Chapter 21: A Promise Under The Stars

(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'd rehearsed.

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

(Naina froze, her eyes widening in shock as she looked down at him, the world seeming to tilt on its axis.

The murmurs in the crowd fell silent, all eyes now on the two of them. Her pulse raced, her breath catching as she realized what was happening.)

Naina: (voice is barely over a whisper) Yeh... Akshat ki anniversary party nahi hai, right??

(Vikram smiled sheepishly, his gaze never leaving hers.)

Vikram: Nahi.... this party is for you!!!

(Her breath gets caught in her throat as Vikram began speaking, his voice steady yet full of emotion.)

(The lights dimmed slightly, and the music softened. Vikram held her gaze as he spoke, his voice steady yet laced with emotion.)

Vikram: Naina... tum meri zindagi ka woh hissa ho, jo main kabhi khona nahi chahta tha. jo galtiyaan maine ki thi, they drove you away from me!!! Aur, jab tum mere saath nahi thi... tab samajh aaya ki meri duniya kitni khaali thi. tumhaare bina main sirf ek insaan tha, jo saansein toh le raha hai, par jee nahi raha tha.

(Naina's eyes welled up, her vision blurring as she stared at him. Her heart ached, torn between the past and the moment unraveling before her.)

Naina: Vikram ji—

(Vikram's fingers trembled as he held Naina's hand, his voice soft but steady as he spoke, every word carrying the weight of his emotions.)

Vikram: Main tumse waada karta hoon... ki, main tumhe kabhi tumhe hurt nahi karunga.... Har din, har pal, tumhe yeh feel karwaaunga ki, tum meri duniya ho... meri sabse badi priority!!! I want to spend the rest of my life, showing you how much I love you.

(Vikram reached into his blazer pocket and pulling out a small velvet box. He opened it to reveal a delicate ring—simple, yet beautiful.)

Vikram: (takes a deep breath) Main tumse, tumhaara poora waqt maangta hoon.... Har woh lamha jo humne kho diya tha, usse phir se jeena chahta hoon. Naina, main chahta hoon tum waapas meri zindagi mein aa jao—aur hamesha ke liye raho. (wipes his tears, that rolled out) iss baar, main ek accha husband banke dikhaunga. Trust me. Naina, Kya tum mujhse shaadi karogi?? Will you marry me? Again?

(Naina couldn't speak for a moment; the weight of everything—their past, their pain, and this quiet, beautiful present—held her still.

She wiped her tears hastily, letting out a shaky breath before finally whispering.)

Naina: (trembling voice) Haan, Vikram ji...

(Vikram's eyes widened, as if he couldn't believe what he had heard. Naina smiled through her tears, and spoke again her voice firmer this time.)

Naina: Haan, Vikram ji. I'll marry you.

(A breath of relief escaped him as he rose to his feet, sliding the ring onto her trembling finger with the utmost care.

His hands lingered over hers for a moment before he looked into her eyes, overwhelmed.

Vikram's friends, once standing with quiet anticipation, now broke into soft applause.

Their faces radiated happiness and pride for the couple, sharing in the emotional release that had filled the room.

They looked on with quiet admiration, knowing how hard he had worked to come to this point, to earn this moment.)

Vikram: Thank you, Naina.... Mujhe waapas apni zindagi mein jagah dene ke liye.

Naina: (teary) Yeh jagah sirf aapke liye hi thi, Vikram ji. Shuru se.

(Vikram cupped her face gently, his thumbs brushing away her tears as he whispered—)

Vikram: Main wada karta hoon... iss baar tumhaari life mein, sirf khushiyaan hi hongi.

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Then,

(As the music swelled and the lights sparkled around them, Vikram pulled her into his arms, holding her as if he would never let go again.

Naina leaned into him, her tears soaking his shoulder, but her heart—for the first time in years—felt whole again.)

(Vikram, then placed a gentle kiss on the back of Naina's hand, his touch lingering as if sealing a promise.

Then, with a sudden burst of energy, he left her standing in the center of the dance floor, her eyes wide with surprise.)

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(He strode toward the live band with purpose, his smile growing as the crowd parted for him.

The lead singer, catching Vikram's expression, grinned and stepped aside, gesturing for him to take over.

