Author pov...

Rahul stepped out of Divya's room, his mind restless.

A few moments later, Divya too walked out, her heart pounding loudly in her chest.

She gathered her courage and approached her father.

"Papa... I need to talk to you about something."

Devnath, comfortably watching television, looked at her and smiled gently. "Yes, beta, tell me."

Divya hesitated, her fingers nervously intertwining. "Papa... first, please turn off the TV."

He sensed the seriousness in her voice. "Alright, turn it off."

Divya stood up and switched off the television. The sudden silence in the room felt heavy.

She then called out toward the kitchen, her voice slightly trembling, "Mummy... Mummy!"

From inside, Rani responded irritably, "What happened so early in the morning? Why are you shouting, Divya?""Mummy, please come here. I need to talk to you."

Rani turned off the gas stove and walked out of the kitchen, wiping her hands on her saree. "What is it? Say it quickly." She sat down on the sofa, her expression curious but impatient.

Divya looked at both her parents. Her throat felt dry. She took a deep breath.

"Mummy... Papa... I love someone."

For a moment, time froze.

Devnath and Rani stared at her in complete shock.

Rani was the first to react.

"Who is the boy? What are you saying? Since when is this going on?"

Her voice rose with every question.

Devnath tried to calm her. "Rani, let her finish first. Let her say what she wants to say."

But Rani snapped back, "See? This is what happens when you give too much freedom!"

Just then, Rahul entered the room. Sensing the tension, he spoke softly, "Mummy, please... let Didi finish her entire sentence."

Rani turned toward him sharply. "You knew about this? You know Divya likes someone?"

Rahul lowered his eyes. "Yes, Mummy... I know."

Devnath's voice grew firm. "Enough. Both of you, quiet. Divya, you tell us. Who is the boy?"

Divya's heartbeat echoed in her ears. "Papa... he... he..."

"Say it clearly, beta. There's nothing to be afraid of," Devnath said gently.

Divya closed her eyes for a second and gathered her strength.

"Papa... it's Vaibhav. We have been dating each other for six years. And... today Malini aunty is coming with a marriage proposal for me."

The words hung in the air like a storm waiting to break.

Devnath and Rani sat frozen, their faces pale with shock.

The silence that followed felt louder than any scream.

Devnath could hardly believe what he had just heard.

Vaibhav?

The same Vaibhav?

It felt impossible that the boy he had known for years the one who grew up right next door was the man his daughter had been secretly loving. Six years... and not once had he sensed it. Not a single hint. The thought unsettled him deeply.

How could something so big remain hidden in front of his own eyes?

Rani, on the other hand, was lost in her own storm of thoughts. A sudden realization struck her.

"What if Malini ji already knows?" she murmured anxiously. "Maybe that's why she's coming today with a proposal... for Divya."

The possibility made her heart race.

Had the whole neighborhood known before them? Had they been the last to find out about their own daughter's love?

But Devnath's thoughts were different.

Despite the shock, somewhere deep inside, Devnath and rani could not deny something.

They liked Vaibhav.

They had always liked him.

In the entire neighborhood, there wasn't another young man like him responsible, honest, respectful.

After his father's death, Vaibhav had handled his home without complaint.

He had taken care of his widowed mother and younger sister with quiet strength.

He had studied hard, become a college professor, and earned respect not just through his job, but through his character.

Devnath had often told people proudly, "That boy will go far in life."

And now that very boy stood connected to his daughter's heart.

The shock was real.

The silence was heavy.

But beneath it all... there was also an uncomfortable truth.

If his daughter had chosen someone... she had not chosen wrongly.

Devnath looked at Divya again not as a child hiding something, but as a young woman who had quietly built a future in her heart.

And for the first time since hearing the truth, his anger began to soften into thought.

On the other hand, in the Awasthi household, Ishani had carefully packed gifts for everyone Divya, Rahul, Rani, Devnath.

Only Nirmala Dadi's gift remained, because she had gone on a pilgrimage.

Ishani had decided she would give it to her the moment she returned.

Just then, Malini walked in, draped in a beautiful Banarasi saree.

Ishani looked at her and smiled warmly. "Mummy, you look so beautiful today."

Malini smiled back, pleased, and then asked, "Where is your brother? We should be leaving now, shouldn't we?"

Ishani nodded and called out, "Bhaiya! Bhaiya, come quickly Mummy is here!"

Vaibhav came out, fully ready, dressed neatly in a pant and shirt.

Ishani looked at him with admiration and said, "Bhaiya, you look really handsome today."

Vaibhav laughed at her words, and

Malini added fondly, "May no evil eye fall on my son."

Vaibhav smiled and said, "Alright then, shall we go now?"

"Yes, let's go," Malini replied, and together they prepared to leave.

The three of them left

The Awasthi family arrived at the Pathak house.

Inside, the entire Pathak family was already seated in the living room, waiting.

Vaibhav's eyes immediately searched the room and then he saw Divya sitting there.

In that instant, he understood. Divya had told Uncle everything.

Malini walked inside with calm dignity, while Ishani and Vaibhav followed just a step behind her.

"Namaste, Bhaisaab... Namaste, Behenji," Malini greeted softly.

