Author pov..

Ishani walked up to Vaibhav and Malini, her eyes filled with concern.

"Mummy, you already knew that Bhaiya and Divya are together... then why did you joke like that?"

She said. "Look, Divya has gotten upset with Bhaiya."

Malini glanced at Vaibhav and smiled calmly.

"It's alright," she said gently. "Tomorrow we'll go to her house to ask for our daughter-in-law's hand. We'll make everything right then."

Hearing this, Vaibhav lowered his eyes shyly, a soft blush spreading across his face. Ishani's face lit up with happiness.

"Should I go and tell Divya that we're coming tomorrow?" she said excitedly. "She'll be so happy!"

Malini shook her head.

"No, don't tell her yet. We'll tell her tomorrow itself."

Ishani nodded, though she could barely contain her excitement. She wanted nothing more than to share the news.

"Alright," she said, smiling.

"Come on," Malini added, "let's pack the gifts. We'll take them to the Pathak family tomorrow."

Ishani agreed, and the two of them walked away together.

Behind them, Vaibhav stood still, his heart racing.

There was no limit to his happiness Divya would be his forever.

He picked up his phone and called her.

No answer.

He tried again.

Still nothing.

Divya's phone was switched off.

That night, at the Pathak house, the entire family sat down for dinner.

Devnath looked at Rahul and asked,

"Where is your sister?"

Rahul replied, "Papa, she's in her room."

"Go and call her," Devnath said. "Tell her to come eat."

Just then, Rani interrupted, her voice sharp with irritation.

"Let it be," she said bitterly. "That madam has developed far too many tantrums these days. She stays at home all day and doesn't do a single household chore. She's always locked in her room, reading novels or watching web series. And if I ask her to do even a little work, she starts shouting at me instead!"

Devnath sighed, clearly tired.

"Rani, you tell me this every single day," he said. "Ever since her graduation completed, it's become your daily habit to complain about her. At least spare the poor girl sometimes."

Rani scoffed.

"Oh really? Poor girl?" she snapped. "She's sitting at home and ruining her life. Look at Ishani she's doing a PhD, just like her brother. One day she'll become a professor. But my own daughter turned out like this no interest in studies, no ambition. I'm telling you now, get her married and send her to her own house."

At that moment, Divya stormed out of her room, anger flashing in her eyes.

"Yes," she said coldly. "Do it. Get me married to whoever you want. I don't care. I don't even belong to this house anyway. This isn't my home, is it? You only have your son, Rahul he's the one who'll carry forward your family name. Who am I?"

She looked straight at her father.

"Papa, call the boy's family you were talking about. I'll meet them."

Her voice trembled not with weakness, but with hurt.

The room fell silent.

No one spoke for a few seconds. Even the clinking of plates had stopped.

Divya's words hung heavy in the air, sharp and aching at the same time.

Devnath slowly stood up from his chair. His face showed shock more than anger.

"Divya..." he said softly, "this is not how you talk."

Divya laughed a hollow, broken laugh.

"How else should I talk, Papa?" she asked. "Like everything is fine? Like it doesn't hurt?"

Rani folded her arms, her expression stiff.

"So now you're acting like the victim?" she said. "We only want what's best for you."

Divya turned toward her mother, her eyes glistening.

"If this is what 'best' feels like," she replied quietly, "then I don't want it."

Rahul looked at his sister, confused and worried.

"Didi, calm down," he said. "Why are you saying all this?"

Divya took a deep breath.

"Because no one listens unless I shout," she said. "Every day I'm reminded that I'm useless, that I don't belong. Today, I'm done staying quiet."

She turned back to Devnath.

"You were talking about a boy, right papa?" she asked. "Call his family. I'll meet them. Let's finish this."

Devnath's voice softened.

"Beta, marriage is not a punishment," he said. "And you don't decide something like this in anger."

Divya's eyes filled with tears, but she didn't let them fall.

"Then stop deciding my life without asking me," she whispered.

She turned around and walked back to her room, closing the door gently but firmly.

Inside her room, Divya leaned against the door, her strength finally giving up.

Tears streamed down her face as she slid down to the floor.

Her phone lay beside her, switched off, untouched.

As Divya walked away, Rani scoffed sharply.

