Rajvansh waited until the waiter returned.

The cotton, Dettol, and bandage were placed carefully beside him.

He poured a little Dettol on the cotton and gently dabbed Krisha's scratched ankle.

Krisha flinched.

"Ss... araam se."

"Chillao mat log kya sochenge?" he muttered softly. "Dance karte time sherni ban rahi thi... aur baad mein bilkul chuhiya!"

Amisha folded her arms. "April aate hi india mein garmi bhad jaati hai kya?"

Ava crouched beside them, watching with curious eyes. Shivaay stood slightly behind Ava, jaw tightening as he watched the way Rajvansh's fingers barely touched Krisha's skin - careful, almost sacred.

Rajvansh wrapped the bandage tightly but gently.

"There," he said. "Now don't act like you can run a marathon."

Krisha tried to pull her foot back.

"I can walk by myself."

He placed his hand over her ankle again, firmer this time.

"Shor mat karo."

Quiet.

Too quiet.

Their eyes met.

Just for a second.

Krisha looked away first.

As if afraid she might lose herself in his eyes.

Ava leaned slightly toward Amisha and whispered, "They are giving a major couple vibe"

Amisha smirked. "I just want them to get married and make beautiful babies just like them!" she huffed as if imagining their kids playing with her hair.

Shivaay didn't laugh.

His eyes stayed on Krisha.

On the way Rajvansh's thumb brushed her skin.

On the way Krisha's shoulders softened when he touched her.

Jealousy wasn't loud.

It was silent.

It sat tight in his chest.

He looked away and pretended not to care.

Rajvansh tied the final knot in the bandage.

"Ho gaya," he murmured.

Krisha quietly thanked him almost softly.

"...Thanks."

He looked at her like he'd been waiting years to hear her soft voice just for him.

Amisha stood up, clapping once. "Chalo, patient ko chair pe shift karo."

Before Krisha could protest, Rajvansh slid one arm under her knees and the other behind her back.

Her breath hitched.

"Rajvansh-!"

"Hero mein hu mujhe mera role karne do aur acchi heroine ki tarha zyada behes nahi karo!" he said, already standing. "Tumne heels kyu pehni jab suit nahi karti tih"

Ava gasped. "Just to get a Princess Treatment!"

Shivaay's jaw clenched.

He forced his hands into his pockets.

Rajvansh placed Krisha carefully on the couch.

Adjusted the hem of her lehenga so it wouldn't touch the bandage.

Knelt once more.

"You're not dancing again tonight."

She opened her mouth to argue.

He looked up.

Not playful.

Not teasing.

Serious.

"Please."

The word landed between them.

She nodded.

Amisha nudged Shivaay softly.

"You okay?"

He nodded too quickly.

"Haan."

But his eyes kept going back to them.

To the silent comfort.

To the care.

And for the first time, he wondered why it hurt.

Krisha leaned back against the cushion.

Rajvansh sat beside her , back resting against the sofa near, not touching her - but close.

Suddenly Rajvansh remeberd something and quietly stood up.

He didn't say anything to Krisha.

Didn't ask.

Just... glanced once at her bandaged ankle.

And then walked out.

Outside, the air hit him immediately.

He walked straight to Rudra's car like he'd done it a hundred times before.

The driver was leaning near the car, scrolling on his phone.

Rajvansh cleared his throat.

"Trunk open karo."

The driver blinked. "yes sir!"

The trunk popped open.

Rajvansh bent down, scanned the bags.

He knew.

She wore sneakers when she came searching for him. He Opened a small bag and there they were her white sneakers

He pulled them out and closed the trunk.

Rajvansh pushed his hands into his pocket and started finding something. His expressions changed and he started tapping his pants pockets his shirts pocket worriedly.

"How can I be this careless" he muttered and went toward the garden side as he last went there.

------

Rudra followed yash to the hallway, silence is all that was alive between them.

"Kya hua?" Rudra asked and Yash stopped.

"Mein shaadi mein kuch gadbad nahi chahta samjhe tum?" Yash said making rudra pop his cheeks through his tongue.

"Jo aap kehe rahe hai pichle ek mahine se wahi kar raha hu mein!" Rudra said pointing his finger toward yash.

Yash held his finger tightly and pushed his hand back. "Aagli baar yeh ungli aagar meri taraf uthi toh mein kya karunga mein bhi nahi janta, baap hu tumhara tameez se baat kia karo, us Panjabi dost ke saath ghumte ho, aapne baap se kaise baat karte hai yehi seekh lete ussey!"

Rudra turned back and then again turned toward him pinching the bridge of his nose.

"Really....uska baap usey kaise treat karta hai dekha hai kabhi aapne!" Rudra said gritting his teeth.

"Haan bilkul dekha hai, uske baap ne aaj tak uski ek parent teacher meeting attend nahi Kari na kabhi koi function attend kar har jagah woh ladka akele hi aaya karta tha, aur mein, meine Aaj Tak tumse related koi cheez Miss nahi Kari rudra, aur tum mujhse is laheje mein baat kar rahe ho" yash voice roared through the corridor.

"Kamse kam Amit uncle apni galtiya mante toh hai par aapko aapke andar koi kami nazar hi nahi aati.....The yash shekhawat ke aage aapko koi aur Nazar hi nahi aata!" Rudra said and Yash raised his hand to slap him but stopped and took a deep breath.

"Aagar tumne yaha koi tamasha kia toh bhulna mat mere ek kehne par navya ki poori zindgi barbaad ho sakti hai samjhe? Iske aage mujhe aur kuch bolne ki jarurat na pade!" Yash said and tapped his shoulder before leaving.

Rudra stood there like a statue and then rubbed his face with his both hands feeling helpless.

He then turned and his heart stopped. Navya was standing right in front of him with her mother standing beside her.

"Navi..." Rudra's voice came low.

Navya gave him a tight lipped smile suppressing her tears and finally said "Congratulations, Mr.shekhawat!" She said and a tear escaped his eyes he blinked it away and smiled back his lips twitching in the way it was looking if he was trying hard to smile but it refused to come.

Navya's mother walked toward him and patted his cheeks "Dekho kitna bada hogaya hamara chota sa rudra jo shaadi kar raha hai!" Rudra licked his lips and smiled taking her both hands into his and squeezing them then placed a kiss on them.

"Aap kyu aai? Tabiyat kharab haina aapki!" Rudra said with worry

"I wanted to see the lucky girl you're getting married too? Meine hi navya se zid kari woh bhi mana kar rahi thi!" She said with a smile, a genuine smile.

Rudra looked up at navya who was standing behind her and then again looked up at her.

"Aunty andar chale aapko jyada der khada nahi rehena chahiye!" He said and placed her hand on her shoulder for support and turned toward the hall.

"Chale?" He asked navya and she nodded.

The three entered the hall, navya's mother in the middle and rudra & navya beside her.

Yash jaw clenched looking navya and her mother but he held his head high his fingers curling into fist inside his pants pocket. Vasundhara who was watching him walked towards him and stood beside him.

"Please kuch galat mat kariyega, chain se jeene dijiye unhe!" Vasundhara said.

"Aagar chain aur sukoon hi chahiye tha toh shekhawat's ke ladke ke aas pass bhatak ne ki sochti bhi nahi!" Yash said in low voice and then period.

Then he inhaled and murmured in low voice gritting his teeth "Hamare standards hai Vasundhara ese hi koi bhi raha chalti bhikari shekhawats ki bahu banne ke sapne dekh bhi nahi sakti, samjhi aap?"

"Rudra uske saath khush tha aapko yeh kyu nahi dikh raha, aapki wajah se teen zindgiyan barbaad ho rahi hai!" Vasundhara said her voice was low and soft.

"Aap hamara dimaag kharab na kare Vasundhara, aur yaad rakhiyega koi gadbad nahi!" Yash said and looked up, suddenly his lips curled into smile and he walked toward the entrance of the hall

"Aa gae AAP log aap hi ka intezaar kar rahe the hum!" He said and opened his arms and hugged the man.

"Aap bulae aur hum na aae esa hi sakta hai, saalon purani dosti hai hamari!" The man said. He was none other than Vikas Raghuvanshi beside him his wife and son were standing Tanu Raghuvanshi and Aryman Raghuvanshi.

Tanu nudged aryman's arm and signaled him to touch yash's feet. Aryman rolled his eyes and then bent down and instead of touching his feet touched his knees.

"Khush raho!" Yash said and just then Rishi arrived.

Vikas extended his hand toward him and rishi took it then pulled him into a hug.

"Aur sab bhadia rishi, Suna hai betiya wapis aa gai hai!" Vikas asked and rishi nodded smiling.

"Arey toh milao humein, kitni badi ho gai hogi!" Vikas said and rishi nodded.

Krisha was laughing with khushi and shreya while shreyas was joking and shikhar was extra exaggerating

"Krisha beta yaha aaiye!" Rishi's voice came and krisha turned to look at him then nodded.

"Aage ki story galti se bhi mere bina continue mat karna warna?" She warned and shreyas raised his hands in surrender.

She stood up and walked toward them and stopped beside rishi.

First she looked up at the Raghuvanshi's and joined her hand in respect and then looked up at Rishi and raised her eyebrow.

Rishi smiled and said meet my daughter "Krisha Rishi shekhawat!" Krisha looked up at him and smiled.

"Krisha beta yeh Raghuvanshi's hai yaad hai tumhe?" Rishi said and krisha shook her head.

"Koi baat nahi itni choti thi kya hi yaad hoga!" Tanu said patting her cheeks.

Krisha smiled and then grabbed Rishi's hand tightly.

Then she pulled his hand a little signaling him to bend down to her level which he did.

"Papa, mein thodi der bahar chali jau, woh aaj itne log achanak se....mujhe...adat nahi hai ghutan si ho rahi hai!" She said her voice was low so only Rishi could hear he placed her hand on the back of her and said "jao...jaldi aa jana" she nodded and then smiled back at everyone and left the hall.

She walked towards the exit of the banquet Just then a voice came from behind "krisha" she turned back only to find Aryman standing Their.