Devnath looked at the three of them, a gentle smile spreading across his face. "Namaste, Behenji," he replied warmly.

Rani quickly stood up from the sofa. "Namaste... please, have a seat," she said politely.

Malini sat down, maintaining her composed expression.

Ishani, however, remained standing beside Vaibhav.

There was a quiet tension in her posture a mix of nervousness and anticipation.

Rahul's gaze fell on Ishani. In that very moment, he understood everything.

So this was the reason.

This was why Ishani had said yesterday, "Tomorrow you'll find out... it's good news."

And now he realized this was the good news.

The air in the room felt heavy with unspoken emotions, as if everyone was waiting for the next moment to unfold.

Malini folded her hands gently in her lap, her voice steady but filled with emotion.

"Bhaisaab... today I have come to ask you for something very precious," she said softly. "I have come to ask for Divya's hand... for my Vaibhav."

For a moment, the room fell silent.

Rani and Devnath exchanged a glance, but neither of them spoke.

Their silence made the air feel heavier.

Sensing the hesitation, Malini continued, her tone turning slightly anxious. "If... if you have any problem with my Vaibhav, please tell me openly."

Devnath immediately straightened up. "No, Behenji, not at all," he said firmly. "Vaibhav is a very good boy."

Rani nodded with a faint smile. "Yes... he is truly a good boy."

She paused, then added gently, "But today, just now, Divya told that the two of them have been dating each other for six years... and we had no idea about it."

There was no anger in her voice only surprise, mixed with a touch of disbelief.

Malini looked equally stunned. "No one told me either," she admitted honestly. "It was only yesterday that Vaibhav told me he likes Divya... that he loves her."

The truth hung in the room like a fragile thread six years of love, hidden quietly between two hearts, now finally spoken aloud before their families.

Devnath looked toward Malini, his

expression softening with sincerity.

"Behenji," he began warmly, "I have always considered Vaibhav and Ishani as my own children.... I have always liked him very much."

A visible wave of relief passed through Malini's fact.

The tension she had been holding in her heart slowly began to loosen.

Vaibhav remained standing respectfully, his hands folded lightly in back. Divya, meanwhile, sat quietly, her eyes lowered, her heart pounding in her chest.

Devnath continued, his voice steady yet emotional.

"And for my Divya... I don't think I could find a better boy than Vaibhav."

Divya's breath caught.

"But," he added thoughtfully, "I always believed she would focus on her career first. I thought she would want to achieve something, build something for herself. She never really spoke about her career seriously."

He paused, then looked at Divya with deep affection.

"I love my daughter very much. And I have complete faith that after marriage, Vaibhav will keep her happy... will love her and respect her."

His gaze shifted to Vaibhav firm, trusting.

"Because I trust this boy."

The words carried weight. Years of observation. Years of silent approval.

"And that is why," Devnath concluded gently, "I am saying yes to this relationship."

For a moment, silence filled the room but this time, it was not heavy.

It was peaceful.

Malini's eyes turned moist. A grateful smile spread across her face.

"Thank you, Bhaisaab," she said emotionally. "You have always cared for Vaibhav and Ishani like your own. I was afraid... I thought you might look for someone else for Divya. But today, with your words, you have lifted a huge burden from my heart."

Devnath shook his head softly.

"No, Behenji. Please don't think like that. You all are family to us."

At that moment, Ishani, unable to contain her excitement, suddenly spoke up with playful energy.

"So that means the match is fixed, right? Can I take Divya with me now and make her my sister-in-law?"

The room burst into soft laughter.

Rani smiled lovingly at Ishani. "Yes, Ishani, you can take Divya with you... but at least let the wedding happen first."

Everyone laughed again, the tension completely dissolving into warmth and joy.

Rahul sat quietly, but happiness shone clearly on his face.

Finally... his sister was getting the love she deserved.

But deep inside his own heart, there was another story one no one knew about.

His love.

For Ishani.

And Ishani had no idea how deeply he cared for her.

Ishani moved around the room, happily feeding sweets to everyone, her excitement impossible to hide.

When she offered one to Divya, she noticed the tears shimmering in her eyes.

Divya wasn't crying out of sadness.

They were tears of relief. Of love. Of a six-year wait finally reaching its destination.

Vaibhav looked at her from across the room.

Their eyes met.

And without speaking a word, he told her Don't cry.

His gaze was gentle. Reassuring.

And in that silent exchange, Divya felt the promise of a lifetime.

The sweetness of the moment still lingered in the air. Laughter had softened into gentle smiles, and the reality of the decision slowly began to settle in everyone's hearts.

Rani looked toward Devnath. "If everything is decided," she said warmly, "then we should also fix the dates."

Ishani immediately leaned forward with sparkling eyes. "Yes! Let's fix the engagement and wedding dates right now!"

Devnath smiled faintly and picked up his phone. "Let's call Pandit ji."

Within minutes, Pandit ji was on call, flipping through his panchang carefully.

"Hmmm... since it is already March," he said thoughtfully, "there is a very auspicious date this month itself."

Everyone leaned in slightly.

"The 18th of March is perfect for engagement," he announced. "And..." he paused for effect, "the 27th of March is an excellent muhurat for marriage. Very strong planetary positions. A marriage on that day will be blessed with stability, love, and prosperity."

