Chapter 31

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As they strolled down the corridor, Pihu turned to Janvi with a curious expression. "So, how's things with Shivay?"

Janvi let out a gentle sigh. "He's still struggling to forgive himself."

Pihu nodded thoughtfully. "Hmm... Not surprised." She paused, her eyes locking onto Janvi's. "But how about you?"

"Huh?"

"How do you feel about him?"

Janvi's heart skipped a beat, but she played it cool, feigning confusion. "What makes you think I have feelings for him?"

Pihu gazed at Janvi. "Seriously, Bish, are you trying to fool yourself or me that you don't have feelings for him?" she asked.

Janvi's response was barely above a whisper, her expression lost in thought. "I don't know..."

Pihu studied Janvi's face for a moment, "Janvi, you've spent so long focusing on your success, you've ignored your feelings. But now that you've achieved your goals, it's time to stop pretending and listen to your heart."

Janvi's eyes searched for answers, her voice laced with self-doubt. "I know, but sometimes I wonder... what's truly important? Do I deserve what I'm getting, or am I just being selfish? What if I don't deserve to be happy with him?"

Pihu's expression softened, and she gently patted Janvi's shoulder. "Sometimes, when life gets overwhelming or we've accomplished everything we set out to do, all we crave is comfort. And there's no better comfort than someone who loves and accepts you for who you are. It's time to embrace that comfort, Janvi."

Janvi's eyes locked onto Pihu's, filled with a deep understanding. Pihu's final words were the affirmation Janvi needed to hear: "You deserve it."

Janvi nodded and chuckled, "So I think it's time for self-improvement, not for self-pity anymore."

"That's more like my bish..." Pihu also chuckled.

As Pihu and Janvi continued their conversation, a familiar voice echoed from behind them.

"Bossy!" Naksh's shout was loud and clear, but Pihu merely sighed and didn't bother to turn around.

Janvi, however, couldn't help but chuckle at the obvious tension between the two.

"Bish, you both really need to talk," she said with a knowing smile, before slipping away into a long corridor, leaving Pihu to face Naksh alone.

Naksh fell into step beside Pihu, his voice laced with amusement. "Bossy..."

Pihu didn't even spare him a glance, her calm tone betraying a hint of irritation. "What?"

"Why did you take off suddenly? Are you ignoring me?" Naksh asked with curiosity.

Pihu's response was characteristically straightforward. "Wow, you finally noticed."

Naksh's laughter was low and husky. "Bossy, hesitation, and shyness are definitely missing from your dictionary."

Pihu snorted, her expression disdainful. "I wasn't born with those useless traits."

Naksh's voice took on a hint of pleading. "Are you still going to ignore me?"

"Yes." Pihu's reply was curt, leaving no room for argument.

Naksh's brow furrowed in confusion as he analyzes Pihu's expression. "You were beaming with happiness this morning, and now you're storming around like a furious bird. Are you experiencing mood swings? Are you...ah...on your period?"

Pihu's strides came to an abrupt halt, and she turned to face Naksh, her eyes blazing with a fierce intensity. "Yes, I'm in the period where I can blast anyone, so stay the fuck away from him," she warned.

The air was electric with tension as they stood in the parking lot, the sound of cars humming in the background.

Just as Pihu was about to storm off towards her car, Naksh's hand shot out, grasping her wrist.

"Come on, Bossy...what did I do wrong?" he asked, his voice laced with confusion and a hint of desperation.

Pihu's gaze narrowed, her lips curling into a wry smile. "You're literally asking me this? Are you that dumb?"

Naksh's eyes dropped to the ground, his expression a picture of shame. "I honestly had no idea..." he mumbled, his voice barely audible.

Pihu sighed at Naksh's kick-out-puppy looks.

Pihu swallowed her anger and asked, "What brings you to the hospital, anyway? Shouldn't you be at home with Mom?"

Those words are enough to join the circuit in Naksh's brain, "Shit... Bossy, it's not like that. I don't come here for Shreya. Dad called me." He hurried to explain himself.

"Then what are you doing with her?" Pihu asked with raised eyebrows.

"Mr Bedi and Dad are launching a new business venture. Bhai already has a lot on his plate, so Dad asked me to take the reins. Shreya and I are heading the project." He explained.

Pihu's response was a noncommittal hum, her eyes already drifting towards her car. But before she could take another step, Naksh's grip on her hand tightened, pulling her back.

