Chapter 19

𝑯𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒐 𝒄𝒖𝒕𝒊𝒆𝒔🎀

𝑰 𝒉𝒐𝒑𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒅𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒘𝒆𝒍𝒍..💓

𝑷𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒆 𝒌𝒆𝒆𝒑 𝒔𝒖𝒑𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔✨❤️ 🥀

𝑯𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒚𝒚𝒚 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 ✨

✦·┈๑⋅⋯ ⋯⋅๑┈·✦

After the short gathering in the living room, Prema turned to Shridha with a soft smile “Tumhara room first floor pe hai, left side wala” she said, her tone gentle and welcoming.

Shridha nodded with a small smile, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear "Thank you aunty"

Shridha dragged her small suitcase along the polished wooden floor, her heels making soft thuds as she looked around the grand corridor. Prema’s voice echoed in her memory.

"Tumhara room first floor pe left side wala hai... corner wala."

Shridha glanced at the three doors lined up on the left. All identical. She took a breath.

"Corner wala" she repeated under her breath “Great…yeh bhi koi direction hui?”

She reached the last door and gently pushed it open. The room was dimly lit, the curtains drawn. The soft amber light of a side lamp cast long shadows on the walls. The bed looked perfectly made and inviting.

"Hmm… looks fine" she muttered, stepping in and placing her bag beside the armchair. She stretched her arms and let out a tired sigh.

"Finally... thoda akele ka time milega" She walked over to the bed and sat on the edge, the mattress sinking slightly beneath her weight.

She slipped in, wheeling her small suitcase behind her. The room was quiet, the curtains drawn, the bed already made—though one side of the thick blanket looked slightly puffed up. Ignoring it, she kicked off her sandals and collapsed on the edge of the bed with a sigh.

But the moment her hand brushed the blanket—something moved.

She froze.

Then blinked.

"Shayad meri imagination hai" she whispered, brushing it off. She reached for her phone and scrolled idly through her messages. But again—a small shift beneath the blanket.

Her brows furrowed. She narrowed her eyes on it “Okay… what the hell is that?”

Before she could poke it, the blanket suddenly slid down a few inches—and two equally shocked pairs of eyes locked.

Out peeked Aryansh sleepy, scowling face, his thick lashes still adjusting to the light, his hair completely tousled.

“AAAAAA!” Shridha shrieked, lurching back in horror.

“TUM” Aryansh shouted in sync, yanking the blanket up to his chin like a startled child.

“T-tum yahaan kya kar rahe ho!?” she snapped, practically falling off the bed.

“Wowwww” Aryansh barked back, rubbing his eyes, still half-dreaming and fully annoyed “Mtlb mera hi room aur mai kya kar rha hu?”

Shridha started, breathless, one hand over her racing heart. “Prema aunty ne kaha tha yeh mera room hai!”

Aryansh groaned, throwing the blanket off and sitting up. His black T-shirt was wrinkled, and a pillow mark lined his jaw"Ye mummy bhi na” he muttered, voice husky from sleep.

“I swear agar main mar gayi hoti tumhari wajah se—”

“Ha! Main toh mar gaya hoon subah subah cheel jaise chillane wali ladki mere bed pe? Naag devta bhi bhaag jaayein tumhare chillane se”

Shridha’s eyes narrowed “Tum mujhe naag devta bula rahe ho?”

Aryansh gave a smirk “Acha nahi laga? No problem …..daayan kaisa hai?”

She gasped “Tu–tum…”

He stood up, now fully awake, brushing past her to grab a water bottle from the table “Tum yahaan soyi kaise? Main toh pehle se hi yahaan tha.”

She turned away with a dramatic scoff, cheeks burning “Main samjhi room khaali hai par tum! tum toh bhatakti aatma ki tarah chhupe huye the!”

He paused mid-sip and muttered “Agle baar bed pe aane se pehle dekh lena ki koi aur already mar ke pada hai ya nahi.”

She shot him a deadly glare.

“And next time” Aryansh added with a sarcastic grin “knock kar lena”

“Subah subah hi nashe chadhe rehte hai kya tumhe?” Shridha’s face was flushed—partly with embarrassment, mostly with rage.

Aryansh had the audacity to sit back on the bed, arms folded, like he owned the entire world “Nahi tumhe dekh ke bacha hua dimag bhi kaam karna band kr deta hai”

She scoffed “Buddhi to tumame waise hai bhi nahi” stepping back with arms on her hips “Bas har jagah apni ghatiya presence chhod dete ho!”

“Ghatiya?” Aryansh raised an eyebrow, then smirked lazily. “Tumne toh meri neend, mental peace, aur mere pyare blanket teeno ka murder kar diya, aur mujhe hi ghatiya keh rahi ho?”

Shridha grabbed the nearest pillow and flung it at him. He caught it mid-air, laughing mockingly.

“You psychopath!” she hissed.

“You disaster!” he shot back.

Shridha was about to hurl another pillow when a sudden knock interrupted the chaos “Shridha beta?” came Prema’s soft voice “Sab theek hai na?”

Shridha and Aryansh froze mid-fight like two kids caught by the principal. Their eyes widened, but the moment Prema opened the door, Shridha burst forward.

“Aunty! Aapne kaha tha pehla left wala room mera hai!”

Prema stepped in, visibly confused, holding her pallu tightly as she looked at both of them—and the ruffled bed.

