love in air..

After a while, everyone set up a garden scene on the stage with a bench. The lights dimmed a bit, and a spotlight shone. Shobha walked onto the stage, dressed in a simple salwar suit, with her hair braided just as she used to before marriage. Everyone was surprised to see her. If it weren't for the sindoor and mangalsutra, no one would guess Shobha was married and had such grown-up children. Anokhi placed her hands on her cheeks, her eyes widening in amazement as she exclaimed, "Oh my God, is this maa? Looking at her, no one would say she's a mother."

Hearing this, everyone smiled and looked at her. Archana said, "What are you saying, Anu?"

"Look at maa, she looks beautiful," Anokhi said.

A soft smile graced Shobha's face as she felt a bit shy performing this act. She sat on the bench, pretending to wait for Alok. Just then, Alok made his entrance, surprising everyone even more. He stood there in a plain shirt and pants, with sleeves rolled up to the shoulders and slightly tousled hair, giving him a young man's look. He truly looked handsome. Alok came over and sat next to Shobha. Playing with her hair, Shobha asked, "Why did you take so long to come?"

"Had to come quietly, so it took time," Alok said, "and there was something else I needed, which also delayed me."

"Then why do you meet in secret?" Shobha asked. Alok replied softly, "It's all because of you." Shobha smiled and changed the subject, "Okay, what did you need that made you late?"

"It was something essential. Yes, very essential," Alok said, pulling out a rose hidden behind his back and handing it to Shobha. A smile appeared on her lips as she lovingly accepted the rose.

Watching the two, it didn’t feel like they were acting—and in reality, they weren’t. They were so lost in living that moment that they forgot the entire family and guests were watching them. Everyone had smiles on their faces, witnessing this beautiful moment. Shobha said, "Why did you bring this? We’re already in a garden with so many flowers around."

Alok adjusted his hair and replied, "Yes, there are many flowers here, but if we pick even one, the gardener will chase us away."

Hearing this, Shobha laughed, and the others also smiled. Alok moved a little closer and whispered, "And I wanted to give this to you myself. I liked a bouquet, thought I’d buy it, but if you were to carry such a big bouquet, everyone would ask you questions and you’d feel uncomfortable. I don’t want to see you uncomfortable, so I brought this rose instead. You can keep it close and talk to it whenever you miss me. Remember, when I’m not around, this flower will be."

"Enough," Shobha said, covering her face with her hands. Everyone started clapping for them, and Rohit, Shivaay, and Vikram even whistled.

Hearing the applause and whistles, both of them came to their senses, realizing they were in the present and not reliving the past. They quickly exited the stage to change.

Anokhi, full of excitement, said, "Wow, Papa is so romantic!"

At that moment, Rishabh leaned close to her ear, breathing warmly, and asked, "And what about me? Am I not romantic?"

Feeling his warmth, Anokhi was startled and looked at him sideways, "No, you’re not romantic at all!"

Saying this, Anokhi made a face and quickly hugged Shobha, who had just returned. She said, "Maa, Papa, you both love each other so much! I mean, did you two meet secretly even before marriage?"

"Yes, they used to cheat," Ajay replied.

Alok, smiling, added, "Stop it, Anokhi, stop it!"

"Go and pick a chit so the next person can take their turn," Alok gently scolded with affection.

Anokhi, smiling, drew a chit, and this time it had Vikram Omkar's name on it.

The chit Alok held had Vikram and Omkar’s names on it, and the one in Shobha’s hand had Anokhi's name written with the song "Drama Queen."

Seeing this, everyone laughed, and Anokhi's mouth fell open.

Looking at Rita, Anokhi asked, " Bhabhi did you write this chit?"

Riya nodded with a smile, "Yes, choti bhabhi, I wrote this chit, and when I thought of a song for you, this one seemed the best."

"This is not fair! Me and drama queen!" Anokhi said, making a face.

Everyone together said, "No, you are the biggest drama queen in this house!"

Then the song played

"U know she like th drama Yeah she is sexy mama And wen she dance everybody go o hoo o hoo."

"U know she like th drama yeah She is sexy mama And wen she dance everybody go o hoo o hoo."

Baatein kare hai kadwi-kadwi

Phir bhi lazeez hai

Ittar gulaabon wali

Bottle sharabon wali

Total tabahi wala scene hai

Adaayein badi funky

Kare hai nautanki

Ye chhori badi drama queen hai

Ho badi-badi aankhein hain aansuon ki tanki

Ye chhori badi drama queen hai

Anokhi climbed onto the table with a bowl on it.

Ho table bajaa ke gaaun

Chadh jaaun kursi pe

Poori karun main manmaaniyaan

Chaahe samajh lo nashe ka ye nateeja hai ya

Pagalpan ki nishaniyaan

Ittar gulaabon wali

Bottle sharabon wali

Total tabaahi wala scene hai

Omkar and Vikram pulled her down and lifted her onto their shoulders.

