कहते हैं:
खुदा ने इस जहां में
सभी के लिए किसी न किसी को है बनाया
हर किसी के लिए
तेरा मिलना है उस रब का इशारा
मानो मुझको बनाया तेरे जैसे ही किसी के लिए
कुछ तोह है तुझ से राब्ता
कुछ तोह है तुझ से राब्ता
"Ruhaan, please, I promise I'm fine! Both physically and mentally," I reassured him, my eyes locked onto his, trying to convey my sincerity.
He sighed and said, "I know, Meera. It's just... seeing you in danger, it's like a nightmare for me. I am sorry, you had to go through that."
A playful smile crossed my lips as I said, "How is it your fault? Oh my god, my dear mendak, you protected me!" I affectionately teased him, my fingers gently caressing his hair.
As we lay under the warm blankets, the flickering screen of 'Ram-Leela' cast a soft, orange glow on us. My fingers ran through Ruhaan's hair, and the scent of hot chocolate filled the room.
I nudged Ruhaan and pointed at the screen.
"Look at them, Ruhaan, look at them playing with rang," I said, trying to change the topic. Lately, he had become overly protective, and while I understood his concern, it was becoming a bit..overwhelming.
I playfully mimicked Ruhaan's voice in my head, saying, 'Meera, you can't go here, you can't go there, no, not the garden.'
"Do you like playing with colors?" Ruhaan asked, staring into my eyes with a depth that made my heart flutter.
"I love it! I loved playing Holi with my friends and papa! Mumma wasn't much keen on playing Holi, but trust me, I loved that festival," I reminisced, a nostalgic smile gracing my face.
"I can only imagine how fun our first Holi together would be!" I said with a gleam of anticipation in my eyes. I realized I had just a month and a half left before our first holi.
The thought made my heart race with excitement. I was going to thoroughly enjoy teasing Ruhaan on our first Holi together.
"It will be fun," Ruhaan said, his arms around me tightening. He leaned down and placed a tender kiss on my forehead, sending shivers down my spine.
"Just promise me," Ruhaan said, his eyes dark and his voice heavy, "you will allow me to do whatever I want with you on Holi." His words sent a shiver down my spine, and for the first time, I was genuinely scared about what might happen on Holi.
"Will I regret promising you this?" I questioned, locking eyes with him, my gaze fierce and uncertain.
"Never," he whispered, his lips trailing along my collarbone as he pulled me into a tight embrace.
I let out a contented sigh. "Okay, Ruhaan. I promise you," I said with a small smile. The anticipation for Holi was building, and everything felt perfect in that intimate moment.
The tranquil moment was disrupted by the ring of Saana's call. I reached for my phone and saw her name flashing on the screen.
"Hey, Saana," I greeted, answering her call.
"Uh, hey, yeah. Bhabhi, will you... actually wear a dress designed by my label today for the party?" she asked hesitantly. I couldn't help but feel touched by her request.
"I would love to, Saana," I replied with excitement, turning to Ruhaan and flashing a broad smile. He appeared puzzled by our conversation.
"Okay, I'll send the outfits to your room in about an hour. Until then, you can get your hair and makeup done," she informed before ending the call.
Ruhaan's curiosity got the better of him, and he inquired, "What was she saying?"
"She offered me to wear a dress from her couture collection," I explained, and he nodded in understanding.
"See, she's finally opening up to me, Mendak. I'm so happy," I confessed, and Ruhaan responded with a soft kiss on my forehead.
"Of course she would talk to you; you're incredibly approachable," he assured, and I couldn't help but grin at his words.
"Ruhaan, go and shower!" I said, ushering him toward the bathroom. He frowned, looking back at me with a hint of disappointment.
"You don't want to finish the movie?" He asked, sounding a bit surprised.
I sighed, gazing at the TV screen where 'Ram-Leela' was playing. "It's 'Ram-Leela,' Ruhaan. The end is tragic," I explained, a weight in my chest as I remembered the film's conclusion.
