𝗧𝘂𝗺 𝗛𝗶 𝗧𝘂𝗺 – [𝐀𝐧 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐞] - 𝐂𝐇 - 𝟑𝟓 ༊˚

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चीज़ें मैं रख के

भूल जाती हूँ
बे ख्याली में गुनगुनाती हूँ
अब अकेले में मुस्कुराती हूँ
बदली हुई सी मेरी अदा है
कुछ तो हुआ है
कुछ हो गया है

******************************

Thankyou so so soo sooo much for loving and supporting TUM HI TUM as it has ranked #3 in top 10 stories of india on wattpad😭🫶💋….love you soo much guys for your each vote, each comment even a like on single comment🥹🫶….you are really soo cute and pyaare pyaare people….love you soo muchh…💋🙂‍↕️🫶💌🩷💖

also I wanna request you all ki agar aap main se kisi ko bhi again TUM HI TUM kisi bhi rank per show kare wattpad pe…so do let me know and iff possible mujhe screenshots bhj dena please….because mere side pe wattpad nashe karte rehta hai and mujhe meri book show hi nahii karta😭, because isse pehle bhi our book was in top 2nd and 7th position for a month but i didn’t knew it iske nashe ki wajah se…kutta kahii ka🥲🔪….so please if possible please let me know…thankyou once again for reading the story…hope you’re enjoying it as well😋🎀

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VOTE: 115+

COMMENTS: 125+    (thodi excietment hogi iss chapter ko padhkar….to controll mat karna saari comments main nikaal dena😋)

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After a few more painfully silent minutes of roaming around with Ansh, Vivaan had finally reached his limit. His sighs became louder, his yawns more dramatic, and he kept glancing at his invisible wristwatch like he was stuck in the most boring board meeting ever.

“Bhaiya… seriously?” he groaned, stepping right in front of Ansh to stop him. “Main function mein aaya hu ya kisi shok samaroh main?”

Ansh blinked, confused by the sudden outburst. “Kya hogya tujhe ab?”

Vivaan folded his arms, staring at him with mock disappointment. “Aap kuch bolte hi nahi ho. Na dance, na drama, na gossip. Ek minute mein thak gaya main aapke sath. Aap yahi raho… main Priya k paas ja raha hu. Kam se kam usse baat to kar sakta hu.”

Ansh simply sighed and waved him off, knowing very well Vivaan would be knee-deep in drama within minutes.

True to form, Vivaan strutted off, eyes scanning the crowd like a gossip-hungry hawk. It didn’t take long before he spotted Priya near the gift table, standing with Samaira, who was busy double-checking decorations one last time.

“Priyaaa!” he called out, waving with both hands as if they hadn’t seen each other in years.

“Kya hua?” Priya looked up at him, amused.

“Yrr apne sath rakha kar mujhe… Ansh bhaiya bore kar dete hai.” he fake cried, dramatically holding his chest.

“Ye lo… itne mai hi bore hogya ye…” Samaira laughed, shaking her head as Priya joined in.

Just then, Aditi walked into the frame, completely in her own world, holding a cold drink in one hand and scrolling through something on her phone in the other. Her soft curls bounced with each step, the golden threads in her white suit shimmering under the lights.

“Ohh hello…. Aditi madam!” Priya called out teasingly.

Aditi turned around instantly, her brows shooting up in surprise when she saw Priya and Vivaan standing there with Samaira. “Priya… Vivaan… tum dono?” she asked, her voice laced with surprise and joy as she approached them.

“Tumlogo ko to kisi aur function main jana tha na… Priya keh rahi thi?” she questioned, still trying to process the sight of them here.

“Wahi to aye hain.” Vivaan grinned mischievously.

“Matlab?” Aditi asked, confused.

“Matlab ye ki tu ladkiwalo ke side se hai aur hum ladke walo ki side se.” Priya explained with a proud smirk.

Aditi’s eyes widened with excitement. “Iska matlab ab hum sath main shaadi bhi attend karenge?” she asked eagerly.

“Haan jaroor!” Priya confirmed.

“Maza ayega… main na Shagun ko bhi le aungi phir hum sab mast maze karenge!” Aditi beamed, already buzzing with excitement.

“Haan aur Ruhaan kaha jayega?” Samaira asked playfully.

“Unko hum utha lenge!” Vivaan declared heroically.

“Haan jaroor and make sure tumlog Aman ko bhi utha lo…” Samaira added with a smirk, making all three younger ones shoot teasing looks at her.

“Vaise hai kaha ye?” Samaira asked, scanning the crowd.

“Jaha sabse kam bheed dikhe na… wahi milenge vo didi.” Vivaan replied cheekily.

“Achaa… theek hai, chalo main dhoondhti hu usse… tumlog baate karo.” Samaira said and walked away to search for Aman.

Aditi turned back to Priya and Vivaan. “Aur batao tum saare aaye ho?”

“Haan… main, yeh, Aman bhaiya, chachi, chacha, mammy, papa… sab aaye hain.” Priya counted on her fingers.

“Bhaiya nahi aaye tere?” Aditi asked casually, a little too casually, only to instantly be met with knowing, mischievous smirks from both Priya and Vivaan.

“Kyu… tujhe kyu janna hai… vo aaye hain ya nahi?” Priya teased with a playful nudge.

“Nahi matlab aise hi pooch rahi hoon… baaki mujhe kya?” Aditi scoffed, trying her best to sound unaffected, but her flushed ears gave her away.

“Haan haaan… sadhu sant kahii ki… bolde bhaiya pe crush nahi hai tujhe.” Priya added, stifling a laugh.

“Nahi hai… vo mere type ke nahi hai.” Aditi said flatly, as if rehearsed. As if she’d told herself that a hundred times just to stay sane.

Vivaan, not one to let the teasing go, took a dramatic sip of his drink and added, “Waise… kisi ko na bolte hue suna tha maine…”

Both Priya and Aditi turned toward him sharply. “Kya kya bol bol!” Priya demanded.

“Ansh bhaiya ne Aditi ko compliment diya tha… ‘Aditi bohot sundar lag rahi hai.'” Vivaan finally revealed, wiggling his brows.

Aditi choked on her drink, coughing furiously while Priya’s mouth fell open.

“Kya baat kar raha hai!” Priya said with a gasp, eyes sparkling with amusement as Vivaan proudly nodded.

“Ayeeee hayeee…. Aditiiiiii…. tu to beta chaaa gayiiiii!” Priya exclaimed, lightly smacking Aditi’s arm.

“Hatt… pagal hai…” Aditi muttered, trying and failing to hide her blushing cheeks as she turned away. But Priya and Vivaan followed her like shadows.

“Aree ab to maan jaa…. Ansh bhaiya likes you.” Vivaan grinned, throwing his arm around her shoulder only to immediately take it back when Aditi shot him a glare.

“Aree maan ja na Adu!” Priya joined in, absolutely loving this.

“Pagal hogye ho tum log… hato, kaam hai mujhe.” Aditi said in a fake serious voice, speeding up her steps, trying to escape the teasing and more importantly the butterflies dancing in her stomach.

______________________________________ 

The far end of the engagement venue was noticeably quieter a gentle escape from the heart of celebration. It was a small, tucked-away corridor just beyond the main lawn, softly glowing under strings of fairy lights and delicate floral drapes. And it was here that Aman found himself wandering.

Phone in hand, head bowed slightly, he moved with the distracted air of someone trying to avoid the crowd altogether. The distant bass of the DJ barely reached this side. He scrolled aimlessly, half-lost in his notifications, furrowed brows lit dimly by the soft glow from above.

Until suddenly, Two firm hands grabbed his arms from behind and slammed him gently, but with shocking force against the corridor wall. His back hit the surface with a light jolt, and before he could even react, his phone slipped from his fingers and he froze.

“What the-?” Aman gasped, wide-eyed, startled by the sudden contact. As his gaze lifted to meet the eyes of his captor, his breath caught in disbelief.

“Samaira?!” he half-choked, heart still recovering.

