𝗧𝘂𝗺 𝗛𝗶 𝗧𝘂𝗺 – [𝐀𝐧 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐞] - 𝐂𝐇 - 𝟑𝟖 ༊˚

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तेरे इश्क की दीवानगी

सरपे चढ़के बोले

तेरे इश्क की दीवानगी

सरपे चढ़के बोले

तूने क्या किया यह क्या हुआ

दिल डिंग डोंग डिंग डोले

दिल डिंग डोंग डिंग डोले

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VOTE: 180+

COMMENTS: 170+

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Happy diwali guyss🪔🎇🧨🎊…hope this festival brings lots and lots of happiness and health…stay safe stay healthy.🎀🤗🫶

Also ik request thi🥲….many of you have not voted on previous chapters to unpe bhi vote kar dena as a diwali gift to me🥹…pleaseee….😭

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As Aditi quietly slipped away from the group, heading toward the terrace. Shagun, Priya, Ruhaan, and Vivaan exchanged a knowing look – one of those silent understandings shared among close friends. Within seconds, they were all on their feet, curiosity written all over their faces.

“Tum dono kahaan ja rahe ho?” Prateek’s voice suddenly cut through the air, suspicion dripping from every word as he noticed Ruhaan and Vivaan trying to sneak away.

“Washroom jaake aa rahe hai,” Ruhaan replied instantly, trying to sound casual, but the way his tone jumped an octave betrayed him.

“Dono saath mein?” Prateek narrowed his eyes.

“Nahi nahi nahi bhaiya… ye susu karne ja rahe hai, main 2 number karne ja raha hu,” Vivaan clarified with a completely serious face, making Shagun almost choke on her laugh from afar.

“To dono ko saath mein hi kyun jaana hai?” Prateek persisted, not letting go like a true elder brother figure.

“Chhod na Prateek,” Aman jumped in, trying to save them, “ye to natural hai, isse kaun rok sakta hai.”

“Par bhaiya-” Prateek began again, but Aman quickly diverted his attention. “Achha unhe chhod, tu mujhe ye bata, isko kaise khelte hai?” he said, showing a Minecraft level on his phone.

That did it. Prateek’s curiosity got the better of him, and while he leaned in to explain the game, Ruhaan and Vivaan seized the moment.

They exchanged a victorious look and dashed off, nearly tripping over each other before reaching the terrace staircase, where Priya and Shagun were already waiting, arms crossed.

“Itna time kyun laga diya?” Priya scolded, her voice low but sharp.

“Tere bande ne rok liya tha, pagal!” Ruhaan whispered back, clearly exasperated.

“Kaise kaise to Aman bhaiya ne bachaya!” Vivaan added dramatically, pretending to wipe sweat from his forehead.

“Achha, chalo ab chalte hain,” Shagun said, motioning them toward the stairs.

“Ek sec…” Priya stopped them mid-step, eyes narrowing. “Agar vo chhat pe nahi hue to?” For a moment, everyone froze. Shagun frowned, actually considering the possibility.

“Whi honge,” Ruhaan assured, lowering his voice, “Ansh bol raha tha chhat pe ja raha hai.”

“Par kya pata na hue to?” Shagun added hesitantly.

“To wapas aa jayenge meri maa!… Abhi chal jaldi,” Vivaan whispered impatiently, and with that, the four of them began their “mission,” tiptoeing like secret agents up the stairs, trying their best not to make any noise.

The faint breeze grew cooler as they reached the top. The moonlight spilled through the slightly-opened metal door, casting silver shadows across the staircase. They stopped the door wasn’t completely shut, leaving a small gap… just enough for the spy gang to peek through.

And what they saw made them freeze. There, on the terrace, under the calm glow of the moon, Aditi and Ansh sat on the concrete bench – a scene so peaceful that it made all four of them lean in even closer.

Vivaan crouched at the bottom, Priya leaned over his shoulder, Shagun balanced above her, and at the very top, Ruhaan tilted forward, trying to both peek and listen.

“Ye log baate kya kar rahe hai?” Vivaan muttered under his breath, squinting.

“Bhagwaan jaane, itna dheere kyun bol rahe hai ye log,” Priya complained softly.

“Jo dene aaya tha, vo to de de gadhe,” Ruhaan cursed under his breath, impatiently waiting for the ‘moment.’

“Kya laye hai bhaiya?” Shagun and Priya whispered in unison, eyes still glued to the scene.

“Baad mein bataunga, abhi show dekhne do,” Ruhaan hissed, completely invested.But their stealthy formation was slowly starting to collapse.

“Yaar thoda kam wajan daal, dab jaunga main,” Vivaan grumbled, shifting uncomfortably.

“Main kaha daal rahi hu kuch,… Shagun ko bol,” Priya shot back.

“Maine kuch nahi kiya! Ruhaan, tum thoda door hato,” Shagun whispered furiously.

“Mujhe dikhega nahi phir!” Ruhaan retorted, not moving an inch.

“Mera bharta ban jayega, hatt bhi jao ab!” Vivaan hissed, trying to stand, causing everyone to wobble dangerously.

“Tu dhakka to mat de, chuhe!” Priya scolded, her voice sharp but quiet.

“Bhaiya, aap neeche baitho ab,” Vivaan grunted, but Ruhaan refused.

“Main nahi baithunga! Tum log mujhe daba doge,” Ruhaan declared with mock offence, still peeking.

“Hatto bhi, dekhne do!” Shagun suddenly pushed forward, trying to get a better look.

“Hatt hatt, mujhe bhi dekhne de!” Priya followed.

“Main bhi dekhunga!” Vivaan joined.

“Mujhe bhi dekhne do!” Ruhaan added, and within seconds, their well-coordinated spy stance descended into absolute chaos – a tangle of limbs, muffled giggles, and whispered scolding as everyone tried to get the best view.

Then it happened.

“Dhakka mat do bhaiya mujhe-” Vivaan barely got the words out before Ruhaan accidentally pushed too hard. He stumbled, his back hitting the metal door with a loud clang! that echoed across the terrace.

Everyone froze.

The door swung wide open, crashing against the wall. Ruhaan stood there stiff as a statue, Shagun half leaning over Priya, and Vivaan… well, Vivaan was now on the floor, rubbing his bum with a sheepish expression.

On the other side, Aditi and Ansh whipped their heads toward the sound, startled. Their eyes widened as they saw the four of them frozen mid-spy pose – Vivaan awkwardly smiling from the floor, Ruhaan’s guilty face half in shadow, and Priya and Shagun trying to pretend they hadn’t just been caught red-handed.

The moonlight shimmered over the scene a silent picture of chaos meeting serenity. Aditi and Ansh stared in disbelief, while the rest of the gang stood there caught in the act, with Vivaan’s whispered, “Heh… surprise?” echoing into the still night.

Aditi blinked twice, still processing what had just happened. One moment she was sitting under the moonlight, clutching the bangles Ansh had given her, and the next a loud clang had interrupted the calm, followed by the sight of her friends piled up like a human pyramid outside the terrace door.

She got up instantly, her eyes wide with disbelief. “Tum log… yaha kya kar rahe ho?” she asked, her tone a perfect mix of confusion, anger, and embarrassment.

Shagun quickly straightened her suit Priya awkwardly fixed her hair, trying to look casual, while Ruhaan and Vivaan exchanged a panicked glance like two thieves caught red-handed.

“Hum?” priya said, forcing a nervous laugh. “Hum to… bas… hawa lene aaye the!”

“Haan haan,” ruhaan jumped in, nodding rapidly. “Thoda walk karne aaye the… digestion ke liye!”

Ansh narrowed his eyes, “Really? Itna digestion adhi raat?”

Vivaan immediately stood up shot back, “Aur aap? aap yaha kya kar rahe the? adhi Raat ko terrace pe baithke moonlight dinner kar rahe the kya?”

Aditi’s mouth fell open slightly, completely unprepared for the counterattack. “Main to bas… thoda fresh air lene aayi thi!” she defended, her tone rising an octave.

“Acha? hame to bola tha tune ki tu washroom ja rhi hai” shagun said dramatically, pretending to think.

