Author pov...

Rahul arrived at college after getting ready and grabbing a quick breakfast.

As he stepped onto the campus, his eyes instinctively searched for Ishani and there she was, standing beneath the old neem tree, her presence as quiet and familiar as ever.

But something felt off. But Deepak didn’t come to college today.

A faint worry stirred inside him. He pulled out his phone and called Deepak.

“Why didn’t you come to college today?” Rahul asked as soon as the call connected.

“Not feeling well… just a little sick,” Deepak replied, his voice unusually dull.

Rahul frowned. “Okay… but is there something else? You’re not hiding anything from me, right?”

A brief silence followed. “Are you crazy?” Deepak forced a laugh. “What would I hide from you? There’s nothing.”

Rahul wasn’t convinced, but he sighed softly. “Alright. Take care of yourself,” he said before ending the call.

Just then, Deeksha walked over, glancing around. “Where’s Deepak? Why didn’t he come today?” she asked.

“He’s not well. Slight fever,” Rahul replied.

“Oh… okay,” she nodded, concern flickering across her face before the bell rang and classes began.

Later, when Professor Vaibhav’s lecture was about to start, a strange buzz spread through the corridors.

Whispers traveled faster than footsteps Professor Vaibhav had gotten engaged.

By the time he entered Rahul’s class, the news had already reached everyone.

The girls couldn’t stop staring at the ring on his finger, murmuring to each other with dramatic heartbreak, as if a silent crush they had all secretly shared had just slipped away forever.

Rahul and Deeksha exchanged amused glances, barely holding back their laughter as the room filled with exaggerated sighs and disappointed whispers.

To them, it was oddly entertaining watching a dozen imaginary love stories shatter at once, all because of a simple ring glinting under the classroom lights.

Divya arrived at the college that day to meet Vaibhav.

She wanted to spend some time alone with him, away from everything else, so he had asked her to come there.

They were supposed to leave together from the college itself.

She sat in his office, quietly waiting, her eyes wandering around the room, her fingers absentmindedly scrolling through her phone.

After a while, a peon informed Vaibhav, “Sir, a girl is waiting in your office.”

Vaibhav paused, already knowing who it must be. “Alright,” he said, and walked toward his office.

As he stepped inside and saw Divya sitting there, a soft smile crossed his face. “Divya, there’s still an hour left before the college closes. I told you to come after that,” he said gently.

She looked up at him, a playful innocence in her eyes. “I came early… is that a problem?”

He shook his head. “No, not a problem. I just have a few classes to take. You’ll be comfortable here alone, right?”

She nodded. “Hmm, I’ll be fine. You go… just come back quickly.”

Vaibhav smiled, warmth lingering in his expression. “Okay. I’ll be back soon.” And with that, he left.

Divya leaned back in the chair, passing time on her phone, the quiet of the office wrapping around her like a pause between heartbeats.

Soon, the final bell rang and the

college day ended.

Vaibhav called Rahul over. “Rahul, take Ishani home today,” he said.

A flicker of happiness lit up Rahul’s face, though he tried to sound casual. “You’ll be staying here, sir?”

Before Vaibhav could answer, Divya walked in. “No, we’re going out,” she said with a light smile. “And tell Mom that Divya didi just stepped out to buy something, okay?”

Rahul looked at the two of them, understanding more than their words said.

He smiled knowingly. “Okay… enjoy.”

As he walked away, Deeksha caught up with him. “Will you come to Deepak’s house with me? We should check on him.”

Rahul hesitated. “You go ahead. I’ll drop Ishani home first, then I’ll come

to Deepak’s place.”

“Okay,” Deeksha agreed.

Ishani, who had been watching from a distance, slowly walked up to Rahul.

“Shall we go?” she asked softly.

“Hm,” he nodded.

She sat behind him on the bike, careful and quiet, her hands resting lightly as if unsure whether to hold on.

Rahul started the engine, and the bike rolled forward into the fading light of evening.

“Drive carefully… watch the speed

breakers today,” Ishani murmured.

Rahul smiled faintly, eyes on the road. “Hmm,” he replied, his voice low, steady but his heart beating just a little faster than usual.

Deeksha walked over to Deepak’s house. To her surprise, the front door wasn’t locked.

Without bothering to knock, she pushed it open and stepped inside.

Deepak was in his room, completely unaware of her arrival. Hearing footsteps, he assumed it was his mother.

He was lounging on his bed, shirtless and wearing only a pair of shorts.

Suddenly, the door swung open. Deeksha stood there, looking straight at him. Startled, Deepak’s eyes widened in shock.

He scrambled to grab a bedsheet, pulling it over himself to cover up.

"What... what are you doing here?" he stammered, his voice laced with panic.

