REWRITING THE SCRIPT

IT'S THE FIRST TIME 💗

✨ Author’s POV

---

📍 Scene: One day before the pooja — Sinha House

Ding-dong!

Mrs. Sinha opened the door and smiled.
“Come in,” she greeted warmly as Mr. and Mrs. Verma stepped in.

Inside, Gunjan and Daksha were working on one of Daksha’s art projects, the living room scattered with colors and craft.

Gunjan (smiling):
“Please sit, Aunty, Uncle.”

Mr. Verma (grinning):
“That’s sweet of you, beta, but we’re running out of time — we’re just here to invite you all to the pooja tomorrow. It’s compulsory. No excuses!”

They all laughed, exchanged smiles, and the Vermas left.

---

🌞 Morning of the Pooja — Verma House

The Verma home glowed with bright marigold garlands wrapped around pillars and doors.
The air was rich with the fragrance of sandalwood and incense, calm mantras flowing from Panditji's voice.

Mayur walked in first — elegant in a royal blue chikankari kurta, tailored to perfection.

Then, from the stairs descended Raj.

He wore a sky blue kurta that hugged his form just right. The top two buttons left open — casually revealing a glimpse of his chest. Sleeves rolled up to the elbows, revealing veiny, masculine forearms. Calm, unreadable eyes. The room noticed him — even if he didn’t care.

---

🏡 Scene: Sinha House

Everyone was ready — except Gunjan.

Mrs. Sinha (calling out):
“We’re heading now! Don’t take too long!”

Gunjan (from her room, ironing):
“Coming! I won’t be late.”

Her light green suit hugged her curves perfectly. Her long, black wavy hair fell like silk over her shoulders. She looked like she didn’t belong to Earth — too soft for this world.

---

✨ Scene: Verma House — During the Pooja

Gunjan entered.

Heads turned.
Even Raj, from a distance, noticed. But she wasn’t looking for eyes — she was looking for her family.

Mayur (smiling knowingly):
“They’re in the kitchen, if that’s who you’re searching for.”

Gunjan:
“Thank you.”
She walked past Raj without meeting his gaze.

---

📸 After the Pooja

The rituals ended smoothly. Everyone smiled, relaxed.

It was time for the traditional family photo — something they clicked every time Raj came home from London.

Guests began leaving. Only the Sinha family stayed back, chatting in the living room.

Gunjan (to Mrs. Verma):
“It was a beautiful day, Aunty. We should head home now, right Papa?”

Mr. Sinha:
“Yes beta, let’s leave.”

Just then, an unfamiliar voice spoke up.

Raj (quietly):
“You seem close to them.”

Mr. Sinha (surprised):
“You…?”

Mr. Verma:
“Our younger son. He studies in London.”

Raj (while touching uncle's feet):
Namaste uncle .

Mr. Sinha (smiling):
“Khus raho, Beta.”

Then, turning to Gunjan — Raj said :
“We’re about to click a photo. Why don’t you join us?”

Gunjan paused for a second… then nodded softly.

---

Everyone gathered.
Daksha quickly stood next to her celebrity — Mayur.
Gunjan found herself next to Raj.

Just before the camera clicked, he reached out, gently grabbing her wrist — pulling her ever so slightly closer.

Raj (coolly):
“You were out of the frame. Just… come this side.”

Her breath hitched slightly — not from fear, but from the unexpected moment.

Raj (calmly):
“Okay, guys — 1, 2, 3… click.”

The shutter snapped.

A frame was frozen.
A moment captured.
A story beginning — though they didn’t know yet…

They were always meant to stand side by side.

---

[End of Chapter 5]

The fire of love is ignited ,so your comments should be ..

HAPPY READING

                                          ~byCuckoo@20