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Underneath the darkened sky, as the day's bustle settled, Nirmay quietly made his way to his fiancée's tent, eager for a private moment with her. Approaching her tent, he noticed it was left slightly open. With a puzzled look, he entered, expecting to find her there, but she was nowhere to be seen. Instead, her unlocked phone caught his eye, and he couldn't resist taking a peek.
On the screen, a video played, revealing her dancing at what seemed like a college event. Mesmerised, he watched as she moved gracefully, capturing the attention and applause of the audience. A smile spread across his face as he admired her beauty and talent, feeling proud to know her.
As he watched the mesmerising dance on her phone, a notification interrupted his reverie. His heart skipped a beat as he saw the name "Sid💗🫂" flash across the screen. A furrow formed on his brow, but he resisted the urge to open the message, feeling it wasn't right to invade her privacy. Instead, he focused back on the video, trying to push aside the uneasy feeling creeping into his mind.
Just then, Vanika entered the tent, her smile faltering as she spotted him. "Aap?" she questioned, surprised to find him there. She settled beside him, glancing at the screen and the dancing video playing.
"Ye video tumhare college ki hai?" he inquired, attempting to steer the conversation away from the message notification.
[Is this your college video?]
"Haan, farewell party ki hai. Aaj hi Sid ne bheji hain videos sari," she replied casually.
[Yes, it's my farewell performance. Today sid send me these videos.]
"Sid?" he questioned, his curiosity piqued.
"Haan, he is my close friend... college ke time pe mai, Sakshi Pratha aur Sid sath the," she explained, a hint of nostalgia in her voice.
"Ohh," he responded, his expression unreadable as he processed the new information.
"Sid ne aur clips bheji hongi... wo bhi dikhati hun," she continued, reaching for her phone to show him more videos. He couldn't help but sneak a glance as she scrolled through her messages, revealing a multitude of videos sent by Sid.
[There must be more clips. Let me show you.]
"We both were a great couple," he read the message, his frown deepening with concern.
"Usne aisa kyun likha?" he queried, unable to shake off the unease stirring within him.
[Why did he say that?]
"Kaisa?" she inquired, her curiosity evident in her raised eyebrows.
[What?]
"Wo vala ‘we both were a great couple’. Kis angle se!! Shakal dekhi hai apni! Bandar dikhta hai," he exclaimed, his expression contorted into exaggerated grimaces.
"Par aapne kab dekhi shakal?" she retorted, her eyebrows knitting together in confusion.
[But when did you see his face?]
"Nahi dekhi... par uske naam se pata chal raha hai," he confessed, his tone laced with underlying jealousy.
[No, I haven't seen... but I can tell from his name.]
"Kuch bhi!! He is very good looking. College me ladkiyan dekh ke mar hi jati thi usse," she defended,
His smirk only fueled her amusement.
[Girls were dying behind him.]
"Itna darawna dikhta tha?" he teased, a playful glint in his eyes. Her frown dissolved into a knowing smile as she realised his jealousy, her smirk mirroring his.
[He was that bad?]
"Aree! Aap to peeche pad gaye bechare ke. Dekhiye, this is our dance video," she exclaimed, showing him a clip of her dancing with Sidharth. He watched it briefly, his expression morphing into disapproval before he abruptly shut down her phone.
"I don't want to see... Stupid dance hai," he declared, his tone dismissive.
"You are calling me a stupid dancer?" she protested, her lips forming a pout.
"Aree not you... wo joker bahot bura dance kar raha. Aur tumhare sath bilkul accha nahi lag raha," he clarified, a playful twinkle in his eyes. She stifled a giggle at his antics, realising that beneath his teasing lies a possessiveness that warmed her heart.
[That joker is dancing very badly. And he doesn't look good at all with you.]
"Aapko pata bhi hai sab ham dono ki jodi ko kitna pasand karte the? Mr. and Miss Farewell ka title hame mila tha," she reminisced, her voice tinged with nostalgia and pride.
[Do you even know how much everyone liked our pairing? We were awarded the title of Mr. and Miss Farewell.,]
"Usse kya hota hai? Aur sab ka dimag kharab tha, mera nahi hai jo ye langoor pasand aa jaye," he retorted, his tone tinged with sarcasm as he struggled to hide his jealousy. She bit her lip to suppress a laugh, relishing in his reaction, and decided to playfully tease him further.
"Aap ajeeb ho. This man was so perfect, you know! Hamesha hasata rehta tha sabko," she countered, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
[He used to make us laugh.]
"Joker ka wahi kaam hota hai," he replied with a tight-lipped smile, masking his discomfort with a hint of humour.
[That is the work of a joker.]
"Aap bhi na! You don't know him. Bahot cool insaan hai and hamari vibe kitni jada match hoti thi," she began, determined to defend her friend. As Vanika delved deeper into her memories of Sidharth.
[He was so cool and our vibes were matched.]
