𝗧𝘂𝗺 𝗛𝗶 𝗧𝘂𝗺 – [𝐀𝐧 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐞] - 𝐂𝐇 - 𝟑𝟗 ༊˚

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इश्क-ए दी गलियां तंग हैं
शर्मो शर्मि में बंद हैं
ख़ुद से ख़ुद की कैसी ये जंग है
पल पल ये दिल घबराए
पल पल ये दिल शर्माए
कुछ कहता है और कुछ कर जाए
कैसी ये पहेली मों दिल मर जाना
इश्क में जलती बड़ा जुर्माना 

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First of all thankyou so so sooooooo much for loving and supporting the story this much as we are a family of 100 now😭🤌….. it’s so overwhelming ki main kya batau🤧…. isiliye I’m updating the chapter before the target as a gratitude towards you guys🙂‍↕️🫶….. thankyou so much 💖

Also….ye wala part to upload kar dungi next wale ke liye votes complete karne honge🫠…as that part will hold more intense scenes to…..kanjoosi mat karna votes main🥹😭 

VOTE: 200+

COMMENTS: 210+

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It was the lazy, golden afternoon of the mehendi day the air smelled of henna and laughter, the faint buzz of chatter floating across the courtyard. 

Everyone’s hands were now painted in intricate green swirls, except Aditi’s. In one corner, near the soft rustle of marigold strings, she sat on a low chair while Shagun half her own hands still sticky with drying mehendi tried to apply the design on Aditi’s palms using her other hand.

“Achhe se laga naa,” Aditi grumbled, her tone already laced with complaint.

“Laga to rahi hu… chup reh tu aur hill mat,” Shagun scolded lightly, concentrating on the cone.

“Achhi nahi laga rahi tu,” Aditi fake cried, tilting her head for sympathy.

“Ha to main kaunsa parlour wali ka course kar ke baithi hu… itne mein itna hi milega,” Shagun shot back with an eye roll.

“Yrr, par thodi si aur achhi laga de naa,” Aditi pleaded, her lips curving into a small pout.

“Tu ek kaam kar soja,… dekhti rahegi to nadiya baha degi. Poori lag jaane de, phir achhi lagegi,” Shagun said, half irritated, half amused.

“Pakka achhi lagegi na?” Aditi asked with sleepy sincerity.

“Ha, soja tu, main laga dungi,” Shagun replied, chuckling.

And so she did. Trusting her friend’s words a little too much, Aditi leaned back lazily into the chair, arms resting open so her wet mehendi wouldn’t touch anything, her eyes fluttering shut. Within minutes, she slipped into a light nap. Her head tilted to one side, a few strands of her hair fell across her face, sticking to her cheek. She looked… adorable and slightly ridiculous. The kind of sight that made people want to smile for no reason.

After some time, Ansh appeared, probably searching for something but stopped mid-step when his eyes caught the scene before him. Aditi leaned back, lost in her nap, while Shagun sat cross-legged, tongue poking out in concentration as she drew the final patterns. A soft smile touched his lips, a rare one… as he watched the peaceful scene.

Shagun, of course, noticed the look immediately. Mischief flashed in her eyes. She raised her brows and beckoned him closer silently, careful not to wake Aditi.

“Kya hua?” Ansh asked softly, lowering his voice as he approached.

“Apka naam likh du iske haath pe?” Shagun whispered with a sly grin.

Ansh froze, his heartbeat tripping over itself. “Nahi nahi,” he denied quickly, eyes widening.

“Aap hi likh do phir… lo,” she said, handing him the cone with a smirk.

“Rehne do…” Ansh mumbled, stepping back, his ears already burning red.

“Kya yrr bhaiya… itna to karte hi hai!” Shagun teased in a low voice.

Ansh sighed, flustered but firm. “Then you should ask her only for this… if she says yes, then do it. Otherwise, leave it.”

“Ye to kya hi bolegi,” Shagun muttered, her voice rising slightly in mock annoyance just enough to make Aditi stir.

Aditi moved in her sleep, head turning to the other side. Her open hair fell forward, strands brushing against her face, and she scrunched her nose, trying to blow them away. It was an utterly small, innocent act but something in it made Ansh’s chest tighten unexpectedly. A chuckle escaped his lips before he could stop it.

“Baal to hata hi sakte ho uske chehre se aap,” Shagun whispered wickedly, eyes twinkling.

Ansh turned red. “whattt?” he whispered back.

“Kar bhi do yrr bhaiya,” she urged, holding back her laughter.

Ansh hesitated but finally stepped forward. He bent slightly, coming down to her level, his movements slow and careful as if afraid the air itself might wake her. His hand hovered near her face, fingers trembling slightly before brushing her hair aside. Her hair was softer than he thought silky and smooth, the strands slipping effortlessly between his fingers. The faint scent of jasmine oil lingered in them, mixing with the earthy smell of mehendi.

He tucked a few strands behind her ear, his gaze lingering longer than he intended. Only one stubborn strand remained one that refused to stay away, falling gently across her lips. His hand reached out again, barely inches away from her face….

“BACHAOOOOOO!”

The peace shattered.

Vivaan’s voice screamed across the courtyard like a siren. Aditi’s eyes flew open instantly, startling Ansh, who lost his balance and tumbled backward onto the ground.

“Ahh!” he yelped, sitting up in confusion.

“Aap neeche kya kar rahe hai?” Aditi asked, blinking in shock, half-asleep and half-scandalized.

“Vo main…” Ansh started, scrambling for an excuse.

Before he could form a proper word, Vivaan came running from behind her chair, nearly knocking it over in panic.