She turned to him, her expression a mask of irritation. "What now?"

Naksh's smirk was infuriatingly charming, his eyes sparkling with intensity. "Are you jealous?" he asked, his voice low and teasing.

Pihu stared at Naksh for a few seconds, her eyes flashed with intensity as she stepped closer to Naksh, her hands grasping his collar to pull him to eye level.

Her voice was low, "Call it whatever you want, but let's get one thing straight: I don't share, and I don't do charity. What's mine is mine, and I'll fight to keep it that way." – she tugged at the mangal sutra around her neck – "I'm not wearing this mangal sutra of your name for showpiece. It's symbolic of responsibility, yours toward me or mine towards you, which also includes loyalty. You cheat on me with that side-cheeks," She spat out the words, "And I'll strangle you with the same mangal sutra."

Naksh's eyes widened, but before he could defend himself, Pihu cut him off, her voice rising in anger.

Pihu's grip on his collar tightened, her voice rising in anger. "If you still have feelings for her, then be a man and own up to it. Tell Dad, and walk out of my life."

She paused, a sly smile spreading across her face. Because, trust me, there are plenty of people dying to take your place in my life."

Naksh's eyes darkened at the challenge, his jaw clenched in response. "I'm not cheating on you, Pihu," he growled, his voice low and defensive. "And I'm not going anywhere."

"That's better..."

As Pihu released her grip on Naksh's collar, he swiftly closed the gap between them, his finger tracing the curve of her chin to tilt her face upward. Their eyes locked, and the air was charged with tension.

"Possessiveness looks incredibly sexy on you, Bossy," Naksh whispered, his voice husky and seductive. "It's a side of you I'm eager to explore."

Even Pihu maintain eye contact. Her blush on cheeks and raised in the speed of heartbeat betrayed her. "Stop talking nonsense," she replied.

Naksh's smirk grew wider. "Perhaps, my jealous wifey, if you saw things from my perspective, you'd realize it's not nonsense at all."

Pihu's skin ignited with heat, and she pushed Naksh away, her voice firm. "Shut up."

Naksh chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Cute."

Pihu turned her back on him, striding toward her car. Naksh hurried to catch up; his voice laced with a suggestion. "How about I give you a ride?" He gestured to his bike, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

Pihu looked at him with a done expression and pointed at her saree.

Naksh's laughter was nervous, his eyes darting to her saree. "Oh, right...I forgot." He trailed off, his smile sheepish.

Just as Naksh and Pihu were about to continue their conversation, his phone rang, interrupting the tension between them. "Hello?" he answered, his eyes darting to Pihu.

Shreya's voice chimed in from the other end. "Where are you? You need to take me to your new house." Naksh's gaze nervously flicked to Pihu before responding, "I'm in the parking lot..."

"I'm coming," Shreya said, and the call disconnected.

Pihu rolled her eyes, "Looks like you have a passenger, princess."

Naksh let out a sigh, his eyes never leaving Pihu's.

Pihu started walking to her car but halted in the way.

She thought for a few seconds, and instead of going in the direction of her car, she walked towards Naksh's bike.

She snatched the helmet from the handlebars and turned to face Naksh, a cunning glint in her eye.

Naksh's heart skipped a beat as she smashed the helmet into his bike's headlights.

"What the...!" Naksh exclaimed, stunned, as he rushed toward her.

Pihu stood tall, her expression unyielding. "Let her touch you again like a stupid doll; your knee would be the next thing I will smash."

Her voice was laced with a deadly seriousness that sent shivers down Naksh's spine.

Naksh gulped, his eyes wide with fear. "What a furious woman I've got..." he thought to himself.

He looked at his damaged bike, his expression a mix of shock and annoyance. "But my bike..."

Pihu shrugged nonchalantly. "It's just a headlight. Stop being dramatic."

She held out her hand, palm up, and Naksh's confusion deepened. "What?"

"Key," she replied, her eyes locked on his.

Naksh hesitated for a moment before handing over the key.

Just then, Shreya appeared, her eyes widening in alarm. "Oh my god, Naksh, what happened to your bike?"

Naksh shot Pihu a glare, but she merely shrugged. "Someone smashed it," he replied, his tone dry.

Shreya's eyes darted between Naksh and Pihu, her expression puzzled. "How will we get home now?"

Pihu intervened, a sweet smile spreading across her face. "Don't worry, Miss Bedi. I can drop you both." She gestured to her car, and Naksh's eyes narrowed, sensing a hidden motive.