"You know, Sidharth was such a character," she began, a soft smile playing on her lips. "He had this incredible ability to make even the dullest moments lively with his jokes and antics. And he was always so sweet and kind to everyone, never a trace of rudeness in his demeanour."
Nirmay's heart sank further as he listened, his jealousy gnawing at him like a relentless beast. He struggled to maintain a façade of indifference, but inside, his insecurities raged like a storm.
"He was the type of person who could walk into a room and instantly brighten up everyone's day," Vanika continued, her eyes glimmering with admiration. "And he had this effortless charm about him that made people gravitate towards him."
Nirmay's jaw tightened as he fought to suppress the surge of envy threatening to consume him. He knew he shouldn't let his jealousy get the best of him, but hearing Vanika speak so fondly of Sidharth stirred up a tumultuous mix of emotions within him.
"He was just... special, you know?" Vanika concluded, her voice tinged with a wistful longing. "I really miss those times we spent together."
As her phone rang, Vanika glanced at the caller ID and saw that it was her mother calling. With a slight frown, she realised that the network issue inside the tent would make it difficult to have a clear conversation.
"Baat kar ke aayi mai," she reassured Nirmay, her voice tinged with regret as she stepped outside to take the call.
While Nirmay remained seated inside the tent, his mind plunged into a whirlpool of self-doubt and insecurity. The sound of her footsteps fading into the distance only served to amplify the deafening silence that enveloped him, leaving him alone with his turbulent thoughts.
The realisation that Vanika was drawn to the kind of person he could never be – cool, funny, and effortlessly charming – gnawed at him like a relentless beast, tearing down the fragile walls of his confidence with each passing moment. He couldn't shake the feeling that he was inadequate, that he fell short of the idealised version of a partner that Vanika seemed to admire.
"What if I'm just not what she wants?" Nirmay whispered to himself, his voice barely audible above the cacophony of doubts that echoed in his mind. The fear of rejection clawed at his heart, leaving him feeling exposed and vulnerable in the face of his own insecurities.
He couldn't help but compare himself to Sidharth, the embodiment of everything he felt he lacked – charm, wit, and the ability to effortlessly capture Vanika's attention. The mere thought of being unable to measure up to the memory of someone who had once held her affection sent a chill down his spine, filling him with a sense of despair that threatened to suffocate him.
Lost in the depths of his own insecurity, Nirmay struggled to find solace amidst the storm raging within him. He longed for reassurance, for validation of his worth in Vanika's eyes, yet the spectre of his own inadequacy loomed large, casting a shadow over his every thought and action.
As he awaited Vanika's return, Nirmay couldn't help but wonder if he would ever be able to silence the relentless whispers of doubt that plagued him, or if he was destined to forever be haunted by the fear that he would never be enough for the woman who is more than enough for him.
As Vanika entered the tent and settled beside him, her brows furrowed with concern as she noticed the troubled expression etched on Nirmay's face.
"Kya hua? Is everything alright?" she asked, her voice laced with genuine concern. Nirmay merely shook his head in response, his gaze fixed on the ground, unable to meet her eyes.
"Nirmay, just tell me," Vanika urged gently, reaching out to gently touch his arm. Slowly, he raised his eyes to meet hers, his expression a mixture of vulnerability and fear.
"Vanika, I... I can't help but feel like I'm not enough for you," he confessed, his voice barely above a whisper. "I can't shake the feeling that maybe you're just... settling for me because of our families, because it's convenient."
Vanika's heart clenched at his words, the pain evident in his eyes piercing her own heart. She reached out to cup his face in her hands, her touch gentle yet firm.
"Arre!! What are you saying? I was just joking na.. Aap aisa kyun soch rahe hain," Vanika exclaimed, her tone a mix of surprise and concern as she cupped his cheek in her hand, her touch gentle yet reassuring. Nirmay held her hand tightly, his eyes searching hers for any sign of deception.
"Vanika, I know I am not the one for you but I promise mai vaise hi ban ne ki koshish karunga jaise tumhe pasand hai. I will change myself like you want," he insisted, his voice tinged with determination.
Her heart ached at his words, a pang of guilt washing over her as she realised the impact of her careless joke. She never imagined that it would affect him so deeply, and she cursed herself for causing him such pain.
"Shhh!! Please don't say like that," Vanika pleaded softly, her eyes softening with emotion as she gently brushed her thumb across his cheek. "You are more than enough for me, Nirmay. And I am grateful to my family every day for arranging our engagement because I know that I could never find a better man than you."
As she spoke, her words poured forth like a gentle stream, each one carrying with it a depth of love and admiration that warmed Nirmay's heart. He listened intently, his doubts slowly melting away under the weight of her unwavering affection.
"No other man will bring Lotus for me without thinking about his clothes, no other man will handle my clumsiness and immaturity with patience and understanding like you do," Vanika continued, her voice filled with sincerity. "No other man will understand me like you, no other man will listen to my blabbering carefully as if it is the most important thing in the world like you."