She stood before him with her usual flair, confident, smirking, eyes glinting with mischief. Her arms were still pinning him by the shoulders, her grip surprisingly strong, sending his heartbeat into a confused frenzy.

“Kyuu… kisi aur ka intezaar kar rahe the?” she teased, raising an eyebrow like she owned every second of his breathlessness.

He blinked twice, trying to make sense. “Nahi… but tum yaha kya kar rahi ho?”

A tilt of her head, a flick of her hair, and that maddening smirk. “Meri behen ki engagement hai… toh main kyun nahi aaungi bhala?”

His jaw dropped slightly. “Matlab… tum ladkiwalo ki side se ho?”

“Haan,” she said, taking a dramatic step back, letting go of him though her energy still lingered like static in the air between them, “Aur tum ladke walo ki side se.”

For a second, Aman just stood there, speechless, then broke into a small, amazed laugh. “Sach mein?”

“Haan sach mein,” she replied with a confident nod, twirling slowly on her heel.

The movement was hypnotic. Her pastel blue lehenga spun lightly around her, the soft golden border catching the fairy lights, her earrings swinging rhythmically with her motion. As she came to a graceful stop, she tilted her head and looked at him expectantly.

“Acha batao… kaise lag rahi hoon?” she asked, her voice lighter now almost shy beneath the playful edge.

Aman tilted his head too, eyes softening as he drank in the sight of her, his gaze lingering on every detail with quiet admiration. His lips curved into a slow, cheeky smile. “Bilkul meri.”

Samaira rolled her eyes instantly. “Oh please… zyada cheesy line mat maaro. Just tell me honestly, how do I look?”

But Aman didn’t speak. Not immediately. Instead, he moved.

In one fluid, confident motion, he stepped forward, wrapped his arms around her waist, and pulled her gently, yet completely into his hold. Her breath hitched audibly as she was caught off guard, her hands instinctively landing on his chest. His fingers moved to her hair, brushing it over one shoulder with tender care, baring the smooth line of her neck. He leaned in close, his lips brushing the shell of her ear.

“Bataya to… bilkul meri.” he whispered, his voice husky, tinged with something deeper than flirtation.

And then he bent his head, slow and deliberate, pressing a soft, lingering kiss to the nape of her neck, a place sacred, quiet, intimate. Samaira froze. Her eyes fluttered shut, and her breath caught completely. The world seemed to stop.

“Ye… ye tum kya kar rahe ho?” she finally managed, her voice small, breathless, the sensation still echoing through her skin.

“Pyaar,” Aman whispered, lips still close enough to stir her hair with every syllable. His voice wasn’t loud, it was intimate, personal, like a vow meant only for her.

She tried to lean back, panic lacing her voice. “Koi aa jayega…” But Aman only pulled her closer, his hold gentle but unrelenting.

“Aman, what are you doing… koi dekh lega hume!” she tried again, nerves evident in her wide eyes.

“To dekh lene do,” he murmured against her ear, the warmth of his breath making her shiver.

Her eyes darted around, full of nervous energy. “Kya sochenge log?”

“Yahi ki ham dono ke beech kuch chal raha hai…” he said, his voice teasing, a wicked grin tugging at his lips.

Her jaw dropped slightly, eyes widening. “Aman… leave me na… koi sach mein aa jayega toh?” she whispered again, this time genuinely anxious, trying to wriggle free.

But Aman only smiled, tightening his hold once more, just enough to make her heart race.

“Toh aa jaane do na,” he said playfully, “Woh bhi dekh lenge hamara pyaar.”

And then

“P-Papa!” Samaira suddenly wisperred, pointing behind him with a horrified look. Aman’s soul practically left his body.

He shot back three feet in a second, hands raised in surrender, panic written all over his face. “Uncle! I swear aap jaisa soch rahe hain waisa kuch bhi-” he blurted out, turning swiftly toward the imaginary elder.

But there was nothing. No one. Silence. An empty stretch behind him. Slowly, his wide eyes blinked… and realization hit him like a slow train. Behind him, Samaira stood with folded arms, smirking so wide her cheeks dimpled.

“Kya hua, statue ji?” she teased, head tilted. “Ab nahi karenge pyaar?” Aman turned toward her slowly, expression blank in disbelief.

“Samaira, tum…” he began, half-amused, half-betrayed.

“Haan bolo… pehle toh bade hero ban rahe the… ab kya hua?” she teased again, grinning like the devil.

He finally gave in, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly, lips curling into an exasperated smile.

“Pagal ladki,” he muttered under his breath, eyes gleaming.

“Kuch kaha tumne?” Samaira asked, arching an eyebrow.

“Haan kaha na… idhar aao batata hoon,” Aman said mischievously, stepping forward with a smirk of his own.

“Pakad ke dikhao pehle!” Samaira challenged before darting off into the lights, laughter trailing behind her as she ran.

And Aman, He just stood there heart full, face flushed, grinning like a boy who knew he’d never catch up… but still wanted to chase her forever.

____________________

 Amidst the flicker of fairy lights and the mellow hues of golden drapes, the world felt momentarily slowed down as though even time was catching its breath after the vibrant chaos of the engagement.

 Aditi, dressed in a white suit slightly crumpled from hours of celebration, walked quietly across the lawn. She told herself she was just taking a stroll, but her eyes betrayed her intent they moved restlessly, scanning the crowd with subtle precision.

Until they landed on him. Ansh.

He sat effortlessly at the edge of the venue, where the light dimmed into a soft golden hue. He leaned slightly against the chair, dressed in a perfect black kurta sleeves rolled up to his elbows, collar open casually, his phone held loosely in one hand. 

The lighting cast gentle shadows on his sharp jawline, the messy flick of hair across his forehead adding a boyish softness to the otherwise intense figure.

And for a moment, Aditi simply stopped. Her heart fluttered without reason, her feet forgetting how to move. A smile, unconscious and soft, tugged at the corners of her lips as she admired him from afar, lost in thoughts she wouldn’t dare name.

But her gaze got interrupted by Charu.

With all the confidence of someone who believed the world belonged to her, she breezed into the scene, her lehenga swaying dramatically as she walked up to Ansh and sat beside him as if she had every right.

“Hii Ansh,” she chirped sweetly, her voice coated in artificial sugar.

Ansh didn’t even glance up. “Hello,” he replied plainly, eyes still on his phone.

Undeterred, she leaned a little closer. “Tum yaha akele kya kar rahe ho?”

“Nothing,” Ansh responded, his tone flat as ever.

“Main bhi akeli hi feel kar rahi hu yaha… I’m getting bored. Let’s talk about something,” she suggested, her smile now overly bright.

Ansh let out a small sigh, shutting his phone screen and standing up. “Sorry… but I’m busy,” he said curtly and turned to leave.

And that’s when he saw her.

Aditi. Standing a few feet away, her expression unmistakably twisted in irritation, eyes trained not on him but on Charu. Her brows furrowed, lips pursed in silent disgust. Ansh froze. He instantly understood the look.

Of course. Charu had tried this with Prateek too. Always disrespecting Aditi, always taunting her and now, here she was, trying the same charm tactics on him. No wonder Aditi looked like she was two seconds away from launching a sandal in her direction.

“Phir se aa gayi… kalmuhi kahii ki,” Aditi muttered under her breath, eyes narrowed. “Samajhti kya hai apne aap ko… ik chante main to nachne lagegi… chirkut kahi ki.”

As she turned her face in frustration, her eyes met Ansh’s. He was watching her not just watching, but smiling. A quiet, knowing smile that reached his eyes.

Aditi’s breath hitched in panic. Her eyes widened like a deer caught in headlights. She’d been caught not just cursing someone, but being so… herself.

Instinctively, she turned to walk away too fast but then, thump!

“Aaah!” came a soft squeak.

Aditi’s eyes snapped down to see a little boy, no more than five, sitting on the grass, rubbing his elbow with a small pout. A glass of cola lay beside him, spilled.