For a moment, no one spoke.

This month?

So soon?

Divya's fingers tightened around the edge of her dupatta. Her heart began beating faster.

Malini looked surprised but happy. "That means everything will happen this month?"

Pandit ji nodded. "Yes. When the time is right, delays are unnecessary."

Devnath ended the call and looked around the room.

"What do you all say?"

Everyone smiled at his honesty.

Rani's eyes softened. "March 27th,she repeated quietly. "My daughter will leave this house..."

Her voice trembled slightly, but she quickly controlled herself.

Ishani said excitedly. "Only nine days between engagement and wedding! This is going to be so much fun!"

Malini wiped her moist eyes. "Behenji," she said gently to Rani, "I promise you... your daughter will always be treated like a queen in my house."

Devnath looked at Vaibhav once more, his expression serious yet full of trust.

"From today, preparations begin," he said firmly. "Engagement on 18th March. Wedding on 27th March."

Vaibhav bent down and touched his feet again. "I won't break your trust, Uncle."

Divya finally looked up at Vaibhav.

Their eyes met.

March 27th.

Just days away.

Ishani ran toward Divya and hugged her tightly. "My best friend is getting married this month!"

Just as the warmth of wedding discussions began to settle, Rahul suddenly clapped his hands lightly, breaking the emotional atmosphere.

"Okay, okay," he said with a playful smile. "Now that everything is fixed, I should leave. It's Deepak's birthday today. We've planned a surprise for him."

Ishani's eyes widened in shock. "Oh my God! I completely forgot it's Deepak's birthday today!"

Rahul said. "Hmm... even Divya didi had forgotten too. But now there's a lot of preparation left to do."

Divya covered her face slightly in embarrassment. "With everything happening today... it slipped my mind."

Rahul chuckled softly. "It's fine. Just make sure you both come in the evening. Don't be late."

He looked around at the elders respectfully. "You all must come too. It won't feel complete without everyone."

Malini smiled warmly. "Of course, beta. We'll be there."

Devnath nodded. "We'll come in the evening."

Rahul took a step back toward the door. "Alright then, I'll go now. There's a lot to manage."

He glanced once at Ishani just for a second longer than necessary before quickly looking away.

Divya and Ishani both nodded in agreement.

"Don't worry," Ishani said excitedly. "We'll come. And this time, I won't forget!"

Rahul smiled faintly and walked out, his mind already racing with decorations, cake arrangements, and hidden balloons but somewhere deep inside, another thought lingered.

Rahul left on his bike, heading to Deepak's house.

Deeksha had already arrived there. As soon as Deepak saw Rahul, his eyes moved from him to Deeksha, and he said seriously, "Guys, please... I don't want to celebrate my birthday."

Rahul smirked. "Who's even celebrating your birthday? I came to tell you something else Vaibhav bhaiya and Divya didi's marriage is finalized."

The moment Deepak and Deeksha heard this, they were stunned.

For a second, they were speechless then their faces lit up with happiness.

Deepak laughed and said teasingly, "So that means now you'll become Vaibhav bhaiya's brother-in-law... and Vaibhav bhaiya will become your brother-in-law!"

Deeksha frowned in confusion. "What do you mean?"

Rahul quickly jumped in, flustered. "Nothing nothing at all. He's just being stupid."

He shot a sharp look at Deepak, warning him with his eyes.

Deepak burst out laughing at Rahul's reaction, enjoying the moment a little too much.

Deeksha smiled brightly and said, "This is such good news! But today I need to buy a bike for Abhay bhaiya. Rahul, will you come with me to choose it?"

Rahul shook his head apologetically. "No, I can't. Tomorrow is Holi, and there's a lot of work at home."

Deeksha sighed dramatically. "Great... now you're the only one left."

She turned to Deepak and asked, "So? Will you come or not?"

Deepak leaned back casually and said, "I won't."

Deepak narrowed his eyes at her. "Say it properly," he said firmly. "Say please first."

Deeksha folded her hands slightly and said, "Alright... please, Deepak. Come with me to buy the bike. Please."

Deepak looked at her in mock surprise. "Wow, how did you agree so quickly today? That too so easily?"

Deeksha scoffed. "Don't give yourself so much importance. I only said it because today is your birthday."

Deepak grinned. "Oh really? Then I wish my birthday would come every day."

Deeksha rolled her eyes at him.

Seeing them, Rahul laughed and said, "Alright then, I'll take my leave. You two go and do your thing."

Deepak and Deeksha nodded together. "Hmm... bye."

Rahul waved and walked away, while their playful banter lingered in the air, light and warm.

Rahul was waiting outside, hiding quietly near Deepak's house.

He stayed in the shadows, his heart beating with nervous excitement.

The moment Deeksha took Deepak away on her scooty, Rahul slipped inside the house.

Rahul walked into the empty house and began preparing everything secretly.

Balloons, decorations, little surprises he wanted everything to be perfect.

A soft smile appeared on his face as he imagined Deepak's reaction.

Meanwhile, on the road, Deepak and Deeksha were arguing again, just like always.

Deeksha was driving the scooty angrily. "I'm the one driving!" she snapped. "If I fall this time, you'll go straight to hell after the accident!"