"Meine aapko kahi dekha hai!" He said and circles her and krisha folded her arms.

"Haan yaad aaya hum aapki birthday par hi toh aae the remember?" He said pointing his index finger towards her she looked up at his finger and then rolled her eyes.

"Hi! I'm dhairya Raghuvanshi!" He lied and krisha nodded then turned back but he grabbed her wrist, she instinctively jerked her hand out of his reach in anger and "Agli baar haath lagaya toh tod dungi!"

"Woo...." He raised his hands up in surrender and said "janti hai aap aksar aadmi isi ghussey par fida hote!" Krisha closed her eyes in irritation and turned back to leave.

She descended the Aisle in anger and aryaman's voice again came, as soon as she turned to look back while walking she stumbled into someone. His hand rested around her waist to stable her and her hand caught his arms.

She pulled him back and looked up at him then again turned back where Aryman was standing.

"Yeh...!" She raised her finger in confusion Just then rudra arrived.

"Aryman bhai, dhairya bhai" He said and walked towards Aryaman hugged him.

"Mei dhairya hu!" Aryaman said and rudra chuckled.

"Aap Aryaman hai, aapke dressing style se hi pata chal gaya!" Rudra said and then walked up to dhairya.

"Kaise hai aap?" He said and dhairya hugged him.

"Hamari nahi AAP apni bataiye kaise hai aap?" Dhairya said and krisha looked up at rudra

"Maaf kariyega, isey bachpan se hi mera naam use karke khud ko introduce karne ki aadat hai!" Dhairya said and Aryaman smirked.

"I'm Aryman Raghuvanshi, hum art exhibition mein mile the remember?" He said and but krisha didn't even spare him a glance "mile honge mujhe yaad nahi!"

Aryaman and Dhairya are maternal twins, even after sharing the same DNA their bond is fragile, Aryman never talked to dhairya neither dhairya tried to solve things between them.

She looked back at rudra and just then dhairya extended his hand toward her she looked up at his hand and then looked up at rudra, he nodded but instead of shaking hands she folded her both hands together in a respectful namaste, dhairya lowered his hand and does the same with a smile.

Rudra's phone rang and he turned to krisha "Stay here, we will go inside together!" Krisha nodded and he walked a little away to take the call.

Krisha stood their eyes focused on the tree and dhairya was looking at her. Krisha felt his gaze and turned her gaze towards him but he started pretending that he was busy on the phone meanwhile Aryman was smirking looking at Krisha.

Rajvansh came their and stopped when he saw krisha standing near dhairya who was constantly looking at her the way he shouldn't.

His jaw clenched and he tilted his head a little to hide the jealously taking over him and walked towards them.

"Noor!" He said and krisha lifted her gaze toward him.

Rajvansh walked towards her and stopped in front of her.

His gaze moved towards Dhairya in fury and then he looked up at krisha, his eyes softened and he held her wrist.

"We need to talk!" He said and turned.

"Where? Mein rudra ke saath jaungi usne mujhe rukne ke liye kaha hai!" She said and he turned then his eyes moved toward rudra and he shouted "Rudra, krishi mere saath jaa rahi hai!" Rudra turned back still talking and nodded in agreement.

"Mujhe..." Krisha protested but rajvansh shut her with "shhhh....yaha nahi!"

He said and took her away from them still holding her wrist.

Krisha Just walked with him without arguing.

They went toward the backyard and krisha finally pulled her hand back

Rajvansh walked a little ahead and then turned and raised her hand to her face to cup her cheeks but then stopped closing his eyes and turned again touching the back of his neck.

Krisha looked up at him in confusion, "karna kya chahte ho?" She asked.

And rajvansh licked his dry lips before turning back to face her.

"You will not stand close to any other man except me!" He said possesively.

Krisha shook her head lightly and argued back "Aur mein tumhari baat kyu manu?"

"Jitna ladna hai mujhse lado, tumhe nafrat bhi karni hai toh mujhse karo, because I can't tolerate you standing that close to other man" he said moving towards her and she took some steps back looking dead into her eyes she blinked and lowered her gaze as if afraid to met his.

Krisha's fingers curled into her palms.

Krisha's breath felt uneven.

Rajvansh stopped when he noticed her stepping back. He didn't close the distance again. Instead, he stood still-hands clenched at his sides, jaw tight, eyes burning with things he'd never said.

For a moment, neither of them spoke.

The night air filled the silence.

Then, slowly, Rajvansh exhaled and looked away, as if forcing himself to calm down.

"I'm not asking you to obey me," he said quietly. "And I'm definitely not claiming ownership over you."

Krisha lifted her eyes again, surprised by the shift in his tone.

"But don't misunderstand my words either," he continued, voice low, controlled. "I'm not jealous because I think you belong to me."

His gaze returned to her-steady, intense.

"I'm jealous because for twelve years, you were the only thing I waited for."

The words hit her harder than his possessiveness ever could.

Her fingers curled into the fabric of her lehenga.

"You don't get to say things like that," she whispered.

Rajvansh nodded once. Slowly. As if he deserved that.

"You're right," he said. "I don't."

He took one step back, deliberately creating space between them.

"I waited," he continued softly. "Not knowing where you were. Not knowing why you left. Not knowing if you were even safe."

Krisha's throat tightened.

"I didn't chase you. I didn't ask anyone. I didn't demand answers," he said, eyes dark with restraint. "Because if you left, I believed you had a reason. And I respected that... even when it destroyed me."

Her eyes shimmered, but she looked away.

Rajvansh noticed. He always did.

"I'm not here to trap you," he added. "I won't touch you again unless you want me to. I won't cross lines you didn't want me too"

Then, softer-almost broken:

"But don't ask me to pretend I feel nothing when another man looks at you like he has permission."

Krisha swallowed.

"I don't need your protection," she said, though her voice lacked its earlier sharpness.

"I know," he replied immediately. "You never did."

That stopped her.

"You've always been strong," Rajvansh said. "Strong enough to walk away from me. Strong enough to survive without me."

He paused, then added, barely above a whisper:

"I just wasn't strong enough to forget you. I wasn't strong enough to live happily without you"

Silence wrapped around them again.

The chemistry between them wasn't loud-it was restrained, trembling, aching.

Krisha finally looked up at him fully.

"You should hate me," she said. "I left without explaining. I didn't look back."

Rajvansh met her gaze.

"I tried," he admitted. "God knows I tried."

A sad smile curved his lips.

"But every time I closed my eyes, it was still you. I can never hate you even if you stab me with a hundred knives!"

He took another step back, increasing the distance again giving her room to breathe, to choose.

"I won't stop you from talking to anyone," he said. "I won't pull you away again."

Then, more honestly:

"But if you ever feel unsafe... overwhelmed... or just tired-"

His eyes softened completely.

"Come to me. Not because I demand it. But because I'll always make space for you."

Krisha's chest felt unbearably heavy.

"Rishi uncle ke pass sneakers hai tumhare, please unhe pehen lena!" He said and krisha nodded.

The girl who had run away twelve years ago wasn't ready for this man-the patience, the quiet devotion, the restraint burning beneath his skin.

She nodded faintly, unable to speak.

Rajvansh didn't touch her.

He simply stepped aside, giving her the path back.

And yet-

As she walked past him, her sleeve brushed his wrist.

Accidentally.

Or maybe not.

They both froze.

For one electrifying second.

Neither moved.

Neither breathed.

Then she pulled away and walked ahead, heart racing.

Behind her, Rajvansh closed his eyes.

Twelve years.

And she still had the power to undo him-with just one brush of skin.

But as she reached the doorway, his voice followed her-low, intimate, meant only for her.

"Krishi" he said.

She turned.

His eyes held hers, dark and unwavering.

"I waited twelve years without asking for answers," he said. "I can wait a little longer. But don't test me by standing too close to someone else."

A pause.

Then, softer-almost a plea.

"Not because you belong to me. But because... I still belong to you."

Her breath hitched.

And for the first time that night, she didn't argue.

She just walked away, leaving him standing there in the dark, heart racing, knowing one thing with terrifying clarity:

This wasn't over.

This was only the beginning.

------

Khushi was talking with Ekaksh giggling at his words while holding his arm.

Shreyas was standing with rasha but his eyes were on Ekaksh and Khushi.

Rasha looked up at him and said "bhaiya...jali na!" Shreyas nodded without looking at her but when he came to his senses he twisted her

Ear and said "bade Bhai se ese baat karte hai!" rasha winced but laughed at the same time.

"Bhai aagar jealousy ho rahi hai toh accept karo na, aap ladke ho of course koi na koi ladki toh pasand aani hi thi na khushi hi sahi!" Rasha said and shreyas nodded.

"Par ab mein karu kya, dekho is aurat ko hamesha mujhe jealous feel karwati hai!" Shreyas said and placed her elbow on his shoulder.

"Aap kuch esa karo jissey khushi ko ghussa bhi aae aur woh aapke liye dar bhi jae!" Rasha said and shreyas turned toward her shaking his head, rasha mimicked his action and shreyas finger flicked her forehead.

"Dobby duffer, yeh Eshita Kapoor ka serial nahi hai, reality hai!" Shreyas said rasha rolled her eyes.

"Arey mein thodi aapko fake accident karne ki kehe rahi hu" Rasha said and then slapped his arms "suno ab shanti se kal mein khushi ko call karungi" Rasha continued and shreyas nodded.

"Kahungi, khushi bhai ko kuch ho gaya hai, woh achanak se behosh ho gae aur uth bhi nahi rahe, mein yaha akeli hu aur koi bhi nahi hai!" rasha explained.

"Issey kya hoga?" shreyas asked shaking his head.

"Arey dobby duffer, aagar khushi abhi bhi aapko love karti hai toh woh bhaagi bhaagi chali aaegi aur jab aapko dekhegi ki aap chaka chak ho, toh woh aapko bohot maregi!" Rasha said clapping her hands together.

"Mein maar khane ke liye itni zaddo zehed karu, tu serial dekhna chod de meri maa!" shreyas said joining his hands in front of her.

"Arey bhai, phir woh roegi aur aapko hug bhi toh karegi ki aap theek ho!" Rasha said and shreyas looked up at her in confusion.