Aryansh stood up and pointed at Shridha, speaking like he was defending a criminal case “Ap hi btaiye Maa ye kiska room hai”

Prema blinked at them, and then realization dawned “Arrey baap re!” she gasped “Main… main ne galti se tumhe Aryansh ke room ka direction de diya! Tumhara room toh agla wala tha… Sorry bacchon”

Shridha let out an exasperated sigh “I knew it! Mujhe laga tha ki teen rooms mein confusion hoga…”

Aryansh muttered “Kuch logo ne to need bigad di”

Prema stepped forward and placed a gentle hand on Shridha’s shoulder “Beta I’m really really sorry meri wajah se tum dono ko yeh awkward situation face karni padi”.

Shridha’s anger softened just a little. She respected Prema too much to lash out at her “It's okay Aunty”

Prema turned to Aryansh with narrowed eyes “Aur tum—bed ke neeche chhupe huye the kya? Ek awaaz bhi nahi ki jab Shridha room mein aayi?”

Aryansh looked away like a scolded child “Neend mein tha aur socha koi naukrani hai.”

Shridha gave him a look “Tum na ek no. ke dust ho”

Prema shook her head “Tum dono toh bas milke jung ka maidan bana dete ho har jagah aur Aryansh, tum thoda tameez se pesh aa sakte ho” she was serious “Aur Shridha beta, next time kisi bhi room mein jaane se pehle knock kar lena”

“Confirm kar leti agar koi blanket ke neeche zombie na bana hota” Shridha muttered under her breath.

Prema chuckled despite herself “Bas, bas… ab tum chalo mere saath main tumhe tumhara asli room dikhati hoon”

Shridha gathered her suitcase and glared once more at Aryansh “Bye….you bed ghost”

Aryansh yawned and waved lazily “Goodnight, confused tourist”

Prema rolled her eyes as she led Shridha out.

As the door clicked shut behind them, Aryansh collapsed on the bed again “God save me from this hurricane woman,” he murmured and little did he know—this was just the beginning.

The early morning sunlight streamed gently through the sheer white curtains, casting a soft golden hue across the room. A calm silence wrapped around them like a warm blanket—punctuated only by the rhythmic tapping of the keyboard.

Ved sat on the edge of the sofa, legs folded up, his laptop balanced carefully on his thighs. He was dressed in a grey cotton t-shirt and loose pajamas, his hair still tousled from sleep. A pair of rectangular specs rested on his nose, making him look effortlessly intelligent—and annoyingly handsome.

He was completely lost in his work, brows slightly furrowed, fingers dancing over the keyboard with practiced ease.

Naina sat on the bed behind him, her back resting against the cushioned headboard, a book open in her lap—but her eyes weren’t reading anymore. They were fixed on him.

Unmoving and Unblinking.

She watched the slight tilt of his head every time he paused to think, the way he bit the inside of his cheek when focused, and how his lips curled into a faint frown every time something didn’t go as expected on screen.

She hugged her knees to her chest, resting her chin on them as a soft smile played on her lips.

“He doesn’t even realize how peaceful he looks like this…” she thought.

After a while, Ved muttered to himself, adjusting his specs slightly “Ugh, why is this code not running...”

She smiled “Kitna serious ho jaate hai jab kaam karte hai...jaise duniya ka sabse bada project isi laptop mein ho”

He sighed and leaned back for a second, stretching his arms above his head. The action made his t-shirt ride up just slightly, revealing a glimpse of his waist. Naina’s eyes widened and she quickly looked away, cheeks turning pink.

Ved noticed the movement and glanced at her over his shoulder “Kya dekh rahi hai?” he asked casually, smirking.

Naina fumbled, pretending to look at her book “K-kuch nahi... bas aise hi...book padh rahi hu”

“Pakka?” He asked suspiciously.

Naina looked at him “Haa haa”

He turned fully now, eyebrow raised, specs still on “Mujhe nahi pata tha aap book ko ulta kar ke bhi padh sakti hai” he laughed.

Naina blinked, then looked down—and yes, her book was indeed upside down.

“Shit!” she whispered under her breath and corrected it quickly.

Ved laughed softly “Aap mujhe ghoor rahi thi na?”

She shook her head vigorously “B-bilkul nahi!”

He smirked and again started doing his work, and after a while Ved finally closed his laptop slowly, the screen dimming as silence reclaimed the room.

He looked over his shoulder. Naina had returned to pretending to read, but he could feel the shift—the air between them had changed. Something unspoken lingered, something soft, fragile, and warm.

A faint smile tugged at his lips.

He stood up from the chair, pushing it aside gently, and made his way to the bed where Naina sat—still curled with her knees to her chest, trying to look unaffected.

“Naina” he said softly, his voice low and affectionate.

She looked up, her heart already pounding at the way he stood before her—messy hair, specs slightly slid down his nose, and that familiar, unreadable emotion in his eyes.

Before she could say anything, he knelt slightly and cupped her face, his thumbs brushing gently over her cheeks.

Her breath caught.

“Naina…” he whispered again, like a secret only meant for her. His forehead leaned in, resting lightly against hers.

The closeness was tender, his presence comforting—intimate in a way that spoke of love, not lust.

Her lashes fluttered shut as he leaned closer, breath mingling with hers. His hand slipped down to the side of her waist, holding her gently but with reverence.

And just as his lips brushed hers—

She flinched.

Her breath hitched.

