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हो हो
उफ़ मेरे दिल में थोड़ी खाली सी जगह थी
तूने आके बिन किराए ये जगह ली
कुछ कह भी ना सकी, ये कैसी बेबसी
यूँ चुपके चुपके आया बिन बुलाया मेहमान
उफ़ मेरे दिल में थोड़ी
उफ़ मेरे दिल में उफ़ उफ़
मेरे दिल में थोड़ी खाली सी जगह थी
येह हे तू रु तू…
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VOTE: 160+
COMMENTS: 150+
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just 3 votes were left so I thought….kahe ko magajmaari karu itna to chalta hai….so i uploaded it…enjoyyy🦋💖
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“Mere samne toh awaaz nahi nikalti inki… uske saath badi khi khi khi khilkhila rahi hai,” Aditi muttered under her breath, jaw tightening, fists clenched around her suit as if it were Kritika’s neck.
But before she could calm herself or look away, she turned on her heel-and bumped hard into Vivaan.
“Kya hai…dekh ke nahii chal sakta kya?” she snapped at him, her voice sharp as a slap.
Vivaan stumbled a little, startled. “Are sorry na…chilla kyu rahi hai?” he asked, confused.
“Hatt ab raste se mere,” she scowled, shoving him aside like an unwanted thought, storming past him without a second glance.
Vivaan stood blinking after her, then muttered, “Isse kya hogya…abhi tak to theek thi.” Scratching his head, he walked over to Ruhaan who was sipping a soft drink calmly.
“Kya hogya…muh kyu sada liya tune?” Ruhaan raised an eyebrow.
“Pta nahii yrr bhaiya…aditi ko kya hogya…bade gusse main hai,” Vivaan replied, still baffled.
“Kyu? Kuch kiya kya tune?” Ruhaan asked.
“Nhii to.” he replied.
Ruhaan’s gaze followed Vivaan’s point of concern and landed on Aditi. She was sitting at a distance on the garden’s edge, pretending to scroll through her phone-but her eyes were fixed like darts on Ansh and Kritika.
Her lips moved silently. She was clearly muttering curses.
Ruhaan smirked knowingly. “Hmm….to ye baat hai.”
“Kya baat hai?” Vivaan asked innocently.
Ruhaan tilted his head toward her. “Vo dekh…aditi ko…she is jaleous of Kritika.”
Vivaan followed his line of sight, blinking. “Par kyu.”
“Ansh Kritika se baat kar raha hai na isliye.” Ruhaan explained.
“To?” he confusingly asked.
Ruhaan turned to him, expression blank before smacking his forehead. “Tera bhi dimaag ghaas charne gaya hai…ullu kahi ka.” With a sigh of disappointment in humanity, he walked away.
“Are ruko to!” Vivaan chased after him.
Ruhaan reached where Priya and Shagun were seated, quietly giggling over something.
“Tum dodno free ho?” he asked, plopping beside Shagun.
“I’m expensive bhaiya…Shagun ka pata nahi,” Priya teased as if she had cracked a million dollor joke
“Achh hai mujhe expensive cheezo se ghinn hai,” Ruhaan shot back, making Priya’s nose wrinkle in fake offense.
“Tum bola kya kaam hai?” Shagun asked.
Ruhaan leaned in like a gossip auntie. “Tumlogo ko Aditi ka behaviour thoda change lag raha hai kya?”
“Kiss mamle main?” Shagun asked, alert.
“Are yahii…ki vo Kritika se jaleous feel kar rahi hai kya…tum logo ko to pata hi hoga,” he added, looking around with a smug look.
Priya and Shagun exchanged glances before nodding together.
“Haa bhaiya…pooch rahi thi vo baar baar Kritika ke baare main ki kon hai,” Priya confirmed.
“Haa aur bol bhi rahi thi ki ye Ansh bhaiya se itna kyu chipak rahi hai?” Shagun added, trying not to laugh.
“To iska matlab Aditi ko bhi Ansh bhaiya pasand hai?” Vivaan suddenly announced like Sherlock solving a mystery.
“Hmmm…lag to yahi raha hai,” Ruhaan agreed.
“Par vo boht dheet hai…kabhi accept nahii karegi,” Shagun said, shaking her head. She knew her best friend well.
“Main hoon na…kamaal dekhna ab tum sab mera,” Ruhaan declared proudly, puffing up like a rooster.
“Tum kya karoge?” Shagun asked, curious.
“Khuraafaat.” The devilish glint in his eyes said it all.
“Batao to yrr bhaiya,” Vivaan leaned in eagerly.
“Door reh mujhse pehle…hatt.” Ruhaan pushed him away like a pesky fly.
“Mere paas ik mast idea hai…” he announced.
“Kya kya?” all asked eagerly.
Ruhaan huddled with them and revealed his secret plan in whispers. The trio nodded as if they were plotting a heist. All three looked toward Aditi, then at Ansh and Kritika-and smirked.
It was almost night. Dinner had been served. The lawn lights glowed warm across the courtyard as families sat on rugs and cushions, chatting in clusters.
Aditi sat beside Priya and Shagun, her phone in her hand but her heart somewhere else. Her scrolling was absent-minded her ears, though, picked up Vivaan’s approach.
“Tumhe ik mast news du?” Vivaan announced, plopping next to them.
“Kya?” Shagun asked, curious.
Vivaan leaned closer, whispering with mischief, “Ansh bhaiya ki partner mil gayi.”
The words hit like a thunderclap. Priya and Shagun shared a look of mock shock. But Aditi-who hadn’t been paying attention-suddenly sat bolt upright. Her heart thudded. Her spine stiffened.
“Kya baat kar raha hai?” Priya asked, playing her part.
“Haa…badi mammy ko bolte hue suna maine…keh rhi thi unko to Ansh bhaiya ke liye Kritika jaisi ladhki hi chahiye,” Vivaan said dramatically.
Aditi snapped. “Kritika kon?” she demanded, unable to hide her interest.
“Are wahi jiske baare main tu Priya se pooch rahi thi,” Shagun replied nonchalantly.
“Hai kon vo?” Aditi’s tone sharpened.
“Vo family friend hai hamari…bhaiya se uski banti bhi bohot hai…bichari wahi to ik ladhki hai jisse bhaiya baat karte hai,” Priya explained, half-smiling, watching Aditi’s face turn pale.
“Haa…dekh to… achhe bhi lag rahe hai dono sath main,” Shagun teased further.
“Aise thodi hota hai…aunty ko kaise pata she’ll be a match for him?” Aditi argued.
“Maybe because they are close friends na,” Vivaan chimed in innocently.
“Close friends hai to kya shaadi karva denge unki?” Aditi snapped.
“Haa…possible to hota hai,” Shagun said with a shrug, her voice drenched in fake sincerity.
“Upar se jab se Kritika ayi hai…Ansh bhaiya bhi to akele nahii hai…vrna ik kone main hi pade rehte,” Priya added for the final blow.
Aditi’s face fell. She looked at Ansh, who was now smiling again, watching something on Kritika’s phone. Not once had he looked at her since Kritika arrived.
Her throat tightened. She hated this-this unfamiliar burn in her chest.
Without another word, Aditi got up, her eyes stinging-but not with tears. With fire. She walked out toward the garden, away from the crowd, away from their stupid teasing.
She needed air. And she needed to not feel this way.
Meanwhile, Ruhaan walked up to where Ansh and Kritika were seated, chatting quietly, a smile on Kritika’s face while Ansh looked at something on her phone.
Ruhaan sat beside Ansh casually, throwing a glance at the duo before speaking, “Kritika…tumko fufa ji bula rhe hai, unko kuch chahiye shayd.” He said politely, keeping his tone neutral.
Kritika smiled, “Oh, okay!” she said and excused herself, leaving the two boys alone.
The moment she left, Ruhaan leaned closer to Ansh, eyes glinting mischievously. “Ik good news laya hoon tere liye,” he said, voice dipped in mock seriousness.
“Kya?”Ansh, not looking too interested, replied plainly,
“Aditi ka crush pta chal gaya.”Ruhaan smirked, enjoying what he was about to reveal. That got Ansh’s full attention. His head snapped towards Ruhaan, confusion written all over his face.
“Kon hai?” he asked, voice dropping an octave, more curious than he wanted to sound. Ruhaan grinned wider, clearly enjoying himself.
“Tu.” he said, dragging the word with a teasing lilt.Ansh’s jaw clenched slightly, his expression unreadable.
