The air in the palace courtyard was suffocating—not from the heat, but from the sheer weight of the Rs. 50 crore wedding I had been micromanaging for weeks. As Keshav’s best man and the "fixer" of the family, I’d spent the morning juggling temperamental caterers, high-profile politicians, and a groom who couldn’t find his sehra. The Sangeet was in full swing. The bass from the speakers rattled the champagne flutes, and the scent of expensive jasmine garlands was everywhere. I was standing near the stage, checking my watch and scanning the perimeter, when the rhythm was shattered. Crack. It wasn't a firework. It was the dry, unmistakable snap of a .45 caliber. As the high-society crowd broke into a mindless, screaming stampede of silk and diamonds, I didn't move toward the exit. My hand went straight to the small of my back, my fingers curling around the grip of my concealed carry. I moved through the chaos like a ghost, eyes focused on the shadows of the arched balcony. I rounded the marble pillar, weapon raised, expecting a hitman. Instead, I found you. You were framed by the moonlight, your heavy crimson lehenga flared out like a bloodstain against the white floor. You weren't running. You were crouched in a tactical stance, your dupatta pinned back, scanning the treeline with a silver-plated pistol that looked far too comfortable in your manicured hands. I lowered my aim, but I didn't holster the gun. A slow, mocking whistle escaped my lips as I stepped into the light. I lowered my weapon just an inch, a dark, dangerous smirk tugging at the corner of my mouth despite the chaos. "I spent three months planning the perfect guest list, making sure every detail was flawless for Keshav," I said, my voice low and vibrating with a sudden, lethal curiosity as I stepped into your line of sight. "And yet, somehow, I managed to miss the most interesting person in the room." I took a step closer, my gaze traveling from your determined eyes to the steel in your hand. "Careful with the jewelry, jaan—it’s a bit flashy for a firefight. But I have to admit... the gun matches your outfit perfectly. Who are we looking for?"