She immediately pulled back, her eyes flying open in panic. Her chest rose and fell rapidly, her body trembling slightly as though her own emotions had caught her off guard.

Ved froze.

His hands immediately dropped, and concern replaced the softness in his eyes.

“I… I’m sorry,” she whispered, almost in a choke.

But Ved was already shaking his head. He stepped back, lifting both palms “No… I should be sorry.”

He took a deep breath, guilt already creeping into his chest. “I didn’t mean to… make you uncomfortable, I don’t know maine abhi ye kyu kiya but I am s-sorry Naina”

His voice cracked slightly as he stepped away from the bed, reaching for his phone and watch from the nearby table.

“Tum aaram karo main… main baad mein aata hoon”

His tone was gentle but heavy—weighted with sadness. Without looking back, he reached for the door handle, ready to leave “Kabhi kabhi lagta hai Mai tumse utna hi dur hi Naina jitna tumhare pass hu” he thought.

But just as he turned the knob— “Ved!” Her voice broke.

He barely had time to turn around when he felt her arms wrap tightly around him from behind.

She backhugged him.

Tears spilled freely from her eyes now, soaking into the back of his t-shirt and his breath caught in his throat “Main… main chahti hoon Ved…” her voice quivered, barely a whisper against his back “Sab kuch chahati hu apse lekin pata nahi kyun… kabhi kabhi sab kuch theek hote hue bhi... andar se kuch ruk jaata hai”

Her arms tightened around him as she choked out the next words “Main ready hoon… par mera dil…pata nahi kya ho jata hai ise”

Ved slowly turned, his hands gently coming up to hold her trembling arms. His eyes searched hers—filled with tears, guilt, and unspoken pain.

“Naina…” he murmured her name like a prayer, soft and full of understanding “Please shant ho jao, and trust me mai tumhare sath kabhi jabardasti nahi karunga and abhi ke liye once again I am sorry”

He cupped her face, wiping the corner of her eye with his thumb “Tumhara har ehsaas mere liye izazat jaisa hoga aur jab tum sach mein taiyaar ho… tabhi kuch hoga usse pehle ek kuch bhi nahi”

Her lips quivered. One tear slipped, and then another, as she stepped forward and rested her forehead against his chest “Mujhe sirf itna chahiye tha… koi jo mujhe samjhe, bina kahe, bina judge kiye”

Ved’s arms came around her instantly—gentle, secure, unshakable and he rested his chin over her head and whispered into her hair “Mai hu na”

She closed her eyes and breathed him in—the scent of comfort, warmth, and patience.

The silence that followed wasn’t awkward, it wasn’t distant, it was healing. A soft stillness between two souls…finding their rhythm again and together.

Ved still held her in his embrace, his heart beating slow and steady, as if reassuring her that he wasn’t going anywhere. Naina rested quietly against his chest, feeling his warmth seep into her skin like sunlight after a long storm.

But inside her… something was shifting.

She remembered—

His tear-filled eyes the day of her accident and the panic in his voice when he came to know about her fractured leg, the way he sat by her side all night, refusing to sleep and how he helped her walk when she couldn’t, brushed her hair when she was too weak, fed her, dressed her wounds—

And never once asked for anything in return.

He didn’t just love her, worshipped her pain and also he never made her feel weak.

Thinking all this she slowly pulled back just enough to see his face.

Ved looked down at her, surprised by the way her expression had changed—eyes soft, vulnerable… yet full of determination.

“Naina?” he asked gently, brushing a strand of hair from her face.

She didn’t answer and her hands slowly rose, trembling slightly, and she cupped his cheeks—her thumbs brushing the faint stubble along his jaw.

Ved stood still, breath caught, not daring to move.

And then—

She leaned in and placed a gentle, lingering kiss on his lips.

It wasn’t rushed.

It wasn’t fiery.

It was full of quiet love—the kind that comes only after understanding pain.

When she pulled back, her eyes brimmed with tears. But this time, they weren’t from fear…they were from love, a kind of pure love.

“I-I love you Ved” she whispered, her voice cracked but firm.

“Main apse bahut pyar karti hoon… har din, har pal aur na jane kabse”

Ved didn’t speak immediately his eyes were wide with disbelief—as if afraid the moment might vanish “You… you don’t have to say it just because—”

She shook her head, a teardrop slipping down her cheek.

“Nahi Ved, m-main keh rahi hoon… kyunki ab darr se zyada bharosa hai mujhe ap pe” He wipped her tears “Apko pata hai apne kabhi mujhse kuch maanga nahi, bas diya… apna sab kuch”

Ved’s eyes welled up as a broken smile touched his lips.

He cupped her face now, forehead touching hers “Tum jo ho, jaisi ho… mujhe wahi Naina chahiye thi”

And then he held her—this time not in comfort, but in pure love.

Ved stood frozen for a moment, his breath caught between disbelief and overwhelming emotion. Her kiss still lingered on his lips—a soft, trembling promise wrapped in the kind of vulnerability only true love brings.

Naina’s words echoed in his ears, “Main apse bahut pyar karti hoon…” and with it, years of quiet yearning, silent care, and suppressed emotions flooded his heart all at once. Her hands were still on his cheeks, warm and tender, her eyes searching him with hesitant hope, as if afraid he might step away.

Without a word, Ved slowly leaned in, his fingers sliding up to gently hold the back of her head. His touch was careful, as though afraid she’d break.

He looked into her eyes one last time, silently asking for permission, and when she didn’t pull away—when she leaned ever so slightly forward—he kissed her.

