The wedding venue shimmered like a dream carefully stitched together by a thousand delicate hopes. Strings of golden marigolds cascaded from carved pillars, their fragrance blending with the soft sweetness of roses and incense. Crystal chandeliers hung above like frozen stars, casting a warm, honeyed glow over the mandap where sacred fire flickered gently, waiting to witness a union meant to be eternal. The air hummed with hushed conversations, silk rustling against silk, jewelry chiming softly with every movement. It was perfect too perfect, the kind of perfection that felt like it was seconds away from shattering.

And then, it did.