“Bakwas mat kar…maze le raha hai tu mere,” he said, dismissing him as he looked back at his phone, trying to act unaffected.
But Ruhaan wasn’t giving up. “Subha se tune kitni baar Aditi ko notice kiya hai?” he asked, voice deliberate. Ansh didn’t respond directly.
“Tujhse kya matlab?” he said flatly, still avoiding eye contact.
“Jab se Kritika ayi hai…vo tere sath hi hai, right?”Ruhaan leaned back with a smirk, folding his arms. Ansh gave a small nod, silently agreeing.
“Aur jabse vo tere sath hai…Aditi ka muh sada hua hai,” Ruhaan added, letting the sentence sink in.
“Kyu?”Ansh frowned, genuinely confused.
Ruhaan stared at him for a second, then let out a laugh of disbelief. “Tu gadha hai kya thoda sa?” he said, shaking his head dramatically.
Then, with a slower, more serious tone, he added, “She is getting jaleous of Kritika bhaii…dekh dhyaan se.”
He pointed subtly toward the glass window behind them. Ansh followed his gaze, and through the sheer curtain, he could see Aditi standing in the garden. Her back was straight, arms folded across her chest, her expression a mess of annoyance and something else… something he wasn’t used to seeing on her face.
“Pagal hai…” Ansh muttered, not fully convinced.
Ruhaan chuckled. “Nahi manega…proof doon?” he challenged. Ansh turned toward him slowly, eyes narrowing.
“Jaisa bolunga vaisa kario bass,” Ruhaan stated firmly. Ansh, unsure yet intrigued, gave a small nod.
After a few minutes, Aditi walked back inside, a slight frown still lingering on her face. The cheer from earlier had faded, and now she was immediately handed a task to help serve cold drinks to the guests. Alongside her were Kritika, Shagun, Priya, Charu, and a few other cousins, all working together like a well-organized army of siblings.
Inside the kitchen, Samaira and Priya were busy filling glasses with cold drinks, giggling and chatting in between. Meanwhile, Aditi, Kritika, Shagun, and Charu picked up trays and stepped out to serve the guests scattered across the grand hall, all glittering in celebration.
Charu and Shagun headed toward the elders, while Aditi and Kritika took responsibility for the younger crowd and their cousins.
With a polite smile masking the slight ache in her chest, Aditi walked toward Ansh, who was standing in a circle with Ruhaan, Prateek, and a few cousins. She balanced her tray and offered him a glass.
“Pee lijiye…sab pee rahe hai,” she said softly, her voice hesitant but gentle.
Behind her, Ruhaan discreetly caught Ansh’s gaze and gave him a sharp shake of the head, followed by a silent, exaggerated glare.
Ansh understood the signal. With reluctance in his eyes, he responded flatly, “Nahii…I’m not feeling to have it.”
Aditi blinked, caught off guard. For a second, her smile faltered. She nodded silently and walked away, pretending to be unbothered, though the small crack in her heart widened just a little more.
A few minutes later, with only one glass left in her tray, Aditi returned to Ansh. Something inside her hadn’t given up yet.
“Last hai…peeyenge?” she asked again, her voice still calm but carrying a hint of vulnerability. Once again, Ansh declined.
Disappointment flickered stronger this time in her eyes, but she said nothing and turned around, walking back towards the kitchen. As she passed by the main group again, her footsteps halted when she heard a familiar, chirpy voice behind her.
“Tumne cold drink nhii li Ansh? Ye lo, pakdo…peeyo!” Kritika offered sweetly, holding out a fresh glass.
And this time Ansh took it. more likely he had to take it because of his exaggerated eye glares.
Aditi froze. She stood rooted in place, the tray in her hands suddenly feeling heavier. Her heart sank like a stone in her chest. She stared at Ansh as he accepted the glass, offering Kritika a smile she didn’t get earlier. Even if it was forced he had taken it.
Her eyes burned with disbelief, hurt, and something far more dangerous that was jealousy.
Ansh, mid-sip, sensed her piercing stare. He looked up and immediately met her furious gaze. The cold drink suddenly felt like fire in his throat.
Meanwhile, Ruhaan and Vivaan stood a little away, watching the drama unfold with mischief dancing in their eyes.
“Kaam kar gaya,” Vivaan beamed under his breath, barely containing his laughter.
Inside the kitchen, Aditi barged in and slammed the empty tray into the sink with a loud thud, startling both Samaira and Priya.
“Aaram se Aditi…toot jayegi tray,” Samaira said, her tone laced with concern.
But Aditi didn’t respond. Her eyes were sharp, her mind elsewhere. She snatched the glass she had saved earlier and walked out, storm-like silence surrounding her.
“Isko kya hua?” Samaira muttered, confused.
“Pyaar,” Priya chimed with a teasing smile.
“Kisse?” Samaira asked, curiosity piqued.
“Ansh bhaiya se,” Priya confessed, grinning before quickly filling her in on everything that had just transpired.
Meanwhile, Aditi stepped back into the hall, her eyes immediately locking onto Ansh. He was still there, cold drink in hand, surrounded by Ruhaan, Prateek, Aman, and a few cousins. Kritika had wandered off, but the damage was already done.
“Aditi, thodi aur cold drink mil sakti hai kya?” Prateek asked, eyeing the glass in her hand casually.
Before she could respond, Ruhaan jumped in, his voice laced with fake innocence.
“Haan, Ansh ko bhi chahiye…bol raha tha.” he said pouring ghee to the fully blown up fire.
Ansh nearly spat out his drink. He turned toward Ruhaan, his eyes wide with panic.
“Pehle jab poocha tha tab awaaz nahi nikali, ab extra chahiye?”Aditi’s jaw tightened. Her voice came sharp, cutting through the laughter around.
The taunt hit like a slap. Ansh froze, and the cousins around stifled chuckles. Vivaan and Ruhaan clapped each other silently behind Ansh’s back.
“Bhaiya to gaye,” Vivaan muttered, eyes gleaming with mischief.
“Poora gaya,” Ruhaan whispered back, a proud smirk on his face.
“Nahi dena to saaf saaf bol de…gussa kyu ho rahi hai?” Prateek asked, stepping back carefully. He had seen that fire in Aditi’s eyes before and wasn’t about to get caught in it.
“Pee le tu hi…aur kam pade to jaake maang lio Kritika se,” Aditi snapped, placing the glass on the table with a loud thud before walking off without even looking at Ansh.
Ansh gulped hard, as if the drink had turned to poison. His expression screamed “I’m doomed.”
“Pagal hogayi hai kya ye?” Prateek whispered, confused, watching Aditi storm away.
Just then, Kritika reappeared with tray in hand, still clueless.
“Kisi aur ko chaiye kya extra?” she asked sweetly. Before anyone could respond, Aditi’s voice sliced through the air like a whip.
“Haa…udhar tumhare close friends ko chahiye aur,” she said coldly, pointing straight at Ansh. He choked mid-sip.
“Bhaii araam se…itni kya jaldi hai peene ki?” Ruhaan teased, mocking him with a wide grin.
“Pehle batana tha na Ansh…main laati hu, ruko,” Kritika added helpfully, already turning towards the kitchen.
Ansh looked horrified. Absolutely, utterly horrified.
“Hogya vishwaas,” Ruhaan said, crossing his arms proudly. Ansh gave a reluctant nod, already drowning in regret.
“Kis cheez ka?” Prateek asked, still out of the loop.
“Jalan ka,” Vivaan replied, smirking at Ansh who sent a quick death glare his way.
“Kaisi jalan?” Prateek inquired, eyebrows raised.
“Acidity bnn rahi thi isse to… pet main jalan hogyi iske, isliye bol raha hai Vivaan,” Ruhaan said, smoothly covering up with a ridiculous excuse.
“Phir to ik aur glass le tu…Kritika…Ansh ko do glass dena,” Prateek called out innocently, trying to help.
“Are nahii nhii theek hai itna hi…bsss,” Ansh immediately jumped in, voice panicked, glancing sideways to where Aditi stood arms folded, gaze sharp and deadly.
Ruhaan and Vivaan collapsed in silent laughter, while Ansh stood in the middle of the war zone, sipping guilt one drop at a time.
____________________________________
Aditi was standing on the cool grass of the garden, her phone pressed to her ear, as she let out an exasperated sigh. she looked done, frustrated, and clearly needing air.