“Oh no!” Aditi gasped and crouched down immediately. The anger, the awkwardness, the entire moment before vanished like smoke. “I’m so, so sorry! Are you okay?”

The boy didn’t cry. His eyes looked glassy, but he just gave a little sniff, his attention more on the fallen cola than his elbow.

“I didn’t see you coming. It’s my fault,” she said softly, checking his arm with gentle fingers. The boy sniffed again, looking at his drink with longing.

Aditi glanced up, spotted a waiter nearby with a tray of fresh drinks, and quickly grabbed a glass. “Here. Yours now,” she smiled, handing it to him with warmth only someone like her could carry in a moment like this.

The boy blinked at her, then took it silently. One sip, and the world was okay again. Aditi ruffled his hair lightly, then stood up and brushed her suit with a sigh, the embarrassed kind, the kind that meant Of course she had to bump into a child right after that.

But across the lawn, Ansh had seen everything.

From her glaring at Charu like a feisty kitten, muttering curses like she could combust, to her complete switch and then softening for a child in seconds, kneeling down with warmth in her hands and care in her voice.

A smile formed on his face, not wide, not dramatic, just a quiet curl of his lips, the kind that held a thousand unsaid feelings.

“God, she’s impossible,” he thought. “And maybe… that’s exactly why I can’t stop falling for her.”

From behind him, Prateek appeared, eyeing the soft smile curiously. “Kya hua?”

Ansh blinked, snapped out of his gaze. He quickly turned his attention away from Aditi, who was now fixing her dupatta with an adorable little pout.

“Kuch nahi,” he muttered casually.

Prateek frowned, unconvinced. “To itna hass kyu raha tha?”

“Vo… aise hi, ik meme dekh liya tha phone main,” Ansh lied, holding up his phone for effect.

“Mujhe bhi dikha,” Prateek said, reaching out.

“Arey ab vo hata diya maine… jab dubara milega to dikha dunga,” Ansh mumbled, already walking away in a different direction not because he had a meme to hide. But because there was a girl across the lawn who had just made him fall a little harder, without even trying.

_____________________________________________

The DJ was playing soft shaadi vibes in the background, children darting about with half-full cola glasses, and elders debating whether the ladkewale had brought enough gifts. 

Amidst all the chaos, Vivaan with plate piled high with snacks in one hand and his other hand dramatically waving away someone’s offered chutney, was walking backward, cracking jokes to an absent audience.

 His friends had long abandoned him at the food counter, unable to pull him away from the feast he had been eyeing for the past hour.

“Itna sab kuch hai bhaii starter main… kar diya na in logo ne miss… ab dekhna hai main course main kya kya hoga… maza hi-” he murmured dreamily, imagining the main course, until… He collided with something solid, not heavy but firm. Before he could topple over, two hands gripped his arms, steadying him instantly.

Vivaan gasped as his snack plate wobbled dangerously, spilling a few tidbits. And there she was Riva.

She looked stunning in a deep green lehenga with intricate gold embroidery, earrings swaying gently with her movements, her slightly windblown hair adding to her commanding presence. Her eyes were narrowed, a blend of confusion and mild annoyance, the kind of glare that could kill ten mosquitoes at once.

Vivaan, of course, was floored. Not literally, but his heart skipped a beat, and he appeared slightly backward in the classic Bollywood “hero-falling-into-heroine’s-arms” moment. A blush crept up his cheeks as he tried to recover his composure.

“Look yaar,” he said with an awkward smirk, “I know I’m handsome… but aise khule aam flirt karogi Riva… kuch toh sharam karo…” His voice wavered slightly, betraying his embarrassment.

Riva blinked once, her expression dripping with disgust and mild regret for having saved him from falling, and without a word, she released him.

Vivaan hit the marble floor with a theatrical “ahhhhh!”

Riva, folding her arms, looked down at him. “Shakal dekhi hai apni?… Chilgoze jaisi….Aye bade handsome face,” she scoffed, stepping around him like royalty over a spilled chai, her hair bouncing and earringd swaying as she walked away.

Vivaan winced, clutching his elbow as he sat up slowly, eyes still locked on her retreating form. he muttered, half in pain, half in awe. 

“Girana tha to pyaar mein girati na… zameen pe patak diya mujhe…” he sulked under his breath like a broken rom-com hero, adding with a dreamy sigh

 “par ye aaj lag to achhii rahii hai… aye hayeee kya soch raha hai bhaii tu… chudail hai ye chudail.” he quickly shrugged off his thoughts.

Out of nowhere, a small boy, barely four, toddled up. “Bhaiya, aap itna neeche kyu gire hue ho?” he asked innocently.

“Kyuu, tujhe bhi girna hai kya?” Vivaan said in mock frustration. The boy nodded immediately out of curiosity.

“Ajaa, tujhe bhi girata hu,” Vivaan said, scooping him up by the arms and seating him next to him on the floor with a thud.

“Ahhh!” the boy yelped at the sudden impact.

“Aya maza girr ke?” Vivaan asked, as if awarding himself a medal for charity.

“Aap boht bure ho… mumma se complain karunga main!” the boy cried.

“Haa, jaa kar de… piddi kahi ka,” Vivaan said, unfazed.

“Mammaaaaaaaa!” the boy’s wails escalated, drawing the attention of nearby guests. Vivaan panicked.

“Aree, chup hoja bhaii… main to mazaak kar raha tha!” he hurriedly coaxed, but the boy cried even louder.

“Ye marvayega mujhe…” Vivaan muttered under his breath, terrified.

“Le, ye khayega…” Vivaan quickly offered a plate of tikki chaat. The boy’s cries paused as he eagerly grabbed it. “Coka cola bhi la do… phir nahii rounga,” the boy demanded, glaring at Vivaan.

“Mujhe bhi bech de tu sath main,” Vivaan joked.

“Aap useless ho… apko koii nahii khareedega,” the boy said, stuffing a bite of tikki into his mouth.

“Terii too-” Vivaan started, ready to protest, but the boy pulled out his crying weapon again, wailing louder.

“Aree… main to mazaak kar raha tha… abhii la raha hu tera coka cola… chup hoja babu,” Vivaan said, ruffling his cheeks with exaggerated sweetness, part frustration, part mischievous revenge, as the boy finally calmed down just enough to nibble on the snack.

__________________________

The music shifted to a mellow instrumental as Renuka and Suraj stepped onto the small stage at the center of the venue. Fairy lights flickered softly around them, casting a warm glow on their smiling faces as they stood hand-in-hand, eyes twinkling with joy. 

The announcement was made, rings exchanged, and applause erupted as everyone showered the couple with flower petals, a rain of celebration and love cascading over them.

Amid the crowd, Priya adjusted her pink lehenga and clicked pictures of the couple, capturing every radiant smile. Prateek stood beside her, holding a small bunch of petals. But instead of tossing them toward the newlyengaged like everyone else, he gently let the petals fall over Priya’s head.

Caught off guard, Priya looked up, a petal sticking adorably to her cheek. “Prateek!” she whispered-shouted, swatting his arm. “Don’t do that, bhaiya dekh lenge!”

Prateek chuckled, eyes lingering on her face. “Tum itni sundar lag rahi ho aaj, mujhse poocho kitna control kar ke baitha hua hu main jab se dekha hai tumko aise.”

Priya narrowed her eyes, but the smile tugging at her lips betrayed her. “Achha control nahii karte aap to kya kar chuke hote.”

“Tumhare inn pyaare pyaare se gaalo ko kha chuka hota ab tak… kitne squishy hai ye,” he said, reaching out as if to touch her cheeks. A rosy blush spread across her face instantly.

“Chup kariye… koii sunn lega,” Priya warned, though her voice lacked conviction.

Prateek studied her for a moment, sensing something off. “Kajal nahi lagaya?” he asked suddenly, leaning slightly closer.

Priya blinked at the sudden closeness. “Nahi… time nahi mila, late ho gayi thi. Makeup aadha adhoora reh gaya.”