“Aditi bachale! Teri behen sach mein chudail ban gayi!” he cried, eyes wide in mock terror.

“Ab kya kar diya tune?” Shagun asked, unimpressed.

“Mujhe hila mat! Mehendi kharab ho jaayegi!” Aditi shrieked.

“Tujhe tere dost se zyada mehendi ki padi hai?” Vivaan asked in disbelief.

“Ha toh,” Aditi replied casually, inspecting her hand.

“Dekh lunga tujhe bhi,” Vivaan muttered but his words were cut short as Riva came storming out from inside, her dress half-smeared with mehendi, a chappal clutched in her hand like a weapon.

“Diii! Isko pakad ke rakho, bhagne na paaye!” Riva screamed furiously.

Vivaan dodged behind the chair, laughing. “Heheee… bol bhi kisko rahi hai? Inke toh haathon mein pehle se hi mehendi lagi hai!”

“Mere toh nahi lagi,” Ansh said dryly, catching Vivaan by both arms before he could dart away.

“Yrr bhaiya! Aap toh meri side the!” Vivaan cried in betrayal.

Riva reached them, panting, her cheeks flushed. “Aaj toh gaya beta tu,” she muttered under her breath.

“Are jaaan booch ke nahi kiya yaar… chod do mujhe!” Vivaan squealed, struggling under Ansh’s firm grip.

Riva snatched the mehendi cone from Shagun’s hand and, without a second’s hesitation, squeezed the entire paste onto his crisp white shirt.

“Aeee! Kya kar rahi ho! Koi roko isko!” Vivaan shrieked, dramatically flapping his arms.

“Meri bhi nayi dress thi,” Riva said smugly.

“Ruk jaa Riva!” Aditi called out. “Kar kya rahe ho dono! Holi thodi hai, mehendi se khel rahe ho dono!”

“Isse poochho na, didi!” Riva shot back, pointing at Vivaan. “Isne pehle mere kapdon pe mehendi lagayi!”

“Kyuu lagayi tune mehendi uske dress pe?” Ansh asked strictly, holding Vivaan’s ear lightly like an elder brother scolding a child.

“Bhaiya, maine lagayi nahi… vo galti se lag gayi,” Vivaan winced.

“Ek chappal maarungi na, phir kabhi jhooth nahi bol paoge,” Riva warned, glaring.

“Hathapai pe kyun utar jaati ho yrr tum… bata raha hoon” Vivaan groaned.

“Ha, bata,” Ansh said calmly but with that elder-brother firmness that made Vivaan obey immediately.

“Vo actually… mehendi ka paste le ja raha tha, mammy ne mangaya tha. Aur ye beech mein aa gayi, toh lag gayi iske kapdon pe,” he explained, but Riva was clearly not convinced.

She raised her slipper again. “Ruk jao! Bata raha hu!” he yelled quickly. “Vo actually… main bas isse pareshaan karna chahta tha. Isko mehendi ki smell pasand nahi, toh main bas ghoom raha tha uske paas… galti se lag gayi.”

“Galti se?” Riva folded her arms. “Jaan-booch ke!”

“Ab tumne bhi toh laga diya… hisaab barabar,” Vivaan replied with mock innocence.

“Ek second, chup dono ke dono,” Ansh interrupted like a tired judge. “Sorry bol Riva ko,” she ordered.

“Kyu? Isne bhi toh lagaya,” Vivaan protested.

“I said say sorry to her,” Ansh commanded, his tone sharp now.

Vivaan pouted but gave up, mumbling, “Sorry.”

“Kya bola? Sunayi nahi diya,” Riva leaned forward, tauntingly.

“I said SORRY!” Vivaan shouted, making her grin.

“Tu kya daant dikha rahi hai? Tu bhi sorry bol,” Aditi scolded Riva.

“Par diii-” Riva protested

“Bol sorry,” Aditi repeated firmly.

“Sorry,” Riva muttered.

“Kya kaha? Sunayi nahi diya,” Vivaan mocked, smirking.

“SORRYYY!” she screamed right into his ear, making him jump.

“Kaan phaadogi kya ab?” he groaned, rubbing his ear.

“Man toh kar raha hai tumhe hi phaad doon,” Riva muttered darkly.

“Kya bola?” he asked.

“Kuch nahi,” she said, glaring one last time before walking away.

Vivaan pointed at Ansh. “Bhaiya, aapko baad mein dekh lunga.” Then turning to Aditi, “Tujhe bhi,” he warned before stomping off.

“Bhai, inka toh kuch nahi ho sakta,” Shagun sighed dramatically. “Ye dono agar saath ho gaye na, ek dusre ki jaan le lenge.”

“Jaan? Jinda kha jaaye ye dono ek dusre ko,” Aditi muttered under her breath.

Then she turned to Ansh, frowning. “Aap yahan kya kar rahe the?”

“Kuch nahi… help kar rahe the teri,” Shagun answered for him, her tone dripping mischief.

“Help?” Aditi asked suspiciously. “Kaisi help?”

“Vo toh bhaiya hi batayenge,” Shagun teased, smirking.

Ansh instantly went pink. “Nahi nahi… vo bas kuch kaam tha… main chalta hu,” he blurted, practically bolting inside before anyone could say another word.

“Inko kya hua?” Aditi muttered, staring after him.

“Tujhse pyaar,” Shagun said instantly.

“Chup kar,” Aditi snapped, glaring – but her cheeks betrayed her.

“Kyaaa… sach hi toh bol rahi hu,” Shagun teased.

“Kaam kar chal, mehendi poori kar,” Aditi said, trying to hide the tiny smile forming on her lips.