Behind her, near the garden entrance, Ansh stood rigid like a soldier at war, flanked on either side by Ruhaan and Vivaan. In his hands two glasses of cold drink, trembling just as much as his courage.
His eyes were glued to Aditi’s figure ahead, his mind already playing out five hundred versions of how this could go disastrously wrong.
“Are you sure… I should do this?” he asked, voice low, almost like he was hoping they’d tell him not to go.
“Haan na, ja ab jaldi!” Ruhaan urged, giving him a light but firm shove forward.
“Pakka?” Ansh asked again, clearly desperate for a reason to back out.
“Ha na, jao bhii ab,” Vivaan said, rolling his eyes while nudging him further.
Taking in a deep breath that felt more like a prayer, Ansh tightened his grip on the glasses, his palms sweaty, and his heartbeat louder than any dhol playing inside.
He slowly started walking toward her, each step heavier than the last, like he was approaching a literal battlefield. His throat dry, mouth moving without words, and mind silently begging the universe to go easy on him.
On the other side, Aditi was still on her call.
“Aja yrr tu bhi… pata nahi kaise kaise logo ko jhel rahi hu main,” she muttered in frustration, not knowing the irony of her words as her frustration was now slowly walking toward her.
Sensing someone’s presence behind her, she turned slightly and found Ansh. Standing there with a half-nervous, half-awkward smile, looking like he was about to either confess his sins or propose to her.
“Hi,” Ansh whispered, voice barely above the wind, his smile trembling just as much as the glass in his hand.
Aditi blinked at him, her expression unreadable.
“I’ll call you back… someone’s calling me,” she said into the phone, cutting the call with a calmness that only made Ansh more nervous. She turned to him fully now, folding her arms, one eyebrow raised in question.
He extended one of the glasses towards her, careful not to spill.
“Tumne nahi piya,” he said softly, voice gentle, almost shy. The offer was innocent on the surface but both knew the undercurrent wasn’t.
Aditi glanced at the glass and then back at him, her lips pressing into a tight line before she said, “Aap hi pee lijiye na… ya Kritika ko bulaun, vo pila degi aapko?”
That stung.
“Vo kyu pilayegi mujhe?” Ansh asked, confused, yet trying to mask his guilt and tread carefully.
” I thought ki aapko uske haath se hi peena hoga nahi… Tabhi to mujhe mana kiya aapne do baar,” she replied, voice sweet, tone sharp as a blade. “But Kritika se extra mang ke piya aapne.”
Her eyes bore into him as she delivered that dagger wrapped in politeness. Ansh swallowed hard.
“Aisa nahi hai vo actually-” he started to explain, but Aditi raised her hand mid-sentence, cutting him off with elegance and fire.
“Achha haa… she’s your close friend na… usse kaise mana kar sakte the aap.” Sarcasm coated every syllable, her words stabbing with a precision that left no room for misinterpretation. Ansh looked helpless, still holding the glass out as if it could make up for everything.
“Meri baat to suno…” he tried again, voice almost pleading now. But Aditi wasn’t in the mood for mercy.
“Main kyu sunu… jaiye apni close friend ko sunaiye. Aur ye cold drink bhi ussi ko de dijiye,” she snapped, turning on her heel before he could get another word in her suit flared with her motion as she stormed away, leaving Ansh standing there with both glasses still in hand and zero self-respect.
He stood frozen, dumbfounded. Behind him, Ruhaan and Vivaan peeked from a safe distance, watching the disaster unfold.
Ruhaan raised his brows and tilted his head, silently mouthing, “Kya hua?”
Ansh turned to them with a blank expression… and then faked a cry, scrunching his face dramatically and mouthing back, “marr gayaa….”
Both boys slapped their foreheads in perfect sync.
“Tumse na ho payega,” they muttered together, and parted their ways leaving Ansh there all alone.
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Shagun was making her way back toward the kitchen after serving cold drinks to the elders, The corridor was quieter now.
Just as she reached the kitchen entrance, a hand suddenly pulled her inside with a swift tug, her back hitting the wall lightly with a thud, making her gasp in surprise.
“Ruhaan…” she whisper-shouted, stunned, her palm immediately hitting his chest in protest as she recognized the culprit.
“Hii,” Ruhaan said casually, unfazed, his boyish grin in full display, as if dragging her into a corner was the most normal thing to do.
“What are you doing… hato!” Shagun said in a panic, trying to push him away, her eyes wide with disbelief at his audacity.
But Ruhaan wasn’t budging. Instead, he leaned closer and whispered with a mischievous glint in his eyes, “Pehle ek kissi do.”
Her jaw dropped slightly, cheeks already heating up at his demand.
“Hato bhi… kya bachon ki tarah harkat kar rahe ho,” she said, flustered, trying again to move away, but Ruhaan’s hands gently but firmly wrapped around her waist, pinning her back to the wall once more.
“Pehle kissi do ek… tabhi jaane dunga,” he repeated, his voice playfully serious, lips tugging into a slight pout.
“Ruhaan chhodo… koi aa jaayega,” Shagun whispered, glancing nervously at the door, panic rising in her chest.
“Nahi… pehle kissi,” he said again, eyes twinkling with that same teasing mischief.
“Thappad dungi… hato,” she warned, this time firmly.
“Chalega… par pehle kissi,” he shot back, still pouting, clearly not afraid of the threat.
Exasperated, Shagun raised her hand and gave him a light slap on his right cheek, enough to make his head turn slightly. But instead of backing off, Ruhaan let out a small chuckle, amused and very much enjoying the chaos he was causing.
“Zyada hi besharam ho gaye ho… hato,” Shagun said, breathless, cheeks glowing as she tried to step aside again.
But Ruhaan just smirked, lowering his head a little, his grip still firm around her waist, and whispered close to her lips, “Abhi to tumne Ruhaan ki besharmi dekhi hi nahi hai, Ms. Shagun.”
His voice was husky and teasing, his gaze flickering down to her lips, sending a flutter straight to her heart. Shagun’s breath hitched, her body frozen as her face flushed a deeper red.
“Ruhaan stop… koi aa jaayega,” she said again, her voice shaking, unsure whether from panic or something else entirely.
“Tum kissi de do… main chhod dunga… warna main khud le lunga,” he challenged her with a crooked smile, lowering his voice even more.
Shagun looked down, cheeks burning. “Mujhe sharam aati hai…” she mumbled, almost inaudibly.
Ruhaan chuckled softly at her innocent confession and gently lifted her chin, making her look into his eyes.
“Mujhse to mat sharmao… kal ko hamari shaadi bhi to hogi na… phir bacche…” he whispered shamelessly, that signature smirk tugging his lips, eyes locked on her with boyish affection and boldness.
Shagun’s mouth fell open in disbelief at his audacity, her heart thudding violently in her chest. But before she could react, they both heard footsteps approaching someone was coming toward the kitchen.
In a flash, they separated like guilty kids caught stealing candy. Shagun sprinted toward the counter, grabbing a glass and pretending to be busy, while Ruhaan dived behind the kitchen door, hiding himself just in time.
“Pata nahi sab ke sab kaha marr gaye,” an aunty grumbled as she stepped into the kitchen, her eyes scanning the space before landing on Shagun.
“Beta aur cold drink hai kya… gas si ban rahi hai,” she asked, slightly fanning herself with her pallu.
Shagun, still recovering from the ambush, managed a smile and nodded, “Ji hai aunty.”
“Le aa beta zara… zeee machal raha hai mera,” the aunty said dramatically, making Shagun nod again.
She filled a glass calmly, regaining her composure, and followed the aunty out. But not before sneaking a glance at the kitchen door.
Behind it, Ruhaan peeked out his expression pure drama. He was pouting, his shoulders slumped, looking like a sulking baby who had been denied his favorite lollipop. His eyes widened with fake betrayal, bottom lip sticking out, like he might actually cry.
Shagun bit back her smile but couldn’t stop the soft chuckle that escaped her lips.
___________________________________
The early morning sun cast a golden hue over the entire wedding venue, but inside the house, chaos was in full swing. People scurried from one corner to another, carrying gifts, flowers, sweets, and chaos the true essence of an Indian wedding.
Amidst it all, Aditi sat quietly on a chair placed near the entrance of the veranda, a little away from the hustle. She wasn’t helping with anything at the moment not because she didn’t want to, but because her mind, and more precisely, her eyes were occupied elsewhere.
