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ओ, मर के भी मैं निभाऊँ जो बातें
तुझसे मैंने की हैं,
आ जा, मेरे हिस्से की खुशियाँ तेरी,
ग़म सारे मेरे लिए हैं।
सारी दुनिया जला दूँ मैं,
बस तेरी आरज़ू पे,
इश्क़ करते हैं लाखों यहाँ,
निभा दूँ मैं (हो)।
हो, आज के बाद तू मेरी रैना,
तू मेरी रैना, आज के बाद,
आज के बाद, तू मेरी रैना,
तू मेरी रैना, आज के बाद।
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VOTE: 220+
COMMENTS: 240+
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Is baari update kar rahi hu (kya matlab har baar hi kar deti hu🥲)… next time se nahi karungi without vote completion….iss baari pakka wala pakkaaa haii🤧🫠
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The laughter and chatter of the party faded the moment that voice sliced through the noise.
“You got some new friends, Aditi,” the voice came low, deep, and disturbingly familiar.
Aditi froze mid-step, her breath catching in her throat. Her heart stuttered violently, and in an instant, the warmth drained from her body. The colour from her face vanished as her mind registered the tone the one she had sworn she’d never have to hear again.
No… it can’t be him.
“No way,” she whispered shakily, clutching Shree closer to her chest as her fingers trembled. Her pulse hammered in her ears as she slowly turned around, every movement heavy with dread. And there he was.
At the washroom’s entrance, leaning casually against the doorframe, stood Varun, the nightmare she had buried deep within her mind, the one she had vowed never to see again. His smirk was the same cold, vile, and twisted with amusement.
Aditi’s knees felt weak, but she forced herself to stand tall, one arm instinctively moving to shield Shree behind her.
“Your sister, right?” Varun asked, pointing lazily towards Shree.
Aditi’s throat tightened as she pulled Shree closer, her body stiff with protective fear.
“She’s cute,” he commented, stepping forward the sound of his shoes echoing sharply against the floor, each step scraping against Aditi’s nerves.
“Don’t you dare, Varun,” Aditi’s voice came out firm steady, though her hands shook. She forced herself not to crumble, not to let the panic claw its way back into her chest.
“Ohk… then… should I start with you?” Varun’s lips curled into a sick grin, eyes darkening as he tilted his head.
“Stay away,” she said sharply, her voice low and commanding.
“Kon hai yeh, Didu?” Shree’s tiny, innocent voice broke through the tension. She peeked from behind Aditi, eyes wide and confused.
“Ohh… hii cutie… I’m your Didu’s friend,” Varun crouched down to her level, the mock sweetness in his tone making Aditi’s stomach twist.
Shree blinked, looking between them. “Didu… is he your friend?” she asked, unaware of the terror her sister was drowning in.
“No, He’s a bad guy,” Aditi said firmly, her eyes blazing with fury as she stared at Varun.
“Awww… tum to dil pe lekr baith gayi,” Varun mocked, straightening up, his smirk widening.
“Stay away from us,” Aditi warned, her voice sharp as a blade.
“Vrna kya… phir se chillaogi?” He sneered, his tone dripping venom. “Uss din bhi you said the same thing, right? But unfortunately, uss din… room soundproof tha aur aaj… DJ full volume pe hai.”
Aditi’s body went rigid. His words sliced through her chest like knives dragging memories she had tried to erase. Her fingers dug into Shree’s shoulder as she fought to steady her breathing.
“Don’t you cross the line this time,” she said again, voice shaking with rage and fear.
“Are… let me just play with your sister yrr… she’s just like you… sweet… cute… innocent…” He stretched the words, enjoying her torment, his hand reaching forward toward Shree’s cheek.
“Easy to play with,” he whispered next and that was it.
Aditi’s blood roared in her ears as she yanked his hand away, her nails digging into his skin.
“I said don’t touch her… you creep!” she spat, her voice trembling with fury.
Varun’s smirk faltered his ego bruised. His jaw clenched, anger flickering in his eyes.
“Ok… how about you then?” he said, his tone darkening. Before Aditi could react, he grabbed her jaw harshly and slammed her against the wall. The impact knocked the breath out of her, her head spinning.
“Didu!” Shree’s terrified scream pierced the air.
“Chod… meri Didu ko chod!” Shree’s tiny fists pounded weakly against Varun’s arm, her voice breaking with sobs.
“Behen bhi bilkul tere jaisi hi hai,” Varun sneered, yanking Shree away with a cruel jerk. The child fell to the floor, a cry escaping her lips as her small body hit the ground.
Something inside Aditi snapped.
Her protective instincts surged like fire in her veins. She shoved Varun with all her strength, her movements wild and desperate. He stumbled back, losing balance, and Aditi dropped to her knees beside Shree.
“Shree… tu theek hai?” she gasped, her hands shaking as she cupped Shree’s tear-streaked face.
“Didu… vo… vo…” Shree tried to speak through her sobs but before the words could form, Aditi felt a sharp tug at her scalp. Varun had grabbed her hair from behind and yanked hard, forcing a pained hiss from her throat.
“Didu!” Shree screamed again, her voice breaking.
“Shree, bhaag… bhaag jaa, Shree!” Aditi shouted, her voice trembling but firm.
“Nahi, Didu!” Shree cried, crawling closer, her eyes wide with terror as she saw her sister trapped in Varun’s grip.
“I said go away, Shree!” Aditi screamed again, louder this time desperate. Shree’s sobs grew louder, but her legs refused to move.
“What do you think… yeh piddi si behen teri bhaag jayegi?” Varun mocked, reaching toward Shree with his free hand.
But Aditi caught his wrist midair, her nails digging deep into his skin. “Bhaag, Shree!” she screamed again, the sound raw with urgency.
This time, it worked. Shree turned and ran her little feet pounding against the marble floor as tears streamed down her face.
Varun cursed, shoving Aditi aside as he lunged after her, but Aditi grabbed the back of his shirt with every ounce of strength she had left.
“Peeche mat dekhna Shree… just run!” she screamed, yanking him backward with all her might. The sound of Shree’s footsteps faded into the distance.
Varun twisted back toward Aditi, his eyes blazing with fury. “What do you think of yourself, haan?” he snarled and before she could move, his palm struck her across the face, the slap echoing violently.
Aditi’s vision blurred for a second before he slammed her against the wall again this time his hand wrapping tightly around her throat. The pressure built quickly, cutting off her air.
“Ek second nahi lagega mujhe tera khel khatam karne mein,” he growled, tightening his grip.
Aditi’s lungs burned. Her vision darkened at the edges, spots dancing before her eyes. Her fingers clawed at his wrist, gasping for air but she refused to surrender.
Then, gathering every ounce of strength, she kicked him hard right where it hurt most.
Varun let out a guttural hiss, his grip loosening instantly. Aditi collapsed to the ground, coughing violently as she gulped down air, her chest heaving.
Her survival instinct kicked in she tried to run, stumbling toward the corridor. But before she could reach it, Varun caught her wrist again, twisting it mercilessly behind her back and slamming her face-first into the corridor wall.
The sound of shattering glass echoed her bangles snapped under the force, shards embedding into her wrist as blood trickled down her hand.
“Badli to abhi bhi nahi tu,” Varun hissed, twisting harder.
Aditi cried out in pain, tears springing to her eyes. But through the agony, her rage burned brighter. With one last surge of strength, she pushed him off hard.
__________________________________
Meanwhile Outside…
The power flickered back on with a sudden hum, and within seconds, the entire lawn was bathed in warm golden light once again. The sudden glow drew cheers and applause from the crowd as the DJ restarted the music, the thumping bass reverberating through the night.
Laughter, movement, and energy filled the air again the sound of youth, of carefree moments.
Ansh, Ruhaan, and Shagun walked back toward the others, who had collapsed onto chairs near the stage, still catching their breath after dancing their hearts out.
