It was Aditya's wedding day, and as Tara stood in the crowd, she tried to hold back the bittersweet ache within her. Colors swirled around them, laughter filled the air, and Aditya looked radiant with joy. Tara had been part of his family's efforts, helping organize every detail to ensure a perfect celebration. He caught her eye and smiled. She smiled back but beneath it, she was doing her best to keep her sadness hidden. A shiver ran through her body, an unsettling feeling in her stomach that nearly made her ill. This was the moment she had long feared but never truly prepared for.

That night, after the festivities, Tara's restlessness grew unbearable. She wandered through the quiet halls, finally slipping into the room prepared for Aditya and his new bride, Anjali. She adjusted the pillows, straightened the flowers- anything to give herself a semblance of control. Aditya's mother, Mrs. Roy, had also been there earlier, arranging small details. But Mrs. Roy's face seemed blank, her emotions unreadable as if bracing herself for a storm no one else could see.

Suddenly, Aditya and Anjali entered the room, and her heart clenched. She forced a goodbye through a tight smile, backing away as they settled into their new life together. She slipped out into the night, moving quickly to leave her sorrow behind. But she heard footsteps trailing behind her. When she turned, she saw Aditya, his face unreadable.

"Tara," he began, "why are you acting so strangely?"

"Why are you doing this to me?" she whispered, unable to contain the pain in her voice.

Aditya looked at her, surprised. "I asked you first, remember? If this was alright..."

"I know," she said, her voice trembling, "but I love you. I've always loved you....