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Akshat carefully folded the last of Amrit's dresses, placing them neatly in the suitcase before zipping it shut. The room was filled with a heavy silence, both of them aware that the time had come for her to leave. His heart weighed down, mirroring the sadness that flickered in her eyes as she stood by the window, silently watching the city lights outside.

Her gaze wandered around the apartment-the dining table where they'd shared meals, the cozy living room where they'd spent countless evenings, the kitchen where he had awkwardly helped her make tea, and their bedroom... the place where they'd first slept beside each other, finding comfort in each other's presence. Every corner of this house had witnessed the fragile yet beautiful journey of their relationship.

"Done?" Akshat's voice broke her chain of thoughts.

She turned to him, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. His brows furrowed as he noticed her expression, and within a second, he stepped closer, concern flickering in his dark eyes.

"Amrit? What happened?" he asked softly, cupping her face with both hands and wiping away her tears with his thumbs.

Her lower lip trembled as she whispered, "I don't want to leave this home... Yahan bohot saari yaadein hain... aur ye ghar apna lagta hai."

His heart clenched at her words. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into a warm embrace. His chin rested on top of her head, his fingers threading through her hair.

"If you want... hum shaadi ke baad yahin reh sakte hain." he murmured against her hair, his voice gentle and understanding.

She closed her eyes, letting the comfort of his arms soothe her aching heart. But after a moment, she shook her head against his chest.

"Nahi... ab aur nahi... I don't want to keep you away from your family anymore. Pehle se hi kaafi der ho gayi hai. And also... I've always wished to have a big loving family... jahan sab saath saath hote hain... sharing happiness, fights, everything... hamesha." she said, her voice breaking slightly.

Akshat pulled back just enough to look into her eyes, a small smile playing on his lips.

"Ham sath sath hain types?" he teased, making her chuckle softly through her tears.

"Exactly." she whispered, a faint smile tugging at her lips.

He wiped her tears once again, leaning in to place a soft kiss on her forehead.

"Toh bas, phir special occasions pe yahan wapas aayenge... sirf tum aur mai."

Her heart fluttered at his words, and she nodded slowly.

"Promise?" she asked, holding out her pinky finger like a child.

He chuckled, intertwining his pinky with hers.

"Promise."

"Will you miss me?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Amrit slowly shook her head, a teasing glint flickering in her eyes, but the smile tugging at her lips couldn't hide the truth her heart held.

Akshat's smile widened, his fingers gently tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. He leaned closer, his forehead resting against hers, his warm breath fanning over her face.

"I will miss you too." he murmured, his voice laced with vulnerability.

Her heart skipped a beat at his confession. The ache of parting hung heavy in the air. Without breaking the fragile moment, she cupped his face tenderly, her thumbs brushing along his jawline.

Her eyes locked with his, shimmering with emotions she couldn't put into words. Slowly, her gaze dropped to his lips-soft, inviting, and just a breath away.

Amrit's soft voice trembled in the air, "Can I kiss you?"

Akshat's breath caught in his throat, his heart skipping a beat at her innocent yet bold question. His stomach flipped, but a soft smile tugged at his lips. Without a word, he closed his eyes, surrendering himself completely to her, leaning slightly forward as if giving her all the permission she needed.

Her heart pounded against her chest as she tiptoed, her hands still cradling his face. Slowly, she closed the remaining distance, her lips brushing against his.

Akshat's fingers curled around her waist, pulling her closer, but his touch was gentle, as if he was holding something precious. His thumb traced small circles on her waist through the fabric, sending shivers down her spine.

Amrit's heart fluttered as she pressed her lips a little more firmly against his, sighing softly into the kiss. Their lips moved in a slow rhythm, learning each other all over again.

Akshat's hand slid up to the small of her back, pulling her flush against him, deepening the kiss. His lips parted slightly, and Amrit followed his lead, surrendering to him completely. He sucked on her lower lip gently, making her knees weaken, his breath warm against her mouth.

A soft whimper escaped her throat, and his heart clenched at the sound. His fingers tightened on her waist, holding her steady. Their tongues brushed tentatively.

When they finally pulled away, breathless and hearts pounding, their foreheads remained pressed together. Amrit's eyes fluttered open, meeting his dazed gaze.

Akshat's warm breath fanned against her cheek as he placed a soft lingering kiss there, making her eyes flutter shut. His arms wrapped around her, pulling her into his chest, as if trying to hold her just a little longer - just a little closer.

Her phone buzzed in the silence, but neither of them moved. With one hand still on his back, she picked up the call.

"Amrit, kahan reh gayi?" Kavya's voice came from the other side, pulling her back to reality.

"Aa rahi hun." She replied softly, not wanting to break the delicate moment, and disconnected the call without waiting for another word.

She clutched his shirt a little tighter, burying her face in his chest.

"Jana hai." She whispered, her voice barely audible.

"Pata hai." He whispered back, but made no effort to let her go.

She shifted slightly, trying to pull away - but his grip only tightened around her waist, holding her against him as if this was the last time he'd get to feel her close.

"Akshat-" she started, but he cut her off softly.

"Thodi der." He murmured, his voice pleading.

Her heart clenched, and without another word, she gave in - wrapping her arms around his waist, pressing her face deeper into his chest. The faint thumping of his heart matched her own, creating a rhythm only they could hear.

But then, her phone buzzed again, breaking the fragile spell. Akshat sighed against her hair, loosening his hold slowly - almost reluctantly.

Without meeting her eyes, he turned away, picking up her suitcases one by one.

She blinked back her tears, locking the apartment door with trembling hands - the same apartment where they built memories, where they fought, laughed, and unknowingly fell in love.

He started walking ahead, carrying her bags silently, while she followed behind, stealing glances at his broad back - the back she would miss hugging every night.

As they reached outside the building, the cool evening breeze kissed their faces. Everyone stood there, waiting for the girls to leave for the wedding house.

"Chalein?" Vaibhav asked gently, his voice filled with warmth.

Amrit nodded, swallowing the heaviness in her throat, while Akshat silently kept her suitcases inside the car, his eyes betraying how much he didn't want her to leave.

Just then, Kavya walked towards the car with her handbag, but her steps faltered as a familiar chuckle reached her ears. She turned, only to find Krishiv walking behind her, carrying her suitcases in one hand while the other hand dragged another suitcase... with Bulbul sitting on top of it, her little legs swinging back and forth as she laughed.

"Waha tak leke chaliye na," Bulbul requested, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

Krishiv grinned, his heart melting at her request.

"Okk." He agreed immediately, pulling the suitcase slowly as if giving her a royal ride.

Kavya's eyes widened, placing her hands on her waist.

"Arrey! Bas ho gaya.. suitcase hai cycle nahi!" She scolded, trying to sound strict but failing to hide the smile tugging at her lips.

Bulbul pouted adorably, slipping down from the suitcase, and Krishiv stood there scratching the back of his head like a guilty child.

"Aur aap kya har baat maan jaate hain!" Kavya added, narrowing her eyes at him.

Krishiv's lips curved into a sheepish smile, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

"Sorry... Bulbul ki mummy..." he mumbled with the most innocent puppy eyes, making Kavya's heart flutter despite herself.

She sighed, shaking her head with a small smile, while Krishiv winked at Bulbul behind her back - making the little girl giggle again.

"Ye dono toh bina shaadi ke hi pati patni jaise behave karte hain." Preeti teased, making everyone chuckle as Krishiv flushed, scratching the back of his neck.

"Haan masi, uss din hospital mein bhi toh..." Anika chimed in, her eyes glinting mischievously as she mimicked Krishiv's voice, "Aap chalengi ya mai utha ke le jaun?"

A burst of laughter echoed around as Krishiv's face turned red. He narrowed his eyes playfully and gave a light slap to Anika's head.

"Zyada bolne lagi hai tu... mai bataun tere sare kaand bhabhi ji?" He smirked, making Anika's eyes widen in mock horror.

"Arey bhaiya... I was just joking... aap bhi na... apni pyari si behen ki baat ka kaun bura maanta hai?" She said with her best innocent face, trying to melt him.

Vihaan, who was standing beside her, raised his eyebrows suspiciously.

"Kaunse kaand?" He asked, eyeing his wife curiously.

Krishiv's smirk widened, enjoying the sudden shift of tables.

"Arre kuch nahi... chaliye na... late ho raha hai!" Anika blurted out, quickly grabbing Vihaan's arm and dragging him towards the car.

"Arey sabko jaane toh do!" Vihaan protested, but Anika was too quick to let the conversation stretch further, leaving everyone chuckling at their playful banter.

As the cars started leaving one by one, a soft silence settled around. Nandini turned to walk towards the car, at the same moment Vedant took a step forward from the other side. Their steps collided, and both froze.

Nandini glanced at him briefly before looking away. They tried again - once, twice - and both stepped at the same time, blocking each other's path.

For a fleeting moment, their eyes met, something unspoken lingering in the air. But before the moment stretched, Vedant stepped back, silently giving her way.

"Nandu baby tu ghar chal, maine nayi dress li hai... wo dikhana hai." Preeti called out cheerfully, breaking the tension.

Nandini plastered a smile on her face and nodded.

Vedant watched her go, his eyes lingering on her for a second longer than necessary.

