Chapter 2: Shade #2: Will You Be Mine?

An Investment Banker and The Wedding Planner

Jivisha Upadhyay is a talented and passionate wedding planner, known for turning dream weddings into reality.

Behind her bright smile and meticulous attention to detail lies a past shaped by loss and resilience.

At just nine years old, she lost her parents in a tragic accident, a moment that changed her life forever.

Left with only memories and an aching heart, she found solace in the loving arms of her paternal grandmother, her beloved Dadi, who became her world.

Growing up, Jivisha found comfort in her childhood best friend, Tarun Mittal.

He was her constant-her partner in mischief, her late-night confidant, and the one who could make her laugh even on her worst days.

Somewhere along the way, innocent admiration turned into a quiet, unspoken love.

But while her heart fluttered for him, she never found the courage to confess her feelings.

To Tarun, she was and always had been his best friend-his safe place, his sister in everything but blood.

Vikrant Bajpai is a sharp-minded and highly successful investment banker based in Australia.

Smart, calculative, and fiercely pragmatic, he has built a name for himself in the high-stakes world of finance, where emotions hold no value and only numbers speak.

With his striking looks and an aura of quiet authority, Vikrant is a man who commands attention without seeking it.

He believes in logic over impulse, strategy over sentiment, and efficiency over chaos-a no-nonsense personality who rarely lets anything disrupt his well-structured life.

However, duty calls him back to India, a place he has been away from for years.

His beloved cousin, Shivani Bajpai, is getting married, and despite his usual detachment from grand celebrations, he wouldn't miss it for the world.

Family, after all, is one of the few things Vikrant holds close to his heart.

But what he doesn't know is that this trip will be more than just about attending a wedding-it might just challenge everything he believes in.

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The grand hall buzzed with laughter and excitement as Jivisha stood in the center, instructing a group of aunties on their sangeet performance. "Aunty, move a little to the right, yes, perfect! That's it, it'll look absolutely fantastic!" she encouraged, clapping her hands in approval.

Just then, a familiar voice called out her name.

"Jivisha!"

She frowned but ignored it, too caught up in making sure the choreography was perfect.

"Jivisha!"

This time, the urgency in the voice made her pause.

She turned around and found her Dadi rushing toward her, breathless.

"Dadi, what happened now?" Jivisha clicked her tongue in mild irritation. "I'm busy right now!"

Her Dadi rolled her eyes. "You'll stay busy here, while your Tarun is getting married over there!"

Jivisha's heart stopped.

Her head snapped toward her Dadi.

"Meaning?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Meaning that Tarun is getting married."Dadi said, her tone laced with sympathy.

The world around Jivisha blurred.

The music, the chatter, the laughter-it all faded into a dull noise.

"No, no... this can't be happening," she muttered, shaking her head. "Tarun can't get married."

Her Dadi sighed, placing a gentle hand on her arm, but she knew there was nothing she could do.

Just then, Jivisha's phone rang.

With trembling hands, she looked at the screen-Tarun's name flashed across it.

Taking a deep breath, she picked up the call.

"Jivi, where are you? I've sent you so many messages, and you haven't replied to even one!" Tarun's voice came from the other side, casual and familiar, oblivious to the storm brewing inside her.

Jivisha opened her mouth, but no words came out. She was still reeling.

"Listen, I wanted you to meet someone," Tarun continued, "So, can we meet at your place today?"

She swallowed the lump in her throat.

"Okay," she forced out.

"Good! So, 7 PM in the evening, okay?"

"Okay."

And with that, the call ended.

Jivisha stood frozen, gripping her phone tightly.

Her mind screamed at her to do something, to say something, to stop this before it was too late.

Because if she didn't, she might lose Tarun forever.

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Vikrant arrived at his apartment in Australia, utterly exhausted from the day.

He began unbuttoning his shirt when his phone pinged.

He glanced at the notification and saw numerous messages from his parents in their family group and from his cousin sister Shivani.

He clicked on Shivani's message and was stunned by what he read.

He immediately dialed her number.

"You're getting married?" he asked as soon as she picked up.

On the other side, Shivani smiled and replied, "Hello to you too, Bhai, and yes, I'm getting married."

"What? When? Where? With whom?" Vikrant fired off the questions.

"Hold on, Bhai, so many questions," Shivani replied, laughing.

Vikrant pressed, "Tell me already."

