WHEN STARS ALIGN

Chapter 1: The Gilded Cage

The fragrance of expensive Oudh and fresh lilies was suffocating. Sumaya sat before the vanity mirror, her reflection a stranger she didn't care to know. The heavy red Lehenga felt like lead on her shoulders, and the gold jewelry felt like shackles.

"Beta, please stop this face," her mother whispered, adjusting the heavy Maang Tikka on Sumaya's forehead. "Kian is a diamond. He is the CEO of the world's leading tech firm. Kismat khulti hai aisi ladke se shaadi karke. (You're lucky to marry a guy like him.)"

Sumaya didn't blink. "Kismat? My heart was broken into pieces six months ago, Maa. You're just handing the pieces to a stranger."

"Zaid was a mistake. Kian is your future. Ab bas bhi karo, (Now stop it,) wipe those eyes. The guests are waiting."

Kian's POV 

The ballroom of the Grand Regency was a sea of flashing lights and elite silhouettes. I adjusted my cufflinks, my heart thudding in a way it never did during a board meeting. I had seen photos of Sumaya, of course. She was breathtaking, but there was a profound sadness in her eyes that even a high-definition lens couldn't hide.

"Bhai! You're sweating," my younger sister, Kritika, teased, poking my arm. "Relax. Sumaya is lovely. Mom and I already adore her. Just... be gentle, okay? She looks like she's carrying the world on her shoulders."

"I know, Kritika," I murmured, looking toward the grand entrance. "I'm not looking for a trophy wife. I just want to make her smile."

Then, the doors opened.

Sumaya walked in. She was a vision in crimson and gold, but she wasn't looking at me. Her gaze was fixed on the floor, her steps mechanical. As she reached the Mandap, I stepped forward to offer my hand. When our fingers touched, she flinched. It was subtle, but it felt like a jolt of electricity.

Dheere dheere, Kian, I told myself. Slow and steady.

Sumaya's POV 

The ceremony was a blur of Vedic chants and camera shutters. Every time the priest asked us to perform a ritual, I felt a piece of my soul slipping away. How did I get here? Just a year ago, I was planning a future with Zaid. I thought he was my 'always.' Then I found the messages. The lies. The other girl.

Now, I was sitting next to Kian Raizada. I could feel his warmth, hear his steady breathing. He smelled like sandalwood and success.

"Are you okay?" he whispered, leaning in so only I could hear.

I didn't look at him. "I'm fine."

"The jewelry looks heavy. We're almost done, I promise. Bas thodi der aur. (Just a little while longer.)"

His voice was like velvet—too kind, too soft. It made me want to scream. I didn't want a "gentleman." I wanted to be alone in a dark room where I didn't have to pretend.

The Reception 

The "Happy Family" Kian had was on full display. His mother, Arohi, hugged me so tightly I could barely breathe. "Sumaya, tum ab meri beti ho. (You are my daughter now.) Anything you need, you can ask me, and  Kian toh hai hi."

I forced a tight, fake smile. "Thank you, Aunty."

"Aunty? No, beta. Maa," she corrected gently.

Across the room, I saw Kian watching me. He was surrounded by tech moguls and politicians, the most powerful man in the room, yet his eyes kept drifting back to me. Every time he caught my gaze, he gave a small, encouraging nod.