As Shreya followed Naksh to the car, Pihu muttered under her breath, "A bike ride with him...in your dreams, bitch."

Naksh settled into the passenger seat, relieved. "Thank god it wasn't my favourite bike..."

Pihu's response was a sly smile. "I knew."

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(NAKSH POV)

As I stood there, watching Pihu's eyes blaze with jealousy, I felt a strange sensation wash over me. It was as if I'd been punched in the gut but in a good way. I couldn't quite put my finger on it, but something about her possessiveness, her fierce protection of me, resonated deep within me.

I'd never seen Pihu like this before. She was always so calm, so collected, but now she was a force to be reckoned with. And I had to admit, it was...intriguing.

The way she grabbed my collar, her fingers digging into my skin, sent shivers down my spine. Her words, laced with venom and passion, only added to the excitement.

As she smashed the helmet into my bike's headlights, I felt a surge of surprise, but also a thrill of excitement. What was going on with me? Why was I reacting this way?

I looked at Pihu, really looked at her, and for a moment, I saw her in a different light.

Her warning, her promise to hurt me if I ever betrayed her, sent a shiver down my spine. I knew, at that moment, that my point of view had changed.

I didn't know what to make of it, or how to process it. All I knew was that something had shifted, and I couldn't go back to seeing Pihu as just my wife, my partner in an arranged marriage.

As we drove away, Shreya's presence in the backseat a reminder of the complexities of our situation, I couldn't help but steal glances at Pihu. Her eyes, focused on the road, seemed to hold a secret, a promise of something more. And I found myself wondering, what if? What if there was something more between us? Something that went beyond the responsibility and obligation of arranged marriage?

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Shivay leaned against his car, waiting patiently in the parking lot for Janvi to finish her shift. Despite her assurance that he didn't need to wait, Shivay wouldn't budge – after all, Shivay would not be Shivay if he chose to leave over waiting for his Princess.

As he passed the time, he watched the video Janvi had sent him, featuring Naksh and Pihu. A low chuckle rumbled in his throat. "Looks like we've got a new drama brewing at home."

Just then, the sound of footsteps echoed through the parking lot, and Shivay glanced up from his phone to see Aahan approaching. Aahan slid into place beside him, leaning against the car and shoving his hands into his pockets.

After a few seconds of silence, Shivay spoke up, "Look like you're also waiting for my sister."

Aahan hummed in response, his gaze shifted to the video Shivay was watching.

The silence between them was broken when Shivay spoke up, "Waiting for Mrunali, huh?" Aahan responded with a nonchalant hum, his eyes drifting to the video still open on Shivay's phone.

"I never thought that Naksh would be this much idiot," Aahan said, shaking his head.

Shivay chuckled, a knowing glint in his eye. "You know Naksh, he wears his heart on his sleeve. He trusts easily, and complicated emotions aren't really his thing... unlike some people I know," he added, casting a sly glance at Aahan.

Aahan raised an eyebrow but didn't take the bait. "Still, I thought he'd have better sense than to get tangled up with someone like Shreya again."

Shivay's expression turned thoughtful. "Maybe he had his reasons. But what's really got me curious is... what is Shreya doing here?"

Aahan let out a sigh, "Bedi's uncle just returned to India from America. He's looking to start a new business venture with Dad, and Naksh and Shreya are supposed to head it up."

Shivay's expression turned thoughtful as he processed the information. After a moment, he nodded, "That explains it. I'm sure she'll be sticking around for a while." A sly grin spread across his face. "I don't think Pihu's going to be thrilled about this development."

Aahan chuckled, "That's Naksh's problem to deal with, not ours."

As Shivay's fingers danced across his phone screen, closing out the video, Aahan caught a glimpse of the wallpaper. His eyes scanned the photo, a snapshot of Shivay and Janvi stolen during a visit to a haunted house. They stood facing each other, hands intertwined, lost in each other's eyes. The soft smiles on their faces spoke volumes about their connection.

Aahan's gaze lingered on the photo, "Even in a haunted house, you manage to look lovesick."

"Just shut up..." Shivay replied.

Aahan's curiosity got the better of him, and he pointed at Shivay's phone. "Who's the photographer behind this masterpiece?"

Shivay followed his gaze and smiled, "Pihu snapped it when we were at that haunted house. She's always been a sneaky one."