Deepak smirked and replied, "Oh really? If I go to hell, you're coming with me."

Deeksha shot him an offended look. "Excuse me? I'll go to heaven. I'm not a sinner like you."

Deepak raised an eyebrow, pretending to be offended.

"Oh, so I'm a sinner now?" he said dramatically. "What exactly have I done, Miss Heaven?"

Deeksha tightened her grip on the scooty handles and scoffed. "First of all, you irritate me every single day. Second, you never admit when you're wrong. Third-"

"Objection!" Deepak interrupted. "I always admit when I'm wrong."

Deeksha gave him a look. "Name one time."

Deepak went silent for a moment.

"See?" she said proudly. "That's why you're going to hell."

He leaned back slightly and smiled mischievously. "If being annoying sends me to hell, then you'll be sitting right beside me. Because you fight with me every day."

"I don't fight," she argued. "I correct you."

"Correct me?" he laughed. "You threaten me while driving!"

"Because you deserve it!" she shot back, trying not to smile.

The wind brushed against their faces as the scooty moved forward.

There was something strangely comforting about their silly arguments.

Neither of them stayed angry for long.

Their fights were never serious just sparks of energy between two stubborn hearts.

Deepak leaned closer and said softly, "You know... if you go to heaven and I go to hell, I'll complain."

"Complain to who?" she asked, rolling her eyes.

"To God. I'll say you annoyed me so much that I deserve compensation."

Deeksha finally laughed, her anger melting away. "You're impossible."

Deepak chuckled. "Heaven material, huh?"

She tried to look serious... but the corners of her lips betrayed her.

And the scooty kept moving forward carrying their laughter, their chaos, and something unspoken between them.

Deeksha stopped the scooty in front of a huge bike showroom.

He followed her inside anyway.

The showroom lights reflected off the polished bikes.

Deepak's eyes automatically started scanning them.

Even though he tried to act normal, the excitement in his face was impossible to hide.

Deeksha noticed everything.

He stopped near a matte black bike and gently touched the handle.

"This one is powerful," he murmured. "Strong engine... smooth design."

"Oh?" she asked casually. "You like this?"

He quickly stepped back. "No no, I mean... it's good. But for your brother maybe something else."

They moved ahead.

Then he saw it.

A deep blue bike with sharp edges and a sleek finish.

He stood there a little longer this time.

"If I had to choose..." he said slowly, almost talking to himself, "I'd pick this one. Not too flashy. Not too simple. Perfect balance."

Deeksha folded her arms and watched him quietly. "So this is your type?"

He realized what he said and looked embarrassed. "I mean your brother's type. Maybe."

She smiled softly but hid it before he could notice.

The salesman approached. "Ma'am, this model is very popular."

Deeksha nodded thoughtfully. "Hmm. Okay. Thank you. We'll think about it."

Deepak looked surprised. "You're not buying today?"

"Relax," she said. "It's a big decision."

They stepped outside again.

Deepak teased, "Your poor brother. You're so confused."

She shrugged. "I just wanted the best option."

As they sat back on the scooty, Deepak didn't know that she had already made her decision.

Not for her brother.

For him.

For now, she just started the scooty and said casually, "Thank you for helping."

Deepak smiled. "Anytime."

Instead of taking the usual road toward Deepak's house, Deeksha suddenly turned left.

Deepak frowned. "Excuse me... my house is not this side."

"I know," she replied casually.

"Then where are we going?"deepak said

"You ask too many questions for someone who doesn't even pay for petrol."she said

He gasped. "Oh, so now I'm a burden?"

"Always," she said calmly.

A few minutes later, she stopped in front of a bright, cozy restaurant.

Deepak looked at the board. "Why are we here?"

Deeksha removed her helmet and stretched. "Because I'm hungry. Obviously."

He blinked at her. "You kidnapped me because you were hungry?"

"Yes," she said seriously. "I can't eat alone. It looks sad."

He shook his head. "You're impossible."

"And yet," she said while walking inside, "you're still following me."

The restaurant was warm and lively. Soft music played in the background. The smell of butter and spices filled the air.

They sat across from each other.

Deepak leaned forward. "You could've just said you were hungry."

"And miss seeing your confused face?" she replied. "Never."

They ordered food and immediately started their usual silly arguments.

She laughed loudly.

While they were arguing, the restaurant door opened.

A girl walked in stylish, confident, effortlessly pretty.

Deepak's eyes automatically shifted toward her.

He didn't even realize he was staring for a second too long.

The girl noticed him looking.

She smiled.

A soft, interested smile.

Deeksha saw everything.

She looked at Deepak, then at the girl.

The moment the girl's eyes moved toward Deeksha, her smile faded slightly.

She looked at Deeksha, then quietly turned her face away.

Deepak cleared his throat and looked back at the table like nothing happened.

Deeksha leaned forward slowly. "Neck okay? Or should I call a doctor?"

"I wasn't staring," he defended quickly.

"Oh please," she said calmly. "You almost forgot to blink."

He tried to act cool. "She smiled first."

"And you melted," Deeksha replied.

He sighed dramatically. "See, this is my problem."

"What problem?" she asked.

"You."He said

She froze. "Me?"