This time, it wasn’t just a brush of lips. It was deeper, yet just as gentle—an unspoken conversation of everything he’d held back for so long. His lips moved against hers with reverence, as if pouring every sleepless night beside her hospital bed, every silent gaze he stole when she wasn’t looking, every unsaid “I love you” he’d buried beneath his smiles.

Her hands sliding into his hair, her heartbeat thundering in her chest as she finally let herself feel the love she had locked away for so long.

When they broke apart, their foreheads touched. Both were breathless, but neither moved away.

“I’ve waited for this moment for so long” Ved whispered, his voice husky and trembling with emotion “But I swear, Naina… even if it had taken you a lifetime, I would’ve still waited.”

Naina’s eyes filled again, not with sorrow, but with relief—the kind that only comes when you’ve found home. She nodded slightly, her voice barely above a whisper “I know… that’s why I could finally say it”

Ved smiled through the tears that clung to his lashes. He leaned in again, pressing another soft kiss to her forehead, then her cheek, and finally—rested his lips on her hands that still cradled his face.

“I love you too Naina” he said against her skin “I always have”

And in that moment, time paused. No noise from the world outside, no chaos, no pain. Just two souls, holding on—finally speaking the same language. One of love, one of safety and one for forever.

Isharth sat by the window of his room, legs stretched out, one arm lazily resting on the edge of the chair while the other held his phone. The sky outside was painted with hues of orange and purple—sunset—but his eyes weren’t on the view. They were glued to the screen, refreshing Instagram for what must’ve been the tenth time that hour.

His heart beat a little faster as he tapped on the app again, hope flickering in his chest like a matchstick waiting to catch flame. Maybe this time…

He went straight to his notifications tab. His thumb paused.

Nothing.

No new follower. No “Kaushiki has accepted your request” and no message. Just the usual random likes from classmates and one story reaction from a cousin.

He swallowed.

The corner of his mouth that had lifted ever so slightly with hope now slowly fell. The excitement in his eyes dulled, replaced by that familiar ache in his chest. Disappointment. But more than that… a quiet sadness. The kind he didn’t let anyone see.

He clicked over to her profile again—still private. Still showing “Follow Requested” in dull gray letters.

He let out a soft sigh, leaning back against the chair. His fingers loosened around the phone. His eyes stayed on her profile photo for a second longer.

“She probably doesn’t even remember me”He blinked and looked away, placing the phone screen-down on the desk as if turning it away would turn the ache off too.

He had told himself he didn’t care. That it didn’t matter if she never accepted. That her appreciation for his book—those early anonymous messages—were enough. But deep down, he knew he was waiting. Not for a follow back. But for a sign that maybe… just maybe… she saw him too.

And for now, that sign hadn’t come.

His jaw tightened for a second before he reached for his laptop, forcing himself back to writing—his only safe escape. But a part of him… still listened for the ping of a notification.

Isharth rubbed his tired eyes as he placed the pen down on his laptop. The last lines of his new chapter were still fresh in his mind—intense, emotional, full of the weight he had been carrying all day. Writing, as always, gave him release. His words knew how to hold his truth, even when people didn’t.

He picked up his phone, switching to his writing account on Instagram. It had a modest but loyal following—readers who waited patiently for every update, who messaged him with theories, who told him how his words made them feel seen. With a few taps, he uploaded a new story: a photo of his laptop screen showing the chapter title and a caption underneath: “Chapter 12 is live now so enjoy and don't forget to drop your thoughts”

He hit post, watched the upload bar complete, and then, out of habit, opened his private account.

It was mostly quiet there—no posts, barely any activity. The only thing that mattered to him on that account was one thing…

Or rather, one person.

His thumb hesitated, hovering over the notifications icon, expecting nothing like always.

But this time…there it was.

“Kaushiki followed you back.”

He blinked.

For a second, he thought his mind was playing tricks on him. He stared at the screen, heart suddenly thudding harder in his chest. The soft ping of the notification had felt louder than it was—like a bell ringing in the silent corners of his thoughts.

He clicked on the notification quickly, as if it might disappear if he waited too long.

There it was again.

Her name.

Her profile.

“Followed you back.”

She had seen his request and also clicked accept.

A smile—unfiltered, wide, surprised—broke across Isharth’s face. It wasn’t the smug kind. It wasn’t dramatic. It was soft and boyish, the kind that came when you least expected it but needed it the most.

He didn’t move for a few seconds, just stared at her profile, his thumb hesitating over the “message” button.

He didn’t click it.

Not yet.

Instead, he leaned back again, phone resting on his chest now, his mind replaying every moment—her appreciation messages for his story, and now this simple yet significant notification.

It wasn’t just a follow back.

It was a beginning.

And somehow, it made this chapter—not just the one he wrote, but the one he was living—feel a little brighter.

The day finally arrived.

Suitcases lined the living room of the Mehta house, zipped and ready, their tags fluttering slightly under the fan. The air buzzed with excitement and last-minute checks. Shobha adjusted her dupatta while glancing around the house one last time.

“Tickets check kiya na Ved… sab le liya na?” she asked, half to herself, half to the others.

