Chapter 37

Author's Pov:-

The Aggarwal's mansion bustled with joy and chatter making the atmosphere more lively and inviting. Everyone are on cloud nine since there's another marriage going to take place along with Riya and Rajvansh's wedding.

"So? We should even purchase clothes for Groom and Bride right? There's only one day left for wedding, We have to be quick" Says Ashok while munching his food.

Everyone gathered around the dining table as it's time for dinner already, it's been past five hours since they arrived. The time slipped quickly by engaging in lively chatter and laughter.

"Yeah! Let's spilt up some of us can go and purchase the clothes since everyone can't take part in it, If one of us shops, others can look after the arrangements." Adds Rajendra, comfortably shifting on his seat.

Everyone nods their head heads in agreement.

"Alright! Then, The shopping part will be taken care by me and Akshara! We'll purchase clothes for them" Announced kiara, savouring her food.

"Yeah! That's better! Also, Let Pranav and Dhruv join you guys, so that it will be easy to shop" Stated sobitha.

A broad smile spread across Pranav's face hearing sobitha's statement.

"Yeah! We'll shop for Aryan and they can shop for Samaira. What do you say, kiara?" Says Pranav playfully winking at her.

Rolling her eyes, Kiara replied with a sarcastic smile, "Oh yeah yeah! As you say"

After few moments of chatting and discussing things, everyone parted ways to their respective homes, still excited for Aryan & Samaira's haldi ceremony which is going to take place the next day.

After everyone departed, Samaira, weary from the day's event, retreated to her room. The steamy shower, with its soothing warmth washed away the lingering of fatigue, leaving her feel refreshed.

"In just a single day everything has changed" Thought Samaira, collapsing on the bed, her features relaxed as she sank into the cozy embrace of her bed.

"And there's tomorrow, My haldi ceremony with the person, I used to love, once upon on a time, but it's totally different now."

Suddenly Aryan's proposal crossed her mind. Her eyes shot open and she rose up from her bed in an instant.

"Wait? Aryan proposed to me right? Is that true?" Says Samaira to herself.

Samaira pinched her hand to check if she's dreaming, A yelp escaped her throat as she felt pain by her pinch.

"So he really proposed right? But why? Is it because that he feel guilty? Or do he really-" Trails off Samaira settling on the bed.

"Whatever it is, I don't care. The thing I care about is my family. They are happy with this decision so I am." Thought Samaira snuggling under the cozy blanket.

Her eye lids felt heavy and in an instant deep slumber consumed her, leaving with no room of thoughts.

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*Rathore's Mansion*

Riya quickly came out of her room, hearing the sounds of vehicles, indicating that they arrived.

"So? What happened? No one informed to me!! Nor you guys let me join you" Says Riya stomping her feet, making everyone chuckle.

"Arey! Riya beta you are a bride, so you shouldn't meet groom until marriage, so we didn't let you join us." Replied sobitha softly, her eyes sparkled with warmth.

Riya makes a face while poking her tounge out, everyone burst into laughter at her antics while Aryan features softened at the sight of his sister.

"Also! Why are asking us? You must've already known about what happened there right? Already, Rajvansh must have informed you right?" Says Dhruv, folding his arms across his chest.

Riya feigning innocence, shuttered, "I mean- Huh- I already know it"

Dhruv with a proud smile, says, "It's okay behen (sister), No need to pretend in front of me. I already know it"

"You're talking as if you're a detective, you don't even know how to pursue a girl!" Retorts Riya, folding her arms across her chest.

Dhruv gasped in disbelief while others silently chuckles at their banter.

Before Dhruv can retort further, Suguna interrupts, "Alright! Alright! You guys don't need to fight about it. Also, There's Aryan & Samaira haldi tomorrow, you need to sleep early, so that you can wake up early"

Everyone nods their head and slowly started retreating to their room. Aryan reached his room and got an warm bath.

Aryan settled on his bed, while drying his hair with a towel, to check some emails but his phone buzzed grabbing his attention.

Pressing the phone to his ear, he spoke, "Namaste pandit jii (priest). You called me at this time? Did you happen to not receive the blank cheque I sent?"

The priest replied on the line, "That's not the thing beta, I already received it. Thanks for sending it, I'm really grateful about it"

"Actually I should be thankful to you for helping me with changing the dates. So, there's no need to thank me" Replied Aryan.