Beside her sat a tiny six-year-old girl with curious eyes and two little ponytails her beloved cousin Shree, who had arrived early in the morning with her parents.
Aditi’s fingers aimlessly scrolled through her phone, though she wasn’t reading a single word. Her gaze frequently lifted, trailing after a certain someone walking across the lawn.
“Didu aap kya dekh rahe ho?” Shree’s sweet, innocent voice broke her daze. The little girl leaned into her, her eyes inquisitive and soft.
Aditi blinked quickly, adjusting her expression into nonchalance, pretending she hadn’t just been caught red-handed. “Kuch nahii babu… bas aise hi,” she replied with a casual shrug, trying to act indifferent.
Shree tilted her head and stared at her face more closely. “Aap itne sad sad kyu ho?” she asked softly, almost like she could sense the quiet heaviness behind her sister’s smile.
Aditi’s lips curled into a smile, but not the happy kind more of a resigned one. “Nahii… kuch aise hi lag raha hoga tujhe,” she said, gently brushing Shree’s hair. The little girl simply nodded, her innocent trust unwavering.
Just then, from the corner of her eye, Aditi noticed someone. Her body stiffened slightly. Kritika had just walked past and stopped in front of Ansh, tapping his arm gently and asking him something probably regarding the decorations. Aditi’s eyes narrowed just a bit, her heart lurching.
She leaned subtly toward Shree, voice low but urgent. “Achha sunn… Shree,” she whispered, using her chin to subtly gesture toward Ansh and Kritika who were now deep in conversation.
“Haan bolo,” Shree replied, intrigued.
Aditi’s eyes didn’t leave the pair. “Vo jo ladhki tujhe dikh rahi hai… uss ladhke ke sath waha pe…” she whispered, still pointing with her eyes.
Shree followed her gaze innocently, examining them both. “Hnn dikh rahe hai,” she confirmed.
Aditi swallowed and asked, her voice barely above a murmur, “Vo dono sath main achhe lagte hai kya?”
Shree tilted her head, took a long look at Ansh and Kritika, and then instantly scrunched up her nose in disgust. “Yuckkk… naaa… bilkul nahiii… chiiii,” she said dramatically, her face crumpling like she’d seen something gross.
A wide grin spread across Aditi’s lips, her heart feeling unexpectedly lighter. She tried not to laugh but couldn’t help the small smile that crept in. “Haina… mujhe bhi achhe nahii lagte sath main… aur vo ladhki kaisi lag rahi hai tujhe?”
Without missing a beat, Shree replied with the kind of innocent brutality only a child could manage. “Vo jo mamma serial dekhti hai na… usme jo shaatir aunty hoti hai na… uski tarah,” she said, as if stating a fact, her tiny fingers clutching the ends of her dress.
Aditi bit her lip, trying hard to suppress the laughter bubbling inside her. “Aur vo bhaiya kaise lag rahe hai tujhe?” she asked again, feigning indifference but heart pounding in her chest.
Shree’s eyes lit up like Diwali. “Bhaiya to bohot handsome hai… bilkul hero jaise!” she said, her admiration so pure that it made Aditi’s cheeks flush crimson.
Aditi tucked her hair behind her ear shyly, cheeks still warm. With the softest voice, she leaned closer and asked as if sharing a secret, “Achha sunn… vo jo bhaiya hai… vo mere sath achhe lagenge?”
Shree paused. She turned her head, looked at Ansh, then back at Aditi, then again at Ansh, and then once more at Aditi as if analyzing something very serious. After her little assessment, she nodded excitedly with shining eyes.
Aditi gasped in delight, a huge grin blooming on her face. “Hayyeee… tu hi ik sach bolti hai bas… kitni pyaari hai tu… muahhh,” she beamed, cupping Shree’s face and showering her cheeks with kisses.
Then came the million-dollar question, out of nowhere. “Aapko vo bhaiya pasand hai?” Shree asked innocently, her little body leaning into Aditi.
Aditi’s breath caught, but after a small pause, she nodded softly, a confession that left her lips only for Shree’s ears.
Shree’s forehead creased. “To aap unke sath kyu nahii ho?” she asked, genuinely confused.
Aditi sighed, looking down at her hands. “Kyunki vo mujhpe dhyaan nahii de rahe… vo Kritika ki bachhi unhe mere paas nahii aane de rahi,” she muttered, her voice turning small and sulky.
“Hawww gande bhaiya,” Shree gasped, frowning in loyalty to her beloved didu.
A faint laugh escaped Aditi as she nodded in agreement. Just then, someone from inside called out her name. With a soft groan, Aditi stood up.
But before going, she leaned down to Shree and held her small face between her palms. “Achha sunn… mera ik kaam karegi?”
Shree, like a soldier ready for her mission, nodded dutifully.
“Don’t let talk to each other, ok? Jab bhi vo ladhki unke paas aaye, bhaga dena unko… theek?” Aditi instructed with mock seriousness.
Shree nodded again, eyes wide with mischief and determination. Aditi pressed a loving kiss to her forehead one last time and walked off inside.
Shree sat quietly on a low wooden chair, legs swinging back and forth in boredom. Her curious eyes scanned the area until they caught sight of something or rather, someone.
Across the courtyard, sitting under the shade of a large canopy, Ansh had finally taken a moment to rest, stretching his arms with a tired sigh as he sat back in the chair.
Shree’s eyes sparkled.
With determination only a 6-year-old could have, she got off her chair, her tiny slippers slapping against the ground as she toddled her way towards him.
Without asking for permission or giving him time to react, she plopped herself directly onto Ansh’s lap and comfortably leaned into his chest.
Ansh blinked in surprise. But then, the corner of his lips curved into a soft, amused smile as he adjusted her into a gentle embrace, resting his arm securely around her.
“Kuch chahiye tumko?” he asked kindly, brushing a strand of her hair off her forehead.
Shree simply shook her head, her small nose wrinkling slightly. “Aapka naam kya hai?” she asked innocently, looking up at him with her big, round eyes.
Ansh chuckled. “Ansh… tumhara?”
“Shree,” she answered proudly, as if announcing royalty.
There was a short pause before Shree tilted her head and asked, completely out of the blue, “Aapko meri didu se shaadi karni padegi?”
Ansh nearly choked on his breath. “K-kon didu?” he asked, confusion overtaking his face as his brows furrowed.
Shree lifted her tiny finger and pointed across the garden. Aditi stood there, graceful as ever, serving tea to some of the elders the faint sunlight hit her dimples just right every time she smiled.
“Aditi didu… vo wali,” Shree clarified with a confident nod.
Ansh followed her direction, and as soon as his eyes landed on Aditi, a blush crept up his neck and flushed his cheeks a soft pink. He looked away quickly, clearing his throat.
“Meri didu na bohot sundar hai… unko dance bhi aata hai… vo sabki help bhi karti hai… unke paas na sundar sundar dimples bhi hai… aur na unko karate bhi aata hai… vo apko gundo se bhi bachayegi,” Shree went on like a little wedding broker, listing every one of Aditi’s strengths with animated hand gestures and exaggerated expressions.
Ansh couldn’t hold back his soft laughter. The way she said it, so serious, so passionate that warmed his heart.
“Theek hai… par tum apni didu ko bolo to ki vo mujhse baat kare,” he said playfully, trying to match her energy with a teasing grin.
Shree’s face turned serious. “Aap hi meri didu pe dhyaan nahi de rahe… aap hi gande ho…pata hai vo kitna sad hai subha se kyunki aap unse baat nahii kar rahe the… aap bas vo ik dusri didi se baat kar rahe ho,” she confessed with an adorable pout, her voice dropping in disappointment.
Ansh’s smile faltered for a moment. Her words hit him harder than expected. A quiet guilt stirred inside his chest. Had Aditi really was that upset about yesterday?
But now that Shree had spoken the unfiltered truth, he felt a pang of regret. A soft sigh escaped his lips as he looked away for a second, lost in thought.
But before he could respond, Kritika arrived.
Kritika walked over, holding a glass of juice, flashing a bright smile at Ansh. Shree instantly squinted her eyes, glaring at her with full force, the protective little lioness suddenly on guard.
As Kritika was about to sit next to Ansh, Shree immediately jumped down from his lap, landed with a soft thud, and in one dramatic motion, took off her tiny chappal and smacked it towards Kritika’s leg.
“Hatt… mere didu ke pati se door hatt… hatt…” she shouted, full of drama and rage, swatting Kritika’s leg and shoving her away with her tiny hands.
