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As the engagement ceremony began, Karan gently took Nitya’s hand, his fingers wrapping around hers with quiet assurance, and led her toward the stage. Two low-cushion chairs, draped in ivory fabric and adorned with marigold strings, were arranged for the couple. As they reached the steps, Karan crouched down without a second thought and lifted the edge of her heavy lehenga carefully, making sure it wouldn’t tangle around her feet. His touch was protective, instinctive—like a shield she didn’t even realise she needed.