Her words washed over Nirmay like a soothing balm, erasing the scars of doubt and insecurity that had plagued him moments before.
Vanika's heart swelled with tenderness as she watched the turmoil in Nirmay's eyes slowly give way to a flicker of hope. Without hesitation, she wrapped her arms around him in a tight embrace, offering him the solace and reassurance he so desperately needed.
"Nirmay, you are my rock, my anchor in this chaotic world," she whispered, her voice soft but unwavering. "I don't need you to change for me because you are perfect just the way you are. Your kindness, your patience, your unwavering support – they are the qualities that make you different from others."
She held him close, feeling the steady beat of his heart against hers.
"And remember, You are everything I want in my future partner, and I wouldn't change a single thing about you."
With those words, she pressed a gentle kiss to his forehead, sealing their bond with a promise of love and devotion that would withstand the test of time.
As he held her tightly in his embrace, Nirmay's heart felt lighter than it had in moments, his worries dissipating with each beat against her chest.
"I am sorry! Mai kuch jada hi sochne laga tha," he muttered, his voice tinged with regret.
[I was thinking too much!]
Vanika gently stroked his back, her touch a soothing balm to his troubled soul. "I am sorry. I was enjoying your jealousy too much and ended up saying more than I should have without realising it. I am so sorry that I made you feel like that," she apologised sincerely, her eyes reflecting genuine remorse.
"But still, I would say, uski shakal hai to bandar jaisi," Nirmay teased, unable to resist a playful jab at Sidharth. Vanika playfully hit him on the chest, both of them sharing a chuckle at the inside joke.
[But still his face is like a monkey.]
"Accha leave him. Let's talk about something else," she suggested, eager to shift the focus away from the source of their earlier tension.
"Hmm," Nirmay murmured, but as she attempted to break the hug, he tightened his hold around her, unwilling to let her go just yet.
"Nirmay hatiye na," Vanika protested, though her voice held a hint of amusement at his reluctance to release her.
"Aise hi accha lag raha hai," he confessed, his arms tightening around her in a silent plea for her to stay close.
She sighed affectionately, then playfully pinched his arm, eliciting a yelp from him. "Kya yaar!" he whined, rubbing his shoulder where she had pinched him, while she couldn't help but giggle at his reaction.
With Vanika's head resting gently on his shoulder, Nirmay found himself lost in the comforting rhythm of her voice as she spoke about random topics, her words weaving a tapestry of familiarity and warmth around them.
He absentmindedly played with her hair, twirling the strands between his fingers as he listened intently to her musings, occasionally interjecting with his own thoughts or adding a playful comment to the conversation.
As they talked, the world outside seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them cocooned in their own little bubble of intimacy and connection. Time seemed to stand still as they shared laughs and whispered secrets, their bond growing stronger with each passing moment.
********************************************
As the first light of dawn filtered through the dense canopy of the jungle, casting dappled shadows on the forest floor, the candidates of the jungle training camp stood in formation, their faces resolute and determined.
In front of them, the commanders and coaches, clad in their rugged uniforms, surveyed the group with keen eyes, their expressions stern yet encouraging. They were ready to lead these aspiring adventurers through the challenges that lay ahead, pushing them to their limits and beyond in the pursuit of excellence.
"Attention, candidates!" Nirmay's voice boomed, commanding the attention of the group. "Today, we embark on a journey that will test your strength, endurance, and determination like never before."
"We will be trekking to the summit of the mountain," Abhiman announced, his voice carrying the weight of authority. "This will not be an easy task, but it is one that will challenge you both physically and mentally."
The candidates exchanged excited glances, their hearts pounding with anticipation at the prospect of the adventure that lay ahead.
"But before we depart, you must all pack your necessary items," Nirmay instructed, his tone firm but encouraging. "You will need food, water, appropriate clothing, and any other supplies you deem necessary for the journey."
Abhiman nodded in agreement. "You have just 15 minutes to gather your belongings and assemble near the bus," he added, emphasising the urgency of the task at hand.
The candidates sprang into action, their movements swift and purposeful as they hurried to gather their gear and prepare for the journey ahead. Excitement buzzed in the air, mingling with a sense of anticipation as they readied themselves for the challenge that awaited them.
As Naina approached Nirmay and Abhiman near the bus, a mischievous grin spread across her face, her eyes sparkling with amusement.
"Heheh," she said, flashing them a toothy grin.
"Kya heheh? Aur baki sab kahan hain?" Abhiman inquired.
[Where are others?]
"Baki sab ya Ishana!" Naina quipped, her grin widening.
"Shut up!! Aur haan isse mujhe yaad aaya.." Abhiman interrupted, grabbing her ear gently but firmly.
[And I just remembered!]
"Apna muh band nahi rakh sakti tu? What was the need to talk about the teej fast? Kitna awkward ho gaya tha sab.. And what if she gets to know that I know about her feelings? She will be so embarrassed," he scolded, his voice filled with exasperation.