"Yes. You're always around me. Every girl thinks something is going on between us."Deepak replied

Deeksha stared at him for two seconds... then burst out laughing.

"Something? Between us?" she said, holding her stomach. "Deepak please. Don't flatter yourself."

"I'm serious!" he insisted. "If you stayed a little away from me, maybe I'd finally get a girlfriend."

She leaned back calmly and folded her arms.

"Ohhh, so now I'm blocking your love life?"

"Yes!" Deepak said

She looked at him with fake seriousness.

"Deepak," she said slowly, "the reason you don't have a girlfriend is not me."

"Then what?" he challenged.

She tilted her head. "Have you seen your face?"

He gasped loudly. "Excuse me?!"

"Average," she said. "Very average."

"My face is perfectly fine!"He said

"Hmm," she examined him dramatically. "Maybe slightly below average."

"Wow. Best friend, huh?"Deepak scoffed..

"Yes," she nodded proudly. "Only a best friend can tell the truth."

He shook his head. "You're jealous."

She rolled her eyes. "Of her? Please. I was just enjoying the free entertainment.

She leaned forward again. "But listen..."

"What?" He said

"If some girl rejects you because I'm around, that means she's insecure."she said

"Oh?" He replied confusingly

"Yes. Because if someone can't handle your best friend, she doesn't deserve you."She said

He looked at her for a moment.

"That was... unexpectedly mature."

"Don't get used to it," she replied quickly.

The food arrived and they both attacked it like nothing serious had just been said.

After a few bites, Deepak muttered, "Still think my face is below average?"

She looked at him carefully... then smiled."It's fine."

"Fine?"He said

"Yeah. Manageable."she said

He threw a tissue at her.

She laughed loudly.

And just like that, the tension dissolved again.

Two idiots.

Two best friends.

Fighting, teasing, protecting each other in their own strange way.

And neither of them realized how rare that kind of friendship actually

was.

By the time evening arrived, the sky had turned soft orange and then slowly faded into blue.

Deepak and Deeksha were still outside.

After the restaurant, instead of going home, Deeksha had dragged him to a clothing store.

"Now what?" Deepak asked, already tired. "I'm not buying anything."

"Yes, you are," she said firmly.

"For what?" He said

"For breathing too much," she replied casually. "Come inside."

Inside the store, soft lights reflected off neatly arranged shirts and jackets.

Deepak immediately understood.

"No," he said quickly. "Absolutely not."

Deeksha picked up a dark blue shirt and held it against him. "This will look good."

"I have clothes."He said

"You have three decent shirts," she corrected. "And you rotate them like it's a school uniform."

He tried to put the shirt back. "Deeksha, seriously. Don't waste money."

"It's not a waste."he said

"It is," he insisted. "I don't like taking things like this."

There was something different in his voice now not playful, not sarcastic.

Just uncomfortable.

He had always been like that.

He could give everything to people.

But taking something? That made him uneasy.

She softened slightly but didn't back down.

"It's your birthday," she said quietly. "At least today, stop arguing."

"I don't need anything."he said

"I know," she replied. "That's why I'm buying it."

He looked at her.

For a moment, he wanted to refuse again.

But she was already walking toward the billing counter.

He stood there, feeling strange.

A little embarrassed.

A little... undeserving.

When she handed him the bag outside, he didn't look at her immediately.

"You didn't have to," he said softly.

"I know," she smiled. "I wanted to."

He wasn't good at expressing gratitude.

But his silence held more emotion than words could.

By the time they finally reached his house, the night had completely fallen.

The street was quiet.

The house looked dark.

Too dark

Deepak frowned. "Why are the lights off?"

Deeksha got off the scooty calmly. "Maybe a power cut?"

"No, the street lights are on."

He stepped closer to the door. "This is weird."

She tried to keep her face neutral. "Then go inside and check."

He opened the door slowly.

The house was completely dark.

"Mom?" he called out.No response.

She shrugged slightly. "Maybe just switch on the light?"

He sighed and stepped forward, feeling along the wall for the switch.

The moment his fingers pressed it The lights burst on.

"Happy Birthday, Deepak!!!"

The room exploded with sound.

Rahul jumped forward laughing.

Ishani, Divya, Vaibhav, Devnath, Rani, Malini And in the center, smiling with teary eyes His mother, Rajni.

Colorful balloons filled the room.

Decorations shimmered against the walls.

A cake stood on the table with candles glowing softly.

Deepak froze.

Completely.

For a second, he couldn't even process what was happening.

Rahul came and hugged him tightly. "Surprise, idiot!"

Everyone clapped and cheered.

But Deepak's eyes had already shifted to his mother.

She walked closer, placing her hand gently on his cheek. "Happy birthday, beta."

Her voice trembled slightly.

And that's when something inside him broke.

Not sadness.

Overwhelm.

He hadn't expected this.

He never expected much for himself.

He turned slowly.

His eyes found Deeksha standing near the door, arms crossed casually, pretending like this was all normal.

But her smile was softer than usual.

"You..." he said quietly.

She raised an eyebrow. "What?"

"You knew?"deepak said

"Obviously," Rahul said loudly. "Mastermind yeh hai."

Deepak looked at her again.

The restaurant.

The new clothes.

The delay.

Everything made sense now.