"Mumma, I am leaving for hospital." He suddenly announced, making Preeti frown.

"Arey... lunch karke jaane waale the na? Aaj toh schedule free tha?"

Without waiting for further questions, he walked away, but not before stealing one last glance at Nandini. She refused to meet his eyes.

Amrit and Kavya walked inside the Rathore Mansion, their eyes scanning the grand interiors. The house stood tall with its regal charm, each corner exuding warmth and elegance.

"Woww... this house is so big... just like a castle!" Bulbul's voice echoed through the hallway as she grinned, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Kavya smiled at her daughter's innocence while Amrit chuckled softly.

Bulbul's curious eyes roamed around, soaking in every inch of the place. Her gaze landed on the shimmering blue water at a distance.

"Wahan kya hai?" She asked, pointing towards the swimming pool area.

Before anyone could answer, she turned her head in another direction.

"Udhar kya hai?"

Her questions continued as she pointed at the garden, staircase, and even the chandelier hanging from the ceiling.

Vaibhav, who was watching her amusement, chuckled heartily before bending down and scooping her up in his arms.

"Should I give you a house tour?" He asked, smiling warmly.

Bulbul's eyes lit up instantly, and she nodded eagerly.

"Aur maine tere liye ek special room bhi arrange kiya hai... jisme bahut saare games hain... dekhna hai?" He added, wiggling his eyebrows.

Bulbul's grin widened, her little hands clapping in excitement.

"Neki aur... umm..." She scratched her head, trying to remember the phrase.

"Tail tail!" She said, making everyone burst into laughter.

Rajat, who stood nearby, stepped forward and playfully pinched her nose.

"Pooch pooch." He corrected, grinning at the little girl.

Bulbul giggled, her cheeks turning pink.

"Haan haan wahi." She nodded innocently.

Vaibhav's eyes twinkled with affection as he turned towards Kavya and Amrit.

"Tum dono jao apne rooms mein... hum choti chokri ko ghar dikha laate hain."

Kavya shook her head fondly, though a hint of worry crossed her face.

"Bulbul, don't trouble him, okay?" She warned gently.

Vaibhav's eyes softened, cradling Bulbul closer.

"Arre... yeh uska haq hai. Hai na?" He asked, glancing at Bulbul with a smile.

Bulbul's little head bobbed up and down quickly.

"Haan uncle!" She said without missing a beat.

"Uncle kya hota hai? Main tere uncle ka uncle hoon... tu mujhe nanu bulaayegi." He said proudly.

Bulbul grinned wide.

"Ok nanu."

Their voices slowly faded as Vaibhav carried her away, pointing out various corners of the house.

Everyone stood there, their hearts melting at the pure bond forming between the oldest and youngest members of the family.

Singhania Mansion buzzed with warmth as the aroma of dinner wafted through the air. The family gathered in the living room, waiting for the final preparations to be done.

Akshat was sitting on the sofa, scrolling through his phone lazily while Vedant sat beside him, engrossed in a medical journal. Preeti and Vikram were chatting softly at the dining table, enjoying the peaceful evening.

The main door opened, and Krishiv walked in, loosening his tie as if he'd fought a battle at the office. His face screamed exhaustion as he kicked off his shoes carelessly and threw himself onto the sofa with a loud sigh.

Preeti's sharp eyes caught his antics instantly.

"Two weeks left for your wedding, and you're still the same." She remarked, crossing her arms.

Anika, who was setting the cutlery, smirked.

"Maasi, why don't you call our Kavya bhabhi and let her know about her future husband? Ho he throw his things everywhere like a kid?"

Akshat leaned forward, a mischievous smirk playing on his lips.

"And don't forget to mention how he gets cranky after waking up."

Preeti giggled, joining in the teasing.

"Also tell her he throws tantrums over little things. And spend more than one hour in his beauty bath"

Krishiv's mouth fell open.

"That's not true! I only take half an hour to take a bath, baaki toh skin care me nikal jata hai."

Vishakha walked in just in time, holding a tray of juice glasses.

"Oh really? Should I show Kavya how your room looks right now?" She teased, arching a brow.

Krishiv gasped dramatically, clutching his chest.

Krishiv gasped dramatically, clutching his chest.

"Are you all planning to get me divorced before marriage? It took me so much effort to make her agree!"

Akshat chuckled, leaning back on the sofa.

"With this habit of yours... forget divorce... she might not even marry you in the first place."

Krishiv threw a cushion at him, making everyone laugh.

"Accha... call her na." Anika suggested, folding her arms across her chest, a sly smirk playing on her lips.

Krishiv's brows furrowed.

"But... why?" He asked, genuinely confused.

Vihaan, who was quietly enjoying the show till now, leaned forward with amusement dancing in his eyes.

"Wait... don't tell me... ever since she said yes to the wedding, you haven't called her even once?"

Krishiv blinked.

"I have... I talk to Bulbul daily." He defended proudly, as if he'd done the most romantic thing in the world.

Everyone slapped their foreheads at once, making Krishiv frown in confusion.

"Bulbul is your daughter! She's not the one you're marrying!" Anika said, exasperated.

"What? But Bulbul is also her part. And bulbul ki mummy ko koi problem nahi hai." He mumbled, trying to justify himself.

Vedant, who was silently observing the whole conversation, shook his head with a disappointed sigh.

"Hopeless case... Kuch nahi ho sakta iska."

"At least you could ask her how her day was... that's what normal couples do." Akshat suggested, leaning in.

Krishiv's forehead creased as if someone had asked him to crack a rocket science code.

"Why? Usse kya hoga?"

There was a collective groan from the entire family.

"Because girls like when their partners call them... at least once a day! They like to feel special, to know that you care... that you're thinking about them." Anika explained him.

Krishiv's mouth formed an 'O' shape, as if he'd just discovered some top-secret information about women.

Preeti smiled mischievously, folding her dupatta neatly.

"Enough of your nonsense... now call her."

Kavya was sitting with Preksha and Amrit in the living area, sipping tea and chatting casually when her phone buzzed with a video call. Her brows furrowed, seeing Krishiv's name flashing on the screen.

Preksha, who was sitting beside her, peeked at the phone screen and smirked.

"Ohhh... abhi se calls aane lage?" She teased, raising her eyebrows.

Kavya's cheeks turned slightly pink, but she quickly composed herself.

"Shayad... Bulbul se baat karni ho." She mumbled, trying to sound indifferent.

Preksha rolled her eyes dramatically.

"Beta, tumhari shaadi fix hui hai... tumse baat karne ke liye call kiya hoga, Bulbul ke bahaane." She teased, winking playfully.

Amrit chuckled from the side, nodding in agreement.

"Exactly... abhi se itni sharmaana shuru?"

Kavya's blush deepened, and she quickly excused herself, getting up from the sofa.

Once inside her room, she closed the door and leaned against it, taking a deep breath. Her heart was beating a little faster than usual. She fixed her hair, opening the loose bun she had tied earlier, letting her long locks fall freely. A soft sigh escaped her lips as she checked her reflection in the mirror - brushing a few strands behind her ear before finally answering the call.

But the moment the call connected, she barely caught a glimpse of Krishiv's face before someone snatched the phone from him.

"Namaste bhabhi!" Anika's cheerful voice echoed through the phone, making Kavya chuckle softly.

"Namaste bhabhi!" Vihaan joined from behind, waving at the screen with a teasing grin.

Kavya's eyes widened in surprise.

"Sir... aap?" She asked, blinking in confusion.

Vihaan's smirk widened.

"Sir toh sirf office mein... ab toh bhabhi kehna padega."

Kavya's cheeks flushed a deeper shade of pink as Anika and Vihaan exchanged a high-five, thoroughly enjoying their teasing session.

"Vaise thank you beta, for agreeing to marry him." Preeti said with a warm smile, making Kavya smile softly in return.

"And if he troubled you, just tell us, I will pull his ears." Rakshit suddenly popped his head into the frame, making Krishiv pout instantly.

"Areeee!" He whined dramatically, earning chuckles from everyone.

"Accha if she is in call, tell her about the jewelleries and other things." Vishakha's voice came from behind.

Krishiv's eyes widened in shock.

"Kya?? You want to take dowry from her?" He asked, almost scandalized.

Before anyone could answer, Akshat leaned in from the side with a smirk.

"Aree she is talking about giving her jewelleries from groom's side, wo kya dowry degi, dowry toh hame dena chahiye because she agreed to marry you."

Everyone burst into laughter, while Krishiv's jaw dropped in disbelief.

"See... now they all teamed up against me with you." He complained, turning the phone towards Kavya with an exaggerated sulking expression.

Kavya smiled softly, biting her lower lip.

"Don't worry, I am with you." She said gently, her voice barely above a whisper.

For a second, the teasing and laughter around them faded into the background as Krishiv's sulking face softened - something unexplainable flickering in his eyes. Kavya realized what she had just said, her cheeks turning pink as she quickly looked down.

Everyone exchanged knowing glances, while Krishiv's grin widened. He turned back to the screen, his eyes twinkling mischievously.

"Dekha!!" He flaunted, making everyone laugh again.

"Amrit bhabhi kahan hain??" Anika asked curiously, shifting her gaze behind Kavya.

Listening to Amrit's name, Akshat's ears perked up, and he leaned closer to peek into the phone screen.