“Door hatt… mere didu ke pati se door hatt… hatttt!!” she screamed again, even louder this time, creating a whole scene, her voice echoing across the courtyard.
Both Ansh and Kritika were stunned into silence. Ansh immediately stood up, hands extended in panic. “Hey hey… stop, nahii marte aise…” he tried to reason, crouching down to hold Shree back gently.
But Kritika had had enough. She glared furiously. “Kiski bachii hai ye… itni mannerless,” she snapped, her voice sharp with irritation. Heads turned. Whispers began.
Among those who turned to look was Aditi who nearly dropped the tray of tea in her hands when she saw what was unfolding.
“Hayee ye ladhki… phir marvayegi…” Aditi muttered under her breath, rushing across the venue with panic plastered on her face.
Within seconds, she scooped Shree into her arms like a protective shield. “Sorry… bachhi hai… jaane do,” she said quickly, apologizing to Kritika with the most awkward smile she could muster.
“Poore kapde gande kar diye,” Kritika huffed, brushing off her outfit as she stormed off in annoyance, leaving behind a very flustered Ansh and an even more embarrassed Aditi.
Once Kritika disappeared, Aditi placed Shree gently on the ground and cupped her cheeks. “Kyu maara tumne unko?” she asked, trying to keep her voice calm, but her eyes were full of panic.
Shree pointed straight at Ansh with her big round eyes. “Vo didu aapke pati ke paas chipak rahi thi,” she said matter-of-factly.
Ansh nearly choked on thin air. His eyes widened like saucers. Aditi’s face turned scarlet, her ears burning with embarrassment.
“Kya bola Shree tumne abhi?” Ansh asked, both amused and stunned, his eyes twinkling with mischief as he looked at Aditi, who was visibly panicking.
“Kuch nhii… kuch nahii kaha isne… pagal hai… kuch bhi bolti hai,” Aditi mumbled quickly, shaking her head, awkward smile stretching wide across her face as she tried to cover up the moment.
“Are didu… daro nahii… maine bhaiya ko sab bata diya… unhone haa bhi bola tha,” Shree added with absolute confidence, her tiny finger pointing back at Ansh.
Now it was his turn to go red. Ansh coughed hard, hiding behind his hand, trying to make Shree stop but failing miserably.
Aditi stared at him in horror. “Kis liye haa bola unhone?” she asked cautiously, half-knowing the answer, half-praying it wasn’t what she feared.
“Vo aapse shaadi karne ke liye ready hai,” Shree declared proudly, like she had just secured the biggest alliance of the century.
Ansh coughed louder now, almost bending over from the embarrassment. “Haa chachajii aa rahe hain!” he called out suddenly, looking in a random direction just to escape the moment.
“Alee bhaiya rukoo!” Shree called after him but he was gone. Vanished into thin air running away from a six-year-old who had just turned his world upside down.
shhh…ab apna muh mat kholna vrna pitayi ho jayegi ham dono ki” aditi looked seriously this time at shree althought hiding her growing blush.
par didu…vo bhaiya aise chale kyu gaye?” shree asked innocently.
phattu hai isliye…tum ab chup rehna ok” aditi said making shree nod instantly.
______________________________
Everyone had came to explore the market in the evening, elders had gone further into the deeper parts of the market to fetch gifts and essential wedding items, while the younger group was purely there for fun and shopping.
Samaira walked ahead, leading the charge with Aman by her side. Some elder cousins followed closely behind them. Meanwhile, the core gang walked leisurely, taking in the vibrant stalls and sparkling lights.
But amidst the noise, two hearts were beating awkwardly fast for completely different reasons.
Aditi, still reeling from the morning’s chaos thanks to little Shree’s matchmaking moment, stayed close to Priya and Shagun.
She pretended to be interested in the stalls, but her ears buzzed, aware of a certain someone’s presence just a few feet behind her. Every time she caught herself thinking about him, her cheeks burned crimson.
Ansh, on the other hand, walked beside Ruhaan and Prateek with his usual calm demeanor but his heart was anything but calm. His eyes betrayed him every few seconds, flicking toward Aditi, who looked adorable trying to act unaffected.
The memory of Shree’s innocent words rang in his head over and over, and the thought that Aditi possibly felt the same made a rare smile tug at the corners of his lips.
sometimes later, Ruhaan had engaged himself in a heated, unnecessarily dramatic conversation with a local shopkeeper over the difference between antique and “antique-style” showpieces.
Prateek stood beside Aman, deeply engrossed in a small corner stall that displayed intricate metallic sculptures. Occasionally, he’d glance at Priya, just to catch her expressions as she explored things with Shagun.
Ansh and Vivaan were slowly walking behind the girls now watching silently as Priya halted at a bangle stall, her eyes widening with excitement.
“Yeh dekh… yeh tere suit ke sath mast jayega,” Priya chirped, picking up a set of silver bangles that shimmered under the fairy lights strung above the stall.
“Haan achhi lag rahi hai,” Shagun nodded, slipping one onto her wrist, admiring how it caught the light.
Not far off, Riva was trying on a pair of delicate jhumkas, slightly swaying her head to see how they looked. “Achhe lag rahe hai na didi?” she asked Samaira, who gave her a genuine nod of approval.
“Hmm… achhe lag rahe hai ye tumhare upar,” came an unexpected voice Vivaan, leaning a little forward, eyes fixed on the earrings.
Riva’s nose scrunched instantly. She yanked the jhumkas off with visible disgust. “Tumne bol diya… chii… ab to bilkul nahi rakhungi inhe,” she declared dramatically, tossing them back onto the tray as if they were cursed.
Vivaan’s jaw dropped. “Arreee…” he began, but quickly recovered, his smirk returning.
“Tumhare baal bhi achhe lagte hai,” he added slyly, eyeing her thick, straight hair.
She turned to him with a murderous glare, and he braced for impact.
“Ab inhe bhi katwa lo… ganji ho jao…” he teased with an evil grin, “Ganji chudail bulaunga phir.”
Samaira nearly choked on her laughter, trying to hide it behind her hand.
“Kya bola?” Riva asked, scandalised by the audacity.
“Ganji chudail,” Vivaan repeated shamelessly, grinning wider, leaning away slightly in case she tried to hit him.
“Kutta kahi ka!” Riva spat, raising her hand but he dodged expertly, ducking behind one of the cousins with a laugh.
“par main to chuha hoon… chu chu chu chu chu chu…” he said mockingly, puffing his cheeks and wiggling his nose like a rat.
“Chuha nahii rakshas ho tum!” she shouted back, nearly losing it.
“Aur tum Mogambo ki lost daughter!” he quipped again, wiggling his tongue and pulling his ears outward, making the weirdest face imaginable.
Riva looked ready to burst, hands clenched and eyes blazing, but Vivaan had already sprinted off with a mischievous laugh, hiding behind Prateek, who groaned loudly, “In dono ko ek din zoo mein daal do.”
Far from the ongoing chaos of laughter and friendly teasing, Aditi found herself drifting away from the group, her feet instinctively drawn towards a quiet bangle stall tucked under a faded red canopy.
Her eyes scanned the vibrant display emeralds, reds, and blues gleamed under the yellow bulbs hanging above. But it was the delicate yellow bangle set with tiny golden dots and a small pearl latkan hanging at the edge that made her heart pause.
She stared at them, a soft glow rising in her eyes pure, unfiltered admiration. There was something about their softness, their elegance, the gentle sway of the latkan that whispered to her.
Just a few steps away, Ansh, ever the silent observer, had stopped in his tracks. His gaze wasn’t on the stalls, nor the crowd but solely on her. On the way her eyes sparkled quietly for something so small.
He noticed that subtle uptick of her lips, the way her fingers gently picked up the bangle set with utmost care, like it was already hers in her heart.
“Uncle, ye kitne ki hai?” she asked the shopkeeper, her voice soft and eager.
“Beta, 300 per box,” the old man replied kindly.
Aditi showed him her wrist, her kada glinting slightly as she asked, “Isme ye wala size hoga?”
The shopkeeper examined it for a moment before shaking his head, voice apologetic. “Maaf karna beta… ye wali to khatam ho gyi.”
Aditi’s shoulders fell just a little, her expression faltering. “Theek hai, koi baat nahii,” she murmured with a weak smile, placing the bangles back with a hint of disappointment clouding her eyes.