"Esa bhi kuch hota hai!" Shreyas asked and rasha nodded.

"Par ussey pehle maregi bhi toh!" shreyas asked.

"Pyar mein maar nahi kha sakte kya aap? Kuch seekho rajvansh bhaiya se avni didi batati hai ki woh krishi se aksar maar khate hai pyar ke naate!" Rasha said and shreyas rolled his eyes

"Woh sikhayega mujhe!" shreyas muttered and rasha folded her arms to her chest "Rehen do aap, dekhna Ekaksh bhaiya khushi ko dolli mein bitha kar le jaenge aur aap undono ke baccho ke mama bankar rehe jaoge!" Rasha said and shreyas huffed.

"Shubh shubh bol, theek hai try karke dekhte hai!" shreyas said and rasha hugged him.

"Chalo, at least you've little brain left in your big head!" Rasha said.

Shreyas stiffened the moment Rasha hugged him.

"Bas bas, chipakna band kar," he muttered, gently pushing her away. "Tera plan mujhe abhi bhi stupid lag raha hai."

Rasha grinned, utterly unbothered. "Stupid plans hi toh kaam karte hai, bhaiya. Warna aap jaise log single hi mar jaate."

He shot her a glare. "Zyada mat bol."

But his eyes-

They drifted back again.

Khushi was still laughing.

Her head thrown back slightly, eyes crinkled, hand resting casually on Ekaksh's arm like it belonged there.

That did something ugly inside Shreyas's chest.

"Dekha?" Rasha whispered smugly. "Aapki Jal rahi hai!"

Shreyas clenched his jaw. "Mujhe fark nahi padta."

Rasha raised an eyebrow. "Toh aap apna glass itna zor se kyun pakad rahe ho ki woh crack ho jaaye?"

He looked down.

His fingers had indeed tightened around the glass.

He loosened his grip with a huff. "She's free to do whatever she wants."

Rasha nodded exaggeratedly. "Haan haan. Aur aap free ho jalne ke liye."

Shreyas didn't reply.

Because the truth was-

It wasn't Ekaksh.

It was the ease.

Khushi didn't look guarded with him. Didn't look like she was measuring her words. Didn't look like she was constantly bracing herself.

She looked... happy.

And that hurt more than jealousy ever could.

Rasha watched his face soften into something dangerously close to regret.

"Bhaiya," she said quietly now, the teasing tone gone. "Aapne kabhi seedha usse bataya hai?"

He scoffed. "Bataya kya?"

"That you care."

He laughed once, humorless. "Khushi koi bacchi nahi hai. Usse sab samajh aata hai."

Rasha tilted her head. "Samajhna aur mehsoos karna alag hota hai."

That landed.

Shreyas exhaled slowly, running a hand through his hair. "tera drama plan bhool ja. Main kisi ko emotionally blackmail nahi karunga."

Rasha sighed. "Fine. Fake fainting cancel."

She paused, then added mischievously, "But kuch toh karna padega, warna woh sach mein nikal jaayegi."

As if summoned by her words-

Khushi disengaged herself from Ekaksh, said something with a smile, and started walking toward the refreshments table.

Alone.

Shreyas straightened instinctively.

Rasha's eyes lit up. "Universe bhi chahta hai aap baat karo."

"Rasha-"

"Jaao," she shoved him lightly. "Aur iss baar sarcasm kam, honesty zyada."

Shreyas hesitated only a second.

Then he walked.

Not rushed.

Not dramatic.

Just... determined.

Khushi was picking up a glass when his voice came from behind.

"Tumhari smile, it's still the same"

She froze.

Slowly, she turned.

Her smile faded into something neutral-but not cold.

"Log badalte nahi hai," she said lightly. "Bas situations badal jaati hai."

He nodded. "Haan. Shayad."

An awkward beat.

Then, quietly, "Tum busy lag rahi ho."

She shrugged. "Shaadi hai. Log hote hi busy hai."

"Waise Ekaksh kya kehe raha tha!" He asked and khushi smirked.

"Kyu tumhari jal gai!" Khushi asked and shreyas smiled.

"Mein kyu jalunga, when I know you still like me!" Shreyas said and khushi turned toward him while taking a sting roll to her mouth, she ate it and then said "Dream on Mr.Rathore!" and walked past him but shreyas held her wrist and pulled her closer, he leaned near her ear and Muttered.

"Note my words, end game toh tumhara mein hi hu!" He said and khushi chuckled.

"Ale le le" khushi said pinching his cheeks "Really, shakal dekho aapni kaha mein hoor ki pari aur kaha tum mungfali" she tapped his cheeks and walked away.

"Mungfali, really mungfali" He muttered and followed her.

"Dekho this is not acceptable, kuch aur bolo mungfali nahi!" Shreyas said.

"Matar ka chilka!" Khushi tossed over her shoulder.

Shreyas inhaled sharply, then exhaled slowly, like he was counting to ten in his head.

"Khushi," he said, dropping the teasing tone at last. "Ruko."

She stopped.

Didn't turn.

That alone told him she was listening-but on *her* terms.

"Bas ek minute," he added, quieter now. "Mujhe kuch kehna hai. Aur joke nahi hai."

Silence stretched.

Music thumped faintly from the other side of the lawn. Laughter. Glasses clinking. Life is moving on-very efficiently-without them.

Finally, she turned halfway. Arms crossed. Expression guarded.

"Bolo," she said. "But clear kar du-main ladne ya purani baatein khodne ke mood mein nahi hoon."

He nodded. "Main bhi nahi."

Another pause.

Then, slowly, carefully-like stepping on broken glass-

"Main jaanta hoon maine tumhe hurt kiya."

Her jaw tightened.

"Jaanta hoon is sentence se kuch theek nahi hota," he continued quickly, before she could cut him off. "Aur main ye bhi nahi bolunga ki 'mera intention nahi tha', kyunki-"

He met her eyes.

"Intention ho ya na ho, dard toh tumhe hua."

That... made her blink.

She hadn't expected that.

Still, her voice stayed flat. "Good. Awareness aa gayi hai. Congratulations."

He winced but didn't argue.

"Mujhe pata hai," he said. "Tumhari life mein main ek aisa chapter hoon jo tum shayad band kar chuki ho. Aur honestly-tumhara poora haq hai."

She looked away then, fingers curling slightly.

"Toh?" she asked. "Phir ye dramatic walk, ye conversation, ye-" she gestured vaguely between them, "-sab kyun?"

He swallowed.

"Kyuki main pretend nahi kar pa raha ki mujhe fark nahi padta," he admitted. "Aur main ye bhi nahi chahta ki tum ye socho ki main abhi bhi wahi insaan hoon jo-"

She cut in sharply. "Jo kya, Shreyas?"

He stiffened.

"Jo tumhari feelings ko lightly leta tha," she finished for him. "Jo apne ego ke aage tumhe second option bana deta tha. Jo samajhta tha ki tum hamesha available rahogi."

Her words were calm.

That was worse.

He ran a hand over his face. "Tum galat nahi ho."

That earned him a short, humorless laugh from her.

"Ye sentence bhi late ho gaya," she said. "Bahut late."

"I know."

They stood there, facing each other, twelve inches apart and miles away.

She sighed, tired now. "Dekho. Main theek hoon. Sach mein. Aur jo bhi main hoon, jis ke saath bhi hoon-wo meri choice hai."

He nodded immediately. "Main interfere nahi karunga."

She studied his face, searching for mockery.

Found none.

"Par," she added, voice firm, "confusion bhi create mat karo. Mujhe phir se sab doubt mein nahi jeena."

That hit him straight in the chest.

"I won't," he said. "Promise."

A beat.

Then, softer, almost breaking-

"Bas itna chahta hoon ki jab tum mujhe dekho... tumhe sirf woh ladka yaad na aaye jisne tumhe tod diya. Bas itna."

Her eyes softened-for half a second.

Then she shook her head.

"Ye bhi process hai, Shreyas," she said quietly. "Tumhari nahi. Meri."

She stepped back, increasing the distance herself.

"And process ko rush nahi karte."

He let his hand fall to his side.

"Samajh gaya," he said. "Main wait nahi maang raha. Aur na hi second chance."

She raised an eyebrow. "Accha?"

"Haan," he said honestly. "Bas... respect maang raha hoon. Tumhari space ka. Tumhari healing ka."

For a long moment, she looked at him.

Then she nodded once. Small. Controlled.

"That," she said, "I can give."

She turned to leave.

Then stopped.

Without looking back, she added, "Aur haan-mungfali is better than you!"

He blinked. "Kya?"

"Matar ka chilka was personal," she said dryly. "So don't get ideas."

And with that-

She walked away.

Not forgiving.

Not forgetting.

But no longer running.

Shreyas stood there, chest tight, watching her disappear into the crowd.

Rasha appeared beside him a second later, hands on hips.

"Toh?" she whispered. "Ho gaya patch-up?"

He shook his head slowly.

"Nahi," he said.

Then, after a pause-

"Par shayad... shuruaat ho gayi hai."

Rasha smiled softly.

"Good," she said. "Iss baar dheere chalna, bhaiya. Warna phir se gir jaoge."

He didn't argue.

Because this time-

He knew exactly how much he had to lose.

As khushi entered the ceremony hall vanraj saw her he walked toward her and said "Did shreyas say anything?" khushi washed her hand and then turned toward him.

"Nothing much papa, don't worry!" khushi said hugging him, vanraj placed his hand on her shoulder as they walked toward the sitting arrangement.

"Look khushi, I don't want you to again get friends with shreyas" Vanraj said and khushi opened her mouth but vanraj cut in "Not because he has broken you once but because I don't want my daughter to lock herself in her room again for 3 months and cry whole day!" khushi turned her face away tears buliding up in her eyes

"Papa please don't start that now!" Khushi said and vanraj pulled her toward himself placing a soft kiss on her Temple "Tu mera bahudur baccha hai, I'm proud of you my Princess!" khushi hugged him back saying "I love you papa!"

"vanraj, suniye toh!" Rohini's voice came and vanraj turned his head to the side.