Deeksha leaned against the doorframe, a playful look on her face. "What am I doing?" she repeated coolly. "I just came to see you."

Deepak’s face turned a deep shade of crimson as he clutched the bedsheet tighter.

He was visibly flustered, his heart racing from the sudden intrusion.

"Deeksha! You can't just... you don't just walk into someone’s room without knocking!" he snapped, his voice cracking slightly with embarrassment. "Don’t you have any sense of privacy?"

Deeksha rolled her eyes, unfazed by his outburst. She crossed her arms, looking at him with a mix of concern and amusement.

"How was I supposed to know you’d be sitting here like this?" she countered. "I thought you were sick and resting, so I came in quietly to check on you. I didn't expect to walk into... this."

"Why are you overreacting so much?" Deeksha asked, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "It’s not like I haven’t seen you like this before. There’s no big deal... unless, of course, you were doing something else."

Deepak froze, his grip on the bedsheet tightening even more. "Something else? Like what?"

Deeksha stepped a little closer, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "You know... what partners usually do together. But since you don't have one, maybe you were just keeping yourself busy? I hope I didn't disturb your private moment."

Deepak’s jaw dropped. He stared at her, eyes wide with utter disbelief and shock.

He couldn't find his voice for a moment before finally pointing a trembling finger toward the exit.

"Deeksha... just get out! Leave the room, right now!" he managed to choke out.

Deeksha let out a playful laugh, clearly enjoying how much she had rattled him.

She turned around and walked out of the room, still giggling at his horrified expression.

Deepak’s heart was drumming against his chest, loud and erratic. His mind was a chaotic mess, and he couldn't think straight.

For the last two or three days, Deeksha had been the only thing occupying his thoughts, and this encounter just made everything worse.

Because of the sweltering heat, he had stripped down to his shorts just to find some relief while lying on his bed. He hadn't expected his privacy to be shattered like this.

"She’s unbelievable," he muttered to himself, clutching his head. As if his existing thoughts about her weren't enough, she had to come in and mess with his head even more with those teasing remarks. His peace was officially gone.

Deepak quickly threw clothes on his body and stepped out of his room. He found Deeksha in the kitchen, casually sipping water.

"What are you still doing here?" Deepak asked, trying to sound firm.

Deeksha lowered her glass, looking at him with a hint of defiance. "What’s that supposed to mean? Am I not allowed to come to your house anymore?"

"No, I didn't mean it like that," Deepak muttered, looking away. "But... didn't you go to college today?"

"I did," she replied. "But Rahul told me you weren't feeling well, so I came over to check on you."

"Well, I'm fine now. No problem at all. You can leave," he said, hoping she’d just go.

Instead, Deeksha started walking toward him.

Panicked, Deepak began to back away. But Deeksha kept coming until his back hit the cold surface of the wall.

She stepped into his personal space and reached out, placing her palm gently against his forehead.

Being this close to her made Deepak break into a cold sweat.

Suddenly, flashes of that Holi video flooded his mind the memory of him kissing her jaw, her neck, and then her chest. His heart began to hammer against his ribs like a trapped bird.

Deeksha pulled her hand back, still searching his face. "Hmm, you seem fine. No fever. But why are you acting like this? You were running away from me yesterday too. What’s wrong with you?"

"N-nothing... nothing is wrong. Everything is fine," Deepak stammered, his voice betraying him.

Deeksha narrowed her eyes suspiciously. "No. Something is definitely up. You’re hiding something from me."

"First, just... move back," Deepak pleaded. "Why are you standing so close?"

Deeksha stared at him for a long moment, looking baffled.

"What kind of madness has gotten into you?" She finally stepped back but didn't take her eyes off him. "Now tell me, what are you hiding?"

I’m not hiding anything!" Deepak snapped, his frustration boiling over. "Why do both of you keep asking me the same thing over and over?"

Deeksha crossed her arms, unconvinced. "No, you’re lying. I can see it in your eyes. I’m not leaving until you tell me the truth."

Deepak took a deep breath, trying to come up with an excuse on the spot. "Fine! There’s... there’s this girl. I can’t stop thinking about her. She’s been stuck in my head for days."

Deeksha’s face instantly lit up. A wide, excited grin spread across her lips. "OMG! Deepak, are you actually in love? You’ve finally fallen for someone!"

"No, no! It’s not like that," Deepak stammered, waving his hands dismissively. "I don’t do things like love and all that."

"Oh, you dummy!" Deeksha laughed, nudging him playfully. "When someone occupies your mind 24/7 and you can’t stop thinking about them, that is love. Now, don't be shy to tell me her name! Who is she?"

Deepak felt his heart skip a beat. He couldn't tell her it was her he was thinking about. "There is no girl," he mumbled, looking at the floor. "It was just... a dream. I saw her in a dream, but I couldn't even see her face. I have no idea who she is."