She turned away and walked back to Priya and Shagun, blending back into the group. But Ansh stood frozen for a second, her silent sadness piercing through him like a quiet ache.
A surge of something protective rushed through his veins, a desire to erase that disappointment from her face, to give her every small joy she ever looked at with longing. Right now, it was that yellow bangle set.
Without saying a word, he pulled out his phone, clicked a quick picture of the bangles, and mumbled something to Ruhaan before quietly slipping into the deeper folds of the market.
He wandered through stall after stall, asking, comparing, rejecting. Shops later, when most people would’ve given up, he finally spotted the exact same yellow bangles perfect in color, perfect in pattern, and this time, available in the right size.
Relief bloomed on his face as he picked them up carefully, holding them as though they were something rare. He paid for them with quiet satisfaction, mentally estimating Aditi’s wrist size by comparing it to Priya’s.
As the shopkeeper was packing the bangles, Ansh’s eyes caught another set subtle golden ones, delicate and almost ethereal with intricate stonework glinting softly beneath the dim light.
Unlike the playful yellow pair, this one looked like something she’d wear on a quieter day, something elegant and personal. He reached out, brushing his thumb lightly over the stones.
“Should I take this as well?… Will she like it?” His heart warred with hesitation, unsure of her preferences. But something in him said yes. That if it was for her, no gesture, no gift was too much.
Giving in to instinct, he took the golden set too and placed it on the counter.
He paid for both, his fingers slightly trembling from the sudden adrenaline not out of nervousness, but because this felt like more than just buying bangles. It felt like holding a piece of someone’s happiness in his hands.
As the items were packed, he delicately slid the pouch inside his jacket’s inner pocket, careful not to damage anything. He nodded a polite thank you to the shopkeeper and turned away, his steps lighter, his heart fuller, and a boyish grin dancing on his lips, like he’d just sealed away a treasure.
A treasure he wasn’t ready to give her yet. But when he did… he wanted it to be the perfect moment.
__________________________________
After hours of wandering through the bustling market, the entire group had finally returned to the wedding venue.
The moment they stepped in, a shared sense of exhaustion settled over everyone like a soft fog. Most of the cousins and relatives didn’t even bother pretending to stay up they dropped their bags, kicked off their footwear, and claimed whatever comfortable space they could find.
With more relatives arriving, the elders had swiftly taken over the rooms, claiming their spots with age-old phrases like, “Humein kamar ka dard hai beta,” and “Thoda araam chahiye, peeth toot gayi hai.”
The younger ones rolled their eyes but didn’t really mind. They were more than happy to stay together, laughing, gossiping, and creating memories in the big hall decorated with mattresses and soft blankets.
Dinner had come and gone filled with teasing, food stealing, and accidental burps. Now, the group was scattered all over the garden and hall area, some lounging on swings, others sprawled on the soft mattresses laid out across the lawn.
Ansh, however, was not relaxing.
He sat on the edge of a mattress, arms resting on his knees, lost in thought as his fingers fidgeted with the zipper of his jacket, the same jacket that now held two delicate bangle sets tucked safely inside.
He had planned to give them to Aditi the moment they returned. But every time he moved toward her, something got in the way someone interrupted, or she turned away… or worse, pretended to be too busy with her friends.
She was still avoiding him, her cheeks turning pink every time their eyes accidentally met, her body stiffening like she didn’t know how to behave around him anymore.
And Ansh was slowly going insane.
He had never been this impatient. But tonight, something was clawing at his chest a restlessness, a growing desperation to see her smile again, because of him. To let her know he noticed her… remembered her… chose something for her with his own hands.
That’s when his eyes fell on Shree, a tiny bundle of joy playing with a balloon near the garden corner, laughing to herself as the balloon bounced in her hands and sometimes flew away with the wind, only for her to chase after it.
And then an idea sparked.
He quickly looked around, found a pen on a nearby table from someone’s half-used notebook, and tore a small piece of paper from a corner. With a flutter of nerves, he scribbled something onto it, folded it gently, and walked toward Shree with a purpose.
“Hello Shree,” Ansh said softly, crouching down to her level. The moment Shree looked up and saw him, her entire face lit up like Diwali.
“Hello bhaiya!” she chirped cheekily, balloon tightly clutched in one hand.
“Kya kar rahi ho?” he asked, pretending to examine her game.
“Khel rahi hu… aap kheloge mere sath?” she offered sweetly, those big eyes full of innocent expectation.
Ansh chuckled, heart warming at her cuteness. “Haan… par usse pehle ek kaam karogi mera?” he asked, hopeful.
“Haan!” Shree nodded immediately, without a second of hesitation.
“Yeh chit apni didu ko de do jaake,” he said, handing her the tiny folded note carefully.
Shree took it into her little palms with utmost seriousness, like she had been given a secret mission.
“Isko pakdo aap, main deke aati hoon!” she said, handing him her precious balloon as if to seal the deal.
And off she went tiny legs toddling across the grass, determination set on her little face as she headed toward the group of girls chatting under the canopy of fairy lights.
Aditi was seated cross-legged on a mattress, phone in hand, showing Priya and Shagun something that made them all giggle softly. The mood was light, warm, surrounded by the echo of wedding preparations and distant music.
“Didu… didu!” Shree called out, her voice high and clear as she reached them.
“Awww kitni cute hai yeh,” Priya cooed, instantly crouching down with a smile.
“Aap bhi sundar ho,” Shree replied politely, eyes twinkling.
“Aur main?” Shagun asked, placing a hand on her chest dramatically.
“Aap bhi,” Shree chirped again, causing all three girls to burst into soft giggles.
Aditi crossed her arms, pouting slightly. “Haww… mujhe bhool gayi Shree?”
Shree turned to her quickly, arms spreading wide. “Nahi nahi… meri didu ho aap, aur aap sabse zyada sundar ho!” she exclaimed with such exaggerated innocence that Aditi laughed, pulling her into a tight hug and planting a kiss on her chubby cheek.
That’s when Shree leaned back and said, “Didu… aapke liye kuch aaya hai.”
Aditi blinked in surprise. “Kya aaya hai?”
Shree reached into her little fist and handed over the folded chit. “Yeh lo… aapke pati ne diya hai.”
The moment the word ‘pati’ left her mouth, Aditi’s eyes widened, and her entire face flushed a deep shade of pink. Her hands trembled slightly as she took the note, heart suddenly racing in her chest.
Priya and Shagun instantly turned toward her with stunned and betryaed expression.
Before Aditi could even respond, Shree placed a loud kiss on her cheek and ran off giggling into the garden,
As Shree ran off into the garden, leaving a trail of giggles behind her, Aditi sat frozen, her fingers still curled around the small folded chit. Her heart thudded softly in her chest, a sudden warmth blooming in her cheeks.
She could feel both Priya and Shagun’s eyes piercing through her soul and just as expected, the cross questions began.
“Haww….kamini…dhokebaazz!” Shagun gasped dramatically, clutching her heart like she’d been stabbed.
“Tune hame bataya bhi nahii apne husband ke baare main..mere bhaiay ka kya hoga?” Priya followed up with a theatrical shocked expression, her mouth falling open in exaggerated betrayal.
“Chupp karo dono…pagal ho gye ho kya?” Aditi hissed, her voice laced with panic and irritation as she tried to snatch the moment back before it spiraled.
But Priya wasn’t letting it go.
“To ye tera pati kon hai…?” she asked, eyes wide with gleeful suspicion.
Aditi turned sharply, narrowing her eyes. “Tere bhaiya ko bol rahi hai nalayak…chup kar abhi!”
Her tone made both Shagun and Priya freeze for a moment… then gape in absolute shock.
“Ye kab hua?!” Shagun gasped, gripping Aditi’s arm as if she was holding a deep dark secret.
“Tune bataya bhi nahi…tum dono ka bhi chalu hogya?” Priya said, still recovering, eyebrows raised so high they practically reached her hairline.
Aditi sighed in disbelief, burying her face briefly in her hands before glaring at them. “Tum dono please apna apna muh band rakhoge? Kuch nahi hua hai jaisa tum log soch rahe ho.”
Her voice was low, but her flustered face and now-pink ears betrayed her completely.
“Achha dekh dekh kya bheja hai bhaiya ne?” Priya said, her voice suddenly filled with curiosity as her eyes darted toward the chit.
“Haan dekh dekh,” Shagun echoed, nodding quickly, eyes twinkling.