"Arre despo insaan, wahan nahi hai wo." Krishiv teased, flicking his finger on Akshat's forehead playfully.

Akshat smacked his arm lightly, narrowing his eyes.

"Wo andar baithi hui hai." Kavya answered politely, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

"Accha... chal tum dono miya biwi baat karo, we should leave now." Preeti said, her voice laced with teasing warmth as she gestured everyone to leave.

"Haan, I have a conference meeting." Vikram added, stretching his arms lazily.

"Jiji, we should discuss about engagement preparations." Preeti said, already dragging Vishakha away before she could protest.

Akshat and Vedant walked together, discussing something in low voices.

"Anika, chalo." Vihaan called out, holding her wrist to drag her along.

Anika pouted, trying to resist as she stayed glued to her place, eager to eavesdrop on the conversation.

Krishiv glanced around the empty living room, his eyes shifting between the screen and the vacant space around him. The sudden silence between them made the air heavier, neither of them able to meet the other's gaze. Both kept looking everywhere but at each other, the awkwardness thick in the atmosphere.

"Umm... Bulbul kahan hai?" he finally broke the silence, his voice coming out softer than usual.

"She is playing games." Kavya replied, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear, trying to act normal.

"Ye toh uska homework karne ka time hai?" he asked, eyebrows knitting slightly.

A small chuckle escaped Kavya's lips.

"Madam ko kon samjhaye, upar se shay mil gayi hai sabki. Abhi jaa ke le aaungi." she said, shaking her head fondly.

A soft laugh rumbled from his chest, filling the awkward silence for a brief moment. But as soon as the sound faded, the quietness settled between them again, making both feel strangely conscious.

Kavya shifted in her place, clearing her throat lightly.

"Aapne... dinner kiya?" she asked hesitantly, her voice almost a whisper.

"Abhi nahi...aapne?" he asked, eyes still fixed on the floor as he traced patterns with his toes.

"Nahi." she replied softly.

He nodded slowly, lips pressing together as he tapped his fingers lightly on his knee. The silence stretched between them once more, the only sound being the faint tick of the clock in the background.

Kavya bit her lower lip, already sensing that he hadn't called her out of his own will but because everyone forced him. The thought made her chest ache a little.

Gathering her courage, she plastered a small smile and spoke, trying to ease his discomfort.

"Aap fresh ho jaiye... good night."

He looked up quickly, as if not wanting the call to end so soon.

"Accha... kal office jayengi aap?" he asked, trying to prolong the conversation.

"Ji." she replied softly.

"Ok... I will drop you and Bulbul then." he said, attempting to sound casual.

"No sir, it's really fine." she said politely, not wanting to trouble him.

His lips curved into a small smirk, eyes flickering with sudden mischief.

"Dekhiye ab ye formality nahi chalegi... ab toh mera haq hai na?"

Her heart skipped a beat at his words, heat rising up her cheeks.

Realizing what he just said, Krishiv's eyes widened, and he immediately started fumbling.

"I-I mean... wo vala haq... nahi... I mean wo nahi... wo... dusra vala..." he stuttered, scratching the back of his neck.

A soft giggle escaped Kavya's lips, making him look even more flustered.

"I understood sir." she said, her voice gentle, making his heart flutter unexpectedly.

He cleared his throat, trying to hide his embarrassment.

"I will reach at sharp 7 AM."

"Ok... good night." she whispered.

His lips stretched into a soft smile, eyes twinkling slightly.

"Good night... Bulbul ki mummy." he said playfully before disconnecting the call.

As the screen went blank, Kavya slowly brought the phone to her chest, her heart still racing. Her eyes lifted towards the night sky, a soft smile curving her lips as a warm blush bloomed on her cheeks, a smile she didn't even realise was there.

Akshat walked into his room after dinner, the familiar space now feeling strangely foreign without Amrit's presence.

A bittersweet smile played on his lips as his mind wandered back to the day she had first entered his room unintentionally. He could still vividly remember how scared and nervous she was, clutching the door handle as if ready to bolt at any moment. Her wide eyes flickered with fear while her trembling lips kept blabbering non-stop, making him even more frustrated.

His own irritated voice echoed in his head, making him chuckle softly. The stark difference between then and now made his heart ache with an unfamiliar warmth. How much had changed between them.

Sighing, he sat on the edge of the bed, pulling out his phone from his pocket. His fingers hovered over the screen before dialing her number. The call barely rang twice before she picked up - as if she had been waiting for his call all along.

"Hello."

Her soft voice floated through the speaker, instantly wrapping him in a sense of comfort.

"Dinner kiya?" he asked, his voice gentler than usual.

"Haan... aapne?"

"Hmm." He leaned back against the headboard, staring at the ceiling. "Kya kar rahi ho?"

On the other side, Amrit shifted by the window, tucking her loose strands behind her ear. The moonlight fell on her face, making her features glow softly as she hugged her knees to her chest.

"I was watching a movie with everyone... Akshat, you know, yahan bahot apna pan lag raha hai."

Her voice carried a hint of wonder, as if she herself was surprised by how easily she had blended into this new place.

A small smile tugged at his lips.

"Accha ji?" he teased, eyes narrowing playfully. "Itna ki apne pati ki yaad bhi nahi aayi... You didn't even call me... aur message ka reply bhi nahi kiya."

Amrit bit her lower lip, guilt flickering in her heart.

"Sorry... sabke sath busy thi mai." she murmured, tucking her hair behind her ear again.

"I am missing you."

His sudden confession made her breath hitch, her heart fluttering inside her chest.

"Mai bhi... video call kariye na," she murmured softly, her voice laced with a childlike innocence.

"Haan wait," Akshat's deep voice responded from the other end, the familiar warmth in his tone making her heart flutter.

"Kaise hone wale pati hain aap? Yahan sab ladke pehle offer karte hain video call ke liye... aur mujhe kehna pada." She pouted, breaking the silence.

Akshat's lips curled into an amused smirk, leaning back against the headboard, his phone resting in his hand.

"Hone wale kya hota hai?" His voice dipped into a husky tone. "Mai tumhara ho chuka pati hoon, Mrs. Singhania."

She scrunched her nose cutely, trying to suppress the blush creeping onto her cheeks.

"Nahi... hone wale." She insisted, flicking her gaze away. "Aap na mujhe shaadi ke pehle wala phase enjoy bhi nahi karne doge! Vivah movie dekhne ke baad kitne sapne sajaye the..."

Akshat's chuckle echoed through the phone, deep and soft.

"Accha, as you say... hone wali patni ji." His eyes twinkled mischievously. "Vaise tumne shaadi ki date notice ki?"

She frowned slightly, her forehead creasing.

"Haan... kyun?"

"Kuch yaad nahi?" He leaned forward, his voice lowering a notch.

"Nahi toh."

A small smirk played on his lips as he saw her genuinely confused expression.

"Arre buddhu..." He drawled, eyes softening. "We were married on the same date... pehli baar bhi."

Her eyes widened in shock, lips parting slightly.

"Kyaaa???" She blinked rapidly, trying to process his words. "We were married on 24??"

"Haan ji." He nodded, his smile widening at her adorable reaction.

Amrit's heart fluttered at the revelation, her gaze dropping for a moment as an uncontrollable smile bloomed on her face.

"Matlab..." she trailed off, her voice softening. "We can celebrate both anniversaries on the same day?"

"Haan...accha ab video call toh karo" Akshat reminded her, his voice laced with affection.

As soon as Amrit disconnected the call, she quickly fixed her hair, tucking a few loose strands behind her ear. Her heart fluttered with excitement. She glanced at her reflection in the mirror, biting her lower lip before dialing his number again.

The moment Akshat picked up, his tired eyes lit up seeing her face on the screen. A small smile tugged at his lips as she waved at him cutely, her cheeks slightly flushed.

"Balcony me aa gaye?" She asked, noticing the soft glow of night lights behind him and the gentle swaying of the swing he sat on.

"Haan." He replied, his voice calm yet laced with warmth.

Her eyes sparkled, curiosity flickering within them.

"Dikhaiye na kaisa hai? Maine bas room hi dekha hai..." she asked, leaning a little closer to the screen.

"Nahi... jab aana tab dekhna." He smirked, teasing her.

"Akshat!! Please na." She whined adorably, pouting at him like a child.

He chuckled softly, shaking his head.

"Nahi Amrit... baad me." He said stubbornly, making her huff in disappointment.

He opened his mouth to change the topic.

"Accha tum kal-"

His words halted abruptly as a giant monster filter popped up on her face, making her look like a goofy cartoon creature with bulging eyes and sharp teeth.

His eyebrows furrowed, a tired sigh leaving his lips.

"Amrit, tum kal-"

Before he could finish, she quickly switched the filter again - this time with a rainbow background and sparkles around her head. She pouted dramatically, admiring herself on the screen.

He blinked at her, trying to suppress a smile, but his patience was thinning.

"Tum kal-" He tried again.

This time, she appeared with bunny ears and a red nose, making funny faces at her own video.

Akshat clenched his jaw, pressing his lips into a thin line as his eyes narrowed.

"Amrit... suno toh-"

But she was too busy giggling, switching from alien filters to funny hats without paying attention to his frustrated expressions.

