Zinda laash ho kya?
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Ruhi's Pov
I marched forward confidently, ignoring Ishaan's unnecessary warnings. The forest was just a bunch of trees, right? How hard could it be to find my way?
Ten minutes later...
Okay. Maybe this wasn't my best decision.
The trees looked suspiciously similar, and the small trail I had been following? Yeah, it had disappeared at some point. I paused, glancing around. Everything was quiet-too quiet. Even the birds had stopped chirping, which, if you ask me, was a clear sign of a horror movie situation.
I gulped. Nope, not panicking. Just... strategically thinking.
I took out my phone to check the GPS, only to see no signal.
"Of course," I muttered, rubbing my temple.
And then-snap! A sound behind me. My heart nearly jumped out of my body. I spun around, my imagination already conjuring up wild scenarios.
Ghost?
Wild animal?
Kidnappers?
Nope. Worse.
Ishaan Shed, the ultimate berozgaar stood there, arms crossed, a smug grin plastered on his face.
"Told you," he said, tilting his head.
I scowled. "Were you following me?!"
"More like 'watching you walk straight into a drastic mess,'" he corrected. "I was waiting for the moment you realized you were lost."
I groaned, covering my face. "Ugh. Just say I told you so and get it over with."
He smirked. "No fun if you expect it."
I glared at him. "Okay, genius, since you're such an expert, do you know the way back?"
Ishaan's confident expression faltered just a bit. He cleared his throat, looking around. "Uh... yeah. I mean, probably. Give me a sec."
I blinked. "Wait. You don't know the way either?!"
"Hey! I was too busy watching you get lost, okay?!"
We stared at each other in silence before, at the same time, we both said, "We're doomed."
Standing in the middle of a forest, lost with Ishaan Shed, was already bad enough. But of course, the universe had to spice things up.
I felt something land on my shoulder. At first, I ignored it, thinking it was just a leaf. But then-it moved.
A tiny, ticklish sensation spread down my arm.
I turned my head slightly... and froze.
A. Giant. Insect. Was. On. Me.
A scream tore out of my throat before I could even think. "AHHHH! ISHAAAAAANNN!"
"What? What happened?!, I didn't do anything" He looked alarmed.
I pointed frantically at my shoulder. "BUG! BUG! BUG BIG! GET IT OFF!"
Ishaan blinked and then, instead of helping, laughed.
"Oh, Ruhi, it's just a-"
"NOT 'JUST A' ANYTHING! GET IT OFF ME OR I SWEAR-"
Before I could finish my threat, I panicked and did what any normal person would do-I jumped on him.
Yes, jumped on him.
Ishaan stumbled backward as I wrapped my arms around his neck and tried to climb him like a tree. "GET IT OFF, GET IT OFF, GET IT OFF!"
"RUHI, STOP MOVING!" he yelled, struggling to keep us both from falling.
I was too busy shrieking to listen. He quickly reached out, brushing the insect away, but in the process, he lost balance-and the next thing I knew, we were falling.
THUD!
I landed right on top of him. Face inches from his. His hands had instinctively gripped my waist, and mine were still clutching his shirt like my life depended on it.
For a second, we both just stared at each other.
His dark eyes blinked at me in shock. My breath hitched.
The forest suddenly felt too quiet, like the trees were watching this disaster unfold. The warmth of his hands on my waist sent an odd shiver through me.
And then-
Ishaan smirked. "You know, Darling, if you wanted to be this close, you could've just asked."
I gasped, scandalized.
"EXCUSE ME?!"
I pushed off him so fast that I nearly tripped over a root. He laughed, sitting up. "Relax, darling. The bug is gone."
I huffed, crossing my arms. "This is your fault!"
He raised an eyebrow. "My fault? You were the one who jumped on me like a monkey."
I groaned, covering my face. "I hate you."
Ishaan chuckled, standing up and dusting himself off. "No, you don't."
I glared at him. "Oh? And what makes you so sure?"
He leaned in slightly, grinning. "Because if you did, your face wouldn't be this red right now."
I gasped again, pointing a finger at him. "SHUT UP!"
Ishaan just laughed, walking ahead like he hadn't just ruined my entire existence.
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After that humiliating moment (which I will never speak of again), I stomped ahead, determined to get as far away from Ishaan as possible.
Except... I didn't know where I was going.
"Darling, stop pretending you know the way," Ishaan called from behind, sounding amused.
I ignored him. "I do know the way."
"You literally just tripped over a rock and almost fell into a bush."