Adaayein badi funky

Kare hai nautanki

Ye chhori badi drama queen hai

Ho badi-badi aankhein hain aansuon ki tanki

Ye chhori badi drama queen hai (x2)

You know she like the drama

Yeah she is sexy mama

When she dance everybody go o.o O! (x2)

T

hen, in fun, Rohit and Shivaay also came on the stage and started dancing with Anokhi.

Naina donali se kyun goli maare kishton mein

Kaahe naa jhatke se jaan le

Moti ki maala leke

Gori gori japte hain

Tu bhi humara kabhi naam le

Laakhon karodon wala, tan tera sone jaisa

Man se chhokariya tu mean hai

Adaayein badi funky

Kare hai nautanki

Ye chhori badi drama queen hai

Ho badi-badi aankhein hain aansuon ki tanki

Ye chhori badi drama queen hai (x2)

Omkar, Vikram, Anokhi, Rohit, and Shivaay did an energetic dance that got everyone excited.

Everyone’s smiles wouldn’t fade watching their fun, lighthearted dance.

When the dance ended, Vikram took a deep breath and said, "Bro, it was so much fun dancing! My sister can really dance!"

Saying this, he pinched Anokhi's cheek, and she gave a big smile.

But Omkar and Archana became a bit emotional.

Omkar hugged Anokhi tightly and kissed her forehead, saying, "Truly, you’re an amazing dancer."

"Yes, because I take after my brother, right?" Anokhi replied, making him laugh.

Then Vikram said, "Now you two pick the chits. I'm going to my wife!"

Saying this, he walked off the stage.

Anokhi and Omkar looked at each other and nodded.

In this way, everyone's pairs were made. Some were of three, some were singles. Some got dance, some got songs, some got acting, and some got comedy acts.

In the end, only four chits were left – two in one bowl and two in another.

Anokhi looked at Omkar, who was about to pick a chit. She was a bit nervous.

She thought, "Oh no, I forgot to tell Bhaiya to pick the yellow chit! No problem, if he picks orange instead of yellow, I'll pick purple instead of pink."

But Omkar picked the yellow chit, and seeing this, Anokhi smiled and picked the pink one.

The yellow chit had Abhinav's name, and the pink chit had Shweta's name on it.

It had the song title "Maine Tay Kar Liya" written on it. Hearing this, everyone clapped for them as they took the stage and the music started.

Maine jee liya, mar liya..

prem kar liya..

Maine jee liya, mar liya,

prem kar liya..

Jitana darana tha, daer liya,

prem kar liya..

Jitana darana tha, daer liya,

prem kar liya..

tere ishq pe, tere waqt pe bas haqq hai ik mera

teri rooh pe, tere jism pe bas haqq hai ik mera

bas haqq hai ik mera, bas haqq hai ik mera

main toh bas teri chahat me chahu rehna sada

main toh bas teri kurbat me chahu rehna sada

Both of them danced with emotion, smiles filled with love, completely lost in each other.

yaadon me tujhko rakhu, baate bhi teri karu

itna deewana hu teraho raato me jaaga karu,

din bhar batakta rahu main toh yaha se bas waha

tere ishq pe, tere waqt pe bas haqq hai ik mera

teri rooh pe, tere jism pe bas haqq hai ik mera

bas haqq hai ik mera, bas haqq hai ik mera

main toh bas teri chaahat me chahu rehna sada

main toh bas teri kurbat me chahu rehna sada

baaho me tujhko rakhu, dhadkan me teri sunu

aa itna nazdik aa zara

ho jisme duaaye rahe, har dum wafaaye rahe

du tujhko aisa ik jahaan

tere ishq pe, tere waqt pe bas haqq hai ik mera

teri rooh pe, tere jism pe bas haqq hai ik mera

bas haqq hai ik mera, bas haqq hai ik mera

main toh bas teri chahat me chahu rehna sada

main toh bas teri kurbat me chahu rehna sada

saaya bhi tera main hone na du juda

maine tay kar liya

Their dance was filled with the emotion of their hearts. It held the pain of separation and Abhinav’s love for Shweta, which made Swati smile as she watched. Their dance ended, then they looked at the remaining two chits, and then all eyes turned toward Shivaay and Swati because only they were left.

Swati looked at everyone for a moment, then at Shivaay, who was looking at her.

Swati said, "I don't want to play this game. I don't know how to dance that well or sing."

Just as she said this, before anyone else could say anything, Shivaay spoke up, "Alright, if she doesn’t want to play, then let her not. I'll bring in another girl in her place. She can dance with me or do whatever task is written."

Hearing this, everyone looked at Shivaay in surprise.