"Did you see that?" she said, her voice dripping with irritation. "Look at the way she shows us her anger. The way she talks back so disrespectful."

Rahul couldn't take it anymore.

"Mummy, please stop," he said firmly. "Can't you see she's crying? You've pushed everyone to the edge."

He stood up abruptly, anger burning in his chest.

"What did I even do?" Rani snapped. "You tell me, Rahul. What's my fault?"

"There's no point saying anything to you," Rahul replied coldly.

He walked straight toward Divya's room and knocked on the door.

"Didi," he said gently, "open the door."

There was silence for a moment.

Then Divya's voice came from inside, sharp with pain.

"No. I don't want to talk to anyone. Go away from here."

Rani heard it and shook her head dismissively.

"Leave it, Rahul," she said. "She's completely spoiled. She's beyond control."

Turning to Devnath, she added harshly,

"Call that boy's family tomorrow itself and finalize her marriage. I'm exhausted because of her."

"Enough, Rani," Devnath said angrily. "Why are you adding fuel to the fire? Can't you see what's happening?"

Rani's eyes flashed.

"Yes, I'm the one doing everything," she shot back. "I'm the one who's always blamed. Do whatever you want."

With that, she walked off to her room, slamming the door behind her.

Rahul stood frozen in the corridor caught between a mother on one side and a broken sister on the other.

Divya locked the door and leaned against it, as if the weight of the entire house was pressing down on her back.

Her chest felt tight.

Breathing hurt.

She slowly slid down to the floor, hugging her knees to herself. T

The room was dim, lit only by the faint glow of the streetlight slipping in through the curtains.

Everything felt still too still.

For a few seconds, she just sat there, staring at nothing.

Then the tears came.

Silent at first. Just a few drops slipping down her cheeks.

She pressed her palm against her mouth, trying to stop herself from making a sound.

She didn't want anyone to hear her.

She had already cried enough in front of them.

She was tired of being seen only when she broke.

"Why is it always like this?" she

whispered to the empty room.

She had tried. She really had. Tried to stay quiet.

Tried not to argue. Tried to pretend their words didn't hurt.

But every sentence, every comparison, every reminder that she was "less than" had settled somewhere deep inside her.

Useless.

Unwanted.

A burden.

Her eyes fell on her phone lying near the bed.

The screen was dark. Switched off.

She had turned it off without thinking just to escape, just for a while.

A soft ache passed through her heart.

Vaibhav...

She wanted to call him. To hear his voice.

To tell him everything. But what would she say? That her own house no longer felt like home? That she was being pushed toward a future she never chose?

She wiped her tears angrily.

"No," she murmured to herself. "I won't cry anymore."

But her body didn't listen.

She lay down on the floor, curling herself, clutching the edge of her dupatta like it was the only thing keeping her together.

The walls felt closer. The silence is louder.

Devnath walked into his room without touching his food.

The door closed softly behind him, but the heaviness he carried stayed in the house.

Watching all this, Rahul felt his mind spiral into chaos.

His head throbbed, his thoughts refusing to slow down.

Unable to bear it anymore, he went up to the terrace, hoping the open sky would calm him.

He pulled out a cigarette and lit it, the smoke curling into the night air.

Below, a wedding procession passed through the colony road bright lights, loud music, laughter echoing everywhere.

Rahul stood there, watching it absent-mindedly, as if staring at someone else's happiness.

Then suddenly, he turned.

And froze.

There she was.

Ishani.

Rahul stood still on the terrace, the cigarette forgotten between his fingers.

Ishani danced free, effortless, untouched by the heaviness that filled his own house.

The music from the baraat played loudly, but somehow, it felt distant to him now.

His entire attention had narrowed down to just one place.

To her.

He watched the way she moved not trying to impress anyone, not caring who was watching.

She laughed openly, her head thrown back for a second, as if joy came naturally to her.

There was no hesitation in her steps, no fear of being judged.

Rahul noticed the small things.

The way her bangles clinked softly as she lifted her hands.

The way her dupatta slipped from her shoulder, and she carelessly adjusted it without breaking her rhythm.

The way her eyes sparkled when the beat changed, like she was listening not just with her ears, but with her whole heart.

He realized he wasn't just seeing her.

He was observing her.