"Oh. Okay then. We are going to watch happy ending movies from next time," Ruhaan declared, observing my somewhat sulken expression. I nodded, my heart feeling lighter at the thought of more joyful movie nights.
"Now, go!" I playfully urged him toward the bathroom, but he wore a mischievous smirk on his face.
"Join me, biwi," he suggested, slowly and sensually removing his t-shirt right in front of me. My face flushed with warmth, and I turned my gaze away, my heart racing.
"No! I've already showered, Ruhaan, but please, go!" I stammered, trying to maintain some semblance of composure. He chuckled at my flustered response, a twinkle of amusement in his eyes.
As he disappeared into the bathroom, I couldn't help but feel a mixture of desire and affection for the man who never failed to make my heart race.
Ruhaan's playful antics were making me go absolutely crazy. That man needs to chill. I needed a moment to collect myself. I got up from the couch and made my way to the elegant vanity in our room.
Sitting down in front of the ornate mirror, I picked up my hairbrush and began to gently work through the tangles in my hair. The rhythmic motion of brushing helped soothe my racing heart, even if just a little.
After taming my locks, I reached for a jar of moisturizer and began applying it to my skin. The cool, silky texture felt refreshing against my fingertips.
As I gently massaged it onto my face, a mischievous thought crossed my mind. I couldn't help but wonder if Ruhaan would ever agree to join me for a nightly skincare routine.
I envisioned us wearing face masks, smearing shea butter lotions, and having impromptu spa dates. Wouldn't it be so fun?
The mental image of Ruhaan wearing a face mask, trying to maintain his usual composure, brought a smile to my face. I'll definitely propose this idea later!
A gentle knock on the door interrupted my thoughts, and I moved to open it. Sumi Kaki stood there with a dress bag in her hands. "Khamma ghani, Rani-sa," she greeted me warmly, offering the bag.
"Shukriya," I replied with a grateful smile as I took the bag from her.
Sumi Kaki left the room with a smile, and I hung the bag in the closet. Then, I decided to begin coordinating the heels and other accessories that would match the dress's aesthetic.
"Meera, Maa is calling me. Join us in the living room when you're ready!" Ruhaan's voice called from the bedroom. I responded with a clear "Okay" and continued preparing for the evening.
When I unzipped the bag, a gasp of amazement left my lips. The dress that lay inside was truly breathtaking. It was not just beautiful; it was heavy, almost regally so.
With a sense of awe, I reached for my phone and called Saana. "Saana, this dress is unbelievably heavy," I said softly, trying to convey my amazement without offending her.
"Bhabhi, you keep forgetting, you're part of the royal family now," she responded, her voice full of pride. "And that dress would look absolutely gorgeous on you." Her words warmed my heart, and she hung up, leaving me staring at my phone in disbelief.
I noted that the dress was slightly revealing, particularly in the way it showcased my arms. I've never been particularly fond of how my arms look, and that little bit of self-consciousness crept in.
Calm down Meera, everyone has their insecurities, and it's okay to embrace them!
"Well, I have no other choice," I muttered to myself as I ran my fingers over the intricate work on the blouse. With a deep breath, I decided to change into the dress quickly.
(Her outfit)
With grace and care, I slipped into a pair of black block heels, hoping I could manage to walk in them gracefully. To complement the elegance of the dress, I chose a necklace I had received as a wedding gift. The delicate jewelry nestled beautifully against my collarbone.
Admiring myself in the mirror, I picked up a tube of light cherry-colored lipstick. A dusting of powder enhanced my complexion, adding a soft glow to my skin. I loved my sienna skin tone.
I turned to my reflection once more and decided to let my hair fall naturally in loose waves around my shoulders. I allowed the soft curls to form a messy, yet effortlessly simple look.
With measured, deliberate steps, I descended the grand staircase, my focus solely on reaching the living room. However, as I made my way down, my eyes couldn't help but gravitate toward the entrance where Ruhaan and Rudra stood in a conversation.