Aditi, cheeks now a deep shade of pink, glared at the boys and her two shaitan bestfriends. “Tum logon ko sharam nahi aati? jasoosi karte hue?”

Ruhaan feigned offence, putting a hand dramatically over his chest. “Arre hum jasoosi kaha kar rhe the…Hum to bas check kar rahe the ki sab safe hai ya nahi!”

“Safe?” Ansh asked, half amused, half irritated.

“Haan bhaiya!” Vivaan said quickly, pointing at Aditi. “karna padhta hai samjho”

That made both Ansh and Aditi freeze in utter mortification. Aditi’s eyes widened Ansh’s face went blank for a second before his hand went straight to his forehead. as priya’s and shagun’s eyes went towards the brown bag in aditi’s hand.

isme kya hai?” shagun asked eyeing onto the bag’

“kuch…kuch bhi to nahii.” Aditi stammered, hidding the bag behind her back trying to avaid their teasing looks.

bata bhi de…bhaiya ne diya hai kya?” priya asked again with more teasing tone.

“Bas!” Aditi finally blurted out, glaring at all four of them. “Tum logon ko koi aur kaam nhi hai kya?! hatoo mujhe neend aa rhi hai”

And before anyone could say another word, she turned around sharply and stormed downstairs, her footsteps echoing against the stairs.

“ayeeee, ruk na!” Shagun called after her, running to catch up, followed by Priya.

That left Ansh alone with the two grinning idiots Ruhaan and Vivaan.

“bola tune usse kuch??” ruhaan quickly asked ansh as the girls disappeared.

Ansh shot him a deadly glare. “Tum log kuch bol pata usse pehle hi tapak gaye!” he snapped, his voice filled with pure frustration.

Vivaan looked stunned at her brother. “matlab itni der se aap baat kar rhe the usse aur aapne usse apni feelings bhi nahi batayi “

“tum log 5 minute late nhii ho sakte the…bolne wala tha main !” Ansh muttered under his breath, walking past them furiously.

Ruhaan tried to hold back his laugh but failed miserably. “Are ruk to ja, seedha seedha bol na…phatt rhi thi terii uske samne!”

“chup hoja tu ab…vrna boht pitega” Ansh shot back and stomped downstairs, leaving the two boys exchanging a look before bursting into laughter.

Ruhaan wiped a tear from his eye, still laughing. “iska sach main kuch nhii ho sakta!”

“sach main…itne phattu hai ye!” Vivaan added between laughs.

_____________________________

The next morning, the entire venue buzzed with vibrant energy as the haldi function preparations filled every corner with laughter, music, and chaos.

In one corner of the hall, Samaira stood amidst the noise, focused and serious, arranging the marigold garlands along the backdrop of the stage. Her hands moved swiftly, fixing the decorations with precision. She gave instructions to a few cousins, correcting their placements, making sure everything looked perfect.

Just then, her mother, Shweta, walked in from behind.

“Samaira sunn… mere sath chal,” she said, her tone carrying both authority and urgency.

“Mammy, 5 minute main aati hu,” Samaira replied quickly without turning around, her fingers still busy tying a knot on the garland.

“Are utna time nahii hai, chal abhi mere sath,” Shweta said more firmly this time and caught her by the wrist, pulling her away despite Samaira’s protests.

“Kya hai mammy… itna saara kaam hai, aap yaha kyu laye ho,” she complained as her mother dragged her into the kitchen. The aroma of freshly fried snacks and sweets filled the air, making the heat inside even more suffocating.

Shweta turned to her, picked up a tray of chai cups, and shoved it into her hands. “Ye le chai ki tray aur jaake bahar jo guest hai unko serve kar.”

Samaira blinked, taken aback. “Kya hai mammy, ye to koi bhi kar deta, mujhe kyu kheech ke laye aap?” she argued, exasperated.

“Nahi, tera hi kaam hai yeh, tu hi ja dene.” Shweta insisted, pushing the tray toward her.

With an irritated sigh, Samaira reluctantly took the tray and walked out, muttering under her breath. Her mood was already sour, and serving tea to random guests was the last thing she wanted to do.

She entered the guest room, where an elderly couple sat on the sofa, smiling pleasantly, and between them sat a young man dressed neatly in a pastel kurta, talking politely with some of the other elders. The moment she stepped inside, all eyes turned toward her.

Still, she managed a courteous smile the kind that hid her irritation well. “Namaste uncle… namaste aunty,” she greeted warmly, bending slightly. The couple smiled back with approval.

She carefully placed the cups on the table and then handed one to the young man, who accepted it with a polite nod.

“Thank you,” he said, his voice gentle and composed.

“Welcome bhaiya,” Samaira replied absentmindedly, her tone casual.

And instantly the guy coughed mid-sip, the old couple almost choked on their tea, and the air in the room went awkwardly still.

Before Samaira could understand what had just happened, her mother rushed in. “Aree Samaira… kya bol rahi hai… bhaiya thodi bolte hai!”

Samaira frowned, genuinely confused. “Age mein bade lag rahe the ye to maine bol diya… kuch galat thodi bola,” she insisted innocently, trying to make sense of their reaction.

Her bua, sitting beside the elders, chuckled and added teasingly, “Bhaiya nahi beta, saiyan bolo tum ab isko!”

Samaira froze, her smile fading instantly as realization struck like a thunderbolt. Her eyes widened as she turned toward her mother, who now stood glaring at her with a forced smile and a death stare that screamed, ‘Just wait till we get out of here!’

“Ik second bua ji… mujhe mammy se kuch important baat karni hai… aap log baat kariye, hum atte hai 2 minute main,” Samaira said quickly, her voice suddenly sweet yet tense, and grabbed Shweta by the arm, dragging her out of the room before any more embarrassment could unfold.

The moment they stepped into the corridor, her polite smile vanished. She turned sharply to her mother, whispering fiercely, “Maine aapko pehle hi mana kara tha mammy, mujhe abhi shaadi nahi karni! Phir ye kya hai?”

Shweta sighed, trying to calm her down. “Ha to beta main kon sa bol rahi hu tu abhi shaadi kar le… abhi to bas ladka hi dekh rahe hai. Achhe se jaan-pehchaan ho jayegi tabhi karenge na shaadi,” she reasoned, her tone patient.

Samaira’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Yrr mammy… samjhte kyu nahi ho aap! Mujhe nahi karni koi shaadi-waadi, abhi padhna hai mujhe!” Her voice carried both frustration and desperation – a plea for her mother to understand her dreams over tradition.

Shweta, however, wasn’t giving up so easily. “Are to ye family bhi open-minded hai… tu ek baari ladke se mil to le,” she insisted softly, trying to sound reassuring.

Samaira narrowed her eyes suspiciously. “Achha… rishta kaun laya hai ye? Kisne kaan bhare hai aapke?”

“Teri bua ke jaane wale hai ye,” Shweta explained. “Bohot bada business hai inka… achha parivaar hai. Bas do bhai hai aur ye bada wala hai… raaj karegi beta tu!” she added with a dreamy smile.

Samaira let out an exasperated laugh, half mocking. “Please maa… bua ji ka to rehne hi do. Jaanti hu main unhe kaafi achhe se. Aap mana kar do inhe,” she declared firmly, crossing her arms.

“Are beta aise kaise… ek baar baat to kar ke dekh le ladke se,” Shweta tried one last time, her voice pleading now.

“Nahi mammy… mujhe nahi karni koi baat-waat,” Samaira said sharply, turning away.

“Ek baar kar le bas… mere liye. Aise mana karte achha bhi nahi lagta, upar se vo ladke walon ke bhi ache dost hai,” Shweta persisted, her tone soft yet firm, the classic mother’s emotional weapon.

Samaira exhaled deeply, rolling her eyes but unable to resist the guilt tugging at her heart. “Theek hai… bas aapka mann rakhne ke liye kar rahi hu. Baaki main iss shaadi ke liye kabhi haan nahi bolungi,” she declared, her voice steady and defiant.

Shweta smiled faintly, a small victory gleaming in her eyes. “Achha theek hai… pehle baat to kar,” she said, patting Samaira’s cheek affectionately before pushing her gently toward the guest room again.