Aahan's eyes lingered on the photo, his expression unreadable. The silence between them stretched out until, finally, he spoke up, his voice low and introspective. "She looks happy."

Shivay's smile faltered, and his grip on the phone tightened. Aahan's words had struck a chord, and Shivay's eyes clouded over with a mix of emotions. He didn't respond, but Aahan's next words cut through the silence like a knife.

"Looks like you're still beating yourself up over the Avan incident," Aahan said, his tone calm and observational.

Shivay's eyes dropped, and he nodded slowly, his voice barely above a whisper. "I'm disappointed in myself. I let her down, Aahan. I wasn't there when she needed me." The pain and regret etched on Shivay's face were palpable.

"Don't be," Aahan said, his voice firm but gentle.

Shivay's confusion was evident as he turned to face Aahan. "Huh?"

Aahan's expression was serene, his eyes filled with a deep understanding. "You're human, Shivay, not a god. You can't carry the weight of everyone's burdens on your shoulders. Your responsibility is to make Janvi happy, not to be her solo protector."

Shivay's eyes widened as Aahan's words struck a chord within him.

"A single person can't do everything," Aahan continued. "That's why we have different relationships in our lives – family, friends, loved ones. You're not alone in carrying Janvi's burdens. She has her brothers, her friends, you, her uncle and aunt... and she has herself."

Aahan's words left Shivay speechless, his mind reeling from the simplicity and truth of his friend's words.

When Shivay didn't respond, Aahan continued, "Your responsibility is to make Janvi happy, and you're doing more than enough. She blooms around you, Shivay. Your presence makes her feel safe, and your name is her comfort. So don't be disappointed in yourself."

Shivay's eyes were fixed on Aahan, his expression a mix of shock and dazed.

Aahan met his gaze, "Why are you looking at me like I'm an alien?" he asked.

Shivay's response was barely above a whisper. "Because you never speak this much."

Aahan scoffed, "Then be grateful, and do what I told you."

Shivay hummed, a soft "thank you" escaping his lips.

Aahan nodded, his expression turned serious once more.

As they chatted, the sound of high heels clicking against the pavement grew louder, and soon Mrunali appeared, slightly out of breath.

"Sorry for keeping you waiting," she said, gasping for air.

Aahan shook his head as 'It's okay'...

But Shivay fulfils his duty as a sibling, "Don't worry, Mru. He can understand that you have tiny legs."

He said, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.

Not only Shivay but Aahan also laugh at his words.

Mrunali shot Aahan a withering glance before turning to Shivay, her voice dripping with sarcasm."Kisi ne tumhe sikhaya nahi hai ki jab do log baat kar re ho toh bich mein apni nak nahi ghusani chahiye."

(No one ever taught you that when two people are talking, you shouldn't interrupt?)

Shivay tilted his head in fake confusion, "Two people? But I can see one person," he pointed at Aahan and then pointed a Mrunali, "And half person."

Aahan burst out laughing, and Shivay high-fived him, revelling in their shared amusement.

Mrunali's face turned red with annoyance as she pinched Shivay's arm and stomped on Aahan's foot.

"I hate you both!" she exclaimed, storming off towards Aahan's car.

Shivay rubbed his arm, wincing in mock pain. "Now this little ball of fury is all yours," He said.

Aahan chuckled, "Don't worry, I've got this. I know exactly how to handle her," he said, confidently striding after Mrunali, ready to face whatever wrath she had in store for him.

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As soon as Janvi finished her duty, her phone buzzed to life, breaking the silence.

She pulled it out to check the notification, raising an eyebrow at the message on her screen: "Mrunali has added you to a group chat..."

Janvi's curiosity was piqued. "What's this now?" she muttered to herself, slipping her hand into her coat pocket while scrolling through the message with the other.

She was already running a few minutes behind schedule, knowing Shivay was waiting for her.

She made her way to the changing room, her fingers flying across the screen as she clicked on the new group chat Mrunali had created.

MRUNALI

Hey everyone!

U guys remember their duty...

"What duty?" Janvi thought to herself.

MRUNALI

Ohh! Shit

NOOO

Wrong group... AHHHHHH!

Pihu removed Janvi from the group...

"Huh? What is this?" Janvi stares at the last message in confusion.

She opened her private chat with Pihu.

JANVI

Why did you kick me out of the group?