His lips parted to try one last time - but she suddenly popped up with a cartoon dog filter that made her tongue roll out every time she opened her mouth.

His patience snapped.

Without another word, he rolled his eyes and disconnected the call abruptly.

The screen went blank, leaving Amrit blinking in confusion.

"Arrey... kya hua inko?" She muttered, frowning at the phone.

Amrit dialed his number again, her lips pressed into a small pout. As soon as Akshat picked up, his voice came out flat but playful.

"Tum filters decide karlo... phir baat karenge." He said, leaning back on the swing, arms crossed over his chest.

Her eyes widened as if he had just accused her of committing a crime.

"Arre... it's fun! Aap bhi karo na." She chirped, tilting her head cutely.

He narrowed his eyes.

"I am not a kid." He stated with fake sternness.

She pouted harder, batting her lashes dramatically.

"Akshat please naaaaa... itna bhi nahi kar sakte aap mere liye?" She pleaded, stretching the 'na' like a child asking for candy.

He sighed heavily, closing his eyes for a second, knowing very well he had lost the battle before it even began.

"Accha... chaliye ye alien wala filter lagaiye." She instructed, grinning mischievously.

"Alien?" He frowned, clicking on the filter reluctantly.

A pair of green antennas popped up on his head, his nose scrunched in irritation.

As soon as Amrit saw him, she burst into loud laughter, clutching her stomach.

"Oh my God, Alien Singhania...!!" She teased, clicking on the same filter for herself.

She suddenly started speaking in a weird robotic voice, making her eyes wide.

"Greetings from Planet Zukzuk... who are you, stranger? What brings you to this planet?"

He chuckled, shaking his head at her antics but played along, lowering his voice dramatically.

"I am Alien Singhania.... I came here looking for my wife but... I think she has lost her mind."

Amrit gasped, placing her hand on her heart.

"How dare you! I am the Queen of Zukzuk... and your wife is the most beautiful and intelligent creature on this planet."

He smirked, raising an eyebrow.

"Beautiful... yes. Intelligent... that's still debatable."

Her mouth fell open and she smacked the screen lightly, making him chuckle.

"You are so mean, Alien Singhania"

"And you are so crazy, Mrs. Alien Singhania."

They both burst out laughing, the sound echoing through their rooms.

Amrit quickly changed the filter to a cartoon crown and folded her hands dramatically.

"Bow down before the Queen!" She declared in a regal voice.

Without missing a beat, Akshat switched to the same crown filter and sat up straighter, pretending to adjust his imaginary robe.

"I, King Singhania, bow down to no one... except my Queen, who is slightly annoying but still adorable."

Amrit giggled, hiding her face behind her hands.

She changed the filter again to a funny dog face, sticking out her tongue.

Without saying a word, Akshat clicked on the same filter, sticking out his tongue as well.

For the next few minutes, they kept switching filters - from bunny ears to pirate hats to clowns - bursting into laughter every time they saw each other.

At one point, Akshat changed the background to a cartoon beach and folded his hands behind his head.

At one point, Akshat changed the background to a cartoon beach and folded his hands behind his head.

"Finally... some peace from my crazy wife."

Amrit changed hers to a thunderstorm background and crossed her arms.

"No peace for you, King Singhania. Your Queen will follow you everywhere!"

He laughed loudly, his whole face lighting up in a way that only she could bring out.

Vishakha was about to knock on the door with a tray of warm milk in her hands, a part of her nightly routine to check on Akshat - something she did out of habit ever since his childhood.

But just as her knuckles were about to touch the wooden surface, she stopped abruptly.

Her brows furrowed in confusion as the sound of loud, carefree laughter echoed from inside - a sound so foreign, so unfamiliar coming from her son that it made her heart skip a beat.

Her hand stilled in midair, eyes blinking in disbelief. She leaned closer to the slightly ajar window nearby, her ears straining.

He is laughing.

Not the forced polite smiles she often saw... not the small chuckles he occasionally gave to hide his pain...

But genuine, hearty, uninhibited laughter - the kind that lit up his whole face, making his eyes crinkle at the corners.

Her eyes immediately welled up with tears.

It had been years since she had seen him like this - maybe since his childhood.

She clutched the tray tightly to her chest, trying to steady her trembling hands. Her heart swelled with happiness, and she silently wiped her tears with the corner of her saree, not wanting to disturb this beautiful moment.

"Pagal ho tum, Amrit."

Without knocking, she stepped back silently and walked away, blessing them in her heart.

But as the night deepened, silence slowly filled the room again.

The warm glow of laughter had faded, leaving behind an ache - an emptiness.

Akshat laid on his bed, staring at the ceiling fan that spun lazily. The room felt too quiet... too cold... too foreign without her presence.

He tossed to one side, trying to close his eyes.

Her laughter was still ringing in his ears...

Her voice...

Her smile...

Her stupid filters...

His Amrit.

He flipped to the other side, clutching a pillow close to his chest, burying his face into it. But the softness of the fabric only made him crave her warmth more.

His fingers clenched around the pillow tightly.

She had become his addiction...

His habit...

His peace.

And tonight, this distance was suffocating him.

With a frustrated groan, he sat up on the bed, running his fingers through his messy hair. His eyes flicked towards the phone kept on the nightstand.

Should I call her?

But what if she's asleep?

Meanwhile, in her small cozy room across the city, Amrit tossed on her bed too.

The blanket half hanging from her legs, her face buried in the pillow.

Her brown curls were scattered messily, her heart restless.

With a whine, she opened her eyes and grabbed her phone from under the pillow.

Her eyes flickered to the clock - 2:34 AM.

"Should I call him?" She muttered sleepily.

Her thumb hovered over his name in the contact list.

But then she bit her lower lip.

"Agar so gaye honge toh? Waise bhi subah se din bhar kaam kiya hai... thak gaye honge..." She murmured, trying to convince herself.

Amrit sat on the bed, running her fingers through her hair as she thought to take a walk in garden. Just as she was about to tie her hair, she felt a sudden tug at her feet.

Her breath hitched. Her heart pounded. Did something just move under the bed?!

And then, "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!" Her scream pierced through the silence of the night.

Just as she was about to jump off the bed, a strong hand clamped over her mouth.

"Shhhh!!!"

She froze. Her wide, terrified eyes met a familiar, mischievous gaze.

"Akshat?!" she mumbled against his palm, her brows furrowed in confusion.

Akshat smirked, clearly enjoying her reaction. Slowly, he removed his hand and plopped onto the bed beside her.

"Kaisa laga surprise?" he asked, his voice deep and teasing.

Amrit narrowed her eyes and swatted his arm. "Aap pagal ho gaye hain kya?! Bata ke nahi aa sakte the?!" she whisper-yelled, looking toward the door anxiously. "Agar gharwale aa gaye toh? Saari Ashiqui nikal denge apke sath Ghar ke bahar!"

Akshat leaned back on his elbows, completely at ease. "Arre, main pati hoon tumhara, koi boyfriend nahi jo nikal denge," he said smugly.

Her cheeks flushed at his words. She quickly looked away, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Phir bhi, shaadi tak saath rehne se mana kiya hai na..." she muttered. "Agar Kavya ne sun liya toh?"

Akshat chuckled. "Toh kya? sun le darta thodi hun."

"Par aap kar kya rahe hain itni raat me?" Amrit whispered, her eyes widening in shock.

"Neend nahi aa rahi thi tumhare bina..." He said softly, his voice laced with honesty, his eyes fixed on her.

Without thinking twice, Amrit stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him, resting her head against his chest.

"Mujhe bhi..par... koi aa jayega toh?" She mumbled against his chest, her eyes closed.

He scooted closer, his warm fingers brushing against her palm before he entwined their hands together. His voice dropped into a softer, more intimate tone.

"Sama hai suhana sa, mausam rangeen kiye baithe hain

Ham to dil dena chahte the, par huzoor pehle hi liye baithe hain..."

Amrit's heart fluttered. His words, his voice, it was intoxicating.

"Dil thaam ke hum bhi taiyar the, kuch kartab dikhane ke liye

Par aap pehle hi apne pyaar ka jaadu kiye baithe hain..."

She swallowed hard, feeling her entire body warm under his intense gaze.

"Humne socha tha dil ke kuch nazare banayenge

Kuch aap kahenge, kuch hum bol kar mehfil sajayenge

Par aapne toh bina baat kiye hame bhaga diya

Ye keh kar ki ghar wale aa jayenge."

As he finished, Akshat lifted her hand and placed a slow, lingering kiss on her palm.

Amrit gasped softly. The heat of his lips sent a shiver down her spine.

"Aap..." she whispered, barely able to find her voice.

Akshat smirked, watching her cheeks turn a deeper shade of pink. "Haan, main?"

She tried to pull her hand away, but he tightened his grip, his thumb gently tracing circles on the back of her palm.

"Bas thodi der aur rukne do na..." he murmured, his voice husky.

Amrit's breath hitched as he leaned in slightly, their faces just inches apart. Her pulse raced as his fingers trailed up her arm, sending tingles through her entire body.

"Agar koi aa gaya toh? "Preksha Aunty ya Vaibhav uncle aa gaye to." she whispered, her voice betraying the nervous excitement bubbling within her.

Akshat's lips curled into a lazy smile. "Aane do."

"Rajat Bhaiya aa jayenge." She said nervously.