"Okay," she said, "The wedding is in a month, and you'll have to come to India. His name is Tarun." She got shy while saying this.

Vikrant, always the calculated one, raised an eyebrow. "How long have you two known each other?"

"Six months, Bhai," Shivani answered.

"Six months isn't a short time," Vikrant said. "And you've decided to marry him? Are you sure about this?"

"Relax, Bhai, I'm fine with it, and Tarun is really nice. If you meet him, you'll be impressed too," she assured him.

"Shivani, still, this is happening a bit too quickly," Vikrant said, concern lacing his voice.

"I appreciate your concern, Bhai, but you need to trust your sister a little," she responded with a gentle smile.

"Okay, fine. Are you happy?" Vikrant asked, his tone softening.

"Yes, Bhai, I'm very happy," Shivani said with a smile in her voice.

"Then I'm happy too," Vikrant replied.

"Just being happy isn't enough, Bhai," Shivani said, her tone turning playful. "Book your tickets, and I want you here in two days."

"Okay, madam, I'm coming," Vikrant agreed with a chuckle.

Shivani yelled in happiness, and they ended the call.

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Jivisha sat nervously on the couch, her eyes darting to the clock every few seconds.

The minutes seemed to drag on forever, and the anxiety building up in her chest was almost unbearable.

She had been preparing herself for this moment all day, but now that it was finally here, she wasn't sure if she was ready.

Her heart raced with every tick of the clock.

Her Dadi sat nearby, watching her with a concerned expression.

"Jivi, are you okay?" she asked softly, noticing her granddaughter's jittery nerves.

Before Jivisha could answer, the doorbell rang, and her heart skipped a beat.

Without thinking, she jumped up and rushed to the door.

She opened it to find Tarun standing there, wearing a wide smile that immediately softened her anxiety.

But her relief was short-lived as she noticed him sidestep, revealing a beautiful girl standing beside him, smiling warmly.

Jivisha's smile instantly vanished, her stomach sinking as she took in the scene.

The girl was radiant, her charm undeniable.

Tarun noticed her staring and flicked his fingers in front of her face, snapping her out of her trance.

"Jivi, are you okay?" he asked, his tone laced with concern.

Jivisha quickly forced a smile, though it didn't reach her eyes. "Yeah, I'm fine."

Her Dadi, who had been quietly observing the interaction, stood up and greeted them. "Come in, both of you."

Tarun and the girl walked in, and Tarun immediately went over to his Dadi, touching her feet in a respectful gesture. "Dadi, meet Shivani, my fiancée and soon-to-be wife."

Dadi smiled warmly at the girl, who looked so innocent and beautiful.

Shivani smiled back and touched Dadi's feet in respect, receiving her blessings.

"Tarun talks a lot about you," Shivani said to Dadi with a cheerful tone, then turned to Jivisha, who was standing still, still processing the situation.

Jivisha glanced at Tarun, who was watching her closely.

He smiled at her, but Jivisha couldn't help but feel the sting of hurt deep inside.

"Why, shocked?" Tarun asked, his voice light.

Jivisha nodded, trying to hide her emotions with a small smile.

"I knew it," Tarun continued, looking at Jivisha. "That's why I didn't tell you earlier."

He turned back to Shivani, his eyes apologetic. "Shivani, this is Jivisha, my bestest friend."

Shivani smiled at Jivisha warmly, her tone kind as she greeted her, "Hello, Jivisha. I've heard so much about you from Tarun. I've been wanting to meet you for so long. After all, with all the things he says about you, I literally felt jealous."

She laughed at her own words, clearly not taking herself too seriously.

Jivisha stood frozen for a moment, overwhelmed by everything happening around her.

But then, in a surprising move, Shivani stepped forward and gave her a hug.

Jivisha was taken aback but found herself eventually wrapping her arms around Shivani as well.

Tarun's face lit up with pure joy, seeing the two women he cared about finally sharing a moment of warmth and connection.

The tension in the room seemed to melt away, but for Jivisha, it was still a battle between her emotions-happy for Tarun but fighting the bitter sting of unspoken feelings.

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Jivisha gripped the steering wheel tightly, her eyes focused on the road ahead, but her mind was far from calm.

Her grandmother sat quietly beside her, occasionally glancing over, sensing the inner turmoil her granddaughter was going through.

They were on their way to Panchgani for Tarun and Shivani's wedding, a wedding Jivisha had reluctantly agreed to handle the arrangements for, a duty Tarun had placed on her shoulders.

