The Billionaire's Bought Bride

Chapter 5: A Dance in Crimson Fire - 18+

The air thrummed with anticipation, a vibrant tapestry woven with the sounds of celebratory music, excited chatter, and the clinking of glasses. The Rathore mansion had transformed into a palace of dreams, adorned with cascading flower arrangements, shimmering chandeliers, and a profusion of rich fabrics. Tonight was Aditi and Arjun's wedding night, a spectacle designed to rival the grandeur of the Mughal era.

Aditi, adorned in a breathtaking crimson lehenga, stood in a secluded corner of the bridal chamber. The opulent red, embellished with intricate gold embroidery, shimmered under the soft glow of the lamps, reflecting in the kohl-rimmed depths of her eyes. Her hands, adorned with intricate henna designs, nervously clutched a silken veil that obscured her face. Nervousness, excitement, and a flicker of trepidation warred within her.

A gentle knock on the door startled her. "Aditi, beta," Dadi Maa's voice called out softly. "Are you ready?"

Taking a deep breath, Aditi straightened her veil and called out, "Almost, Dadi Maa."

The door creaked open, revealing Dadi Maa's radiant smile. Tears welled up in Aditi's eyes as she embraced the warm, comforting presence of her only confidante in this gilded world.

"You look like a dream, beta," Dadi Maa whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "Arjun will be speechless."

A blush crept up Aditi's neck, a mixture of shyness and anticipation. The image of Arjun, handsome and enigmatic in his traditional sherwani flashed across her mind.

Suddenly, the door creaked open once more, revealing a young girl, Arjun's niece, holding a silver tray with a small golden cup.

"Here's the customary sweet milk, bua ji," she said, her eyes wide with childish curiosity.

Aditi smiled, accepting the cup and taking a sip of the sweet, milky concoction. It was a tradition, a sweet beginning to a new life.

The ceremony commenced in the grand courtyard of the mansion. Hundreds of guests, adorned in their finest attire, lined the path leading to the intricately decorated mandap, a canopy of flowers and silk. Instrumental music filled the air, a melody that resonated with both joy and solemnity.

A hush fell over the crowd as Aditi, her veil obscuring her face, slowly walked down the aisle. Her hand rested on the arm of her brother, her heart hammering against her ribs. Her eyes, however, darted towards the figure standing at the altar.

Arjun, looking impossibly handsome in his cream sherwani with gold embroidery, stood like a statue – tall, broad-shouldered, and radiating an aura of power that both intimidated and enthralled Aditi. As she approached, his gaze stole through the veil, a flicker of something deep and unreadable crossing his features.

The ceremony was a whirlwind of rituals, chanting of mantras, and the exchange of vows. When it came to the garlanding ritual, Aditi felt a surge of heat rush through her as Arjun lifted the veil, revealing her face for the first time as his bride. His eyes, the color of a stormy sky, locked with hers, a silent conversation passing between them.

The reception was a dizzying blur of congratulations, photographs, and a seemingly endless flow of food. Yet, amidst the chaos, Aditi found stolen moments with Arjun. Their gazes met across the room, a silent current of desire crackling between them.

Later that night, as the festivities reached a crescendo, Arjun finally led her away from the prying eyes of the guests. They found themselves in a secluded balcony overlooking the shimmering city lights. The cool night air provided a welcome respite from the stifling heat and the cacophony of sounds.

"You look breathtaking, Aditi," Arjun whispered, his voice husky as he brushed a stray strand of hair off her face.

Aditi felt a shiver run down her spine. His touch, so unexpected yet electrifying, sent a jolt through her. "Thank you," she murmured, her voice barely a whisper.