"Aane do saale ko." Akshat said moving to her lips.

Amrit's eyes widened at his boldness. "Aap bilkul sudhrenge nahi!" she huffed, attempting to stand up, but before she could, he pulled her back.

She landed against his chest with a soft gasp.

His arms wrapped around her waist, locking her in place. "Sudharna bhi nahi chahta," he whispered against her ear, his warm breath sending shivers down her spine.

Amrit's fingers clutched his kurta, her heart hammering in her chest. "Akshat... koi aa jayega..." she mumbled weakly, but she didn't move away.

He smirked, leaning even closer. "Par mai toh sirf apni biwi se milne aaya hoon, kuch galat toh nahi kiya na?"

She looked up, her eyes meeting his. There was something so deep, so intense in his gaze that she felt like she was melting.

For a moment, the world outside faded. It was just the two of them.

Amrit sighed, her resolve weakening as she rested her forehead against his. "Aap na... bilkul paagal hain."

Akshat chuckled softly, brushing his nose against hers. "Tumse kam"

Amrit placed her hands on his chest, trying to push him away. "Akshat, please! Jaiye yahan se."

Akshat caught her hands and intertwined their fingers. "Ek cheez chahiye phir chala jaunga."

Amrit narrowed her eyes. "Kya?"

Akshat leaned in, his voice dropping to a husky whisper. "Ek kiss."

Her eyes widened, and she immediately pulled back, shaking her head. "Aap pagal ho gaye hain kya? Bilkul nahi!"

Akshat pouted dramatically. "Aisa bhi kya sharmana? Hum already married hain, yaad hai na?" He stepped closer, his face inches from hers. "Aur waise bhi, thodi der pehle jo poetry sunai uska koi inaam toh banta hai na?"

Amrit crossed her arms, looking away. "Nahi. Bilkul nahi."

Akshat sighed, acting hurt. "Ek baar jo maine commitment kar di toh ab le kar hi rahunga."

Amrit laughed softly at his persistence but still turned her face away. Akshat gently tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, making her shiver. "Itni bhi zalim mat bano, Mrs. Akshat singhania. Ek chhoti si kiss hi toh maang raha hoon. Mujhe neend nahi ayegi varna"

Amrit looked into his eyes, which were full of mischief and warmth. Her heart melted a little. "Theek hai, par sirf ek baar."

Akshat's face lit up instantly, and he closed his eyes, tilting his face forward, waiting for her lips to touch his.

Amrit bit her lip to hold back a giggle. Instead of his lips, she leaned in and placed a soft kiss on his cheek.

Akshat opened his eyes, a little disappointed. "Bas? Yeh cheating hai!" He pouted. "Main idhar expect kar raha tha." He pointed to his lips.

Amrit smirked, stepping back. "Aapko jo mila usi se kaam chala lijiye."

Akshat sighed dramatically. "Koi nahi, abhi isi se kaam chala leta hoon."

Amrit's face turned crimson at his words, and she quickly turned away. "Aap ja rahe hain ya main kisi ko bulaun?"

Akshat chuckled. "Jaa raha hoon, jaa raha hoon yaar dhamki kyun de rahi."

Before she could retort, he swiftly climbed out of the window and disappeared into the night. Amrit held her cheeks, which were burning hot.

Next morning, Amrit, Kavya, Vidya, and Nandini were sitting together in Amrit's room, surrounded by fabric samples, sketches, and color swatches. The wedding excitement was in full swing, and the girls were busy finalizing the designs for the different functions.

Amrit held up a beautiful pastel pink lehenga design. "Ye engagement ke liye perfect rahega na?" she asked, tilting her head slightly.

Kavya nodded thoughtfully. "Haan, but mujhe lagta hai thoda aur embroidery add ho toh aur sundar lagega."

Vidya, flipping through a bridal magazine, smiled. "Haan, aur Kavya ko to pastel shades pasand hain waise bhi. Par shaadi ke din ke liye tumhe deep red ya maroon lena chahiye."

Nandini, who was arranging the fabric swatches, sighed. "Ye sab dekh dekh ke mujhe bhi shadi karne ka mann kar raha hai."

All the girls laughed at her statement.

Just then, Rajat walked past the room, scrolling through his phone. His phone suddenly rang, and seeing Rakshit's name flash on the screen, he immediately picked it up.

"Hello, Rakshit uncle?"

Rakshit's voice came through the speaker. "Rajat beta, mujhe office ka bahut important kaam hai. Tum ek kaam karo, kisi aur ke saath cards ki design final karne chale jao... aur saath me matter bhi lete jaana."

Rajat blinked. "Ji uncle! Main abhi chala jata hoon."

As he disconnected the call, he paused for a moment, wondering who to take along. His eyes wandered toward Amrit's room, where the girls were still lost in their dress discussion. A slow smirk formed on his lips as his gaze landed on Vidya.

"Perfect!" he muttered under his breath before stepping inside the room with an innocent expression.

"A... wo haan, Rakshit uncle ka call tha," he started, scratching the back of his head. "Unhone kaha ki wo ek important meeting me ja rahe hain, to wo cards final karne nahi aa payenge... to mai Vidya ko lekar jaun?"

Vidya, who was busy examining a lehenga, suddenly looked up, frowning. "Mujhe? Mujhe kyun?"

Rajat shrugged innocently. "Mujhe kya pata? Unhone bola... agar aapko nahi chalna hai to mai unko bol dunga."

Vidya hesitated for a moment, then quickly responded, "A... arre arre nahi! Mai chalti hoon."

Nandini smirked at their banter but stayed quiet, watching them leave together.

As they entered, the shopkeeper greeted them with a wide smile.

"Welcome, sir and ma'am. Congratulations for your wedding!" he said cheerfully.

Rajat and Vidya exchanged blank looks.

"Thank you..." Rajat instinctively responded before realizing what was just said.

Vidya's eyes widened, and she turned to him in disbelief. "Kya??"

Realizing his mistake, Rajat quickly waved his hands. "Ar... arre, Thank you for welcoming but hamari shaadi thodi hai!" He let out a nervous chuckle.

The shopkeeper chuckled too, shaking his head. "Ohh, really sorry, ma'am, sorry, sir! Please sit."

They both took their seats, and the shopkeeper pulled out some sample cards, placing them in front of them.

Rajat casually picked up one of the wedding card samples from the neatly stacked pile, his fingers brushing over the intricate gold embossing. His eyes scanned the design with mild interest-until they landed on the names written in elegant calligraphy.

"Rajat Rathore weds Vidya kushwaha"

His eyes widened, and his grip on the card tightened. His heart did an unexpected flip, and for a moment, he forgot how to breathe. Was he dreaming? Was this some sort of sign? His mind went completely blank.

Meanwhile, Vidya was busy scanning another card design. She glanced at Rajat, holding up a different sample. "Sir, ye vala kaisa rahega?" she asked, expecting his input.

Silence.

Frowning, she turned her head to look at him. Rajat was frozen, staring at the card in his hand as if it held the secrets of the universe. His eyes were wide, his lips slightly parted, and he wasn't blinking.

Vidya waved a hand in front of his face. "Rajat?" Still no reaction.

Growing more confused, she leaned in and snapped her fingers in front of him.

"Kahan kho gaye?" she asked, tilting her head.

Rajat blinked rapidly, snapping out of his trance. He cleared his throat, clutching the card like it was contraband. "A...wo... ye vala acha lag raha tha na... to wahi." His voice came out

Vidya frowned in confusion. "Kaunsa? Mujhe dikhaiye toh?"

She reached for the card in his hands, but before she could see anything, Rajat quickly stuffed it back into the pile, biting his tongue.

"Tumne jo select kiya" he declared dramatically

Vidya nodded her head. Meanwhile, Rajat tried his best to act normal, but his mind kept going back to that one wedding card... with their names written together.

After finalizing the design, the shopkeeper smiled and asked, "Sir, aap mujhe card ka matter de dijiye, mai abhi likh leta hoon."

Rajat nodded and handed him a folded piece of paper. The shopkeeper unfolded it and squinted at the writing. He turned the page sideways, then upside down, trying to make sense of the words. His brows furrowed in confusion.

"Sir, ye handwriting bahot kharab hai... kuch samajh nahi aa raha hai," he said hesitantly. "Aap please dobara likh dijiye, mai pen aur copy deta hoon."

Vidya, who had been casually looking at the sample cards, froze. Her eyes widened slightly, and she immediately started looking around, pretending to be interested in the wall décor of the shop. Her fingers fidgeted with the edge of her dupatta as she tried to avoid any eye contact.

Rajat turned to look at her, instantly realizing the reason for her awkward behavior. A smirk tugged at the corner of his lips as he pressed them together to control his laughter.

He cleared his throat dramatically. "Kya bhaiya, achi toh hai handwriting! Mujhe toh clearly samajh aa gayi." He shot Vidya a teasing glance, who was now pretending to be deeply fascinated by a random wedding invitation on the table.

Before she could protest, Rajat grabbed the pen and copy from the shopkeeper's hand. "Laaiye, mai likh deta hoon aapke liye."

In the evening, Everyone was seated in the room, waiting for Amrit, Kavya, Rajat, Vaibhav, and Preksha to arrive. The air was filled with anticipation as they were about to select the engagement rings.