The weight of it, coupled with her unresolved feelings for Tarun, made her insides churn with frustration.

She had made a decision - today, she would confess her feelings to him, and in doing so, she would find a way to break his relationship with Shivani.

She didn't care how-she would try every trick in the book to stop their wedding.

As the car cruised down the highway, Jivisha's thoughts were interrupted when she saw a man suddenly appear in front of her car.

She slammed the brakes, the tires screeching in protest as she barely avoided hitting him.

The car came to a sudden halt, and she exhaled sharply, frustration boiling over.

This was the last thing she needed right now.

Before her Dadi could stop her, Jivisha threw open the door and stormed out of the car, her face set in a tight line of irritation.

She marched over to the man, who had the audacity to walk in front of her vehicle like it was his personal runway.

"Ohh, hello! Don't you have eyes, or do you have buttons instead of eyes or do you not know how to cross the road by looking?" she snapped, her tone sharp, her temper finally breaking through the frustration.

The man looked at her with slight irritation, brushing himself off.

He stood up slowly and shot back, "And you don't even have buttons, right? That's why you're driving like a blind person."

Jivisha froze, her fingers twitching at the retort she was about to make, but before she could, he grabbed her index finger with surprising strength and gave it a small twist, forcing her to look up at him.

"You listen, Miss Blind," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "If you don't know how to drive, first learn, then practice on the road."

Jivisha opened her mouth to respond, but before the argument could escalate, Dadi came out of the car and gently placed her hand on Jivisha's shoulder, stepping between the two.

She turned to the man and apologized, her voice soft and concerned. "Sorry, dear, did you get hurt?"

The man's eyes softened at the older woman's kind words, and he shook his head, saying, "No, ma'am. Thank you for your concern. But why are you apologizing? The one at fault is the one pointing their finger."

Jivisha glared at him, her face flushed with embarrassment and irritation.

"Dadi, please sit inside." she muttered, trying to move her Dadi back into the car, but her grandmother was having none of it.

Dadi turned back to the man, a bright smile lighting her face. "Where are you going, young man?"

He gave her a polite but tired look, his voice softening. "Panchgani."

Dadi smiled at the man and said, "Then come with us. We're going there too."

Jivisha's jaw dropped. "Dadi, are you serious?" she whispered, her face filled with disbelief, but her grandmother was already speaking to the man.

"Son, what is your name?" Dadi asked.

The man's lips curved into a smile as he replied, "Vikrant."

Dadi smiled warmly, insistent, "Then please come with us, Vikrant."

Jivisha wanted to protest, but the words died in her throat as her grandmother's charming insistence won out.

Vikrant agreed, much to Jivisha's annoyance.

With a sigh, Jivisha climbed back into the driver's seat, trying to control her rising irritation.

Vikrant got into the back seat, and Jivisha shot him a look, rolling her eyes at him.

He met her gaze with a scoff, clearly unfazed.

The car pulled back onto the road, and the ride began, the tension between Jivisha and Vikrant palpable, even as her Dadi hummed happily in the passenger seat, unaware of the undercurrents of frustration and emotion swirling between the three of them.

For Jivisha, this ride was just the beginning of a battle-one that she had no idea how to win.

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The warm sun of the afternoon bathed the entire mansion in a golden hue as Jivisha and her Dadi walked through the grand gates of the Bajpai residence.

It had been a long ride, and though Jivisha had been battling her own chaotic emotions throughout the journey, nothing could have prepared her for the shock that awaited her.

As they entered the lush courtyard, Jivisha's eyes landed on Vikrant, who was standing near the steps, talking to some people.

His presence had an unexpected weight to it, something Jivisha couldn't quite place at first.

But her thoughts were interrupted when Dadi called out to him, "Vikrant beta, you are here?"

Vikrant turned around, eyes widening slightly when he saw Dadi.

He approached her with a smile, but his gaze soon shifted to Jivisha, and a moment of recognition passed between them.

"You?" Vikrant's voice was laced with surprise. "You're the best friend of Tarun?"

Jivisha froze for a moment, her lips parting in disbelief.

She had never imagined that this man-who she had spent the entire ride with, exchanging sarcastic barbs and frustrated glances-was related to Shivani.

She blinked, trying to process the coincidence.

"Yes, and you're... Shivani's cousin, right?" Jivisha replied, her tone now softer, the shock evident on her face.