Vikram adjusted the mic stand, tapping it lightly to check the sound before glancing at the crowd.)

Vikram: (smiling sheepishly) Pata nahi kyun, but aaj mera gaana gaane ka mann kar raha hai.

(The room erupted into cheers and laughter, his friends hooting and clapping.)

Man 1: (cupping his hands around his mouth) Vikram is back, everyone, Finally!!!

(The others joined in, their joy palpable. Vikram's friends, who had missed the lighthearted, carefree version of him, couldn't contain their excitement.)

Vikram: (chuckling as he looked at the crowd) Bas ek baat bata doon... 17 saal ke baad gaa raha hoon. Toh, mere sur agar idhar-udhar ho jaaye... toh thoda adjust kar lena.

(The crowd erupted into laughter, encouraging him further.

Vikram turned to the band, quickly explaining the chords and the song he had in mind.

The band members exchanged a glance, nodded, and started playing the opening notes.)

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Then,

(As the music began, Vikram closed his eyes briefly, letting the melody settle in his heart before he started singing.

His voice, deep and velvety, resonated through the room as he sang 'Tera Mujhse Hai Pehle Ka Naata Koi'—a timeless Hindi romantic classic.

Each word dripped with emotion, carrying the weight of everything he had just confessed.)

Vikram:

🎵 'Tera mujhse hai pehle ka naata koi,

yoonhi nahi dil lubhaata koi...

Jaane tu ya jaane na....

Maane tu ya maane na!!!!' 🎵

(His voice filled the room, tender yet confident, reaching straight into the hearts of everyone present.

But his gaze was fixed on Naina. It felt as though he was singing only for her.)

(Naina had heard this song a hundred times before, but tonight, it felt like it had been written for them. She stood rooted to her spot.

The way he poured his heart into every word, every note, left her in awe. The transformation in him—the joy, the ease, the playfulness—felt like a gift not just for her, but for everyone present.

The crowd swayed to the melody, many mouthing the words, their faces alight with admiration.

Vikram's friends clapped to the rhythm, their cheers encouraging him as he sang with his heart wide open.)

Vikram:

🎵 'Dekho abhi khona nahin,

Kabhi juda hona nahin,

Ab ke yoohin mile rahenge dono,

Vaada raha ye is shaam ka!!!!' 🎵

(When he reached this line, his voice faltered slightly. emotion surged as memories of their time apart flickered in his mind.

But he steadied himself, his eyes never leaving Naina's, as if drawing strength from her.

As Vikram's voice carried through the final notes, a thunderous applause erupted, echoing through the room.

His friends cheered loudly, while others patted each other on the back, clearly thrilled to see their friend rediscover his spark.

Vikram stepped back from the mic, his chest rising and falling as he caught his breath. His gaze returned to Naina, who stood motionless in the center of the dance floor, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.

The applause around them didn't seem to matter anymore. All that remained was the unspoken connection between them—the song, the words, and the love they could no longer deny.)

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Later,

The party gets over:

(The soft hum of the near-empty banquet hall was all that remained as Vikram finished clearing the bills with the staff.

Naina stood a few steps away, adjusting her saree pallu over her shoulder, her eyes occasionally glancing toward him.

Her heart was still racing, her thoughts looping back to the moment he had gone down on one knee, the ring now resting snugly on her finger.

Vikram thanked the staff one last time and turned to her, his expression tender yet filled with a quiet sense of accomplishment.

As he reached her, his hand instinctively sought hers, their fingers interlacing naturally.

Without a word, they began walking toward the elevator, their steps unhurried, savoring the rare stillness of the moment.)

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In the elevator:

(Vikram pressed the button for the ground floor, his fingers brushing against hers as he turned to look at her.

The quiet space amplified the weight of everything unspoken between them—their longing, their relief, and the overwhelming love that had found its way back.

As the elevator doors slid shut, sealing them away from the rest of the world, neither could hold back any longer.

Vikram's hand slid gently behind her back, pulling her closer with a quiet urgency. His touch sent a shiver down her spine, and she found herself leaning into him instinctively.

Their breaths mingled, the small confines of the elevator heightening the intensity of the moment.)

(His lips found hers in a searing kiss, filled with the weight of longing and the quiet desperation of lost time.