"Wait, so she came in your dream? You haven't even seen her in real life?" Deeksha asked, her brow furrowing in confusion. "What kind of strange dream is that?"

"That’s exactly why I’m telling you it’s nothing!" Deepak insisted, trying to sound convincing. "She just... popped into my mind for no reason."

Deeksha sighed, finally letting it go. "Alright, fine. But are you sure you’re feeling okay now? No more fever or anything?"

"Yeah, I’m fine. Totally fine," Deepak replied quickly.

"Okay then," she said.

Deepak looked at her expectantly. "So... you’re leaving now, right?"

Deeksha chuckled, shaking her head as she picked up her bag. "Wow. You’re kicking me out as if I’m going to eat you alive! Fine, I'm going."

She walked out of the house, her footsteps fading away. As the front door finally closed, Deepak let out a long, heavy breath.

A wave of pure relief washed over him as he sank back, finally alone with his chaotic thoughts

Deepak clutched his head in frustration, pacing back and forth in the empty room. "You’ve lost your mind, Deepak."

He muttered to himself. "You’ve officially gone crazy. Deeksha loves Rahul... and here you are, having these kinds of thoughts about her?"

He stopped in his tracks, a new wave of confusion hitting him. "But wait... Rahul is in love with Ishani Didi. This is a mess."

He slumped down on the edge of his bed, staring blankly at the wall. "What on earth is happening to all of us? Our lives are turning into some twisted, complicated knot that I can't seem to untangle."

Deepak, you can’t think about Deeksha like that anymore. Not after everything.

Looking at her, it was painfully clear she remembered nothing about what had happened between them on Holi.

Not a single moment.

He whispered to himself, almost like a command, telling his own heart to forget it too, to bury it somewhere it could never surface again.

She is just your best friend… nothing more, he repeated silently, even as something inside him refused to listen.

Rahul had just dropped Ishani home when a group of boys from the neighborhood showed up, cricket bats slung over their shoulders and mischief in their eyes. “Come on, Rahul, let’s play a match,” they called out.

Rahul shook his head lightly. “You guys play. I’ve got a lot of work,” he replied, already turning as if to leave.

They laughed, teasing him. “Why? Scared you’ll lose?”

He stopped. Slowly, he looked back at them, a faint, confident smile touching his lips. “You all know who loses and who doesn’t,” he said calmly.

The boys exchanged glances, grinning. “Alright then… come on, let’s play once and see.”

Rahul sighed, pulled off his helmet, and set it carefully on his bike before stepping forward.

“Fine,” he said, a spark of challenge lighting up his eyes. “But if I win, what do I get?”

They huddled for a second, then one of them spoke, “Two thousand. We’ve got it on us.”

Rahul’s face lit up, the competitive fire now impossible to hide. “Deal,” he said, already rolling up his sleeves as if the outcome had never been in doubt.

Rahul was in the middle of batting, completely absorbed, the sharp crack of the bat echoing through the narrow lane as the neighborhood boys cheered and groaned with every shot.

Dust rose from the ground, the late evening sun catching in the air as the game grew louder, more competitive.

Between overs, the boys drifted closer, talking, laughing until one of them nudged Rahul with a smirk.

“You were seriously high on bhang that day,” he said casually. “On Holi… you were roaming around here and there with Vaibhav bhaiya’s sister.”

Rahul froze.

His grip on the bat tightened as he slowly turned toward the boy.

“What… were we doing?” he asked, his voice lower now, uncertain.

The boy shrugged. “Nothing much. Just wandering around, talking nonsense… you know, random stuff.”

Rahul stared at him, stunned.

A strange uneasiness crept into his chest. Why didn’t he remember any of it? Not a single fragment. It was like someone had erased that part of the day from his mind.

“Rahul! Ball!” someone shouted.

Before he could process anything, the next delivery came fast. Instinct took over he swung hard.

The ball flew high, soaring over the lane… straight

toward Ishani’s house.

A sharp crash shattered the air.

The glass window broke instantly, fragments scattering inside.

Silence.

Every boy went pale at once. Fear replaced the excitement, all of them thinking the same thing Vaibhav.

They had all studied under him at coaching at some point, and his strict scoldings were legendary.

Rahul’s eyes widened. He looked at the broken window, then at the boys, panic rising fast. Without a word, he dropped the bat.

“Run,” someone whispered.

That was enough.

Rahul turned and bolted down the lane, the others scattering behind him, the thrill of the game replaced by pure, desperate escape.

Rahul had just started to run when one of the boys caught his wrist, laughing breathlessly. “Why are you running, idiot? Aren’t you going to become Vaibhav bhaiya’s brother-in-law soon? He won’t scold you.”

Rahul slowed… then stopped completely.