Prateek nodded thoughtfully and, without another word, walked off in a rush. “Ab kya hogya inhe?” Priya muttered to herself, confused.

Meanwhile, Aditi was balancing a tray of sweets when Prateek almost collided with her.

“Aditi!” he beamed, making her flinch slightly.

“Kya haii!? Bandar ki tarah kyu kood raha hai… abhi girti saari mithaiyan,” she scolded, a mix of surprise and irritation in her tone.

“Vo chod, ye bata… Kajal hai tere paas?” Prateek asked urgently.

Aditi blinked. “Nahi… main kajal nahi lagati.”

“Yeh kya baat hui?” Prateek looked mildly betrayed. “Aaj ke din to lagana chahiye tha na… ya lagati nahii to apne paas rakh hi leti.”

“Main jab lagati hi nahii to main rakhu kyu?” Aditi replied deadpan. “Aur tujhe achanak se kajal ki kyu padi hai?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.

Prateek glanced around, then leaned in slightly, whispering, “Priya ke liye chahiye. Vo lgana bhool gyii… Nazar lag jaayegi usse.”

Aditi paused, lips curling into a small, knowing smile. “Hmmm… to seedha seedha bolta na, Priya ke liye chahiye… baate kya ghuma raha tha,” she said, handing him the tray. “Ye jaake pehle udhar de aa… bade papa jaha baithe hai… main kajal laati hu kahi se.”

Before he could protest, she held up a finger and walked off, leaving Prateek with no choice but to do the chore. A minute later, he looked back and saw Aditi returning with a kajal pencil in hand. He quickly made his way toward her, and she spotted him immediately.

“Ye le… Samaira didi ke purse se churaya hai… kho mat dio, nahi to mujhe daant padegi,” she said, handing it to him carefully.

Prateek took it as if it were an ancient artifact, his smile soft and genuine. “Thanks Adu,… ab nahii lagegi nazar usse.”

Aditi folded her arms, smirking. “Baaki kisi ki lage na lage… tu na laga dio usse nazar bss.”

“Nahii lagaunga… thu thu thu…” Prateek replied too quickly.

“Haan haan ja ab, cringe harkatein mat kar mere samne,” Aditi scoffed, but he remained unfazed, rushing back toward Priya.

The celebrations continued around them, laughter, music, clinking glasses, petals floating in the air. But Prateek’s attention was fixed solely on Priya. She now stood near a golden-fabric draped pillar, adjusting her dupatta, unaware that someone was watching her with the gentlest smile.

“Priya,” he called softly. She looked up, startled. “Yeh lo,” he said, handing her the kajal. “Lagalo. Nazar lag jayegi warna.”

Priya blinked. “Aap ye kaha se laye?”

“Tumhare liye to chaand bhi le aata,” he said before catching himself. “Kajal to chhoti cheez hai… philhaal to chura ke laya hu Samaira didi se.”

She laughed lightly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear as she accepted the kajal. “But yaha pe mirror nahii hai… how do I apply it?” she asked, pouting slightly.

Prateek swiftly unlocked his phone, holding it up in selfie mode like a mirror. “Here… isme dekh ke lagalo.”

Tilting her head slightly, Priya applied the kajal, one swift stroke along each lower lash line. Prateek watched quietly, almost reverently, noting the way her eyes focused, her lips pressed in concentration, her features illuminated by the fairy lights. He couldn’t look away.

Once done, she smiled at him through the phone. “Ho gaya. Ab nazar nahi lagegi.”

Prateek didn’t reply immediately. Instead, he gently took the kajal pencil, leaned closer than expected, and with his thumb wiped a soft smudge from the corner of her eye. Priya froze. Before she could speak, he moved his fingers behind her ear, placing the tiniest bit of kajal there.

“Ab lagegi bhi toh kat jaayegi,” he said softly, eyes locking with hers.

She looked at him, heart fluttering. “Aap kuch zyada hi filmy ho rahe hai aaj,” she whispered, cheeks pink.

“Nahi to… main bas careful ho raha hoon. Meri Pari pe kisi ki nazar na lag jaaye,” he whispered back, his tone full of quiet affection.

“Pehle Pippo… aur ab Pari?” she asked.

“Tum lag hi rahi ho aaj Pari jaisi to main kya karu,” Prateek said softly.

Priya bit her lip, looking away, hiding the storm of feelings brewing inside her. And Prateek? He just smiled, heart full, eyes soft, watching the one girl he could shower all his petals on, and still never feel done.

__________________________________

The engagement ceremony was slowly winding down, and the once-buzzing dance floor had now been replaced by the warm aroma of main course dishes wafting through the cool evening air. 

The buffet counters were open, and as soon as someone announced that dinner had started, the gang who had been waiting like hungry wolves sprang into action. Vivaan was the first to sniff the air like a cartoon character, eyes wide.

“Chuhe bhaag ke jaa… vo table pakad le jaldii!” Samaira exclaimed, half-laughing, half-panicking, as she shoved Vivaan’s hands and pushed him forward.

Vivaan, almost dropping a piece of naan, nodded seriously like a soldier heading into war. He passed the plate back to Samaira mid-run, “Hold this!” and dashed toward the cluster of tables before any aunties or uncles could grab one.

Back at the food counter, the others were filling their plates with everything from butter paneer to noodles, each trying to balance taste with speed. Aditi giggled watching Prateek pile gulab jamuns as if the supply might run out, while Priya carefully added salads and dal makhni.

Moments later, Vivaan called out in triumph, waving from a distance. “Yahaan! Ek pura table mil gaya!”

They all hurried over and surrounded the table like they were claiming territory. There were only five chairs, and as everyone sat, it became evident that not everyone had managed to grab a seat. Priya, Aditi, and Ansh stood with their plates in hand, eyeing the shortage.

“Tumlog ruko, main chairs laata hu,” Ansh said softly, stepping away from the table. He placed his plate down carefully and turned to fetch more chairs, the quiet responsibility in his tone making both girls blink.

Prateek, noticing Priya still standing, immediately rose to his feet. “Priya… take my seat,” he offered gently.

“Are nahii bhaiya la rahe hain… aap baithe rahiye,” Priya smiled awkwardly, not wanting to accept.

“Baith ja baith ja… tujhe to de bhi raha hai seat. Aaj tak mujhe to kabhii poochi tak nahii isne,” Aditi shot a sarcastic jab at Prateek, dramatically widening her eyes, drawing smirks and stifled laughter from around the table.

Prateek grinned sheepishly. “Aree aisa nahii hai… ruk laata hu tere liye bhi!”

“Jaldii ja,” Aditi teased with a smug grin, already enjoying this rare moment of making him run around.

Priya, feeling a little awkward in the moment, turned to Aditi. “Le tu baith ja,” she offered sweetly, pointing at the seat Prateek had given her.

“Nahi re… tu baith. Laayega na abhi vo,” Aditi chuckled, motioning toward Prateek.

And almost as if on cue, Ansh returned quietly but steadily holding two chairs, one in each hand. Without a word, he placed them beside the table, the metal legs softly thudding on the ground.

“Here… baith jao,” he said softly, glancing once at Aditi before stepping back.

“Aap bhi baith jaiye…” Aditi replied almost instantly, her voice a mix of politeness and something gentler something unspoken.

“Main ik chair aur laata hu… teen chahiye thi,” Ansh offered, stepping back as if ready to go again.

“Nahi… vo bhaiya la raha hai… aap baithiye,” Aditi insisted, her eyes flicking up to meet his for just a second.

Before Ansh could protest again, Vivaan smirked and leaned in with his usual teasing tone.

“Baith bhi jaiye bhaiya… Aditi itne pyaar se bol rahi hai,” he said, raising his brows meaningfully. Ansh shot him a glare so sharp it could’ve cut through steel, but Vivaan only grinned wider, clearly pleased with himself.

Just then, Prateek came back with two more chairs. “Ye le… baith ja,” he said, slightly out of breath.

“Ik hi chahiye thi,” Aditi laughed at his over-preparation.