Vikrant nodded, his face matching the same astonishment. "Small world, isn't it?"

At that moment, Tarun came rushing toward them, his face lighting up with joy at the sight of Jivisha and Dadi.

He wrapped Jivisha in a warm, familiar hug, lifting her off the ground for a moment.

It was a greeting they had shared a thousand times before-one that was full of comfort and camaraderie.

But as they pulled away, Jivisha noticed the way Vikrant's gaze flickered toward them, and for some reason, there was a slight twitch of irritation in his eyes.

Jivisha couldn't help but wonder what it was about the hug that made him uneasy.

Shivani came up to Vikrant at that very moment, and her radiant smile softened the tension in the air.

She embraced him warmly, happy to see her cousin after what seemed like ages.

The Bajpai family, too, was thrilled with his arrival, greeting him with smiles and laughter.

As the evening sun dipped lower into the sky, the preparations for the wedding began to take shape.

The next day would be filled with last-minute touches, but Jivisha couldn't shake the feeling that this wedding wasn't about bringing people together; it was about unraveling everything she had built her hopes on.

She was determined to stop it.

The next morning, Jivisha was busy overseeing the arrangements.

She was directing the workers to arrange the flowers in a specific sequence, a task she normally wouldn't mind, but today, her mind wasn't on the job at hand.

She could feel the brewing storm inside her, the desire to destroy everything and make Tarun hers.

Just then, a flower basket slipped from the worker's hand, spilling petals all over the floor.

Jivisha sighed, her annoyance bubbling to the surface.

As she stepped forward to reprimand the worker, she didn't notice Vikrant walking toward her, his focus absorbed in his phone.

Before she could react, they collided, both of them tumbling to the ground.

The flowers scattered in every direction, leaving a colorful mess around them.

Vikrant ended up on top of her, and for a long moment, neither of them moved.

Their gazes locked, and everything else faded away.

Jivisha's heart skipped a beat as she looked up into his eyes.

There was something in those eyes-something deep and intense-that made her feel a sensation she couldn't explain.

She had been around countless men, but none of them made her feel like this not even Tarun.

The way his eyes seemed to search hers, as if trying to understand her, was both unsettling and captivating.

For the first time, Vikrant's heart skipped a beat.

The cool, aloof demeanor he carried around with him was nowhere to be found.

Instead, he found himself drowning in the depths of her eyes.

There was an emotion there, something raw and untapped, that stirred him more than he cared to admit.

Her gaze was like a magnet, drawing him in despite his efforts to stay detached.

As they both lay there, their faces inches apart, Jivisha became acutely aware of his cologne.

It was intoxicating, sending a wave of warmth through her that she couldn't quite place.

She'd never thought of perfume as something that could have this effect on her, but his scent was... enchanting.

It was the perfect blend of sophistication and masculinity.

A strange tickling sensation spread through her stomach, and Jivisha quickly tried to shrug it off, but it was impossible to ignore.

She was close enough to feel his presence, and for the first time, she was utterly aware of him.

The man who had irritated her from the very first moment now felt... different.

From the far end of the garden, Dadi watched the exchange with wide eyes.

She had seen the sparks between them-the way their eyes held each other in a silent dance, the subtle energy that hummed in the air.

It was a connection she couldn't quite explain, but in her heart, she felt a small, hopeful flicker.

Maybe, just maybe, Vikrant was the one for Jivisha.

She smiled to herself, quietly watching them both.

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The grand hall buzzed with excitement as the wedding preparations took center stage.

Jivisha was busy instructing the dance steps to Shivani and Tarun, but despite her best efforts, the two were struggling to get the rhythm and moves right.

Tarun kept tripping over his feet, and Shivani's gracefulness seemed to be missing from the steps.

"Argh! This is harder than I thought," Tarun said, wiping the sweat off his brow. "Jivi, I think I need a little more help."

Shivani laughed, shaking her head. "Jivisha, please show us once! You do it much better."

Jivisha sighed but smiled at Shivani's pleading expression. "Fine. Watch carefully."

She stepped in front of Tarun, positioned herself with the right posture, and the music began to play.

As soon as she moved, Tarun and Shivani watched in awe.

Jivisha moved with a natural grace, every step flawless and in sync with the rhythm.

Tarun and Shivani both stared, unable to keep up with her elegance.

The dance, which seemed to be a mess before, now felt like an art form.