Meanwhile, Ruhaan and Vivaan, who happened to be passing by the corridor near the kitchen, froze mid-step as they caught a glimpse of Samaira being dragged away by her mother and overheard fragments of their conversation.

The words “ladka dekhne aya hai” echoed in their minds like a thunderclap. They looked at each other with widened eyes-panic flashing across their faces.

“Aman bhaiya ko dhoondhna padega… chal chuhe, lag ja kaam pe!” Ruhaan said urgently, his tone low but filled with alarm as they sprinted toward the garden.

The entire venue was bustling with laughter, music, and haldi preparations. Amid the chaos, they ran from one corner to another, scanning every group of relatives until they finally spotted Aman standing with Rajveer, engrossed in a serious discussion about some wedding arrangements.

“Bhaiya! Bhaiya! Jaldi chalo!” Vivaan shouted, panting heavily, bending down with his hands on his knees.

Aman turned sharply, his eyebrows furrowed. “Kya ho gaya? Pareshaan mat karo, bohot kaam hai mujhe,” he said, clearly irritated.

“Arre samjho yaar bhaiya, hum aise bol rahe hain toh koi badi problem hi hogi na!” Ruhaan tried to explain between gasps.

Rajveer looked at their panicked faces with concern. “Kya ho gaya beta? Sab theek to hai na?”

Ruhaan, ever the quick thinker, jumped in. “Haan uncle, waise sab theek hai… woh, Vivaan ka kuch mil nahi raha hai, isliye Aman bhaiya ko bula rahe hain hum. Le jaayein inhe?” he asked, flashing an innocent smile.

“Haan, kyu nahi. Main yahan ka dekh lunga, tum jao.” Rajveer nodded, and the boys immediately grabbed Aman by the arm, pulling him away before he could say anything else.

Once they were out of sight, Aman frowned. “Kya ghat gaya yaar tum dono ka ab?” he muttered, annoyed.

Ruhaan and Vivaan exchanged a look before Vivaan blurted, “Hamara nahi, aapka ghat jayega agar aapne time pe kuch nahi kiya to!”

Aman blinked, confused. “Hein?”

“Samaira didi ko dekhne ke liye ladke wale aaye hain!” Ruhaan revealed dramatically.

“What!?” Aman’s voice cracked, his expression turning pale.

“What nahi, sach mein! Aur Samaira didi ko us ladke ke saath baat karne ke liye Shweta aunty ne alag room mein bhej bhi diya!” Vivaan added quickly.

“Woh bhi… akele,” Ruhaan emphasized the last word with mock horror, widening his eyes.

Aman’s entire body stiffened. Without another word, he turned and bolted toward the venue, his heartbeat pounding in his ears. Ruhaan and Vivaan exchanged a triumphant grin before rushing after him.

Inside the venue, Aman stormed through the corridors, searching room after room, his pulse racing with every step. His mind spun Samaira with another guy? His Samaira?

Finally, he reached a door and was about to push it open when it swung wide, revealing his cousin Vikram stepping out… with Samaira beside him.

Aman froze. His world seemed to stop. For a moment, he couldn’t breathe, just stood there, staring blankly as his chest tightened. Samaira looked up and exhaled softly in relief upon seeing him, but her expression shifted as she noticed the pain flickering in his eyes.

Before the silence could grow heavier, Vivaan suddenly jumped in, his voice high-pitched and awkward, trying to cover the tension. “Are didi… yahan kya kar rahi ho? Chalo, bohot kaam hai, uncle gussa ho rahe hain!” He quickly tugged Samaira’s arm.

“Haan bhaiya, aapko bhi to aunty bula rahi hain… aajana aap bhi,” Ruhaan added quickly, throwing Aman a knowing glance before following Samaira and Vivaan out of the room.

Inside, Aman and Vikram were left alone. The air felt heavy-awkwardly quiet.

“Hello Aman… bade dino baad mulaqat hui tumse,” Vikram said with a friendly smile.

Aman returned it faintly, though it didn’t reach his eyes. “Hello,” he replied softly, his voice almost emotionless.

Vikram leaned casually against the wall. “Kya lagta hai? Will she look good with me?” he asked, his tone playful but the question hit Aman like a dagger.

Aman clenched his jaw. “Don’t know,” he replied tersely.

Vikram chuckled, brushing his hair back. “Oh come on… of course she’ll look good with me. After all, I’m also handsome na?” he grinned smugly.

Aman’s patience snapped. “Mujhe kuch kaam hai… main baad mein baat karta hoon,” he muttered, turning sharply to leave before his cousin could say another word.

As he stepped out, he spotted Samaira standing in the hallway, waiting for him. The moment their eyes met, a flicker of warmth replaced the heaviness inside him. She approached him quickly, guilt evident in her eyes.

“What’s happening, Samaira?” he asked quietly, pain still lacing his voice.

“Aman, I’m so sorry… mujhe bhi nahi pata tha in sab ke baare mein. Mammy ne achanak se sab kuch karva diya,” she explained hurriedly, her tone pleading.

“Tell me you said no to him,” Aman asked, desperate hope flickering in his eyes.

Samaira crossed her arms dramatically. “Of course I will reject him… naak dekhi hai uski? Eww,” she said with a disgusted expression that made Aman let out a small chuckle despite himself.

“Don’t worry… I’ll only marry you. Diamond ki ring ready rakhna tum,” she teased, tapping his arm lightly. Aman’s lips curled into a faint, genuine smile as he nodded silently, his heart finally steadying again.

“Achha chalo, abhi market jaana hai, kuch samaan reh gaya hai,” she said suddenly, grabbing his wrist and dragging him toward a parked scooty nearby-probably belonging to one of their relatives.

“Tum chalaoge?” she asked, turning to him with that familiar spark in her eyes.

He simply nodded. Samaira grinned and hopped behind him. Aman started the scooty and drove towards the market.

As they finished shopping and returned to the scooty, Samaira spun around mischievously. “Ab main chalaungi!” she declared, grabbing the keys. Aman just sighed with a smile and sat behind her again.

As she started the engine, she turned slightly and said in a teasing tone, “Hold me tightly… thrill ka experience karaungi Banaras ki galiyon mein tumko main,” pulling on her helmet with a dramatic flair.

Aman chuckled under his breath and wrapped his hands loosely around her waist. “Ohk ma’am… I’m ready, chaliye ab,” he said, matching her playful tone.

As Samaira started the engine, the faint hum of the scooty broke the soft stillness of the early morning air. The roads were almost deserted-washed in the pale gold of sunrise, the sleepy town still stretching itself awake.

A mischievous glint flickered in her eyes as she glanced ahead. With the wind brushing against her cheeks and the silence of the streets urging her on, an impulsive thought took over. She twisted the accelerator, and the scooty lurched forward, gliding faster and faster through the narrow lanes.

The air whooshed past them, her laughter echoing faintly as the world blurred into streaks of motion. But behind her, something shifted. Aman’s chest tightened-his breath hitched.

The rising speed, the sudden rush of wind, the sensation of losing control-it all came crashing back to him like a cruel flashback. His mind dragged him back to that night-the night when the car had spun out of control, when sirens had wailed, and his world had changed forever.

His fingers dug into Samaira’s waist unconsciously as his body tensed. A deep, raw fear spread through him, and before he could stop himself, he buried his face into the crook of her neck, seeking grounding in her warmth, trying to drown the trembling in his chest.

Samaira felt his sudden movement and smirked slightly, unaware of the storm raging inside him. “Kya ho gaya statue ji… itne main darr gaye?” she teased, her voice light and playful against the wind.

But Aman didn’t respond with his usual wit. His tone was low, strained, and trembling just slightly. “Please… speed kam karo. It’s not right,” he pleaded, his voice barely rising above the hum of the engine.

Samaira rolled her eyes with a small chuckle, brushing his words off. “Are poora road khaali hai… just feel the thrill! Itna to maza lena hi chahiye,” she said, pushing the accelerator again.

The scooty jerked forward, and Aman’s heart began to race faster than the vehicle itself. His breath came unevenly now, his hold on her tightening even more as he forced himself to stay calm. But his voice cracked with emotion this time-raw, vulnerable, desperate.