“Ab to le aaya,” Prateek shrugged dramatically, brushing imaginary sweat off his forehead.

“Koii baat nahii baith ja… chal koii aur baith jayega khali wali pe,” Ansh said as he finally sat down, taking the seat right beside Aditi.

Prateek sat on the other side of her, and Priya, now seated to Prateek’s left, was softly nibbling her roti as she watched the banter quietly, hiding her shy smile.

The plates were still warm, the table loud with chatter and clinking cutlery, when Aditi suddenly paused mid-bite and frowned.

“Handwash to karna hi bhool gayi,” she muttered, standing up abruptly.

Before anyone could respond, she’d already left her seat and was walking briskly toward the nearby wash area, her dupatta trailing behind her, unaware of the quiet chaos she was about to miss.

No sooner had her chair scraped back than Charu appeared out of nowhere, like a bad advertisement you can’t skip. She glanced at the table, and without waiting for more than a half-second, plopped herself right in the vacant seat between Ansh and Prateek.

“Can I sit here?” she asked, the fake sweetness in her voice almost dripping off the words.

Vivaan, already irritated at the sight of her, didn’t hold back. “Tu already baith chuki hai… baithne se pehle poocha jaata hai ye.”

“Ohh sorry… vo koi seat khaali hi nahin thi so…” Charu defended, blinking innocently.

“Vo bhi khaali nahin hai jaha baithi ho tum… Aditi baithi thi waha pe,” Priya said sharply, her voice calm but her eyes clearly cold.

“Ohh mujhe nahin pata tha… koi nahin vo uss seat pe baith jaayegi jab aayegi to,” Charu suggested casually, waving her hand like she was doing Aditi a favor.

Before anyone else could chime in, Aditi returned, wiping her hands with a tissue and looking absolutely done with everything Charu.

“Main udhar kyun baithungi jab main already yaha baithi hui thi to,” Aditi said plainly, stopping behind the chair where Charu now sat.

Charu, with that same irritatingly sugary voice, smiled. “Aree baith jao na yrr… seat hi to hai… ye lo tumhari plate hai na ye,” she said, sliding Aditi’s plate over to the other chair beside Ansh.

Ansh, caught between a war he didn’t ask for, looked like a lost child in a battlefield, silent, stiff, and very much not knowing where to look.

“Adu baith ja wahi… behes karne ka fayda nahin hai,” Samaira said gently but firmly, nudging her shoulder.

“Par di-” Aditi began to protest, hurt flashing across her face.

“Listen to me Aditi… kha le wahi pe,” Samaira interrupted softly but with that elder-sister authority that made Aditi finally comply, though not without a sulky huff. She sat down next to Ansh, her face turned slightly away.

An awkward silence lingered briefly until Aman leaned toward Samaira, whispering low, “Why did you do that?”

“You don’t know Charu well Aman… she’s too stubborn and main nahin chahti ki vo yaha pe Aditi ko lekar phir se koi tamasha kar de,” Samaira explained, her voice quiet and full of quiet protectiveness. Aman nodded, now understanding.

Just as everyone resumed eating, trying to pretend nothing happened, Charu tried to strike up small talk, her voice overly chirpy.

“Khaana thoda feeka nahin lag raha?” she asked, glancing at her plate.

Without missing a beat, Priya muttered, “Haan, chaat le apni teekhi zubaan se… ho jaayega chatpata.”

A few snickers broke out instantly, Prateek hiding his smile behind a bite of paneer, and even Ansh let out a soft chuckle, quickly dipping his head down.

“Tumne kuch bola Priya… I didn’t hear you well?” Charu asked, pretending not to hear but clearly fishing.

Aditi didn’t waste the moment. “Kaan ka ilaaj karvati na phir,” she muttered under her breath, just loud enough for those beside her to hear.

More chuckles. Charu looked at her sideways but Priya spoke before it could escalate.

“Kuch nahin, bas tumhe feeka lag raha hai khaana… maybe tumhein thoda sa namak daal lena chahiye.” She said it with a butter-wouldn’t-melt-in-my-mouth smile.

“Maybe you’re right… mujhe thoda tez namak khaane ki aadat hai,” Charu responded casually.

“Tabhi sochu… har time BP kyu chadha rehta hai,” Aditi quipped again under her breath, this time so low that only Ansh heard it.

He burst into a short, involuntary laugh that kind of laugh you try to swallow but can’t. Aditi’s eyes quickly flicked to him from the side, a sly grin on her face, like she knew exactly what she was doing.

“Kya hua… tum hass kyun rahe ho?” Charu asked, confused by Ansh’s reaction.

Ansh straightened up quickly, blinking like he’d just snapped out of a daydream. “Nahin, kuch nahin… aise hi… meme yaad aa gaya tha ik,” he lied smoothly, scratching the back of his neck.

“Kaunsa wala?” Charu leaned in, annoyingly curious.

Aditi muttered again with a smirk, “Bagal mein baithi hu high BP wali ka.”

This time, Ansh bit his lip to stop laughing but couldn’t hide the amusement in his eyes. They met hers for a second, and she looked at him sideways, suppressing her own laughter. Something electric passed between them, unspoken but definitely real.

“Ye kaunsa meme hai?” Charu asked Aditi, puzzled.

Before Aditi could answer, Vivaan jumped in to rescue the situation. “Hai ik famous sa… ham log ke group mein ham bhejte hai isse.”

“Kaunse group mein… mujhe bhi add kar lo,” Charu said, a little too eagerly.

“Abhi phone ki battery low hai… baad mein add kar dungi,” Samaira lied smoothly, not missing a beat.

Meanwhile, Priya nudged Prateek subtly, catching his attention.

“Kya hua?” he whispered, leaning closer.

“Aap idhar aakar baitho… iss chirkut ka koi bharosa nahin hai… isse main dekhti hu,” Priya whispered with narrowed eyes, and without a second of hesitation, Prateek stood and started moving toward her side.

As they swapped seats, Charu stiffened, jealousy suddenly prickling her skin like heat.

“Koi problem ho gayi thi, Priya, seat mein… jo tumne Prateek se change ki seat?” she asked with forced politeness.

“Haan vo… actually usmein scratch tha to meri dress kharaab ho jaati… isliye I changed it,” Priya replied with a thin-lipped, fake sweet smile.

“Did you get hurt, Priya, by the scratch?” Ansh asked suddenly, turning to his sister with concern shadowing his eyes.

“Nahin bhaiya… I’m fine,” Priya assured gently, and Ansh nodded, satisfied.

They all resumed eating, the food now warm again and conversations slowly rising. But Charu wouldn’t shut up.

She kept talking about irrelevant things, makeup, someone’s outfit, the catering and not a single soul at the table was paying attention. Vivaan, Priya, and Aditi were barely containing their laughter as they dropped tiny sarcastic bombs after almost every sentence Charu said.

Ansh, meanwhile, had stopped eating. His attention was elsewhere.

He watched Aditi’s face her nose crinkling every time Charu spoke, her mouth twitching as she mimicked her silently, muttering under her breath. Her irritation, her playful jabs, her pouting expressions… they weren’t just funny anymore.

They were adorable. There was something about her even in jealousy or annoyance, she made him smile without even trying. And without realizing, he had started waiting for her next quip, her next side-eye, her next expression.

“God, she’s so cute. So painfully, frustratingly, stupidly cute.” his thoughts wispered.

The plates were mostly empty now, scattered with crumbs and traces of curry. The air around the table had mellowed into a lazy warmth after all the teasing and laughter.

“Maza hi aa gaya,” Vivaan said, stretching back in his chair with a satisfied sigh, rubbing his belly like a cartoon character after a feast.

“Achha tha na khana?” Riva asked, her voice casual but slightly pointed, looking around the table as she wiped her hands neatly with a tissue.

“Haan khana to achha tha I must say,” Vivaan replied with a nod, only for Riva to immediately narrow her eyes.

“Tumse nahin pooch rahi main,” she snapped, folding her arms.