PIHU

It's nothing. Aahan and Shivay offended Mrunali... So she wants to yap about it, but mistakenly, she added everyone... So I kick out everyone.

JANVI

Oh... Understandable...

PIHU

Hmm

Janvi shrugged off the notification, tucking her phone back into her pocket. She didn't give it much thought, because doing something stupid and unreasonable is nothing new in their friend circle.

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Pihu slammed the door shut behind her, frustration radiating from every pore. She glared at Naksh, who shifted uncomfortably, scratching his head and avoiding eye contact.

The reason for Pihu's anger is that she is driving for two hours continuously because this Shreya girl wants to buy a present, but she doesn't like a single thing even after a whole two-hour ride and ends up with an empty hand.

Pihu fumingly strode inside the house. Everyone already reached home and was talking to each other in the living room.

Pihu settled herself on the sofa, "Someone, please, get me tea before my head explodes!" She shouted but only ended up with a painful cough, which grabbed everyone's attention.

'Shit, I forgot I can't shout.' she closed her eyes in pain, her fist clenched in a burning sensation she felt in her throat. She waits for a few seconds for the pain to subdue.

"Are you okay?" Is the first thing she heard.

She looked up and met many concerns and glanced.

Pihu offered a weak laugh, trying to brush off the attention. "I'm fine...I just forgot, that's all." She waved her hand dismissively, hoping to deflect further questioning.

Before they could ask more, a whistle from Sidharth grabbed attention.

Just then, a loud whistle pierced the air, and Sidharth strode into the room, his eyes scanning the space until they landed on Shreya. A charming smile spread across his face as he sauntered over to her.

"Who is this stunning beauty? And what brings her to our humble abode?" Sidharth asked, his gaze roaming over Shreya's figure, his eyes lingering on her curves.

Shreya immediately grabbed Naksh's arm when Sidharth looked at her like a prey.

Naksh's eyes darted to Pihu, and his entire life flashed before his eyes as he met her withering glare.

In a split second, Naksh extricated his arm from Shreya's grasp, coughing awkwardly as he took a step back.

Sidharth surveyed the scene before him, his eyes darting between Naksh and Pihu's tense body language.

A sly smile spread across his face as he muttered to himself, "Who needs Netflix when you have the Agnihotri family? Full-on drama and entertainment, right in my living room."

He strode over to Shreya, his confidence radiating like a palpable aura.

"What's your name, darling? Or should I call you mine?" he asked, his eyes locked on hers.

Every single person rolled their eyes at his words.

"I'm Shreya Bedi. I'll be staying here as a guest for a while." She said confidently, pulling out a hand for a handshake.

Sidharth's smile grew wider as he extended his hand for a handshake. "Enchanted, Shreya. You're not looking like a scared kitten anymore..." He trailed off, his eyes glinting with amusement, as Shreya's glare intensified, her grip on his hand tightening.

Sidharth chuckled, his eyes never leaving hers, and kissed the back of her palm. "Nice to meet you, Shreya. I have a feeling it's going to be...fun."

With that, he released her hand and sauntered off to a corner of the room, where he could observe the drama unfolding before him.

As Shreya made her way around the room, greeting the other family members, the atmosphere was palpably tense. Mrunali and Janvi offered her a perfunctory side hug and a forced smile. Shivay only said hello to her, while Aahan only nodded his head from far away.

Shreya's eyes eventually met Naksh's, and she asked, "Naksh, I'm tired...Could you show me to my room?"

Before Naksh could respond, Aahan intervened, his voice firm. "Little one, show Shreya to the guest room. Naksh, follow me." With that, he turned and left the room, before anyone could question.

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"Ugh, Pihu, it's your friend's birthday party. Why do I need to be your plus one?" Janvi whined, flopping into the passenger seat.

Pihu shot her a look, her eyes glinting with amusement. "Because I don't want to die of boredom alone, and you're the lucky winner of the 'spend-the-evening-with-Pihu' lottery."

Janvi huffed, checking her phone for what felt like the hundredth time. "What about Mrunali? Can't she be your partner in crime?"

Pihu chuckled, focusing on the road ahead. "She's already off with Aahan, living her best life. Besides, I need someone to keep me entertained, and you're the only one who looks good option."

Janvi raised an eyebrow, her expression sceptical. "And why didn't you drag Bhai Naksh along? I'm sure he'd love to spend his evening surrounded by screaming kids and bad music."

Pihu's smile turned sly. "Because, sweetie, I need a break from his annoying face."