“Tum log kaha the kab se?” Samaira asked, raising a brow, her tone half-scolding, half-curious.
“Kuch bhi dii… bss head boy ki help kar rhe the,” Ruhaan replied casually, earning a sharp glare from Ansh.
“Kaisi help?” Prateek asked, looking between them suspiciously.
“Khud hi pooch le isse,” Ruhaan said with a teasing smirk, nudging his head toward Ansh.
“Kuch nhii… pagal hai ye… ham to bss Aman bhaiya ke sath the,” Ansh muttered, trying to brush it off.
“Par kyu?” Prateek pressed, clearly not convinced.
“Chodo bhi yrr bhaiya… aap kya hi karoge jaan ke,” Shagun said tiredly, dropping onto a nearby chair, swinging one leg lazily as she exhaled.
“Jasoosi… like Sherlock Holmes,” Vivaan chimed in dramatically, earning laughter from the group and a light smack from Prateek across his back.
“Owww,” Vivaan yelped, rubbing the spot with an exaggerated pout.
The mood was light, carefree the kind of moment that felt invincible.
“Vaise Aditi kaha gayi… aap sabke sath hi thi na?” Shagun asked between giggles, noticing her absence.
“Washroom gayi hai Shree k sath,” Priya mentioned casually, still smiling.
“Kyuu?” Ruhaan asked, frowning slightly.
Everyone turned to him with an expression that practically screamed “really?”
“Washroom kis liye jaate hain Ruhaan?” Samaira asked in her deadliest tone, her glare cutting sharper than glass.
“Are, mera matlab hai ki Shree ke sath kyu gayi hai,” Ruhaan explained quickly, throwing up his hands in surrender.
“Vo darr rhi thi Shree andhere se, isliye,” Samaira replied, leaning back on her chair.
“Vaise kaafi time ho gaya gaye hue usse… ayi nahi abhi tak,” Prateek noted, glancing around toward the corridor that led to the washrooms.
“2 no. lag gayi hogi Shree ko,” Vivaan quipped, instantly earning a few chuckles from around the group.
Their laughter rang through the air again, easy and bright the kind that made everything else fade away for a second. But that warmth shattered in an instant.
“Wait… is that Shree?” Shagun’s voice broke through the laughter, sharp and uncertain. Her eyes had caught something a small figure running from the corridor toward the lawn.
The others turned.
There, under the glow of the fairy lights, was Shree her tiny frame trembling, tears streaking her cheeks as she ran barefoot, her breaths coming in harsh gasps. her face pale with fear.
“Par ye akele kyu hai?” Vivaan asked, his tone dropping.
“Aur ro kyu rhi hai?” Priya said quickly, already standing up. Her heart lurched painfully in her chest.
The group’s laughter died completely. Concern replaced the smiles as they hurried toward Shree.
Priya was the first to reach her she knelt down immediately, her face etched with worry.
“Why are you crying, Shree?” she asked softly, wiping the little girl’s tears with trembling hands.
“Vo… vo Didu ko…” Shree tried to speak, but her words dissolved into hiccups and sobs. The sound was raw the kind that made the air around them heavy with unease.
“Calm down first… shant ho jao pehle,” Ansh said, crouching beside Priya. His deep voice was calm but edged with quiet fear as he gently placed a hand on Shree’s shoulder. Her teary eyes flickered toward him.
“Aditi kaha hai, Shree?” Samaira asked, her voice trembling now.
“Bhaiya… Didu… bachao… vo ladhka…” Shree’s broken words came out between sobs barely coherent, but full of terror.
“Kya bol rhi hai ye?” Vivaan asked, confused and alarmed.
But Ansh understood. The second those words left her lips “vo ladhka” a cold shiver shot down his spine. His blood froze. His mind pieced it together before anyone else could.
“Kaha pe?” he asked urgently, his voice low but firm.
“Washroom,” Shree pointed with a trembling hand.
Ansh didn’t waste a single heartbeat. He shot up and bolted toward the direction of the washroom his body moving purely on instinct.
“Isko samajh bhi aa gaya?” Ruhaan asked, blinking.
“Something is wrong… chal,” Prateek said quickly, realizing the seriousness in Ansh’s expression. Without another word, both of them sprinted after him.
“Are, mujhe bhi le chalo!” Vivaan yelled, stumbling up from his chair and running behind them.
“It’s related to Aditi, chalo!” Samaira’s voice cut through the chaos as she scooped Shree into her arms. Her heart raced violently as she turned and rushed inside with Riva, Shagun, and Priya close behind.
Ansh’s heartbeat thundered in his ears as he sprinted through the crowd, shoving past people and dodging startled guests. The music, the laughter, the lights everything around him blurred into a haze. His breath came in ragged bursts, the only thing echoing in his mind being one name… Aditi.
He turned sharply into the dimly lit corridor leading toward the washrooms. The loud chatter of the lawn grew distant behind him, replaced by the eerie silence of the hallway. His shoes skidded slightly as he came to a halt eyes scanning frantically but there was no sign of her.
A cold wave of dread ran down his spine. His gaze stopped at the entrance of the ladies washroom. He froze, hesitant to step further but what he saw next made his blood run cold.
Red. Faint smears of blood on the wall near the corner… and drops on the floor, glistening under the harsh white light. A shattered trail of glass shimmered near the doorway the broken remains of bangles.
Ansh’s breath hitched. His knees felt weak as he crouched down, his trembling fingers brushing over one of the blood-stained pieces. It was delicate golden bangles the very same set he had chosen for her. But now, they were covered in blood.
A lump formed in his throat. The world tilted for a moment as panic clawed at his chest. His mind screamed possibilities he didn’t want to think of.
“Aditi!” he shouted, his voice raw echoing through the empty corridor. But there was no answer. Only silence.
“Kya hua?” Prateek’s voice came from behind, urgent and breathless as he, Ruhaan, and Vivaan came running in.
Ansh didn’t answer. His eyes darted everywhere searching, scanning. The tension was unbearable until…
A faint sound a clinking, almost like metal scraping the wall came from somewhere ahead.
Without a second thought, Ansh took off in that direction. The others followed, but he was faster, driven by pure fear. His heart raced faster than his feet.
He turned the corner and stopped dead.The sight before him made his blood boil.
A guy his hands wrapped tightly around Aditi’s throat was pinning her to the wall. Her face was pale, eyes glassy, body trembling as she struggled to breathe. Rage exploded inside him like a storm. Ansh didn’t think he moved.
In one swift motion, he grabbed the guy’s collar and punched him, hard the sound of the impact echoing in the corridor. The guy fell to the floor instantly, releasing Aditi, who collapsed to her knees, gasping and coughing for air.
Ansh dropped beside her immediately, panic replacing fury for a brief moment. His hands hovered near her shoulders, afraid to touch her bruised skin.
“Aditi…” his voice cracked.
“Adu!!!” Prateek’s shout came from behind as he rushed forward, his expression filled with horror.
“Oh god!” Ruhaan cursed under his breath, his face pale as he froze for a second, taking in the sight.
Aditi’s breaths were shallow. Her hands clutched at her throat, trying to steady herself. The sound of her coughing echoed painfully in the tense air.
As Shagun, Priya, Riva, and Samaira reached the scene, their steps faltered horror etching across every face.
“Aditi!” Samaira rushed forward, dropping beside her and pulling her into a protective hug, tears welling in her eyes. Priya joined instantly, wrapping her arms around both of them.
“Didu!” Shree cried, breaking free from Samaira’s arms to cling to her sister’s hand, her little body shaking with fear.
“No way,” Shagun whispered, her voice trembling.
Ansh turned to her, confused, still breathing heavily but she wasn’t looking at him. Her eyes were fixed ahead, widening in shock.
“Varun,” she breathed out.
The name hit Ansh like fire. His pupils dilated, his expression shifting from panic to pure darkness in an instant. Varun now slowly standing up, wiping blood from his mouth met Ansh’s glare.