Every movement was smooth, perfectly timed.

As Jivisha and Tarun twirled together, their bodies moving in perfect synchrony, Jivisha couldn't help but feel a slight, unsettling ache in her chest.

The song faded out, and Jivisha broke her thoughts as she pulled away from Tarun, her chest rising and falling with deep breaths.

Shivani clapped her hands and grinned. "Very good! I understood the steps! You both are doing amazing."

Jivisha smiled back, but her mind was far from pleased.

She was losing herself to the anger stirring within her, but she pushed those thoughts aside for now.

Shivani's gaze swept across the hall as she paused. "Let's do one thing," she began, her voice ringing through the space. "I'll do these steps with Tarun, and you..." She trailed off, her eyes scanning the room.

Jivisha followed her gaze, and before she could register what was happening, Shivani's voice rang out excitedly. "Brother! Vikrant brother! Please come here!"

Jivisha's heart skipped a beat, her eyes catching the figure of Vikrant standing near the door.

He was dressed in all black-his shirt, his pants, everything coordinated to perfection.

He looked dashing, and for a moment, Jivisha forgot to breathe.

But she quickly recovered, her thoughts swirling as she tried to ignore the effect he had on her.

Vikrant, clearly reluctant, walked toward them, his eyes catching Jivisha's only for a split second before he turned his attention to Shivani.

Shivani, now grinning mischievously, turned to Vikrant. "Brother, you become Jivisha's partner!"

Jivisha's eyes widened as she heard the suggestion, her voice breaking through with disbelief. "What?"

Vikrant's reaction was the same. "What?"

Shivani waved them off. "Oh, I mean dance partners!" She laughed, clearly enjoying the discomfort on their faces.

Jivisha was ready to protest, to refuse, but much to her shock, Vikrant spoke first. "Alright, let's do this."

Jivisha's jaw nearly dropped.

He agreed?

She couldn't believe it.

But before she could say anything, Shivani had already hit play on the music.

As the beat flowed through the speakers, Jivisha stood frozen for a moment, her mind whirling.

She didn't want to dance with Vikrant.

But there was no turning back now.

With a sigh, she positioned herself, and before she knew it, Vikrant was standing close behind her.

The song began, and they moved in sync.

Jivisha could feel the heat from Vikrant's body radiating against hers as they danced, their steps mirroring each other's perfectly.

But it wasn't just the rhythm of the music that sent shivers down her spine-it was the proximity, the undeniable tension between them.

Vikrant, too, felt it.

The way Jivisha moved with him, effortlessly guiding him through the steps, felt too natural.

Too intimate.

He tried to ignore the way her hand grazed his, how her breath quickened when they turned, how her eyes-those captivating eyes-seemed to be pulling him into her.

He hated it.

He hated how she made him feel something he couldn't pinpoint, something he didn't want to feel.

But it was undeniable.

The chemistry between them was electric, and the heat in the air only grew stronger with every passing second.

Jivisha's heart raced, her breath shallow as she tried to focus on the dance, on the steps.

But Vikrant's presence was too overwhelming.

As they spun and twirled, Jivisha was acutely aware of how her body moved against his, how his arm was securely around her waist, holding her firmly.

Her stomach fluttered, but she hated it.

Hated that her body responded to him like this.

Vikrant, too, couldn't ignore the stirrings in his chest.

He had been irritated by Jivisha from the moment they met, but now?

Now, with every step they took together, he could feel something inside him twist and turn.

Something he didn't understand but couldn't deny.

The dance ended, and they both stepped back, breathless.

The room seemed to have shifted, the air thick with tension.

Neither of them spoke, and Jivisha quickly averted her gaze, her heart pounding too loudly in her chest.

Shivani, clearly oblivious to the storm brewing between the two, clapped enthusiastically. "Wow! You both were amazing! See? Dance partners! Perfect!"

But Jivisha couldn't shake the feeling in her stomach, nor could she forget the way Vikrant's eyes had held hers.

In that moment, she realized something she hadn't before: despite everything, there was a spark between them.

And that spark terrified her.

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The air was thick with the scent of turmeric, fresh flowers, and the lingering melody of dhol beats.

Every function-Mehndi, Haldi, and Sangeet-had been a whirlwind of emotions for Jivisha, but nothing compared to the tension that simmered whenever she was around Vikrant.

She had come to this wedding with a sole purpose-to create a rift between Shivani and Tarun.