Ruhaan, dressed in his signature black tuxedo, exuded an air of effortless elegance. His imposing figure and magnetic presence commanded attention. It was a stark reminder of the charisma he possessed, effortlessly handsome in every sense of the word.
Standing beside him, Rudra sported a blue tuxedo, embodying a similar level of charm. Together, they formed a pair that oozed charisma and devilish handsomeness, true to their well-deserved reputation.
Their presence was enough to leave anyone captivated, and my heart couldn't help but skip a beat as I approached Ruhaan.
My Husband. My mendak.
Rudra's eyes widened as they landed on me, and without warning, he pinched Ruhaan, catching him entirely off guard. "What the hell, Rudra?" Ruhaan grumbled, wearing an indignant scowl.
However, Rudra remained silent, simply pointing a finger in my direction. This curious gesture from Rudra compelled Ruhaan to turn around.
Ruhaan's initial irritation transformed into an utterly mesmerized expression as his gaze fell upon me. He studied me from head to toe, his jaw slightly ajar, seemingly entranced by my appearance.
His reaction caught me off guard, leaving me feeling slightly flustered. In that moment, all my earlier insecurities and self-doubts seemed to fade away, replaced by a warm and beautiful feeling.
It was as if Ruhaan's appreciative gaze had the power to banish my worries and make me feel truly radiant.
As I descended the last step of the staircase, the world around me seemed to fade away, and the only thing that mattered was the look in Ruhaan's eyes. He approached me like a true gentleman, his eyes filled with an intense adoration.
With grace and tenderness, he extended his hand, silently asking for mine, and I placed my hand in his, feeling an electric current pass between us.
Ruhaan guided me down that final step, and I couldn't help but get lost in his gaze. He worshipped me with his eyes, and in that moment, I felt like the most cherished person in the world.
He leaned in and whispered softly, "You look breathtaking, Meera."
I couldn't help but blush at his words. "Thank you, Ruhaan. You look incredibly handsome yourself."
His lips curved into a small smile, and he placed a gentle kiss on my hand. "Shall we, Rani-sa?"
With a nod and a heart full of love, I placed my arm in the crook of his, and together we walked towards Rudra.
"Aapko dekhkar lagta hai, aaj toh bhagwan bhi upar se haskar dekh rahe honge." Rudra said with a grin. And in that moment, I couldn't help but giggle.
"My god, Rudra, you look amazing in that tux!" I exclaimed as I saw him standing there. He flashed me a confident smile and then decided to show off a bit.
Turning around, he flexed his arms, showcasing his physique. It was a playful and amusing gesture, and I couldn't help but burst into laughter at his antics.
"Bohot hogaya, chalo ab," Ruhaan said with an eye roll, interrupting Rudra's little show. I couldn't help but chuckle at their playful banter. Ruhaan could be annoyingly practical at times.
"Chaliye," he said, his attention shifting to me. I nodded and followed him as we made our way to the car. Kaka, our trusted driver, was already waiting to take us to the party. We settled into the luxurious comfort of the signature Rajvansh Rolls-Royce.
I couldn't help but shake my head in amusement. Royal families and their extravagance, always so extra with everything.
"Meera, you know the security protocol, just stay close to me," Ruhaan said softly, his fingers gently tracing the sapphire ring on my finger.
"I know, Ruhaan," I replied, leaning over to plant a soft kiss on his right cheek.
In no time, we arrived in front of Saana's fashion studio. A regal purple carpet had been laid out, ready for the media to capture the glamorous arrivals of all the invited celebrities.
Rudra was the first to step out, swiftly ignoring the paparazzi as he entered the studio.
Following his lead, Ruhaan and I stepped out of the car. However, I needed his assistance to alight gracefully, given the weight of the dress – a heavy and elaborate creation that I couldn't manage on my own.