Aditi frowned, clutching the note to her chest. “Tum log muh band rakhogi tab to dekhungi!”
“Haan haan, dekh abhi!” Priya said impatiently, almost bouncing.
Still blushing, Aditi began to unfold the chit with slightly trembling hands, her heartbeat pounding in her ears.
But just as her eyes started scanning the first few words, she noticed both Priya and Shagun practically leaning over her shoulders, necks craned, their heads tilted to read along like it was a gossip column from heaven.
Her eyes widened. “Kya hai…band kyu kar diya?” Shagun asked, blinking as Aditi quickly folded the chit back and held it to her chest like a sacred relic.
“Mere liye aaya hai na…main dekhungi bass,” Aditi declared firmly.
“Kutti…hame bhi dikhaa!” Priya whined like a child not given a bite of cake.
“Nahi! Mere liye aaya hai, main dekhungi bss!” Aditi repeated, sticking to her guns, trying hard to hide the stupid grin threatening to spread on her lips.
“Itna bhi bhaav mat kha…mere hi bhaiya ne diya hai,” Priya pouted, crossing her arms with a full sulk mode activated.
“Theek hai, Prateek bhaiya se main tere liye bhi bhejva dungi ek chit,” Aditi said sassily, flipping her hair as Priya dramatically gasped at the comeback.
“Are par hame bhi dekhna hai!” Shagun insisted again, now lightly pulling at Aditi’s wrist.
“Ruhaan bhaiya ke paas ja…apni lovestory pe dhyaan de,” Aditi shot back casually, making Shagun gasp and look away, a soft flush creeping up her own cheeks.
“Theek hai…tere aage kon hi jeetega,” Shagun surrendered, throwing her hands up in mock defeat.
Priya, however, wasn’t done yet. Her smirk was back. “Achha ab to maan le…tu bhi unhe pasand karti hai.”
Aditi looked down, her lips tugging upward involuntarily, and after a brief moment of silence she nodded. Just once. Happily. Blushing like a rose in monsoon.
Both Priya and Shagun immediately squealed. “Hayee…maza hi aa jayega ab tooo!” Shagun chimed, grabbing Aditi’s hand while Priya giggled uncontrollably.
Aditi hushed them quickly, her eyes darting around. “Chup kar…secret rakhna abhi. Kisi ko mat batana. Bhaiya ko to bilkul bhi nahi.”
Her gaze specifically fell on Priya, her warning eyes piercing.
“Ok sirrrr!” both Shagun and Priya sang in unison, saluting her like obedient soldiers, laughter echoing under the night sky filled with fairy lights and promises.
Aditi stepped out, In her palm, the small folded chit still rested warm from her hand, heavier from her heart. Her eyes instantly found him.
Ansh was out there with Shree, playing like he’d left every burden of the world behind. He was running behind her, his laughter echoing through the gentle silence. Shree turned suddenly and pointed her tiny fingers at him like a gun.
“Dhishkyaaoon!” she squealed.
Ansh clutched his chest dramatically and fell to the grass, “Ahhh… goli lag gayi mujhe!”
He lay flat like a soldier defeated, while Shree burst into innocent giggles and climbed onto his chest.
Aditi couldn’t help it. A soft chuckle escaped her lips. It just slipped out tender, real. The kind of laugh that escapes only when the heart forgets to guard itself.
She slowly unfolded the chit, her fingers trembling slightly.
“It’s a little bit awkward to ask like this but…
kya aaj raat ko chatt pe ik mulakaat ho sakti hai??”
The words hit her with the gentlest force like a feather landing straight on her heart. Her breath caught. A rush of emotions flooded her warmth, giddiness, disbelief, and something achingly sweet.
Her cheeks heated up, and her ears turned bright red. A soft smile crept across her lips, the kind that lingers, that betrays secrets not yet spoken aloud.
She looked up from the paper. And he was already looking at her.
Ansh stood a little distance away, holding Shree in his arms now. His smile had softened. He wasn’t laughing anymore he was just looking at her. With hope in his eyes, and a flicker of nervous anticipation.
His eyes dropped to the chit in her hand and then quickly flicked back to hers. A silent question hung between them.
Aditi felt like her heart had never beat this loud. She looked at him and then smiled softly, shyly, almost as if she was saying yes without a word.
Then, unable to meet his gaze any longer, she looked down at the note again, biting her lip to contain the grin tugging at her mouth.
And then she turned, walking back inside with calm footsteps and a storm of butterflies in her stomach.
From behind, Ansh watched her go, his lips curling into a smile that he couldn’t stop now even if he tried. His ears had gone red, his heart thudding with a sweet chaos.
He looked down at Shree and whispered with a boyish grin, “Mission successful, partner.”
Shree just giggled and squished his cheeks, none the wiser about the secret she had just helped unfold.
_________________________________
The clock had ticked past midnight. The chatter had softened into whispers.
Mattresses lay scattered across the big living hall, their bright bedsheets crinkled under half-asleep bodies, some curled into warmth, others still giggling softly over midnight gossip. Laughter echoed faintly, but fatigue was beginning to settle in.
Aditi sat near the wall, her back resting against a cushion, her shawl tucked protectively around the tiny bundle in her lap Shree, who was fast asleep, face squished against Aditi’s arms like a peaceful little kitten. Aditi softly caressed her baby cousin’s hair as she chuckled along with Priya and Shagun, who were still exchanging wedding shopping tales.
On the opposite side of the hall, among the mess of blankets, pillows, and tangled limbs, Ansh was also wide awake, pretending to be absorbed in conversation with Ruhaan, Prateek, Vivaan, and Aman. But his eyes kept darting towards Aditi quietly, restlessly, impatiently.
He wanted to talk to her. Alone. Just once. But the night was slipping away too quickly.
Suddenly, Ansh sat upright, holding his phone high in the air with an exaggerated frown on his face.
“Network nahi aa raha kya yaha pe?” he said loudly enough for his voice to carry across the room. Aditi’s eyes flickered up. Her lips twitched into a knowing smile. His drama was so obvious.
“Toh chillaa kyu raha hai… aa jayega na,” Prateek groaned beside him, focused on his game with Ruhaan and Vivaan.
“Mujhe baat karni hai kisi se… main chatt pe jaata hu… shayad aa jaye network,” Ansh declared again in the same pitch, stretching his arms, dramatically eyeing his phone. Aditi bit back a smile, her eyes dropping shyly to the sleeping Shree in her arms.
“Toh ja na… chillaa mat mere bagal mein,” Prateek replied, nudging Ansh away with annoyance.
“Mere phone mein toh aa raha hai,” Aman said, confused, glancing at his full signal bar.
Ansh paused. His excuse had a hole in it now. He blinked, caught off-guard. But Ruhaan, always sharp, picked it up immediately.
“Jaane dijiye na bhaiya… iske mein network chatt pe jaane ke baad hi aayega,” he teased, a smirk playing on his lips as he glanced at Aditi and then back at Ansh.
Ansh narrowed his eyes at Ruhaan but didn’t argue.
“Jaldi aana… thand hone lagi hai raat mein bahar,” Aman added with a playful warning, finally catching on.
Ansh simply nodded, brushing off the teasing with a short breath, and glanced towards Aditi one last time before getting up and walking out his heart beating faster with every step.
Inside, Aditi’s heart was thudding. She carefully slid her arms out from under Shree, gently laying her onto the mattress. She tucked the softest blanket around her tiny frame.
“Main aati hu,” Aditi said softly, getting up, stretching her back to mask her nervousness.
“Kaha ja rahi hai?” Priya asked immediately, narrowing her eyes.
“Nature’s call… jaane de na,” Aditi said casually, waving her hand. But Shagun wasn’t buying it.
“Washroom hi ja rahi hai na pakka?” she asked, one eyebrow raised, smirking.
Aditi gave her a mock-annoyed glare and retorted,
“Chal mere sath tu bhi gusal-khaane main pata lag jaayegi,” she snapped sarcastically, crossing her arms.
“Chii chii chii chiii… tu hi ja,” Shagun winced, dramatically making a face. Even Priya snorted in laughter. Aditi took the chance.
The night was calm, painted in silvery shades of moonlight that spilled softly across the rooftop. Aditi climbed the stairs, each step heavier than the last, her heart beating too loudly for her liking.
Her palms were slightly clammy, and she could feel her pulse racing in her throat. She paused at the final step, taking a deep breath, and pushed the metal door open.