But now, something inside her was shifting.

Each time Vikrant's gaze lingered on her, it sent an unexplainable flutter through her heart.

His intense eyes, the way his presence commanded attention, the rare yet breathtaking curve of his lips when he smiled-it was affecting her in ways she never thought possible.

She always believed Tarun was the one.

He was her comfort, her best friend, the person she imagined her life with.

But was it love?

Or just the idea of love?

Because with Vikrant, her emotions did a complete 360-degree turn.

His voice, his mere presence, his kindness, his unexpected protectiveness-it was drawing her in, making her question everything she thought she knew about her heart.

For Vikrant, everything was changing too.

He prided himself on being in control, never letting emotions cloud his mind.

But Jivisha-Jivisha was undoing him piece by piece.

The girl he once disliked was now the only one he could think about.

The first time he felt something stir inside him was jealousy-an unfamiliar, burning emotion when he saw her with Tarun, laughing, completely carefree.

He knew they were best friends, yet he couldn't digest the sight of Tarun making her smile so effortlessly.

That smile-oh, her smile-it was the most enchanting thing he had ever seen.

And now, he craved it, wanted it directed at him, wanted to be the reason behind it.

Her strength, her grace, the way she carried herself despite everything-everything about her made his heart clench.

He had learned from Shivani that Jivisha had no parents, that her only family was her Dadi.

At first, he felt sympathy.

But when he saw her-truly saw her-he felt pride.

She wasn't just surviving, she was thriving.

And somewhere along the way, she had found a way into his heart, without even trying.

On the day of the wedding, Jivisha was busy with arrangements, ensuring every detail was perfect.

She moved through the crowd, unaware of the lingering eyes on her, until crude whispers reached her ears.

A group of Shivani's relatives-elderly women draped in heavy sarees, adorned with layers of jewelry-sat in a corner, their voices laced with judgment.

"Poor girl, she doesn't have parents. Look at how she keeps clinging to Tarun."

"Girls should have some shame. A guy is getting married, and she's so close to him?"

"She is ill-mannered. She has no values at all. That's why she isn't getting married."

Jivisha stiffened.

She had faced judgment before, heard whispers in her school, college, and society.

But today, for some reason, the words cut deeper.

A lump formed in her throat, and she fought the sting of tears.

What had she done wrong?

Was it a crime to be close to her best friend?

But she wasn't the only one who heard.

Vikrant had been searching for the jaimala when he caught the vile conversation.

A slow, boiling rage filled him.

He had never been one to interfere in meaningless gossip, but this-this was unacceptable.

The way they spoke about Jivisha, belittling her, mocking her character-it made his blood boil.

With slow, deliberate steps, he approached the group.

His deep, authoritative voice cut through the air like a blade.

"Dear aunties, I see you all are quite free," he said, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Free enough to sit here and gossip about a girl rather than focus on the wedding you came to attend."

Jivisha turned, startled by his voice.

She hadn't expected anyone to hear, let alone Vikrant.

Tarun and Shivani, sensing the tension, also approached.

Jivisha stepped forward, placing a hand on Vikrant's arm. "Vikrant, please. It's not worth it," she whispered.

But Vikrant had had enough.

His patience was threadbare, and his fury uncontained.

His sharp gaze settled on the women, his presence demanding silence.

"You should be ashamed," he continued, voice laced with controlled anger. "Being women yourselves, you're tearing another woman down. That too, for what? For being a good friend?" His jaw clenched. "This isn't some Bollywood movie where a guy and a girl can't be friends. And as for "values" and "manners" he scoffed, "who gave you the right to question hers? Look at yourselves, sitting here, spitting venom. That's what's truly disgraceful."

He reached for Jivisha's hand, his grip firm, protective.

She looked at him, shocked, eyes glistening with unshed tears.

He wasn't just defending her-he was standing by her, claiming her in a way no one ever had.

"And let me make one thing clear," he added, voice unwavering. "Jivisha has more grace, dignity, and respect than any of you ever will. So do us all a favor-pack your things and leave. We don't need relatives who bring nothing but negativity."

Silence.

The women paled, their whispers ceasing instantly.

Humiliated, they gathered their belongings and scurried away.

Jivisha couldn't move.

Couldn't breathe.

No one had ever stood up for her like this.

No one had ever held her hand like this.

Vikrant saw the unshed tears in her eyes, and his hold on her tightened, offering silent reassurance.