"Ji..." vanraj said and rohini actioned him to come near.

Vanraj tapped khushi's cheeks and stood up and walked toward the rohini.

Khushi just sat there thinking about her father's words.

"Hey actress what happened, where are you lost?" Rohit's voice came.

Khushi looked up and smiled "what's up dude!" she stood up and rohit extended his hand for fist bump, khushi did the same.

"Well I don't know where your Raj Is?" she said and rohit raised a brow while nodding.

"Krisha kaha hai?" He asked and khushi looked around.

"Woh gai mosaji ke saath!" she said and rohit nodded then he saw Ava, Amisha and shivaay munching on spring rolls and hara bhara kabab.

"Byee..." He said and khushi nodded.

Rohit walked up to them and took a spring roll from shivaay's plate.

"Are you all enjoying it!" Rohit asked Amisha and ava nodded but shivaay remained expressionless.

"What's this green thing known as, it's really good!" Ava asked and rohit said "this is hara bhara kabab" Ava nodded and walked toward krisha with Hara bhara kabab's plate.

"Krisha, uncle try this......" Ava said and stopped as she forgot what rohit just called it.

"Try this, harish ka baap, it's too good!" Ava said and rishi burst out.

"Aap kahiya Harish ka baap!" Rishi said and krisha nudged his arms

"Papa...kyu mazak uda rahe hai aap uska!" Krisha said and ava picked up the hara bhara kabab and fed krisha.

"Ava it's hara bhara kabab not harish ka baap!" Ava looked up at krisha and nodded.

---------

Rajvansh was still in the garden with his phone's flashlight on, searching for something.

Gauri was getting back to the hall with Ruchika when she noticed rajvansh in the garden.

"Bhaiya garden mein kya kar rahe hai!" gauri asked and only then it clicked ruchika's mind she pulled out a bracelet from her clutch and looked at it. "Maybe bhaiya yeh dhundh rahe hai, yeh unki pocket se gir gaya tha corridor mein jab unhone phone nikala tha"

Gauri room that pendant and looked at it. The pendant has a seashell, starfish, pearl, it looked exactly the same- Rajvansh gifted to krisha.

"Why didn't you return it then?" Gauri said and ruchika sight.

"I saw you, aap ghabrate hue washroom mein jaa Rahi thi toh mein aapke pass aa gai, mein abhi de aati hu unhe!" Ruchika said and ran outside toward rajvansh with gauri following her

"Raj bhai...." ruchika said out loud rajvansh turned in her direction.

"Aap yeh toh nahi dhundh rahe na!" she said extending the bracelet toward him and rajvansh finally took a relieved breath.

"Thank you so much, aap nahi janti aapne meri kitni badi problem solve kar di!" Rajvansh said taking that bracelet from her hand.

"Waise yeh aap kiske liye lae hai!" Gauri asked and Rajvansh brushed his thumb over it.

"Kiske liye nahi, yeh already kisi ka hai usko lautane ke liye laya tha!" Rajvansh said with a smile and then looked up at both of them.

"Andar chale Ring exchange ka time ho raha hai!" Rajvansh said and gauri nodded.

The three walked back to the hall.

As they entered Tejas came toward them and said "chalo beta Ring sagai ka waqt ho gaya hai!"

Rajvansh smiled and took a step back but Tejas held his hand "Rudra ji ka tika tumhe hi karna hai, hamare yaha ladki ka bhai yeh rasam karta hai!" rajvansh nodded and walked with Tejas meanwhile Gauri along with Ruchika and Suchi 'her Masi's daughter' walked toward the couch.

As instructed by Tejas Rajvansh does tilak of Rudra and made him wear the watch a small gift that Tejas bought from gauri's brother's side.

Rudra hugged rajvansh and he hugged him back.

"All good right? Why am I feeling you're hiding something?" Rajvansh muttered into his ears

Rudra shook his head and rajvansh pulled himself back from the hug.

"Nothing" rudra said and rajvansh smiled.

Rajvansh walked back toward amit and Prerna when his eyes fell on krisha then to her feet she was still wearing heels.

He without saying a word walked toward Rishi who was sitting with Mr.das talking about something

"Uncle krishi ke sneakers kaha hai!" Rajvansh asked and rishi looked up at him.

"Woh pehen hi nahi rahi beta, meine kaha usne mana kar diya, boli fashion kharab ho jaega!" Rishi told him with a chuckle and Mr.das shook his head while smiling "yeh Aaj kal ke baccho ko comfort ke aage fashion chahiye hota hai!"

"Uncle ek baar mein try karke dekhu!" he asked and rishi nodded passing him the packet of krisha's sneakers.

Rajvansh took them and walked toward krisha.

"Bohot sweet ladka hai, sabka khayal rakhta hai!" Rishi said his eyes were following rajvansh.

Mr.das chuckled " Yeh baat toh sahi kahi, ek mahine akele seva kari hai ladke ne meri, jab mein khada bhi nahi ho paa Raha tha!" Rishi smiled.

"Bohot muskil mein ese ladke milte hai papa, daad deni padegi prerna bhabhi ke sanskaron ki!" Rishi said and Mr.das nodded.

"Bas esa hi ladka aapni bacchi ke liye dhundhna hai mujhe!" Rishi said.

"Kyu Ismein kya burai hai handsome bhi hai, jana pehchana rishta hai, acche log hai!" Mr.das said and rishi sighed.

"Aap toh sab jante hai, Rajvansh punjabi hai hum rajput hai, hamare yaha ladkia rajputon ke alawa aur kahi biyahi nahi jaati!" Rishi said and Mr.das shook his head.

"Champagne ke jamne mein desi daru jaisi soch hai tum logon ki abhi bhi!" Mr.das said and rishi chuckled.

"Itna samjh lo, krisha ka rishta meri sahmati ke bina tae nahi hoga!" Mr.das said and Rishi nodded.

Rajvansh stood behind krisha who was talking with some aunties. She immediately recognised his presence and turned her head a little to look at him.

He just extended the sneakers towards her but she shook her head and said "I don't need this!"

"You need it and i know it!" Rajvansh said then smiled

"Tum mana karogi mein zid karunga! Behtar hai inhe pehn lo!" He said and as those chugli khor aunties were seeing them she took the sneakers from his hands and went towards the chair and sat down.

She took off her heels and started wearing the sneakers in anger. She was trying to tie the laces but under his gaze she was feeling nervous and her hands were literally shaking.

Rajvansh bent down and took the laces in his hands "let me do it!"

"Mein kar sakti hu!" krisha said pushing his hands back but when rajvansh looked up at her straight into her eyes her grip loosened and she sat straight.

"I know you can do it, but not now!" He tied her shoe laces and picked up her heels before standing up.

Krisha stood up as well and looked at her heels. "Meri heels do!" she said and rajvansh just tuch "sawal hi nahi uthta!"

"You can't boss around me RV malhotra, give my sandals back to me!" krisha said trying to add anger in her voice.

"Heels mere saath hi rahengi warna mein tumhe yahi sabke samne aapni gaud mein utha lunga bina bade budho ka lihaaj kare" He said and krisha pointed her finger towards him "Tumne kaha tha you will not touch me without my permission!"

He nodded and then smiled "Permission lunga!" that smile of his always makes her weak, her anger melted but she immediately plastered that crack with a poker face.

"Bhaad mein jao, achar daal lo in heels ka!" she said and walked toward Riva.

Rajvansh just smiled and walked towards Prerna and amit with her heels in his hands proudly flaunting them as if saying she's mine to carry.

----------

The hall was glowing with lights, laughter and soft music, but for Rudra it felt like the air had been sucked out of the room.

He stood on the stage, shoulders stiff, jaw clenched. The murmurs of relatives blurred into a distant hum. His eyes searched the crowd once again-against his will, against his sanity.

And then he saw her.

Navya stood near a pillar, her hands clenched together, nails digging into her palms. Her eyes were fixed on him, unblinking, unreadable... except for the pain swimming helplessly in them. It hit him like a punch to the chest.

Shayad kuch kahaniyon ki happy ending nahi hoti, his heart whispered.

Gauri stood in front of him, calm, composed, beautiful in ivory lehenga. She smiled faintly, totally aware of the storm raging inside the man she was about to get engaged to. As the priest said, She extended her hand, fingers trembling just a little-out of excitement, hope, love and fear

Rudra's mind screamed.

Yeh sahi hai. Sab ke liye. Navya ke liye.

His heart broke apart.

Par meri zindagi? Mera pyaar?

The priest gestured for him to proceed. Rudra picked up the ring, his fingers shaking despite his iron grip on control. The ring felt heavier than metal-like a decision carved out of his soul.

Just then, Gauri looked up at him.

Her eyes searched his face, as if she already knew the answer but was still hoping to be wrong.

"Rudra..." her voice was low, barely audible over the music. "Agar... agar aap chahe toh hum abhi bhi rukh sakte hain. Aapne kya decide Kiya hai"

The world froze.

His breath hitched. His eyes flickered back to Navya instinctively.

She stood still. Silent. Proud. Broken.

Her lips curved into the faintest smile-one that said tumhari khushi meri khushi hai.

That smile destroyed him.

His heart screamed RUK JAO.

His brain commanded KHATAM KAR DO YEH SAB.

Rudra looked back at Gauri. He saw her fear. Then looked up at Yash who shook his head in denial. He saw navya mother's fragile smile somewhere in the crowd.

And then... he stopped listening to his heart.

Without answering Gauri, without saying a word, he took her hand.

Navya's breath caught.

Rudra slid the ring onto Gauri's finger.

Slowly.

Deliberately.

Each second felt like a lifetime. With every inch the ring moved forward, something inside him shattered. His chest burned, his eyes stung, but he refused to let the tears fall.

Sorry Navi...

I'm your culprit.

The moment the ring settled into place, applause erupted.

Claps. Cheers. Congratulations.

Gauri smiled-faintly she was trying to figure what just happened to him just a few hours ago he was so happy after hearing that he can back off but now, now he was doing the opposite.

Rudra smiled too.

But his smile didn't reach his eyes.