Oh.

The panic faded, replaced by sudden confidence.

He’s right. Why am I running? he thought, straightening his T-shirt and fixing his hair like he had simply been standing there all along.

Soon my sister is going to this house… technically I’m family. Why would anyone scold me?

He even folded his arms, trying to look important.

Behind him, the boys stared at him like he had lost his mind.

The door opened.

Malini stepped out first, holding the cricket ball tightly, her expression sharp.

Ishani came behind her, confused, looking at the broken glass and then at the crowd of guilty faces outside their gate.

“Who threw this ball?” Malini asked, her voice calm but dangerous.

There was a brief silence.

Then, as if rehearsed, all the younger boys slowly raised their hands… pointing straight at Rahul.

Rahul’s confident pose froze mid-act.

Ishani looked at him, surprised. “You did this?”

Rahul cleared his throat, trying to maintain dignity. “Actually… it was a very fast ball. Extremely professional level. The window just came in the way.”

Malini crossed her arms.

Behind him, the boys quietly stepped farther away, making sure there was a safe distance between them and the soon-to-be “family member.”

Rahul forced a weak smile, suddenly wishing he had kept running.

Malini walked straight up to Rahul before he could even think of an excuse.

In one swift motion, she grabbed his ear and twisted it.

“Ow Aunty!” Rahul yelped, bending

slightly as she pulled him closer. “How many times have I told you not to play here? You never listen!”

“Aunty, leave it… it hurts!” he pleaded, trying to free himself without looking completely helpless.

Behind them, Ishani burst into laughter, covering her mouth but failing to hide her amusement at the sight of Rahul so confident a minute ago now trapped like a scolded schoolboy.

“Oh, it hurts?” Malini said, unimpressed. “Good. It should hurt. I told you last time also no cricket in front of this house.”

“It’s not only my fault, Aunty,” Rahul protested quickly, pointing toward the others with his free hand. “They’re also responsible!”

Malini shot a sharp look at the boys.

They immediately shook their heads.

“No, Aunty! Rahul was batting,” one of them said, betraying him without hesitation.

Rahul stared at them in disbelief. “Traitors,” he muttered under his breath.

Malini finally released his ear, a small smile breaking through her stern expression.

“None of you will ever improve,” she said, shaking her head as she turned and walked back toward the house.

Rahul immediately cupped his ear, wincing. “I think it’s still ringing,” he grumbled.

Ishani looked at him, eyes sparkling with laughter, and started laughing again this time openly.

Rahul glared at her, half embarrassed, half offended. “Very funny,” he said, though even he couldn’t stop a reluctant smile from appearing.

Ishani and Malini went back inside, shutting the door as if nothing had happened, leaving Rahul outside with the boys and his wounded pride.

Rahul turned to them immediately, extending his hand with full authority. “Alright, hand over the two thousand.”

The boys looked at each other, confused. “What two thousand? The match wasn’t even finished. And anyway, I was winning,” one of them said defensively.

Rahul let out an irritated breath. “Great. I knew I shouldn’t have listened to you guys.”

Muttering to himself, he started walking away, still rubbing his ear.

Just then, one of the boys jogged up beside him and said quietly, “Come on… let’s go for a smoke.”

Rahul stopped. “No, I should go home. If Mom finds out from mouth smell, I’m finished,” he said, already picturing the disaster.

The boy smirked. “Relax. Just have some chewing gum afterward.It won’t smell anything.”

Rahul gave him a long look, clearly tempted but trying to act responsible for at least a few seconds.

Then he exhaled. “Fine… just one.”

The boy grinned instantly, throwing an arm around his shoulder as they turned toward the corner of the street, slipping away like partners in crime as the evening settled around them.

Rahul and the boy slipped into a quiet corner of the street, hidden from the main road.

The brief rebellion felt thrilling in the moment like something careless and forbidden that didn’t belong to the version of himself everyone at home knew.

A little while later, Rahul walked back toward his house, chewing gum aggressively, as if he could erase the evidence with mint and determination alone.

He had barely stepped inside when Rani appeared from the hallway, as if she had been waiting.

She walked straight up to him, her eyes narrowing slightly.

Rahul froze.

She leaned closer just enough.

And then her expression hardened.

“You smoked again, didn’t you?” she said quietly, anger rising beneath her calm voice. “Rahul, I told you not to.”

The gum suddenly tasted useless.

Rahul’s confidence crumbled instantly, his eyes widening like a child caught doing something he had sworn he wouldn’t do again.

“I… no… I mean—” he stammered, searching desperately for a believable lie that refused to come.

Rani kept staring at him, disappointed more than angry now.

Rahul looked away, already feeling the guilt settled heavily in his chest, wishing he had just gone straight home.

Rani looked at him as if something inside her had quietly broken.