Janvi rolled her eyes, letting out a dramatic sigh. "I'd rather stick needles in my eyes than attend this party with you."

Pihu just laughed, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "The feeling is mutual. Now shut up before I throw you out of my car."

As they drove through the winding roads, Janvi couldn't help but steal glances at her reflection in the rearview mirror.

She was resplendent in a stunning pink gown that hugged her curves in all the right places. Her makeup was flawless, with a subtle smoky eye and a brown lip colour that accentuated her pouty lips. Her raven-black hair cascaded down her back in luscious waves, framing her round-shaped face.

Janvi's eyes met Pihu's in the mirror, and she asked for what felt like the hundredth time, "Don't you think my dress is too much? It's looking like it's my birthday."

Pihu chuckled and reached out to playfully tweak Janvi's hair. "Noo... You're looking perfect. Now shut up..."

A few minutes later, Pihu pulled the car over near the forest, and they stepped out into the crisp night air. The trees towered above them, their branches creaking softly in the breeze. Janvi's eyes scanned the darkness, and she quipped, "Selling kidneys is illegal."

Pihu scoffed, "I'm already a rich person..."

Janvi raised an eyebrow, "Then what are we doing in the forest?"

Pihu pointed to a faint glow emanating from deeper in the jungle. "It's a private area..." she said.

"Ohh!"

As they strolled along the winding path, the soft glow of twinkling lights and the sweet fragrance of roses enveloped them. Janvi's eyes widened in wonder, drinking in the enchanting atmosphere.

The decorations were a masterpiece, with white and pink roses arranged in intricate patterns, leading them deeper into the heart of the forest.

Just as they were approaching a particularly stunning display, Pihu's phone began to vibrate. She apologized, "I'm so sorry, Janvi, but I need to take this. It's from the hospital."

Janvi nodded understandingly, and Pihu continued, "You go ahead, and you'll meet Aahan and Mrunali at the gate. I'll catch up with you soon."

With a reassuring smile, Janvi bid Pihu farewell and continued along the decorative path. As she walked, her eyes fell upon a beautifully crafted wooden board, adorned with familiar words that made her heart skip a beat: "Welcome to Wonderland Princess."

A shiver ran down her spine as memories threatened to resurface. She shook her head, attempting to brush off the feeling. "Don't be ridiculous, Janvi," she chided herself. "It's just a coincidence."

As Janvi steps inside, she is greeted by an eerie silence; there is no sound of music or people, nor does she find any signs of a villa. Yet, she was enchanted with the beauty of decoration.

Each tree is adorned with delicate lanterns that cast a soft, warm glow, illuminating the surrounding space and creating an ethereal ambience. Clusters of pink roses, their petals velvety and fragrant, intertwine with luminescent decorations, adding vibrancy to the scene.

In this magical realm, artificial transparent glittery pink butterflies flit gracefully around Janvi, shimmering in the ambient light as they dance through the air.

The ground beneath her feet is a tapestry of pink and white petals, forming a lush carpet that swirls with each gentle breeze, making every step feel like walking on a soft cloud.

At the heart of this enchanting wonderland lies a large pond, its surface smooth and reflective like a sheet of glass. The edges of the pond are gracefully adorned with blooming lotuses and delicate water lilies, their soft hues contrasting beautifully against the deep greens of the foliage.

The signboard is right—it truly is a wonderland.

As Janvi stood there, drinking in the beauty of this wonderland, she couldn't help but wonder who could have created such a magical setting.

Janvi's gaze wandered to the decorative table, where a card lay waiting. She picked it up, her curiosity piqued, and read the message: "There is a beautiful mermaid inside the pond. Check out." A hint of confusion flickered across her face, but she couldn't resist the urge to follow the instructions.

She walked towards the pond, its tranquil surface reflecting the twinkling lights above. As she peered into the water, the pond suddenly came alive. Soft music began to play, and the water's surface lit up with a gentle glow. Janvi's eyes widened in wonder as a video started playing on the pond's surface, the water acting as a screen.

Her breath caught in her throat as she realized the video was of her. She was laughing, her eyes sparkling with joy, as she looked directly at the camera. The footage was old, from their school days, and Janvi was certain that the person behind the camera was none other than Shivay.