Across the hall, Navya finally let the tears fall. Silently. Gracefully. She turned away before he could see her break.

And Rudra-

Rudra stood there, engaged to one woman...

While his heart walked away with another.

The garden was bathed in a warm golden glow, fairy lights wrapped around trees and lanterns lining the stone pathway. The engagement ceremony had ended, but its happiness still lingered in the air-soft laughter, the rustle of dresses, the quiet joy of people who had gathered after a long, emotional evening. Everyone walked together through the garden, unhurried, talking about nothing and everything at once.

Esha walked ahead with Agastya, while the others followed in clusters, teasing, laughing, nudging one another like they always did.

"Esha di..." Shreya began casually, a playful glint in her eyes as she folded her arms. "Waise second ka koi chance hai? Ishaaani bore ho jaati hogi na akele. Usey bhi toh company chahiye kisi chhote bhai ya behen ki."

Esha stopped mid-step and immediately tapped Shreya on the head, her cheeks turning red.

"Sharam nahi aati sabke saamne aise bolte hue?"

Khushi laughed and leaned forward teasingly.

"Ismein sharmana kya, didi? Sabko sab pata hai na... haina, jiju?"

Agastya let out an awkward laugh, scratching the back of his neck.

"Mujhe toh kuch bhi nahi pata."

Krisha, who had been quietly listening, looked straight at Agastya and smiled mischievously.

"Jiju, agar aapko kuch pata hi nahi hai toh Ishaaani kaise utpann hui?"

Agastya's eyes widened in mock horror as he stared at her.

"Yeh bhi unki tarah hai. Mujhe laga seedhi-saadhi hai!"

Krisha pouted instantly.

"Jiju, seedhi hoon... ullu nahi!"

Laughter rippled through the group.

Rajvansh stood slightly behind them, watching Krisha talk, her expressions animated, her laughter free. Without realizing it, he was still holding her sandals in his left hand, as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

"Arey jiju, kya baat kahi aapne!" Shikhar exclaimed, grabbing Agastya by the shoulder and shaking him playfully.

Then Shikhar's face lit up with nostalgia.

"Bachpan mein na, main, Shreyas aur Raju babu-hum teeno kitne aam churate the."

He laughed before continuing, "Aur Shreyas Raj ke aam chura ke bhaag jaata tha aur bolta tha-tere aam bhoot le gaya!"

Rajvansh chuckled softly.

"Bachpan se hi chor hai yeh."

Shreyas responded with a bitter laugh.

"Khud toh bada doodh ka dhula hai jaise. Teri mahaanta ke gun kaun nahi gaata!"

Rajvansh smirked, opening his mouth to reply, but Shikhar quickly caught his hand.

"Yaar chhodo na. Phir se shuru ho gaye tum dono. Khatam karo yeh jhagda."

Rudra sighed deeply.

"Chhod na, Shikhar. Kaunsa farak padta hai inhe hamari baaton se?"

Krisha slowed her steps, her brows knitting together.

"Yeh sab ho kya raha hai?" she asked, genuinely confused.

Rajvansh cleared his throat and glanced at everyone, subtly shaking his head in warning-don't tell her.

Krisha noticed instantly.

"Tum apni mundi hilana band karo!" she snapped. "Aur shanti se muh pe ungli rakh kar khade raho."

Rajvansh immediately straightened, placing his finger on his lips obediently.

"Koi mujhe bataega chal kya raha hai?" Krisha asked again.

No one spoke.

Amisha, Ava, and Shivaay exchanged uneasy glances, equally lost.

"Shikhar, tum toh bolo," Krisha insisted.

Khushi let out a hollow chuckle.

"Kya bolega woh? Jiski galti hai, jiski wajah se yeh sab ho raha hai-usey toh ehsaas bhi nahi hai."

Shreya instantly grabbed Khushi's hand.

"Khushi... don't."

"Khushi, please," Rajvansh said quietly.

Krisha raised her hand toward him, stopping him mid-sentence.

"Matlab?" she asked, looking back at Khushi.

Khushi pushed her hair back, anger spilling over.

"Matlab tu. Yeh sab teri wajah se ho raha hai. Tu bhaag gayi apni problems se-aaram bhari zindagi jeene ke liye. Par tere peeche sabke saath kya hua, tujhe andaaza bhi hai?"

"Khushi, please... chup ho jao," Rajvansh said, his voice strained.

"Bas kar Rajvansh!" Khushi shouted. "Isko defend karna band kar. Iski parwaah karna band kar. Yeh tujhe deserve hi nahi karti. Tu hamesha se iske liye too much tha. Tujhmein kya kami hai, Rajvansh? Tujhe koi bhi mil jaati!"

Rajvansh's fists tightened.

"Enough!" he yelled.

"Krisha ke khilaaf ek shabd aur nahi sununga main." His eyes burned with fury.

Khushi fell silent. The garden seemed to hold its breath.

"Bolne do usey," Krisha said softly. "Bolna... sab bata aaj."

Khushi took a breath.

"Teri wajah se Rajvansh barah saal tak emotionally shut down raha. Kisi se baat nahi karta tha, outings pe nahi jaata tha. Teri wajah se Rajvansh aur Shreyas ki dosti toot gayi."

Rajvansh stepped forward, but Rudra grabbed his arm.

"Khushi... bohot ho gaya."

"Nahi hua," Khushi cried. "Teri wajah se Shikhar aur Shreya pareshaan rahe. Teri wajah se Mosi aur Mosaji ke beech baat band ho gayi. Sab kuch teri wajah se bigad gaya."

Krisha nodded slowly, a broken chuckle escaping her lips. Tears streamed down her face as she looked at everyone.

"I'm sorry."

"Mein aap sab ke pair padke maafi mangti ki mujhe jaisi buri dost"

Her eyes finally stopped on Khushi.

"aur behen aapko mili!."

Her voice shattered.

"I wish I would've died seventeen years ago... jab maine suicide attempt kiya tha."

She wiped her tears, turned around, and walked away-leaving behind the glowing garden, now drowned in silence, regret, and truths that came far too late.

Krisha's footsteps faded into the darkness beyond the garden lights.

For a second-just a second-no one moved.

Then Rajvansh did.

"Krisha-" he breathed, panic tearing through his chest as he took a step forward.

Before he could run, Rudra caught his arm firmly.

"Raj," Rudra said, voice low but steady. "Let me go after her. She's my sister. Family matters should be handled by family."

Rajvansh turned sharply, eyes blazing, breath uneven.

"Family?" he repeated, almost laughing in disbelief.

"Yes," Rudra said, tightening his grip. "She needs space. She needs us right now."

Rajvansh looked toward the path where Krisha had disappeared, his heart pounding violently. Slowly, deliberately, he pulled his hand out of Rudra's grasp.

"She is my family," Rajvansh said, his voice shaking but firm. "And I need to be with her. Right now."

Rudra searched his face-the desperation, the years of pain, the love Rajvansh had never once admitted aloud. Finally, Rudra let his hand fall.

"Rajvansh.....," Rudra said quietly.

"Please let me be with her!" He said and rudra sighed.

"Don't trigger her!" Rudra said

Rajvansh didn't reply. He was already running.

---

Krisha walked blindly, tears blurring her vision, her chest aching as if someone had carved it open and left it bleeding. The night air felt suffocating. Every word Khushi had spoken echoed relentlessly in her head.

Everyone suffered because of you.

Her legs trembled. She wrapped her arms around herself, trying to breathe.

"Noor."

She froze.

"No," she whispered, shaking her head. "Please... don't."

Rajvansh stopped a few steps away, afraid that even moving closer might shatter her further.

"Don't come," she said louder, turning around suddenly. "Stay away from me."

"I won't," he said softly.

She pushed him hard, her palms slamming against his chest.

"Go away! You shouldn't be here. You shouldn't-"

Rajvansh stumbled back a step but didn't fall. He didn't reach for her. Didn't stop her.

"Krisha," he said, his voice breaking, "please."

She hit him again, weaker this time.

"Why do you always do this?" she cried. "Why don't you ever let me disappear?"

"Because I've already lived twelve years without you," he whispered. "I won't survive losing you again."

Her strength gave out.

Her knees buckled, her sob ripping through the night-and she collapsed forward, crashing into his chest.

Rajvansh stiffened instantly.

His hand raised to wrap around her but suddenly stopped when he remembered his promise

He didn't touch her.

Didn't pull her closer.

He just stood there as she clutched his shirt with trembling fingers, her forehead pressed against him, her sobs violent and raw.

"I'm sorry," she cried, her voice muffled against his chest. "I ruin everything. I ruin everyone."

"No," Rajvansh said, swallowing hard. "You don't."

"I do," she insisted weakly. "I left. I was selfish. I was a coward."

"You were just seventeen," he said quietly. "And you were drowning."

She shook her head against him.

"You don't understand."

"I do," he replied. "I understand more than you think."

She tried to step back suddenly, as if realizing where she was, pushing against him again.

"Don't-don't hold me like this. Don't pretend it's okay."

Rajvansh immediately loosened his stance, stepping back half an inch, giving her space-yet staying close enough so she wouldn't fall.

"I promised you," he said, his voice steady despite the storm inside him. "I won't touch you until you let me."

Her sobs softened into broken breaths.

"I'm not asking you for anything," he continued. "Not explanations. Not confessions. Not apologies."

She looked up at him then-eyes swollen, lashes wet, face stripped of every wall she'd ever built.

"Then why are you here?" she asked hoarsely.

"Because you shouldn't be alone when you think you deserve to die," he answered simply.

Her breath hitched.

"I don't deserve this care," she whispered.

Rajvansh shook his head.

"This isn't about deserving."

She closed her eyes, fresh tears spilling over.

For a long moment, they stood like that-her breaking, him holding himself back with everything he had.

Krisha didn't run.

Not because she was ready.

But because she was too tired to fight the one person who had never stopped choosing her.

------

The garden was still frozen in the aftermath Krisha had left behind.

No one spoke. No one breathed too loudly. Even the fairy lights seemed dimmer now, as if they too had overheard something they were never meant to.