"Alright beta, Sorry that I called you this time, I just wanted to thank you." Says the priest.

Aryan hummed and hung up the call. Placing the laptop on his lap, Aryan got lost in working about deals and upcoming projects of his company.

After working for half-and-hour, he shut down his laptop and placed it on the night stand, which is beside the bed.

He laid on the bed, yet the thoughts of Samaira lingered in his mind.

A smile crept onto his lips as he remembered Samaira hadn't pull away when he got close to her, The warmth of the embrace still lingered in his mind, filling him with a sense of excitement and hope.

"She's going to be 'My wife'. She's going to be mine. Only mine," Aryan mumbled, grabbing the pillow beside him and hugging it tightly. His cheeks flushed like a teenager who got his first kiss. A giddy smile spread across his face.

He laid on the bed and found himself staring at the ceiling, the faint glow of the moonlight filtered through the curtains. He shifted back restlessly, turning onto his side, then back onto his back.

The clock ticked loudly in the silence, each second felt like an eternity.

With an frustrated sigh, he sat up, leaning against the headboard, he ran a hand through his locks, feeling restless.

"Sleep is nowhere to consume me" Saying this, Aryan rose up from the bed and was about to make his way towards the balcony.

Suddenly his attention went towards the couches and furniture in his room. He stared at them, as if there's something on it.

"This thing could be a problem" Thought Aryan, pointing at the furniture in his room.

He marched towards the couch and sank onto the cushions.

"Gotta remove these from my room" Says Aryan, while thinking something.

"Samaira just agreed to marry me, It doesn't mean that she'll agree to get close to me. So, I should get these couches removed from my room" Thought Aryan.

After few moments passed, He again laid on the bed. This time he felt his eyes lids heavy and soon he went into a deep slumber, yet the excitement for his haldi felt palpable.

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*The next day*

Aggarwal's mansion:-

The warm rays of light hit the mansion creating an serene yet cozy look. The atmosphere in the mansion was filled with excitement and tension for the event, which is going to take place now.

"Advik beta! Arrangements are done right? Aryan's family can be here anytime!" Exclaims Mahima, arranging flowers in a bash green tray.

The ladies are dressed in vibrant yellow sarees while the men are dressed in Light yellow kurta, pajamas.

"Aunty! Don't worry, Advik bhai's getting ready after making sure everything's done!" Replied Akshara, carrying a plate, which is full of ingredients of haldi.

Akshara dressed up in a Long Anarkali suit which is of vibrant yellow. The outfits is adorned with intricate embroidery and embellishments.

Akshara's outfit:-

"Alright beta! Also? Samaira's ready right?" Questioned Nalini, helping mahima to arrange the flowers.

Before Akshara can respond, Kiara interrupts, "Yeah she's ready. Guess what I've made sure she's pretty too"

Kiara dressed up in a yellow strapless choli which is of embellishments, sequins, zari work. A draped lehanga, ruched at the hip, with a flowing silhouette at the bottom. She completed her look with minimal makeup and accessories.

Kiara's outfit:-

Samaira enters the scene with a mischievous look. "Ayo! I'm born pretty, I've inherited my father's genes"

Samaira dressed up in a yellow lehanga choli. The choli is of attached to the strap, acting as a partial sleeve or dupatta. The lehanga perfectly flows around her with its thick decorative hem. She completes her look with matching earrings and she left her hair open, adding more elegance to her beauty.

Samaira's Outfit:-

Nalini, Akshara chuckles at her statement.

"Alright! Alright! Whatever, My son have got my genes! Watch there he's coming with all his glory! My son is more handsome" Retorts Mahima with playful smile.

Everyone's gaze followed Mahima gaze and met with the sight of Rajvansh descending the stairs while observing their banter with a smile.

Rajvansh's Outfit:-

Kiara and samaira hoots while Akshara, nalini burst into chuckles.

Marching towards them, Rajvansh says softly with a grin, "You guys be fighting like kids sometimes"

"Also! Maa, when's Aryan's family gonna arrive?" Questions Rajvansh settling beside mahima.

"They can be here any time soon" Replied Mahima.