“Maa maine sab check kar liya” Ved said while slinging a bag over his shoulder “Aap chinta mat kariye”

Shobha rolled her eyes “Arre, habit hai pata nahi tum log kuch bhool jao toh…”

Kaushiki entered from the kitchen, holding a small tiffin box. “Mummy, I’ve packed some poha for the journey kyuki station ka khana toh risky hota hai”

Naina smiled. She was wearing a light yellow kurti with a white dupatta fluttering in the morning breeze. Her eyes sparkled with quiet excitement as she looked around at everyone.

“Train 9 baje ki hai let’s leave now, warna traffic hume platform tak pahuchne nahi dega” Ashish announced, adjusting his watch.

Everyone moved quickly. Shobha locked the front door with a slight pause then remembered God while joining her hands. Naina helped Kaushiki with her bags, and Ved held Shobha’s hand while guiding her toward the cab.

At the railway station, the usual chaos welcomed them—coolies calling out, announcements blaring from loudspeakers, and the rhythmic clatter of trains arriving and leaving.

“Platform 5” Ved said, glancing at the board “Coach B3, seats 21 to 25.”

As they walked toward the footbridge, Naina clutched her dupatta closer. She looked around with curiosity, her eyes lingering on every little scene—an old man sipping chai, a kid running after pigeons, a newlywed couple clicking selfies near the bench.

“I love train journeys” she whispered to Kaushiki “They remind me of school vacations”

Kaushiki smiled “Let’s hope this one is full of wedding memories instead”

They found their coach, climbed in, and settled. The train let out a long whistle. Ashish leaned out for a moment, breathing in the motion, the journey ahead.

The train had picked up speed now, weaving its way through lush green fields and small villages that passed like fleeting postcards. Naina sat by the window, her head gently resting against the glass, eyes wide with wonder. The soft wind tousled a few strands of her hair as she smiled at the distant view of children flying kites in the open fields.

Ved, seated across from her, wasn't looking outside.

His gaze was fixed solely on her—on the way her eyes lit up with every new sight, how her dupatta fluttered like a flag of calm joy, and how effortlessly she blended into the beauty she admired.

Kaushiki, seated beside Ved, noticed.

She leaned toward him slightly, her voice low but laced with mischief “Bhai… samne wala nazara sunder to hai na?” she said, nudging his elbow.

Ved blinked, caught off guard “Main… main bas dekh raha tha—wo bhi bahar”

“Hmm” Kaushiki cut him off, raising a playful eyebrow “Dekh toh rahe ho… par nazar toh kisi aur pe hai”

Ved gave a half-smile, looking down at his hands “Pagal hai tu” he muttered, but his ears had turned a slight shade of pink.

Just then, Naina turned, catching both of them whispering “Kya hua? Kya baat ho rahi hai?” she asked curiously.

Kaushiki grinned wide “Kuch nahi bhabhi… Ved bhaiya bas train ki khidkiyon se nazare enjoy kar rahe the” she said with extra emphasis.

Naina gave a soft laugh, unaware of the subtext, and turned back to her view.

Ved glared at Kaushiki, who ducked and chuckled, whispering, “Waise bhabhi sundar to hai”

Ved looked at Naina again—still smiling, still lost in the scenery—and his heart quietly agreed.

As the train gently rocked forward, the hum of wheels on the tracks became a rhythm everyone settled into. After a while, Kaushiki sat up straight, eyes sparkling with excitement.

“I still can’t believe we’re finally going to meet Niharika di!” she said loudly, grinning ear to ear.

Ashish looked up from his newspaper “Itni khushi?”

Kaushiki giggled “Aur nahi to kya papa apko to pata hai na last time mai Niharika di se apne 15th birthday pe mili thi and ab 4 saal baad milungi!”

Shobha smiled warmly “Haan haan aur jab shadi ka card aya hai to bhi tu hi sbse jyada excited hui hai”

Kaushiki laughed “Kya karu mummy? She’s the only one who treated me like a best friend and sister both….to excited hona to banta hai n?”

As everyone chuckled at her excitement, Naina’s smile faltered slightly. Her fingers nervously twisted the corner of her dupatta. She looked out of the window again, but this time her eyes weren’t on the scenery.

Ved noticed.

He gently shifted closer, voice low and warm “Kya hua Naina? Sab theek hai?”

She hesitated for a moment before murmuring “Bas thoda sa… ajeeb lag raha hai. Itna bada function hai, itne log honge… mujhe sabke saamne first time milna hoga. Pata nahi kaise react karenge…”

Ved paused for a moment, letting her words settle. Then, softly “Tumhe kisi ko impress karne ki zarurat nahi hai kyuki tum jaise ho, waise hi perfect ho”

She looked at him, his eyes steady and reassuring.

He continued “Woh log tumhe meri zindagi ka hissa ban kar dekh rahe hain, aur yeh sabse bada introduction hota hai. Bas apni muskurahat mat khona”

Naina’s eyes moistened slightly, but this time from comfort. “Ap hamesha aise hi positive baatein karte ho?”

Ved smiled gently “Nahi sirf time time se” he winked at her.

Kaushiki, who had been pretending to scroll through her phone nearby, smirked “Main sab sun rahi hoon, by the way.”

Ved rolled his eyes “Tu kabhi behri ho sakti hai?”

Kaushiki winked at Naina “Main toh bas dekh rahi hoon ki bhabhi ko kitna comfort milta hai bhaiya se”

Naina laughed, the tension easing off her shoulders.

As the train rolled on, their laughter mingled with the sounds of the journey, carrying them toward a celebration that promised love, laughter—and maybe a few surprises too.