I gritted my teeth. "That was on purpose-"
"Yeah, sure," he snorted. "Look, instead of walking blindly, let's just follow this path."
He pointed to a narrow dirt trail, lined with trees and sunlight filtering through the leaves. It looked more like an actual route than wherever I was leading us.
I sighed dramatically. "Fine. But if this leads to some haunted ruins, I'm blaming you."
"Deal."
We walked in silence for a while. The forest was peaceful, the sound of leaves crunching under our feet and birds chirping around us. It wasn't so bad-if I ignored the fact that we were lost.
Then, as we stepped past a curve in the path, the trees opened up, revealing something breathtaking.
A temple.
Not just any temple-an old, beautiful one, hidden deep in the forest. Its white marble structure gleamed under the sunlight, partially covered in vines but still standing strong. The stone steps led up to a carved wooden door, slightly open as if inviting us inside. Bells hung from the entrance, gently swaying with the breeze.
For a moment, I forgot all about being lost.
"Whoa," I breathed.
Even Ishaan seemed taken aback. "Damn... didn't expect this."
I walked ahead, stepping carefully on the moss-covered stone path. "It looks so... peaceful."
Ishaan followed, his voice softer. "Yeah. Like it's been waiting here for someone to find it."
I turned to him. "You think it's abandoned?"
"Probably. Or maybe the locals visit sometimes."
I stood at the entrance of the temple, my heart pulling me inside. There was something about this place-something peaceful, something divine. But before I could take a step forward, a hand caught my wrist.
"Ruhi, seriously? Instead of playing temple explorer, let's focus on finding a way out of this forest," Ishaan groaned.
I turned to him, frowning. "Oh, come on! We're already here. It'll be fun!"
He raised an eyebrow. "Fun? Walking into an old temple in the middle of nowhere? What if it collapses?"
I rolled my eyes. "It's been standing here longer than both of us combined. Besides, I know you don't believe in all this, but I do. For my sake, let's go inside."
Ishaan sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Ruhi-"
I gave him the look. He sighed even deeper, then muttered, "Fine. But only because you asked."
A smile spread across my face. I knew he didn't believe in prayers or gods, but he believed in me.
The moment we stepped inside, a wave of peace washed over me. The temple was far bigger than it looked from the outside, with high ceilings carved with ancient designs. The scent of sandalwood and incense filled the air, and golden lamps cast a warm glow over the stone floor.
And then, I realized-we weren't alone.
A few people were inside, praying in silence. Near the altar, an elderly priest in saffron robes arranged fresh flowers. Some villagers in traditional tribal attire lit incense sticks, bowing their heads in devotion.
A kind-looking woman noticed us and smiled. "You both are outsiders?"
I nodded. "Yes... we got lost and found this place."
She chuckled. "That means the temple called you here. No one finds it unless they are meant to."
A shiver ran down my spine-not of fear, but of something greater.
I glanced at Ishaan, expecting his usual sarcastic remark, but he was just watching me, an unreadable softness in his eyes.
The priest gestured toward a diya (oil lamp), offering it to me. "Would you like to offer a prayer?"
I nodded eagerly, taking the diya. Then, I turned to Ishaan, silently asking.
For a moment, he hesitated. Then, with a small sigh, he stepped forward, standing beside me. "Fine. Whatever you say, darling."
I smiled, placing the diya before the idol, closing my eyes in prayer. I felt Ishaan standing close, watching over me.
Maybe he didn't believe in gods, but in that moment-he believed in me.
And that was enough.
As I placed the diya before the idol, a deep sense of peace settled in my heart. The warm glow of the temple lights, the soft chanting in the background-it all felt surreal.
Just then, the priest smiled at me and dipped his index finger into a small silver bowl filled with red kumkum (vermillion). He raised his hand, ready to apply it to my forehead as a blessing.
I smiled and bowed slightly, accepting the gesture. But before the priest could touch my forehead, another voice interrupted.
"Uh, I think one blessing is enough," Ishaan said quickly, stepping in front of me.
I turned to him, raising an eyebrow. "Excuse me?"
The priest chuckled. "It is a symbol of divine protection, son. Shall I apply it to you as well?"
Ishaan's eyes widened slightly. "Me?" He scratched the back of his neck. "Uh, I'm not really into all this."
Before he could protest, I pulled him down by his shoulder, forcing him to bow slightly. "There! Now be a good boy and take the blessing," I teased.