“Please Samaira… speed kam karo… it’s scary,” he said again, and this time the weight in his tone made her pause.

Just then, a red light appeared ahead, forcing her to stop. The sudden stillness felt heavy. Samaira glanced back at him, confused. His face was pale, his expression distant, lost in something far away-something painful.

“Badi jaldi darr jaate ho yaar tum,” she teased softly, trying to lighten the moment, but Aman didn’t reply. His gaze was fixed somewhere ahead, lost and quiet.

“Hmm,” he only hummed in response, his voice hollow. The rest of the ride back was silent-eerily so. The wind no longer carried laughter only the faint hum of the engine filled the air.

Samaira’s earlier excitement dimmed slightly as she occasionally glanced at him from the rear-view mirror, noticing his unusually blank expression.

When they reached the venue, Aman silently got off the scooty. He handed her the shopping bags, his movements slow and detached. “Ye lo… mujhe Chachaji ne bulaya hai… main aata hu,” he said in a flat tone, not meeting her eyes before walking away toward the house.

Samaira stood there, clutching the bags, watching his retreating figure with growing confusion. His silence lingered heavier than words. “Isse kya ho gaya?” she muttered under her breath, furrowing her brows.

Before she could think further, a familiar voice called out from behind. “Kya kar rahi hai, Sam! Jaldi aa, Pandit ji aa gaye to halla macha denge!” one of her cousins shouted.

Samaira blinked, shaking herself out of her thoughts. With a small sigh, she brushed off the moment and hurried inside,

_______________________________________

The house buzzed with excitement and chaos as the haldi function was about to begin. The men of the house were already ready groomed, relaxed, and lounging comfortably while the women, especially the girls, ran around like a whirlwind trying to get everyone else ready before themselves.

In one corner of the dressing room, Riva was darting between piles of dresses and accessories, her voice rising above the commotion. “Yrr jaldi jaldi karo… varna function bhi khatam ho jayega aur hum kuch kar bhi nahi payenge!” she announced in pure urgency, almost tripping over her dupatta.

“Pehle tu kapde to pehen ke aa, tu hi reh jayegi,” Samaira retorted, hands on her hips, making everyone laugh. Riva gasped dramatically and bolted into the washroom with her outfit, muttering something under her breath.

On the other side, Priya stood in front of the mirror, two bindis in hand, her face scrunched up in concentration. “Ye dekh, ye wali bindi lagau ya ye wali?” she asked, turning to Aditi, who was busy clasping her earrings.

Aditi looked up, scanning both options. “Ye wali zyada achhi lag rahi hai,” she said, pointing toward a delicate black one.

“Ye le, tu bhi laga le,” Priya offered, smiling as she pressed one toward her.

“Nahi, mujhe nahi pasand,” Aditi replied simply, adjusting her earrings again, her calm tone contrasting the chaos around her.

“Ajeeb atma hai tu bhi,” Priya muttered playfully but didn’t argue further, moving on to help Samaira fix her dupatta.

Across the room, Shagun was holding two sets of bangles, her face twisted in deep confusion. “Yrr ye wali chudiyan achhi lag rahi hai ya ye?” she asked helplessly.

“Ye wali daal na… ye suit karengi dress pe teri,” Samaira suggested confidently, adjusting her own earrings.

At the mention of bangles, Aditi’s gaze instinctively drifted to the corner of the table where a small brown paper bag lay the same one Ansh had given her last night. Her heart skipped slightly, remembering the quiet rooftop, the nervous smile on his face.

Without thinking too much, she reached for the bag, unwrapped it gently, and slipped the bright yellow bangles onto her wrist the same ones she had loved but couldn’t buy.

The soft ching-ching sound of the bangles filled the air as she smiled to herself, fastening her sleek silver watch on the other hand.

“Hawwww… kuttiiii!” Priya’s sudden shriek startled her.

“Kya ho gaya?” Aditi blinked, confused, turning toward her.

“Kaminiii… dhokebaaz!” Shagun exclaimed dramatically, clutching her chest as if betrayed.

“Hayee… main to lut gayi!” Samaira joined them, placing a hand on her forehead in mock despair.

“Hua kya hai?” Aditi asked, clearly baffled as the three surrounded her.

“Tune hame bina bataye itni sundar bangles le li!” Priya accused, narrowing her eyes in exaggerated offense.

Before Aditi could respond, Samaira, who knew her sister better than anyone, raised a brow. “Isne ye li nahi hai… isko kisi ne di hai pakka.”

“Hawww… de diya na dhoka tune mujhe!” Shagun gasped again, clutching Priya’s shoulder for dramatic effect.

“Itni nautanki mat karo yrr aap log ab,” Aditi said, trying to hide the faint blush creeping up her cheeks.

Just then, Riva’s voice echoed from the washroom. “Didi, koi to help kar do, ye band nahi ho raha!”

“Aa rahi hu,” Samaira said, rushing inside to help her younger cousin.

Meanwhile, Priya crossed her arms, giving Aditi a serious look. “Sachhi sachhi bata, kisne di hai tujhe ye?”

“Kisi ne nahi… kal market se layi thi main,” Aditi lied, averting her eyes.

“Tere haath me to kal thi nahi ye,” Shagun pressed, suspicious.

“Haan, dekh, jab hum market se aaye the tab bhi the… par jab humne isse bhaiya ke saath pakda tha chatt pe, tab to thi iske paas,” Priya pointed out, nodding toward the brown paper bag sitting innocently on the dressing table.

“Maine jab uss din tujhe bangles di thi tab to tune nahi pehni… aur bhaiya ne di to tune turant pehen li,” Shagun said with mock offense, clutching her heart.

“Haan dekh rahi hai na Shagun… mohabbat ka chakkar hai, mohabbat ka!” Priya teased, dramatically rolling her eyes.

“Bakwaas band karo tum dono,” Aditi shot back, trying to suppress her smile but failing as her cheeks burned pink.

“Haan haan… ab hame thodi pohchegi tu… mujhe dhoka diya hai tune… dikha diya aaj tune… itni mehnat se tujhe pala posa maine, aur ik pal me paraya kar diya tune!” Shagun fake cried, wiping invisible tears and leaning dramatically on Priya’s shoulder.

“Bas bhi karo… maar kha jaoge agar aur drama kiya to,” Aditi warned, pointing at them with a glare that failed to look threatening.

“Haan haan, ab to hamara dukh drama hi lagega,” Priya said, holding her chest like a heartbroken heroine.

“Dekh, abhi tujhe bangles ke liye mana kara tha aur bhaiya ne di to pehen li isne… usi tarah maine bindi di, nahi lagayi… bhaiya bolenge to vo bhi laga legi ye,” Priya teased further, making Shagun burst into laughter.

“Tum log kuch bhi mat bolo!” Aditi groaned, though her smile betrayed her irritation.

“Jyada ban mat ab tu… tune bhi to bhaiya ki di hui bangles hi pehni hai,” Aditi shot back quickly, pointing toward Priya’s wrist.

“Haan to ye to meri dress ke sath bhi match kar rahi hai aurrr…” Priya trailed off, suddenly blushing hard, hiding her face behind her palms as Shagun and Aditi froze for a second, shocked.

“Pata nahi kis ladki ki bhabhi banayega mera nikamma bhai,” Aditi muttered under her breath, half smiling.

“Kya boli?” Priya looked up instantly, narrowing her eyes.

“Kuch nahi,” Aditi said with a thin-lipped smile, her eyes glinting with mischief.

______________________________

The haldi ceremony had begun in full swing, and the courtyard glowed in shades of yellow and marigold. The air was fragrant mingling with the hum of laughter and the rhythmic chanting of the panditji’s mantras.

Elders were seated neatly across the stage, engrossed in the pooja, while the youngsters dashed about in chaos running errands, fetching trays, flowers, and bowls as if they were soldiers in a wedding battlefield.

“Ek baari mein nahi bata sakte kya ye log?… kab se dauda rahe hain bas!” Vivaan grumbled loudly, balancing a stack of trays in his hands, irritation dripping from his tone. He had been called at least twenty times already, and each time it was “bas ek aur kaam.”

Muttering curses under his breath, he turned around hastily only to collide head-on with Riva, who was coming from the other side holding a thaal of haldi powder.