That was all it took.
Without another word, Ansh lunged forward again and punched him, harder this time. The impact echoed through the corridor.
“Kamine… teri himmat kaise hui usse haath lagane ki?” Ansh roared, his voice breaking with fury as he struck again. His knuckles split, blood smearing against Varun’s jaw, but he didn’t care.
Varun stumbled back, then retaliated landing a solid punch on Ansh’s face. The blow split Ansh’s lower lip, blood trickling down the side. But the pain only fueled his rage.
Varun turned and bolted sprinting toward the exit, toward the brightly lit lawn where the sangeet was still in full swing. But he didn’t make it far.
Ansh was already after him fury propelling him forward. Prateek, Vivaan, and Ruhaan followed right behind.
They burst into the lawn, where the music abruptly died as Ansh caught Varun by the collar in front of the entire crowd and punched him again this time, hard enough to make the man stumble to the ground.
The sound silenced everyone. The DJ stopped. Conversations froze. All eyes turned to the chaos unfolding in the middle of the celebration.
“How dare you touch her!” Ansh’s voice roared, raw and shaking with unfiltered anger.
Varun, spitting blood, glared up at him. “What do you even have to do with her?” he managed to sneer, trying to regain balance.
“Behen hain sale vo Meri!” Prateek shouted before Ansh could speak, stepping forward and landing his own punch across Varun’s face.
“Meri bhi!” vivaan growled, throwing his fist next his blow just as merciless.
“Bade dino baad time pe aya hoon… aaj to marunga main bhi,” Ruhaan muttered, punching him again, harder this time.
The four of them Ansh, Prateek, Ruhaan, Vivaan rained punches in furious rhythm. Each strike was a mix of fury, fear, and vengeance. Varun stumbled, tried to defend, but he was no match against their collective rage.
Gasps rippled through the guests. Varun’s face was bloodied, his movements sluggish. They all showed no sign of stopping until their cousins and some elders rushed forward, pulling them back with force.
“Ansh! Stop!” Aman shouted, trying to drag him away clearly getting confused.
But Ansh’s chest heaved violently, eyes still locked on Varun, dark, dangerous, protective. His jaw was clenched so tightly it trembled, blood streaking down his lip, his fists trembling with restrained fury.
Ruhaan Prateek and Vivaan weren’t much different all panting, eyes burning with rage, unwilling to look away from the man who dared touch someone they loved.
And in that silent moment, as Varun slumped to the ground bruised, beaten, barely conscious everyone in the crowd understood what had happened.
The lawn once glowing with fairy lights and laughter now stood under a grave stillness. Varun, bloodied and bruised, being held back by two elders and Rajveer, while Ansh stood in front of him his knuckles split open, his kurta stained, his chest heaving with fury that could ignite fire in the air. His eyes, red and glassy, were fixed on Varun like he was barely restraining himself from tearing him apart again.
Varun’s mother fell to her knees beside her son, crying out in disbelief, “Kya haal bana diya hai mere bacche ka!”
But before anyone could respond, Samaira’s voice thundered from behind cutting through the thick silence like a storm. “Aur aap apne iss neech bete se poochiye ki isne kya haal banaya hai meri behen ka!”
Every head turned. And then everyone saw her Aditi, trembling violently in Samaira’s arms, her figure covered in dupatta, wrists scratched and bleeding, her eyes wide with shock, lips quivering but voiceless. her pale face, and her breathing came out shallow and uneven.
“Aditi…” Shweta gasped, her heart breaking as she rushed forward to her daughter.
Aditi tried to steady herself, but her legs gave away Shagun and Priya caught her just in time before she collapsed. Her body trembled uncontrollably her gaze was vacant, as though she wasn’t even present in the moment anymore.
“Kya bakwaas hai ye!” Varun’s father barked angrily, voice full of indignation.
And that’s when Amit, Aditi’s father, stepped forward. His face was pale, his eyes glistening with unshed tears, but his voice calm and cutting carried enough weight to silence the crowd. “Wohi bakwaas jo 1 saal pehle paiso ke dum pe tumlogo ne daba di thi, Mr. Joshi.”
Gasps echoed across the lawn. People exchanged shocked glances. Even Rajveer’s face paled he looked from Amit to the JOSHIs in disbelief.
“Main kuch samjha nahi…” Rajveer stammered, “yeh to hamare reputed rishtedaar hain… phir bhala ye sab-“
“Maaf kariyega, uncle,” Prateek cut him off, his voice trembling with rage, “par ye aapke reputed rishtedaar nahi, criminals hain!”
“Aur aise criminals,” Samaira added sharply, “jinhe duniya mein rehne ka koi haqq nahi!”
Varun’s elder brother, Vikram, stepped forward angrily. “Who the hell are you to talk about my brother like that!”
Samaira didn’t even blink. Her eyes were cold, her voice sharper than steel. “Oh really? Phir to lanat hai tumhare iss neech bhai par!”
Vikram flared, stepping forward threateningly but before he could take another step, Aman moved in front of Samaira, blocking him. His jaw was tight, eyes burning with quiet fury.
“Stay. Away.” His deep voice was low but dangerous. “Varna main bhool jaunga tum mere bhai ho.”
The warning hit hard Vikram froze, taking a step back, his expression faltering.
The air was tense, thick, suffocating and then Amit’s voice broke the silence again, deeper now, trembling with pain and restraint revealing the reason.
A ripple of shock spread through the crowd. Aditi’s eyes squeezed shut her body stiffened in Samaira’s hold. His words trailed off as his voice broke.
shweta sobbed quietly beside him, while Aditi, hearing those words, began trembling harder. Her breath came out ragged, her fingers gripping her dupatta so tightly that her knuckles went white.
“Shh… Aditi, look at me… breathe, baby…” Samaira whispered, rubbing her back desperately.
But the noise, the stares, the whispers it all grew too loud for Aditi. Her vision blurred her chest began to tighten.
And in the middle of that, Varun, bleeding from the lip, had the audacity to smirk spitting blood to the side. “Uncle, sun lijiye… koi saboot hai aapke paas? Ya bas yunhi hawa mein ilzaam laga rahe ho?”
That single line that mockery was the spark that lit the fire. Ansh snapped.
In a blur, he roared, breaking free from Rajveer’s grasp and slammed his fist straight across Varun’s face.
“Ansh, stop!” Rajveer shouted but Ansh didn’t hear.
“Kamine! Teri himmat kaise hui…!!”
He hit him again. And again. Prateek and Ruhaan, unable to control their own rage, joined in their fists landing blow after blow. Varun crashed to the ground, blood spilling from his nose, but none of them stopped.
” how dare you say these words!” Prateek shouted, his voice hoarse, breaking.
By now, elders and security guards rushed to separate them, but the damage was already done. Varun was barely conscious his face swollen, his shirt torn.
In the chaos, a small, trembling voice broke through the air soft, but enough to silence everyone.
“Main… maine sab dekha…” Everyone turned.
It was Shree standing near the edge of the stage, tears streaming down her cheeks, her small hands trembling as she pointed at Varun.
“Woh… woh hi tha… jisne didu ke saath kiya…” her voice broke with sobs. “Mujhe bhi dhakka diya tha jab main chillayi thi… usne bola kisi ko batai to maar dega mujhe…”
The crowd froze in horror. Even the wind seemed to stop. Shree’s sobs grew harder as she clung to Samaira’s leg, crying,
“Woh hi tha, uncle… woh hi tha jisne didu ko takleef di…”
Amita, shree’s mother gasped, collapsing to her knees, covering her mouth in shock. The confirmation from a child shattered the last shred of doubt anyone had.
And then that smirk. That same disgusting smirk appeared again on Varun’s battered face as he rasped out weakly,
“Drama karna ache se seekha hai tum logon ne… bachhi ko bhi mila liya ab.”