"I found a love for me

Oh, darling, just dive right in and follow my lead

Well, I found a girl, beautiful and sweet

Oh, I never knew you were the someone waitin' for me"

A wave of nostalgia washed over her, and she felt like she was transported back in time. The video showed her carefree, happy, and full of life, and Janvi's heart swelled with emotion as she realized that Shivay had been holding onto these memories for so long. The music, the lights, and the video all blended together to create a magical atmosphere, one that spoke directly to Janvi's heart.

The scene changes; it's from the time when Janvi was a cosplaying princess, and Shivay was a prince.

"...'Cause we were just kids when we fell in love, not knowin' what it was

I will not give you up this time

Oh, darling, just kiss me slow, your heart is all I own

And in your eyes, you're holding mine"

The scene again changes; now she is laughing at something funny with her friends.

"Baby, I'm dancin' in the dark with you between my arms

Barefoot on the grass while listenin' to our favourite song

When you said you looked a mess, I whispered underneath my breath

But you heard it, "Darling, you look perfect tonight"

The scene again changes to the day of their farewell... She was dancing with Shivay. With every passing scene, she realised how much Shivay matters in her life.

"Well, I found a woman, stronger than anyone I know

She shares my dreams, I hope that someday, I'll share her home

I found a love to carry more than just my secrets

To carry love, to carry children of our own

We are still kids, but we're so in love, fightin' against all odds

I know we'll be alright this time

Darling, just hold my hand, be my girl, I'll be your man

I see my future in your eyes"

The scene changes again and again, showing the whole journey from the day she met to now.

Oh, baby, I'm dancin' in the dark with you between my arms

Barefoot on the grass while listenin' to our favourite song

When I saw you in that dress, lookin' so beautiful

I don't deserve this, darling, you look perfect tonight

No, no, no

Mm, oh

Baby, I'm dancin' in the dark with you between my arms

Barefoot on the grass, oh, listenin' to our favourite song

I have faith in what I see, now I know I have met

An angel in person, and she looks perfect

Though I don't deserve this, you look perfect tonight...

As the video came to a close, Janvi's eyes lingered on the pond's surface, where a final message appeared, written in elegant script: "Now the little mermaid has grown into a beautiful and strong princess."

Janvi's heart swelled with emotion as she read the words, feeling a deep sense of connection to the message.

As she stood there, taking in the beauty of the moment, Janvi felt like she was floating on air, her spirit soaring with joy and happiness. The message had touched her deeply, and she knew that this was a moment she would treasure forever.

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Shivay had poured his heart and soul into creating this fairytale-like setting, determined to make this proposal one for the ages. He had carefully chosen every detail, from the delicate lanterns to the artificial pink butterflies, to create an atmosphere that was both romantic and whimsical.

Shivay watched her from a distance, his heart pounding with excitement and nervousness. He knew that this was the moment he had been waiting for, the moment when he would ask Janvi to be his forever. And as he looked at her, bathed in the soft glow of the lanterns, he knew that he had made the right decision. This was where he wanted to spend the rest of his life – with Janvi, in a wonderland of their own creation.

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Janvi's train of thoughts was interrupted by a gentle tap on her shoulder. She turned to find Mrunali beaming at her, a mischievous glint in her eye.

Before Janvi could ask what was happening, Mrunali hastily pressed a bouquet and a card into her hands. "Shh, don't say anything," Mrunali whispered, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Janvi's curiosity got the better of her, and she opened the card to read the message inside. Her heart skipped a beat as she read the words, penned in Shivay's familiar handwriting: "I created a beautiful wonderland for you, but still, I can't take my eyes off you, Princess."

A blush spread across Janvi's cheeks as she felt a flutter in her chest. She looked up to find Mrunali grinning at her, a knowing look in her eyes.

"Look there," Mrunali whispered, nodding discreetly in a particular direction.

Janvi's gaze followed Mrunali's, and her heart stopped as she met Shivay's piercing eyes. He stood a short distance away, resplendent in a tailored black tuxedo that accentuated his chiseled features. His eyes, shining with adoration, never left Janvi's face, and she felt like she was drowning in their depths.

For a moment, time stood still, and all that existed was the two of them, suspended in this magical wonderland. Janvi's breath caught in her throat as Shivay began to walk towards her, his eyes never leaving hers.

Shivay stopped in front of Janvi and said with his beautiful smile, "Did you like my surprise, Princess?"

Janvi was so overwhelmed with everything that she only nodded. She can't able to form a single word.

"I still don't know what would your answer but I still want to try." He softly said.