“Kuttiii,” Shagun muttered.

“Tu badi wali,” Aditi shot back.

_________________________________________

The evening air buzzed with excitement as the sangeet preparations reached their peak. The boys’ room was a chaos of cologne.

Aman was still in the washroom, while Ansh stood near the mirror, looking effortlessly charming in a deep red kurta that highlighted his calm yet striking aura. Prateek was almost ready, fixing his hair with surgical focus, while Ruhaan-completely lost in his own world-had draped Shagun’s dupatta around his neck which he had stolen and was blushing like a lovestruck fool.

Meanwhile, Vivaan stood proudly in front of the mirror wearing just a white vest, flexing his so-called invisible biceps with exaggerated seriousness.

“Yrr bhaiya… handsome toh main hoon, nahii?” he asked, admiring his reflection.

“Handsome chod… gadha hai tu,” Prateek replied, not even looking up.

“Aap toh chup hi raho… jalte ho mujhse,” Vivaan retorted, pretending to adjust his hair like a model.

“Haan haan, tu hi toh hai ek hoor ka para,” Aman’s voice came from behind as he stepped out of the washroom, shirtless, a towel wrapped casually around his waist, water still dripping from his hair. giving full view of his toned chest and six-pack abs.

“Kya bhaiya! Aap toh meri side raho!” Vivaan whined dramatically, making everyone burst into laughter.

“Yrr meri baniyaan dekhi kya tum logon ne?” Aman asked, searching through the pile of clothes on the bed.  (please don’t judge me for using word baniyaan….because mere ghar main yhi bolte hai)

“Whi hogi, Maa ne whi rakhi hogi,” Ansh replied, calmly buttoning his kurta.

Aman rummaged through a few bags when suddenly without any warning Samaira barged into the room.

“Yrr Aman! Tumne DJ wale se baat kari ki nahi?” she said quickly, her tone urgent. She didn’t even register where she was until her eyes fell on Aman standing right there, shirtless, his toned abs and sculpted shoulders gleaming under the yellow light.

Her eyes froze… and then wandered. From his wet hair to his chest to that towel hanging low on his waist.

“Kya baat hai yrr… tumhare bhi abs hai… bataya nahi tumne,” Samaira said in a teasing tone, smirking shamelessly as the other boys stood there, completely stunned.

“Tum… tum at least knock kar ke to aati,” Aman stuttered, trying to cover his chest with his hands.

“Are knock kya karna… jab saamne itna mast nazara mil raha ho toh?” she quipped, walking closer with a mischievous grin.

“Dekho… paas mat aana,” Aman warned, backing up slowly toward the curtain.

“Are dekhne toh do yrr… kya mast maal banaya hai bhagwan ne,” Samaira said, her voice playful as she extended her hand and lightly traced a finger down his abs.

Aman jumped back instantly, clutching the towel tighter.

Meanwhile, Ansh, Prateek, Ruhaan, and Vivaan stood frozen, their expressions a mix of horror and disbelief.

“Yeh pakka teri hi behen hai na?” Ruhaan whispered in shock.

“Shayad…” Prateek muttered, equally horrified.

“Tum log shakal kya dekh rahe ho?! Apne bhai ki izzat bachao, kamino!” Aman shouted, hiding behind the curtain like his life depended on it.

“Are ruk jao yrr, achhe se nahi dekha maine,” Samaira said, laughing, moving closer again.

“Are didi! Abhi ruk jao, bhaiya darr rahe hain!” Ansh jumped in between them, holding his hands out protectively.

“Main kaunsa kha jaungi? Mujhe toh bas choona hai,” she teased with an innocent face.

“Shaadi ke baad choo lena, abhi nahi… chalo bahar!” Prateek said, grabbing her by the arm and trying to pull her away.

“Usme toh abhi time hai… hatt tu,” Samaira said, wriggling free with a smirk.

“Yrr didi, privacy do bhaiya ko abhi!” Ruhaan said, helping Prateek drag her toward the door.

“Are par-” she started, but Vivaan interrupted.

“Didi! Aapko live telecast dunga main baad mein… abhi jaane do,” he said, trying not to laugh.

“Par ye wala scene zyada achha hai,” Samaira replied cheekily, but before she could take another step toward Aman, she was unceremoniously dragged out of the room by Ansh, Prateek, and Ruhaan.

As soon as the door slammed shut, Vivaan rushed to lock it from the inside and turned dramatically toward Aman, who was still clutching the curtain around himself like a shield.

“Yrr bhaiya… aapki wali toh poori hawasi nikli,” Vivaan said, eyes wide.

“Agreed,” Aman replied flatly, still in shock, while the rest of the boys broke into uncontrollable laughter.

____________________

As the evening approached, laughter and chatter filled the girls’ room. The soft golden glow of fairy lights reflected off mirrors, lehengas, and jewelry scattered across the bed. Aditi was carefully doing Shree’s makeup, her hands steady and focused, while Priya was struggling to tie the heavy dori of her navy-blue lehenga. Riva, for a change, was actually on time adjusting her earrings and bangles with unusual calmness.

Amidst all the calm chaos, Shagun was the only one on the verge of losing her mind.

“Yrr mera dupatta kaha chala gaya… yhi to rakha tha!” she said in panic, checking the dressing table, the bed, even digging through her bags.

“Hamare bags me dekh le, kya pata galti se chala gaya ho,” Aditi suggested, still blending foundation on Shree’s cheek.

Shagun hurriedly checked but came back empty-handed. “Nahi hai…” she said, voice trembling slightly, frustration growing with every second.