[Can't you keep your mouth shut? What was the need to talk about the Teej fast? It became so awkward for everyone.]
"Mummaa!! Chhor!!" Naina protested, pinching his hand in retaliation as he released her ear, leaving her to rub it gingerly.
[Leave!]
"She already knows ki you are aware about her feelings. Maine usse bata diya," Naina revealed.
"What??? Hey bhagwan kya karun mai iss ladki ka!! Dimag kharab hai tera?" Abhiman exclaimed, smacking her lightly on the head in frustration.
[Oh God! What should I do with this girl! Are you crazy?]
"Arre but it's good na, usse bhi to jan ne ka haq hai," Naina reasoned, shrugging off his rebuke.
[She also has right to know.]
"Par tujhe kyun iss baat ki itni fikar hai ki usse kaisa lagega?" Nirmay interjected, nudging Abhiman's shoulder inquisitively.
[Why are you worried about her feelings?]
"Haan bata bata? Why are you worried about her?" Naina chimed in, nudging Abhiman's shoulder from the other side, her eyes dancing with mischief.
"Shut up you both!! Aur chipko mat mujhse," Abhiman grumbled, pushing them away playfully.
[ Don't stand close to me.]
"Haan wo haq to ab kisi aur ka ho Gaya hai," Nirmay added , shrugging his shoulders .
[Yes this is someone else right now.]
"Ham to ab paraye ho chuke hain," Naina declared dramatically, pretending to wipe away imaginary tears.
[We are strangers now ]
"Continue your drama," Abhiman announced, walking away with a smile, leaving Naina and Nirmay laughing in his wake.
*****************************************
As the candidates settled into their respective buses, Vanika scanned the rows of seats, searching for a spot to sit. She made her way towards her friends who were standing near Nirmay's seat, but before she could join them, she felt a secret tug on her wrist, guiding her towards Nirmay.
"Kya ho gaya?" she asked, surprised by his sudden gesture.
"Idhar hi baitho na," he replied with a smile, patting the seat beside him.
"Accha, then let me sit there," she suggested, pointing towards the window seat further .
"Yahan baithe me kya problem hai?" Nirmay questioned.
"Ok then, I am going to Naina's seat," Vanika declared, starting to stand up, but Nirmay quickly caught her hand.
"Ok ok! Sit here only," he insisted, a grin playing on her lips as they exchanged seats.
Just then, Ishana entered the bus, her gaze sweeping over the crowded interior in search of a place to sit.
"Baithna kahan hai?" she asked, her voice tinged with frustration.
[Where should I sit?]
"Yahin baithna padega Rajkumari ji, ham gareeb log aeroplane ki arrangements nahi kar paye," Nitya quipped, eliciting chuckles from the surrounding candidates.
[You will have to sit here, Princess, we poor folks couldn't arrange for an airplane.]
"Arre, I was talking about seat. There is no seat left for me." Ishana lamented, her lower lip jutting out in a pout.
"Abhiman sir ke bagal vali seat Khali hai," Aditya suggested with a grin, earning a glare from Ishana.
[That seat beside Abhiman sir is empty.]
"Aise ghoor kyun rahi hai? Ab khali hai to meri kya galti hai? Maine thodi karvayi," he retorted, causing Ishana to roll her eyes playfully as she settled into the seat beside Abhiman.
[Why are you staring like that? It's not my fault if it is empty now, is it? I didn't arrange it.]
As the candidates chatted amongst themselves, Ishana's phone suddenly rang, drawing her attention away from the lively conversation. She glanced at the caller ID, recognizing it as her grandmother's number, and quickly answered the call.
"Hello, Dadi maa!" she greeted warmly, her voice filled with affection.
But as Ishana spoke, her throat suddenly went dry, causing her to cough uncontrollably. With a hurried motion, she put the call on speaker and stood up from her seat, reaching for her water bottle in her bag which was placed upside down on their seat.
"Aur tere muh bole pati Abhiman kaise hain?" her grandmother's voice echoed through the bus, causing Ishana's eyes to widen in shock and capturing Abhiman's attention, who had been looking at the call with blank expressions.
[How are your self proclaimed husband Abhiman?]
"Mai to kabse keh rahi hun propose kar de, kitna darti hai tu! Tune jo chori se uski photos bheji thi na Maine apne satsang vali sabhi doston ko dikhayi sabko ladka bahot pasand aaya. Tu kahe to rishta bhej dun?" her grandmother continued, oblivious to the chaos unfolding on the other end of the line.
[I've been telling you to propose for so long, why are you so scared! The photos you secretly sent, I showed them to all my friends from the satsang group, everyone liked the guy a lot. Should I send a proposal if you want?]
Ishana's heart pounded in her chest as she quickly disconnected the call, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. With a shaky hand, she switched off her phone and her bag fell on her head with a thud.
