Chapter 20: An Unexpected Celebration

At night,

On the rooftop part area of a 5-star hotel:

(The rooftop was a sight to behold, the glittering lights blending seamlessly with the starry night.

The cool breeze carried the faint aroma of exotic flowers mixed with the scent of freshly served hors d'oeuvres.

The live band played a soothing acoustic rendition of a classic Bollywood song, filling the space with a lively yet relaxed vibe.

Men in tailored suits and blazers gathered by the sleek marble bar, their laughter occasionally punctuating the soft hum of conversation.

Meanwhile, the women, dressed elegantly in flowing gowns and shimmering sarees, sat at round tables adorned with candles and floral arrangements, chatting over glasses of wine and small bites.)

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At the bar counter:

(Vikram stood at the bar, casually leaning against the counter.

The sharp navy blazer he wore complemented his poised demeanor, but his eyes betrayed a flicker of impatience as he stole another glance at his watch.

Vikram's friend, Akshat stood beside him, dressed in crisp maroon shirt and pants, a beer bottle in hand.

He took a sip, his eyebrows lifting slightly as he broke the silence.)

Akshat: (grins) Waise, Naina kahaan hai? Party toh kab ki start ho chuki hai.

(Vikram exhaled softly, his lips curving into a faint smile.)

Vikram: Raste mein hi hogi. Usne kaha tha ki she had some important work at the racing club today... toh thoda late aayegi.

(He took a sip of his whiskey, his tone calm, but his eyes lingered on the door for a moment longer.)

Akshat: (smirks, tilting his beer bottle toward Vikram) Time bhi kitni jaldi nikal jaata hai, na? the last time I met your family..... that time, your kids were in 6th class.... Dekhte hi dekhte, itne saal beet gaye!!!!!

(Vikram's smile softened, a quiet nostalgia flickering in his expression as he gazed at his glass.)

Vikram: I know... waise.... Tum sunao, tumhaare bacchon ke kya haal hai?

Akshat: arrey mast hain dono.... Meri beti ko toh music ka shauk chadh gaya hai... har waqt guitar leke baithi rehti hai. Aur mera beta.... woh toh bas poora din football hi khelta rehta hai, aur kuch nahi. Subah uth ke grounds pe chale jaata hai... aur raat tak bas match ki baatein.

Vikram: hum bhi toh aise hi thay... main bhi toh poora din guitar lekar gaana hi gaata rehta tha.... but bachpan ke sapne alag hote hain... zindagi ke sapne alag.

(Akshat gave him a knowing look. Just then, the bartender slid over another glass of whiskey for Vikram, and poured Akshat, another glass of beer.

Vikram took a sip and turned his attention towards the band.)

Vikram: This band is actually good!!!! Gaane bhi decent hain... acchi vibe hai yaar, party ki!!!

Akshat: woh toh hogi hi.... and not just because if the band.... It is the crowd, that makes the party amazing!!!!

(The evening unfolded smoothly, Vikram catching up with his friends, their laughter blending with the vibrant energy of the rooftop.

All the while, his thoughts occasionally drifted to Naina...her sharp wit, her unpredictable energy, and he wondered how the evening would shift once she arrived.)

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A while later,

(The party was in full swing when a subtle shift in the atmosphere drew everyone's attention, there was a small commotion at the entrance.

Vikram's eyes immediately darted to the doorway, where Naina walked in.

She looked breathtaking in a pastel pink chiffon saree that shimmered faintly under the warm glow of the lights.

The saree hugged her slender frame, draping gracefully, but it wasn't just the saree that caught everyone's eyes-it was the way she carried herself.

Her blouse, sleeveless and stylishly cut, was a stark departure from the traditional blouses everyone had seen her wear in the past.

Her long, wavy hair cascaded down her shoulders, a striking contrast to the neat buns she used to prefer.