Kiara jokes playfully with a mischievous glint in her eyes"But Bhai, Riya bhabhi won't come since she's a bride too. So, I guess you should focus on your sister's haldi"

Akshara, Samaira chuckles while Rajvansh playfully pouts and glances at Mahima for support.

"Hey! Y'all! Don't try to tease my son" Retorts Mahima playfully.

Descending the stairs, Advik joins the banter, "Hey! Y'all teasing Rajvansh again?"

Advik's outfit:-

"Yeah they are always on a mission to tease my son" Says Mahima, lovingly caressing Rajvansh head.

Advik flips his hair dramatically and says, "Well... Let me join them"

Samaira, Akshara, Kiara and Nalini burst into chuckles unable to contain their amusement.

Slowly, everyone gathered in the hall and Samaira was asked to stay in her room until the groom arrives.

The Rathore's arrived at the perfect time, They made their entry right after everyone gathered and are ready for the event.

"Everyone are here!" Exclaims Advik, glancing at the entrance.

Everyone beamed with happiness and  rose up from their seats to welcome them.

Aryan and his family exchanged glances and gladly stepped into the mansion along with Pranav's family.

"Hello! Welcome, brother-in-law" Greets Advik with a twinkle in his eyes.

A lingering smile bloomed on Aryan's face hearing his words.

Aryan's outfit:-

Aryan nods his head with a small smile.

"Alright! Let's be quick! Since everyone are here, Let's start haldi" Announced Yashodhar.

Everyone nods their head exchanging excited glances.

"Kiara and Akshara beta, Go and call Samaira. We have to start the ceremony" Says Mahima, glancing at Kiara & Akshara.

Both of them nods their heads and made their way towards Samaira's room.

While everyone made their way towards the garden lawn, where the haldi ceremony is going to take place.

Kiara and Akshara reached Samaira's room and entered her room while exchanging teasing glances. "Hey Dude! Your fiance is here! Come on we need to start the ceremony" Says Kiara with a playful smile.

Rolling her eyes playfully, samaira replied, "Alright then, Let's go?"

"Yeah! Let's go, everyone must have gathered at the lawn. We can't be late" Says Akshara.

Three of them reached the garden lawn and met with the sight of their family members chatting with each other. Everyone fell silent and observed them arrive.

Bright smiles bloomed on everyone's faces as they exchanged excited glances.

Sobitha walked over to samaira's side and caressed her head in a lovely manner.

Everyone looked at them with awe.

"You look beautiful, beta" Says Sobitha, a warm appeared on her face.

Samaira blushed and replied, "Thanks aunty.

"But to be honest! You stole the show with your beauty. Watch over there, Veerendra uncle couldn't even take his eyes off you" Adds Samaira, While pointing at Veerendra in a playful gesture.

Everyone followed her gaze and met with sight of Veerendra admiring his wife with a small smile, but he looks away instantly feeling everyone's gaze on him.

Everyone burst into chuckles at her playful jab.

Aryan stares at her with a small smile unable to take his eyes off her, his features softened at the sight of her giggles.

"Damn, She's so pretty. I can't even take my eyes off her. Once she's mine, I won't even try to move my eyes from her, because she is mine though" Thought Aryan while a soft smile lingered on his face.

Soon, Aryan & Samaira are settled in their respective spots, There's a curtain in between them preventing them to look at each other.

The youngsters moved aside and stood in a corner, letting the elders to apply haldi for the couple.

"Hey! Kiara. There's something on your face" Whispers Pranav, leaning close to Kiara.

Pranav's outfit:-

Kiara frowns at his statement, clearly caught off guard. She instinctively touches her face, trying to wipe away whatever she thinks might be there.

"There's nothing, right? See," Kiara says, tilting her head and showing Pranav her face. Her eyes are wide with innocence.

Leaning close to her face, Pranav replied with a twinkle in his eyes "Of course it's your beauty. Don't wipe it off"

Kiara scoffs and a smile bloomed on her face, "You're just flirting." Says Kiara, averting her gaze away.

With sly grin, Pranav replied, "Only with you"

Kiara playfully rolled her eyes, making pranav grin in response.

Dhruv, observing everything, thought, "Iska kaam tho accha hai. (His work is fine) He doesn't even miss a single chance he gets, Every time he flirts with Kiara"

Dhruv's outfit:-

Dhruv shifts his gaze to Akshara who stood beside him, admiring the family applying haldi to Aryan.