Abhiman's gaze locked with Ishana's, the air heavy with tension as they silently communicated with each other. For a fleeting moment, they held each other's gaze, the unspoken words hanging between them like a delicate thread.
"Mere sath hi aisa kyun hota hai!!" Ishana lamented inwardly, her mind whirring with frustration and embarrassment.
Abhiman watched her reaction with a mixture of amusement and sympathy, a soft smile playing on his lips as he turned his gaze towards the window, the sunlight casting a warm glow on his face.
******************************************
Four months had flown by in a blur of intense IPS training, during which Nirmay and Vanika's bond had only grown stronger. As they neared the end of their training, they found themselves deeply immersed in both their professional and personal lives.
On a sunny afternoon, Nirmay and Vanika were engrossed in a conversation with Piyali, who was now seven months pregnant. Shikhar, Ayushman, and Shrishti sat nearby, lending their support to Piyali as she navigated the challenges of impending motherhood.
"Bhabhi, try to understand na, we can't leave the training in between. Pehle bhi chutti le chuke hain," Nirmay reasoned, his tone earnest as he addressed Piyali's concerns.
"I know you both don't love me. And why will you come to my god bharai ceremony? Tum dono Ayushman aur Shrishti ko jada mante ho. Aur vaise bhi, Vani teri behen hai na, wo mai to nahi hun," Piyali lamented, her voice tinged with a hint of sadness.
"Bhabhi, what are you saying! You both are equally important to me," Vanika reassured her, reaching out to squeeze Piyali's hand in a gesture of solidarity.
"To kyun nahi aa rahe tum sab?" Piyali pressed, her eyes pleading for understanding.
[Then why you are not coming?]
"Haan bhaiya bhabhi, please na. Ek do din ki to baat hai," Ayushman chimed in, echoing Piyali's plea.
[It is matter of few days.]
"Okay fine! We will try," Nirmay conceded, his resolve softening in the face of Piyali's earnest request.
"Sacchi?? Aur haan, Sakshi, Pratha, Abhiman, Naina, Ishana, Adi, Nitya, Ishita, aur Malini ko lana mat bhulna. Maine un sab ko special invitation bheja hai," Piyali said, her grin widening at the thought of their friends joining in the celebration.
In the past few months, Vanika had worked tirelessly to introduce Piyali to all their friends, fostering a sense of camaraderie and friendship that now bound them all together like family.
"But bhabhi, itne sare log training chhor ke kaise aa sakte hain!" Nirmay questioned, his concern evident in his furrowed brow.
[How will so many people will leave the training?]
"I don't know that. Ek din me koi problem nahi ho jayegi. Agar tum dono leave le sakte ho to wo sab bhi le sakte hain," Piyali suggested optimistically, her faith in their ability to overcome any obstacle unwavering.
[If you both can come then they all also.]
"Accha accha! I will talk to them," Nirmay promised, his determination renewed by Piyali's unwavering confidence. And as they concluded their conversation, a sense of anticipation filled the air, each of them looking forward to the joyous occasion that lay ahead.
******************************************
As the group finally arrived in Mumbai, the excitement in the air was palpable, each member eager to reunite with loved ones and partake in the joyous celebrations ahead.
"Yaar, I want to meet my Dadi. Thode der me aa jaungi mai," Ishana declared, her voice filled with anticipation.
[I will come back after sometime.]
"Arre, thode der me kyun? Aram se kal tak aana. Dadi will be happy to see you, aur itni jaldi aa jayegi toh she will feel bad na," Vanika advised.
[Why in a little while? Come comfortably by tomorrow. Dadi will be happy to see you, and if you come so early, she'll feel bad, right?]
******************************************
As they stepped into the Oberoi residence, Shikhar, Ayushman, and Shristhi were already there, creating a warm atmosphere. The trio of brothers shared embraces, expressing their joy.
"Congratulations, bhaiya," Abhiman greeted Shikhar with a handshake and a hug.
"Thank you, Abhi," Shikhar replied, his smile radiating happiness.
Vanika approached, embracing Shikhar as well. "Congratulations, bhaiya," she said, receiving a pat on the head in response.
"Hello, bhaiya. Kaise hain aap? Bhaiya, ye jada pareshan to nahi karti," Shristhi remarked, casting a playful glance at Vanika.
[I hope she doesn't trouble you.]
"Hii, Shristhi... Pareshan to karti hai, tum samjhao isse," Nirmay chimed in, eliciting a chuckle from Shristhi.
[Yes used to trouble me. Tell her.]
"Kyu pareshan karti thi?" Shristi asked, looking at Vanika.
"Tameez se baat karo, mai hone wali bhabhi hun tumhari," Vanika retorted with an attitude, prompting a playful exchange.
[Behave properly! I am your to be elder sister in law.]
"Chal hatt," Shristhi playfully swatted at Vanika's hand, who responded with a mock frown.
"Hello, jijaji aur hone wale devarji," Vanika greeted Ayushman warmly.
[Hello jijaji and to be brother in law.]