Every turn, every smile, every careless spin his eyes followed her as if they had a mind of their own.

When she paused for a breath, he unconsciously held his own.

When she laughed, something loosened inside his chest.

She looked... alive.

So different from the tense walls of his home.

So different from the silence behind his sister's closed door.

Ishani danced like the world had never told her to shrink herself.

Rahul swallowed.

When the song changed, Ishani suddenly stopped dancing.

She glanced around, a little unsure, her smile fading into curiosity.

Then, without meaning to-

She saw him.

Rahul stood on the rooftop above, half hidden by the shadows.

For a moment, Ishani's eyes widened in surprise.

She hadn't realized anyone was watching.

She had been dancing quietly, freely, for herself.

The thought of being seen like that made her heart skip she wasn't used to letting herself be so open in front of someone.

As soon as Rahul realized that Ishani had noticed him, he panicked.

He quickly threw the cigarette to the ground and crushed it under his foot, putting it out in a hurry.

Then, almost instinctively, he looked at her and smiled soft, a little embarrassed.

Ishani smiled back nervously.

"I was just... dancing," she said, her voice unsure, as if she were explaining herself.

Rahul shook his head gently.

"It's okay," he replied. "You can dance."

His words were simple, but they eased something inside her.

For a second longer, they looked at each other both slightly awkward, both aware that this moment was different from all the others before it.

Then the music rose again, and the night carried on.

"Uh... Ishani ," he said.

She looked up."Yes?"

There was a pause.

Rahul rubbed his palms together, clearly nervous.

"I hope you didn't feel... awkward," he said.

Ishani thought for a second, then shook her head.

"No," she said honestly. "I was just surprised."

He nodded quickly."Yeah... I get that."

Another silence. Not uncomfortable. Just unsure.

"You were dancing," Rahul said, almost like he was stating a fact to calm himself."You looked... happy."

Ishani gave a small smile, the kind that barely shows.

"I don't dance much," she said. "Only when I forget people are around."

He smiled at that, relieved.

"It didn't look like you were trying. That's why it felt nice."

She glanced at him, then looked away again."Thank you," she said quietly.

That made him laugh softly.

They looked at each other for a moment.

Then Rahul smiled and said, "What's going on? You seem so happy today."

Ishani nodded softly, her eyes glowing. "Yes... today I'm very happy."

Rahul raised his eyebrows, curious. "Oh? Then tell me too what's the reason?"

She paused, a small, secretive smile playing on her lips. "I can't tell you right now," she said gently. "But tomorrow, you'll find out... and when you do, you'll be happy too."

Rahul said eagerly, "Now you've made me curious. I really want to know why you're this happy."

Ishani smiled and shook her head. "No... you'll find out tomorrow."

Then she glanced at the time and said softly, "It's quite late. I should go now. Bye."

Rahul watched her leave and replied quietly, "Bye," still wondering about the secret behind her smile.

Rahul also went straight to his room, a quiet happiness following him like a shadow.

Seeing Ishani like that free, smiling, unguarded had filled his heart with a warmth he hadn't felt in a long time.

It felt good. Too good.

He lay down on his bed, staring at the ceiling, his thoughts circling back to her again and again.

He imagined the day he would finally tell her what he felt.

Would she understand?

Would she accept him?

What would her expression be when she heard the truth?

Those thoughts stayed with him until sleep slowly took over.

He was fast asleep when Vaibhav's call came at one in the morning.

The phone rang, but Rahul didn't wake up and was still lost in deep sleep.

When it rang two or three times again, he finally stirred, half‑asleep, and answered softly, "Hello?"

On the other end, Vaibhav's anxious voice poured out. "Rahul... Rahul, can you hear me?"

"Yes, bhaiya," Rahul replied, rubbing his eyes.

"Come outside. Open the door. I'm standing outside," Vaibhav said.

Rahul frowned. "Why? What happened?"

"Divya isn't answering her phone. I've been calling her for so long. I'm really worried," Vaibhav said, his voice tense with fear.

Rahul chuckled lightly on hearing this and said, "Okay, I'm coming. But today didi had a fight with mom, and she locked her room from inside."

The moment Vaibhav heard that, his worry deepened. His chest tightened. "Then how will the door open now?" he asked nervously. "It'll only open in the morning... if she even feels like opening it."