Just then, the door opened, and Kavya, Rajat, Vaibhav, and Preksha walked inside.

Akshat's face immediately lit up, expecting to see Amrit walking behind them. But as he scanned the group, his excitement faded-she wasn't there.

"Koi aur nahi aaya?" Akshat asked, trying to sound casual.

Vaibhav smirked, catching his tone. "Koi aur kya hota hai? Seedha Amrit bolo na, chokre!" he teased, nudging Akshat, who quickly rubbed the back of his neck, slightly embarrassed.

Preksha chuckled. "Uska man nahi tha aane ka. Boli, photos send kar dena."

"Ohhh..." Akshat's face fell, his shoulders slightly slumping. He stood up abruptly. "Ahmmm... mujhe ek important kaam yaad aa gaya. Aap log select kar lo, mujhe bas thoda..." he trailed off, trying to find an excuse to leave.

Just as he turned, his eyes landed on the entrance where Amrit was standing. His expression instantly changed, his face lighting up as if someone had turned on the sun. Forgetting all about his so-called "important work," he immediately sat back down, pretending nothing had happened.

Preksha, noticing the quick shift, smirked. "Ab tumhe important work nahi hai?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

Akshat cleared his throat, trying to act nonchalant. "W...wo haan, wo baad mein kar lunga! Ring select karna is more important, right?" he said, grinning.

Everyone burst out laughing at his obvious reaction, while Amrit shook her head, amused. She walked over and sat beside him, still chuckling.

"Arre yahan toh mere sathi hain hi nahi? Ye Rakshit aur Vikram kidhar gaye?" Vaibhav suddenly asked, realizing his friends were missing.

"Kitchen mein hain, dinner bana rahe hain," Preeti replied.

"Okk, toh main bhi ussi department mein jaata hoon. Aap log ye sab dekh lo," Vaibhav added, dramatically dusting his hands before heading toward the kitchen.

Everyone shook their heads at his antics as they returned their focus to selecting the rings. Akshat, however, seemed far less interested in the rings; his attention was completely on Amrit.

Preeti placed a tray of elegant rings in front of them. "Ye saare collections dekho, batao kaunsi pasand hai dono ko? Tumhare hone wale pati se pucha toh unhone keh diya jaisa tum dono kahogi, vaisa," she said, glancing at Akshat and Amrit with a smile.

Akshat and Amrit started looking at the rings together. Taking advantage of the moment, Akshat slyly slipped his fingers around hers, holding her hand secretly. Amrit's eyes widened slightly, and she tried to free her hand, but Akshat tightened his grip playfully.

"Akshat, haath chhoriye!" she whispered, giving him a warning glare.

But he just smirked, making her cheeks heat up. She tried again to pull her hand away, but he held on stubbornly, grinning.

Meanwhile, on the other side, Kavya's eyes fell on a beautiful ring. She picked it up, admiring the intricate design and the way it sparkled under the lights. But then, she flipped it over to check the price; 6 lakh rupees. Her heart sank.

She gulped, hesitating for a moment, before quickly placing it back in the tray. "Sab kya sochenge mere baare mein agar ye select kar li toh?" she thought, biting her lip.

Just then, a small voice broke her thoughts.

"Mumma, wo ring kyun rakhi? Kitni sundal thi! Mujhe bhi wahi pasand hai," Bulbul said, pouting.

Kavya's heart softened, but she shook her head quickly. "Nahi beta, kahan itni bhi achi nahi hai," she said, avoiding the topic.

She scanned the tray again and found a simpler ring priced at ₹70,000 far less expensive than the one she had originally liked. It wasn't her favorite, but it fit within her budget. Taking a deep breath, she picked it up.

"Ye wali achi hai," she said, trying to sound cheerful.

There was silence for a moment. Everyone exchanged glances before Preksha finally spoke.

"Beta, yahi mili tumko?" she asked with a blank face.

"Kavya, tumhari choice ko kya ho gaya? Itni sundar rings ke beech yahi select ki?" Nandini added, frowning.

Kavya forced a smile. "Mujhe achi lagi, isliye," she said, but her voice lacked conviction.

Krishiv had been watching her closely all this while. He had noticed how her eyes had lit up when she first picked up the expensive ring, the hesitation on her face when she saw the price, and the way she had quickly opted for the cheapest option in the collection. He understood exactly what she was thinking.

Without saying a word, he reached out and picked up the same expensive ring she had originally liked.

"Ye wali pasand hai mujhe," he said, holding it up with a smile. "Bulbul ki Mummy, dekho kitni sundar hai."

Kavya's eyes widened. She immediately shook her head. "Nahi, ye wali bhi achi hai," she said hesitantly, trying to stop him.

Krishiv, however, didn't back down. He looked straight into her eyes, his voice soft but firm. "Main chahta hoon ki aap ye pehno. Aur Bulbul bhi."

Kavya's breath hitched as she looked at him. She saw the determination in his eyes, the way he had understood her hesitation without her saying a word. Her fingers curled slightly. He wasn't just choosing a ring he was making sure she never had to hold herself back because of what others might think.

"Sir, but..." she started, but Krishiv gently placed a finger over her lips, silencing her.

"Koi 'but' nahi,," he said softly. "Jo aapko pasand hai, wahi lena chahiye. Yeh aapki engagement hai, so no compromise...hai na bulbul!" He asked and bulbul nodded her head, grinning.

A lump formed in Kavya's throat. For the longest time, she had been making decisions based on what was practical, what was expected. But at this moment, Krishiv was telling her that she deserved to choose something just because she loved it.

She blinked rapidly, trying to control the sudden rush of emotions.

"Bhaiya, this one!" Krishiv said, handing the ring over confidently.

As everyone cheered, Kavya glanced down at the ring, her heart full.

While everyone was busy selecting rings, Nandini's sharp eyes caught a secret moment between Akshat and Amrit. She smirked as she saw Akshat holding Amrit's hand, his fingers wrapped around hers while she subtly tried to pull away.

Leaning in, she whispered teasingly, "Aap log se nahi ho raha toh main help kar doon?"

Akshat immediately let go of Amrit's hand, rubbing his eyebrow as if caught red-handed. With a playful grin, he said, "Haan, wahi toh samajh nahi aa raha... Tum bhi help karvao."

Shaking her head, Nandini turned her attention back to the rings. She scanned the collection and her eyes fell on a particularly stunning one. Just as she reached for it, another hand grabbed a different but equally beautiful ring at the same time.

"Ye wali!"

"Ye wali!"

Both voices echoed in unison.

Nandini looked up and found herself staring right into Vedant's eyes.

She narrowed her eyes. "Maine pehle bola."

Vedant raised an eyebrow, leaning slightly toward her. "Toh kya? Kya tum apne muh pe naam ka frame lagake baithi ho ki pehle bol diya toh baat maan ni padegi?" he shot back with a smirk.

Nandini folded her arms. "Dr. Vedant, ye cheating nahi chalegi, samjhe? Abhi faltu ka ladiye mat, warna ye heera chata dungi aur bilakte rahiyega yahi phir." She gave him a deadpan look.

Vedant scoffed. "Jyada dadagiri mat dikhao, mere bhai ki shadi hai" He held up the ring confidently. "Aur waise bhi, ye wali jada sundar hai."

Nandini gasped dramatically. "Sundar?! Ye toh aapki shakal ki tarah hai, sadi hui!" she taunted, tilting her head.

Vedant's mouth fell open. "Aur wo tumhari shakal ki tarah ekdum boring aur bakwas!" He shot back without hesitation.

"Excuse me?!" Nandini's voice rose.

"Excused!" Vedant crossed his arms smugly.

Within seconds, they were in a full-fledged argument, their voices overlapping, each trying to outdo the other.

Meanwhile, the rest of the group stood watching with amused expressions.

Rajat chuckled, shaking his head. "Yaar, kitne din baad tum dono ki ladai dekhi!" he said, nudging Krishiv. "Bilkul purane din yaad aa gaye!"

At that moment, Nandini and Vedant froze. Their eyes met as the realization struck them, they were fighting just like before, when things were good between them.

A strange silence fell between them. Neither spoke, but something unspoken passed in their gazes, memories, regret, a hint of something unresolved.

Without a word, they both quietly placed their rings back in the showcase and straightened up, sitting stiffly.

The sudden change in their behavior made everyone frown in confusion.

As the ring selection continued, Rajat casually picked up a delicate ring, his fingers tracing its intricate design. His eyes flickered toward Vidya, who was engrossed in admiring another set of rings, oblivious to his gaze.

Before Rajat could muster the courage to say something, Vaibhav's voice echoed through the room.

"Chai lelo, chai!!" he called out as he walked in, expertly balancing a tray of steaming cups.

He moved around, offering tea to everyone, but his steps faltered when his eyes landed on Rajat. More specifically, on Rajat staring at Vidya.

Vaibhav sighed internally. "Ab ye gadha kya harkat karega?!" he thought, shaking his head as he placed the tray down.

Just then, Rajat cleared his throat and spoke up.

"Vidya, ye ring kaisi hai?" he asked, holding the ring up for her to see.

Vidya glanced at it and smiled. "Sundar hai! Kiske liye le rahe hain?"