Khushi stood rooted to the spot, her chest rising and falling unevenly. The anger that had fueled her words was draining fast-leaving behind guilt, fear, and something far more dangerous.

Regret.

Shreya's eyes were wet. Shikhar stared at the ground. Rudra had turned away, jaw clenched. And Shreyas-

Shreyas was looking at Khushi like she'd just shattered something that had already been cracked for twelve years.

Before anyone could stop him, he stepped forward.

And grabbed her hand.

"Shreyas-" Shreya started.

"Chhodo," Khushi snapped, trying to yank her hand back.

He didn't.

Not roughly. Not gently either. Just firm enough to say we're not done.

Without a word, Shreyas turned and pulled her away from the others, down a side path where the lantern light thinned and the garden noise faded into nothing.

"Shreyas, leave my hand!" Khushi hissed, trying again.

He stopped abruptly and turned to face her, eyes blazing.

"Why?" he demanded. "Why did you say that?"

She laughed bitterly, tears clinging to her lashes.

"Sach bolna gunaah ho gaya hai kya?"

"Sach?" he scoffed. "You call that the truth?"

"Rajvansh told you to stop," Shreyas continued, voice rising despite himself. "He begged you, Khushi. Tumhe ek baar bhi nahi laga ruk jaana chahiye?"

She looked away.

"Tum logon ko toh bas krisha dikhti hai."

"That's not what I'm asking," he snapped. "Why are you taking your anger out on her?"

She jerked her gaze back to him.

"Because she left."

"And that makes it okay to throw her past in her face?" he shot back. "Tumhe idea bhi hai tumne kya keh diya?"

Khushi's breath hitched.

"She should know what she did to everyone."

"No," Shreyas said sharply. "She should know what *happened*. Not be punished for surviving."

Silence slammed between them.

Then Khushi whispered, voice shaking,

"Tum samajhte hi nahi ho."

Shreyas let out a humorless laugh.

"Oh, main nahi samajhta?"

He stepped closer, still holding her hand, thumb digging slightly into her knuckles.

"Twelve saal ho gaye, Khushi. Tum mujhe ignore kar rahi ho, dekh bhi nahi paati ho, baat toh door ki baat hai. Aur aaj tum keh rahi ho *main* nahi samajhta?"

Her eyes burned.

"Don't make this about us."

"It is about us," he said quietly. "At least for me it always was."

She finally pulled her hand free and took a step back.

"Tumhe pata hai maine Krisha ko kyun blame kiya?" she asked bitterly. "Kyunki agar main khud ko blame karungi... toh main toot jaungi."

His expression faltered.

"Twelve years pehle," she continued, voice trembling, "jo tumne kiya-jo tumne kaha-us din se mujhe laga meri feelings hi galat thi. Main galat thi. Main hi zyada thi."

Shreyas went still.

"Khushi..." he whispered.

She shook her head, tears spilling now.

"Tumne bina pooche decide kar liya ki mere liye kya sahi hai. Aur us din ke baad... maine khud se bhi baat karna chhod diya."

He took a shaky breath.

"I was scared," he said. "I was stupid. I was nineteen and thought pushing you away would protect you."

"Protect me?" she laughed through tears. "Tumne mujhe akela chhod diya, Shreyas."

His voice cracked.

"I know. And I've hated myself for it every single day."

She looked at him then-really looked-and for the first time in twelve years, she didn't look past him.

"I didn't mean to hurt Krisha like that," she whispered. "But jab maine Rajvansh ko dekha... still choosing her... mujhe ghussa aaya, kyuki mein aapne bhai ko ek baar fir tutte hue nahi dekhna chahti"

Shreyas stepped closer again, slower this time.

"so you," he said softly. "decided to break your sister instead while triggering her past."

Her shoulders slumped.

"I still care for you," he admitted brokenly. "Aur shayad isi liye main yaha tumhe samjha raha hu kyuki mujhse farak padta hai tumhe problem mein dekh ke"

He closed his eyes for a moment, pain and relief colliding in his chest.

"Mujhe galat jagah ghussa nahi nikalna chahiye tha" she said gently.

"Especially not on your own sister." shreyas added.

Khushi wiped her tears, voice barely audible.

"Main jaakar maafi maangungi."

Shreyas nodded.

"And iske baad," he added, hesitating, "agar tum chaho... hum baat kar sakte hain. Dheere. Bina bhaage."

She didn't answer.

But she didn't walk away either.

--------

Amisha, Shivaay and Ava were inside the venue near the buffet visibly tensed.

"Tum dono ko abhi khane ki padi hai!" Shivaay said.

"Are you serious shiv, tujhe lagta hai ki krisha ki suicide wali baat sunkar mere muh niwala neeche utrega!" Amisha said and Ava nodded even when she didn't get her words correctly.

"Why attempted suicide..." Shivaay murmured to them.

Amisha and Ava shrugged in confusion.

"Gosh....I'm going crazy now!" shivaay said and Amisha stared at him blankly.

"Shut up and let me think!" Amisha said and closed her eyes.

"Let's go to krisha....she needs us!" Ava said and started walking toward the garden but Amisha pulled her back.

"Sir is with her, we shouldn't invade their privacy!" Amisha said and shivaay rolled his eyes.

They were talking just then Rishi came towards them "Baccho khana kha lo!" They all turned toward rishi and smiled awkwardly.

"Waise beta do you have any idea where Krisha is?" Rishi asked worriedly.

"Woh toh ra....." Amisha was mid sentence when shivaay interrupted "Woh rudra ke saath hai uncle!" he said making amisha raise an eyebrow at him.

"Accha phir theek hai!" Rishi smiled and left.

"Why did you lied?" Amisha asked folding her hands up to her chest.

Shivaay pinched her cheeks and said "Indian parents mentality, what if he thought that krisha has something something with Rajvansh!"

Amisha made an O with her lips silently and then leaned into him.

"So when are you going to give me princess treatment!" Amisha asked and shivaay moved forward making her stumble.

Shivaay caught Amisha just in time, his hand steady at her elbow before she could actually fall.

"Arre sambhal ke," he said lightly. "Princess treatment baad mein, abhi zameen pe raho."

Amisha straightened herself, laughing it off, masking the brief flicker of disappointment that crossed her eyes.

"Aww," she teased. "Sirf baatein hi badi-badi hoti hain tumhari."

Ava watched them with interest, head tilted.

"Princess... treatment?" she repeated slowly, carefully pronouncing the words. "Is like... special care, yes?"

"Yes," Amisha said quickly, nodding. "Jaise-extra pampering."

Ava smiled wide.

"Ohhh. Like when Shivaay gives you... fries from his plate?"

Shivaay blinked.

"Hey, that was one time."

Amisha laughed genuinely this time. "Dekha, Ava? Yeh bhi princess treatment hi hai."

Shivaay shook his head, amused despite himself, but his gaze drifted-just for a second-toward the garden exit. Toward the darkness where Krisha had disappeared.

Amisha noticed.

She always did.

"Woh theek ho jaayegi," she said softly, not looking at him. "Krisha strong hai."

Shivaay swallowed. "Strong hone ka matlab yeh nahi hota ki dard nahi hota," he replied before he could stop himself.

Ava frowned, trying to keep up.

"Strong... but sad?" she asked.

Shivaay nodded. "Very."

Silence settled between the three of them-not awkward, just heavy.

Then Amisha clapped her hands once, forcing brightness back into the air.

"Okay. Jab tak sir aur Krisha baat kar rahe hain, hum panic karke kuch nahi ukhaad sakte. Khana thoda dekh lete hain."

"Finally, sense," Shivaay muttered.

They moved toward the buffet slowly.

Amisha walked beside Shivaay, her shoulder occasionally brushing his. Each time, her heart skipped. Each time, she reminded herself-friends, bas friends.

Ava lagged a step behind, murmuring softly to herself, practicing words she'd heard that night.

"gram... vyarth......"

She smiled to herself. "Hindi is very hard," she whispered.

---

Shreya stood near the old neem tree, arms wrapped tightly around herself, staring at the stone pathway as if willing time to rewind.

Shikhar noticed.

He always did.

Without saying a word, he stepped closer, close enough that their shoulders brushed. Not holding her yet-just there.

"She shouldn't have said that," Shreya whispered, voice trembling. "About the past... that was too much."

Shikhar exhaled slowly. "I know."

"She was angry," Shreya continued, blinking rapidly. "But anger doesn't give you permission to break someone who's already cracked."

He turned slightly toward her. "You're worried about Krisha."

"I'm worried about everyone," she admitted. "But Krisha especially. She's my friend, Shikhar. I've seen her smile through pain. And today..." Her voice broke. "Today she looked like she finally believed she deserved all that pain."

That did it.

Shikhar gently reached for her hand, threading his fingers through hers with the ease of someone who had done this a thousand times-and still treated it like something precious.

"She didn't deserve it," he said softly. "And neither did you-for standing there helpless."

Shreya leaned her forehead against his shoulder, finally letting the tears fall. "I hate that I couldn't stop it. I hate that I froze."

He lifted their joined hands and pressed a light kiss to her knuckles-reassuring, grounding.

"You didn't freeze," he said. "You were shocked. There's a difference."

She looked up at him then, eyes red but steady. "You always know what to say."

He smiled faintly. "Occupational hazard of loving you."

That earned a weak laugh from her.

"Don't get cheesy now," she muttered, though her grip on his hand tightened.

"Too late," he replied easily. "We're engaged. I've earned the right."

She rolled her eyes but couldn't stop the smile that followed.

A few feet away, the garden murmured quietly-people talking in low tones, the night trying to stitch itself back together.

Shreya grew serious again.

"What if Krisha doesn't come back the same?"

Shikhar didn't answer immediately. He thought of Rajvansh running after her, of the way pain had carved itself into everyone tonight.

"Then we meet her where she is," he said finally. "Just like always."

She nodded slowly.

"I don't want her to feel alone," Shreya said. "She's been everyone's safe place when we needed it. Maybe it's time we became hers."

Shikhar squeezed her hand. "Together."

She smiled at that. "Together."

A comfortable silence settled between them-one that only years of friendship, love, and choosing each other could build.