The collision sent a bright cloud of yellow flying into the air.

Both of them stumbled and fell, landing right in the middle of the garden as the haldi scattered like golden dust, covering not just them but almost everyone nearby.

The air turned misty with yellow particles drifting over the pooja area, and a moment of stunned silence followed before chaos erupted again.

“Kya hai! Dekh ke nahi chal sakte kya tum kabhi?!” Riva shouted, glaring at Vivaan, her dupatta and hair streaked with yellow.

“Tum bhi to dekh ke chal sakti thi!” Vivaan shot back immediately, brushing haldi off his shirt with irritation.

Before the argument could escalate further, Aditi and Priya rushed forward to help them up. But as Aditi bent down, Riva jerked her dupatta carelessly, sending another puff of haldi flying this time right onto Aditi’s face and hair.

“Dekh ke to jhaad!” Aditi coughed, waving her hand in front of her face as the haldi stuck to her cheeks, neck, and dress.

“Sorry, didi!” Riva said instantly, guilt flashing in her eyes.

“Tu dekh ke chal leta thoda!” Priya scolded Vivaan, who stood there trying to dust the yellow off his shirt but only ended up smearing it more.

“Main to dekh ke hi chal raha tha! Ye hi takraayi hai mujhse!” Vivaan defended, his tone exasperated, though his face was half-covered in haldi making him look unintentionally funny.

A nearby relative gasped dramatically. “Are re re re… saari haldi barbaad kar di!”

Murmurs spread among the elders seated near the pooja setup. “Ab kya karenge?” one of them asked in concern.

“Iss ladki se ek kaam nahi hota theek se!” Sunita, Riva’s mother, scolded immediately, her tone sharp as she glared at her daughter.

Before Riva could stammer an apology, panditji suddenly chuckled softly, his voice calm and composed amidst the chaos. “Are bas kijiye aap log… iss kanya ne bohot hi shubh kaam kiya hai ye haldi sabke upar bikher ke.”

Everyone turned toward him, confused. “Woh kaise, Panditji?” one of the guests asked curiously.

“Shaadi ki pehli haldi agar sabke upar gir jaaye, to usse shubh mana jaata hai,” panditji explained with a serene smile, his voice echoing warmth.

A collective sigh of relief filled the air, followed by laughter and applause.

“Chalo, ye to badhiya hua phir!” Sunita said, her scolding instantly replaced with pride.

“Riva, tum idhar baitho aake. Aditi, tu jaake le aa doosri haldi,” Shweta instructed, shaking her head with a smile.

Aditi nodded quickly and turned to leave, still brushing the haldi powder off her dress and hair. Yellow smudges adorned her right cheek and the edges of her sharara, glinting under the sunlight.

She walked briskly through the hallway, adjusting her dupatta completely unaware that Ansh was approaching from the other side, holding a few boxes, with Ruhaan walking beside him deep in conversation.

As she flicked her dupatta to clear off some haldi, it brushed against Ansh’s chest and in an instant, yellow powder flew onto him, smudging his shirt, his jawline, and even streaking through his neatly combed hair. Both froze in their steps.

The moment hung between them silent, breathless, golden.

Aditi’s eyes widened in shock, her hand clutching her dupatta. “I’m sorry… maine aapko dekha nahi,” she murmured softly, stepping closer to dust the powder off his shirt. Her fingers brushed lightly against the fabric, and for a fleeting second, his world went still.

Ansh’s heart pounded hard, every beat louder than the next. She looked radiant her skin glowing beneath the faint smear of haldi, her loose tendrils of hair grazing her cheek, her right collarbone shimmering with yellow dust.

And all he could think was how impossibly beautiful she looked like a vision wrapped in gold.

Before either could say anything more, Ruhaan’s mischievous grin broke through the silence. He instantly recognized the tension and, in true Ruhaan fashion, decided to make it worse.

In an exaggerated dreamy tone, he began to sing loudly, “Ishq ka rang peelaaaa… piyaaaa… hoooo!”

Aditi’s eyes widened, and Ansh blinked rapidly, both of them snapping out of their daze as their cheeks turned crimson.

“Ishq ka rang safed hota hai… aap galat lyrics gaa rahe ho,” Aditi said quickly, trying to sound composed, though her voice betrayed her embarrassment.

“Pata hai Aditi… lyrics mein safed hota hai,” Ruhaan said with a teasing smirk, “par yaha to peela hi hai.”

The words hit them like a spark both of them went red instantly. Before Ansh could retort, Ruhaan winked at him and ran off laughing, leaving the two of them standing there, mortified yet breathless.

Ansh cleared his throat awkwardly, adjusting the boxes in his hands. “Sorry… vo kuch bhi bolta hai,” he said with a small, nervous smile.

Aditi smiled faintly, shaking her head. “Koi baat nahi,” she replied softly and turned to leave.

But just as she took a step forward, his voice stopped her. “Suno,” he called gently.

She paused and turned slightly, looking at him over her shoulder. “Sunaiye?”

He smiled faintly, his tone softer now. “Ye bangles bohot achhi lag rahi hai tumhare hatho main.” He gestured toward her wrists the same yellow bangles he had bought for her the night before.

For a second, she said nothing. Then, unable to hide the shy smile blooming on her lips, she turned away but not before he caught it.

That tiny curve of her lips, the blush on her cheeks, and the faint sound of her bangles chiming as she walked away it lingered in his mind like a melody that refused to fade.

Ansh chuckled under his breath, shaking his head slightly, still smiling, before walking out his yellow-stained shirt now holding more meaning than he could ever admit.

___________________________________

The courtyard was alive with laughter, colors, and the soft rhythm of dhol beats as the haldi ceremony continued in full joy. The bride and groom were seated on the stage, their faces glowing under the golden hue of turmeric, while family and friends took turns applying haldi, clicking pictures, and teasing them with playful remarks.

Amid all the cheerful chaos, one of the elders called out to Priya. “Beta, zara kitchen se sarson ka tel le aao, rasam ke liye chahiye!”

“Ji, abhi laati hoon!” Priya replied, quickly getting up and walking toward the kitchen, adjusting her dupatta.

The kitchen was slightly quieter the faint sound of laughter still audible from the courtyard. She began looking around, opening shelves and peeking into cabinets.

“Kya dhoondh rahi ho?” a familiar voice came from behind, deep and teasing.

Startled, she turned around and there stood Prateek, leaning casually against the doorframe, his sleeves rolled up, an amused smirk on his face.

“Sarson ka tel dhoondh rahi ho… mil nahi raha,” she replied, still scanning the shelves, trying to ignore the flutter that started in her chest the moment she saw him.

“Ye to nahi chahiye tumko?” he asked, holding up a bottle of mustard oil casually, twirling it once in his hand. His eyes gleamed mischievously under the golden light filtering in from the window.

Priya’s eyes lit up. “Haan, yahi chahiye tha!” she said and stepped closer to take it from him. But just as her fingers brushed the bottle, he didn’t let go.

She blinked at him, confused. “Dijiye,” she said firmly, her brows furrowing slightly.

Prateek tilted his head, his grin widening. “Ek shart pe.”

“Kaisi shart?” she asked, her tone cautious now, eyes narrowing in curiosity.

He didn’t answer. Instead, he started taking slow, deliberate steps toward her.

She instinctively took a step back. “Aap kya kar rahe hain?” she whispered, her voice barely above a murmur, her heartbeat quickening with every step he took.

His eyes softened but his tone carried that same teasing warmth. “Tum kuch karne hi kaha deti ho?”

The faint smirk on his lips sent a rush of heat to her cheeks. Before she could say anything else, he lifted his free hand and gently cupped her cheek his thumb brushing lightly across her skin.

Priya froze. Her breath hitched, her heart began pounding so loud she could almost hear it. His touch was warm, steady making her nervous yet strangely safe all at once.

“Can I kiss you?” he asked softly, his voice dropping to a whisper, his eyes locked onto hers. There was no teasing in his tone now just quiet sincerity.

Priya’s lips parted, but no words came out. She couldn’t meet his gaze, so she closed her eyes, her chest rising and falling fast.