As Shivay dropped to one knee, his eyes locked onto Janvi's, shining with adoration and nervous excitement. He took a deep breath, and his voice trembled with emotion as he began to speak.

"Janvi, my princess, from the moment I met you in school, I knew that you were someone special. I was just a boy then, but my heart knew that it had found its home in you. As we grew up together, my feelings for you only deepened. I fell in love with your sparkling smile, your infectious laugh, and your compassionate heart.

"You are the sunshine that brightens up my day, the calm in every storm, and the safe haven where I can always find peace. You are my everything."

"Janvi, I want to spend the rest of my life making you happy, laughing with you, and creating memories that we'll cherish forever. I want to be the one you turn to when you need a shoulder to cry on, a listening ear, or a comforting hug."

He flickers the finger, and every butterfly starts surrounding behind, and the words start forming in the air. It said, "Will you be mine?"

"Will you girlfriend, my princess? Will you be my forever love, my partner, and my lover? I promise to love you, to cherish you, and to make you feel like a queen every day for the rest of our lives."

As Shivay finished speaking, he opened the small box in his hand, revealing a stunning diamond ring that sparkled in the soft light of the lanterns. His eyes never left Janvi's face, his heart pounding with anticipation as he waited for her response.

(JANVI POV)

I stood there, frozen in time, as Shivay's words washed over me like a warm wave. His eyes, shining with adoration and nervous excitement, held mine captive, and I felt my heart melt into a puddle of love.

As he spoke, memories of our time together flooded my mind - the laughter, the tears, the adventures, and the quiet moments when it was just us. I remembered the way he used to make me smile in school, the way he always knew how to make me feel better when I was down, and the way he looked at me with eyes that said, "You're home."

Shivay's words were like a symphony to my heart, each note resonating deep within me. I felt like I was floating on air, my feet barely touching the ground. The world around us melted away, leaving only the two of us, suspended in this magical moment.

As he dropped to one knee and pulled out the small box, my heart skipped a beat. I felt like I was dreaming like this was all just a beautiful fantasy. But the look in Shivay's eyes told me that this was real, that this was our moment.

Tears of joy pricked at the corners of my eyes as I gazed at the stunning diamond ring. It sparkled like a star in the soft light of the lanterns, a symbol of the love that shone brightly between us.

Today, I realised it's what my heart craving for.

My comfort - SHIVAY.

I felt like I was going to burst with happiness like my heart was going to overflow with love. I nodded, the words "yes, yes, a million times yes" tumbling out of my mouth in a joyful sob.

Shivay's face lit up with a radiant smile, "May I?" He asked as usual and I nodded. He slid the ring onto my finger. It fit perfectly like it was made for me. I felt like I was home like I was exactly where I was meant to be.

In a rush of emotion, I flung myself at Shivay, wrapping my arms tightly around him. He enveloped me in a warm hug, holding me close as we basked in the joy of our special moment. I knew that this was just the beginning of our forever, and the thought filled me with elation.

"Thank you for giving me a chance," Shivay whispered, his voice filled with emotion.

"Thank you for never giving up on me," I whispered back, my voice trembling with happiness.

Just as we were lost in our own little world, a loud burst of clapping, hooting, and cheering pulled us back to reality. I turned to find our friends – Pihu, Naksh, Mrunali, Aahan, Sidharth, and Shreya – beaming at us with huge smiles on their faces.

"CONGRATULATIONS!" they all screamed in unison.

I couldn't help but grin from ear to ear as I held up my hand, flashing the sparkling diamond ring. "Look, bitches, I got a boyfriend before you got a life!" I exclaimed, laughing.

The group erupted into laughter, and our friends rushed forward to congratulate us with hugs and cheers. It was a moment of pure joy, and I knew that this was just the beginning of our happily ever after.

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In a dimly lit room, a figure sat elegantly in a chair, savoring the rich flavor of their wine.

The phone on the side table suddenly dinged, breaking the silence. The figure's eyes narrowed as they reached for the device.

The text:  "He proposed to her, and she accepted him."

A low, sinister laugh began to build in the figure's throat, echoing through the room like a dark whisper.

"The more love, the more pain it causes. Am I right sister?"

─── ❝ To be continued❞ ─────

This is longest chapter I ever write so tell me your favourite part...

And Aahan and Mrunali will have their own timing in next chapter.

Complete the vote target and I will upload next chapter💙....

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