Swati couldn’t understand what was up with Shivaay today.

Just then, Anokhi said, "No, no, that won’t do. You have to play the game. Since your name is in it, you have to participate."

"Yes, yes, absolutely right! Whoever's name is written on this must participate in the game and complete the task mentioned," Dadaji said.

Then Anokhi spoke up again, "And Swati didi, why are you worrying? It's just a game. And you are Swati Tiwari, aren't you? Come on, come to the front, I'll open the chit."

"Anokhi, why are you forcing her? If she doesn’t want to perform, then let it be. I'll perform with someone else anyway..."

"Fine, I'll do it," Swati said, interrupting Shivaay. Shivaay looked at her, and Swati was staring back at him.

Then Anokhi opened the chit for both of them, and on Shivaay’s chit, the task was to dance, with the song name "Tujhse Hi Shaadi Rachaunga."

Hearing the song's title, everyone was surprised. Swati looked at Anokhi with wide eyes, while Shivaay looked down, smiling.

"Anokhi, what kind of song is this?" Swati asked, and Anokhi, with an innocent face, replied, "Swati didi, I didn't write this, Riya bhabhi made this chit."

"I made it?" Riya said, a bit startled. Anokhi replied, "Yes, see, Riya bhabhi is even saying she made it. Now enough talking, start the performance quickly!"

Reluctantly, Swati, feeling a bit nervous, went to the stage. Shivaay, meanwhile, went up happily and excitedly.

Swati was a bit nervous, but as she stepped on stage, the atmosphere didn’t give her much time to think. All eyes were on her, especially Shivaay's, who couldn't stop smiling. As the song "Tujhse Hi Shaadi Rachaunga" began playing, everyone’s attention heightened.

"Tujhko Hi, Tujhko Hi...

Tujhko Hi Dulhan Banauga (Hoe)

Hoe, Tujhko Hi Dulhan Banauga

Warna Kunwara Mar Jauga

Tujhko Hi Dulhan Banauga

Warna Kunwara Mar Jauga"

Swati took a deep breath, and as the first note played, she began dancing.

"Jaake Jogan Ban Jaungi

Sang Tere Na Main Aaungi

Sab Se Main Ye Keh Jaungi

Tujhko Na Dulha Banauga (Hoe)

Tujhko Na Dulha Banauga

Chahe Kanwari Mar Jaungi

Tujhko Na Dulha Banauga

Chahe Kanwari Mar Jaungi"

Her steps were initially hesitant, but gradually she began to dance properly. Shivaay’s gaze stayed fixed on her with a smile, enjoying seeing this side of her. Anokhi had a mischievous grin, while Riya burst out laughing at Swati’s lines.

Then, Shivaay stepped forward to match steps with Swati.

"Tere Liye Launga Bindiya Chaand-Sitaaron Ki

Haan, Tere Liye Launga Bindiya Chaand-Sitaaron Ki

Pehnauga Chunari Tujhko Nayi Bahaaron Ki"

On these lines, Shivaay placed a dupatta on Swati's head, and Swati removed it, singing:

"Are Ja Re Kanware, Mujh Pe Dore Daal Na Tu Aise

Mere Aage-Peeche Firte Hain Tere Jaise"

Shivaay placed his hand on her shoulder.

"Nakhre Na Kar, Deewani

Ab Mann Bhi Jao, Rani"

Swati pushed his hand off her shoulder, saying:

"Na Banegi Teri Kahani

Chal, Chhod De Ye Manmaani"

Shivaay held her wrist, pointing towards his ring finger:

"Tujhko Hi Chhalla Pehnauga (Hoe)

Haan, Tujhko Hi Chhalla Pehnauga

Warna Kunwara Mar Jauga"

Swati distanced herself from him again and continued dancing to the next lyrics:

"Jaake Jogan Ban Jaungi

Sang Tere Na Main Aaungi

Sab Se Main Ye Keh Jaungi

Tujhko Na Dulha Banauga

Chahe Kanwari Mar Jaungi

Shaadi-Vaadi Ke Chakkar Me Mujhe Nahi Padhna

Are, Shaadi-Vaadi Ke Chakkar Me Mujhe Nahi Padhna

Chaar Diwaron Me Ghut-Ghut Ke Mujhe Nahi Marna"

Shivaay pulled her close from behind.

"Khuli Hawaon Ki Main Tujhko Sair Karauga

Honeymoon Me London-Paris Tujhe Ghumaunga"

Swati freed herself from his hold.