Vivaan’s eyes widened in mock betrayal. “Jhoothi! Abhi to poocha tumne!” he said, like she had personally wounded his dignity.

“Tumse nahin poocha maine… baaki sabse poocha,” Riva replied coolly, sipping her water, absolutely done with his existence.

The others burst out laughing. They were so used to Vivaan and Riva’s constant bickering now that it almost felt like background music.

“Haan khana to achha tha Riva I must say… but ice cream nahin rakhi kya tum logo ne?” Charu piped up, leaning forward with a smile that no one asked for.

Aditi, who was sipping her drink, glanced sideways and muttered under her breath, “Rakhi hai na ter upar hi giraungi saari kalmuhii.”

Ansh had been watching her out of the corner of his eye and couldn’t help the chuckle that escaped his lips. The way she said it under her breath, all sass and fire was just too funny.

He leaned toward her slightly, his voice soft, “Don’t use such words… they make you look bad.”

Aditi turned to look at him, lifting one brow in mock seriousness. “To aap hass kyu rahe hai… mat hasiye,” she shot back with a smirk.

Ansh was momentarily stunned. Caught. But he recovered with a slight shake of his head, chuckling again, “Tum bol hi aise rahi ho… hansi aa ja rahi hai.”

“To haste rahiye… acche lagte hai,” Aditi said with a teasing smile that was just gentle enough to make his heartbeat thud harder than he liked to admit.

There was a brief pause. A soft hush between them, despite the chaos around. Her eyes were twinkling, and for that one moment, Ansh forgot everyone else at the table.

“Yaar ice cream ki baat kar di… ab vo bhi khane ka mann ho raha hai,” Samaira said with a dramatic pout, resting her chin on her hand.

Aman, watching her sulk like a child, chuckled. “Ruko main laata hoon,” he said, already pushing his chair back and heading toward the dessert counter.

“Bhaiya mere liye bhi saare flavours please!” Vivaan called out behind him.

“Mere liye bhi chocolate wali!” Priya chimed in sweetly.

“Bhaiyaa mere liye bhi chocolate… 2 cups haan bhoolna mat!” Aditi added in her usual sing-song tone.

Ansh stood up too, adjusting his sleeves. “Main bhi chalta hoon sath mein bhaiya,” he said, offering Aman a helping hand with a small nod.

“Main bhi aaya,” Prateek added as he followed the two.

The boys moved toward the counter, laughing about who would carry what, already debating over flavours.

Back at the table, Riva glanced at Vivaan, still lounging like a king after a feast.

“Tum bhi jao… be a gentleman,” she said flatly, unimpressed by his carefree attitude.

Vivaan shrugged. “Gaye to hi hain bhaiya log… le aayenge na,” he said casually, as if it was the most logical response in the world.

Riva gave him a tight, sarcastic smile and muttered under her breath, “Bilkul banrakas hi hai ye.”

Vivaan narrowed his eyes. “Kuch kaha tumne?”

“Nahin to,” Riva replied, looking away innocently, her hands folded in her lap. Vivaan frowned slightly, clearly suspicious, but let it go for now.

After a while, the boys returned to the table, each holding cups of ice cream in their hands. Prateek placed the cups gently on the table before sitting down beside Priya, who instantly smiled, seeing two chocolate ice creams in front of her the ones Prateek had picked especially for her. Without a word, she pushed one toward him, but he shook his head, grabbing just a vanilla cup for himself.

Samaira picked up the chocolate one without hesitation while Aman settled beside her with a vanilla.

Vivaan, being his usual extra self, dramatically swooped down and captured three cups of each flavour, placing them like trophies before himself as if he had conquered a kingdom. Riva, rolling her eyes, did the same although with much more grace.

In the middle of the commotion, Charu, ever-intruding, grabbed a chocolate cup for herself which was baically for Aditi bought by Ansh, flashing a too-sweet smile no one asked for.

But amid all the chaos, Aditi’s hands remained empty. She scanned the table, her smile faltering slightly.

That’s when Ansh, sitting quietly beside her, noticed. He looked down at the single chocolate cup in his hand… the last one.

Without a word, he leaned forward and gently placed his cup in front of her. Aditi blinked, startled by the gesture.

“Aap nahin khayenge?” she asked softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Main doosri le lunga, tum khao,” Ansh replied, standing up calmly and walking back to the counter.

Her eyes followed him as he left, fingers fiddling with the edge of the cup, but she didn’t take even a bite she waited.

A minute later, Ansh returned with two vanilla ice cream cups in hand. He sat down beside her again, placing one of them in front of her with a slightly apologetic expression.

“Sorry… chocolate ice cream khatam ho gayi thi,” he explained, expecting her to be disappointed.

But instead, Aditi looked at him, smiled, and without hesitation, slid the chocolate ice cream back toward him, picking up one of his vanilla cups instead.

“Aap chocolate wali kha lijiye… mujhe vanilla zyada pasand hai,” she said simply, her voice laced with sincerity.

Ansh blinked in surprise. His brows furrowed slightly not in confusion, but something gentler… something warm. She had waited for him, only to give him the thing she wanted most.

Before he could say anything, Samaira’s voice cut in.

“Tum dono kha kyun nahin rahe ho? Pighal jaayegi ice cream,” she said, clearly observing their silent exchange.

“Haan bas kha hi rahe hai,” Aditi said quickly, breaking eye contact with Ansh as she dipped her spoon into the vanilla cup and took a small bite.

Ansh stared at her for a second more still stunned and then shook his head slightly.

“But you wanted to eat the chocolate one… take this,” he insisted again, nudging the cup back toward her.

“Woh toh aapko bhi pasand hai… aap kha lijiye,” Aditi replied, still smiling at him without missing a beat.

“It’s okay, tum kha lo-” he tried again, but before he could finish, Aditi took a tiny bite from the chocolate cup using a clean spoon from her own vanilla one just to make a point.

“Kha liya… ab kha lijiye… pighal rahi hai,” she said cheekily, raising her eyebrows.

Ansh was momentarily thrown off guard. She knew just how to shut him up without being rude soft, teasing, and utterly impossible to resist.

“Kya hua?” Prateek asked, watching the unusual back-and-forth.

“Pata nahi…” Charu chimed in unnecessarily.

But before anyone could react…

“Exactly. Jab pata na ho kya hua ho, toh kripya apna muh band rakha karein,” Aditi said, her tone sharp, eyes not fixed on anyone but the words directly ment for Charu.

There was a beat of silence.

“Why are you getting rude, Aditi… main toh bas-” Charu tried to act innocent, adjusting her dupatta.

“Haan maine bhi suna hai… uss series mein yahi bolti hai na heroine?” Priya said quickly, turning to Aditi with a knowing smile.

“Haan yahi toh bolti hai woh,” Samaira jumped in instantly, playing along.

“Kaun?” Riva asked, glancing around curiously.

“Naam yaad nahin aa raha yaar,” Priya said with a shrug, clearly just trying to steer the topic away from Charu’s self-victimization.

“Chhodo na yaar… baat toh keh hi di na… good Aditi… proud of you,” Vivaan said, grinning as he tapped the table in applause.

“Isme good wali kya baat thi, Vivaan?” Charu asked, clearly unimpressed by his sudden approval.

“Good nahi, excellent wali baat hai… Aditi film ke dialogues yaad nahi rakhti na… pehli baar yaad rakha hai…isliye bola,” Vivaan clarified with his usual mischievous smile.

“Toh… dhyaan se filme dekhegi toh yaad ho hi jaayenge dialogues… right, Aditi?” Charu said, flipping her hair with fake casualness.

Aditi looked at her with a deadpan expression, then smirked.

“Haan but I don’t like films… wahi ghisi piti storyline… wahi same chirkut character… yuck,” she said with a scrunched-up face, clearly aiming her words like arrows.

Everyone burst into quiet chuckles even Ansh, who tried to hide it by covering his mouth with the spoon. But his eyes twinkled in amusement, admiring how effortlessly Aditi had put Charu in her place with sarcasm wrapped in sweetness.