"You planned all this?" he asked.

She shrugged. "Team effort."

But everyone knew who had started it.

He felt that same awkward emotion again the same one from the clothing store.

He didn't know how to handle people doing things for him.

He swallowed slightly. "You didn't have to."

She walked closer now.

"Yes," she said softly. "We did."

For a second, his eyes became slightly moist.

He quickly looked away so no one would notice.

Rahul shouted, "Speak! Speak!"

Deepak rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. "I... don't know what to say."

His mother smiled proudly.

"I just... didn't expect this," he admitted.

Deeksha smirked lightly. "That's the point of surprise."

Everyone laughed.

But in that moment, standing in a room full of people who cared about him-Deepak realized something.

Maybe he didn't like taking gifts.

Maybe he felt shy.

Maybe he didn't think he deserved much.

But he was loved.

Deeply.

And loudly.

And as the candles flickered in front of him, surrounded by laughter, he glanced once more at Deeksha.

The candles flickered gently on top of the cake.

Everyone gathered closer around the table.

Deeksha clapped her hands lightly.

"Okay, okay! Enough emotional staring. Come on, cut the cake."

Deepak was still standing quietly, taking everything in.

His mother, Rajni, stepped forward and placed her hand softly on his shoulder.

"Yes, beta... go ahead. Cut the cake."

Her voice was warm, filled with pride.

Deepak nodded.

He picked up the knife slowly.

Everyone started counting.

"Three... two... one!"

He cut the cake.

"Happy Birthday, Deepak!!!"

The house is filled with cheers, claps, whistles, and laughter.

Rahul shouted loudly in excitement.

He first fed a piece of cake to his mother.

Rajni's eyes became slightly moist as she fed him cake back.

"Always stay happy," she whispered.

He nodded quietly.

Then he fed Rahul, who immediately smeared cream on Deepak's cheek.

"Hey!" Deepak protested, but he was laughing.

Everyone got cake. Everyone teased him.

Deeksha stood a little behind, watching everything.

Deepak noticed.

Without saying anything, he picked up a small piece of cake and walked toward her.

"For tolerating me," he said casually.

She rolled her eyes. "I deserve a bigger piece."

He smirked and fed her anyway.

She took a bite and said, "Not bad. Manageable. Like your face."

He shook his head, smiling.

After everyone had cake and the noise settled a little, Deeksha suddenly clapped loudly.

"Attention! Attention!"

Everyone turned toward her.

Rahul groaned. "Oh no. She's about to start something."

Deeksha stood in the center dramatically.

"Today is a very special day," she began. "First, Holika Dahan..."

Everyone nodded.

"Second, Deepak's birthday..."

More clapping.

"But..." she paused dramatically.

Deepak narrowed his eyes. "What are you doing?"

She ignored him.

"And third..." she continued with a mischievous smile, "our beautiful couple who have been secretly meeting each other for so many days..."

The room exploded.

Deeksha raised her hand like she was announcing a winner.

"Their marriage is officially fixed!"

Everyone screamed excitedly.

"Who is it?!" someone shouted.

Deeksha grinned proudly.

"Our respected Professor Vaibhav Awasthi..."

Vaibhav froze.

"And our sweet Divya didi!"

For one second, there was silence.

Then the entire house burst into loud cheers.

"Wooooo!!!"

Rahul clapped wildly. Ishani screamed. Malini hugged Divya.

Vaibhav covered his face. "No, no! Who told you this?"

Divya was blushing but laughing. "Deeksha!"

Deeksha crossed her arms proudly. "Secret meetings exposed."

Vaibhav tried defending himself. "We were not secretly meeting!"

Everyone burst into laughter.

Divya tried to look serious but couldn't stop smiling.

Deeksha raised her hand again.

"And now... a dance from our couple is compulsory!"

Everyone cheered out loud.

Vaibhav immediately stepped back. "No, no. I'm not dancing."

Divya raised an eyebrow confidently. "Oh really?"

"I'm serious-"Vaibhav said

"Okay," Divya said calmly, "I'm ready."

The room went wild.

Vaibhav stared at her. "You're serious?"

She nodded. "Absolutely."

Rahul quickly played music from his phone.

The room turned into chaos again laughter, teasing, cheering.

Divya pulled Vaibhav's hand lightly. "Come on."

He resisted for two seconds... then gave up.

As they started dancing awkwardly, everyone laughed and clapped.

Rani shook her head while watching Divya."This girl will always stay crazy."

Malini smiled. "That's why everyone loves her."

Deepak stood slightly aside, watching everything.

His house.

Filled with noise.

Filled with warmth.

Filled with people who genuinely cared.

For once, Deepak didn't feel uncomfortable receiving love.

He just stood there.

And allowed himself to feel it.

Music filled the house.

Vaibhav and Divya were still dancing awkwardly while everyone clapped and cheered.

Ishani and Malini were laughing nonstop. Rani recorded everything on her phone.

Even Rajni stood there smiling proudly, watching the house come alive.

Suddenly, Devnath cleared his throat dramatically.

"Excuse me!" he announced loudly. "Deeksha... I think you still haven't

given Deepak his real gift."

The music paused.

Everyone turned toward Deeksha.

Deepak frowned. "What gift, Uncle?"