Then Shreya sighed. "You know... for an engagement night, this has been very emotionally traumatic."

Shikhar snorted. "Yeah. Not exactly the fairy-tale vibe."

She tilted her head, studying him. "Regret it?"

He stopped walking and turned fully toward her, expression serious now.

"Never," he said firmly. "Even on the messiest night of our lives-choosing you is still the easiest decision I've ever made."

Her breath caught.

"You're unfair," she murmured. "You say things like that and expect me to stay calm?"

He smiled, softer this time. "I expect you to stay with me. Calm is optional."

She laughed quietly and leaned into him, resting her head against his chest.

Shikhar's arms came around her slowly, carefully-as if the night itself might shatter if he moved too fast. Shreya didn't resist. She melted into him, her forehead resting just below his collarbone, listening to the steady rhythm of his heart.

"For someone who pretends to be calm," he murmured, "you're shaking."

She huffed out a breath. "For someone who pretends not to care, you notice too much."

He smiled against her hair. "Engagement perk. Lifetime subscription to noticing you."

She finally laughed-soft, tired, but real. It felt like the first genuine laugh of the night.

They stayed like that for a moment, wrapped in each other, while the garden slowly began to breathe again. Somewhere, glasses clinked. Someone laughed a little too loudly, as if trying to pretend nothing heavy had happened. The fairy lights flickered, stubbornly warm.

Shreya pulled back just enough to look at him.

"You know," she said quietly, "when we were kids, Krisha used to say that if everything went wrong, at least she had us. That we were her constants."

Shikhar's expression softened. "Then we better live up to that."

She nodded. "I don't want her to think tonight defines her. Or that one outburst defines Khushi either."

"You're already thinking about forgiveness," he observed.

"I'm thinking about healing," she corrected. "They're not the same thing-but they can walk together."

He brushed a stray tear from the corner of her eye with his thumb. "This is why I fell in love with you. You see pain and still choose kindness."

Her voice dropped. "And this is why I chose you. You let me be soft without making me feel weak."

Something unspoken passed between them-years of growing up side by side, of choosing each other over and over until it became instinct.

Shikhar cleared his throat lightly. "Come on. Let's sit. Before someone decides to drag us into a family intervention meeting."

She smiled and let him guide her toward a quiet stone bench near the fountain. As they sat, her fingers found his again, interlacing naturally.

"Shikhar?" she said after a pause.

"Hm?"

"Promise me something."

He turned fully toward her. "Anything."

"No matter how complicated things get," she said, voice steady now, "we don't stop talking. No assumptions. No disappearing."

He didn't hesitate. "I promise. Even if we fight, even if we're angry-I'm not going anywhere."

Her eyes softened. "Good. Because I don't want a perfect life. I just want a partner who stays."

He leaned in, resting his forehead against hers. "Then you're stuck with me."

"Forever?" she teased lightly.

"Unfortunately," he replied with a grin, "yes."

They shared a quiet smile, the kind that didn't need words.

In the distance, footsteps approached-the faint sound of someone returning to the garden-but for now, Shreya and Shikhar stayed exactly where they were.

----------

Krisha's breaths were still uneven, and she could feel the tremor in her hands as she pressed them to her chest. She wanted to run. She wanted to disappear. But Rajvansh's eyes... his eyes held her in a way that made it impossible to move.

Slowly, almost imperceptibly, he lifted a hand. Not toward her, not in a way that would touch her without permission, just hovering, a careful presence.

"May I?" he asked quietly. His voice was almost a whisper, but in the silence of the garden, it sounded like a plea.

She shook her head, biting her lip, tears brimming. "No... don't... don't..."

He didn't push. He just tilted his head slightly, letting her see the concern etched across his face. "I'll wait. I'll wait as long as you need."

Something inside her twisted. He could've stepped closer, wrapped her in his arms, held her until she stopped trembling-but he didn't. He stayed back, letting her lead the moment. And that... that was somehow worse, because it made her heart race anyway.

Minutes passed. The air hung thick with unsaid words and unshed tears. Rajvansh's gaze never wavered. His eyes followed her every shiver, every flinch, every tiny gesture that betrayed the storm inside her.

Then, slowly, almost hesitantly, she lifted a hand-just one-and pressed it to her forehead. She shook her head, as if trying to clear the chaos. Rajvansh didn't move. He didn't reach out. He simply watched, careful, steady, present.

Her trembling hand finally relaxed against her chest, and she caught herself staring at him. His eyes were warm, unwavering, soft-but full of a raw intensity she could feel deep in her chest.

Without thinking, she let out a shaky laugh, bitter and fragile. "You... you always do this, don't you?"

"I can't not," he said softly. "Not after twelve years. Not after everything you've carried alone. Not now."

Her lips parted, heart hammering. "You don't even know..."

"I don't need to," he interrupted gently, just enough to hush her without silencing her. "I just need to know you're okay. That you're still here. That's enough for me."

Her throat tightened. She wanted to argue, wanted to push him away again-but the warmth in his gaze, the steadiness of his presence, made her hands unclench. Made her legs stop shaking.

He shifted slightly, still careful, letting the faintest sliver of light catch his profile. His hand moved almost imperceptibly, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face-but not touching her skin, just hovering, as if he wanted to, but let her choice guide him.

Krisha's breath hitched. She could feel the electricity in that tiny, suspended gesture. Every nerve in her body screamed, but her lips quivered into the smallest, hesitant smile.

"I'm... I'm still here," she whispered, barely audible.

Rajvansh's lips twitched into the faintest, gentle smile. He didn't move closer. He didn't demand anything. He just nodded, letting her words hang between them, fragile and real.

"That's all I need," he said softly. "That's all I've ever needed."

And in the soft glow of the garden, with lanterns flickering around them and the night holding its breath, something shifted. Not declarations, not promises, not confessions-just a quiet understanding, a tether between two hearts that had weathered too much, yet somehow still beat toward each other.

Krisha's hands fell to her sides, but her eyes never left his. And Rajvansh... he didn't blink. Didn't breathe too loudly. He just stayed there, letting her see him, letting her feel him, letting her know that he would never leave-even if she tried.

The garden held its silence, the world narrowed to just the space between them, and for the first time in what felt like forever, Krisha allowed herself to exist in it. To exist with him.

And somewhere deep in her chest, she realized that maybe, just maybe, she didn't have to fight alone anymore.

Rajvansh was the first to move.

Not toward her—just turning slightly, angling his body back toward the lit pathway that led inside, silently asking a question without words.

Krisha understood.

She took one last breath of the cool night air, steadying herself, then nodded. Small. Certain.

They walked back together—not side by side, not touching—but close enough that she could feel him there. Close enough that if she faltered, he would notice.

As they stepped into the venue, the noise hit them all at once—soft music, murmured conversations, the clink of cutlery. Life continuing, oblivious.

Ava spotted them first.

“There,” she whispered, tugging at Amisha’s sleeve.

Amisha’s head snapped up. Relief flooded her face so fast it almost hurt. Shivaay straightened too, his jaw unclenching just a little.

Krisha felt the weight of their eyes, the concern they were trying—and failing—to hide. She offered a faint smile. Not reassurance. Just acknowledgment.

Shreya saw her next.

She didn’t rush over. She didn’t crowd her. She just met her eyes from across the room and gave the smallest nod, one that said *I’m here. Whenever you’re ready.*

Krisha’s throat tightened.

Rajvansh slowed when they reached the edge of the hall. “I’ll be right here,” he said quietly. Not a question. Not pressure. Just presence.

She nodded again, then took a few steps forward on her own.

Rishi was near the seating area, talking to one of the relatives, but he turned the moment he saw her. The smile that bloomed on his face was instinctive—fatherly—but it faded the second he really looked at her.

Not at her dress. Not at her posture.

At her eyes.

“Krisha,” he said gently, already walking toward her. “Beta… are you okay?”

The question was simple. Too simple. And somehow, that made it harder.

She stopped in front of him. For a moment, she thought she might break again—but then she saw the quiet worry etched into his face, the patience in his eyes. No accusations. No panic. Just concern.

She nodded.

“Yes,” she said softly. “Main… main theek hoon.”

Rishi didn’t immediately believe her.

He searched her face carefully, the way only a parent does—reading the pauses, the tightness around her mouth, the way her shoulders were still slightly tense.

“You’re sure?” he asked, lowering his voice. “Kisi ne kuch kaha kya?”

She shook her head quickly. “Nahi. Kuch nahi. Bas… thoda sa overwhelming ho gaya tha.”

He studied her a second longer, then reached out and squeezed her hand. Warm. Steady.

“Thak gayi ho,” he said, not as a question. “Itni der se sab chal raha hai.”

She swallowed. “Papa… mujhe ghar jaana hai.”

The words came out small, but firm.

Rishi’s brows knit together—not in anger, not even disappointment—just concern. He glanced briefly around the hall, at the guests, the lights, the celebration that suddenly felt far less important.

Then he looked back at her.

“Abhi?” he asked gently.

She nodded again. “Please.”

He exhaled slowly, then gave a decisive nod of his own. “Theek hai. Main drop kar deta hoon.”

Relief washed over her so fast her knees nearly buckled.

“Thank you,” she whispered.

He squeezed her hand again. “Pagal ladki,” he said softly. “Isme thank you kis baat ka?”

As he turned to signal the driver, Rajvansh watched from a distance. He didn’t step closer. He didn’t interfere. But when Krisha glanced back—just once—their eyes met.

Something quiet passed between them.

Not goodbye.

Just I’m here.

Amisha came forward then, unable to stop herself anymore. “Krisha…” she said carefully. “Tu theek hai na?”

Krisha managed a small, tired smile. “Haan. Bas… ghar jaake so jaana hai.”

Shivaay nodded, understanding more than he said. “Text karna,” he added. “Jab pahunch jao.”

Ava stepped closer, holding out her hand shyly. “You… take care,” she said slowly. “We see you soon?”

Krisha’s eyes softened. She squeezed Ava’s fingers lightly. “Soon.”

Shreya didn’t say anything—she just hugged her. Gentle. Brief. Safe.