“Rahul, you don’t just make mistakes… you break my trust every time,” she said, her voice low but sharp with pain. “Do you even realize how much it hurts to see you like this?”

He couldn’t look up.

“Your father has lived his whole life with discipline,” she continued, her eyes glistening now. “Not a single bad habit. And you… you’re walking straight toward everything he stood against. If he finds out, it won’t just break his anger it will break his heart.”

Rahul’s throat tightened.

“I keep wondering where I went wrong,” she whispered, more to herself than to him. “I raised you with so much care, so much hope… and now you lie to me, hide things from me, choose strangers over your own family. Those boys you roam with will they stand beside you when you fall? Or will you come running back to us after it’s too late?”

He felt smaller with every word.

“I told you once not to touch these things,” she said, her voice cracking. “Was that too much to ask? Or do my words mean nothing to you now?”

Silence filled the room.

Rahul’s eyes burned, guilt pressing down on him so heavily he could barely breathe.

He opened his mouth, but no defense came out because deep down, he knew she was right.

“I’m sorry…” he said finally, his voice barely there, carrying more shame than sound.

Rani didn’t reply.

She just turned away slowly, as if she didn’t trust herself to speak anymore and that silence hurt him far more than her anger ever could.

Rani had just turned away, wiping her eyes quickly as if she didn’t want him to see, when she felt arms wrap around her from behind.

Rahul held her tightly, pressing his forehead against her shoulder like he used to when he was little.

“I’m sorry… really sorry, mummy,” he said, his voice breaking. “I won’t do it again. I promise. I’ll leave all of it… completely. Please don’t be upset with me like this.”

For a moment, she didn’t move.

Her hands remained still at her sides, as if she were trying to stay angry trying not to melt just because he held her.

“I hate it when you’re like this,” Rahul whispered, clinging to her a little tighter. “Don’t be mad at me… please.”

Her eyes closed.

The anger, the hurt, the disappointment all of it softened under the weight of his apology.

Slowly, almost helplessly, her hand lifted and rested over his arm.

“Don’t make promises you won’t keep,” she said quietly, her voice still heavy with emotion.

“I will keep this one,” he replied instantly, like he needed her to believe him.

She finally turned slightly in his arms, her expression still pained but gentler now, touching his cheek the way she always had.

“Just don’t lose yourself, Rahul,” she murmured. “That’s all I’m afraid of.”

He nodded, holding her as if he didn’t want to let go as if this was the only place where he still felt safe.

Rahul pulled back slightly, searching her face like a child waiting for a final verdict. A small, hopeful smile appeared on his lips. “You forgave me… right, Mummy?”

Rani sighed, the last traces of anger fading from her expression.

“Hmm… I forgave you,” she said softly.

Then her tone turned firm again, the mother in her returning instantly.

“Now go, change your clothes and come eat. And listen this is the last time I’m saying it, Rahul. No cigarettes.”

Rahul nodded quickly, relief washing over him.

“Hmm, Mom,” he replied obediently, almost too obediently.

He gave her one last grateful smile before turning and heading toward his room.

On the other side, Vaibhav and Divya were sitting in a cozy restaurant, stealing glances at each other and smiling for no reason at all the kind of smiles only people in love understand.

Divya leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand, eyes shining.

“You know… this is the last time we’re meeting like this,” she said softly.

Vaibhav’s eyes widened in shock. “Last time? Why?” he asked quickly, almost scared.

She couldn’t hold it in anymore and broke into a shy smile. “Because Mom won’t let me go out anymore now… only a few days left for our wedding. After that, I’ll go everywhere with you only.”

For a second he just stared at her then his face lit up like a child who just heard the best news.

“So basically… you’re saying you’ll be mine officially?” he teased, leaning

closer.

Divya blushed, looking down but smiling. “I was always yours.”

His heart melted right there. “But what if I want to see you before the wedding too? I can’t stay without you,” he said dramatically, placing a hand on his chest.

She laughed softly at his expression. “We can video call… and sometimes I’ll come to the terrace. You can come secretly too.”

His eyes sparkled with excitement. “Sach? Then it’s perfect. I thought I wouldn’t see you at all.”

He slowly reached across the table and held her hand, rubbing his thumb gently over her fingers. Neither of them pulled away.

The world around them disappeared it was just them, their laughter, their dreams, and the beautiful certainty that they belonged together.

“Just a few more days,” he whispered.

Divya nodded, her eyes full of love. “Then forever.”

Vaibhav and Divya stayed a little longer, stretching those precious moments as if time would slow down just for them.

Neither of them wanted to be the first to say goodbye, so they talked about little things, laughed softly, and simply looked at each other memorizing every expression, every smile.

Eventually, they had to leave.