A soft smile appeared his face observing her reaction.

Yashodhar, Kavitha, Mahendra and Lalitha were the first ones to apply haldi to Aryan.

"Finally, My grandson is gonna get married. I thought he's going to stay single with his stubborn behavior" Says Mahendra softly.

With a chuckle, Yashodhar assured, "Why he'll be single? Maybe he just wanted to settle properly before getting responsibilities on his shoulders"

Mahendra shrugs his shoulder, replied, "Whatever it is, He's going to get married with my granddaughter. I'm glad they are the ones getting married"

Yashodhar nods his head with a warm smile.

The air buzzed with vibrant energy, a mix of excitement and anticipation. The aroma of turmeric and fragrant flowers fills the air, creating a inviting yet warm atmosphere.

Everyone beamed with happiness, laughter and joyful chatter hung heavy in the air.

The elders finished their task by gently applying the paste to Aryan. His skin shimmered under the warm glow of sunlight.

"We are done! Now it's time for you guys." Announced Mahima, glancing at the youngsters.

The youngsters exchanged playful and mischievous glances. Their eyes sparkled with excitement.

Advik, Kiara, Pranav, Dhruv, Akshara and Rajvansh stood in front of Aryan, their faces lit up with mischievous grins.

Samaira understanding their assignment, showed her thump fingers, signalling 'All the best' while a teasing smile adorned her lips.

A sigh escaped Aryan's lips as he observed the group hiding something behind them.

Suddenly with a synchronized movement, the youngsters briefly revealed themselves, holding a volley of ballons filled with the vibrant of yellow paste.

Before Aryan could protest, They unleash their secret weapon, showering Aryan with a furry of haldi-filled ballons.

Aryan, caught completely off guard as the ballons exploded on him, bathing him with the paste.

Everyone burst into a fit of laughter as they observed Aryan showered in haldi paste.

"You should have atleast given me a warning. You are crazy" Says Aryan calmly, glancing at the group.

Samaira, unable to contain her amusement burst into giggles observing Aryan's reaction.

Aryan playfully stares at her, through the transparent cloth between them. Observing his stare, samaira tries to control her giggles but miserably fails.

Leaning close to her, Aryan whispered in a deep voice, through the curtain, "Just wait until later when I apply haldi to you"

Samaira getting alert by his statement, retorts, "Did you forget that, Bride and Groom shouldn't meet after haldi? I'm damn sure you'll miserably fail because everyone are around"

She pokes her tounge out making him smirk in response. "Let's see who will fail" Challenges Aryan, a sly smile adorned his lips.

Raising her brows, Samaira challenges back, "Alright! Let's see"

Soon, Sobitha collected some amount of haldi from Aryan and mixed it in Samaira's haldi.

Time passed away and everyone finished applying haldi to Samaira. Their laughter mingled with the celebration of event, their eyes sparkled with warmth, as glance at the couple.

"Alright! Since everything's done, Samaira and Aryan beta get freshed and change your clothes." Announced Mahima.

"Advik, Guide Aryan to the guest room, so that he can wipe away the haldi" Adds Mahima.

Advik nods his head and guides Aryan to the guest room accompanied by Pranav and Dhruv.

Samaira retreats to her room accompanied by Kiara & Akshara.

While the elders gathered in the hall discussing about the further arrangements of events.

Reaching the guest room, Aryan turns towards them, saying, "Alright. You guys can join others, No need to accompany me from now on"

Pranav playfully rolls his eyes, replied, "Alright, Alright. Just change up and join us too. Let's go guys"

Three of them left from there, leaving Aryan alone. Observing them leave, he quickly enters the room and starts to wipe the remnants of haldi from his body.

♡

Samaira, Kiara and Akshara reached samaira's room and started to help her to wipe off the remnants of paste.

Akshara's phone buzzed grabbing their attention. A smile bloomed on Akshara's face glancing at the caller I'd.

"Guys! It's Riya bhabhi! She's video calling!" Announced Akshara, pressing the green button.

Samaira & Kiara joins the call by standing beside her.

"Hey! Guys! Hello" Greets Riya with her usual enthusiastic smile.

Bright smiles bloomed on three of their faces at her enthusiasm. "Hello! Riya bhabhi! How are you doing? You missed the fun here" Says Kiara.