"Hello, sali sahiba and hone wali bhabhi," Ayushman reciprocated the greeting with equal warmth.
"Aap dono ka jija-sali devar-bhabhi milap ho gaya ho to Vani, chal Piyali bhabhi ko bula rahi hain," Shristhi suggested.
[You your meet and greet is done then should we head inside? Piyali bhabhi is calling.]
The living room buzzed with warmth as Vanika's family gathered, enveloped in affectionate greetings and playful banter.
"Mummy!" Vanika's voice rang out with excitement as she rushed into Meenakshi's open arms.
"Vani, meri bacchi!" Meenakshi embraced her daughter tightly, her love evident in the gesture.
"How are you, baccha?" Meenakshi's concern was palpable as she asked, her eyes filled with maternal care.
"I am fine, mummy. Aap kaise ho?" Vanika returned the inquiry, her own concern mirrored in her eyes.
"Mai bhi perfect!" Meenakshi's reply was accompanied by a warm smile, radiating contentment.
"Meri to yaad aayi nahi hogi," Ayush quipped dramatically, drawing laughter from Vanika as she hugged him tightly, his playful antics adding to the familial ambiance.
[You didn't missed me.]
Meenakshi extended her warmth to Naina and Abhiman, welcoming them with open arms, while Piyali graciously greeted Vanika's friends, ensuring everyone felt at home.
"Mai bhi hun yahan," Nirmay interjected, feeling a bit left out amidst the affectionate exchanges.
[I am also here!]
"Awle mera baccha bura maan gaya!!" Meenakshi teased, pulling his cheeks lovingly, prompting chuckles from everyone present.
[My child is feeling bad?]
"Maa!! Please na, ye sab nahi," Nirmay protested playfully, his cheeks receiving gentle caresses as laughter filled the room.
As Himani entered the room, Vanika and Nirmay rose to greet her, touching her feet in a sign of respect. Himani, with a warm smile, pulled them into a loving embrace.
"How are you, Dadi?" Vanika inquired, her eyes bright with affection.
"As always, beautiful," Himani replied with a playful wink, her tone filled with fondness. With that, she turned to welcome others into the gathering, spreading her warmth and charm throughout the room.
As they settled down, Meenakshi appeared with a tray of tea, urging everyone to partake in the comforting beverage.
Vanika eagerly took the tray from her mother and began serving tea, her actions eliciting a teasing remark from Abhiman.
“Bahu vali harkatein,” he teased, earning a smile from Vanika.
“Where is Ishana?” Piyali inquired, prompting Nirmay to respond with assurance.
“Bhabhi wo apne ghar gayi hai, thodi der me aayegi,” he reassured, ensuring everyone was informed.
[She went to her home. She will come after sometime.]
“Meri Mata Shree aayi nahi abhi tak?” Vanika's curiosity prompted her question, as Rahul's voice announced his arrival.
[Where is my mother?]
“Kaisi hai meri beti?”
[How is my daughter?]
Vanika rushed to greet her father with a warm hug, while her mother followed suit, completing the familial embrace.
“Aur parayi Mummy,” Vanika playfully greeted her mother, earning a light tap on the head from Anjali.
[How are you stranger mummy?]
“Ek thappad khayegi abhi,” Anjali jokes, playfully tapping Vanika's head.
[I will slap you.]
"Kyu? You used to say na ki mai parayi ho gayi hun." Vanika teased.
Nirmay approached them respectfully, touching their feet in a gesture of reverence.
“Kaise hain aap log,” he inquired warmly, his smile genuine.
[How are you guys?]
“Ham to ache hain, par tum kaise ho beta… ye pareshan kar daalti hogi wahan pe,” Anjali asked, her concern tinged with affection, eliciting a chuckle from Nirmay.
[We are good but how are you dear? I am sure she troubles you a lot.]
“Haan Maa, baho sar khati hai mera,” Nirmay said, his playful retort earning surprised expressions from Vanika.
[Haa ma she eat my head.]
“Hawww, Maine kya kiya? Ulta ye mera dimag kharab karte hain bahot,” Vanika exclaimed in mock anger, adding to the playful banter.
"Uske liye dimag hona bhi chahiye," Anjali retorted, and Nirmay chuckled, as they shared a playful high-five.
Meenakshi approached the group, enveloping Vanika in a side hug as she addressed them.
“Aap log meri Bahu ko pareshan mat kijiye,” she said with a reassuring smile, giving a knowing wink to Vanika's parents and Nirmay.
[Don't trouble my daughter in law.]
“Andar aao sab,” Meenakshi invited, leading the way into the house.
As they stepped through the door, Ayush and Rahul embraced each other warmly, their laughter echoing in the room. Meanwhile, Meenakshi and Anjali shared a heartfelt hug, their smiles reflecting the deep connection they had forged over time. In this moment, the four friends stood together, their bond stronger than ever, united by shared experiences and unwavering support.