“Hum hain,” she murmured near her ear. “Yaad rakhna.”

Krisha nodded against her shoulder.

Rishi returned then. “Chalo,” he said. “Ghar chalte hain.”

As Krisha followed him toward the exit, the lights of the venue blurring slightly, she felt exhausted—but lighter. Bruised, but not alone.

At the doorway, she paused.

She didn’t turn around fully. She didn’t need to.

“Ruddy” she said softly.

He was already looking at her.

She gave the smallest nod. Gratitude. Trust.

He nodded back.

“Rest kaor, jyada mat socho” he said.

And with that, she walked out with Rishi, the cool night air wrapping around her once more.

As they got into the car krisha looked up at Rishi and said “papa....aap mujhe mere pehle Wale rented house par chhod denge!"

“Why....aren't you going to come to the mansion?" He asked and krisha shrugged.

“All I know for now is that, I don't want to return to the mansion!" She said and rishi placed his hand on her forehead and nodded as he didn't want to stress her more.

The whole drive to the house was silent krisha looking out of the window and rishi taking glances of her every 5 minutes.

As Rishi halted the car near the house krisha straightened up and looked in his direction “Good night papa, Radhe Radhe!”

“Good night, radhe radhe” he replied tapping her cheeks.

Krisha was about to open the car's door when rishi's voice stopped her.

“Beta....I want you to take a look at this!” he said and then opened the glovebox and took out a brown envelope from it and extended it towards krisha.

Krisha looked up at him for a good 30 seconds and then opened the envelope and took out the papers from it.

Krisha unfolded the papers slowly, her fingers trembling just slightly—not from fear, but from the weight of what she was holding. Her eyes flicked across the first page, and then froze. At the top, embossed in crisp ink, was the logo of Kriya Lifesciences.

Her gaze lingered on the logo. A stylised phoenix, wings spread mid-rise, not aggressive but resolute. The feathers were clean, sharp lines, forming a subtle circular motion—as if the bird was rising from its own shadow. Beneath it, in bold but refined lettering, were the words:

KRIYA GROUP

Knowledge

Resilience

Integrity

Yield

Authority

Underneath, in clean serif font:

“Founded by R. Shekhawat”

“Legacy entrusted to Krisha Rishi Shekhawat.”

It looked… serious. Powerful. Almost alive.

Krisha ran her fingertip along the edge of the paper, as if tracing the contours of the logo would somehow make it more real. Then she looked up at Rishi, whose face was unreadable in the dim car light.

“These…” she began, her voice barely above a whisper, “these are the shareholders’ papers?”

Rishi nodded, his hand resting lightly on the gearshift. “Yes,” he said slowly. “All of it. Kriya Lifesciences… the companies, the investments, the holdings. They’re all yours now, Krisha.”

Her heart skipped. Her head spun. “Mine?” she repeated. “I… I don’t understand.”

“You will,” he said quietly, his voice carrying a weight she couldn’t quite place. “You’ve always been… meant to handle this. It’s your legacy.”

Krisha stared down at the papers again, flipping through them. Names, percentages, legal jargon she didn’t fully comprehend—but the sheer scale of it made her stomach tighten. She had thought she was just a girl who had made mistakes, who had been… fragile. But this? This was monumental. Life-altering.

Rishi’s eyes met hers, and for the first time that night, there was no trace of the usual warmth, no playful softness. It was… something else. Serious. Protective. And beneath that… almost fearful.

“You don’t need to do anything tonight,” he said, almost too softly. “Just… look at it. Let it sink in.”

Krisha nodded, but her mind refused to settle. She felt a thousand questions pressing against the edges of her consciousness. Why now? Why give this to her? Why after everything… why he was now eager to reveal her to the world when he hided her himself.

She looked at him, trying to read his expression. “Papa… why are you giving me this now?”

Rishi hesitated, his gaze drifting out the windshield to the quiet street beyond. He exhaled slowly, the faintest tension in his jaw. “Because… it’s time you knew the truth. About everything.”

Krisha’s heart lurched. She had assumed she already knew everything—the pain, the losses, the past she thought she understood. But the way he said it… it wasn’t about the things she had endured. It was about something else. Something darker.

Rishi reached across the console and gently tapped the papers. “You’ve always been careful… smart. But you don’t know the danger you’ve avoided all these years. I kept you away for a reason. Not because of what you think… what your past was....but because of what could have happened if you were anywhere near it.”

Krisha’s breath caught. “What… what are you saying?”

He looked at her, eyes shadowed by a weight too heavy for words. “You were a child back then… and the world… the people we were dealing with… it’s worse than you can imagine. If anyone had known… if you had been in the wrong place at the wrong time… things would have been very different.”

Her fingers tightened around the papers. The air in the car felt suddenly thinner.

“So… this…” she said, her voice shaking, “this is why… why I was… kept away?”

Rishi didn’t answer immediately. He only watched her, his face taut, every line etched with unspoken truths. Then, finally, he said, almost as a warning:

“Look at the papers, Krisha. Learn the companies. Learn the legacy. But remember… there are people who would stop at nothing to take it away. And they’ve been waiting… a long time.”

Krisha looked down at the logo again—the helix, the circle, the bold letters that suddenly felt more like a warning than a name. Her pulse quickened. She had inherited more than just wealth. She had inherited a storm she hadn’t yet seen… and it was already waiting for her.

She looked up at Rishi, her voice barely a whisper. “Papa… what have you gotten me into?”

Rishi’s eyes darkened. “Something you can’t yet imagine… and something you’ll have to survive.”

And in that quiet pause, she realized: she had never been protected from the past… she had been protected from what was coming.

-----

The next morning, Shreya sat cross-legged on her bed, her phone propped up against a stack of books. Sunlight streamed in through the curtains, painting her room in warm gold. She bit her lip nervously and swiped open the video call.

“Shikhar?” she said, a little too eagerly.

The screen flickered to life, and there he was—leaning casually against the kitchen counter, hair slightly messy, one eyebrow raised. The corners of his lips curled in that teasing half-smile that made her heart skip.

“Good morning, Shreya,” he said, his voice slow, deliberate. “Looking cute already, or is this just a regular morning look?”

Shreya blushed, hiding her grin behind her hand. “Shikhar! Don’t start like that. I’m asking something important.”

He tilted his head, pretending to pout. “Important? Or are you just fishing for compliments?”

“I’m serious!” she said, waving her hand. “It’s Rudra’s haldi ceremony today. What do you think I should wear? Something traditional, but… not too much.”

Shikhar leaned closer to the camera, the playful sparkle in his eyes impossible to ignore. “Not too much? Hmm… do you want me to be honest, or dangerously honest?”

Shreya laughed, shaking her head. “Just… honest.”

“Okay,” he said, mock-serious now. “Something yellow—like haldi-y yellow. Something that makes everyone look at you and think… wow, Shreya knows how to steal the spotlight without even trying.”

Shreya’s cheeks heated, but she tried to play it cool. “I’m supposed to focus on Rudra, not myself,” she muttered, though her eyes lingered on him longer than necessary.

“Focus on Rudra?” Shikhar repeated, his voice dropping an octave, teasing. “I think you should focus on me instead. Maybe I’ll tell you exactly which shade of yellow will make your eyes pop… or maybe I’ll just let you figure it out while I watch.”

Shreya giggled, swatting at the phone. “You’re impossible, you know that?”

He shrugged, smirk widening. “And you love it. Admit it.”

“I do not—” she started, but then paused, noticing the way his eyes crinkled at the corners, the warmth in the smile that made her forget how to form proper sentences. “Okay, maybe a little,” she admitted, half-whispering.

“See?” he said triumphantly. “That’s honesty. Now, seriously… yellow lehenga or yellow kurti?”

Shreya tilted her head, pretending to think. “Lehenga… I think lehenga. Something light, flowy. You know, easy to move around in.”

“Flowy, easy, and showing just enough to make me jealous?” he teased, eyes sparkling dangerously.

Shreya groaned, laughing. “You’re impossible!”

“Maybe,” he said softly, leaning even closer to the camera. “But you like impossible, don’t you?”

Her cheeks burned, and she quickly looked away, hiding her smile behind her hand again. “Stop it, Shikhar! I need to actually get ready for the ceremony!”

“Fine, fine,” he said, leaning back and pretending to be disappointed. “But just so you know… yellow suits you. Always has. And I’ll be keeping a close eye to see if anyone else notices.”

Shreya shook her head, laughing again. “You’re ridiculous.”

“And you love it,” he said quietly, and for a heartbeat, there was a softness in his gaze that made her stomach flutter.

“Now tell me this one this one!" Shreyas asked adjusting lehengas in front of her one by one and shikhar started thinking.

“Hmmm that one!" Shikhar pointed toward a yellow floral print lehenga with net chunni and shreya nodded.

She stretched her hands upward as if tired from selecting lehengas, she didn't realised that her waist was visible as she stretched. Shikhar eyes went to her waist as he gulped harder.

Shreya regain her perfect posture and looked up at shikhar.

“Kya hua, freeze kyu ho gae!” shreya asked leaning closer to the phone.

Shikhar just shook his head turning red. A smirk crept on Shreya's face as she said “Ooooooo tumne meri kamar dekh li kya?" She asked teasingly.

“Dekhi toh bohot baar hai!” shikhar said bitting his lips.

“Accha...toh aur dekho" shreya said lifting her top up revealing her waist to undo him and started posing in front of him.

“Swamini you're making me wet, at 7 am in the morning!” he said and shreya chuckled.

“Itna sa jhel nahi sakte mere liye!” she teased again thinking he will cut the call bur instead he smirked this time.

“Waise....kya kamar hai meri jaan, I'm going to enjoy it after making you my legally wedded wife!” shikhar said and shreya blushed she immediately lowered her too and screamed.

“Gande, hawasi aadmi, mein tumhari jaan le lungi” she said and immediately ended the call leaving shikhar laughing.

Shreya rolled her eyes but smiled, already feeling the warmth of his words lingering even after the call ended. She looked at her reflection in the mirror, thinking: maybe this haldi ceremony was going to be more fun than she expected.

-----