Rajat hesitated for a split second before smoothly replying, "Ummm... hai koi jiska finger size tumhare jaisa hi hai. Agar tumhe aa gayi, toh usse bhi aa jayegi!" He extended his hand toward her. "Lao, apna haath do zara."

Meanwhile, Vidya, unaware of the inner chaos in Rajat's head, simply nodded and took the ring from his hand. Slipping it onto her finger, she admired it briefly.

"See, mujhe aa gayi. Ab usse bhi aa jayegi," she said with a casual smile and handed the ring back to him.

Rajat blinked.

Vaibhav shook his head, utterly done with this, and turned toward the kitchen.

Before leaving, he called over his shoulder, "Rajat beta, idhar aana zara!"

Rajat, confused but obedient, followed him into the kitchen.

The moment they stepped inside, Vaibhav turned and smacked Rajat's head lightly. "Abbe! Purani filmon mein aane wale villain ki shakal ke insaan... aisi harkat karta raha toh ho chuki wo teri!"

Rajat frowned, rubbing his head. "Kaisi harkatein? Maine socha usse ring pehna dunga... par wo hai ki samajhti hi nahi!" he said in frustration.

Vaibhav folded his arms. "Haan, nahi samjhegi. Teri Mummy ke saath jo serial dekh dekh ke faltu ke ideas aa rahe hain na dimaag mein, sab pata hai mujhe!" He shook his head dramatically. "Abhi turant jaa aur usse bol ki mazaak kar raha tha. Warna wo sochegi ki teri life mein already koi hai!"

Rajat's eyes widened. "Arre haan, ye to maine socha hi nahi!"

Vaibhav rolled his eyes. "Haan, dimaag chahiye hota hai sochne ke liye... ab bhag yahan se!" he ordered, shaking his head.

Rajat hurried back to where Vidya was standing. Clearing his throat, he forced a casual tone.

"Uh... Vidya, woh... I was just joking. Koi nahi hai jiske liye main ye loon."

Vidya looked up, chuckled softly, and simply said, "Ohhh!" before turning back to her conversation with Nandini.

Rajat stared at her, waiting for something more. "Bas 'Ohhh'?"

She didn't even spare him a second glance.

Rajat sighed, running a frustrated hand through his hair. "Kuch react hi nahi karti hai... ab kya karoon jo mujhpe dhyan dene lage?" He groaned internally, then suddenly had an idea.

"Lagta hai Papa se classes leni padegi ache se!" he thought, determined.

Next Morning. The engagement venue was buzzing with excitement, filled with laughter and music. In one corner of the grand hall, Akshat, Vedant, Krishiv, and Vihaan were gathered, engaged in casual conversation while waiting for the ceremony to begin.

"Wo log abhi tak nahi aaye." Akshat said, checking the time.

"Aa rahe honge." Krishiv said, patting his shoulder.

"Vaise bhabhi ko pata nahi hai na ki Amrit unki best friend hi teri wife hai wo shock ho jayengi." Vedant said, chuckling.

"Hmmm and Amrit ne unhe bataya nahi bola jab card aa jayega to khud dene jayegi aur specially invite karegi apni teeno friends ko." Akshat said, shaking his head, smiling.

"Dulhe sahab Dulhan ka intezaar ho gaya to hame bhi dekh lo.!"

Akshat looked at the entrance as he heard a loud, familiar voice booming over the cheerful chatter.

His lips curled into a knowing smirk as he turned towards the grand entrance. The double doors of the hall swung open dramatically, and in walked Nirmay-Vanika , Abhiman-Ishana, and Naina-Adarsh, their presence exuding confidence and mischief.

"Ab shadi hone wali hai to doston ka intezar kahan rahega?" Nirmay teased, smirking as he approached Akshat.

"Aree nahi nahi, Tum sabka hi wait tha!" Akshat responded, pulling him into a quick hug.

Abhiman shook his head playfully. "Congratulations bhai!"

"Tum dono to bade chupe rustam nikle...paisa bachane ka tareeka acha hai vaise ek hi mandap me shaadi kar lo!" Naina added with a wink and hugged Akshat and then Krishiv.

Ishana and Vanika, standing beside Abhiman Nirmay, shakes hands with Akshat and Krishiv "Congratulations!"

"Baki sab kahan gaye?" Akshat asked, looking at the entrance.

Right behind them, Sakshi, Pratha, Aditya, and Nitya made a lively entrance, bringing in more excitement.

"Yahan hain!!"

Akshat, overwhelmed yet amused, looked at all of them. "Thanks for coming guys."

After exchanging pleasantries, everyone gathered around Akshat and Krishiv, congratulating them on their engagement.

"Mubarak ho Akshat aur Krishiv! Tum dono officially hamare wale phase me enter kar chuke ho!" Nirmay teased, raising an imaginary toast.

Akshat rolled his eyes playfully while Krishiv chuckled.

Just then, Nirmay smirked and folded his arms. "Yaar vaise ye to koi baat nahi hui... wo to Vihaan ne sab bataya, varna hume pata bhi nahi chalta ki tu bhabhi se already married hai!"

Akshat sighed, knowing this was coming.

"Wahi to! Hume bata sakta tha tu!" Abhiman added, pretending to be offended.

Naina shook her head dramatically. "Arre atleast mujhe bata dete... mai kisi ko na batati!" She placed a hand on her heart for extra effect.

Akshat raised an eyebrow and smirked. "Haan kyun nahi... taaki mere gharwalon ke sath poore shehar me announcement ho jata!"

Everyone burst into laughter, nodding in agreement.

"Wahi to! Apne devar ko chhodhi nahi ye aapko kya chhodhti!" Sakshi chimed in, grinning mischievously.

Akshat narrowed his eyes. "Kyun? Apne devar ke sath kya kiya isne?" He asked, curiosity piqued.

Adarsh sighed dramatically. "Mere chhote bhai ko iski college friend pe crush aa gaya tha... shadi ke time isne na sirf apni friend balki poore family me gaa diya... bechara shadi se bhag gaya tha!"

The entire group erupted in laughter, while Naina looked at Adarsh, scandalized.

"Kya?! Maine normally bola tha... sabko pata chal gaya to mai kya karun?" Naina defended herself, crossing her arms.

The engagement celebration was lively, filled with chatter and laughter when Preeti entered the group.

"Mere babies aa gaye!" she exclaimed with excitement.

"Heyy Masi!!" Nirmay grinned, stepping forward to hug her.

One by one, everyone hugged Preeti, who warmly embraced them back.

She then looked at them with a mischievous smile. "Tum log ruko, mai dono dulhan ko lekar aati hun." With that, she turned and headed toward the bridal room.

A few moments later, Preeti, Nandini, and Vidya led Amrit and Kavya outside.

Preeti clapped her hands. "Chalo chalo, ready ho gaye ho to neeche chalo... Akshat ke friends aaye hain, tumse milati hun. Varna engagement ke time busy ho jaoge to ache se mil nahi paoge."

Kavya and Amrit nodded, sharing a glance before following her.

As they stepped into the hall, all eyes turned toward Kavya first.

Akshat smiled and gestured toward her. "Wo Kavya hai, Krishiv ki fiancée."

Naina's eyes sparkled as she whistled lightly. "Ooo pretty woman!!"

Everyone admired Kavya, showering her with compliments. But before the admiration could settle, their gaze shifted,

And then, they saw Amrit.

A stunned silence filled the room.

Vanika, Sakshi, and Pratha who had been standing together froze in place, their eyes widening in shock.

Nirmay, Abhiman, Adarsh, Naina, Aditya, Nitya, and Ishana looked equally stunned, exchanging glances as realization dawned upon them.

"Ye to..." Nirmay murmured, his mind racing. "Amrit hai na! Vani, Sakshi, Pratha ki friend hain na? Jo hamare reception me aayi thi!"

Abhiman's eyes flickered with recognition. "Haan wahi to hai... aur shayad Akshat ki student bhi hai."

Nitya gasped. "Issi ne socha tha na ki Akshat bhaiya suicide karne jaa rahe?!"

Naina clutched Adarsh's arm. "Ye hai Akshat ki wife... matlab issi ke saath wo secret marriage me tha?!"

A wave of astonishment passed through the group.

Meanwhile, Amrit stood frozen, her heartbeat accelerating as she registered the familiar faces before her.

Her eyes darted from Vanika to Sakshi, then to Pratha, her old college friends. Then she saw Nirmay, Abhiman, Naina, Adarsh, Aditya, Ishana, and Nitya all people she had never expected to meet again like this.

Her mouth opened slightly, but no words came out. Shock, surprise, and a thousand questions swirled in everyone's mind.

Vanika took a step forward, still staring. "Amrit... tum?"

Sakshi's jaw dropped. "Yeh kya ho raha hai?! Tum yahan?!"

Pratha blinked rapidly. "And... tum Akshat ki wife ho?!"

Amrit swallowed hard, struggling to find her voice. "Main... yahan...?" she whispered, still unable to process it all.

Amrit took a deep breath, still feeling the weight of everyone's surprised gazes on her. Pushing aside her nervousness, she smiled.

"Heyy, kaisi ho?" she asked, looking at Vanika, Sakshi, and Pratha with warmth.

But before she could say anything else, Vanika folded her arms, raising an eyebrow.

"Teri shaadi?" she asked, disbelief clear in her voice. "Wo bhi Akshat bhaiya se?!"