______________________________

The beats thumped louder, vibrating through the marble floor and into the chests of everyone present. The dance floor had transformed into a whirlpool of colour and motion, a celebration lit in gold and laughter. 

Prateek was quickly swept into the crowd, pulled playfully into a dance circle by Vivaan and Aditi where Priya was already moving gracefully. The lights played across her face, but she remained unaware that from the moment Prateek entered, his eyes hadn’t left her for even a second.

Across the space, Aditi let out a burst of laughter at something Samaira had whispered in her ear. Her eyes sparkled, her joy so unfiltered that for a moment, she looked like she belonged to another realm untouched by worries, unaware of the noise. 

She twirled, carefree, as if the world around her had vanished. That single moment her laughter, that smile hit Ansh like a wave too vast to withstand. He looked away. Like it hurt to witness something so pure.

He turned his back to the dance floor, quietly making his way toward a dimmer, quieter corner of the venue near the edge of the open lawn. 

Here, the music felt far away, almost like it belonged to a different universe. The fairy lights dimmed slightly in the background, the night air cooler. He stood still, hands buried in his pockets, staring into the distance while his thoughts throbbed louder than any music.

A few minutes later, Aditi, now outside with the chores of fetching Aman for Samaira, had slowed her steps near the lawn.

Her eyes scanned the space, searching, until her ears caught a soft murmur her name, spoken in a voice she knew too well. She stopped instinctively, gaze locking on the shadowy corner where she saw Ansh, his back facing her, leaning over an empty table. Aman stood beside him.

“engagement ka function hai… tu aise kyu lag raha jaise kisi ki barsi mein aaya hai?” Aman teased casually, sipping on his coldrink.

“I’m fine bhaiya,” he muttered, eyes still fixated on the distance. But in truth, they weren’t blank.

Aman leaned against the table beside him, watching him for a long beat.

“She’s beautiful, isn’t she?” he asked, not needing to clarify.

Ansh said nothing. The silence stretched, heavier than the evening air, until Aman’s voice softened with something close to awe.

“Everyone looks at the person they love with soft eyes… but the way you look at her Ansh,… that’s something else. That’s not just love. That’s surrender.”

Those words felt like a crack across the surface Ansh had tried so hard to maintain. He finally blinked, gaze dropping from the invisible vision of Aditi in his mind to the earth below.

“It’s not just that she’s beautiful… she’s peace,” he said quietly, voice almost trembling. “Jab duniya sab kuch cheen leti hai usse… tabhi bhi uske paas ek muskurahat hoti hai jaise ki sab kuch wapas aagya ho uske paas.”

Aman turned fully now, stunned by the emotion that laced each word. Ansh had never spoken like this before.

“Toh bol kyun nahi deta Aditi ko?” Aman asked, genuinely, almost pleadingly.

Ansh exhaled a broken breath and gave a smile not happy, but one that had known ache for a long time.

“She’s the girl. The kind you don’t just fall for bhaiya, but the kind you fall into. Like a prayer. Like a surrender. She’s courage where the world sees chaos. At places where people break, she blooms… like a lotus in the dirtiest waters… untouched, unspoiled, just divine. She’s not just a girl… she is love. She is devotion. Just watching her breathe feels like living. Losing her… would be like dying…slowly, silently, every day.”

His eyes now shimmered in the soft lights, glistening from something deeper than just emotion a lifetime of restraint.

“And you know what’s stupid? I never believed in all those silly feelings butterflies, heartbeat skips, poetry. But the way she smiles… I could write a lifetime of verses just about her dimples. They peek out like they’re shyly saying hello to the world,” he said, chuckling under his breath not out of amusement, but because he was helpless to her magic.

“I still remember the first day when she came to school… I forgot how to breathe. But when she stood up to that guy who was misbehaving with her, knocked him down without flinching… I swear, bhaiya, she looked like Maa Kaali…Fierce…Unshaken. It scared me… not because of what she did, but because I realised she didn’t learn that strength. She earned it. Life must have done terrible things to her to make her that fearless.”

His proud smile faded into something more solemn, his voice barely more than a whisper now.

“When I found out what she went through… I felt like the ground disappeared beneath me.
I wanted to hug her let her cry, let her break and then hold her so close that the world could never reach her again. Not even me. She’s too sacred to be touched. She’s made of something I don’t want to harm with even my presence.”

Behind them, just a few steps away, hidden by the soft shadows of the evening, Aditi stood frozen.

Her feet had stopped moving the moment she heard Ansh’s voice. Her heartbeat drummed in her ears louder than the music. She hadn’t meant to listen and hadn’t expected this…but now that she had, she couldn’t tear herself away.

Her fingers clutched the edge of her dupatta tighter, knuckles white.

He loved her. Not just liked. Not the way the world flirts or fantasizes…he loved her in a way that felt holy. Like she was something divine. And that terrified her because it healed something inside her at the same time.

“Then why are you still just admiring her? Go on, hold her tight. Let her know you are always there for her,” Aman said, casually sipping his cold drink.

“I can’t bhaiya. She’s too sacred to hold close. I’m afraid… what if she misunderstands me? What if I ruin the only peace she has? I don’t want to love her the way the world loves… I want to worship her. I want to kneel before her… make her my Isha. My devotion. My prayer. When I see her… it’s like the universe whispers, Tum hi tum. But even now… I don’t feel worthy enough to let her get close to someone like me,” Ansh said, his voice broken in places.

Aditi couldn’t move. Couldn’t breathe. The music in the background now felt like a dull hum a faraway dream. Ansh’s words echoed again and again inside her, wrapping around her like verses of something ancient and sacred. Her lips parted slightly, as if to speak but no words came.

That’s when her phone rang. The shrill sound shattered the fragile silence. Aditi flinched, fumbling with the phone in her hand. Ansh and Aman turned instantly, eyes widening in stunned realization.

There she was standing in the shadows.

“Did she heared everything?” Ansh whispered, his voice low and tight with panic.

“Don’t think so… music loud tha… and she not standing close to overhear us,” Aman reassured gently, but his own voice held slight doubt.

Aditi ended the call quickly, collecting her breath, and turned toward them her expression calm, carefully masked, though her eyes still shimmered with something unreadable.

“Aman bhaiya… Samaira didi aapko bula rahi hai,” she said casually, as if she hadn’t just heard a soul shattering confession.

“Haan aaya main. Tum chalo,” Aman replied with a soft smile.

She nodded and walked away, slowly, her steps measured. But her heart was still standing in that shadowy corner, replaying every word Ansh had just said and something deep inside her had shifted.

“Dekha… nahin suna usne… chal abhi…” Aman reassured again, watching Ansh’s worried face.

Ansh just nodded slowly, but his eyes remained on the path where Aditi had disappeared.

_____________________________

The golden evening had slowly surrendered to the dusky twilight, and the grand engagement function began winding down. The air, once filled with music, laughter, and the clinking of glasses, now held a soft calm the kind that lingers when a big moment quietly wraps itself up.

Renuka, glowing like a newly lit diya, had already left with Reva after receiving blessings from the elders. The guests especially the ladhke wale began to step out one by one, taking their memories and shagun ke lifaafe handed by Samaira, who was now dutifully stationed at the exit, offering each guest a graceful smile and folded hands.

Meanwhile, near the side lawn, Prateek, Vivaan, and Ansh were helping with the last of the chores lifting gifts and placing them carefully inside the car that had come for Renuka di.

Amidst all the noise, shuffling, and polite exchanges, Ansh’s mind was somewhere else entirely. Every now and then, his eyes would drift unknowingly towards the crowd searching…thinking… replaying.

Did she hear it? The confession. Every word that had spilled out of him… raw, vulnerable, terrifyingly real.

Aman stood at a distance, lost in a more serious conversation with Amit and Rajveer. Everyone was busy, and yet, the unsaid lingered between hearts not speaking.

In a quiet corner near the floral arch, Aditi sat cross-legged on a bench, chatting with Priya. Their giggles were soft, laced with a tired comfort after the long event. But the moment was soon interrupted.