Deeksha's eyes widened slightly. "Uncle! Don't say it like that!"

Devnath laughed. "What? I didn't reveal anything."

Deepak looked confused. "What are you all talking about? What gift?"

Ishani stepped forward with a mischievous smile. "You'll find out."

Deepak narrowed his eyes. "Find out what?"

Rahul folded his arms, trying to control his excitement.

Deeksha crossed her arms and said casually, "Relax. Why are you so impatient?"

"Because it's my birthday and clearly everyone knows something I don't," Deepak replied.

Ishani suddenly called out, "Aunty! Please come here!"

Rajni walked toward them, smiling.

Deepak looked from one face to another. "Can someone explain what's happening?"

His mother gently held his hand.

"Come with me."

She started walking toward the door.

Deepak blinked. "Where are we going?"

"Outside," she said softly.

Everyone followed quietly behind them.

The night air was cool.

The street lights cast a soft glow outside the house.

And right there, in front of the house-

Something large stood covered under a dark cloth.

Rahul stood beside it, trying very hard not to smile too widely.

Deepak stopped walking.

"What is this?" he asked slowly.

No one answered.

He looked around. "Seriously... what is happening? Can someone tell me?"

His mother stepped closer to him.

"Remove the cloth," she said gently. "You'll understand yourself."

Deepak's heart started beating faster.

He didn't know why.

He walked slowly toward the covered object.

For a second, he hesitated.

Then he grabbed the edge of the cloth.

And pulled.

The cloth slipped down.

Underneath it-A bike.

The same deep blue bike.

Deepak froze.

His mind went blank.

He looked at the bike.

Then at Deeksha.

His voice came out almost like a whisper.

"Deeksha... isn't this the bike you were checking for your brother?"

There was silence for a second.

Then his mother spoke."No, beta."

He slowly turned toward his mother .

"This bike is for you."Rajni said

His eyes widened slightly.

"I bought it for you," she continued gently. "You once said... 'I wish I had a bike too.' You thought I didn't hear it. But I did."

Deepak swallowed.

"But..." he tried to speak, "this is expensive..."

Rajni smiled softly.

"You think I bought it alone?"

She shook her head.

"Deeksha, Rahul, Ishani, Divya, Vaibhav... and I - we all contributed. We all saved and planned together. Just for you."

Deepak looked at them.

At Rahul, who gave him a proud nod.

At Ishani, who was smiling emotionally.

At Vaibhav and Divya standing side by side.

And at Deeksha.

She wasn't smiling widely this time.

She was just watching him quietly.

Waiting for his reaction.

For a moment, Deepak didn't speak.

He couldn't.

He slowly walked closer to the bike.

He touched the handle gently.

Like he was afraid it would disappear.

"This is... for me?" he asked again softly.

"Yes," Deeksha said finally. "And don't you dare say 'you shouldn't have.'"

He let out a shaky breath.

Deepak's throat tightened.

He hated crying in front of people.

This was different.

He turned toward his mother and hugged her tightly.

For a few seconds, he didn't care who was watching.

Rajni closed her eyes and held him close.

"I'm proud of you," she whispered.

When he stepped back, his eyes were slightly red - but he quickly wiped them.

Then he looked at Deeksha.

"You lied," he said softly.

She shrugged. "For a good reason."

He shook his head, half smiling.

"I don't deserve this."

Deeksha stepped closer.

"Yes, you do."

Rahul suddenly shouted, "Okay enough emotion! Start the bike!"

Everyone laughed.

Deepak looked at the key in Rahul's hand.

Rahul tossed it to him.

Deepak caught it.

His hands trembled slightly as he inserted the key.

He started the bike.

The engine roared to life.

And in that sound-

There was excitement.

There was pride.

There was love.

Everyone clapped loudly.

Deepak looked around at all of them.

At his people.

His chaos.

His family.

And for the first time in a long time-

He didn't feel shy about receiving something.

He just smiled Fully.

The celebration slowly faded.

One by one, everyone left.

Rahul hugged Deepak tightly before leaving.

"Don't forget who arranged everything," he said dramatically.

Ishani waved. Divya and Vaibhav left still teasing each other. Rani laughed on her way out. Devnath gave Deepak a proud pat on the back.

Soon, the house became quiet again.

The decorations are still hung on the wall.

A few balloons floated near the ceiling. The cake table stood half-empty.

Outside, under the dim streetlight, the blue bike stood parked - shining softly in the night.

Deepak stepped outside alone.

He sat on the bike seat gently.

Ran his fingers over the handle.

The engine was still slightly warm.

He exhaled slowly.

"So this is real..." he whispered to himself.

Behind him, footsteps approached.

It was Deeksha.

She didn't say anything at first.

She just leaned against the wall, arms folded.

"Happy?" she asked casually.

Deepak didn't look at her immediately.

"Why did you do this?" he asked quietly.

She frowned. "Because it's your birthday."

"That's not what I mean."

He finally looked at her.

"You remember small things I say."

She shrugged. "That's what best friends do."

There was no drama in her voice. No hidden emotion. Just simple truth.

He smiled faintly.

He looked at her

"You all shouldn't have spent money."

"It wasn't spending," she corrected him. "It was investing."