"Where is Smita?" Anjali inquired, concern evident in her voice as she mentioned Abhiman's mother.
"She called me and said that she is not well," Meenakshi explained, her brow furrowing with worry.
"What happened?" Anjali pressed, her concern deepening.
"Viral fever hai. Don't worry," Meenakshi reassured, her tone calm yet reassuring. Anjali nodded, accepting the explanation.
******************************************
After some time, Meenakshi returned to the hall, this time carrying a bouquet of flowers.
“Aree aunty, aap kyu kar rahi mujhe bataiye kahan rakhna hai isse,” Abhiman inquired, offering his assistance.
[Why are you doing this? Tell me where to keep this?]
“Ye udhar Pooja Wale room me,” Meenakshi replied, indicating the direction with a nod as Abhiman took the flowers to their designated spot.
[There.]
He carefully takes the basket of fresh flowers from Meenakshi, his steps deliberate and soft in reverence. Meanwhile, Ishana, engrossed in a conversation on her phone, approached from the opposite direction, unaware of Abhiman's presence. In a sudden collision, their worlds collided, and Ishana stumbled precariously, teetering on the brink of a fall.
With swift reflexes, Abhiman instinctively reached out, his strong arms enveloping her delicate frame, pulling her close to him in a protective embrace. The fragrant petals from the basket fluttered down around them like a gentle rain, adding a surreal touch to the moment. Amidst the chaos of the unexpected collision, time seemed to stand still as their eyes met, holding an unspoken understanding and connection.
Their hearts raced in synchrony, the beat of each echoing the other's as they found themselves locked in a momentary embrace. Abhiman's arms, strong and reassuring, encircled Ishana's waist, pulling her close, while her hands instinctively found purchase on his chest, steadying herself against the unexpected collision.
In that fleeting instant, the world around them seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them suspended in a timeless bubble of shared vulnerability and raw emotion. Ishana's breath caught in her throat, her gaze locking with Abhiman's intense eyes, drowning in their depth and warmth.
The delicate petals of the fallen flowers adorned their intertwined forms, a soft and fragrant veil cocooning them from the outside world. Each petal bore witness to the delicate dance of fate that had brought them together in this intimate embrace, a collision of paths that defied explanation yet felt undeniably right.
Nirmay, observing Abhiman and Ishana lost in each other's company, decided to play a prank on them. Sneaking up behind Abhiman, he whispered near his ear, "Arre, Smita Aunty aap."
Startled, Abhiman and Ishana snapped out of their reverie, quickly distancing themselves from each other. Nirmay couldn't help but suppress a laugh at their reaction.
“S…sorry, wo mera dhyan nahi tha,” Ishana stammered, feeling flustered as she hurriedly left the scene.
[I wasn't aware.]
“What?” Abhiman turned to Nirmay, who wore a teasing smile.
“Kya chal raha hai?” Abhiman inquired, trying to maintain his composure.
[What is going on?]
“Kya? kuch bhi nahi chal raha,” Abhiman replied, attempting to brush off the situation.
[Nothing at all.]
“Mai dekh raha hun, jabse tujhe pata chala hai Ishana tujhe pasand karti hai, tabse tu uske liye badla badla sa lag raha hai,” Nirmay teased, noticing Abhiman's subtle change in behaviour.
[I've noticed that since you found out Ishana likes you, you've been acting all revengeful towards her.]
“Shut up, aisa kuch nahi hai, jada mat soch,” Abhiman retorted, rolling his eyes before making a swift exit. Nirmay couldn't help but smile, shaking his head in amusement.
[Don't think too much.]
*****************************************
In the evening, Vanika and Sakshi helped Piyali get ready for the baby shower function, indulging in playful banter.
“Waah, Shikhar bhaiya will be flat,” Vanika teased, winking at Piyali in the mirror, causing her to blush.
“But gents are not allowed in function,” Shrishti interjected, curious about the guest list.
“Arre, they will stay for a while. They won't stay when our dance and all starts. Abhi thodi photos vagera click hongi to rahenge na sab,” Ishana explained, planning out the evening's events.
“Vani, Sakshi, go and get ready fast, function start hone wala hai,” Pratha reminded them, entering the room.
“Mai bhabhi ko lekar jati hun, unki nazar utarni hai, mummy ko,” Shrishti volunteered, leading Piyali out of the room, followed by Ishana and Nitya.
[I will take bhabhi downstairs.]
“Tu jaa na yaha se dusre room me change kar,” Sakshi instructed Vanika, who hesitated.
[Go and change in another room.]
“Aree Bhai, tum jao, mai kahan jaungi.” Vanika protested.
[Where?]
“Tera sasural hai, apne hone wale room me chali ja, vaise bhi Nirmay sir neeche hain, aur ab woh room tera bhi hoga, to jaa,” Sakshi reassured her, pulling out her own dress from the bag.
[This is your in laws house so you can go anywhere. Go and change in Nirmay sir's room.]