Ansh became even more red. Without a second thought, he lunged again breaking free from everyone’s grip. His fist connected so hard that Varun’s head snapped back.
“Bas Ansh!” Rajveer shouted, but Ansh didn’t stop.
“tujhe jinda nahi chodunga?!” another punch.
“how dare you even touch her?!” another.
“Zinda rehne layak nahi hai tu!” another.
Blood splattered across the floor. Finally, it took three men to drag Ansh away his face twisted in grief and fury, his eyes wet, chest heaving violently. His knuckles were raw and crimson.
And amidst all of it, Aditi’s body suddenly went rigid. Her breathing hitched her eyes fluttered helplessly.
“Aditi!” Samaira screamed as she felt her sister’s weight collapse in her arms.
“Didu!!” Shree cried out.
“Paani laao koi!” Riva’s panicked voice trembled.
Aditi gasped, clutching her chest her lips parting as if she couldn’t draw air. Her vision dimmed, sound fading around her.
Ansh froze mid-step, his rage dissolving into sheer terror as his eyes fell on her collapsing form.
“Adu…” Prateek’s voice cracked, trembling as tears filled his eyes.
Ansh’s world blurred the crowd, the lights, the chaos everything disappeared except her. The blood on his hands suddenly felt heavier… suffocating. He stumbled forward just as Aman rushed in, scooping Aditi into his arms effortlessly.
“We need to call the doctor now!” Aman shouted urgently, turning to the elders.
Samaira followed immediately, dialing the doctor with trembling fingers, shouting directions as they hurried toward the rooms.
prateek stood frozen for a moment, eyes locked on Aditi’s pale face in Aman’s arms lifeless, fragile. One last tear rolled down his cheek. Then, rage flickered again in his eyes as he turned toward Varun who was still groaning on the floor, barely conscious.
prateek’s voice came out low, shaking but deadly,
“Agar meri behen ko kuch hua na… main tujhe zinda gaad dunga.”
And with that, he walked inside followed by ansh , Ruhaan, and Vivaan, leaving behind the wreckage of what was once a night of celebration now turned into a nightmare no one would ever forget.
______________________
Aditi lay on a bed, her head resting on a small cushion. Her face was pale, and her wrists bore faint marks of where bangles had clutched too tightly leaaving marks.
Shweta sat beside her, gently stroking her forehead, eyes swollen and red from crying. Amit stood behind her, his hand resting on her shoulder, though his own face looked years older now guilt and helplessness shadowing every line.
the outside matter has been taken by the police and varun is now under their custody his family had left the wedding right there and no one tried once to stop them after what they had done
In the room stood Kiran, Kriti, Rajveer, Sanjay, and other elders, their expressions grim, exchanging worried glances in the heavy silence.
On the other side, Samaira, Priya, Shagun, Riva, Prateek, Ruhaan, Aman, and Vivaan stood close together, too shaken to speak, their eyes fixed on Aditi.
The doctor, a calm elderly woman, finished checking Aditi’s pulse and lightly pressed her wrist again.
“Her pulse is weak but steady,” the doctor said softly, looking at Shweta. “She fainted from emotional shock and panic, but there’s no physical injury that needs hospitalization. She just needs rest, hydration, and calm surroundings.”
Amit exhaled, a long, shaky breath he didn’t realize he’d been holding. Shweta closed her eyes, pressing Aditi’s hand to her lips as tears fell silently.
“Doctor… she will be alright?” Shweta asked, her voice breaking.
“Yes,” the doctor nodded gently. “She’ll wake up soon. Please don’t panic when she does. Let her breathe, don’t crowd her. And try not to discuss what happened in front of her right now she’s too fragile.”
With a reassuring smile, the doctor packed her things and gave a few instructions to Amit before quietly leaving the room. The click of the closing door echoed louder than it should have.
And then silence again. Only the faint hum of the AC filled the air.
Shweta kept brushing Aditi’s hair back from her face, whispering broken prayers under her breath. Samaira stood nearby, hands trembling, her eyes never leaving Aditi’s still face.
Then Aditi’s fingers twitched. Priya gasped softly.
“aunty… she moved…” she said.
Shweta froze, then leaned closer as Aditi’s lashes fluttered. A weak sound escaped her lips barely audible, like a whisper carried by the wind.
“Mumma…” she said.
Shweta’s breath caught.
“Beta…” she whispered, tears spilling again as she cupped Aditi’s face. “Aditi, open your eyes, darling… Mumma’s right here.”
Slowly, Aditi’s eyes opened hazy at first, blinking against the dim light. The ceiling came into focus, then her mother’s face hovering above her, trembling but smiling through tears.
“Mumma…” she murmured again, her throat dry. “What… what happened…”
“You fainted, baby,” Shweta said softly, trying to keep her tone steady. “You’re fine now. You’re safe.”
Aditi blinked, confusion and fear clouding her gaze. She turned her head slightly, noticing everyone around her her father standing still, her friends at the back, their faces streaked with tears.
Amit crouched beside her, voice thick with emotion. “Aditi… I’m sorry, beta. I’m so sorry…”
Her eyes softened she didn’t understand everything yet, but she could see the guilt in her father’s eyes. She reached out weakly, her hand trembling as she placed it over his.
“Papa… please… don’t cry,” she whispered. “I’m okay.”
Her voice broke on the last word. Shweta instantly pulled her into a gentle embrace, holding her close, sobbing quietly.
“You scared us, Aditi…” she whispered, brushing her daughter’s hair. “You scared me so much.”
The elders in the room stood in silence, tears glistening in their eyes as they watched mother and daughter an image that could shatter even stone hearts.
Samaira couldn’t hold it anymore she knelt beside the bed, holding Aditi’s hand tightly.
“You’re fine now, okay? Don’t try to remember anything. Just rest,” she said, her voice trembling but gentle.
Aditi nodded faintly, tears gathering in her eyes as she squeezed Samaira’s hand.
“Shree…?” she asked weakly.
“She’s okay, Adu,” shagun replied instantly, brushing a strand of hair off Aditi’s face. “She’s with aunty. Don’t worry.” Aditi let out a shaky breath of relief, eyes softening with exhaustion.
At the back of the room, Ansh stood silently near the half-open door, his face pale and knuckles still raw. He hadn’t spoken since it all happened he didn’t trust his voice not to break.
When Aditi’s eyes flickered toward him, their gazes met for the briefest moment. The pain in his eyes was unbearable guilt, rage, helplessness all blending into one storm of emotion.
Aditi’s lips parted slightly, as if to speak his name but she didn’t. She just looked at him, her eyes glistening with silent understanding.
And for the first time that night, Ansh allowed himself to breathe the tightness in his chest easing just a little.
_____________________________________
Time had slowly washed away the chaos of earlier. The night air inside the venue room now felt calm again warm, filled with the soft hum of conversation and occasional laughter. Aditi sat comfortably against the headboard, wrapped in a light shawl, her color returning to her cheeks.
On one side, Samaira was slicing apples for her with focused care, her protective eyes flicking to Aditi every few seconds. Shagun sat cross-legged on the other side, nose buried in her novel, while Priya, Vivaan, and Riva were loudly bickering about who had the best dance performance at the sangeet.
“Di, paani dena,” Aditi said softly, her voice still a bit hoarse.
Samaira immediately reached for the jug on the side table, only to frown when she found it empty.
“Yeh toh khatam ho gaya,” she muttered.
“Shagun, ek kaam kar… paani le aa isme,” Samaira requested.
Shagun nodded, placing her book down and heading out with the jug.
Just as the door clicked shut behind her, Ruhaan entered with Shree bouncing happily by his side.
“Diduuuu!” Shree squealed, sprinting across the room before anyone could stop her. She jumped straight onto the bed and landed half on Aditi’s lap.
“Are are… araam se, Shree!” Samaira said quickly, laughing despite herself.
“Feeling better, Aditi?” Ruhaan asked, his tone softer than usual.