Tarun and Shivani exchanged a knowing glance, smiles tugging at their lips.

Without another word, Vikrant led Jivisha away from the scene, his touch never leaving hers.

And as they walked, she realized-maybe, just maybe-she had been wrong all along.

Maybe Tarun wasn't the one.

Maybe, it was always meant to be Vikrant.

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The sacred fire burned brightly as Tarun and Shivani took their pheras, bound together in a promise of a lifetime.

The air was thick with the scent of roses and sandalwood, the sound of mantras weaving a spell of eternity around them.

Amidst the festivities, Jivisha stood still, her lavender lehenga shimmering under the glow of a thousand fairy lights.

A soft smile graced her lips as she watched them, truly happy for the man she once believed was meant for her.

She had been so sure, so convinced that Tarun was the one for her.

Their childhood friendship, their endless conversations, the comfort she found in his presence-she had mistaken all of it for love.

But looking at him now, the sheer happiness on his face as he gazed at Shivani, she knew she had been wrong.

If she had confessed her feelings, would Tarun have ever smiled like this?

Would he have ever been this content with her?

Her heart whispered the truth-no, he wouldn't have.

And that truth, surprisingly, didn't hurt anymore.

A pair of eyes had been on her all night.

Vikrant.

His intense gaze never wavered, tracing her every movement, as if he could hear the thoughts racing through her mind.

As the wedding proceeded, Jivisha felt suffocated by the rush of emotions, the weight of realization.

She turned and walked away, seeking solace in the quiet of the night, near the pool that shimmered under the moonlight.

She had barely inhaled a deep breath when she sensed him-his presence unmistakable, his aura commanding.

He stood beside her, silent yet unwavering.

"You okay?" His voice was softer than usual, carrying an edge of concern.

She glanced at him and smiled faintly. "I'm good, thank you."

He turned to face her fully, his dark eyes searching hers. "Jivisha, I know what happened this morning upset you. But don't let their useless words get to you."

She chuckled, tilting her head. "So, you know how to console people too?"

Scratching the back of his neck, he gave a small smile. "I guess... never done it before."

"There's always a first time for everything," she mused.

"I guess," he echoed.

She exhaled, her gaze dropping to the water. "I'm not upset because of what happened this morning."

"Then what is it?" he asked, his voice steady, patient.

Jivisha hesitated for a moment before looking up at him. "If I tell you the truth, will you judge me, Vikrant?"

He shook his head. "Who am I to judge you? I can listen, but I have no right to pass judgment."

She was taken aback by his answer-so simple yet so profound.

Gathering her courage, she confessed, "I didn't just come here to plan this wedding. I came to break Tarun and Shivani apart."

Vikrant's eyes widened slightly, but his expression remained neutral. "Okay... but the wedding is happening. So, what does that say?"

She sighed, turning back toward the pool. "Tarun and I have been best friends since childhood. Somewhere along the way, my fondness for him turned into something more, and I mistook it for love. I believed that just as I couldn't imagine my life without him, he couldn't imagine his without me. But then, one day, he told me he was getting married. I was furious, hurt. I couldn't understand why he didn't see me the way I saw him."

Vikrant listened intently, his gaze unwavering.

"But after coming here, everything changed," she continued. "I realized that I was never really in love with Tarun. He was my comfort zone, and we often mistake comfort for love. I see it now-Tarun and I were never meant to be. His happiness with Shivani is proof of that."

Vikrant remained silent for a moment before asking, "And now? What do you feel now?"

She met his gaze, her heart pounding. "Now, I think I finally understand what love truly means."

He took a small step closer. "And how is that?"

A small smile played on her lips as she whispered, "Thank you, Vikrant. For standing up for me today. You know, you're the first person who's ever done that."

Before he could respond, she gently took his hand in hers, raising it to her lips.

The soft, fleeting kiss on his palm sent a shiver through his body.

His breath hitched as an unfamiliar warmth spread through him.

She looked up at him and added, "And thank you for making me realize that it's okay to step out of my comfort zone... because someone else has started making a place in my heart."

His heartbeat quickened.

He wanted her to say it-to tell him that he was the one she was talking about.

He needed to hear it.

"But..." she hesitated, "I don't know what he thinks of me."

Vikrant didn't hesitate.

He grabbed her hand and pulled her closer, his hands cupping her face gently.

Their eyes locked, and in that moment, the world faded away.