Dark thoughts began to creep into Vaibhav's mind thoughts he didn't want to face. Fear gripped him hard.

"Open the door," he said urgently. "I'm coming right now."

"Okay," Rahul replied.

Rahul quickly unlocked the main door and stepped aside.

Vaibhav walked in, his face tense, his eyes filled with worry he was trying hard to hide.

The house was silent, heavy with the kind of quiet that follows an argument.

They both stood outside Divya's room. The door was shut, but a faint light glowed from under it.

"Divya?" Vaibhav called softly, his voice trembling despite his effort to stay calm. "Divya, it's me."

There was no response at first.

Rahul knocked gently. "Didi, open the door. Please."

A few seconds passed long, suffocating seconds before they heard movement inside.

The sound of footsteps. Then the click of the latch.

The door opened slowly.

Divya stood there, her eyes red from crying, her face pale and tired.

But she was safe, Standing, Breathing. Strong, even in her pain.

Vaibhav let out a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding.

Relief washed over him so suddenly that his legs almost gave way.

"You scared me," he said quietly, not angry just overwhelmed. "Why weren't you answering my calls?"

Divya looked at Vaibhav with anger burning in her eyes. Her voice was sharp, wounded.

"Why should I answer your calls?" she snapped. "Who am I to you anyway? Your family is already looking for another girl for you, right? I've also said yes to marry someone else now. So go from here. Don't ruin my name in my own house."

Every word hits Vaibhav like a blow.

The pain was visible on his face, but he forced himself to speak.

"That's not true, Divya," he said softly, his voice trembling. "Mummy was just joking with me. There is no other girl no one is coming between us."

Divya looked away, unconvinced.

"My mother already knew about our relationship," Vaibhav continued, stepping closer. "I just hadn't told her everything clearly, so she came up with that idea to push me. But now she knows the truth."

He paused, then said the words that carried both hope and fear.

"She'll come tomorrow... to ask for your hand."

As Divya listened to Vaibhav, her brows furrowed in curiosity and a hint of relief. "Wait... did Malini aunty know about us?" she asked softly, her voice laced with both surprise and lingering doubt.

Vaibhav nodded, his expression calm but reassuring. "Yes, she knew," he said gently. "That's why she made that joke... it wasn't serious. But now I've told her everything clearly. There's no problem anymore."

Divya felt a weight lift off her chest.

Hearing him say it, hearing him take control of the situation, made her heart steady a little.

For the first time in days, she felt a quiet certainty that things were finally... okay.

"So... aunty is coming tomorrow to ask for my hand," Divya said quietly, trying to keep his tone calm.

Rahul sighed, shaking his head slightly. "How many times are you going to ask the same thing, didi? He already told you, she's coming tomorrow."

Divya glared at Rahul for a moment, her eyes wide with disbelief. "I just... I can't believe it, that's why I'm asking again. What's your problem?" she asked sharply.

Rahul ran a hand over his face, trying to stay patient. "I don't have a problem, didi," he said, his voice was careful. "But Vaibhav bhaiya is already so worried, and you're making him even more anxious."

Vaibhav, hearing this, shook his head gently, his expression soft but firm. "No... no, I'm not at all," he said, his voice calm. "Really, I'm fine."

Divya blinked, looking between them, the tension in her chest easing just a little.

For a moment, she felt a strange warmth in the comfort of knowing that, despite her doubts and worries.

Divya's eyes softened as she looked at Vaibhav, and without thinking, she stepped forward and hugged him tightly.

His heart skipped and beat her warmth pressed against him, and a smile spread across his face instantly.

"I'm so happy," she whispered, pulling back slightly to look at him, her cheeks flushed. "But... I don't even have any nice clothes. And what about makeup? How will I even look? What if I don't... you know..." Her words tumbled out in a rush, full of worry and excitement at the same time.

Vaibhav chuckled softly, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. "Hey," he said gently, "you don't need fancy clothes or makeup. You'll look beautiful no matter what. For me... you already do."

Divya blinked, a shy smile tugging at her lips.

Even as her mind raced with thoughts of how to prepare, the tight squeeze of happiness in her chest told her one thing clearly tomorrow would be special, and she wouldn't be facing it alone.