As Ruhaan and I stepped onto the purple carpet, a cacophony of camera flashes and the relentless chatter of paparazzi filled the air. We were immediately surrounded by a swarm of photographers and reporters.
Cameras flashed furiously, and questions were hurled at us from all directions.
"Mr. Rajvansh, how does it feel to be at Swar Label by Ms. Saana Rajvansh' s grand opening?" one reporter called out.
"Mr. Ruhaan, Mrs. Meera, can we get a photo together?"
"Where's the next Rajvansh wedding happening?"
"Mr. RSR, tell us about your upcoming project!" one reporter called out.
"How does it feel to be the power couple of the year?" One yelled.
Ruhaan, ever the gentleman, placed a protective arm around me, guiding me through the crowd. Despite the barrage of inquiries, neither Ruhaan nor I uttered a word. We maintained our composure, gracefully ignoring the relentless questioning.
Inside the studio, we were greeted with the lively hum of chatter and music, the atmosphere vibrant and electric. The space was elegantly decorated, showcasing Saana's impeccable sense of style.
"Finally, you guys are here!" Saana said, giving both of us quick hugs. She was dressed in a stunning black sequin gown with a stylish bun.
"You look absolutely-"
"Okay, guys, I need you to greet a few guests here and there; I may not be able to have a conversation with all of them," Saana said in a hurried tone before dashing off. I didn't even get a chance to compliment her.
Family duties, I guess.
"Come on, let's get this over with," Ruhaan grumbled, already expressing his reluctance to engage in social interactions.
As we moved further into the event, we spotted a prominent fashion designer, Mr. Arjun Verma, and his wife, Mrs. Neha Verma. They were both elegantly dressed, a testament to Mr. Verma's own impeccable taste.
Ruhaan extended his hand with a warm smile. "Mr. Verma, an absolute pleasure to see you here."
"Ruhaan, always a pleasure to be a part of your events," Mr. Verma replied with a genial nod.
I followed Ruhaan's lead and shook hands with Mrs. Verma. "Mrs. Verma, you look absolutely stunning tonight."
Neha Verma smiled graciously. "Thank you, Meera. I must say, your dress is truly exquisite. I've heard Saana designed it?"
"Yes, she did," I replied with a smile. "She's incredibly talented."
The conversation flowed smoothly as we exchanged pleasantries. After a few minutes, we gracefully excused ourselves and continued to mingle with other guests, catching up with others and making new acquaintances.
As the lights dimmed slightly, the focus of the room shifted toward the stage. Saana, the woman of the hour, stood there with a beaming smile, greeting everyone in attendance. The soft, ambient music in the background added to the elegance of the evening.
Saana looked radiant in a sleek and modern gown, designed by her own label. Her presence commanded attention as she addressed the gathered crowd with grace and gratitude. A hush fell over the room, and everyone's attention was now on her.
"Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests, thank you for gracing us with your presence tonight. I stand here before you not just as a fashion designer but as a dreamer, a dreamer who turned her dreams into reality. This label is the result of years of passion, dedication, and a whole lot of hard work.
Tonight is about more than just fashion; it's about the creativity that flows through our veins, the artistry that transcends trends, and the individuality that defines each and every one of us. With this label, we aim to celebrate fashion that isn't just about clothing; it's about self-expression, it's about empowerment, and it's about embracing who you truly are.
I am truly blessed to have such incredible friends and family who have supported me on this journey. My brothers, Ruhaan Bhai-sa and Rudra Bhai-sa, have been my rock, my confidant, and my greatest supporters. To my entire family, I am eternally grateful.
So, let's raise our glasses to a night of fashion, creativity, and inspiration. Thank you all for being here with us, as we embark on this incredible journey."
As Saana spoke, her words resonated with the crowd, and the applause that followed was heartfelt and enthusiastic. Ruhaan and I shared a proud look, knowing how hard Saana had worked to bring her vision to life.