Divya returned home, her heart still warm, her lips unconsciously curved into a soft smile.

As soon as she stepped inside, Rani noticed her.

“Itni der? What took you so long at the market?” her mother asked, watching her carefully.

Divya tried to sound normal. “Mummy, there was so much crowd… that’s why it got late.”

Rani looked at her for a moment a knowing look, the kind only a mother has.

She already understood that her daughter hadn’t just gone shopping… she had gone to meet Vaibhav. But she chose silence over questions.

“Okay,” she said calmly. “Now you only have to go out to buy clothes. Other than that, no more going out like this.”

Divya nodded obediently. “Hmm… okay, Mummy. I won’t go.”

She turned and walked toward her room, closing the door softly behind her.

The moment she was alone, her composed expression melted away.

She leaned against the door, closing her eyes, replaying every second she had just spent with him his smile, his voice, the way he held her hand. Her cheeks warmed, and a shy happiness spread through her chest.

Days slipped by in a whirlwind of wedding preparations, each morning arriving faster than the last.

The house was filled with voices, fabrics, phone calls, and the constant rustle of excitement.

In the middle of it all, Rani and Devnath carefully brought up the topic of dowry more out of tradition than desire but Vaibhav refused immediately, firmly, leaving no room for discussion.

Malini stood beside him without hesitation, her quiet support making his decision even stronger.

For him, Divya was never something to be measured in money or gifts she was everything already.

Divya’s days blurred into endless shopping trips, choosing outfits, matching jewelry, and sitting for hours writing names on invitation cards in her neat handwriting.

Sometimes she would pause mid-task, smiling to herself, realizing that each card carried her closer to the life she had dreamed of a life with him.

Rahul hadn’t been able to attend college either, caught up in the chaos of arrangements, errands, and responsibilities.

Ishani, too, stayed away, her absence leaving the campus feeling strangely incomplete.

Only Deepak and Deeksha continued going to college.

Between them, everything had become calm again no arguments, no stubborn silences, no dramatic fights that once defined their friendship.

At least, that’s how it seemed from the outside.

Because inside Deepak, something had quietly changed.

He no longer looked at Deeksha as just a best friend.

Somewhere between their ordinary conversations and shared laughter, his feelings had deepened into something softer, more fragile, more dangerous.

He listened to her more carefully now, noticed the smallest details, the way her eyes lit up when she talked, the way she absentmindedly played with her hair while thinking.

And strangely, he never argued with her anymore.

Whatever she said, he agreed to instantly, almost obediently, like a loyal puppy happy just to be by her side.

Deeksha would tease him about it, not realizing that his silence wasn’t weakness…

It was love, slowly learning how to exist without being spoken.

The houses of the Pathak and Awasthi families had transformed into a festival of lights, colors, and endless noise.

Guests kept pouring in, suitcases rolling, bangles clinking, voices calling out from every corner.

Preparations for mehendi, haldi, and sangeet were in full chaos the happy kind where no one is really in charge but everything somehow gets done.

In the middle of the living room, the cousins had taken over, turning it into their personal dance stage.

Music blasted from someone’s phone while half of them argued about steps and the other half just danced randomly, laughing so hard they could barely stand.

Ishani suddenly stopped the music and announced dramatically, “Excuse me! There must be a couple dance also bride and groom special!”

Everyone cheered.

Divya’s face lit up like a diya. “Yes! Obviously there should be!” she said, clapping then immediately deflated. “But Mom has banned me from meeting Vaibhav before the wedding… so how will we rehearse?”

Ishani rolled her eyes like a warrior preparing for battle. “Leave that to me.”

She marched straight to Rani. “Auntyyyy, Divya and Vaibhav bhaiya NEED a couple dance. They have to rehearse or it’ll look awkward.”

Rani gave her a look the kind mothers give when they know they’re being emotionally blackmailed. After a pause, she sighed. “Fine. But only rehearsal.”

Divya gasped. “Sach???” Then she grabbed Ishani’s arm, nearly jumping. “Go call him! Right now!”

“Arre wait, pagal,” Ishani laughed. “Bhaiya went out. When he comes back, then romance rehearsal.”

Divya hugged a cushion to her chest, grinning like a lovestruck teenager.

Just then, the photographer arrived with the engagement photos.

One cousin snatched the envelope, and within seconds everyone piled around like it was treasure.

“Move! Let me see!”

“No, me first!”

“Arre, that’s my hand in this one!”

Divya tried pushing through.

“Hello??? It was MY engagement. I have legal rights.”

“No special treatment for brides,” a cousin declared, holding the photos high above her reach.

Divya pouted so dramatically that everyone burst out laughing.

Finally, Ishani rescued the album and handed it to her like a royal offering.

Divya flipped through the pictures, her eyes shining, smiling at every memory frozen on paper.