Aditi smiled faintly and nodded. “Hmm, much better.”
Her hand reached out to fix a loose strand of Shree’s hair, her touch gentle.
“Tu theek hai, Shree?” she asked quietly.
“Mujhko kya hoga? Main toh strong hoon!” Shree declared proudly, puffing her chest with a grin.
Everyone burst out laughing. Even Aditi couldn’t help but chuckle, a small but genuine sound that made everyone sitting smile with relief.
“Aapko pata hai didu,” Shree continued, waving her arms dramatically, “kya Dishoom Dishoom waali fight kari thi saare bhaiya ne!”
“Vo waale bhaiya ne bohot mara uss gande se ladke ko! Dishoom Dishoom karke!” she reenacted the punches with exaggerated sound effects, earning a round of laughter from everyone.
“Maine bhi toh maara tha,” Ruhaan said, feigning seriousness. “Accha maara tha na?”
“Haan… inhone bhi maara tha,” Shree nodded gravely.
“Maine kaisa maara, Shree?” Vivaan asked expectantly.
Shree scrunched her nose and replied bluntly, “Theek hi tha.”
Vivaan gasped, clutching his chest. “Accha maara tha maine!”
Everyone cracked up again. The room was alive with laughter warm, healing laughter that wrapped around Aditi like a comforting blanket.
Just then, Renuka and Rajesh entered the room. The laughter softened, replaced with affection.
“Kaisi hai tu?” Renuka asked, walking closer.
“Theek hoon, di,” Aditi replied with a polite smile.
“We’re so sorry, Aditi…” Rajesh said guiltily, voice thick with regret. “Humein nahi pata tha woh sab aise niklenge.” Aditi shook her head gently.
“Isme aapki kya galti, jiju? Har insaan ek jaisa thodi hota hai…” she said softly. Then, lowering her gaze, “Balki jo hua… usse aapka special moment bhi kharab ho gaya.”
Renuka’s brows furrowed as she placed a hand on Aditi’s cheek.”Pagal hai kya? Function bohot achha hua! Bas khatam hone wala tha. Tune kuch nahi bigaada.”
“Par di-“
“Chup kar!” Renuka interrupted, half-smiling. “Aur kuch bola toh peet dungi!”
Before Aditi could respond, Shagun returned with the water jug.
“Yeh le,” she said, handing Aditi a glass.
As Aditi took a sip, Ruhaan’s gaze suddenly fell on Shagun’s book, lying slightly open on the bed. He picked it up curiously and froze.
“Yeh kaun padh raha hai?” he whispered dramatically.
Shagun’s eyes widened, and she instantly snatched the novel from his hands. Ruhaan clutched his chest and pretended to faint in horror.
“Are are, kya ho gaya tujhe?” Rajesh exclaimed, rushing to him in mock panic.
“Tum aisi books padhti ho?”Ruhaan looked at Shagun in disbelief.
“Tumhe kisne bola tha isko padhne ko?” Shagun shot back, glaring.
Ruhaan placed both palms over his mouth. “He bhagwan… meri Gungun!” he fake-cried, stumbling dramatically, making everyone burst out laughing.
“O Romeo, bas bhi kar ab!” Samaira rolled her eyes.
“Didi, aapko pata bhi hai isme kya hai?” Ruhaan asked her in a scandalized tone.
“Haan,” Samaira replied calmly.
Ruhaan gasped. “Tabhi… tabhi aap bhi aise behave kar rahi thi shaam ko!”
“Chup kar, chal!” Samaira scolded, throwing a pillow at him.
Renuka laughed, shaking her head. “Waise tere baaki dono dost kaha hai?”
“Kaun dost?” Ruhaan said innocently.
“Ansh aur Prateek,” Rajesh replied.
Ruhaan’s eyes widened as if he’d just remembered they existed. “Ohhh achha, vo dono!”
“Haan, vohi dono,” Renuka repeated, amused.
“Pata nahi,” Ruhaan shrugged carelessly.
“Arey… tere dost hain! Tujhe pata bhi nahi?” Renuka teased.
“Honge kahin… quality time spend kar rahe honge aapas mein. Unka roz ka hai,” Ruhaan said with a smirk.
Everyone stared at him, wide-eyed.
“Kya matlab ‘quality time’?!” Shagun asked, suspiciously narrowing her eyes.
“Samajh jao bas,” Ruhaan winked, making exaggerated faces.
“Chiii, yaar bhaiya!” Priya squealed, throwing a cushion at him as laughter erupted again.
Renuka shook her head, chuckling. “Waise, manna padega Aditi… tere saare dost boht hi achhe hai especially Ansh…. kya peeta ussne! The way he fought…”
Aditi’s smile faltered. For a moment, her mind slipped away from the laughter around her replaying that one image she couldn’t forget Ansh, his face twisted with rage and pain, fists covered in blood, eyes burning with something raw and terrifyingly real. He fought like he’d lost control… but also like he’d die before letting anything touch me.
Her heart clenched. She tried to shake it off, but his face kept flashing before her eyes the wild anger, the trembling in his hands after he hit Varun, and then… the fear in his voice when he called her name.
“Haan di,” Priya said, dragging Aditi back to the present. “Pehli baar bhaiya ko itne gusse mein dekha maine. I swear !”
“Aur kya maara bhaiya ne! MMA fail hai unke aage!” Vivaan added proudly.
“Chalo, isse toh ye pata lag gaya ke bhaiya army ke liye perfect hain,” Riva chimed in, laughing.
“Prateek ne bhi khoob maara,” Rajesh said with a nod.
“Bhaiya, maine bhi maara! Mujhe bhi validation do!” Vivaan whined, earning more laughter.
Rajesh smiled. “I guess Ansh ko thode stitches bhi aaye hain… itna marne ki wajah se haath pe.”
The laughter faded for Aditi. Her chest tightened. He got hurt… because of me?
“Sach mein?” Samaira asked, shocked.
“Hmm,” Rajesh confirmed. “Zyada nahi, bas teen-chaar hi aaye hain.”
Aditi’s heart stilled. She bit her lip, lowering her gaze. The guilt pressed heavy on her chest. He didn’t even think about himself… just me.
Renuka stood, smoothing Aditi’s hair affectionately.
“Accha tu rest kar. Hum chalte hain. Kal dhoom machani hai… bhoolna mat!” she said, kissing her forehead before leaving with Rajesh.
As the room grew quieter, Priya tilted her head.
“Tujhe kya hua, Aditi? Itni chup kyu ho gayi?” she asked
“Huh? Kuch nahi,” Aditi said quickly.
“Sach sach bol,” Shagun pressed.
Aditi hesitated, then smiled faintly. “Bas… yahan thodi si ghutan ho rahi hai. Chhat pe chale kya?”
“Haan, chal! Main uthau tujhe?” Vivaan offered eagerly.
“Nahi nahi, main chal lungi,” Aditi said quickly.
“Uthana hai toh Shree ko utha ke chal,” Ruhaan joked.
“Nahi… usne mujhe validation nahi di meri fighting skills ke liye,” Vivaan sulked.
Shree blinked innocently. “Arey bhaiya… aapne bhi kamaal ka maara tha usko! Main toh mazak kar rahi thi!”
Vivaan’s face lit up instantly. “Sachii?” Shree nodded rapidly.
“Phir theek hai! Aaja chal chalte hain!” he said, scooping her up onto his back.
Everyone burst out laughing again as they followed Ruhaan out.
“Chalooo!” Ruhaan announced grandly, leading the way.
As they climbed the stairs, faint yelling and loud voices echoed from above.
“Kya ho raha hai upar?” Riva asked.
“Tumhari saathi aagayi hain lagta hai… chudailon ke desh se!” Vivaan teased.
Riva smacked his head instantly.
“Dekho, miss… haathapai nahi chalegi!” Vivaan warned dramatically.
“Oh really?” Riva retorted, smacking him again.