She saw the answer in his gaze before he even spoke.

He placed a lingering kiss on her forehead, his lips warm against her skin.

She closed her eyes, savoring the tenderness, the unspoken emotions that surged between them.

After a moment, he pulled back just enough to look at her and murmured, "I guess you got your answer."

She smiled, her heart swelling with a warmth she had never known before.

Without another word, she wrapped her arms around him, holding him close.

He reciprocated instantly, his arms tightening around her, happiness etched across his face.

For the first time in a long time, neither of them wanted to let go.

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A month had passed since Tarun and Shivani's wedding, and the newlyweds had gone on their honeymoon.

Meanwhile, the bond between Jivisha and Vikrant had deepened.

Vikrant had chosen not to return to Australia, wanting to spend more time with his family-and with Jivisha.

Though she had returned to Mumbai, they spoke on the phone frequently.

Vikrant had come to realize that he not only liked Jivisha, but he might actually be in love with her.

She was the one woman who could make him kneel, and he would do so willingly, without hesitation.

Determined to confess his feelings, he planned a special evening.

That afternoon, Jivisha was in a meeting with a client, discussing marriage arrangements, when her phone pinged.

It was a message from her Dadi: "Come home quickly."

Frowning, she wrapped up the meeting and rushed home.

Upon arriving, she found her Dadi sitting on the sofa, staring at a box surrounded by flowers.

"Dadi, what happened? Why are you sitting like this? And where did this box come from?" Jivisha asked.

Her Dadi looked at her with wide eyes. "I think there's a bomb inside."

Jivisha rolled her eyes. "Dadi, seriously? You've been watching too many movies. Did you open it?"

"Are you crazy? Why would I open it? What if it explodes? I'm not ready to die young!" her Dadi huffed dramatically.

Sighing, Jivisha shook her head. "Dadi, we won't know who sent it unless we open it." She carefully lifted the lid and found a stunning black saree inside, along with a letter.

As she read the letter, a blush crept onto her cheeks-it was from Vikrant.

Her Dadi peeked over her shoulder. "Ohh, so Vikrant sent this!" she teased.

Just then, Jivisha's phone rang.

It was Vikrant.

She answered, and his deep voice came through. "Be ready in that saree by seven in the evening. I'll pick you up."

Before she could respond, he hung up.

As the time approached, she got dressed in the saree.

She glanced at herself in the mirror and had to admit-it looked good on her.

Her Dadi walked in and smiled. "You look beautiful. Here, wear this too."

She handed Jivisha a delicate waist chain.

"Dadi, I don't think it will suit me," she hesitated.

"Just listen to me for once and try it on," her Dadi insisted.

Nodding, Jivisha put it on.

Just as she finished, she received a message from Vikrant saying he was outside.

Bidding her Dadi goodbye, she left.

When Vikrant saw her, he was mesmerized.

Words failed him.

He drove her to a secluded beach where he had arranged a beautifully decorated setup.

Jivisha was enchanted by the effort he had put in.

As she turned to him, she noticed his intense gaze fixed on her waist.

His darkened expression sent a shiver through her.

She blushed. "Eyes up, mister."

He smirked. "Why should I look away when my eyes can admire you in all your beauty? Why settle for just one part when I can take in everything?"

Her cheeks turned a deeper shade of pink as he pulled her closer. "You take my breath away, Jivisha. And this waist chain... it's driving me insane. You have no idea what you're doing to me. It frustrates me that I didn't meet you earlier."

She smiled. "Well, it's better late than never, I guess."

He chuckled. "I need to tell you something."

Stepping back, he suddenly knelt down, making her gasp.

Holding out his hand, he asked, "Will you be mine, Jivisha? Will you give me the honor of calling you mine? Will you make me the luckiest man alive by accepting me? I know this may seem fast, but you... you are the one truth in my life that I never want to let go of. So, tell me, Jivisha, will you give me a chance?"

Tears welled up in her eyes as she placed her hand in his. "Yes, I will be yours. And it's not just you who needs a chance-I need one too. A chance to stay by your side, to be connected to you, to love you."

Vikrant stood up and pulled her into a tight embrace.

She held onto him just as fiercely, knowing that what once seemed impossible was now their reality.

Their journey ahead wouldn't be easy, but they were ready to face it together.

Life doesn't always go according to plan, but sometimes, destiny has a way of leading you to something even more precious-something that changes your life for the better.

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#Propose Day💍

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