Naina's hands instinctively gripped the lapels of his blazer, her knees weak as she leaned into him. The elevator's soft hum faded into the background, their breaths mingling as the kiss deepened.

Vikram's lips trailed away from hers, leaving a heated path down her jawline and to the curve of her neck. His stubble grazed her skin, sending shivers down her spine as he pressed soft, lingering kisses there

Naina tilted her head back against the walls of the elevator, her pulse racing as his lips moved against her skin. Her fingers clutched at his shoulders, her breaths coming faster with every touch.

Vikram's other hand gently grazed the curve of her waist, steadying her as his lips claimed her neck with quiet urgency.

Her saree's pallu slipped slightly, revealing the smooth line of her collarbone, and Vikram's lips followed instinctively, pressing tender kisses there.

His breath was warm against her skin, his movements unhurried yet passionate, as though savoring every moment of closeness.)

(The soft ding of the elevator broke through the haze of their shared intensity, signaling their arrival at the ground floor.

Vikram pulled back just enough to look at her, his thumb brushing against her cheek as their eyes met.

Both were breathless, their cheeks flushed, but the emotions in their gaze spoke louder than words.

They straightened themselves, their fingers instinctively intertwining again as they stepped out into the quiet lobby, their hearts still racing, knowing this was only the beginning of their new chapter together.)

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Outside the elevator:

(They moved side by side, their fingers brushing but not quite touching. Vikram glanced at her, a soft smile playing on his lips as he adjusted his blazer, still trying to steady his racing heart.

They stopped near the exit, about to head their separate ways when Naina hesitated.

She glanced at him, her cheeks flushed, and then, gathering her courage, she spoke in a quiet yet steady voice.)

Naina: (whispers in his ears) Do you want to... go somewhere more private? Maybe... we could take this to my apartment?

(The words hung in the air for a moment, and Vikram froze. His eyes widened slightly, and then, like a child receiving the best surprise imaginable, a radiant smile broke across his face.

It wasn't just a smile—it was pure, unrestrained joy, the kind that lit up his entire expression.)

Vikram: (barely able to contain himself) Sure.

(His voice came out calm, but the grin that followed betrayed him entirely. He tried to suppress it, but it only grew wider, his happiness impossible to hide.

His eyes sparkled with excitement, and he let out a small laugh, shaking his head as if he couldn't believe his luck.)

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Outside the Hotel:

(The cool night breeze brushed past them as they stood waiting for the car, the faint hum of distant traffic filling the silence.

Naina leaned slightly against the railing, her saree swaying lightly in the wind. She turned to Vikram with a mischievous glint in her eyes, her lips curving into a playful smile.)

Naina: (teasingly) Vikram ji, Are you sure about this? I mean are you sober enough to—

Vikram: (interrupts) Haan... haan... I can drive!!! Maine zyada nahi pi rakhi hai. Hardly do peg liya tha... woh bhi party ke starting mein. Main aaraam se drive kar sakta hoon, tum tension mat lo.

(Naina took a step closer, her smile widening, her eyes sparkling with amusement.)

Naina: (lowering her voice, teasing) That's not what I meant...... (playfully) I meant, are you sober enough to know the difference between 'Naina' and 'Noor'?

(The words hit him like a bolt of lightning, his jaw dropping in shock.)

Vikram: (stammering, utterly baffled) What??? Kya kaha???

(Naina winked at him, biting her lip to suppress a laugh, clearly enjoying his reaction.)

Vikram: (grinning, regaining his composure) Naina!!!! You did not just say that!

(Before she could step away, he lunged forward, wrapping his arms around her shoulders, pulling her close.)

Vikram: (playfully, narrowing his eyes) Aaj toh tumhe chhodunga nahi!

(Naina laughed, her giggles ringing in the night air as Vikram held her firmly, their playful banter echoing the warmth and ease that had finally returned to their relationship.)

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And finally,  Vikram and Naina found their way back to each other!! ❤️ This chapter was a rollercoaster of emotions—love, longing, and a much-awaited reunion. But now, I want to hear from you!

💬 Tell me—how did this chapter make you feel? Were you holding your breath during Vikram's proposal? Did his song melt your heart? And that elevator scene... did it make you smile (or scream)? 😏

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