Riya pouts on the line, replied, "I know it. I'm already sad about that topic, I actually missed my brother's haldi"

"Arey! Bhabhi! You shouldn't be sad about these things! If Rajvansh bhai knew you were sad, he'd be there in a heartbeat and he'll get scolding from maa for meeting you" Chims in, samaira, trying to enlight her mood.

A broad smile appears on Riya's face hearing her statement.

"Alright! I won't be sad. Also? What happened there? Haldi's finished right?" Inquires riya on the line.

Akshara replied, "Yeah! We're helping Samaira to change. Everyone is in the hall, discussing about some things"

Riya nods her head, "Alright then, I call you later! Byeee guys continue" Says riya before hanging up the call.

Observing her hung up, Samaira says, "Alright guys, I'll change now. You can leave"

Kiara & Akshara exchanged glances and nodded their heads in unison.

"Fine then! We're leaving, call me if you need anything" Says Kiara walking towards the entrance of the room. Akshara followed her behind.

Samaira hums in response. Kiara and Akshara left the room leaving Samaira alone.

Observing them leave, A sigh escaped Samaira's lips, "Everyone's around, How can he even meet me? Even if he did, Kiara and Akshara won't let him" Thought Samaira, shrugging her shoulders.

Shutting the door, Kiara spoke, "Samaira's haldi is over, Now it's her wedding with Aryan Bhai. Let's see what going to happen"

"Yeah. I hope goes well and I'm super excited for their wedding." Replied Akshara following Kiara.

Before Kiara could reply, She halts in her steps making Akshara stop too.

Akshara frowns and follows her gaze, only to get confused in return. There stood Aryan marching towards Samaira's room.

"Aryan Bhai? You are here? Do you need anything?" Questions Kiara folding her arms across her chest.

Aryan stood still, scratching his neck with a hesitant look.

He replied, not meeting their questioning gaze, "Uhm- I'm here because- Like--I wanna-"

With a teasing grin, Kiara completes his sentence, "You want to meet, Samaira right?"

Aryan quickly nods his head with hesitant smile.

Akshara leans close to Kiara and whispers, "Hey, He shouldn't meet Samaira now, If anyone got to know this, we'll be doomed for real"

Kiara winks at her in response, making her even more confused.

Clearing her throat, Kiara spoke, "So? Why don't you meet her now? She's in her room"

Aryan narrows his eyes, he glances around before replying, "If Miss. Kiara Bedi is agreeing so easily, There's definitely something you want right?"

A sly smirk appeared on kiara's face hearing his statement, while Akshara stood glancing in between them.

"My brother's intelligent! Had to agree on this one" Says Kiara, the smirk still lingered on her face.

Tugging his hands into his pockets, Aryan said, his chin held high, "Name it whatever you want"

Glancing at Akshara, Kiara replied with a playful smile, "We want your shoes on your wedding day. It should be in our hands before Pranav and Dhruv bhai. They shouldn't know about this one. Deal?"

A smirk appeared on Aryan's face hearing her statement while Akshara stood wide eyed.

"This one proves why you're a criminal lawyer. Well.... I can't argue with you right now. So, I agree on this" Replied Aryan.

Akshara & Kiara exchanged glances and Kiara spoke, before dragging Akshara with her "All good then! Good to go! Byee bhaiya (brother) we'll manage here. Have a nice talk with Samaira"

Without wasting a second, Aryan marched towards Samaira's room. He stood infront of her room.

Aryan knocked on the door and hid to the side of the door.

In few moments, the door creaked open revealing Samaira. She about to close the door, assuming no one's here but Aryan stepped inside with a smirk. His sudden arrival surprised her.

"Y-You are here? How can you get inside? You'll be doomed if someone sees you, Leave my room right now!" Spoke Samaira, utterly shocked by his arrival.

Aryan takes a step forward, "Well... I'm not here to leave just like that, I need to finish a task before I leave"

Samaira narrows her eyes before taking a step back, "I swear,

Mr. Rathore! If you are here to do anything mischievous, I'll shout" Warns Samaira observing his expression.

Aryan pinned her against the wall which is behind them, without touching her.

"You look damn gorgeous. I felt my heart skipped a beat when I saw you. I couldn't resist the urge to be more close to you" Whispered Aryan, leaning close to Samaira.

