, they could build something meaningful.

Somewhere deep down, she knew the icy iceberg wouldn't thaw. Despite this, she attempted to make her marriage work because she couldn't endure a lifeless union. Now that she had committed, even under duress, they had to make it work. When Kiara turned to inquire, she abruptly interrupted her approach and suggested they head to their rooms, claiming fatigue. She didn't want to burden her best friend with any tension.

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Author: I will try to upload the marrige chapter soon don't worry I am trying to work on my both books equally

Remember to vote or else what's the benefit I get with it I write to convey my thoughts but it need some appreciation as well. I tried to improve my writing skills this time and will improve more further