Taking her silence as permission, Prateek leaned closer his breath brushing her face, his proximity making her pulse skip beats. But instead of what she expected, he tilted his head slightly and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead.

A soft, lingering kiss full of warmth, tenderness, and unspoken promise.

When he pulled away, Priya opened her eyes, startled. His gaze was calm, affectionate, and just a little amused at her expression.

“You’ll be the first one to start the kiss… till then, I’ll just do this,” he said with a small smile half playful, half earnest.

Her heart fluttered uncontrollably. She couldn’t form words, so she just stood there her cheeks crimson, her fingers nervously fidgeting with her dupatta.

He took a step back, finally handing her the mustard oil bottle. She accepted it silently, but a faint, involuntary smile crept onto her lips.

Prateek’s eyes caught that smile, and his own grin turned smug. “Waise… meri choice hai to achhi… right?” he said, nodding toward her bangles the same yellow ones he’d given her during the trip.

Priya raised her chin with mock pride. “Hmm… hai to. Mujhe hi dekh lijiye… ho na sundar?” she said with a playful grin, flipping her hair dramatically.

Prateek chuckled softly at her confidence.”no doubt”

“Acha, give me your hand,” he said suddenly.

“Kyun? Kya hua?” she asked suspiciously, but still placed her hand forward.

Without answering, he took her hand gently. His fingers brushed over her wrist, lightly tracing the line of her bangles before pulling out his phone. The camera clicked a soft shutter sound in the quiet kitchen.

“Ye kis liye?” she asked, surprised, trying not to blush.

He pocketed his phone, smiling boyishly. “Mere liye,” he said with a wink before turning around and walking away.

Priya blinked, still standing there with the bottle of mustard oil in her hand, her heart doing cartwheels.

___________________________________________

The courtyard of the house was now a riot of laughter, splashes, and the bright yellow of haldi smeared over almost every face.

The elders had finished the ritual long ago, but the youngsters clearly weren’t done they had turned the sacred haldi ceremony into a full-blown battlefield of colors and chaos.

“Are bas kar chuhe… kitna lagayega?” Aditi shrieked, trying to cover her face as Vivaan kept applying more haldi on her cheeks with the enthusiasm of a kid discovering paint for the first time.

“Aise kaise!” Vivaan smirked, dipping his hand into the bowl again with a devilish grin.

“Chuhe tu to gaya!” came Shagun’s voice from behind before Vivaan could react. She charged at him like a warrior and smeared a handful of haldi paste all over his face.

“Ye cheating hai!” Vivaan shrieked, trying to wipe his eyes, but Shagun only laughed harder, running around him as Aditi bent over laughing at his condition.

Across the yard, another battle was brewing. Prateek was hiding behind Ansh like a scared cat, while Ruhaan stood a few feet away holding a mug full of haldi water, his expression vengeful yet mischievous.

“Bhai maaf kar de… galti se phek diya tha tere upar,” Prateek pleaded, clutching Ansh’s shoulders tightly as his human shield.

“Aise kaise chhod du… tu to gaya aaj,” Ruhaan said, narrowing his eyes. Then, before anyone could blink, he lunged forward but Prateek dodged just in time, and the entire mug of water splashed over Ansh instead.

“Sorry bhai!” Ruhaan said with a sheepish grin, taking a step back. But Ansh’s blank stare said it all the tables had turned.

“Tu to gaya ab,” Ansh muttered, grabbing a full bucket nearby with quiet determination.

“Bhai sun” Ruhaan started, but the words froze in his throat as Ansh came charging. He ran for his life, dodging chairs and guests while everyone around broke into laughter.

Ruhaan finally darted behind Aditi, clutching her shoulders like a terrified child. “Behen, bacha le!” he yelled dramatically.

“Bhaiya!” Aditi gasped in surprise as she almost lost balance.

“Adiii ke peeche se hatt ja Ruhaan,” Ansh commanded, standing in front of them with a bucket in hand, his eyes narrowing like a warning.

“Nahi, tu marega,” Ruhaan said firmly, shaking his head and holding Aditi tighter as if she were a safety blanket.

“Nahi marunga. Hatt ja uske peeche se,” Ansh said again, his tone now calm but convincing. His straight face made Ruhaan hesitate.

“Pakka?” Ruhaan asked cautiously.

Ansh nodded once.

And the moment Ruhaan stepped aside, Ansh emptied the entire bucket of water on him in one swift motion.

“Kamineee!” Ruhaan screamed, sputtering and wiping his face as everyone burst into laughter.

“Kya, tune bhi to dala tha,” Ansh said with a small smirk, clearly satisfied.

But before he could enjoy his little victory, another cold splash hit him from behind. Water dripped from his hair, soaking his kurta completely. Ruhaan doubled over laughing.

As Ansh turned around in disbelief, he saw Aditi standing there, holding an empty bucket, her eyes wide and a guilty, sheepish smile tugging at her lips.

“Main… actually Shagun pe daalna chahti thi…” she mumbled quickly, realizing her mistake as Shagun giggled from the side, having dodged just in time.

Ansh blinked once, then let out a quiet chuckle, shaking his head at her adorably panicked face as she quickly ran away, her laughter echoing behind her.

“Ab nahi bhigayega usse? Usne bhi to paani dala tere upar?” Ruhaan teased, wiping his face and elbowing Ansh with a mischievous grin.

Ansh just shrugged with a small smirk, watching Aditi from afar as she joined the girls again, her hair dripping and her smile radiant.

“Hey bhagwaan! Ye kaisa anyaay hai… dost dost na raha!” Ruhaan cried dramatically, clutching his heart and pretending to faint,

_____________________________________________

Among all the chaos, laughter, and splashes of haldi spreading across the courtyard, Samaira’s smile had begun to fade.

Everyone was drenched in yellow, teasing and chasing each other, but her eyes kept searching for one face Aman’s.

She hadn’t seen him even once since they’d come back from the market. Something inside her twisted uneasily.

She quietly stepped away from the noisy crowd and took out her phone, dialing his number again. It rang… and rang… but no answer.

“Kya ho gaya isko… call to utha le kam se kam,” she muttered under her breath, frustration lacing her voice. Just then, she spotted one of Aman’s cousins passing by.

“Oye, Veer… Aman ko dekha kya kahi?” Samaira asked hurriedly.

“Haan, room mein the vo apne,” Veer replied casually.

“Achha, theek hai… thanks,” she said quickly, forcing a small smile and walking toward the room he mentioned.

“Ye bhi na… pakka muh phula ke baitha hoga,” she murmured to herself, trying to sound annoyed but unable to hide the concern in her tone.

As she entered the dimly lit room, her steps froze. The curtains were drawn, letting only a faint golden light seep in. Aman sat on the floor beside the bed, his head bowed, fingers clasped tightly together. The silence in the room was thick heavy with something she couldn’t yet name.

“Aman?” she called softly.

He quickly wiped his eyes and looked up at her, forcing a faint smile, but she wasn’t fooled not even for a second. His eyes were swollen, red, and glistening with unshed tears.

“Aman, are you okay?… Why are you crying?” she asked, rushing toward him in panic, her voice trembling with worry.

“I’m not crying… it’s just something went into my eyes,” Aman lied, turning his face away, but his cracked voice betrayed him.

“Don’t lie to me, Aman,” Samaira said gently but firmly, kneeling in front of him. “I know you were crying… is it because of Vikram?”

Her question made his head snap up instantly, his eyes wide, startled almost pained.

“Oh god… I’m not going to marry him, Aman. Maine mana kar diya hai shaadi ke liye. Please don’t cry, na… I love you only. And I will only marry you, Aman. Aise thodi na koi bhi aa jayega hamare beech mein,” she said, her tone steady but her eyes glistening as she cupped his cheeks tenderly.

“You… love me, right?” Aman asked in a trembling voice, his fingers gently holding her hand, as if afraid she’d slip away.

She nodded instantly. “Of course I do.”

“Then promise me one thing,” he said quietly.

“Which thing?” she asked, her brows knitting in confusion.

“You will never drive on high speed, even when the road is empty,” he said, his voice breaking slightly.

Samaira blinked in surprise, her confusion deepening.