Sakshi's eyes widened. "Ye to tere professor the na?! Tu hi kehti thi na kitne strict hain? Aur kya ho raha ye sab!"

Pratha shook her head. "Aur tu chhup rahi thi itna bada secret?! Matlab, kisi ko batana bhi zaroori nahi samjha?!"

Amrit blinked, trying to find the right words. She let out a small chuckle, rubbing the back of her neck.

"Situation hi aisi thi yaar," she explained, looking around at their expectant faces. "Kisi ko nahi pata tha."

Sakshi folded her arms, her expression a mix of amusement and disbelief.

"Aur abhi ka kya excuse degi?" she asked, narrowing her eyes. "Teri engagement thi aur hame invitation bhi nahi aaya teri taraf se?"

Amrit sighed. "Aisa nahi hai, yaar. Actually, main tum log ko personally shaadi ke liye invite karne aane wali thi..."

"Oh really? Aur engagement me kyun nahi bulaya?" Vanika raised an eyebrow.

Amrit rolled her eyes. "I thought ki Tum log duty me honge to engagement me bula kar time kyun waste karvaun? Direct shaadi ka invite dene ka socha tha taki kuch din sath raho."

Vanika nudged her. "Hame ek proper explanation chahiye."

Pratha raised her eyebrows. "Haan, bilkul! Ye sab kaise hua?"

Amrit turned to look at Akshat, who was watching the entire conversation unfold with a knowing smirk.

She sighed. "Lambi kahani hai...baad me sunaungi"

Vanika crossed her arms. "Toh hum kahin jaa nahi rahe, sunane ke liye tayyar hain!"

And with that, the group erupted into laughter, their playful banter making the engagement even more lively.

"Haan baba sunaungi pehle inse milo....Kavya, Nandini aur ye meri college friend Vidya...wo Vaibhav uncle Preksha Aunty, Rajat bhaiya." She introduced then.

"Hello Aunty uncle!!" Everyone greeted them .

Just then, the soft patter of tiny feet echoed through the room, followed by a high-pitched, urgent voice.

"Mummaaa! Meli earings nahi mil lahi!!"

Bulbul came rushing in, her short legs carrying her as fast as they could. Her tiny hands clutched the fabric of her dress as she ran straight toward Kavya, eyes wide with distress. Her chubby cheeks were flushed, and her soft curls bounced with each hurried step. She tugged at Kavya's dress, looking up at her mother with a deep frown, her lower lip jutting out in an exaggerated pout.

Everyone turned toward the little girl, and as if on cue, their expressions softened instantly.

Vanika's eyes lit up, her lips curving into an adoring smile. "Aww, ye kaun hai? Cuto!" she gushed, placing a hand over her heart.

Krishiv, standing beside Kavya, couldn't hide his pride as he glanced at his daughter. His chest swelled slightly before he spoke, his voice warm with affection. "Ye meri... hamari beti hai," he announced, throwing a brief glance at Kavya, who smiled softly at their little girl.

Nirmay, who had been watching silently until now, raised an eyebrow in surprise. "To ye hai Bulbul?"

Krishiv nodded, ruffling his daughter's curly hair playfully. "Haan, ye hamari Bulbul hai," he confirmed.

At the sound of her name, the little girl tilted her head up to look at Krishiv. She blinked her big, round eyes, curiosity swirling in them as she observed the unfamiliar faces surrounding her. Then, she turned back to her father, her tiny nose scrunching up in confusion.

"Cheatal uncle, ye sab kaun hain?" she asked, mispronouncing his name in the most innocent and endearing way possible.

For a second, there was complete silence. And then laughter erupted in the room.

"Cheatal uncle!" someone repeated, chuckling, while others laughed openly at the new name she had bestowed upon Krishiv. Even Krishiv himself shook his head with an amused sigh, though his eyes gleamed with nothing but adoration for his little troublemaker.

He knelt down to her level, tucking a stray curl behind her ear as he spoke gently. "Beta, ye sab bhi tumhare uncle aur aunties hain."

Bulbul's large eyes shifted toward the others with a curious glint as Krishiv pointed at them one by one, introducing them. "Ye Nirmay uncle, ye Vanika aunty"

Before he could finish, Vanika gasped loudly and dramatically, cutting him off mid-sentence.

"Aaaaaaa!" she shrieked in mock horror. "Kitna bekaar lag raha 'aunty'! Beta, mai Vanika didi!"

Laughter filled the room once again at Vanika's exaggerated reaction. Even Kavya shook her head with a knowing smile, while Nirmay smirked, clearly amused. Krishiv simply chuckled, already expecting such a response from Vanika.

Bulbul, however, blinked up at Vanika, completely unfazed by the commotion around her. Then, as if accepting the correction without question, she nodded earnestly and repeated in her sweet, innocent voice-

"Theek hai, Vanika didi!"

A collective "aww" echoed through the room as Vanika beamed victoriously.

Krishiv smiled as he continued introducing everyone. "Ye Sakshi didi, Pratha didi, Naina didi, Nitya didi... aur ye Abhiman uncle, aur ye Aditya uncle."

Before he could move on, Aditya quickly raised a hand, cutting him off with a playful smirk. "Beta, uncle nahi, bhaiya!" he corrected, emphasizing the word dramatically.

Bulbul blinked up at him, her tiny nose scrunching in thought. Then, after a few seconds of deep concentration, she nodded and attempted to repeat their names her tiny voice filled with determination.

"Bimaal uncle, Nilma uncle, Dita bhaiya... right?"

For a moment, there was silence. Everyone processed what she had just said.

And then, Laughter exploded in the room.

Nirmay, still laughing, crouched down and gently pulled Bulbul's chubby cheeks. "Haan, baby! Bilkul right!" he teased, making her giggle.

Encouraged by the laughter, Bulbul clapped her hands excitedly and continued her version of their names.

"Bani didi, Palatha didi, Sakhi didi, Nita didi, Naina didi!" she called out confidently, unintentionally butchering them even further.

The laughter in the room only grew louder.

Naina, flipped her hair with exaggerated grace. "Dekha? Mera naam sahi pronounce kar paayi bas!" she announced proudly.

Bulbul turned to her, her tiny eyebrows knitting together in frustration. She placed her small hands on her hips, puffing her cheeks like an angry little doll. "Ohooo! Aapke naam kisne lakhe? Kitne tough hain! Mai bol bhi nahi paa lahi!" she huffed, dramatically slapping a tiny palm against her forehead.

Krishiv, still chuckling, scooped Bulbul into his arms and kissed her soft cheek. "Chalo, ab earring dhoondhne chalte hain, warna Bulbul ka dimaag garam ho jayega!" he teased, rubbing her little nose playfully.

Bulbul gasped and nodded urgently. "Haan! Meli earings!" she reminded everyone, suddenly remembering her original mission.

And just like that, with a giggling Bulbul in his arms, Krishiv led the group in search of her lost earrings, while the echoes of their laughter continued to fill the house with warmth.

Bulbul's mispronunciations had already turned the room into a laughter riot, but Naina, wasn't ready to let go of the fun just yet.

"Mast naam karan hua hai tum sabka...!" she exclaimed between giggles. "Specially Nirmay, Abhiman, aur Pratha ka! Nilma, Bimaan, aur Palatha!"

As soon as the words left her mouth, the three victims Nirmay, Abhiman, and Pratha turned to glare at her in unison, their expressions a perfect mix of disbelief and irritation. But that only made things worse, because everyone else was already struggling to keep a straight face.

Vanika, never one to miss an opportunity for fun, saw the opening and seized it.

"Haan! Bani, Sakhi, aur Nita to phir bhi theek hai... par inn sabke naam..." she trailed off dramatically, then suddenly broke into song.

"Nilma... washing powder Nilma...

Doodh si safedi Nilma se aaye...

Rangeen kapda bhi khil khil jaye

Sabki pasand Nilmaaaaaa!"

She sang in a sing-song voice, mimicking the famous detergent jingle while dramatically swaying her hands like she was in a commercial. The moment she finished, she doubled over laughing.

Nirmay gave her the most unimpressed stare. "Very funny."

Before he could say anything else, Vidya, who had been grinning mischievously, jumped in with full enthusiasm.

She turned to Nirmay, her eyes twinkling, and started singing in a melodious, almost dreamy voice,

"Tum husn pari, tum jaane jahaan...

Tum sabse haseen, tum sabse jawaan...

Saundarya sabun Nilmaaa...

Saundarya sabun Nilmaaa!"

As she reached the last line, she threw her hands in the air dramatically, as if she were in an old Bollywood commercial.

That was it. The entire room exploded with laughter.

Nirmay, however, had his face buried in his hands, clearly reevaluating all his life choices.

Meanwhile, Amrit, who had been watching Vidya with sheer horror, shook her head as if she had just witnessed national embarrassment.

"Sorry, sorry! Ye thodi-thodi nahi, actually bahot zyada extrovert hai!" she said, shooting an apologetic glance at Nirmay and the others.

Vidya, still wiping away tears of laughter, turned to Nirmay with a sheepish grin.

"Sorry, jiju, mujhse raha nahi gaya!" she admitted, giggling.

Nirmay simply shook his head with an amused smile, clearly used to Vidya's antics by now.

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