Rahul let out a small sigh and said,

"Alright, I'm leaving. You two are getting way too lovey-dovey here."

Divya shot him a playful glare. "Go on then. Why are you still standing here?" she teased.

Rahul hesitated for a moment, glancing around nervously. "I was just... keeping an eye out for mom and dad, in case they show up suddenly," he explained.

Divya rolled her eyes, a small smile tugging at her lips. "I can handle that. Now go."

Finally satisfied, Rahul muttered something under his breath about keeping watch and walked away, still talking as if to himself.

Vaibhav watched him leave and couldn't help but laugh softly.

The sound made Divya smile too, a light, happy feeling spreading between them.

For a moment, everything felt simple, warm, and perfect.

Divya's voice trembled slightly as she looked at him, guilt and affection mingling in her eyes. "I'm really sorry... I troubled you so much, didn't I?"

Vaibhav shook his head gently, a soft smile playing on his lips. "No... no, you could never trouble me," he said sincerely, his eyes locking with hers.

Hearing those words, Divya felt a warmth rise in her chest. Her eyes blurred, emotions spilling over, and for a moment, she couldn't hold back the tears threatening to fall.

She looked away, trying to steady herself, but her heart was overflowing with a mixture of relief, love, and gratitude.

Vaibhav looked at her gently and said, "Alright... no more crying, okay?"

Divya shook her head, tears glistening in her eyes, and whispered, "No... I'm not crying."

Vaibhav's expression softened even more. "I'm sorry too," he admitted, his voice low and sincere. "I kept saying no... I kept resisting because I was thinking... how could I even think about marriage before Ishaani's wedding? That's why I kept turning you down."

He reached out and took her hand in his, eyes earnest and filled with emotion. "I'm sorry. You're very important to me, Divya... more than I can even say."

Divya's chest tightened at his words, her tears now mingling with a shy, happy smile.

In that moment, all the fear, doubt, and tension melted away leaving only the warmth of love and trust between them.

Divya was about to speak when suddenly, the door to her parents' room creaked open.

Both she and Vaibhav jumped, startled.

Instinctively, Divya grabbed Vaibhav and pulled him into her room.

Just then, Devnath stepped out, rubbing his eyes sleepily. "Divya..." he called.

Divya froze for a moment, her heart pounding.

Have we been caught? she thought, panic rising, and she slowly turned toward him.

"What's all this noise at this hour?" Devnath asked, his voice a mix of curiosity and mild irritation.

Divya laughed nervously, trying to sound casual. "Nothing, papa. It's just... Rahul came by. He was upset, and I didn't want to open the door."

Devnath raised an eyebrow. "Okay... but where did Rahul go?"

"He's gone, papa to sleep," Divya replied quickly, relief washing over her. "I'm also going to bed now... you should sleep too."

Devnath nodded. "Alright... but I'm a little thirsty. Could you get me some water?"

Divya smiled and nodded. "Yes, yes, papa. You go to your room, I'll bring it."

"Okay," Devnath said, and turned back toward his room.

Vaibhav exhaled quietly, a relieved smile spreading across his face.

Divya giggled softly, her heart still racing, but she felt a little thrill at how close they had been, yet how smoothly they had escaped being caught.

Divya quickly ran to the kitchen, filled a glass with water, and walked softly to Devnath's room.

Devnath looked at her with gentle affection. "Did you bring it, Divya?" he asked warmly.

"Yes, papa," Divya replied softly, handing him the glass.

He took it, drank slowly, and then placed the empty glass down with a small clink. "Alright, Divya... now go to bed. It's very late," he said kindly.

"Yes, papa," Divya replied, smiling faintly. She returned the glass to the kitchen, careful not to make any noise.

Back in her room, Vaibhav watched quietly.

He noticed her phone lying on the table, and switched off.

With a soft sigh, he picked it up and turned it on, the screen lighting up the dim room.

Vaibhav knew Divya's phone password, so he turned it on.

As soon as he unlocked it, he saw a flood of messages and missed calls from Ishaani, messages from others, notifications piling up.

His heart skipped, but he didn't say anything.

Just then, Divya walked into her room, catching him staring at her phone.