“I know it’s a silly thing to ask,” he continued, his tone trembling, “but please promise me you’ll never drive any vehicle on high speed.”

A tear slipped down his cheek, glistening in the faint light. “I’ve lost my parents in a road accident… and now I can’t lose you as well. Not this time. Please promise me. If you’ll leave me now, mujhe nahi pata… how will I survive.”

His words hit her like a storm. Guilt and heartbreak swelled in her chest as he began to cry harder, his voice choking between sobs.

“When I saw you riding fast today, it scared me so much. The thought that I might lose you it’s not leaving my mind. I’m not angry because of Vikram, Samaira. I’m scared… what if… what if I lose you too, just like I lost maa and papa,” he whispered, his voice breaking completely as his body shook.

Before he could continue, Samaira pulled him into a tight embrace, her arms wrapping around him protectively. “Shh… shhh… don’t cry… I’m here… I’m not going anywhere,” she whispered, her fingers gently running through his hair as tears welled in her own eyes.

“Promise me you won’t drive fast,” he mumbled against her shoulder, his voice muffled between quiet sobs as he hugged her tighter.

“Promise,” she whispered softly. “I won’t exceed the speed limit.”

“Shhh… don’t cry now,” she murmured, pressing her cheek against his head, feeling his shaky breaths slowly begin to calm.

His sniffs softened after a while. He looked up at her, eyes red, nose pink, hair ruffled, looking heartbreakingly vulnerable. Samaira cupped his cheeks, her thumbs wiping away the lingering tears.

“Look at me, Aman,” she said softly, and when his gaze met hers, her tone turned firm yet tender. “I’m not gonna leave you, okay? Don’t ever think that. I’ll always be here with you by your side, always.”

He stared at her, eyes glassy, and whispered hoarsely, “I know.”

Samaira leaned forward and placed a gentle kiss on his forehead, her lips lingering there for a brief moment, a silent promise sealing between them.

When she pulled back, she smiled softly. “Now, feeling better… ya aur rona hai?” she teased lightly, her tone playful again, trying to lift the weight from the air.

Aman sniffed and chuckled faintly, “Nahi, aur nahi.” A small smile broke through his tears as he wiped the last of them away.

Samaira smiled too, and without saying a word, hugged him again tighter this time, as if to assure him that no nightmare, no fear, no past could take her away.

____________________________________

The haldi function had long settled down, the chaos of laughter and yellow stains replaced by a warm serenity.

The elders had gone inside, leaving the youngsters to claim one corner of the garden. They sat sprawled across the grass and chairs, chatting, laughing, and teasing each other, their clothes still faintly tinted with the golden hue of haldi.

“Yaar bohot thakaan ho gayi,” Ruhaan groaned, stretching his arms lazily, his hair still messy from the day’s mischief.

“Kisi ko champi karni aati hai kya?” he asked, looking around at the group with a hopeful grin.

“Aao baitho,” Shagun said, patting the space in front of her chair, her lips curling into an amused smile.

Ruhaan’s face lit up instantly. “Bas yahi to chahiye tha,” he said, plopping down in front of her before anyone could claim the offer.

“Yeh lo tel… achhe se karna,” Ruhaan said, handing her a small bottle of oil like it was some divine ritual.

Shagun chuckled, twisting the cap open. “Haal baal hi noch lungi saare… jo hero-panti karte rehte ho na sab nikaal dungi,” she said, clutching a handful of his hair and rubbing the oil roughly into his scalp.

“Owww! Dard ho raha hai, zara pyar se karo na!” Ruhaan winced dramatically, making everyone burst out laughing.

On the other side, Prateek sighed deeply, looking at Aditi. “Aditi, tujhe bhi to aati hai, tu meri kar de na.”

“Hatt jaa,” Aditi scoffed, narrowing her eyes at him. “Main nahi karungi, baad mein bolega baal tod diye mere.”

“Kar de na… behen nahi hai kya tu?” Prateek said, giving her a pitiful look.

“Priya se karva le… usse bhi aati hai,” Aditi replied slyly, her tone mischievous, making Priya go wide-eyed while everyone struggled to contain their laughter.

“Kar de Priya… itna to kar hi sakti hai,” Samaira teased, wiggling her eyebrows, her voice dripping with playfulness.

“Ha ha… karva le bhai, achhi karti hai vo bhi,” Ruhaan added, grinning devilishly.

Blushing, Priya sighed and finally sat behind Prateek as he knelt down, handing her the bottle. Her fingers moved gracefully through his hair, soft and rhythmic, while he closed his eyes, looking like he had ascended to peace itself.

Meanwhile, Vivaan, who was lying lazily on the grass, turned to Aditi. “Yaar, Aditi, tu khali hai to meri hi kar de,” he said with a hopeful grin.

“Nahi,” she said flatly.

“Chocolate dunga… Silk wali,” he offered with a childlike smile.

Aditi chuckled, shaking her head. “Theek hai, chal aa.”

“Yes!” Vivaan jumped up like an excited kid and sat in front of her, folding his hands dramatically as she began to massage his head.

“Ansh kaha gayab ho gaya?” Aman’s name came up suddenly as Samaira looked around, noticing his absence.

“Pata nahi,” Priya said softly, her hands still running through Prateek’s hair. He sat blissfully unaware, completely lost in her touch.

“Usko zukhaam ho gaya hai shayad, bheeg gaya tha bohot subah,” Ruhaan added, making Aditi’s head snap up instantly, concern flashing across her face.

Just then, someone called Prateek away for some chore, and Riva came to take Priya along to check some last-minute arrangements. Within minutes, the laughter softened into calm chatter as Aditi’s gaze unconsciously kept drifting inside the hall.

Moments later, Ansh appeared his hair slightly damp, rubbing his nose with a handkerchief, clearly struggling with a cold.

“Kya ho gaya, head boy?” Samaira teased, noticing him.

“Kuch nahi didi… ye Ruhaan ka bachha hai na… zukhaam ho gaya iski wajah se,” Ansh said, glaring at Ruhaan.

“Bhai maine kya kiya! Aur mera bachha to hua hi nahi… shaadi to hone de pehle meri,” Ruhaan said dramatically, clutching his heart in mock offense, earning a playful smack from Shagun.

“Tune hi to bheegaya tha mujhe… bhool gaya?” Ansh said, rolling his eyes.

“Ohh achha, achha… Aditi ne bhi to bhigaya tha, usko kuch nahi bolega?” Ruhaan smirked, shooting a teasing glance between them.

Ansh glared at him, but the faintest shade of pink crept up his ears.

“Sar, main bhi dard ho raha hoga phir to?” Aman asked, concerned.

“Haan bhaiya, ho to raha hai,” Ansh replied, still rubbing his head but a knowing smirk was visible on his lips as he exchanged a look with Aman.

“Aaja champi karva le phir… aaram lagega thoda,” Samaira suggested with a grin.

“Huh… ye champi karayenge?” Vivaan mocked, laughing. “Badi mummy tak ko to apne baalon ko haath nahi lagane dete, champi karayenge!”

“Tu hat jaa… Aditi karegi to karva lega. Chal, side ho,” Ruhaan said in a commanding tone, getting up and shoving Vivaan aside before Ansh could protest.

“Are par mera to poora hone do!” Vivaan whined, but Ruhaan ignored him completely and pushed Ansh to sit in front of Aditi.

“Kya kar raha hai… rehne de,” Ansh muttered, embarrassed.

“Chup kar. Meri wajah se hua hai na tujhe zukhaam theek karne de,” Ruhaan said firmly, folding his arms like an elder brother scolding him.

“Chal shuru ho ja, Aditi,” Ruhaan commanded and went back to Shagun, who just shook her head, laughing.

“Kar du?” Aditi asked softly, hesitating slightly, as if seeking Ansh’s permission.

“Are tu kar Aditi… main bol raha hoon na,” Ruhaan called out from afar.

“Kar do,” Ansh said gently, his tone barely above a whisper. Somehow, even that single word carried weight like her touch already meant something to him.

With a faint smile, Aditi poured a little oil onto her palms and began to apply it gently into his hair.

