Prisha stood at one corner, carefully adjusting the heavy layers of her lehenga so it wouldn’t drag on the floor. The fabric shimmered under the soft golden lights, brushing against her feet as she tried to balance her movements gracefully. Just then, Vanshika called out her name from across the hall, her voice cheerful and echoing faintly in the grand venue.

Hearing her, Prisha lifted her head with a small smile and began walking toward her. But she barely took a few steps when the weight of her lehenga pulled her foot back slightly. The delicate thread of her heel strap got caught in the embroidered fabric, and before she could steady herself, her balance slipped.