Just a few platforms away from where the Mehtas had settled into their coach, another wave of chatter and footsteps echoed through the railway station.

The Taneja family had arrived.

Ranjan Taneja led the way with his ever-authoritative gait, speaking into his phone while checking the ticket slip repeatedly. Behind him walked his wife, Prema, adjusting her dupatta with one hand and managing a small trolley with the other.

“Aryansh, kitni der lagayega tu?” she called, turning to glance back.

“Bas aa raha hoon!” came Aryansh’s voice, slightly irritated, as he finally appeared with his headphones around his neck, pulling a large suitcase behind him like he was being punished.

Shridha, walking quietly beside Prema, held her bag close and tried not to look overwhelmed by the crowd. Her eyes occasionally flicked around—curious yet cautious.

Ranjan turned and gestured “Platform 6. AC coach, B2 sab chalo jaldi”

“Mujhe toh station pe aate hi shaadi wala excitement double lag raha hai!” Prema smiled “Sab relatives milenge… aur Akshant ki shadi”

“Bas yeh train time pe nikal jaaye” muttered Aryansh, clearly uninterested in small talk.

Shridha glanced at him but said nothing. Her silence wasn’t fear—it was a choice. She had learned that with the Tanejas, quietness made you less visible.

As they walked toward the footbridge, Prema slowed down slightly beside Shridha and asked gently “Sab theek hai na, beta?”

Shridha nodded with a small smile “Ji aunty”

Prema patted her arm “Shaadi ke functions mein ho sakta hai tumhein aur Aryansh ko saath mein kaam bhi karna padega taiyaar rehna dono”

Aryansh scoffed under his breath “Great ab yahi baki tha….mai nahi kar rha koi kaam wo bhi iske sath”

Ranjan turned slightly “Aryansh behave”

They climbed the bridge, making their way to their designated platform.

Once everyone boarded Coach B2, they began settling into their respective seats. Ranjan took the aisle, busily scrolling through his phone. Prema was already unboxing her tiffin full of thepla and khakra, insisting everyone eat before the train left the station.

Aryansh placed his bag in the overhead compartment with a dramatic sigh “I still don’t get why we couldn’t just fly afterall it’s 2025 not 1995” he muttered under his breath, more for Shridha’s ears than anyone else’s.

Shridha was already seated beside the window, her arms crossed, eyes fixed outside “Because unlike some spoiled brats, not everyone wants to waste money to show off”

Aryansh’s eyebrows shot up “Excuse me?” he said, plopping down next to her with a smirk “Spoiled? I’m just allergic to long journeys with boring people”

Shridha turned to face him, a slow, sarcastic smile curving on her lips “Oh no you poor thing and that means you’ll be sneezing the entire trip—since you're clearly sitting next to the most boring person on the planet”

Aryansh leaned back, arms crossed “At least maani to sahi”

Shridha narrowed her eyes “Better boring than brainless”

He chuckled, clearly amused “Yeh toh tum har mirror dekh kar bolti hogi”

Shridha rolled her eyes dramatically “God, tumse baat karna matlab gadhe ko hasne ke liye bolna”

“Then don’t talk easy solution” He pulled out his headphones and slid one in with a victorious grin.

Shridha gave a sarcastic smile and muttered under her breath, “Shaadi me ye pakka nagin dance krega wo bhi daru pike”

Just then, Prema interrupted, holding out a tiffin box “Shridha beta, some snacks? Tumne kuch khaya nahi”

Shridha immediately softened “Nahi aunty, abhi mann nahi hai thoda baad mein”

Prema nodded and moved ahead.

Aryansh side-eyed her “Wah respect mode: On”

She didn’t even look at him this time “Tumhare jaise log samajh nahi sakte tumse baat karne se acha hai silence enjoy karna”

He smiled lazily “Then enjoy it, sweetheart. Because the train ride is long… and I’m not going anywhere.”

Shridha turned away sharply, cheeks slightly warm—but whether from anger or something else, even she couldn’t say.

Outside the window, the train picked up speed.

After a long journey of six to seven hours filled with laughter, snacks, sleepy silences, and occasional teasing, the Mehtas finally reached their destination station.

As the train came to a slow halt with a final screech of brakes, Naina stirred from her light nap. She rubbed her eyes and looked out. The scenery had changed—new people, a different city, and that peculiar buzz in the air that only wedding destinations carry.

Ved helped Shobha with her bag while Ashish stepped out onto the platform first, scanning the area. Kaushiki was already taking selfies with her bags, stretching after the long ride.

“Lagta hai yeh hi station hai” Ashish confirmed “Platform par jyada bheed bhi nahi hai good”

Just then, Ved spotted something across the station exit “Papa… dekhiye” he pointed.

Parked outside, near the exit gate, was a sleek black SUV—windows tinted, the engine humming low. Two men stood beside it in crisp black shirts and formal trousers, looking around as if waiting for someone.

As the Mehtas wheeled their bags closer, one of the men walked up with a slight bow and said politely “Mr. Mehta?”

Ashish nodded, slightly surprised “Yes?”

“We’ve been sent to escort your family to the wedding venue and the bride’s side arranged everything. Welcome sir”

Kaushiki’s eyes widened “Waah, VIP treatment already?”

Ved smiled and whispered to Naina “Yeh toh shaadi se pehle hi dulhan jesa feel aa gaya”

Naina blushed lightly and looked down, adjusting her dupatta.