“Oyeeeee!” Vivaan shouted, while Riva stuck her tongue out, running ahead.
They all reached the terrace door, laughter echoing. Ruhaan was first to grab the handle.
“Lagta hai mere dono laal yahi hain!” he grinned. “Kaise ho mere laal aur peele”
Before he could finish, a flying chappal hit him square on the face.
“Hawwwwwww!” everyone chorused as Ruhaan staggered back in disbelief
_________________________
some moments earlier….
The night air was heavy, quiet a little too still after everything that had happened. The lights from the venue glimmered faintly below, but the terrace sat in silence, untouched by the laughter and chaos that once filled the day.
Ansh sat alone on the cold concrete seat, shoulders slumped, right hand wrapped tightly in a white bandage. His knuckles were raw beneath it reminders of the rage that had consumed him. His lower lip, still red from the hit he’d taken, trembled slightly, but his eyes… his eyes were empty. They stayed fixed on the moon, distant and lost.
How could I let that happen to her again?
How could I not protect her when she needed me the most?
How much pain must she have endured… because of him… because of me not being there sooner?
Every thought was a stab of guilt. Every memory of Aditi’s trembling frame under Samaira’s protection replayed like a cruel loop. The fear in her eyes it haunted him.
His jaw tightened as his mind whispered again That monster touched her once… and dared to appear again.
He pressed his palms against his face, groaning quietly, as if trying to silence the chaos in his head. The world outside seemed far away the muffled sounds of people downstairs, the faint music, the laughter of children. Everything felt distant. Meaningless.
Then came the sound of soft footsteps measured, hesitant. A familiar voice broke through the silence.
“Pee le… better feel hoga,” Prateek said gently, holding out a cold drink.
Ansh looked up slowly, eyes meeting those of his best friend. There was no judgement there, just quiet understanding. He accepted the glass without a word.
They sat side by side, saying nothing at first the kind of silence that only old friends could share. The kind that carried both comfort and pain.
After a long pause, Prateek sighed. “Laga nahi tha tujhe itna gussa bhi ata hoga,” he said with a faint smirk.
Ansh gave him a look half disbelief, half exhaustion and took a sip.
“Liked it?” Prateek teased lightly, trying to draw him out.
Ansh’s voice was quiet, almost broken. “I should have reached earlier.”
Prateek turned, his teasing fading. “You did, Ansh.”
“No, I didn’t,” he whispered again, the guilt burning through every syllable. “You saw her, Prateek. The way she was shaking… she couldn’t even look up. She was so scared and I couldn’t even protect her in time.” His voice cracked at the end. Prateek’s eyes softened.
“You did what I always wanted to do,” he said after a moment. “Tu ne mera chance cheen liya, yaar.” Ansh blinked in confusion, and Prateek chuckled softly, a weary kind of smile tugging at his lips.
“You fought for her the way I always wanted someone to fight for her,” Prateek said quietly. “And if it had to be anyone… I’m glad it was you.” Ansh looked at him unsure how to react. For a brief second, the corners of his lips twitched upward in a faint, reluctant smile. The tension between them eased, just a little.
Then silence again. This one heavier.
“Thank you,” Prateek said suddenly.
Ansh frowned, eyes narrowing slightly. “Kis liye?”
Prateek’s voice came low, steady filled with sincerity. “For loving my sister this much.”
Ansh froze. His breath hitched. The words hit him like a stone to the chest. The one truth he had buried under silence, under restraint, under denial spoken out loud by the one person who should have been the hardest to face.
He swallowed hard, forcing a scoff. “Kya bakwaas kar raha hai tu… kuch bhi mat bol, Prateek.”
Prateek gave a short, humorless laugh. “Tujhe lagta hai mujhe samajh nahi aata? I’ve seen the way you look at her, Ansh. The way your voice changes when you talk around her. The way you lose your calm whenever she’s hurt.”
Ansh looked away, jaw tightening. His throat felt dry. The memory of Aditi her soft smile, her tears, her fear, her trust all of it came rushing back at once.
“It just… happened,” he muttered finally.
There was a pause. Prateek smiled faintly, looking up at the stars. “I want you to be with her. Forever.”
Ansh turned to him, stunned. “Tu… serious hai?”
“Bilkul.” Prateek’s tone was firm but soft. “Tu kabhi aise cheezon mein interested nahi tha, I know. But today… the way you lost control, the way your eyes looked when you saw her fall… mujhe laga jaise uske aansu tere the. Jaise uska dard tujhe ho raha tha. How can i ignore the pain you had in you eyes watching aditi like this”
Ansh clenched his jaw, his voice barely a whisper. “She doesn’t even know.”
“She doesn’t need to, right now.” Prateek said gently. “Bas tu uske saath rehna hamesha. That’s enough.”
Ansh’s eyes softened, the anger in them finally giving way to something rawer gratitude, affection, and a kind of respect that went unspoken.
“Par tujhe kaise pata ye sab?” he asked quietly.
Prateek gave a faint laugh. “Main dost hu tera, gadhe. Pogo nahi dekhta.”
That earned him the smallest of chuckles from Ansh, who shook his head. “Matlab tujhe koi problem nahi hai agar main aur Aditi…”
“Nahi,” Prateek interrupted with a grin. “Bas mere saamne jyada romance mat karna warna problem ho jayegi.”
Ansh couldn’t help it he laughed, a genuine one this time. The kind that broke the heaviness of the night for a moment.
But deep down, under that faint smile, his heart was still aching for her. For the pain she’d been through. For the promise he made silently to himself right then Never again. No one will ever hurt her again.
And as Prateek sat beside him her brother, his best friend there was a strange peace in knowing that, maybe for the first time, they were both on the same side of love one as a brother who would protect, and the other as a man who already had.
The terrace, moments ago heavy with silence and emotion, suddenly turned into pure chaos.
After a small pause, Prateek cleared his throat, a mischievous glint flickering in his eyes. “Waise, ik baat batani thi… gussa to nahi karega na?”
Ansh narrowed his eyes, instantly suspicious. “Baat kya hai?”
Prateek fidgeted with his glass, looking everywhere but at him. “Vo na… main bhi kisi ko date kar raha hoon.”
Ansh almost spat out his drink. “Kisse?!”
“Pehle promise kar, gussa nahi karega,” Prateek said quickly, inching a little away just in case.
“Tu baat ghooma mat, seedha bol,” Ansh said, eyes narrowing even more.
Prateek gulped, then slowly lifted his hand the one with faint wedding mehendi still visible. On his wrist, written neatly, was Priya.
Ansh blinked. Once. Twice. Then again. His eyebrows furrowed. “Yeh… Priya likha hai. Kyu?”
Prateek gave a nervous puppy smile, scratching the back of his neck. And then realization hit like thunder.
“Wait… Priya… ? As in, meri behen Priya?!” Ansh’s tone rose dangerously, his expression turning from confusion to disbelief.
Prateek froze. “Uhhh… haan… vohi wali.”
Silence. A deep, tense silence.
And then, Ansh let out a low, disbelieving laugh. “seriously.”
Prateek grinned sheepishly, mistaking the calm for approval. “Dekha! Mujhe pata tha tu gussa nahi karega! Akhir hum dono ek dusre ke jija-saale banne wale hain!”
Ansh’s eyes snapped up so fast Prateek flinched. “kab se chal raha hai?” His voice was soft too soft.
“Bas… ho gaye honge ek–do mahine…” Prateek mumbled.
“EK–DO MAHINE?!” Ansh exploded, jumping to his feet.
Prateek stumbled back, holding his hands up. “Arey bhai, sun to le! Main bata deta, par sahi time ka wait kar raha tha!”
“Sahi time? Do mahine se meri behen ke saath ghoom raha hai tu?! Main tujhe…!” Ansh roared, grabbing his chappal and storming toward him.
“Arey ruk ja, Ansh!” Prateek yelped, darting back. “Main to bas share kar raha tha! Maar kyu raha hai?! Bhai, main tera hone wala jija hu!”