"Chikni-Chikni Baato Me

Aaungi Na Tere Haatho Me"

Shivaay continued:

"Mujhko Jo Thukraegi

Tu Baad Me Pachtayegi

Swati said :

Na Sej Teri Sajauga (Hoe)

Haan, Na Sej Teri Sajauga

Chahe Kanwari Mar Jaungi"

Slowly, he moved closer to her, saying:

"Bin Tere Na Ji Paunga

Bin Tere Na Mar Paunga

Sab Se Main Ye Keh Jaunga

Tujhko Hi Dulhan Banauga

Warna Kunwara Mar Jauga"

He took her hand and brought her close.

"O, Yeh Zid Chhod De, Naata Jod De

Rab Ka Naam Le, Daaman Thaam Le"

Both were lost in each other's eyes, with his hands around her waist and hers on his chest.

Shivaay :

Maan bhi le tu mera kehna

Swati :

sath tere naa mujhko rehna

Shivaay:

Kab doli barat me lau

Swati:

Kaise tujhko me samjau

Shivaay:

Kya tune yeh soch liya hai,

Swati:

han maine yeh soch liya hai

before he could say more, she placed her palm on his lips, unwilling to hear any further. Her eyes glistened slightly, a sight only Shivaay noticed.

In his mind, he thought, "Now I’m sure, Swati, you love me deeply too; you’re just not admitting it. But soon you will."

The dance was mesmerizing, and everyone applauded as Shivaay and Swati snapped out of their trance, quickly stepping down from the stage.

"See, Swati didi, it was nothing to worry about!" Anokhi teased, and everyone laughed once more.

"You both danced wonderfully, Swati and Shivaay," Shalini praised. Anokhi piped up again, "Yes, yes, watching them, it didn’t feel like they were just dancing to a song. It felt like Shivaay bhaiya actually wanted to marry Swati didi, and she kept refusing."

Hearing this, Shivaay smiled, while Swati glared at Anokhi.

"Alright, alright, sorry, I won’t joke, I promise. Don’t be angry," Anokhi said, holding her ears playfully. Swati’s annoyance faded seeing her innocent face.

Just then, Dadaji looked at Rishabh and, addressing Anokhi, said, "But Anokhi, I don’t understand one thing. You made chits with everyone’s name except Rishabh's?"

Hearing this, Anokhi pouted and looked at Rishabh, who was smiling, while the others looked at them, and Riya was laughing.

Seeing her laugh, Alok asked, "What’s so funny, Riya?"

"Because, Papa, when we were making the chits, bhai came in and warned bhabhi not to put his name in. So, we didn’t. You should’ve seen bhabhi’s face when he gave that warning."

Everyone burst out laughing, remembering Rishabh’s warning expression. Anokhi then complained to Alok, "Papa, Rishabh ji isn’t as cool as you; he’s very boring. I’ve never seen you dance or sing, and even his proposal was in the kitchen, not in front of anyone. He’s only an expert in taking advantage of situations."

"Are you complaining a lot about me?" Rishabh asked, raising an eyebrow. Anokhi turned away in a huff. Then Rohit said, "Okay, okay, enough. I’m starving after all this dancing. Let’s eat. We have a lot to do tomorrow for the wedding."

Everyone nodded in agreement. After all the dancing and fun, they felt hungry. Anokhi, who was previously annoyed, now seemed excited. "Yes, yes, let’s eat! I’m starving too!"

Everyone headed to the dining area. Shivaay and Swati walked close to each other, though Swati still maintained a slight distance. Shivaay kept looking at her, smiling knowingly.

While they were eating, Dadaji said, "Tomorrow we have a lot of wedding preparations, so rest well, especially you, Anokhi."

Anokhi looked at him with a mischievous smile.

Everyone enjoyed their food, chatting and laughing. Rishabh, who had been eating quietly, leaned over to Anokhi and whispered, "A lot of complaints about me, huh? What were you saying in front of everyone?"

"And what was I wrong about? I never see you singing or dancing joyfully. And as for proposing, let’s not even talk about that. You’re an expert at taking advantage of situations and scaring me."

"Hmm, you're right; I am an expert at scaring," he said, smirking, making her pout. He continued, "Okay, but if I dance tomorrow at the baraat, then?"

"Really?" Anokhi asked in surprise, and everyone looked at her.

Realizing, she said, "Nothing, nothing," and resumed eating.

Rishabh then whispered, "Yes, if I dance tomorrow, what will you give me?"

Anokhi, placing the spoon down softly in her hand, said even more gently, "If you dance in the procession tomorrow, then I will do whatever you want."

Rishabh raised his eyebrow confidently and said, "Really? This is a big deal. You’re trapped, Cupcake."

Anokhi replied with a mischievous smile, "Let’s see. We’ll see after the dance, which is unlikely to happen. But if you don’t, I won’t let you off lightly."

Nodding his head, Rishabh said, "Alright, then let’s see tomorrow. Now eat up; you’ll need the strength for tomorrow."

Hearing this, Anokhi pouted again, which made Rishabh smile.