The Pratap Singh mansion hummed with soft post-henna chatter. Guests sipped tea and nibbled on sweets, the air fragrant with marigolds and rose petals, but the elders' eyes never missed a thing.
Chandrika, Moti Baa, adjusted her shawl with calm authority, scanning the room. "There you two are. I was beginning to wonder where you vanished," she said, her voice steady, but a hint of amusement tugging at the corner of her lips.
Vikram's gaze was serene but deliberate, quietly taking in the couple. Bhoomi crossed her arms, her smile warm but firm. "Yes, do explain. Running off in the middle of a ceremony isn't exactly… conventional."
Vinod leaned lightly against the pillar, his expression composed, though a soft smirk played on his lips. "Curious… very curious indeed."
Kiara, slightly flushed, gripped Yuvaan's hand. "Uh… we just wanted to check the shades of my henna. You know, make sure they're perfect for the ceremony." She added quickly, "Totally not wandering off. Promise."
Chandrika's brow arched gracefully. "The shades of your henna, is that so?"
Bhoomi's lips curved into a soft smile. "Practical, if meticulous."
Yuvaan leaned close to Kiara, lowering his voice. "We were making sure the shades were accurate… and that I'm still the favorite in your palm."
Both elders exchanged a quiet, knowing glance, smiles gentle and teasing, yet mature. "Ah, so that explains your absence. How… diligent," Chandrika remarked, shaking her head softly.
Vikram's eyes softened as he watched his daughter and Yuvaan. He said nothing; he already knew Yuvaan had been seeking out a dark presence. His unspoken understanding lingered in the air, quiet but potent.
Susheela moved toward them, limping slightly. Yuvaan's eyes flicked to her instinctively, his mind working in rapid calculations. Did she get hurt somehow… or… could it be related to the serpent earlier?
He studied her for a long moment, a shadow of suspicion passing through his mind. But he quickly shook it away, reasoning that it wasn't possible. Masking the thought, he kept his expression calm. "Is your foot okay?" he asked, genuine concern in his tone.
Susheela gave a small, embarrassed smile, adjusting her saree. "Oh, don't worry. Just stepped on a shard of glass. The staff was careless. Nothing serious."
Yuvaan nodded subtly, letting the concern slide. Not the serpent… must be a coincidence, he reasoned.
Kajal's gentle gaze softened on Kiara. "I hope you didn't give us a scare."
Kiara squeezed Yuvaan's hand and smiled up at her mother. "We're fine, Mom. Totally fine. Just… making sure everything was perfect, lol."
Vikram's eyes lingered on Yuvaan a moment longer, silent understanding passing between them. He knew exactly why Yuvaan had been gone — the dark presence wasn't finished, and his son-in-law had acted without delay.
Yuvaan met his father-in-law's gaze and gave a small, almost imperceptible nod. All good. Nothing to alarm the elders with.
Bhoomi smiled, her voice warm yet commanding. "Well, if it was henna inspection, we can forgive you this time… but don't vanish mid-ceremony again."
Kiara grinned, still holding Yuvaan's hand tightly. "Sure, Mom… lol. Promise. Henna inspection only, cross my heart."
Vinod's chuckle was quiet, mature, restrained. "You two are incorrigible," he said, shaking his head.
The gentle laughter of the elders mixed with the calm chatter of the family, the tension lightening — yet unseen, subtle threads of danger still whispered through the mansion.
The Pratap Singh mansion slowly settled into a calm rhythm as the henna ceremony drew to a close. Guests exchanged farewells, laughter and chatter fading into the evening air. The family gathered in the grand hall, the warmth of togetherness surrounding them like a gentle blanket.
Kiara adjusted her dupatta, still glowing with the faint scent of henna, as Yuvaan walked beside her, hand brushing hers lightly. The elders — Chandrika, Bhoomi, Vikram, Vinod, Susheela, and Kajal — formed a semi-circle around the couple, exchanging satisfied smiles and nods.
"It's been a lovely ceremony," Chandrika said, her voice calm, carrying the weight of her wisdom. "Everything went perfectly."
Bhoomi added softly, "Yes, and our girl looks radiant. Very proud of you, Kiara."
Kiara blushed slightly, her smile bright but shy. "Thank you… everyone. Really, it means a lot."
Vikram's hand rested gently on her shoulder, protective yet proud. "Let's conclude with a small blessing. We've had a joyous day, and I want it to continue for the rest of the wedding festivities."
Everyone joined hands, forming a quiet, unspoken bond. Soft prayers were murmured, blessings given, and laughter occasionally breaking through as Yuvaan whispered something witty into Kiara's ear. She giggled, the sound light and genuine.
No one noticed the quiet shimmer near the large window behind them. Scales glimmered faintly in the last rays of the evening sun, a golden hue weaving through the shadows. The serpent's eyes, intelligent and cold, followed every movement of the family, coiled silently.
It watched. It waited. Unseen.
The family's laughter and chatter continued, blissfully unaware that the eyes of a golden serpent were fixed on them, silently threading its presence into the evening.