The rooftop greeted her with an expanse of stillness and moonlit quiet. The world seemed to pause for a heartbeat.
Then her gaze found Ansh, sitting on the concrete bar meant for sitting near the edge. His head tilted slightly. Earphones plugged in, his eyes were half-closed, the faint rhythm of music visible in the subtle movement of his head. The moonlight touched his features gently, tracing his jawline and reflecting in his eyes.
For a moment, she just stood there, watching him, her breath caught somewhere between awe and nervousness. He looked peaceful the kind of peace she rarely saw in him.
Usually, he carried a thousand responsibilities on his shoulders, his seriousness like a wall around him. But tonight, he looked… almost human, almost vulnerable.
She took a few careful steps toward him, the soft thuds of her sandals barely audible. Sensing her presence, Ansh turned. His eyes locked with hers, and the world seemed to pause. For a second, neither spoke the air between them was heavy, unspoken, electric.
He pulled his earphones out quickly, straightening his posture, trying to appear casual even though his heartbeat had already skyrocketed.
Aditi walked over and sat beside him, leaving a respectable distance though both could feel how close their breaths had become. The silence wasn’t awkward, it was charged, filled with unspoken words.
“Hii,” Ansh greeted, his voice soft, but his heart was doing Garba inside his chest.
“Aapko kuch kehna tha?” Aditi asked, her tone meant to sound calm, but her fingers betrayed her, fidgeting nervously with the edge of her shawl.
“Huh…nhii…to…mera matlab hai haan vo…” he stammered, eyes darting upward as if he could find the right words written among the stars.
He groaned inwardly, muttering under his breath, “Why the hell are you stammering,” and mentally facepalmed.
Forcing a shaky breath, he quickly tried to compose himself, clearing his throat and managing a small, crooked smile that tugged at the corners of his lips. “Umm… thank you… aane ke liye.”
Aditi’s lips curved into a faint smile, the tension easing slightly. “Aap hamesha aise hi nervous rehte hai ya phir… mere saamne ho jaate hai?” she teased, her eyes glinting with amusement.
“Wahi to main bhi figure out karna chahta hu,” he replied with a quiet chuckle, and for the first time that evening, his shoulders relaxed.
A soft wind blew, brushing strands of Aditi’s hair across her face. She tucked them behind her ear, and for a moment, neither of them spoke.
The silence wasn’t empty it was peaceful, like both were just content being there.
Inside his mind, though, chaos reigned. “Kuch to bol Ansh… pagal samjhegi tujhe. Bula ke khud murti ban gaya hai,” he scolded himself. Finally, words tumbled out.
“Are you still mad?”he asked almost hesitently.
“Kyu?” she asked, lifting an eyebrow but still looking at the stars.
“Kal jab maine tumse cold drink lene se mana kar diya tha. Uske liye?” he asked, his tone carrying genuine guilt.
Aditi’s lips twitched. “Mann to kar raha tha gala daba du,” she murmured under her breath, not realizing he heard.
“Kuch kaha tumne?” he asked quickly, eyes wide, as if she might actually do it.
She laughed softly. “Ab usme mere gussa hone jaisi kya baat thi… aap mere kuch lagte thodi hai jo main gussa ho jau,” she said awkwardly.
“So I am no one to you?” His voice softened, dipping lower.
Her smile faltered. “Nahi aisa nahi hai… I mean ho… matlab aap mere bhaiya ke dost ho,” she stammered, her cheeks warming under his gaze.
“Aur tumhare liye?” he asked quietly, his tone a mixture of hesitation and hope.
Her eyes widened slightly as the words slipped out before she could stop them. “Pati,” she whispered.
Ansh froze mid-breath. His ears went red. “Maine suna nahi… tumne kya kaha?” he asked, leaning slightly forward, desperately trying to confirm.
Aditi’s mind went blank. “Kya bol rahi hai Aditi tu… Shree se to waise hi kachra karva liya, yaha bhi bakwas kar degi kya,” she scolded herself.
She quickly blurted, “Kuch nahi! Main to bas keh rahi thi ki… aap Priya ke bhai hai mere liye to.” Her voice was suddenly too high, her face too red.
“Bas,” he said flatly, turning away to hide his smile, but the faint curve at his lips betrayed him.
Then his voice softened again, “Aditi… kya main tumhari nazron mein sirf Priya ka bhai hoon?”
The quiet vulnerability in his tone hit her like a wave. She looked at him, at the man who hid his exhaustion behind discipline, who smiled rarely but meant it every time.
For a fleeting moment, she wanted to close the distance between them. “Nahi mera vo matlab nahi tha,” she said quickly, guilt flickering in her eyes.
Before she could say more, Ansh unzipped his jacket, pulling out a small brown paper bag. He hesitated, then extended it toward her.
“Mere liye?” she asked softly, confusion evident in her eyes. He nodded wordlessly.
She took it carefully, like it might break. Inside were two small boxes. Her brows furrowed as she opened the first one and her eyes widened. The same yellow bangles she had adored in the market earlier but couldn’t buy because her size wasn’t available. They glimmered faintly in the moonlight, delicate and perfect.
“Ye to mere size ki nahi thi uss stall pe… phir ye?” she asked in astonishment.
“I bought it from another stall,” he said simply, as if it wasn’t something that made her heart ache in the best way.
She blinked, the disbelief clear in her moist eyes. “But aapko ye sab karne ki jarurat nahi thi,” she whispered, her voice trembling with quiet emotion.
“I don’t know if it was right or not but…” he said softly, “I just wanted to give you these.” His voice held honesty, unguarded and raw.
Her fingers trembled as she opened the second box. Inside was another set of golden bangles, elegant, the light catching on every tiny carved detail. It almost looked alive.
“Ye bhi mere liye?” she breathed out.
“I thought they’d look good on you… pasand nahi aayi tumhe?” he asked nervously, eyes flickering between her face and the box, as though terrified of rejection.
“Nahi… bohot sundar hai… ye wali mujhe kyu nahi dikhi kahi?” she said, lost in the shimmer of the bangles.
“Tumhe pasand aayi?” he asked again, his voice barely above a whisper.
She nodded immediately, smiling softly. “Par aap kyu laye ye sab mere liye?”
“Vo… tumhe achhi lagi thi isliye,” he muttered, looking away, his hand moving to his neck his telltale sign of shyness.
“Thank you,” she said, her voice warm, the sincerity in her tone making him look up again.
Then, almost out of nowhere, she straightened, her tone playfully stern. “Ohh bhool hi gayi… kitne ki hai ye? Mujhe paise bata dijiye, main payment kar deti hu.”
Ansh blinked, startled. “Are… nahi nahi! Mujhe paise nahi chahiye!” he said too quickly, panic flashing across his face.
“Are aise kaise… mujhe paise bataiye… main aise cheeze udhaar nahi leti kisi se,” she said, sounding like the perfect example of independence.
“Main tumse paise lene ke liye nahi laya tha inko… I just wanted to give you these… meri taraf se,” he explained hurriedly, flustered beyond belief.
Aditi tilted her head, smirking a little, her eyes gleaming with mischief. “Kyu?”
“Vo main… vo…” he began, stammering again, completely losing the calm composure he usually carried like armor.
And then, utterly done with his own nervousness, he turned around, muttering to himself, “One sec.”
He took a deep breath, whispering under his breath, “You can do it, Ansh… tune isse bhi mushkil Olympiads crack kiye hain… you can do it!”
Aditi pressed her lips together, trying not to laugh as she whispered, “Kya yaar… kitne phattu hain ye,” her voice dripping with amusement.
He turned back, his face set in mock determination. “Aditi… I…” he began, his voice shaky.
She leaned forward slightly, eyes wide and curious. “I… aage?” she repeated teasingly.
“Tum chup raho do minute please… let me speak first,” he said, raising a hand dramatically like a teacher asking for silence.
“Aditi I… I… I…” he stammered again, every “I” weaker than the last, his courage fading by the second.
And just as Ansh finally took a breath to continue, a sudden thud echoed from the terrace gate. The metal clank shattered the stillness.
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that’s all for this chapter…hope you liked it🥺✨
also i’ve rewritten the last scene around four to five times as i was not satisfied with it…hope you like it agar achha na bhi laga ho to maaf karna…🥲😭
milte hai next chapter main very soon vote aur comment karna mat bhoolna please…😭😭
till then stay safe, stay healthy and keep reading.
lots of love…💖🦋
~Prachi💌
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