“Let me help you with your luggage” the other man offered, loading their suitcases into the SUV’s trunk.

As everyone settled into the spacious vehicle, Kaushiki clicked a few more photos from the window. “I’m going to post this with the caption: ‘Destination wedding vibes – unlocked 💍✨’”

Ashish chuckled “Good”

The SUV started rolling through the streets of the city—wide roads, local shops with colorful banners, and glimpses of wedding hoardings hanging near streetlamps.

Naina rested her head lightly on the window glass, watching everything go by. Her nerves returned in small waves—new people, new faces—but Ved gently held her hand without a word, and that was enough.

They didn’t know what the wedding would bring…

But this warm welcome already felt like the beginning of something unforgettable.

As the platform slowly came to life with passengers dragging luggage, sleepy children being carried, and loud porters calling for help, Ranjan Taneja stepped down first, adjusting his kurta and scanning the station with his usual air of command.

“Aryansh jaldi aur haan, sambhalke utarna” Prema called behind her, holding her handbag tight.

Shridha stepped off the train carefully, her feet meeting the platform with both relief and dread. The long journey was over, but now came the real challenge—facing people, relatives, and a storm of expectations.

Aryansh hopped down behind her, earbuds still around his neck “Finally” he muttered while stretching “I thought we’d grow old on that train.”

Ranjan was already walking ahead “Car ki arrangements ki hai Venue tak jane ke liye” he announced “Shekhawat haveli pr rukna hai hume wahi se shadi ho rhi hai”

As they made their way toward the station exit, Shridha’s eyes caught sight of something familiar—a gleaming black SUV parked outside the platform.

Two well-dressed men stood waiting near it. The moment they spotted the Tanejas, one of them stepped forward and said with folded hands “Mr. Taneja? Hum Shekhawat haveli se aaye hain aap sabke liye gadi tayaar hai”

Ranjan nodded with a faint smile of approval “Jiii”

“Welcome sir and luggage hum handle kar lenge” the man added, already beginning to load their bags.

Prema turned to Shridha with a gentle smile “Haveli suna hai bahut khoobsurat hai pure royal style mein shaadi ho rahi hai”

Shridha nodded quietly, clutching her small handbag. A flicker of nervousness crossed her face, but she didn’t say anything.

As everyone climbed into the SUV, Aryansh slid into the seat beside Shridha and muttered under his breath, “Pata nahi kaha se baar baar allergy ke sath baith jata hu”

Shridha raised an eyebrow “Kisi din tumhare sarcasm ko bhi allergy ho jayegi tumse”

He smirked “Tab tak toh tumhari presence se survive kar lunga”

She gave him a sharp look but said nothing, choosing instead to focus on the view outside as the SUV glided through the city roads.

As the vehicle passed through narrow lanes, then wider ones, the city gave way to a more peaceful area surrounded by trees and open skies. At the far end, nestled between fields and marbled pathways, stood a regal structure—Shekhawat Haveli.

With towering sandstone pillars, intricate jharokhas, and massive wooden doors with gold inlay, it stood like a palace caught in time.

As the SUV slowed before the gate, Aryansh glanced out and whistled softly “Ab toh feel aa raha hai… Shaadi nahi, pura Mughal-e-Azam ka set lag raha hai”

The gates slowly opened.

And with it, the Taneja family stepped into a space that would soon be more than just a wedding venue—It would become the stage for secrets, drama… and unexpected connections.

Shekhawat Haveli stood tall and majestic under the golden hue of the late afternoon sun. The carved jharokhas, colorful bandhani drapes, fresh flower garlands, and the subtle fragrance of rose and sandalwood in the air added an unmistakable charm of festivity.

The haveli doors swung open, and two separate welcoming teams stood ready at the main entrance—one for the Mehtas, and one for the Tanejas—each greeted with dhol beats, tilak plates, and showering petals.

At the Mehtas' Welcome

As the black SUV stopped in front of the courtyard, Naina stepped out first, her eyes widening at the grandeur around her. The haveli looked like something out of a painting—warm, regal, alive.

Kaushiki let out a gasp “Yeh shaadi nahi hai… yeh toh royal movie set lag raha hai!”

Ved chuckled, placing a protective hand on Naina’s back as they walked toward the entrance.

One of the elder ladies from the bride’s side—draped in an elegant red saree—stepped forward with a warm smile.

“Namaste Aap sabka swagat hai” Niharika said cheerfully, placing a tilak on Ashish’s forehead and then offering it to Shobha, Naina, Ved, and Kaushiki.

“Bahut accha lga uncle aunty ji aaplog aye” Niharika said.

Ashish put his palm on her head “Kaise nahi aate? Humari bitiya ki shadi hai”

Naina folded her hands politely “Bahut khubsurat jagah hai” she said softly.

“And abhi toh sirf shuruaat hai” Niharika winked “Chaliye, andar chaliye aur acchi chizein dekhogi aap”

As the Mehtas entered through the carved arches, soft music played from inside, mingling with laughter and voices from the inner courtyard. The festive spirit had truly begun.

At the Tanejas' Welcome

Not long after, the Tanejas’ SUV rolled in from the opposite gate.

As they stepped out—older relatives of the Shekhawat family, a few cousins, and household staff holding decorative plates with marigold garlands.

Ranjan stepped forward first, a formal smile plastered on his face. “Namaste” he greeted with folded hands.