Her eyes widened, a mixture of shock . "What are you doing? You should never pick up someone else's phone without asking!" she said, her voice was sharp but playful.

Vaibhav raised his hands in a mock gesture of surrender. "Oh... but you never remember that when you check my phone whenever you want," he said, teasing lightly.

Divya bared her teeth in a small, mischievous smile. "That's my right," she said firmly, though her tone carried warmth rather than anger.

Then, laughing softly, she walked toward him and gently placed her hands around his neck. Vaibhav froze, his eyes widening. "What is happening?" he stammered, his heart racing.

Divya just smiled, leaning closer, the air between them charged with a mix of teasing, affection, and something tenderly intimate.

Divya looked at him, her eyes sparkling with mischief and a little daring. "Well... a kiss is only fair from my future husband," she said, her voice soft but teasing, a hint of challenge in it.

Vaibhav's eyes widened as if she'd said the impossible.

He shook his head firmly, trying to steady his racing heart. "No... no kisses, Divya. Whatever is meant to happen... will happen after marriage," he said, his voice calm but laced with nervous restraint.

Divya's brows furrowed, her lips twitching between a pout and a smile. "How can you be such a boy?" she scolded playfully. "That was supposed to be my line, and here you are, saying it instead!" Her tone was mock angry, but there was warmth under it her heart fluttering at how close he was.

Vaibhav leaned a little closer, his eyes soft, teasing yet sincere. "Yes," he said quietly, "because you never think before speaking. Someone has to use their brain around here... might as well be me."

Divya's eyes narrowed, a mix of frustration and amusement flashing across her face. "What do you mean I don't use my brain?" she exclaimed, her voice half-laughing, half-serious.

Vaibhav smirked, tilting his head slightly. "You'll use it... when you actually have one," he teased, his tone light but mischievous.

Divya blinked, stunned. "What did you just say?!" she shouted, her face turning red with mock outrage.

Before Vaibhav could reply, he suddenly bolted across the room, laughter spilling from his lips.

Divya's eyes widened. "Hey! Where do you think you're running? Come back here! What did you just say?!" she yelled, chasing him with her hands flailing.

Vaibhav laughed, holding his hands up in surrender. "I said it! I told the truth!"

Divya grabbed a pillow and swung it at him, her playful anger filling the room.

Vaibhav reacted quickly, catching the pillow mid-swing, his laughter mingling with hers.

For a moment, they froze, the room filled with the warmth of teasing, laughter, and that electric closeness that made their hearts beat just a little faster.

Vaibhav held the pillow firmly, grinning down at Divya. "Hey! You think you can just attack me like that?" he teased, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

Divya stomped her foot lightly, trying to sound stern but failing as a small laugh escaped her lips. "I can and I will! You have no right to call me stupid!"

Vaibhav shook his head, still smiling, and leaned closer. "Oh really? And what are you going to do about it?"

Divya's face flushed, but she didn't back down. With a swift move, she lunged forward, pretending to try and grab the pillow again.

Vaibhav sidestepped, and she stumbled slightly, but he caught her gently by the waist, steadying her.

Their eyes met, and for a heartbeat, the teasing, laughter, and playfulness faded.

Vaibhav's hand stayed fixed on her waist, holding her tight as he kissed her cheek.

Divya could feel her heart thudding against her ribs.

She looked at him, blushing, but Vaibhav didn't say a word he just kept staring at her like she was the only person in the world.

"You're impossible," she said, her voice a mix of mock scolding and laughter.

Vaibhav's grin widened, still holding her gently by the waist. "And yet... you liked it," he teased softly, his eyes sparkling with warmth.

Divya rolled her eyes but stayed close, her pulse quickening. "Maybe I did," she admitted quietly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Vaibhav brushed a stray strand of hair from her face, his fingers lingering just a moment longer than necessary. "Tomorrow's going to be... an important day for us," he said softly, a hint of nervous excitement in his tone.

Divya's lips curved into a small, knowing smile. "We'll face it together," she replied, her hand brushing against his.

That tiny touch carried more comfort and promise than words ever could.

Vaibhav stepped back slightly, a gentle smile on his face. "Okay... I should get going," he said softly, his voice betraying just a hint of reluctance.

Divya's heart tightened at the thought of him leaving.