"She wanted to open her own label since she was twelve," he confessed softly, his gaze fixed on Saana, who was still addressing the audience. Ruhaan's voice carried a mix of admiration and vulnerability as he spoke about Saana's dreams and accomplishments.
I sensed the emotions in his voice and squeezed his hand reassuringly. "And she did it," I said, feeling a sense of pride for Saana's achievements and the strength of her determination.
Ruhaan turned to me, our hands interwoven. "She did," he repeated, bringing our entwined hands closer to his lips and planting a tender kiss on the back of my hand.
I couldn't help but notice that Ashmi wasn't at the party. It left me wondering whether Saana had forgotten to invite her.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to request you all to make this inauguration even more lively. Please join us on the dance stage," Saana announced with a beaming smile.
As she spoke, all the lights shifted, casting their glow onto the stage built on the floor, illuminating it with anticipation and excitement.
"Bhai-sa, Bhabhi-sa, please, go on, it's empty!" Vaahi encouraged, dragging Kushaal with her to the stage.
Ruhaan took the lead, walking in front of me. He bowed slightly and extended his hand, his eyes sparkling. "Mrs. Ruhaan Singh Rajvansh, please make me the happiest man here and agree to dance with me." His voice was filled with warmth and affection as he invited me to join him on the dance floor.
Without a moment's hesitation, a smile gracing my face, I spoke. "Mr. Ruhaan Singh Rajvansh, I'd be delighted to dance with you."
As the soft melody of "Can't Help Falling in Love" by Elvis Presley filled the room, I placed my hand in Ruhaan's outstretched one, our fingers fitting together like a perfect puzzle. The dance floor was bathed in a warm, golden light, and all eyes were on us as we swayed to the gentle rhythm of the song.
Ruhaan pulled me closer, and I rested my head against his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart. The world around us faded away, leaving only the two of us in our own intimate universe. His hand securely held my waist, while the other gently cradled mine.
Wise men say
Only fools rush in
But I can't help falling in love with you
Shall I stay?
Would it be a sin
If I can't help falling in love with you?
We moved gracefully, lost in the music and in each other. Every step, every turn was a testament to the love we shared. His dark, expressive eyes locked onto mine, and I saw the depths of his affection and devotion.
"How did we end up here, together, when all I ever expected for my future was darkness, unhappiness, a life devoid of meaning?" Ruhaan whispered, his gaze piercing into mine.
"In life, Ruhaan, sometimes the most unexpected turns lead us to a brighter path," I responded softly. "Perhaps even a Royal's destiny can be rewritten."
The lyrics of the song became a promise, whispered in the quiet exchange of glances and the tenderness of our touch. Each sway and twirl held the weight of our journey together, all the highs and lows that had led us to this moment.
As the song reached its peak, Ruhaan spun me gently, and I felt like I was floating on air. In that instant, the world seemed to hold its breath.
Take my hand
Take my whole life, too
For I can't help falling in love with you
For I can't help falling in love with you
And as the final notes of the song faded into the air, Ruhaan and I held each other, wrapped in a love that felt like it would last for eternity. It was a dance that spoke volumes, a dance that was our own secret language of love.
"I love you," we both uttered simultaneously, a throaty chuckle escaping his lips. "Is maa watching?" he asked, making me frown as I searched for Vaidehi Maa in the crowd, but I couldn't find her.
"No, why?" I asked, puzzled. Before I could comprehend his intentions, he had already captured my lips, kissing me passionately. On the stage, I playfully pushed him back a little, my cheeks completely flushed. "Mendak, not here!" I whispered, causing him to flash me a sly smile.
"Then take me somewhere, because I promise you, I can't hold myself back anymore," he whispered in my ear, his voice filled with desire.
"I don't know where?" I asked, my brow furrowing.
"The car it is."
A/N
Ruhaan and Meera... Sometimes I can't help but feel too single.
Maybe I should go for a drive and see how cozy the highway is.
My apologies.