Rahul walked in just then. “Why does it sound like a fish market here?”

“Engagement photos,” Ishani said.

“Oh.” He stepped closer casually.

As he looked through them, suddenly his fingers froze.

One photo a group picture of six people.

Ishani stood right next to him in it, laughing at something, unaware of the way he was looking at her.

His heart did something strange.

Before he could think, he quietly slid the photo out and tried to tuck it behind his back.

Unfortunately… cousins have hawk vision.

"What are you hiding, bhaiya?” one shouted.

“Show us! Show us!”

Rahul panicked. “Nothing! It’s just my photo.”

“HAWWW, secret girlfriend!” another cousin screamed.

Within seconds, all of them lunged toward him.

Rahul yelped and ran for his life.

“CATCH HIMMMM!”

He sprinted down the corridor like it was an Olympic event, nearly slipping on the carpet, then slammed into his room and locked the door, breathing like he’d just escaped a crime scene.

Outside, the cousins banged on the door, laughing hysterically. “CONFIRMED! Bhaiya has a girlfriend!”

Divya stood there with her arms crossed, staring suspiciously at the door. “I cannot believe this. My own little brother turned out to be such a secret lover. He invited his girlfriend to MY engagement and took photos with her too!”

Ishani laughed so hard she had to

hold her stomach. “He’s grown up now. He deserves romance also.”

Divya narrowed her eyes playfully. “Romance is allowed. But I want details. Who is she?”

Ishani said. “Relax. Truth always comes out.”

Divya nodded slowly, still staring at the door like a detective. “Yes… let’s see how long he can hide.”

Inside his room, Rahul leaned against the door, holding that photo carefully staring at Ishani’s smiling face, his own heart still racing, but this time not from running.

Deepak and Deeksha arrived just then for the dance rehearsal, stepping into the house filled with music, laughter, and nonstop chaos.

Deepak looked around, confused. “Didi, where’s Rahul?”

Divya, still half-distracted and suspicious, replied, “No idea. He’s been locked in his room for so long. And listen does Rahul have a girlfriend? You didn’t tell me anything.”

Deepak felt as if he’d just received a hundred-volt shock. “What? No, Didi! I don’t know anything about a girlfriend. Who is she? How did you find out?”

His stunned expression made it obvious he truly had no clue.

Divya narrowed her eyes thoughtfully. “So that means he made a girlfriend secretly and hid it from everyone. Now we definitely have to find out.”

Deepak, suddenly curious too, said quickly, “If you find out… tell me

first.”

Divya gave him a knowing look. “Hmm.”

Across the room, Deeksha was watching the cousins rehearse their dance, clapping and laughing at their mistakes. Deepak’s attention drifted to her instead.

He watched her smile, the way her eyes crinkled when she laughed and without realizing, a shy blush crept onto his face.

For a moment, the noise around him faded; it was just her.

Then Rahul finally stepped out of his room.

Instantly, Divya’s eyes locked onto him like a detective who had found her suspect.

The cousins also turned to stare, grinning mischievously.

Deepak marched straight to him. “So… who’s the girlfriend, bhai? You didn’t even tell me.”

Rahul frowned. “Are you mad? I don’t have any girlfriend.”

“No, something is definitely there,” Deepak insisted. “Everyone is talking about it.”

With a tired sigh, Rahul explained the whole photo incident. As he spoke, Deepak burst into laughter, almost doubling over.

“Bro, if Ishani didi had seen that picture… you would’ve been finished,” he teased.

Rahul went quiet for a second, thinking the exact same thing  what if she had seen it? His heart skipped nervously at the thought.

Just then, a voice echoed from the entrance.

Nirmala Dadi had arrived at the

Pathak house.

Rahul spotted her first and immediately ran toward her like a little child. “Dadi! You came!” He hugged her tightly.

She cupped his face lovingly. “Of course I came. My granddaughter is getting married how could I not?”

Divya saw her too and rushed forward, her face glowing. “Dadi!” she said, hugging her gently.

Dadi held her for a moment longer, her eyes soft with emotion. “Look at you… you’ve grown up so much. Now you’re leaving the house.”

Rahul jumped in playfully, unable to let the mood get too emotional. “Dadi, she’s not going far. She’ll live next door only. Whenever she feels like it, she’ll come back to trouble us and eat our brains.”

Dadi laughed loudly, her eyes crinkling with joy. “Pagal ladka.”

Just then Devnath came forward, touching her feet respectfully. “Maa, you’re here.”

Rani followed, bowing to take her blessings too, the house suddenly feeling more complete with the elder’s presence.

Deepak and Deeksha also walked toward Nirmala Dadi, touching her feet together.

The moment she saw them, her face lit up with affection.

“Arey, my children have grown so much,” she said, placing her hands on their heads in blessing. “Come here, let me see you properly.”

They sat near her as she settled onto the sofa, adjusting her saree with the authority only grandmothers carry.

Slowly, all the kids gathered around her, sitting on the floor, leaning against cushions, crowding her from every side like they used to in childhood.

“Dadiii, how was your tirth yatra?” one of them asked eagerly.

At once, she began narrating everything the long train journey, the crowded temples, the holy rivers, the people she met her voice full of drama, exaggeration, and pride.

The children listened wide-eyed, interrupting her every few seconds with questions, laughter filling the room again.

Just then Ishani entered, stopping near the doorway when she saw her.

Her face softened into a warm smile. “Dadi… how are you?”

Dadi looked up at her and smiled just as warmly. “I’m fine, beta. How are you?”

“I’m good,” Ishani said gently. “Wait, I’ll bring something for you to eat. You must be tired.”

Dadi immediately turned toward Rani with a dramatic expression. “See? At least someone cares about me. My daughter-in-law doesn’t worry about me at all.”

Rani, who had just walked in, heard that and sighed helplessly. “Maa, I was just going to bring water for you.”

“Haan haan, now you’ll say that,” Dadi replied, pretending to be offended.

The kids burst into laughter, enjoying the familiar mother-in-law and daughter-in-law banter like a daily soap playing live in front of them.

Devnath stepped forward, shaking his head with a fond smile. “Maa, now that you’re here, the house finally feels full again.”

Dadi softened for a second, then couldn’t resist one more tease. “Yes… but it seems your wife isn’t very happy about my arrival.”

Devnath raised both hands immediately in surrender. “No, no. I am not getting involved in saas-bahu politics,” he said, laughing as he quietly escaped from there.

Everyone laughed even louder, while

Dadi pretended to glare and Rani tried not to smile.

In the kitchen, away from the noise of the living room, Rani and Ishani worked side by side.

The clinking of utensils and the aroma of fresh snacks filled the warm space.

Rani glanced at her with a grateful smile. “Thank you, Ishani. You’ve taken so much work off my shoulders. You’re managing both houses’ chaos like it’s nothing. But beta, take care of your health too.”

Ishani smiled softly. “Aunty, I’m completely fine. Please don’t worry about me. If there’s anything else, just tell me.”

Rani shook her head. “Nothing much. Just take this water and snacks for Maa… and Rahul has left some utensils in his room. Bring those too.”

“Okay, Aunty,” Ishani said, nodding.

She first went to Nirmala Dadi, handing her the tray.

Dadi was so lost in narrating her pilgrimage stories adding dramatic details with every sentence that Rahul, Divya, Deepak, and Deeksha were all sitting around her, listening like fascinated children.

Slipping away quietly, Ishani walked toward Rahul’s room.

The room was slightly messy, plates and glasses scattered around.

She began gathering them one by one when something caught her eye a photograph peeking out from beneath the pillow.

Her fingers paused.

Suddenly she remembered Rahul hiding a photo earlier.

Her heart filled with curiosity. Could this be…?

She slowly pulled it out and looked at it.

It was a group photo Deepak, Deeksha, Divya, Vaibhav, Rahul… and her.

She frowned, confused.

“Why would he hide this?” she murmured softly. “There’s no unknown girl here… just us.”

Then her eyes widened slightly as a thought crossed her mind.

“Oh my God… does Rahul like Deeksha?”

She stared at the picture again, overthinking every detail. Maybe he couldn’t confess.

Maybe that’s why he hid it from everyone.

But something still didn’t feel right.

She needed proof.

Carefully, she slid the photo back under the pillow exactly as it was, picked up the utensils, and walked out, her mind buzzing with questions.

In the kitchen, she placed the plates down, but her thoughts were elsewhere.

Divya noticed immediately and walked over. “What happened?”

Ishani hesitated, then told her everything about the hidden photo, her suspicion, her confusion.

Divya’s eyes widened dramatically. “WHAT? Rahul likes Deeksha?” she whispered loudly.

She turned instinctively toward the living room where Rahul and Deeksha were sitting near each other, listening to Dadi’s story, both completely unaware of the storm brewing around them.

“No way,” Divya muttered. “Rahul has totally bro-zoned her. You’re mistaken.”

“I’m not mistaken,” Ishani insisted. “Why else would he hide that photo? I’m telling you… he likes her. Now we just have to find out if Deeksha feels the same.”

Divya kept staring at them, disbelief written all over her face, trying to read something anything from their expressions.

But Rahul was just listening calmly.

Deeksha was laughing at something

Dadi said.

Nothing looked unusual.

Like and comment please 🙏❤️

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(What do you think will happen now in the lives of Ishani, Rahul, Deepak, and Deeksha?)