“Are dhyaan se dekh yrr, yhi kahi hoga,” Priya tried to calm her.

“Nhi mil raha Priya… sach me nhi mil raha,” Shagun said, her tone now cracking with genuine worry.

“Aap layi to thi na didi, Delhi se?” Riva asked, trying to help.

“Haan… layi thi main,” Shagun said quickly, her eyes darting around like a detective on mission.

Before anyone could reply, Samaira entered the room confident as ever. “Kya ho raha hai yrr? Kis baat ka chaos hai?”

“Didi, iska dupatta nahi mil raha,” Aditi explained.

“Kaisa dikhta hai?” Samaira asked, hands on her waist, scanning the room.

“Green color ka hai didi… aur usme golden border hai,” Shagun replied instantly.

“Hmm… light green, chhote chhote dots bhi hain golden color ke?” Samaira cross-checked, raising an eyebrow.

“Haan didi… bilkul vaisa hi hai!” Shagun said quickly, hopeful now.

“Hmmm…” Samaira smirked slightly. “Jaake apne aashiq se pooch, uske gale mein kya kar raha hai vo.”

“Hein?!” Shagun froze, her voice barely a whisper.

Samaira didn’t reply, just grabbed her hand and pulled her toward the door. Peeking into the corridor, Shagun’s eyes widened in disbelief. There stood Ruhaan laughing and chatting with Ansh and Prateek, her green dupatta wrapped proudly around his neck like a trophy.

“Uski toh main…” Shagun muttered under her breath, fists clenching.

“Ruhaan!” Samaira called out sharply.

“Ha didi?” he turned, still grinning, clueless about the storm approaching.

“Idhar aa,” Samaira said in her signature no-nonsense tone. Then, glaring at Ansh and Prateek, she added, “Tum dono bhi saath mein aao.”

The three boys stepped inside. Prateek and Ansh paused at the doorway their eyes involuntarily searching for familiar faces.

Prateek’s gaze found Priya standing near the mirror, fixing her earrings, her lehenga shimmering under the light. He couldn’t help the soft smile tugging his lips. Through his eyes, he sent her a silent compliment, “You look beautiful,” making her cheeks turn pink as she shyly looked away.

Meanwhile, Ansh’s eyes instinctively searched for Aditi. She was wearing a pink lehenga, helping Shree with her hair, her face still bare of any makeup, yet glowing with effortless beauty. When their eyes met, he quickly looked away pretending to focus on Shree but Aditi caught his fleeting glance, and a faint smile danced across her lips.

“Yeh dupatta kiska hai?” Samaira’s voice broke the moment.

“Yeh… yeh toh Shagun ka hai,” Ruhaan replied casually, glancing at her with an innocent smile.

“Usse poocha tha tune lene se pehle?” Samaira asked, folding her arms.

“Nahi…” Ruhaan replied, scratching his neck.

“Haww… aap dupatta chor bhi ban gaye ab,” Priya teased from the corner, giggling.

“Chup kar tu! Yeh yahi pada hua tha, toh maine utha liya,” Ruhaan defended himself, acting nonchalant.

“Toh ek baar bata toh dete,” Shagun replied sharply, unimpressed.

“Are chill yrr… tumhara hi toh liya hai,” Ruhaan said, laughing nervously, though his smile faltered seeing her glare.

“Toh ab main kya aise hi bahar jaungi bina dupatte ke?!” Shagun snapped, her voice raising a pitch.

“arey…nhi nhi bilkul nahii…ye lo” Ruhaan stammered quickly, pulling off the dupatta and placing it carefully around her shoulders before stepping backward like he was escaping danger.

Before anyone could react further, Kritika entered the room with Charu and a few aunties in tow, all dolled up and carrying bright-colored dupattas in their hands.

“Lo batao! Tum teeno yahan ho, hum kab se dhoond rahe the tumhe,” Kritika said in her sugary tone, instantly making Aditi roll her eyes.

“Aagayi phir se chirkut,” Priya muttered under her breath.

“Vo kis liye?” Prateek asked politely.

“Are tum logon ne kurte pehne hue hain na… toh dupatte laye the. Achhe lagenge,” Kritika said with a smile.

“Nahi, mujhe nahi chahiye, mere paas hai,” Ruhaan said quickly, pulling another matching dupatta from Shagun’s bag just to avoid further chaos.

“Achha, ok… tum dono dekh lo, konsa loge?” Kritika said, looking at Prateek and Ansh.

“Nahi, it’s ok… we’re fine,” Ansh replied politely.

“Are aise kaise?” Charu insisted sweetly, stepping closer to them.

“Unhe nahi chahiye na, samajh nahi aayi tumhe?” Aditi said bluntly, her tone laced with irritation.

“Are… it’s ok Aditi, bas ek dupatta hi toh hai,” Charu said, pretending to be innocent.

“Are daal lo beta, achhe lagoge,” one of the aunties encouraged.

“Haina aunty, main bhi toh kab se yahi keh rahi hoon,” Charu chirped, seizing the opportunity – and before anyone could stop her, she draped a golden dupatta around Prateek’s neck.

“Hmm… ye suit kar raha hai,” Kritika said, inspecting him.

“Haina dii,” Charu added, glowing with fake excitement.

Prateek’s eyes instantly shifted to Priya her face had fallen, disappointment visible though she tried to hide it. He could read her too well. So, he decided to fix it his own way.

“Nahi, ye thoda off lag raha hai,” he said, pretending to analyze himself in the mirror. “Koi aur do.”