“Jija ki aisi ki taisi!” Ansh shouted, swinging the chappal like a sword.
Prateek squealed and bolted, running in circles around the terrace. “Tu pagal ho gaya hai kya?! Pyar kisi se bhi ho sakta hai! Meri kya galti hai agar meri destiny main Priya hi likhi hai?!”
“Destiny teri meri chappal se milne wali hai ab!” Ansh yelled, chasing him relentlessly.
“Arey ruk ja, bhai! Shaadi mein dahej bhi mat dio!” Prateek shouted mid-run, ducking as the chappal narrowly missed his head.
“shakal dekhi hai apni tune….tujhe dahej dunga main ?!” Ansh growled, lunging again.
“Apne hone wale jija ki aise kaun pitai karta hai?!” Prateek whined.
“Main karta hu, saale!” Ansh barked and threw the chappal with deadly precision
Just as the terrace door swung open.
Ruhaan walked in mid-sentence, grinning like an idiot. “Kaise ho mere laal aur peele-” THWACK! The chappal smacked him square across the face. The sound echoed. For a split second, everyone froze Ruhaan standing there, eyes wide, hand clutching his cheek in utter disbelief.
“Hawwwwwwwww!” came a collective gasp from the doorway Aditi, Shagun, Samaira, Priya, Vivaan, Riva, and even little Shree, all staring like they’d just walked into a circus. Ruhaan stood frozen, still clutching his cheek, while Prateek cowered behind a pillar and Ansh stood panting with one chappal missing.
Ruhaan blinked dramatically and pointed an accusing finger at Ansh. “Yeh kya tareeka hua welcome karne ka?” he asked, his voice full of fake outrage.
Prateek, still catching his breath, peeked up. “Bhai… tu theek hai?”
Ruhaan rubbed his cheek with exaggerated pain. “Main same chappal tujhe marta hu, phir bataiyo tu!” he snapped, picking up the weapon of crime from the floor.
“Maar isse Ruhaan! Chodiyo mat!” Ansh yelled, charging again.
Both Ruhaan and Ansh lunged toward Prateek, who squealed and dodged them like a terrified rabbit. “Are par chappal to tujhe Ansh ne maari, maine thodi!” he shouted defensively, zigzagging across the terrace.
Ruhaan paused mid-run, genuinely confused. “Haan… to phir main tujhe kyu maar raha hu?”
Ansh didn’t even stop. “Kyunki isne humse itna bada secret chupaya hai!” he yelled, still chasing him.
“Konsa secret?” Ruhaan asked, puzzled, as Prateek ducked behind Priya this time, using her as a human shield.
“Yeh Priya ko do mahine se date kar raha hai!” Ansh revealed, his voice booming across the terrace.
Priya’s eyes widened like saucers as she turned sharply to look at Prateek, who gave a helpless puppy face in response. “marr gaye” she muttered, slapping her forehead.
“Haan toh?” Ruhaan said casually, shrugging.
“Haan toh kya?! Isne hame ullu banaya hai!” Ansh explained furiously.
Ruhaan raised an eyebrow. “Hame nahi, sirf tujhe!” he said, adding fuel to the fire.
Ansh froze mid-run. “Matlab tujhe bhi pata tha?”
Ruhaan folded his arms smugly. “Mujhe nahi, yaha present sabko pata tha… aur ab tujhe bhi pata chal gaya.”
Ansh’s jaw dropped. He looked around in disbelief everyone was suspiciously avoiding his gaze. “Matlab tum sab milke mera popat kaat rahe the?” he yelled, scandalized.
Prateek tried to speak, inching forward. “Popat nahi yaar… hum to bas”
“Tujhe meri hi behen mili thi date karne ke liye, kamine?!” Ansh barked, cutting him off and charging again.
Prateek yelped and ran back behind Priya, gripping her shoulders tightly. Priya groaned, hiding her face with both hands.
“Yaar pyaar se bhi to bol sakta hai!” Prateek whined.
“Pyaar gaya tel lene! Priya ke peeche se hat pehle, tujhe batata hu main!” Ansh warned, stepping forward, but Prateek held on tighter.
“Aise kyu kar raha hai?! Maine bhi to permission de di tujhe Aditi ko date karne ke liye! Tu itna selfish kyu ho raha hai!” Prateek squealed, still clinging to Priya like his life depended on it.
The moment Aditi’s name escaped his mouth, the entire terrace went silent. Even Ansh froze mid-step, his ears turning crimson. Aditi’s eyes went wide as everyone turned toward them.
“Aditi ko beech mein mat la,” Ansh warned, voice low and sharp.
“Bhaiya, please jaane dijiye na,” Priya said softly, her voice pleading.
“Priya, tum nahi jaanti isse… meri bholi-bhaali behen ko behla-phusla ke-” Ansh started angrily, but Priya’s sharp voice sliced through his words.
“Bhaiya, enough!” she snapped, hands on her hips. The authority in her tone made Ansh instantly shut up.
“Maine propose kiya tha inko pehle. I love him from a long time. He just accepted my proposal and now we’re dating. Aapko problem kya hai itni?” Priya said firmly, standing her ground.
The terrace went pin-drop silent everyone’s mouths hung open. Even Prateek blinked at her like she’d just pulled a magic trick.
Ansh’s anger softened. “But Priya-“
“Aapne bhi toh Rihaan ko washroom mein band karvaya tha,” Priya interrupted, raising an eyebrow. “Maine help ki thi na aapki? Now aapko bhi koi problem nahi honi chahiye.”
A collective gasp echoed. Aditi, Shagun ansh Prateek’s jaws dropped. meanwhile Ruhaan and vivaan slapped their heads.
“Wait, ek sec! Matlab dance wale din Rihaan gayab nahi hua tha, tune gayab karvaya tha?” Prateek asked, scandalized.
Ansh’s eyes widened. “Nahi, aisa kuch nahi hai-“
“Ab jhoot bolke kya hi kar loge bhaiya!” Vivaan interrupted, laughing. “Bata do sach-sach, . Aapne hi kiya tha usko band taaki Aditi ke saath dance kar sako!”
Aditi looked at Ansh in disbelief, her mouth slightly open, while he looked everywhere but at her. Everyone else burst out laughing.
“Wah bhai, tu to bada tez nikla!” Samaira teased between laughter.
“Beta kam to tu bhi nahi hai,” Prateek shot back with mock pride.
“Idea bhi issi ka tha, Prateek,” Ruhaan added innocently from behind.
Ansh glared. “Chup nahi reh sakta tu thodi der?!”
“Jaane bhi dijiye na bhaiya,” Priya said now more softly, her tone affectionate. She stepped closer and held Ansh’s hand. “He’s very nice to me. Koi bhi problem hogi to main aapko bata dungi na. Please bhaiya, gussa mat kijiye.”
Ansh sighed deeply, his anger melting at his sister’s pleading eyes. “Aman bhaiya jaante hai?” he asked finally. Priya nodded quickly.
“Maan bhi jaa yaar,” Samaira chimed in teasingly. “Kuch karega Prateek to main hi maar dungi usse.”
Ansh exhaled, giving in with a faint smile. “Theek hai,” he whispered, looking at Priya fondly.
Priya squealed in delight and threw her arms around him. “Thank you, bhaiya!” she said, hugging him tightly. Even Ansh laughed, ruffling her hair affectionately.
“Hayee, finally! Mera sala maan gaya!” Prateek said excitedly, stepping forward to hug Ansh too but Ansh immediately pushed him away.
“Door reh tu mujhse. Priya ki wajah se maan raha hu, warna chodta nahi tujhe main,” Ansh warned.
“Haan, haan, theek hai!” Prateek said quickly, backing off as everyone burst into laughter again.
“Waise,” Shagun chimed in, grinning mischievously, “jab sab happily ho hi gaya hai, to ek cheez aur ho jaani chahiye, nahi?”