She wanted to ask him to stay, to linger just a little longer but the words caught in her throat.

Her eyes followed him, unwilling to let him go, even for a moment.

And yet... after a pause, she whispered softly, "Go... you should go."

He smiled, understanding the mixture of emotions in her words their silent push and pull. "Alright," he said softly. "But... I'll see you soon."

Divya watched him walk toward the door, her chest tight but filled with a quiet warmth.

Even as he left, she felt the closeness of their bond lingering in the room, and a small smile crept across her face.

Both of them to their respective rooms and finally fell asleep, though their minds were restless, filled with thoughts of tomorrow.

Tomorrow was more than just another day it was an important day for both of them.

The decisions that awaited them would mark the beginning of a new chapter in their lives, a step toward a future they had dreamed about, hoped for, and quietly fought for together.

As they drifted into sleep, a mix of excitement, nervousness, and anticipation lingered in the air, wrapping around them like a quiet promise of what was to come.

The next morning, Ishani woke up with a fluttering heart.

Today was special, and she couldn't contain her excitement today she was going to Divya's house to formally ask for her hand.

Divya would become her sister-in-law, a part of her family forever, and the thought made her smile from ear to ear.

As soon as she woke up, Ishani deliberately avoided checking her phone for messages from Abhay.

She didn't want to spoil her mood. It had been a year no calls, no messages from him.

At first, she had worried something had happened to him, thinking that was why he wasn't reaching out.

But when she asked Deeksha one day if her brother was alright,

Deeksha had casually mentioned that he had even called Nanu that morning.

That's when Ishani realized Abhay was ignoring her on purpose.

A pang of confusion and frustration hit her.

If he meant to ignore me, why did he propose? Why did he make me his girlfriend? she thought, her heart aching at the unanswered questions.

She tried to push the memories aside, to forget him, but she couldn't. Not yet.

Meanwhile, on the other side, Rahul had also woken up.

College was closed today for Holika Dahan, giving him the day off.

And today was Deepak's birthday a surprise Rahul had secretly planned, bringing Deeksha and Deepak's mother along to make it perfect.

As Rahul was heading down to his room, Divya called out to him.

He stopped and turned, walking back to her room. "What's up?" he asked, curiosity written all over his face.

Divya looked at him seriously, a hint of urgency in her voice. "Where are you going? College is closed today, right?"

Rahul nodded. "Yeah, it's off, but it's Deepak's birthday today. I'm going to his house."

Divya's eyes widened slightly as she realized she had forgotten. "Oh! I completely forgot it's his birthday," she said, laughing softly at herself.

"Hmm," Rahul replied, trying to hide a smile.

Divya's expression suddenly turned mischievous, but her voice carried excitement. "Don't go yet... Vaibhav is coming, and he's bringing aunty and Ishani to formally ask for my hand."

Rahul froze in shock, his eyes widening. "What?! When? How? When did all this happen?"

Divya waved a hand at him, her tone teasing but firm. "Oh, just hush! You're like the Satabdi Express so fast! Let me speak first, alright?"

Rahul stood there, stunned, as Divya's excitement and the sudden whirlwind of news sank in.

The day was already shaping up to be full of surprises, and Rahul realized he was right in the middle of it.

Rahul stared at Divya for a moment, still trying to process what she had just said. "You're serious?" he asked, his voice a mix of disbelief and excitement.

Divya nodded, unable to hide her smile. "Completely serious. They'll be here any minute."

A slow grin spread across Rahul's face. "Wow... so it's really happening," he said softly. "Didi, this is huge."

Divya let out a nervous laugh. "I know. My heart won't stop racing. Sometimes it feels unreal... like I'll wake up and this will all be a dream."

Rahul shook his head gently. "No, this is real. And you deserve it." Then, teasing her, he added, "But you're a mess right now. Shouldn't you get ready?"

Divya glanced at the clock and gasped. "Oh no yes! Why are you just standing there? Go, keep watch outside. If they arrive, come and tell me."

Rahul saluted her dramatically. "Yes, ma'am," he said with a grin. "Today, your brother is on full duty."

As he turned to leave, Divya called after him, her voice softer now. "Rahul... thank you."

He paused, looked back at her, and smiled warmly. "Always, didi."

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