Her makeup was flawless-subtle yet enhancing her sharp features. She looked elegant yet modern, the perfect blend of grace and boldness.

She carried a bouquet of fresh flowers in one hand, her bangles jingling softly with each step.)

(Vikram's friends,both men and women, couldn't hide their surprise. Their eyes widened, and murmurs rippled through the group.)

Lady 1: (she is in awe and disbelief) Yeh... Naina hai, right? Vikram's ex-wife??

Lady 2: haan.... but, she looks so different!!!!

(The men exchanged glances, their admiration obvious but restrained.

Akshat, standing beside Vikram, leaned slightly toward him and muttered-)

Akshat: Yaar, tumne bataya nahi ki Naina ka makeover hua hai!!!

(Vikram smiled and lowered the empty whiskey glass and set it down on the bar, his eyes instantly drawn to Naina.

His eyes flickered with a mix of surprise and something deeper-pride, perhaps.

Pride that she was here, walking toward him. Straightening his blazer, he made his way through the crowd to meet her.

Naina spotted him and offered a small smile, her eyes carrying an unspoken apology.)

Naina: (softly) Sorry, thoda late ho gayi.

(Vikram paused, letting his gaze linger on her for just a second longer before speaking, his voice low and warm.)

Vikram: Late toh zaroor aayi ho... but clearly, worth the wait.

(A faint blush crept across Naina's cheeks at his words, but before she could respond, Vikram extended his hand, gesturing toward the party.)

Vikram: (with a playful smile) Chalo, sab tumhara intezaar kar rahe hain.

(Naina adjusted the bouquet in her hands, nodding slightly as she allowed him to guide her deeper into the celebration.)

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(Both of them walked up to Akshat. Naina's smile was warm yet composed as she greeted him.)

Naina: Hello, Akshat!!! Happy Anniversary!!!

Akshat: (blinks, momentarily stunned) thank you, Naina!!!! thank you for coming!!!! Mujhe toh laga tha ki shaayad tum nahi aaogi, but Vikram told me that you were just running late.

Naina: arrey, kaise nahi aati main!!!! waise, aapki better half kahaan hai? unhe bhi toh wish kar doon.

Akshat: haan... sure. I'll just call her.

(Akshat gave Vikram a look before waving his hands to grab his wife's attention. He signaled her to join them. She nodded her head and was there in an instant.

Naina smiled and extended the bouquet of lilies toward her. In the movement, the delicate drape of her saree shifted slightly, revealing the upper part of her left arm.

There, etched just below her shoulder, was a small, beautiful tattoo-a simple yet elegant symbol that caught the golden light.

Vikram's gaze lingered on the tattoo for a moment longer, his lips curving into a soft smile.)

Naina: Wish you a very happy anniversary!

(Akshat and his wife exchanged amused glances, trying to suppress a giggle.)

Lady: (smiling knowingly) Thank you, Naina! Waise, iski zaroorat nahi thi...

Naina: (with a soft chuckle) Arrey... it's just a bouquet. itna toh banta hi hai.

Lady: (admiring the bouquet) Waise, yeh bahut hi khoobsurat bouquet hai!

Akshat: (grinning as he looks at her) So, Naina... can I get you something to drink?

(Naina tilted her head slightly, her confidence evident as she glanced toward the bar.)

Naina: (with a poised smile) Sure. I'll have a cosmopolitan, please.

(The unexpected boldness of her order caught Akshat momentarily off guard, but he recovered quickly, nodding with a laugh as he turned to signal the bartender.

As the bartender prepared her drink, Vikram couldn't help the soft smile that tugged at his lips. The way Naina confidently ordered for herself, choosing a drink that matched her elegance and charm, only deepened his appreciation for her.)

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Later,

(The night settled into a warm hum of laughter and clinking glasses, the group gathered around a cozy seating area, sharing lighthearted stories and munching on an array of delicious snacks.