"In what?" he asked.

"In seeing this stupid smile on your face."

He laughed quietly Silence settled between them,Comfortable silence.

The kind that only exists between people who don't need to impress each other.

After a moment, he spoke again.

"When I said you ruin my chances of getting a girlfriend..."

She raised an eyebrow. "Hmm?"

"I didn't mean it."He said

"I know," she replied calmly.

"But still."

She waved it off. "Deepak, relax. I'm not that fragile."

He nodded slowly.

Then he said softly, "Thank you."

She immediately made a face. "Ew. Don't get emotional."

"I'm serious."he said

"I know."she replied

He looked at the bike again.

"You think I'll look cool riding this?"

She examined him dramatically.

"The bike? Yes."

"And me?"He said

She tilted her head. "Still average."

He shook his head, laughing.

Then she walked closer and lightly punched his shoulder.

"I'm proud of you, okay?"

"For what?"She said

"For being you. For never complaining. For handling things quietly. For being a good son."

His expression softened.

"You don't usually say things like this."

"Because you don't usually listen," she replied.

They both smiled.

A soft breeze passed.

The street was silent.

Deepak looked at the sky for a second.

"You know," he said, "today was the best birthday I've ever had."

"Obviously," she replied confidently. "I planned it."

He rolled his eyes.

Then, after a small pause, he said quietly-"I'm lucky."

She didn't respond immediately.

Then she said softly-"Yeah. You are."

And for once, there was no teasing.

No sarcasm.

Just two best friends standing under a streetlight.

Deeksha said, “Okay, I’ll leave now. It’s getting late, and tomorrow morning is Holi. Let’s meet at Rahul’s house.”

Deepak nodded and replied softly, “Hmm… bye.”

When Deeksha left, Deepak went inside his house.

His mother was in the living room, carefully picking up empty plates.

He immediately walked toward her.

"Ma... leave it. I'll do it."

She handed him a few plates anyway.

They worked in silence for a few minutes.

Not awkward silence.

The kind that only exists between a mother and her son - where words aren't always necessary.

After everything was cleaned, Rajni sat down on the sofa.

Deepak stood there for a second... then quietly sat beside her.

For a moment, neither of them spoke.

Then she gently adjusted his hair, just like she used to when he was younger.

"You liked the bike?" she asked softly.

Deepak nodded."I loved it."

She smiled.

"I was scared," she admitted quietly.

"Scared? Of what?"He said

"That maybe you would feel pressured. Or uncomfortable."Rajni replied

He shook his head.

"I did feel uncomfortable," he said honestly.

She looked at him carefully.

"Because I'm not used to receiving things," he continued. "I always feel like I don't deserve so much."

Rajni's expression changed slightly.

She placed her hand on his cheek.

"Listen to me carefully," she said gently. "You deserve more than you think."

He looked down.

"You've never demanded anything," she continued. "Even when you wanted something, you stayed quiet. You've grown up before your time."

He swallowed."I just didn't want to trouble you."

She smiled sadly."You were never a trouble."

He didn't respond.

She gently turned his face back toward her.

"You don't always have to be strong."

That sentence broke something inside him.

He leaned forward and hugged her tightly.

This time, longer than before.

She wrapped her arms around him like she used to when he was small.

"I'm proud of you," she whispered again.

He closed his eyes.

"I'll take care of you," he said quietly.

She smiled against his shoulder. "You already do."

After a few moments, he pulled back.

She wiped the corner of his eye gently with her thumb.

"See? Emotional," she teased softly.

He gave a small embarrassed smile.

"Only a little."

She stood up.

"Go sleep now. Big bike owner."

He laughed quietly.

As he walked toward his room, he paused at the door."Ma?"

"Yes?"Rajni said

"Thank you."Deepak replied

She smiled warmly."Always."

Deepak went inside his room.

He looked out the window once more.

The blue bike stood outside under the streetlight.

In Pathak family their room, Devnath sat back comfortably, a satisfied smile playing on his lips.

Turning to Rani, he said warmly, “The children gave Deepak such a wonderful surprise today, didn’t they?”

Rani nodded gently. “Hmm… yes, it was truly beautiful.”

She stood by the almirah, carefully placing her jewelry back inside, but there was a different glow about her tonight. She couldn’t stop smiling.

Devnath noticed the sparkle in her eyes and teased softly, “My dear wife seems very happy today… what’s the reason?”

Rani paused for a moment, then looked at him with quiet joy. “Why wouldn’t I be happy? Our daughter’s marriage has been fixed… and that too with Vaibhav. I had always wished for Vaibhav to become my son-in-law. But I could never gather the courage to say it to anyone.”

Devnath suddenly laughed, his eyes lighting up. “Rani ji, you just spoke the words that were in my heart.”

Rani stared at him in surprise. “You… you also felt the same about Vaibhav?”

He nodded with a gentle smile. “Yes. Just like you, I could never say it aloud.”

For a moment, they simply looked at each other amazed at how closely their hearts had been aligned all along.

Then Devnath said with quiet happiness, “It seems our unspoken wishes have finally come true. Vaibhav will now become the son-in-law of our home.”

Rani smiled softly, her heart full. “Hmm…”

Like and comment please 🙏❤️