Vanika gathered her belongings – lehenga, makeup box, and jewellery – and left for Nirmay's room.
Peeking into the room, Vanika found it empty. She entered and closed the door behind her, ready to change.
Just then, she noticed a box on the bed with a slip placed on top, bearing her name.
“This is for me? Par kisne…” she mused, trying to guess the sender.
“Unke alawa kaun dega?” she chuckled, opening the box to reveal a stunning red lehenga with matching jewellery.
[Who will give this except him!]
“Wow, this is so pretty. Par sab puchenge to kya bolungi!” she fretted, biting her nails in uncertainty.
[But what to reply when everyone ask about it!]
“Arre, pagal hai kya tu, wo tera hone wala pati hai, secret boyfriend nahi hai jo dar rahi hun. Bol dungi ki Nirmay ne gift kiya,” she reasoned, gently hitting her forehead with a smile, relieved to have solved the mystery.
[But why I am scared? He is my fiance not my secret boyfriend.]
After changing into her dress and applying makeup, Vanika began searching for her dupatta.
“Iska duppata kahan gaya Bhai… bina dupatte wala hai kya?” she mumbled to herself.
[ Where is the duppata.]
“Yahan hai,” a voice suddenly came from the bathroom side. Startled, Vanika turned to see Nirmay holding the missing dupatta.
[Here it is.]
She quickly covered herself with a nearby blanket, feeling flustered by his unexpected presence.
“Aap? Yaha kyun?” she asked, her voice betraying her surprise.
[Why are you here?]
“Kyun, mera room hai ye. Mai yahan bhi to kaha jaunga,” he replied casually, taking a step closer to her, causing her to instinctively move backward.
[This is my room so I can come here.]
“Dupatta to dijiye,” Vanika requested, extending her hands cautiously as she continued to retreat.
[Give me my dupatta!]
“Tum piche jati rahogi to kaise dunga,” Nirmay teased, a smirk playing on his lips as he advanced further.
[If you will continue walking backwards then how will I return this?]
“Aap aage aana to band kariye pehle,” she stammered nervously, feeling increasingly flustered by the situation.
[First of all stop walking towards me.]
As Vanika stumbled backward, her heart raced with a mix of nervousness and anticipation. With a graceful yet swift movement, Nirmay adjusted the dupatta around her waist, pulling her closer until she collided with his chest. His fingers traced delicate patterns on her bare waist, sending tingling sensations coursing through her body. As he wrapped his hand around her waist, the warmth of his touch enveloped her, causing shivers to run down her spine. Instinctively, she found herself leaning into him, her breath catching in her throat, lost in the moment of their intimate connection.
Their eyes met in a moment of silent understanding, a spark igniting between them as they stood locked in each other's gaze. Feeling his strong arms enveloping her, Vanika couldn't help but feel a rush of warmth spreading through her entire being. In that fleeting moment, amidst the gentle embrace, time seemed to stand still as they were lost in the silent language of their hearts.
“Aap kya kar rahe hain, chhoriye mujhe aur dupatta dijiye hamara,” Vanika pleaded nervously, her voice trembling with anxiety.
[What are you doing? Leave me and return back my duppata.]
“Kyun, mere paas hone se tumhe koi takleef hai?” Nirmay inquired, raising an eyebrow in amusement.
[Why if I am close to you then you have any problem?]
“Nahi…” she stammered, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.
[No]
“Nahi… matlab tumhe acha lag raha hai?” Nirmay teased, his smirk widening as he observed her discomfort.
[That means you are loving it.]
“Aap baaton me mat uljhaiye mujhe,” she protested, attempting to retrieve the dupatta from his grasp, but he playfully moved it out of her reach. She struggled to reclaim it, while he seemed to enjoy her irritated expression.
[ Don't confuse me with your words.]
“Aapko bahot maza aata hai na mujhe pareshan karne me,” she remarked, trying to catch her breath as she continued to reach for the dupatta.
[You are enjoying troubling me right?]
“Nahi, tumhara ye pyara sa chehra dekhne me,” he replied, his compliment causing her cheeks to flush even more.
[No i am enjoying your pretty face.]
“Dijiye na, kya kar rahe hain, sab neeche hain, function start hone wala hai, bas ham dono hi gayab hain, sab pata nahi kya kya sochenge,” she urged, attempting once more to take the dupatta, but he playfully evaded her grasp.
[Give me back. Everyone must be waiting. Function is about to start.]
“Ok fine,” he relented, releasing her and taking her hand gently.
Nirmay led her towards the mirror, where draped the dupatta over her head, Nirmay gazed at their reflection in the mirror, holding her shoulders gently from behind.
"Hamari jodi kitni acchi lagti hai na?" he murmured, resting his chin on her shoulder as they admired themselves together in the mirror.
“Achha, chhoriye, main aise neeche nahi ja sakti,” she chuckled, adjusting the dupatta properly as she smiled at him.
[Accha leave me I can't go like this.]
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