Her fingers moved slowly, rhythmically, caressing his scalp with soft pressure. Ansh closed his eyes almost instantly, the tension in his shoulders melting away as a small, boyish smile curved on his lips.

The soft scent of coconut oil filled the air, and the cool evening breeze brushed against their faces. Aditi’s fingers glided through his hair, careful yet confident, and for a moment just a fleeting one the noisy world faded into silence.

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The next day, the venue buzzed with life once again this time draped in shades of green and gold. The mehendi function had turned the place into a vibrant haven of laughter, chatter, and fragrance.

On the main stage, Renuka sat elegantly, adorned in an emerald green lehenga. Two mehendi artists delicately drew intricate floral patterns on her palms and feet, the dark brown paste standing out beautifully against her fair skin.

Beside her, women hummed wedding songs, teasing her about the groom’s name hidden in her design.

Across the garden, the younger girls had taken over as amateur mehendi artists for the elders. The laughter and chatter were endless.

“Yaar, bohot thakaan ho gayi,” Samaira muttered, leaning over as she applied mehendi on her mother’s palms, the lines wobbly but full of effort.

“Arre zyada mat hila, seedha lagaa na,” Shweta scolded lightly, smiling at her daughter’s exaggerated eye roll.

“Main bhi toh keh rahi hoon, mujhe relax karne do zara,” Samaira sighed dramatically.

Shweta, meanwhile, seemed more interested in something else entirely. “Achha sunn…Ek aur ladka hai… teri chachi ki pehchaan mein,” she said hopefully, as if she’d found the perfect groom.

“Maa, bas bhi karo yaar,” Samaira groaned, exasperated. “Kyun shaadi ke peeche padi ho meri? Mujhe nahi karni, bol diya na maine!”

“Achha theek hai, chilla mat,” Shweta said, feigning surrender but clearly unconvinced.

A few feet away, Priya was busy applying mehendi on Shagun’s hands, while Aditi worked on Kriti’s palms.

“Yaar, achhe se laga na… ye dekh, ye mota hogya,” Shagun complained, frowning at one of the lines.

“Waisa hi rahega vo,” Priya said without even glancing up.

“Nahi yaar, patla rehta hai,” Shagun argued.

“Khud hi laga le phir,” Priya said flatly, done with her constant nitpicking.

“Are nahi nahi! Laga laga, kitni achhi lag rahi hai tu,” Shagun backtracked instantly, flashing a grin that made Aditi and Kriti burst out laughing.

“Ho gaya, aunty,” Aditi said, wiping her hands as she finished Kriti’s mehendi.

“Thank you, beta,” Kriti smiled warmly before walking away.

“Tu yhi ruk ja… mere lagayegi tu phir,” Priya told Aditi, to which she nodded obediently.

Just as Aditi was cleaning her cone, Ruhaan plopped beside her with his usual grin that familiar spark of mischief in his eyes.

“Aditi, ek kaam tha,” he said, pretending to sound serious.

“Ha bolo,” she replied, already suspicious.

“Mujhe mehendi laga de,” he said simply, holding out his palm.

Three pairs of eyes shot wide open in disbelief.

“Aap mehendi lagvayenge? Kyun? Kahin aap sach mein to…” Priya gasped theatrically.

“Aeee chup kar, nautanki,” Ruhaan scolded, smirking.

“Tum apni nautanki band karo… aur ye mehendi kyun lagwani hai tumko? Ladki ho tum kya?” Shagun asked, raising a brow.

“Arre bas thodi si lagvaunga… tumhare naam ki,” Ruhaan said shyly, covering his face with his palms the tips of his ears turning red.

“Le ja Shagun, didi ke saath tu bhi isi mandap mein shaadi kar le bhaiya se,” Aditi teased, earning herself a sharp elbow from Shagun.

“Pagal hai kya? Kapdo pe mehendi lag jaayegi,” Aditi laughed, dodging her friend’s playful smack.

“Laga de Aditi, bhaiya bhi khush ho jayenge,” Priya said with a teasing smirk.

“Pehli baar mere hitt mein baat kari hai isne… laga de Aditi,” Ruhaan grinned triumphantly, while Shagun just shook her head with a chuckle.

With a small smile tugging at her lips, Aditi took the cone and began writing Shagun’s name delicately on Ruhaan’s palm, choosing a hidden spot where no one could easily notice.

The air between them was filled with unspoken laughter that light, youthful warmth that only friendship and mischief could bring.

“Main paani peeke aati hoon, ruk,” Priya said and hurried inside, leaving Shagun’s mehendi half done.

“Hogaya,” Aditi said softly as she finished the last swirl on Ruhaan’s hand.

Ruhaan examined his palm and looked up at Shagun with mock seriousness. “Tumne mera naam nahi likhvaya?”

“Abhi mehendi hi kaha lagi poori,” Shagun replied casually.

“Ohh achha… main hi likh deta hoon, ruko,” he said, grabbing a cone from the nearby plate.

“Chhota sa likhna… koi dekh na le,” Shagun warned, her eyes darting around nervously.

“Ha baba, chhupake likhunga,” Ruhaan promised, his grin widening as he bent closer to her hand. The cool mehendi paste met her skin in a soft glide as he carefully etched his name hidden between floral curls.

Shagun rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide the faint blush on her cheeks.

Meanwhile, inside the hall, away from the laughter and music echoing from the garden, Priya walked through the corridor with a glass of water in her hand.

She took a slow sip, but before she could even turn to leave, someone gently caught her wrist and pulled her into an empty room.

Her breath hitched as she stumbled slightly, only to find herself face-to-face with Prateek.

“Aap?” she gasped, startled, her voice coming out softer than intended. Her heart raced not out of fear, but because of the sudden proximity that always seemed to unnerve her.

Prateek’s eyes softened at her reaction. “Tumne mehendi nhi lagayi?” he asked, his tone calm but his eyes glinting with a hint of mischief.

“Nahi,” she replied quickly, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “Abhi Shagun ko laga rahi hoon… bas uske baad lagvaungi Aditi se.”

Prateek took a step closer, the faint scent of her floral perfume mixing with the warm fragrance of henna that lingered in the air. “5 minutes dogi mujhe?” he asked quietly.

Priya blinked, confused. “Kis liye?”

He smiled that boyish, heart-melting smile of his and pulled a small mehendi cone from his pocket, extending it towards her along with his wrist. “Mujhe mehendi lagane ke liye.”

For a moment, she just stared at him, wide-eyed. “Aapko… mehendi lagwani hai?” she asked, disbelief lacing her voice.

“Apna naam likh do bas,” he said simply, his voice holding that gentle warmth that always managed to make her heart flutter.

A laugh escaped her lips despite the butterflies in her stomach. “Aap kab se Ruhaan bhaiya ki tarah ho gaye?” she teased, shaking her head as she took the cone from his hand.

“Jab se tumse pyaar hua hai,” he replied, his voice soft – almost a confession whispered into the still air between them.

Her hand froze for a second, the tip of the cone barely touching his skin. Her cheeks turned a deep crimson as her heart stumbled over its own rhythm. She didn’t meet his eyes, afraid that one look would melt every ounce of composure she had left.

“H-hmm… ho gaya,” she murmured, finishing the small, delicate pattern of her name, curling gracefully across his wrist.

Prateek looked down, a slow smile spreading across his face as he traced the wet mehendi with his eyes. “Thank you,” he whispered, his voice filled with a tender sincerity that made her chest tighten.

Before she could respond, he leaned forward just slightly close enough for her to feel the warmth of his breath – and placed a soft, fleeting kiss on her forehead. The touch was gentle, reverent, and yet powerful enough to send a rush of emotions through her.

By the time she blinked, he had already stepped back, his grin widening before he quietly slipped out of the room – leaving her standing there, her heart pounding so wildly it felt like it might burst out of her chest.

She brought her hand to her forehead, where his lips had just been, her skin still tingling. A small, dazed smile played on her lips

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that’s all for this chapter…hope you enjoyed it🤗🎀

boring laga ho chapter to bata dena…i’ll add more fun in next chapters🤧

don’t forget to vote and comment it really motivates me to write the chapters.

see you in next chapter….till then be safe, be healthy, and keep reading💖🫶

lots of love💖😘

~Prachi💌

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