He began searching through the pile dramatically, rejecting every dupatta until he spotted one lying neatly folded on the corner of a suitcase Priya’s dupatta.

“Aditi, itna achha dupatta lekar rakha hai tune… apne bhai ko nahi de sakti?” he said innocently.

“Konsa wala?” Aditi asked, already suppressing a grin.

“Ye wala,” he said, draping it around his neck before anyone could react.

“Vo actually Priya ka hai,” Aditi finally revealed, biting back a laugh.

“Ohh sorry… mujhe laga Aditi ka hai. Par achha lag raha hai, main le raha hoon ok?” Prateek said quickly, looking at Priya with an awkward but mischievous smile.

“Okk… no problem,” Priya said softly, hiding her blush as everyone’s attention diverted.

“But it’s not going with the outfit,” Charu tried to interfere again.

“Aaj kal contrast fashion hai… tum thoda old-fashioned ho, trend seekho bhai,” Samaira countered smoothly, making Charu’s smile freeze in place.

“Achha lag raha hu na, Shree?” Prateek asked, turning dramatically toward the little girl.

“Haan! Bohot achhe!” Shree replied instantly, grinning wide making the whole room burst into laughter.

Except Charu. She stood there sulking, her plan completely flopped while Priya shyly looked down, her heart fluttering as Prateek caught her eye once more, this time with a wink that only she noticed

Just when things had finally settled down, Kritika stepped closer to Ansh with an annoyingly sweet smile.

“Anyways… ye wala tumhare upar achha lagega, Ansh,” Kritika said, wrapping a bright red dupatta around his neck.

Aditi’s jaw clenched. “Kuttiiiiii…” she muttered under her breath, glaring at Kritika as if her eyes could burn holes in that dupatta.

“Dekhna aunty, achha hai na?” Kritika asked, turning to one of the relatives with pride.

Before anyone could respond, Shree’s disgusted voice echoed through the room, cutting through the chaos. “Chiiiiii… yuck!”

Everyone turned toward her.

“Kya hua, Shree?” Priya asked, half surprised, half amused.

“Yrr didi… inko to kuch bhi nahi pata fashion ke baare main! Ye wala dupatta kitna bekar lag raha hai bhaiya pe!” Shree said dramatically, her hands on her hips, shaking her head in disappointment like a mini fashion critic.

“Hey! What do you mean mujhe fashion nahi pata? Achha to lag raha hai!” Kritika protested, visibly offended.

“Nhii nhii nhii…” Shree shook her head vigorously, her pigtails bouncing as she marched toward Aditi’s bag. She pulled out a beautiful white Banarasi dupatta with delicate gold embroidery and turned back with a grin.

“Neech jhuko bhaiyaa!” she commanded with her tiny yet confident voice.

Ansh couldn’t help but smile and obediently bent down. Shree tossed the red dupatta away with exaggerated disgust and draped the white one neatly around his neck. She stepped back, crossed her arms, and nodded in satisfaction.

“Hmm… ab dekho!” she announced proudly and trotted back to Aditi’s side.

Everyone turned to look at Ansh, and even the aunties couldn’t help but admire the change.

“Are waah… ye to sach main achha lag raha hai,” one of them said approvingly.

“Bilkul mere par gayi hai Shree,” Samaira added with a chuckle.

Ansh’s eyes automatically found Aditi’s. For a heartbeat, the world fell silent between them. She blinked softly, a smile tugging at her lips, and that tiny gesture was enough to pull an answering smile from him-gentle, genuine, and filled with warmth.

“Par ye hai kiska?” Prateek asked.

“Didu ka!” Shree announced innocently, pointing at Aditi.

Aditi froze, her eyes widening. “Haa… mera hi hai,” she said quickly, trying to sound unbothered.

Then she leaned down, whispering to Shree, “Bas babu, aage muh mat kholna… ok?” Shree giggled and nodded.

“Haan to ho gaya na perfect!” Shagun chirped. “Prateek bhaiya ne Priya ka dupatta le liya, aur badle mein Ansh bhaiya ne Aditi ka… hisaab barabar.”

Her tone dripped with teasing amusement, and instantly, Ansh’s ears went red. The idea of wearing Aditi’s dupatta around his neck made his heart beat faster than ever.

“Aur ashiqui bhi,” Ruhaan muttered under his breath, unable to stop himself.

Every girl turned to him in sync, eyes wide and questioning. Realization hit Ruhaan a second too late.

“Kya bola?” Prateek and Ansh asked together, narrowing their eyes.

“Kuch nahi… yahi ki fashion bhi pura ho gaya,” Ruhaan stammered, forcing a nervous smile.

The aunties, still chuckling, began to leave the room, leaving behind only the gang and a faint trail of laughter.

“Anyways, ab to ho gaya na fashion poora? Chalo abhi niklo yaha se hame abhi bhi ready hona hai,” Samaira said, waving the boys toward the door.

Ansh and Prateek nodded obediently and headed out, but Ruhaan stayed put, grinning mischievously.

“Tumhe alag se notice doon kya?” Shagun asked, folding her arms and raising an eyebrow.

“Nahi… ek kiss dedo, phir chala jaunga,” he whispered cheekily, leaning close enough for only her to hear.

Her eyes widened, and she smacked his back instantly. “Bhaago yaha se!” she yelled, her cheeks red as the others burst into laughter.

Ruhaan ran off laughing, and as the giggles died down, Aditi turned toward Kritika and Charu, who were still standing awkwardly near the vanity.

“Umm… actually tum dono ko bhi jana padega bahar” Aditi said politely, though her smile carried a sharp edge.