“Swagat hai Taneja ji” said one of the uncles warmly “Akshant ki shaadi mein aap sab ka hona bahut khaas hai”

Aryansh and Isharth hugged Akshant and Aryansh says “Waah bhaiya maan gaye apki choice ko” Aryansh tried to remove evil eyes from Niharika and said “Kitni sunder bhabhi laye hai”

Niharika blushed at his sentence and looked down.

Shridha stood silently beside him, receiving her tilak quietly, her expression unreadable. But her eyes couldn’t help flicking toward the open courtyard, where laughter echoed from another entrance.

The afternoon sun had begun to mellow, casting a golden glow across the arches and courtyards of Shekhawat Haveli. Strings of marigold swayed gently in the breeze, and laughter echoed from every corner as pre-wedding chaos blended with joy.

Up on the terrace, Kaushiki stood near the intricately carved jharokha, her dupatta flowing with the wind, phone in hand. Her eyes sparkled as she looked around.

“Too pretty not to post” she mumbled with a smile, raising her phone camera.

She clicked a few shots—

– the golden rays pouring over the haveli courtyard,

– a close-up of rose petals floating in a brass urli,

– and one aesthetic selfie of her from a flattering side angle, with caption-ready hair and background.

Within seconds, she opened Instagram and uploaded it to her story, added a soft beige filter, and hit ‘Post’ and went to Naina.

The ceiling fan whirred lazily above as Isharth lay on the soft mattress, scrolling mindlessly through his Instagram feed. His thoughts were a thousand miles away until a familiar name popped up on his screen.

“kaushiki__mehta added to her story”

He blinked and sat up.

Without wasting a second, he tapped the circle, and within moments, the screen was filled with warm amber hues—arched corridors, intricate marble pillars, and a vintage chandelier.

“Aree… ye to…” he squinted and then suddenly straightened up “Ye to isi haveli ke pictures hain!”

He quickly zoomed into the photo. The pattern on the railing, the carved jharokha, even the curtain’s embroidery—everything matched perfectly.

“Haan haan… bilkul yahi hai” he muttered, a small spark in his voice. Then realization dawned “Matlab… Kaushiki bhi yahin hai”

His heart did something strange—it skipped, or maybe paused.

He didn’t wait. He threw on a cotton jacket, slipped into his shoes, and walked out of his room, eyes scanning the wide corridors of the Shekhawat Haveli.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the haveli…

Kaushiki was returning to her room after clicking the pictures on the terrace and the dupatta slipped slightly off her shoulder as she walked.

“Ugh,” she murmured, trying to fix the pin on her dupatta with one hand and hold her phone in the other. Her eyes were down, focused on her dress and not the path ahead.

Isharth, meanwhile, was walking from the opposite direction, equally distracted, still looking at the jharokha in Kaushiki’s story.

And then…

The bump was soft, but enough to jolt both of them slightly off balance.

Isharth’s phone flew out of his hand and landed on the marble floor with a dull clack.

Kaushiki gasped “Oh my God—I am s-sorry! Sorry!”

She bent down instantly to pick it up, her hands trembling just a little “I wasn’t looking… actually I was trying to fix this stupid pin and—"

Isharth crouched down too, their hands brushing for the briefest second as both reached for the phone.

Their eyes met.

And froze.

The noise of the wedding preparations, the chatter of relatives, even the rustle of curtains—all faded into the background.

Kaushiki’s lips parted slightly, her fingers still wrapped around his phone. Her chest rose and fell with the surprise blooming in her.

“Isharth?” she whispered, barely audible.

Isharth stood completely still, his brows slightly lifted, as if his brain was still catching up with what his eyes were seeing.

“Aap?” he breathed.

Their names came out not as accusations, not even as questions—just the quiet realization of seeing someone they didn’t expect… someone who somehow mattered.

Kaushiki slowly rose to her feet, still staring at him “Y-you’re here?”

“Aap yaha?” he said, voice low, measured—but something flickered in his eyes. Something between confusion and… a spark.

She finally handed him his phone back, her hand brushing against his in the process.

Neither of them moved.

“Hum yaha shadi attend karne aaye hai” she said softly.

“Hum bhi” he replied, studying her face “Naina di aai hai?”

Kaushiki nodded “Aap kiski or se hai? I mean ladke wale ya ladki wale” she asked.

Isharth looked down nervously and said “Ladke wale”

“Ooohhh hum ladki wale” she smiled “Nice to meet you”

Isharth smiled too “Yeah same here”

As they were talking, a voice came from the nearby room “Kaushiki beta zara idhar ana ye sari dekh” Shobha called her from inside the room.

“Haaa aayii” saying that she left.

Isharth smiled while watching her disappearing figure and thinked “Maine nahi socha tha ki fir se dekhunga inhe wo bhi itni jldi” he thinked and went to his room.

✦·┈๑⋅⋯ ⋯⋅๑┈·✦

𝑺𝒐 𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓??

𝑫𝒊𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓 19?

𝑷𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒆 𝒕𝒆𝒍𝒍 𝒎𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔 ✨❤️

𝑲𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒍𝒚 𝒇𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒐𝒘 𝒎𝒆 𝒐𝒏 𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒎 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒔𝒑𝒐𝒊𝒍𝒆𝒓𝒔.

𝑩𝒚𝒆𝒆𝒆𝒆𝒆𝒆!!

𝑻𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒆 💖

𝑳𝒐𝒕𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 💕

~𝑵𝒂𝒗𝒊𝒙𝒘𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒔_