Both houses were bustling with laughter and happiness. The air was alive with chatter, music, and the fragrance of fresh flowers. Relatives moved about with excitement, children ran through the halls, and every corner glowed with celebration.

In Reyansh's house, joy was unshakable. He was happy — truly happy — because today he was going to be engaged to the love of his life. His family's pride and his own quiet smile reflected the certainty of a man who had found his reason to live.

In Aroohi's house, happiness bloomed too. Her brothers, Priya, Chachu, and Chachi surrounded her with warmth, teasing her, fussing over her dress, and celebrating the big day. She laughed with them, her eyes shining, but deep inside, a small shadow lingered. She was happy, yes — but still a little afraid. Afraid of the secrets she carried, afraid of the storm she hid behind her smile.

Even though I always woke up at 5, today was different. My eyes opened earlier, before the first light touched the sky. My heart was restless, but in the best way — because today, my jaan, my love, was going to be engaged to me.

I sat up, a rare smile tugging at my lips. The thought of Aroohi becoming mine forever filled me with a warmth I hadn't felt in years.

Moving downstairs, I was greeted by a sight that made my chest swell. The house was alive — laughter echoing through the halls, giggles spilling from every corner. My family, my siblings, my friends... all of them were glowing with happiness.

The preparations were already in place. Flowers decorated the walls, lights shimmered softly, and the dining table was crowded with trays of sweets. The engagement was going to happen here, in our home. No large crowds, no media, no noise from the outside world.

We had decided to keep it private. Aroohi wanted a wedding with small gatherings, and I agreed. This wasn't about showing the world — it was about us, about love, about family.

I stood there for a moment, watching everyone's joy, and whispered to myself:
Today, she becomes mine. Today, my love finally takes shape.

I moved downstairs, the house already alive with laughter and chatter. My siblings, friends, and family were buzzing with excitement, the preparations glowing in every corner.

Just then, Maa noticed me.
"Reyansh beta, tu neeche kya kar raha? Kamre mein reh, aaram kar le. Abhi thodi der baad function start hoga."

Before I could reply, Karan chimed in with his teasing grin.
"Ha bhaiya, aap kamre mein rehkar apni hone wali biwi ka intezaar karo. Aise sabke saamne mat aao... nazar lag jaegi."

I glared at him, sharp enough to silence his mischief. He shut his mouth instantly, smirking but backing off.

Just then, Vihaan and Arjun walked in, their energy adding to the buzz.
"Reyansh, tune packing kar li na?" Arjun asked. "Engagement ke agle din hume Goa concert aur small trip ke liye jaana hai."

I nodded calmly. "Yes, I've done my packing."

After a few more smiles and greetings, I slipped away to my study room. The quiet steadied me as I worked for a while, letting the noise fade. But soon, Vihaan and Arjun returned, grinning.
"Bhai, ab bas! Get ready. It's time."

I leaned back in my chair, a rare smile tugging at my lips. Today, she becomes mine.

After Vihaan and Arjun pulled me out of my study, I finally gave in. Today wasn't about work — it was about her. My jaan.

I walked into my room, the sherwani already laid out neatly on the bed. A light blue sherwani with delicate silver embroidery, chosen carefully by Maa and my sisters. I ran my hand over the fabric, smiling faintly. She will see me in this today... and I will see her as mine.

As I dressed, the mirror reflected a man who carried shadows but today looked lighter, happier. I adjusted the collar, fixed the cuffs, and slipped on the watch.

From outside, I could hear laughter, music, and the clinking of trays. My family was glowing with joy, the house alive with celebration. Karan's teasing still echoed in my mind, but I brushed it off. Today, nothing could shake me.

Vihaan knocked on the door, grinning. "Bhai, bas! You look perfect. Let's go."
Arjun added with a laugh, "Your bride is waiting. Don't keep her waiting too long."

I took a deep breath, straightened my shoulders, and stepped out of the room. The air felt different — charged, alive.

Today, she becomes mine. Today, my love takes its first step into forever.

I walked downstairs, my light blue sherwani shimmering under the soft lights, and moved toward the stage. Sitting down, my heart raced. I was waiting — waiting for my bacha, my love, my everything.

Then Karan's voice rang out, teasing as always:
"Ladies and gentlemen, my hot Bhabhi is coming!"

The crowd laughed, but the moment I saw her, the world slipped away. The word escaped my lips before I could stop it — "Goddess."

She was breathtaking. I couldn't believe my eyes. She wasn't just beautiful... she was divine. My goddess. And in that instant, I knew I would worship the very ground she walked on.

As she started walking toward me, time itself seemed to blur. The laughter, the music, the chatter — everything stopped. It was just her and me.

I stood up, my hand reaching out instinctively. She looked into my eyes, and the universe froze. When her hand slipped into mine, I noticed how small it was compared to mine — delicate, fragile, almost childlike in its innocence.

Together, we walked to the stage, hand in hand, and sat down. My heart whispered silently:
Today, she is mine. Today, forever begins.

We sat together on the stage, her hand still resting in mine. My heart was pounding so hard I thought the whole hall could hear it. She was beside me — my goddess — and I couldn't take my eyes off her.

The priest's voice was a blur, the rituals flowing around us, but my focus was only on her. Then the moment came — the rings.

Karan, of course, couldn't resist. He walked up with a mischievous grin, holding the ring box like it was some treasure.
"Bhaiya, sambhal ke... this is history in the making. Don't shake too much, warna ring gir jaegi!"

The crowd laughed, and I shot him a glare sharp enough to cut glass. He instantly raised his hands in surrender, smirking but backing off.

I opened the box, the ring gleaming under the lights. My fingers trembled slightly as I held her hand — so small, so delicate, like it was made only to fit inside mine. Slowly, I slid the ring onto her finger. My breath caught, my chest tightened, and I whispered inside my heart:
Now you are mine. Forever.

The hall erupted in applause, whistles echoing. Vihaan shouted from the side, "Bhai, ab toh Aroohi officially hamari Bhabhi hai!"

Aroohi blushed, her cheeks glowing, and I couldn't stop staring. Then she picked up the second ring, her fingers trembling, and slipped it onto my hand. The touch was soft, but it carried the weight of promises, of love, of destiny.

The crowd clapped louder, Maa wiped her tears, and even Karan — the mischief-maker — looked proud.

But for me, the world had stopped again. It was just her, sitting beside me, her ring on my finger, mine on hers.

The morning felt different. My heart was beating so fast I could barely breathe. Today... today is the day.

I looked around the house — my brothers, Chachu, Chachi, Priya bhabhi — everyone was smiling, laughing, busy with preparations. Their happiness wrapped around me like a warm blanket, and for a moment, I forgot my fear. I was just... happy.

Then the door burst open and my friends Vanya and Ishita came in, their faces glowing with mischief.
"Madam bride-to-be!" Vanya teased, pulling me into a hug.
Ishita added with a grin, "Aaj toh tumhe dekh kar jiju ko marne ka iraada hai!"
We all laughed, my cheeks burning red.

After some time, Priya bhabhi, Vanya, Ishita, and I sat together in one car, while the others followed in another. The ride was filled with giggles, teasing, and whispered secrets. My heart kept racing faster with every passing minute.

When we reached Reyansh's house, they guided me into a room. The air was heavy with excitement. I sat down, and Priya began helping me with my outfit and jewelry. Vanya leaned closer, her eyes sparkling.
"Aaj toh jiju ko bas dekhte hi faint karna hai!"
Ishita laughed, "Bilkul sahi baat hai. Tumhari beauty aaj unki saari hawa nikal degi."

I blushed harder, my hands trembling as the final touches were done. My dupatta was adjusted, my jewelry sparkled, and my heart felt like it would burst.

Then the moment came. We moved downstairs, my friends surrounding me like a protective circle. The hall was buzzing with laughter and music.

And suddenly, Karan's voice rang out, loud and teasing:
"Ladies and gentlemen, my hot Bhabhi is coming!"

The crowd erupted in cheers and whistles. My cheeks burned, my heart raced, and as I stepped forward, my eyes searched for him — Reyansh.

And there he was. Sitting on the stage, his light blue sherwani glowing under the lights, his eyes locked only on me. The moment our gazes met, the world blurred. The noise faded, the crowd disappeared. It was just him and me.

He stood up, his hand reaching out. My breath caught as I looked into his eyes — so intense, so full of love. When I placed my hand in his, I felt the difference instantly. His hand was strong, steady, mine small and trembling inside it. It felt like he was holding something fragile, something precious.

Together, we walked to the stage, hand in hand, and sat down. My heart whispered silently:
This is it. This is the beginning of forever.

The priest spoke, but his words were a haze. My focus was only on Reyansh. Then the rings were brought forward.

Karan leaned in, whispering with a grin, "Bhabhi, ab toh bhaiya ki saari hawa nikalne wali hai."
Vanya giggled from the side, "Bas dekhna, jiju faint na ho jaaye tumhe dekh kar."
Ishita added, "Sahi baat hai, aaj toh unki saari duniya tum ho."

I blushed harder, my fingers trembling as Reyansh picked up the ring. His eyes never left mine. Slowly, he slid it onto my finger. My breath caught, my heart skipped, and for a moment, I felt like the entire universe had paused.

Then it was my turn. My hands shook as I picked up the second ring. His gaze was so intense, so full of love, that I almost forgot how to breathe. With a shy smile, I slipped the ring onto his finger.

The hall erupted in applause, whistles, and cheers. Priya clapped with tears in her eyes, Vihaan shouted, "Officially hamari Bhabhi!" and Arjun laughed, "Aur Goa trip ke liye ab double fun hoga!"

I lowered my eyes, my cheeks glowing, but inside my heart whispered:
This is it. This is forever. I am his, and he is mine.

The music started, and before I could hide, my friends pulled me to the center. "Dance, Aroohi!" they cheered. Reyansh joined me, his hand steady on mine. We swayed gently, our eyes locked, the teasing echoing around us.

Karan shouted, "Bas bas, abhi se itna romance? Baaki ke liye bhi kuch bacha lo!"
Everyone laughed, but I couldn't stop smiling. Reyansh leaned closer, his voice low, meant only for me:
"You are mine now. Forever."

My blush deepened, my heart skipped, and I lowered my eyes. The cameras flashed, capturing every moment — my shy smile, his intense gaze, our hands intertwined.

Inside, my heart whispered:
This is happiness. This is love. This is forever.

Photographers captured every moment — Reyansh's intense gaze, my shy smile, our hands intertwined, the laughter of family surrounding us. Each picture felt like a memory carved into forever.

As the night ended, everyone began preparing to leave. Tomorrow, Reyansh's family would gather again, because the youngsters had a plan — the Goa concert and a small trip. The elders smiled knowingly, letting us have our fun.

I sat quietly in the car with Priya, Vanya, and Ishita, my heart still fluttering. The teasing hadn't stopped, but beneath it all, I carried one truth:
Tonight, I became his. Tomorrow, our journey begins.

NEXT DAY

I woke up early, around 7 a.m. My heart was still racing from last night's memories — the ring on my finger, Reyansh's eyes, the teasing, the dance. I freshened up quickly, trying to calm the butterflies in my stomach.

As I walked downstairs, the house was already buzzing. Chachi was busy giving instructions, her voice warm but firm. She looked at me and smiled.
"Aroohi beta, hum sab mandir jaa rahe hain. Tu nahi jaa rahi, theek hai. Bas apna dhyan rakhna."

I nodded softly, feeling a mix of relief and nervousness. Chachi added, "Reyansh ki family 2 baje ke aas-paas aaegi. Sab tayyar rehna."

Her words made my heart skip. Reyansh... his family... today again.

I sat quietly in the living room, watching everyone prepare to leave for the temple. My mind drifted back to last night — his hand holding mine, his whisper, "You are mine now. Forever." The memory made me blush all over again.

As the family left, the house grew quieter. I was alone, waiting, my heart restless. The thought of seeing him again today, of spending time together before the Goa trip, filled me with excitement and nervous anticipation.

I moved back toward my room, and you all know me — I picked up my novel. Reading always calms me, but today my mind was restless. Hours passed, and when I looked at the clock, it was already 12. They hadn't come yet.

I sighed, walked to the living room, and switched on the TV. Just then, a notification popped up — Meri Zindagi Hai Tu's last episode had been released. My heart leapt. I played it immediately.

The episode was in two parts. As I watched part one, tears streamed down my face. Ayra and Kamyar were separating. My heart ached — I wanted them to be together, not apart. I cried so much, clutching the cushion, whispering, "No... they can't end like this."

Then part two began. Ayra was moving to another country, and Kamyar was desperate to stop her. I was crying, smiling, feeling everything at once. My emotions were a storm — sadness, hope, love.

And then came the shock. A new song — Meri Zindagi Hai Tu 2.0 — started playing. Kamyar and Ayra's romantic moments filled the screen, the melody wrapping around me. I couldn't sit still. I was crying and dancing at the same time, my heart exploding with emotions.

My cheeks were wet with tears, my lips curved in a smile, and my feet moved to the rhythm. It wasn't just a show — it felt like my own story, my own love, my own forever.

The song began, soft yet powerful, and suddenly the world around me shifted. Kamyar was right there, standing in front of me, his eyes locked into mine. My heart skipped, my breath caught, and before I knew it, we were dancing together.

His hand slipped into mine, steady and warm, guiding me as the melody wrapped around us. The lyrics echoed — "Meri zindagi hai tu..." — and I sang them softly, my voice trembling with emotion.

Tears glistened in my eyes, but my lips curved into a smile. I was crying and smiling at the same time, my emotions spilling over. Every step we took felt like a promise, every glance like a confession.

Kamyar's gaze was intense, filled with love, and I couldn't look away. The music rose, the romantic moments flashed behind us, and I felt like the universe had paused just for us.

I twirled, my dupatta flowing, and when he pulled me close, my heart whispered:
This is love. This is forever. This is mine.

The song swelled, its melody wrapping around me like a heartbeat. Kamyar's hand was firm in mine, his eyes locked into mine, and the world blurred into nothing but us.

We moved together, step by step, the rhythm guiding us. My dupatta flowed as he twirled me, pulling me back close, his gaze so intense it made my breath catch. Tears shimmered in my eyes, but my lips curved into a smile. I was crying and smiling at the same time, my emotions spilling over.

The lyrics echoed through the room, and I sang them softly, my voice trembling but full of love:
"Esi dilagi hai tu, socha jo vahi hai tu... meri zindagi hai tu, meri zindagi hai tu..."

Kamyar's eyes softened, his hand resting against mine as if sealing the words into forever. Every beat of the song felt like a promise, every lyric like a confession.

I twirled again, my heart racing, and when he pulled me close, I whispered the words with tears in my eyes:
"Meri zindagi hai tu..."

Kamyar's eyes softened, his hand resting against mine as if sealing the words into forever. Every lyric felt like a confession, every step like a promise.

He leaned closer, his forehead brushing mine, and whispered along with the song. My heart raced, my tears fell, and yet I smiled through them. The music rose, the romantic moments flashed behind us, and I felt like the universe had paused just for us.

I twirled again, my heart fluttering, and when he pulled me close, and whispered the words with trembling lips:
"Meri zindagi hai tu..."

And then — clapping. Loud, sharp, echoing through the room.

I froze. My heart stopped. Slowly, I turned my head... and I felt like the ground slipped beneath me.

There they were. My whole family. Reyansh's family. All of them standing in front of me, watching. Their eyes wide, their faces stunned, as if I had committed a big crime.

My breath caught. My cheeks burned red. My hands trembled. I looked at the clock — it was only 1:30. They weren't supposed to come until 2. But here they were, standing like witnesses to my secret moment.

The music still played faintly in the background, but the room was heavy with silence. Their eyes pierced through me, and I felt trapped, stuck, unable to move.

My heart whispered in panic:
What have I done?

I woke up with a new feeling today. My heart was lighter, fuller, and when I looked at my hand, my eyes went straight to the ring Aroohi had chosen for me. It wasn't just a piece of jewelry — it was her choice, her love, her promise. I smiled, whispering to myself, "She's mine now. Forever."

I got ready and went downstairs. My mother was already waiting, her voice calm but firm.
"Reyansh, mujhe Aroohi ki chachi se pata chala ki vo mandir jaa rahe hai. Hum bhi chalte hai. Vahi se unke ghar chalenge. Phir tum sab Goa trip ke liye nikal jaana."

I nodded, my heart racing at the thought of seeing her again.

Soon, Vihaan, Vanya, Ishita, Karan, Riya, Vikram, Arjun, and I gathered with our suitcases. We had packed everything for the trip — three days of music, fun, and memories. The excitement was buzzing in the air.

Our family sat in different cars, and we moved toward the mandir. My eyes kept searching, restless, looking for my jaan.

When we reached, Aroohi's chachi greeted us warmly. But her words made me pause.
"Vo nahi aayi hai. Aap sab use ghar pe milna."

My heart skipped. She wasn't here. She was at home. A strange mix of anticipation and nervousness filled me. Soon... I'll see her again.

We all moved from the mandir toward Aroohi's house. The cars stopped outside, and as we stepped down, a loud sound reached us — music, echoing from inside.

Kabir smirked knowingly, shaking his head.
"Yeh phir song sune lag gayi," he said, half amused, half exasperated.

We entered together, suitcases in hand, expecting a normal welcome. But the scene that unfolded before us froze everyone in place.

There she was. My Aroohi. Dancing. Not just dancing — she was doing a couple's dance, her hands moving as if someone invisible was guiding her. She was crying, smiling, and singing at the same time. Her voice trembled with emotion as she whispered the words:
"Meri zindagi hai tu..."

For us, it felt like she was alone. But for her, it was as if someone was right there, holding her, living the song with her.

Karan, Riya, Vikram, Vanya, and Ishita couldn't hold back — they clapped loudly, their laughter echoing through the hall.

Aroohi froze. Her body stiffened, her eyes widened, and slowly she turned back.

Her gaze met ours. Shock spread across her face. She looked at us as if she had been caught committing a crime. My heart twisted — half in surprise, half in protectiveness.

The music still played faintly in the background, but the silence between us was deafening.

Aroohi froze. Her body stiffened, her eyes widened, and slowly she turned back. Shock spread across her face. Then suddenly she screamed:
"Haye Allah!"

We all went into another shock. Her cheeks flushed red, her hands trembled, and then she started questioning rapidly, her words spilling out in Urdu‑tinged Hindi:

"Aap sab yahan abhi kaise aa gaye?"

"Mujhe laga do baje aana tha... abhi toh sirf ek baje ke aas‑paas hai!"

"Ya Allah... aap logon ne mujhe dekh liya?"

"Main toh bas gaana sun rahi thi... yeh sab aapne dekh liya?"

And then Karan stepped forward, smirking, his voice playful yet sharp:
"Arre Aroohi, zara normal ho jao... aur yeh batao ki yeh couple dance kiske saath kar rahi thi?"

Everyone burst into laughter — Riya nudged Vikram, Ishita covered her mouth, and Vanya teased,
"Humein toh koi dikhayi nahi diya... par tumhe toh clearly koi nazar aa raha tha!"

Aroohi's lips parted, but no words came out. She looked down, her dupatta clutched tightly in her hands, her heart racing.

I stood there, watching her. My chest tightened. For them, it was a joke. For me, it was something deeper. She wasn't just dancing — she was living a moment, feeling something so strong that it showed in her tears and smile.

Kabir stepped forward, his tone teasing but curious:
"Aru... batao toh sahi, yeh couple dance kiske saath kar rahi thi?"

Aroohi's lips trembled. She looked at all of us, then slowly raised her hand and pointed toward the TV.

We turned our heads together — and on the screen, there was a man. His presence felt strange, almost unreal.

Her voice broke the silence, soft yet filled with conviction:
"Kamyar ke saath... par hum sach kehte hain ki yahi aaye the hamare paas."

The words sent a chill through me. My family exchanged shocked glances. For them, it was unbelievable. For me, it was something deeper — like she was living in a world we couldn't see, a truth only she could feel.

The music still played faintly, but now the atmosphere was heavier, charged with mystery.

The laughter grew louder. My siblings couldn't stop themselves. Riya leaned forward, shaking her head with a grin:
"Aroohi yaar, kya bol rahi ho tum? Woh tumhare paas kaise aa sakta hai?"

Everyone joined in, teasing her, their voices overlapping with chuckles and playful remarks.

Aroohi's face flushed deeper, her eyes glistening with both embarrassment and stubbornness. She held her dupatta tightly, then lifted her chin, her voice trembling but firm:

"Aapko nahi yaqeen toh koi na... par jab tumhe bhi kisi se ishq hoga na, tab tumhe bhi woh dikhega. Par woh hoga nahi."

Her words silenced the room for a moment. The teasing faded into stunned quiet. She wasn't joking — she meant it. Her tone carried the weight of belief, of love so strong it blurred the line between reality and imagination.

I stood there, my heart pounding. For them, it was unbelievable. For me, it was something else entirely — a glimpse into her soul, into the depth of her feelings.

The laughter hadn't stopped yet. Everyone was teasing her, but Kabir leaned forward, his tone softer this time, curious:
"Acha thik hai, main maanta hoon... par tum ro kyun rahi thi, Aroohi?"

The room fell quiet for a moment. Aroohi's eyes shimmered, her voice trembling as she answered:
"Bhai... Kamyar aur Ayra ka khula ho raha tha."

Her words hit like a wave. My siblings exchanged stunned glances. She continued, her tone breaking between pain and conviction:
"Aur baad mein... Kamyar aake use manata hai. Par pehle woh Abbu ko manata hai."

The music in the background shifted, rising again. On the TV screen, soft visuals played — their cute moments, flashes of laughter, tears, and reconciliation.

And then, as if her words had summoned him, Kamyar appeared on the screen again. His presence felt stronger, more real, as if he had stepped into her world once more.

Aroohi's tears fell, but her lips curved into a faint smile. For her, it wasn't just a scene — it was truth. For us, it was something we couldn't fully grasp.

The teasing hadn't stopped. Everyone was laughing, nudging each other, enjoying her embarrassment. Then Vikram, with a mischievous smile, leaned forward and asked in a mock‑serious tone:
"Mohatram, zara yeh bataye... yeh khula kya hota hai?"

Aroohi's eyes widened. She gasped, her hand flying to her forehead as she exclaimed:
"Haye Allah! Aapko itna bhi nahi maaloom? Khula matlab... talaaq, divorce."

The room erupted again — half in laughter, half in shock. Riya covered her mouth, Ishita giggled, and Kabir shook his head dramatically.

But Aroohi's tone carried weight. She wasn't joking. Her words were heavy with emotion, with the pain of what she had just described.

I stood there, watching her. My heart clenched. For them, it was a moment to tease. For me, it was a glimpse into her world — her faith, her feelings, her truth.

Ishita tilted her head, smiling softly, and asked:
"Toh happy ending ho gayi iski?"

Aroohi wiped her tears quickly, her voice trembling but filled with relief:
"Haan... Inshallah sab kuch khairiyat se ho gaya. Aur ab woh dono saath mein hain."

Her words carried a quiet conviction, a sense of peace. But then her tone shifted, a faint sadness slipping through:
"Par ab dukh is baat ka hai... ki yeh last episode tha."

The room fell silent for a moment. My siblings exchanged glances — half amused, half touched. For them, it was just a show ending. For her, it was something deeper, something she had lived and felt with her whole heart.

I stood there, watching her. My chest tightened. She wasn't just talking about a drama — she was talking about love, faith, and endings that felt real to her.

The teasing was still echoing in the room when suddenly Dadu's calm, affectionate voice cut through the noise. He smiled gently at Aroohi and said:
"Tumhare alfaz bade mithe hain, beta."

The laughter faded. Aroohi turned toward him, her eyes softening. For a moment, her nervousness melted away. She stepped closer, her voice trembling but filled with sincerity:
"Dadu... aapko aisa lagta hai? Aap hi hamare apne hain. Yeh sab toh bas hamara mazak banate hain."

Her words silenced everyone. The teasing stopped, replaced by a quiet respect. My siblings exchanged glances, suddenly unsure.

I watched her — the way her eyes glistened, the way her voice carried both pain and love. In that moment, she wasn't embarrassed anymore. She was simply Aroohi — vulnerable, honest, and deeply connected to Dadu

The atmosphere had softened after Dadu's words, but then Chachi clapped her hands lightly, breaking the silence with her practical tone:
"Acha, aap sab baithiye. Aur Aroohi, tum apna suitcase le aao. Abhi thodi der mein tum sabko nikalna hai."

Aroohi blinked, still holding her dupatta nervously.

Chachi smiled knowingly, adding with a teasing twist:
"Abhi Kamyar ko chhodo... aur wahan jaakar Karan Aujla ke saath dance karo."

The room erupted again — laughter, whistles, playful nudges. Riya giggled, Vikram smirked, Kabir shook his head dramatically.

Aroohi's cheeks flushed red, her eyes widened in shock.
"Haye Allah, Chachi!" she whispered, half embarrassed, half amused.

I stood there, watching her — torn between laughter and protectiveness. For them, it was all fun. For me, it was another moment where her innocence, her faith, and her emotions shone through.

Aroohi quietly slipped away to her room, her dupatta brushing against the floor as she walked. We all sat down in the living room, the laughter slowly fading into murmurs.

Chachi adjusted her dupatta, looked around at everyone, and spoke with a knowing smile:
"Dekhiye... aise hi hai yeh. Doctor pata nahi kaise ban gayi bas. Hamare liye toh yeh sab normal ho gaya hai, par aap sabhi ke liye naya hai. Koi nahi... thode time baad aapko bhi aadat ho jaayegi."

Her words carried both affection and amusement. My siblings chuckled, nodding, while Dadu smiled quietly, as if agreeing.

I leaned back, watching the scene unfold. For them, it was routine. For me, it was another glimpse into Aroohi's world — her innocence, her quirks, her emotions.

Aroohi came downstairs slowly, her suitcase in hand. She walked across the room and sat beside Dadu, her eyes still shy but calmer now.

Karan leaned forward with a mischievous grin, his voice dripping with teasing:
"Waise... aur kitno ke saath dance kiya hai, Aroohi? Real logo ko chhodkar?"

The room burst into laughter again. Riya nudged Ishita, Vikram shook his head dramatically, and Kabir smirked.

Aroohi's cheeks flushed red. She looked down, clutching her dupatta tightly, then glanced at Dadu for support. Her lips parted, but she hesitated, caught between embarrassment and the urge to defend herself.

Her silence only made the teasing louder. My siblings laughed harder, enjoying her discomfort.

Before she could answer, Aarav stood up, clapping his hands to break the moment:
"Acha chalo, masti band karo ab. Chalte hain."

We all youngsters got up together, laughter still echoing, and moved towards the cars. The engines roared to life as we drove off, the city lights fading behind us.

Soon, we reached the airport. The atmosphere shifted — excitement buzzing in the air. Aarav led us straight to his private jet.

We climbed aboard, the luxurious cabin glowing softly. One by one, we settled into our seats, the teasing replaced by quiet anticipation of the journey ahead.

I glanced at Aroohi — she was seated near kabir, her suitcase tucked neatly beside her. Her eyes still carried that mix of innocence and mystery, but now there was a calmness, as if the storm of teasing had passed.

stay tuned for next chapter

bye

lots of love from your 

author ikku