“Kyu? We are girls only… hum to ruk hi sakte hain,” Charu protested.

“Actually nahi,” Aditi replied, tilting her head slightly. “Hum comfortable nahi hain strangers ke saath room share karne mein.”

“Haan par hum strangers kahan hain, we’re like family only, right?” Kritika said sweetly, forcing a fake laugh.

Aditi smirked. “Yes… like family. Not a family. So please-” she opened the door with a graceful gesture, “-outside.”

Both Kritika and Charu exchanged glances, their faces burning with irritation, but with no choice left, they stomped their feet and walked out.

The moment the door closed, the girls burst into laughter-unfiltered and victorious.

“Bhaag gayi dono ‘fashion experts’,” Priya said between giggles.

___________________________

The evening had finally taken over the sky, fairy lights glittering across the lawn as the sangeet function began in full swing. The soft beats of the dhol echoed in the background, laughter mingling with the faint scent of flowers and perfume. 

Inside one of the rooms, Aditi stood with her hands on her hips, glaring at her group of girls who were very close to testing her patience.

“Abe theek se matka na kamar!” she scolded Priya, frowning.

“Theek se hi to kar rahi hu!” Priya retorted, adjusting her dupatta with annoyance.

“Bhai bas kar… main thak gayi,” Shagun said dramatically before plopping herself on the floor.

“Main bhi,” Riva added immediately, following her and sitting cross-legged beside Shagun.

“Yrr abhi bhi bohot kuch theek karna baaki hai, utho!” Aditi said, tugging at both of them to get up, her voice full of exasperation.

“Adu rehne de na, waise bhi hume DJ pe nachna hai,” Samaira protested, fixing her earring and checking her reflection in the mirror.

“Yrr diii par…” Aditi tried to argue, but Priya interrupted mid-sentence.

“Chod na Adu! Abhi energy nikal gayi to baad mein kya hi nachenge,” Priya said, already sitting beside Shagun with an exaggerated sigh.

“Par…”

“Nhiiiiiii!” everyone chorused together, hands in the air as if making a dramatic declaration.

“Marro yahin pe!” Aditi snapped, glaring at them one last time before storming out of the room, leaving behind a trail of laughter and relieved sighs.

As she walked out muttering under her breath about lazy, useless friends, she grabbed a glass of chilled Coca-Cola from the counter and took a long sip, trying to cool her irritation. The bubbles fizzed on her tongue, and her mind slowly began to calm until her gaze wandered across the decorated lawn.

And there he was. Ansh. Looking effortlessly stunning in his red kurta, sleeves rolled up, her dupatta still wrapped around his neck, standing near the fairy-lit archway. His calm aura contrasted the chaos around. But before she could appreciate the view, she noticed Kritika clinging to him for a selfie.

“C’mon yrr Ansh, ek selfie to le hi sakte ho,” Kritika said, giggling and adjusting her phone for the perfect angle, leaning just a little too close.

“Ye phatangii phir se bhin  bhinane lagi inke aas paas,” Aditi muttered, her jaw tightening.

Looking up toward the sky, she whispered under her breath, “Bhagwan ji… aap isse unse door nahi rakh sakte kya?”

Meanwhile, at the snack counter, Ruhaan and Vivaan were munching on spring rolls, watching the entire scene unfold like a live drama.

“Vo dekh… Aditi phir se jealous ho rahi hai,” Ruhaan said, smirking between bites.

“Haan bhaiya, aisa lag raha hai maar hi dalengi ab ye bhaiya ko,” Vivaan added, snickering.

“Ruk ja, thoda aur entertainment karte hain,” Ruhaan said, standing up with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

“Par kaise?” Vivaan asked, following him eagerly.

“Haan main haan milaiyo meri,” Ruhaan whispered, and Vivaan nodded instantly.

A few minutes later, Aditi was still glaring at Ansh and Kritika. Her grip on the glass tightened as Kritika leaned in again, laughing at something on Ansh’s phone. Every extra inch between them made her blood boil hotter.

And just then, the perfect storm arrived.

“Achhe lag rahe hain na dono?” Ruhaan said casually, appearing beside Aditi, his tone laced with fake admiration.

“Kisne bola?” Aditi shot back, dry and cold.

“main bol raha hoon. Achhe to lag rahe hain, dekh dhyaan se,” Vivaan chimed in, his voice innocent but his eyes twinkling with mischief.

“Chashma lagwa le phir tu… aaya bada achhe lag rahe hain dono,” Aditi snapped, mocking his words and stomping off toward the food area, leaving both boys howling with laughter.

“Bhai, kya masala scene tha!” Vivaan laughed, almost choking on his snack.

Without wasting a second, both sprinted toward Ansh, who was still oblivious to what had just gone down.

“Bhaiya, ek baat batani hai… idhar aap,” Vivaan said, tugging Ansh aside toward Ruhaan, leaving Kritika confused behind.

“Kya hua?” Ansh asked, brows furrowed.

“Tu na bhai, thoda distance pe raha kar Kritika se,” Ruhaan advised, trying to keep a straight face.

“Main distance pe hi tha,” Ansh replied honestly, frowning in confusion.

“To thoda aur raha kar,” Vivaan added cheekily, exchanging a secret look with Ruhaan.

“Par hua kya?” Ansh asked, still lost.

Ruhaan leaned closer dramatically. “Agar usse distance nahi banayega to Aditi tera hi distance bana degi… duniya se.”

“Hein?” Ansh blinked, clueless.

“Udhar dekh… maar dalegi vo agar tu Kritika se door nahi raha to,” Vivaan said, pointing toward Aditi, who was now angrily stabbing her fork into a plate of paneer tikka, muttering curses.