“Kya?” Ruhaan asked, curious.
“Hum sabko neeche chalna chahiye,” she said innocently.
“Haan, chalo chalte hain,” Vivaan said, already heading for the stairs.
But Shagun caught Aditi’s wrist just in time. “Tu kaha ja rahi hai?” she asked, smirking.
“Neeche,” Aditi replied, confused.
“Maine neeche chalne ko bola taaki tu… aur bhaiya…” Shagun’s grin widened, “ka kuch ho sake.”
Aditi’s eyes went wide, her cheeks burning instantly. Even Ansh froze, red creeping up his neck.
“Haan bhai, aap dono bhi clear karo yaar! Pak gaya hu suspense mein,” Vivaan added with a laugh.
“Haan, baat to sahi hai,” Samaira teased. “Ja Adu… confirm kar ke aana apni booking.”
Aditi’s jaw dropped. “dii!” she gasped, mortified.
“Haan bhaiya, aaj to bol hi do!” Priya encouraged Ansh.
“Main nahi bol raha kuch! Mario mat!” Prateek said dramatically, pretending to shield himself, making everyone laugh again.
“Haan bhai, tum dono yahi raho,” Ruhaan said, grinning ear to ear. “Jab ho jaye to good news dene aa jaana.”
Everyone laughed and began heading downstairs one by one, still chuckling and teasing.
As Ansh stood there, his heart pounding, he turned to see Aditi equally flustered, eyes downcast, her cheeks pink under the dim terrace light.
Ruhaan peeked back one last time from the door and whispered, “Achhe se karna… rehearsal yaad rakhio!”
“Ruhaan!” Ansh hissed, his face burning red. But Ruhaan just winked and disappeared downstairs with the others, their laughter echoing down the corridor.
Now only the two of them remained. The night air felt warmer, quieter. Ansh and Aditi’s eyes met for a second one second too long and both looked away immediately, hearts thudding hard.
Ansh gave an awkward little chuckle, rubbing the back of his neck as he glanced toward the empty terrace door. “I guess… hame bhi neeche hi jana chahiye,” he said, breaking the silence between them. “Kuch bhi bakwaas karte hain ye log.”
Aditi only nodded, her cheeks still faintly pink. Without another word, she turned toward the stairs. Ansh followed a few steps behind keeping a small, respectful distance but his eyes unconsciously stayed on her, a strange, unspoken warmth in his chest that he quickly pushed away.
As they reached downstairs, the cozy golden light from the hallway filled the space. Kriti was already waiting there, hands on her hips, and a glass of milk in her hand.
“Where were you dono? Kab se dhoondh rahi thi tujhe!” she said, looking straight at Ansh.
“Kahi nahi, bas aise hi…” Ansh replied, scratching his temple awkwardly, trying to appear casual though his pulse was still a little fast.
“Achha vo sab chod,” Kriti said, holding out the glass. “Ye le doodh pee.”
“Par mera pet bhara hua hai, Chachi ji,” he protested lightly.
“To bhi peena padega,” she said sternly. “Kiran bhabhi ne bola hai it will help your wound heal faster.”
At that, Aditi’s eyes instinctively flickered to his wrist. The thick bandage wrapped neatly around it made her throat tighten. The same hand that had shielded her… the same hand that now bore stitches because of her. Her heart felt heavy.
“Isme thodi haldi daal dijiye phir Aunty… it will heal faster,” she suggested softly.
Kriti turned to her. “Aisa kya?”
“Haan,” Aditi murmured, still looking at the bandage.
Ansh caught her gaze the worry behind it, the guilt she tried to mask and smiled faintly, a silent reassurance that he was fine.
Kriti nodded thoughtfully. “Kaise daalni hai, mujhe nahi pata… tum daal dogi? Actually mujhe thoda kaam hai abhi.”
“Ji, Aunty. Main kar dungi,” Aditi replied quickly, grateful to have something to focus on. She took the glass from Kriti’s hand with a small smile.
“Thank you, beta,” Kriti said warmly and walked away.
As the silence returned, Ansh asked softly, “Tumhe aata hai haldi wala doodh banana?”
Aditi gave him a faint look. “Haan, aata hai… isme konsi rocket science hai?”
He chuckled. “thoda meetha banana please…” he said teasingly, earning the faintest smile from her before she shook her head and said, “Aap baithiye, main laati hu,” and walked toward the kitchen.
Inside the kitchen, the air was calm and filled with the faint aroma of sweets from the celebration. Aditi placed the glass on the counter, quietly gathering haldi, a spoon, and sugar. She stirred the milk slowly, the golden color spreading beautifully but her eyes had gone distant. Every swirl reminded her of his bloodstained hand, his soft wince when he had tried to hide the pain earlier.
She was so lost in thought that she didn’t notice Kritika walk in.
“Ohh… theek ho tum?” Kritika asked.
Aditi blinked and nodded. “Haan… I’m fine.”
“Haan, hona hi tha,” Kritika said with a light laugh. “Akhir tumhe konsa koi chot aayi.”
Aditi’s hand froze mid-stir. Her eyes lifted slowly.
“Mera matlab hai,” Kritika continued casually, not noticing the sudden silence. “Tumhare liye to Ansh ne hi itni chot kha li. Bechare ko stitches tak lag gaye. But look at you…choti-moti si kharoch ayi tumhe.”
Her words were light, not cruel but they cut Aditi deep. The spoon trembled slightly in her hand as she looked down at her wrist. A few faint scratches from broken bangles nothing compared to the bandage that wrapped his entire wrist. Guilt twisted inside her chest, cold and heavy.
“Waise, bura na mano to ek baat poochu?” Kritika said, turning toward her.
Aditi, still staring at the milk, just nodded faintly.
“Tumhare aur Ansh ke beech… kuch chal raha hai kya?”
Aditi’s eyes widened. “N–nahi to,” she stammered, shaking her head quickly.
“Thank God,” Kritika said, exhaling with relief. “Achha hai nahi chal raha. Varna bechara baar-baar hurt hoga agar tumhare saath rahega to.”
And with that, she smiled politely and left the kitchen, unaware of how her words had pierced Aditi’s heart.
The world felt quieter after she left. The clink of the spoon against the glass sounded too loud.
Aditi stood still, her reflection trembling in the surface of the golden milk. The words replayed in her mind again and again, cruelly echoing her guilt.
Her chest ached. It wasn’t fair that he had to get hurt because of her. That his smile still looked so easy when his hand must’ve burned with pain. She bit her lip hard, her eyes stinging.
Just then, Priya entered the kitchen, breaking her spiraling thoughts.
“Aagayi itni jaldi tu neeche?” Priya asked, leaning against the counter.
“Huh?… Haan, vo upar thand ho rahi thi,” Aditi said quickly, forcing a faint smile.
“Ohh achha…” Priya grinned mischievously. “Waise hua kuch bhaiya aur tere beech main?”
Aditi’s hand tightened on the glass. “Nahi,” she said too quickly, her tone sharper than she intended. To cover it, she held out the glass. “Ye le.”
“Iska kya karu main?” Priya frowned.
“Ja ke apne bhaiya ko de de,” Aditi said simply, her voice quieter now.
“Tu khud de aa na bhaiya ko,” Priya insisted, confused.
Aditi avoided her eyes, her throat tightening again. “Mujhe neend aa rahi hai… tu de aa.” She placed the glass in Priya’s hand and walked out quickly, before the tears threatening her eyes could fall.
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that’s all for this chapter….hope you enjoyed it.💖
sorry for the trauma but it was planned also next part main confession hoga pakka so don’t forget to vote and comment and this time main ro dungii agar votes poore nahi hue too.🤧
btw kritika ke liye kuch shabd bolna chahenge aap??
till then be safe…be healthy….keep smiling and always keep reading.🫶✨
lots of love♥️
~Prachi🌷
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