“Priya… chal beta,” Kiran called out with a warm smile, raising her hand as she stood by the exit.

“Haan aayi mumma,” Priya answered with a slight nod, giving Aditi a warm goodbye hug before rising and walking towards her family.

The Singhania family exited with wide grins and hugs all around. Sarees shimmered under the last flicker of lights.

Aditi glanced ahead and found Ansh standing quietly by the car, his face half-lit under the soft orange lights. His hands were still occupied with a gift box, but his mind clearly wasn’t. His expression held a strange storm a mix of guilt, panic, and fear and yet, the moment their eyes locked, he froze.

Aditi felt herself pulled back into the shadows of his confession… “How can he feel this way about me” her thoughts echoed again and again in her chest like a secret prayer that refused to leave her.

But she didn’t let it show. She offered him the same smile she always did soft, polite but this time, slightly… hesitant. A blink longer than usual. A little shaky. A little unsure.

Ansh noticed. He saw the flicker in her eyes, the slight delay in the curve of her lips, and his heart sank further. But still, he smiled back as if to hold onto that one thread of normalcy before everything changed.

As Priya hopped into the back seat of their car, she peeked out of the window scanning the crowd until her eyes found Prateek standing behind Aditi and Samaira. She raised her hand quickly and waved.

“Bye Aditi!” she called out cheerfully, though her gaze was fixed on someone else.

Prateek caught the cue instantly and waved back loudly enough to call attention elsewhere.

“Bye Ansh!” he added dramatically.

Ansh looked around, a little confused. But seeing Prateek’s strange waving, he raised his hand and returned the gesture with a polite nod.

As the car began to move slowly, Priya’s eyes refused to shift. She turned around again, searching and there Prateek was, still watching her with the same tenderness. She waved again, this time a little shyly.

And this time, Prateek couldn’t hold back.

He gently raised his fingers and blew a soft kiss her way subtle, hidden behind his palm but just enough for her to notice.

Priya’s face instantly turned crimson, and she ducked a little, pretending to fix her hair as her heart raced.

Samaira, standing next to Prateek, narrowed her eyes.

“Kya kar raha hai?” she asked, nudging him with her elbow.

“Kuch nahin… woh… kuch lag gaya tha lips pe,” Prateek replied innocently, rubbing his lips with exaggerated care, pretending to clean them.

Samaira rolled her eyes, unimpressed. “Haan kyun nahin… Romeo kahin ka,” she said dryly.

“Hehehee…” Prateek chuckled sheepishly, scratching the back of his head like a clueless boy who just got caught.

Aditi, still processing everything…couldn’t help but chuckle at the exchange. They laughed.

________________________________

Inside Aditi’s room, the night had fallen into a peaceful silence.

She now sat at her study desk, the dim yellow lamp casting a warm pool of light over her table.

Gone was the heavy, ornate engagement suit from earlier replaced by her comfiest oversized T-shirt and pajamas, the kind that felt like a hug after a long, exhausting day.

The function was over. The laughter, the chaos, the loud music… all of it had faded. But Aditi’s mind wasn’t resting.

Ansh’s voice still echoed in her head like an old melody stuck in a loop.

“What have she had done to have such kind of feeling from him” Her fingers tapped softly on the table as her eyes stared into nothing.

“How can he feel this much about me… even after knowing everything?” her thoughts whispered, almost afraid to believe.

“What have I ever done to make him fall for me?” she wondered, her brows knitting together.

But then, as if her heart betrayed her mind, a soft flutter rose inside her chest. She wasn’t unfamiliar with the way he looked at her or how often her eyes found him in a crowd.

Slowly, her mind wandered through the years… all those fleeting glances, the silent observations, the awkward pauses… and before she even realized it, a quiet smile crept onto her lips.

She rose from her chair, almost on instinct, and walked over to her cupboard.

Sliding the door open gently, she reached inside and pulled out a diary… one with slightly frayed corners and doodles on the cover, the kind only she had ever touched.

Holding it close to her chest, she walked back and placed it carefully on the desk like it was fragile, sacred. She opened it slowly, pages rustling like old whispers.

The first few pages were filled with photos goofy selfies with Shagun, little drawings, pressed flowers from old school notebooks a glimpse into her younger world. But then… she turned another page, and her heart paused.

There he was. Much younger than how he looks now. His expression was softer, hair slightly messier, smile a little clueless.

She reached out and gently traced the photograph with her fingers her touch slow, careful, reverent.

Right beside it, her younger self had written a long, emotional paragraph raw and sweet about how she had felt when she saw him for the first time, four years ago.

A blush rose on her cheeks as she read a few lines silently. She smiled again not the loud kind, but the kind that comes from a memory too personal to share. But then her smile faded into a fearful expression “what if I’ll ruin him?” Her thoughts whispered.

“Andar aa jaun?” A knock at the door, followed by Samaira’s voice, startled her. Aditi’s eyes widened as she quickly closed the diary and slid it under a stack of books nearby, masking every emotion that had just spilled.

“Haan dii, aa jao,” Aditi replied, trying to sound normal.

Samaira walked in, her hair tied in a loose braid, now changed into a soft cotton kurti. She looked around and frowned slightly.

“Soyi nahin tu abhi tak… kya kar rahi hai?” she asked, stepping in.

“Kuch nahin… bas ja hi rahi thi sone,” Aditi said, standing from the chair. “Aap batao, kuch kaam tha aapko?”

Samaira shrugged, grinning. “Haan, main soch rahi thi tere paas so jau aaj… mann kar raha hai.”

Aditi narrowed her eyes playfully. “Kyuu?” she teased, folding her arms.

Samaira rolled her eyes affectionately and sat down on the bed. “Aise hi… neend mein tu jab pakad ke soti hai mujhe to achha lagta hai.”

Aditi gasped dramatically. “Haww… Aman bhaiya ki sautan banaoge mujhe ab aap?” she teased further, unable to hide her grin.

“Haan woh thodi aakar cuddles kar paayega mere saath… tu hi aa ja,” Samaira said, opening her arms.

“Chalo phirrr,” Aditi giggled and climbed onto the bed, snuggling up to Samaira who instantly wrapped her in a warm hug, pulling the blanket over both of them.

They lay there like that like they used to when they were little bodies curled close, hearts aligned. Aditi nestled her head into Samaira’s shoulder as Samaira gently ran her fingers through her sister’s hair soothing, steady, lost in her own thoughts.

Minutes passed in silence before Samaira spoke again softly, almost hesitantly.

“Aduu…” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Hmmm…” Aditi hummed back, eyes half-closed but mind fully alert.

“Tujhe nahin lagta… Ansh has feelings for you?”

The question sliced through the air like a quiet thunderclap. Aditi’s breath hitched. Her body stilled. Eyes wide open again.

She didn’t reply at first. “Nahin…” she said finally, her voice lower, uncertain.

Samaira sighed, eyes still on the ceiling. “But I can sense by the way he sees you.”

Aditi turned her head slightly. “How he sees me?” she asked, pretending to be sleepy but every nerve in her body was listening.

Samaira’s voice turned even softer, almost like a secret. “Like he doesn’t wanna look away.”

Aditi closed her eyes shut, her face half buried into Samaira’s shoulder as if she could hide from that truth. Her heart pounded again, this time too loud to ignore.

“Kya dii… kuch bhi sochte ho… so jao,” Aditi whispered, brushing it off with a soft laugh but Samaira knew the difference between teasing and deflecting.

She didn’t say anything more. But Aditi’s mind had already drifted back… Back to that corner of the corridor….

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That’s all for this chapter…hope pasand aya hoga.😋🎀

Don’t forget to vote and comment taaki hamn aage ka chatpata plot reveal kar sake…😋🙂‍↕️

Kyaa lagta hai what is going to happen next….👀✨

Till then… stay safe… stay healthy… and keep reading.💖🦋

Love you soooooo muchhhhhh ❤️🫂

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