Ansh followed their gaze, his lips slowly curving into a soft smile. Aditi draped in her pink and golden lehenga, her curls bouncing over her shoulders, eyes burning with jealousy looked nothing short of enchanting.

“Bhaiya… kya hua? Uwuwuwuwuw ho raha hai kya?” Vivaan teased, making puppy faces.

“Ab ye kya hai?” Ruhaan asked, laughing.

“Are bhaiya… pet mein butterflies!” Vivaan exclaimed, dramatically gesturing at his stomach.

“Ayein?” Ansh blinked, bewildered.

“Are bhaiya matlab Aditi ko aise dekh ke aapke dil mein kuch kuch ho raha hai na… something something karke,” Vivaan said, smirking as Ruhaan burst out laughing.

Ansh looked away, trying to hide the faint pink creeping up his cheeks. “Ye sab badi jaldi yaad hota hai tujhe… aur padhai?” he scolded, though his tone lacked any real bite.

“Oo rulebook big brother,” Ruhaan teased, elbowing him playfully. “Chuhe ko chhod aur uske peeche ja.”

“Ja raha hoon na,” Ansh muttered, shaking his head but smiling faintly before walking off toward Aditi his steps hesitant but his heart steady.

________________________________

The golgappa counter stood at one corner, decorated with marigold strings and soft yellow bulbs. Aditi stood there arms folded, expression still painted with traces of irritation, the golden border of her lehenga catching the light every time she moved. Her lips pressed together in a pout as she tapped her foot impatiently, waiting for her turn.

“Uncle, teekha banana mere liye,” she instructed firmly, her tone sharp enough to make the poor vendor nod instantly.

“Mere liye meetha,” came a calm voice from behind her.

Her fingers froze mid-air as she turned slightly, already knowing who it was. Ansh. Of course. Wearing his red kurta with Aditi’s white dupatta still draped around his neck—thanks to Shree’s brilliant sense of fashion.

Aditi rolled her eyes dramatically, muttering under her breath before stepping a few inches away from him. But Ansh only smiled faintly, amused at her futile attempt to escape him. He took a slow step closer, closing the small gap she’d just created.

“Aaj bhi chuddiya achhi lag rahi hai,” he said softly, his eyes landing on her wrist where the golden bangles shimmered under the fairy lights the same ones he had bought her.

Her lips twitched into a half-smile before she quickly masked it with annoyance. “Kya fayda… dekhna toh phir bhi aapko apni close friend ko hai,” she shot back, her tone drenched in mock innocence.

Ansh chuckled under his breath, the corner of his lips lifting slightly as he picked up his plate. “It’s not like that,” he said firmly, meeting her eyes.

“Main kaise maan lu?” she asked, not looking at him this time, focusing instead on stuffing a golgappa into her mouth like it was her weapon of choice.

Ansh tilted his head, amusement flickering in his gaze as he mirrored her grabbing a golgappa and plopping it into his mouth as well. 

“Tum batao… main aisa kya karu jisse tum maan jao?” he asked, voice low, teasing but sincere underneath.

When he looked up, she was mid-bite her cheeks puffed, eyes wide and glistening under the lights, a drop of pani puri water threatening to fall from the corner of her lips. He found himself smiling helplessly, his heart betraying him with the way it fluttered.

She swallowed hurriedly, wiped her lips with the back of her hand, and finally turned to him, gaze steady. “Ok fine… then complete what you were about to say on the terrace,” she said in one breath, the words sharp yet trembling with a quiet challenge.

The smirk on Ansh’s lips froze instantly. His hand, halfway to another golgappa, dropped the poor puri back onto the plate. His mind went blank, replaying that night the wind, the almost-confession. His heartbeat roared in his ears.

“Hein!?” was all he could manage, his voice an octave higher than usual.

Aditi raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms, lips curving into a dangerous smirk. “Haan… boliye. Complete kijiye jo uss raat bolne wale the aap.”

He opened his mouth. “Nhi… m-mm… main vo…” the words tangled somewhere in his throat as his brain screamed for an escape route.

“Kya hua… bhool gaye? Ye bolna nahi chahte aap?” she taunted, clearly enjoying his flustered state. Her eyes glinted with mischief, the kind that made his heart stumble.

Ansh tried again, stammering halfway through, but all that came out was, “Main… vo…”

She sighed dramatically. “Aap na rehne hi dijiye… hatiye.” And before he could say anything more, she turned around, her dupatta brushing lightly against his arm as she walked away her hair swaying with every step.

“Arey, ik sec suno toh” he called out, but she only stopped for a second, turned her head just enough for him to catch her side profile, and said, “First complete that… phir sunungi.”

Then she was gone, leaving him standing by the golgappa counter with the faint sound of her bangles fading in the distance.

Ansh exhaled, running a hand through his hair, his lips curving into a helpless, crooked smile. His heartbeat hadn’t calmed yet, and her challenge echoed in his ears like a dare he couldn’t escape.

_________________________________

The sangeet function was in full bloom laughter, lights, and music weaving through the warm night air. The dance floor sparkled under strings of fairy lights, the DJ blasting Bollywood hits that had everyone tapping, twirling, and losing themselves in rhythm.

On the DJ floor,Aditi, Priya, Riva, Samaira, Vivaan, and Prateek were having the time of their lives — laughing, spinning, and dancing with full abandon. Vivaan had even started a mini dance battle with Riva, and the crowd was cheering as if the two were in a dance reality show finale.