Naina sat beside Vikram, a faint glow on her face as she sipped her cosmopolitan, occasionally chiming in with her witty remarks that had everyone in splits.)

(The band suddenly shifted gears, striking up a fast, upbeat tune that filled the room with an infectious energy. One of Vikram's friend got up.)

Man 1: (jumping up with enthusiasm) Come on, everyone! Dance floor pe chalo! Apne puraane din waapas jeete hain!!!!

(With a mixture of cheers and playful groans, everyone obliged, rising from their seats and heading toward the dance floor.

The lights dimmed slightly, and colorful strobes lit up the space as the crowd moved to the rhythm.

Vikram extended a hand to Naina with a teasing grin.)

Vikram: Ready to show them some moves?

(Naina laughed, setting her glass aside as she joined him on the floor.

The music pulsed through the air, and soon, the group was dancing like carefree teenagers, losing themselves in the moment.

Vikram and Naina found themselves at the center of the crowd, their movements uninhibited as they matched each other step for step.

He twirled her dramatically, earning cheers from the onlookers, and she laughed like she hadn't in ages, her joy lighting up the room.)

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Later,

(The upbeat energy of the fast number faded into a soft, romantic melody, casting a tender spell over the room. The couples instinctively paired off, swaying gently to the soothing rhythm.

Vikram turned to Naina, his eyes warm and inviting as he extended his hand toward her.

Naina's cheeks flushed pink, but she smiled shyly and placed her hand in his. They stepped closer, their movements falling in sync as they swayed softly to the music.)

(For a while, it felt easy and natural, the world around them fading into the melody.

Naina found herself lost in the rhythm, her gaze occasionally darting upward to catch Vikram's.

His steady confidence made her smile, though she couldn't quite place the flutter in her chest.)

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A while later,

(something caught her attention. She glanced up, noticing that one by one, the other couples were stepping back, clearing the dance floor.

Her brows furrowed, confusion flickering in her expression.)

Naina: (whispering, slightly nervous) Yeh sab log kyun ruk gaye?

(She looked around, seeing the others standing at the edge of the dance floor, watching them with smiles of quiet anticipation. Her pulse quickened as unease crept in.)

Naina: (softly, glancing at Vikram) Vikram ji... we should stop too.

(But Vikram only smiled, his hand guiding her movements as they continued to dance.

His confidence steadied her, even as her nerves grew. He spun her gently, and then smoothly transitioned into a barrel roll, his arm circling hers in perfect rhythm with the music.

Naina felt a laugh escape her lips, despite her earlier hesitation.)

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Finally,

(Vikram executed a dramatic dip, bending Naina backward with a precision that left the crowd cheering and clapping in delight.

His strong hands supported her, and she could feel the quiet pride in his gaze as he pulled her back up.

Naina blushed furiously, the cheers ringing in her ears as she instinctively stepped back, prepared to leave the dance floor.

But before she could take another step, Vikram caught her hand, holding it gently yet firmly.

Her heart skipped a beat as she turned to face him, confusion written all over her face.)

Naina: (whispering) Vikram ji?

(He sighed, his expression softening. For a moment, he simply held her gaze, as if gathering every word, he had rehearsed.

Then, in one fluid motion, he dropped to one knee in front of her, his hand still holding hers.

Naina froze, her eyes widen in shock as she looked down at him.

The world suddenly seemed to tilt on its axis. The murmurs in the crowd fell silent. All eyes were on the two of them.

Her pulse raced, her breath catching as she realized what was happening.)

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Hey my dear readers,

So, what do you think about Vikram finally getting down on one knee to propose to Naina?? 💍

Did it give you butterflies, or were you yelling, "No, don’t do it!" at the screen? 🤗🥰

I’m dying to know your thoughts! Did this chapter hit the right notes, or did it catch you off guard? And what do you think Naina's answer will be?

Drop your comments below—I’d love to hear all your reactions, theories, and even wild guesses.

Can’t wait to read what you think!