Samaira felt her heart skipped a beat, she froze in her place, Yet she decides to push him away, saying, "Stop whatever you are doing. Leave my room, Mr. Rathore"

Taking a step back, Aryan takes out a packet from his pocket.

Samaira frowns observing his actions. "What are you gonna do? I said-" Aryan's finger hovered over Samaira's lips, stopping her words mid-sentence.

"Shhh.... Let me do my task" Says Aryan, his voice above a whisper.

Aryan pulls out some amount of haldi and started to apply the paste to his already applied cheeks. Samaira got even more confused observing his actions.

Before she could question, Aryan leaned in close to her, making her froze in her place. Her heartbeat raised at their closeness.

He gently rubbed his cheeks against her cheeks, his rough skin grazed her soft flesh, creating a stark contrast that sent a shiver run down her spine. Warmth radiated through him making her feel more comfortable and protected.

She closed her eyes as he did the same to other cheek. "I know that, I shouldn't meet you right now. But, you're going to be my wife, my breath, my heartbeat, so, I have the right to apply haldi to you too" He whispered taking a step back.

Slowly, Samaira opened her eyes not feeling his warmth. "But that doesn't mean I'll touch you whenever I like. For now, I'm being resistant. I'll always be respectful to your boundaries" He adds taking another step back.

Slowly, Aryan left the room after stealing a lingering glance at her.

Observing him leave, Samaira thought, "He's just like this. Sometimes he'll make me feel like protected, comfortable and what not. I really can't understand him no matter what."

"I really have to get a control over my feelings, but, he's really making it too hard for it. But still, I don't want to get heartbroken unnecessarily. Let's see what's going to happen"

After sometime, Samaira gets changed and reached the living area where everyone are present expect Aryan's family.

Her brows furrowed upon not meeting the sight of them. Slowly, she stood beside kiara, who's chatting with Pranav's mother, Pragati.

"Hey? Where's everyone?" Whispers Samaira, glancing at kiara.

Observing her presence, kiara replied, "Oh you are here? Also, Aryan bhai and his family left already before you made it here. I guess It's been five minutes since they left"

Samaira nods her head and hums in response. Kiara continued to chat with Pragati after samaira's response.

A exasperated sigh escaped Samaira's lips as she remembered Aryan's words. She felt something stir inside her heart, making her more confused.

"Alright, I'm heading to my room. I'm feeling more exhausted byee" Saying this, Samaira retreated to her room without hearing kiara's reply further.

Kiara frowns and shrugs off her shoulders at her actions. "Maybe she's really tired" Thought Kiara, observing her leave.

After sometime, Akshara, Kiara's family and Pranav's family left the mansion after bidding farewell to everyone.

The night fell high and the mansion fell quiet after the guets departed. The once bustling environment felt silent. everyone retreated to their rooms still excited for the wedding of the couples.

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The wedding day:-

Time slipped quickly and it's the most awaited day for everyone. The elders and youngsters are genuinely excited for this event. The nervous anticipation and excitement are palpable in everyone's faces.

Pranav, Kiara & Dhruv, Akshara helped the couple, Aryan & samaira by purchasing their wedding clothes at the last moment.

"Kiara beta? Samaira is ready right? Questions Mahima, stepping inside the room along with Nalini.

Everyone reached the Venue Hall, expect the gents. Since the bride have to arrive before the groom, Samaira along with Akshara, Kiara, Mahima, Nalini, Pragati and Aadhya reached the venue.

The ladies dressed up in vibrant red sarees along with some matching jewelries.

"Calm down aunty, It's the 98th time you're asking this. She's almost ready" Replied Kiara softly, observing her tensed features.

Kiara's outfit:-

"Everything's done Aunty, we just have to fix her make up once again" Adds Akshara softly.

Akshara's outfit:-

Mahima nods her head taking a deep breath, She glanced at Samaira, her eyes shimmered lightly.

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That's it guyss!!! First of all! Ramadan Mubarak 💗 I don't know how many of you are Muslims but still I wish in this blessed month, our God will definitely brighten our futures and will guide us through right path. Ameen.

Also, I haven't been updating cause, My final exams are on the way already also it's Ramadan month, so of course I'll be busy in these days. And.... Thanks for reading ♥️

Byeeee🏃

-AuthorDaisy