But while the floor glowed with energy, somewhere inside a dimly lit, empty side room, another battle was being fought a much quieter, and much funnier one.

Inside, Ruhaan, Aman, Shagun, and Ansh stood in a circle, the muffled beats from outside faintly echoing through the walls.

“Chal reherse kar,” Ruhaan commanded, his tone deadly serious, like a drill sergeant training a soldier before war.

“Kaise?” Ansh asked, looking absolutely hopeless his hair already messed up from nervously running his hand through it ten times in the last five minutes.

“Dekh aise,” Ruhaan said, stepping forward dramatically. He turned towards Shagun and caught her hands with a flair worthy of a movie hero.

“Usko touch nhi pasand, buddhu!” Shagun immediately scolded, smacking his shoulder lightly.

“Haa sorry sorry!” Ruhaan said quickly, hands up in surrender before with equal dramatics he bent down on one knee.

Then, slipping effortlessly into character, he began, “I don’t know main tumhe kaise batau but I’m so in love with you, Shagun… jab se tumko dekha hai… bass dil tumhara hi ho gaya hai… meri to sunta hi nahi.”

He looked up dreamily, eyes shining as if he were actually proposing under a full moon.

“I love you Shagun… I really do.”

Shagun blinked, trying hard not to smile at his exaggerated expression before playing along. “I love you too, Ruhaan,” she said, laughing softly as she hugged him.

“Bass dekha, it’s that simple!” Ruhaan said proudly, straightening his kurta.

Aman raised an unimpressed eyebrow. “Ye thoda cringe nahi ho gaya?”

“Haa, I guess,” Ansh muttered in agreement, scratching his neck awkwardly.

“Pyaar main itna cringe karna hi padta hai,” Ruhaan shot back confidently, puffing his chest like a love guru.

Shagun rolled her eyes, hiding her smile. “Are bhaiya isko chhodo aap… aapko jo bolna ho vo bolo aap, ok?” she said gently to Ansh, her tone calm but encouraging.

Ansh nodded, visibly nervous. His palms were already sweating.

“Chalo Aman bhaiya… Aditi bano,” Ruhaan commanded suddenly.

Aman blinked. “What??”

“Ha ha… Aditi ki acting karo aap, aur tu… bhaiya ko Aditi samajh kar propose kar,” Ruhaan continued, eyes gleaming with mischief.

Aman groaned but complied, flipping his imaginary hair and putting on the most unconvincing ‘Aditi’ expression ever. Shagun burst into laughter, clutching her stomach.

Trying not to laugh, Ansh took a deep breath and began nervously, “Aditi, I—”

But before he could even finish the word, the entire venue went pitch dark. The music cut off. The laughter stopped. The fairy lights blinked once before dying completely. Silence. Then chaos.

Outside, guests murmured in confusion while children squealed, using their glow bangles as torches.

“Pakka koi bachhe ne ched-chaad ki hogi,” Ruhaan muttered, squinting into the darkness.

“Haan main dekhta hoon,” Aman said, grabbing his phone flashlight and heading out toward the staff area where elders had already begun shouting orders.

Ruhaan, Shagun, and Ansh followed, stepping into the open lawn that moments ago had been filled with light and music now bathed in uneasy shadows.

Meanwhile, near the dance floor, Aditi had just slumped into a nearby chair, catching her breath after dancing for nearly an hour. Her lehenga shimmered faintly even in the half-dark as she fanned herself, laughing at something Priya said.

Then, a small tug on her sleeve. “Didu, didu… susu ayi hai…zorr see,” Shree whispered softly, clutching her frock nervously.

“Jao phir kar lo, babu,” Aditi said, smiling.

“Darr lag raha hai…” Shree mumbled, glancing around the inside of the venue looked even darker than the lawn.

Aditi sighed fondly. “Achha ok… chalo mere sath,” she said, standing up and adjusting her dupatta. She quickly informed her friends before walking with Shree toward the common ladies’ washroom, which wasn’t too far inside.

Neither of them noticed the faint shadow that detached itself from the corridor wall someone following them, step by step.

The hallway was dim, flickering with emergency bulbs that buzzed faintly overhead. Their footsteps echoed softly against the marble floor.

Just as they reached the washroom, the power came back. The lights flickered on suddenly, flooding the corridor with brightness. Both Aditi and Shree sighed in relief.

“Jao, jaldi aana… I’ll wait here,” Aditi said gently as Shree ran inside, lifting her skirt a little.

Aditi leaned back against the wall, exhaling, the faint hum of music returning as the DJ restarted his system somewhere outside. For a moment, everything seemed fine again.

After a short while, Shree came out, holding her lehenga skirt awkwardly. “Didu… isko bandh do,” she said, pouting.

Aditi chuckled softly and bent down to fix the knot properly. “Achhe se kar liya na… chale ab wapas nachne?” she teased.

Shree immediately nodded, her face lighting up. But before Aditi could straighten and take a step forward….

“Got some new friends, Aditi?” A deep voice came from the entrance.Low. Familiar. Terrifying.

Aditi froze mid-motion. Her heart stuttered painfully against her ribs. The color drained from her face as she slowly turned her head toward the door.

___________________________________

that’s all for this chapter….hope you enjoyed it.🙂‍↕️💖

kuch bhi daal diya maine isme and sorry for the short chapter….this happened because i’m not well these days so main chapters likh nhi paa rahi also I didn’t wanted you guys to wait too much.🥺🤧

please don’t forget to vote and comment…..follow bhi kar lena pileseeeeeeee😭

till then stay safe…stay healthy…keep smiling and also keep reading.🫶✨

lots of love♥️

~Prachi🌷

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