The sun hung low in the afternoon sky, casting long shadows over the bustling wedding preparations at Shyam's village home. Veda had been on her feet since dawn, her cotton saree now slightly rumpled from the constant movement. She darted between the women, helping arrange flower garlands, folding crisp linens for the mandap, and chatting animatedly with Malini, whose laughter rang out like bells. Since her own wedding, Veda had been glued to Rajveer's side, their world a cocoon of stolen touches and heated nights. But today, duty called, and she threw herself into the festivities, her mehndi-hidden secrets tingling with anticipation for later revelations.