He groaned. "Ruhi-"
The priest chuckled, dipping his finger into the red kumkum and raising it toward Ishaan's forehead. But just as he was about to apply it, Ishaan's bangs fell forward, blocking the spot.
I sighed. "Uff, your hair," I muttered. Without thinking, I reached up, gently pushing his bangs away from his forehead.
For a second, everything stilled.
His breath hitched, and when I glanced up, I found him watching me-not with his usual playful smirk, but with something softer. Something intense.
Ishaan's face fell into the tiniest, almost secret smile. His eyes, filled with something I couldn't quite place, stayed locked on me.
My fingers lingered on his forehead for a second longer before I quickly pulled away. The priest, unaware of the sudden tension, pressed the kumkum onto Ishaan's skin with a blessing.
But Ishaan... he wasn't even paying attention.
Because with his side glance, he was still staring at me.
After the blessing, I turned to leave, but just then, one of the villagers gestured toward the center of the temple. "Before leaving, you must take the seven rounds (saat phere). It is a tradition here to walk around the sacred idol, seeking blessings."
Ishaan, ever the reluctant explorer, sighed. "More rituals?"
I nudged him. "It's just walking, come on."
So, without thinking much, I started walking around the idol, my hands folded in prayer. But halfway through, I felt a slight tug on my dupatta (scarf).
I turned slightly-only to see Ishaan holding it.
"What are you doing?" I whispered.
He smirked lazily. "Well, you're walking too fast. I don't want to get lost."
Rolling my eyes, I continued the rounds, Ishaan following behind me, still casually holding onto my dupatta.
As soon as we finished, an elderly tribal woman approached us with a wide smile. She placed her wrinkled hands on our heads, blessing us warmly.
"Now you both will live happily for seven janams (lifetimes)," she said cheerfully.
I froze.
Ishaan's face, however, lit up like a Diwali rocket. "Wait, what?" he asked, his grin growing.
The woman chuckled. "The God you have just taken rounds in front of is our God of Love. This means you two are now bonded for saat janam (seven lifetimes). Your marriage life will be blessed with love and togetherness."
I opened my mouth to protest-
Wait, what marriage?
Who agreed to this?
-but before I could say anything, Ishaan leaned forward eagerly.
"Sach mein? (Really?)" His excitement was unreal.
The woman nodded, smiling kindly. "Yes, my son. May you both live in happiness and prosperity."
I was still in shock, trying to find words to explain that this was a misunderstanding, when the woman suddenly said, "Now, for the blessings to be complete, you must donate something to the temple."
Ishaan, still glowing with joy, immediately reached into his pocket. "Of course! I'll donate-"
He pulled out his American Express Black Card and proudly handed it over.
The woman blinked. "Beta, we don't take card."
I groaned, slapping my forehead. "Ishaan, this is a tribal temple! They don't accept credit cards."
"Okay, okay!" he said, pulling out his phone. "I'll UPI them-"
"No online payments either! Only cash!" I cut him off, exasperated.
Ishaan sighed dramatically before finally pulling out his wallet. And then-without even counting-he dumped everything inside the donation box.
My eyes widened. That was a huge stack of cash.
"Wait-" I tried to stop him, but Ishaan was faster.
The woman blessed us again. "Such a generous husband. You will be a great provider!"
Ishaan smirked at me. "See, biwi (wifey)? You're set for saat janam."
I glared at him. "Ishaan, I swear-"
But he just laughed, grabbing my wrist and pulling me toward the exit. "Come on, Mrs. Shed! Let's go enjoy our honeymoon- I mean, find our way back."
I groaned. "Ishaan!!"
Then we walk out to wander in different place of temple
The old banyan tree stood tall in the temple courtyard, its branches cradling a wooden swing. The sight felt almost magical.
Smiling, I sat on it, letting my feet dangle. The breeze brushed against my skin as I looked up at the sky.
Without a word, Ishaan stepped behind me and gently pushed the swing. His touch was light yet steady, and with each motion, the wind carried a soft warmth between us.
I closed my eyes, feeling the world blur as I swayed back and forth. But the one thing that remained constant was him-his presence, his quiet gaze following me.
After some times
When I slowed down, he caught the ropes, stopping me gently. His hands lingered for a second, his warmth seeping through the wood.
As I turned slightly, our eyes met.
He didn't speak, but he didn't need to. The way he looked at me-soft, steady, unguarded-said more than words ever could.
For a moment, the world stood still.
And in that stillness, I felt something shift between us-something deep, something unspoken, something that neither of us was ready to name yet.
Then I get up as while start to leave the temple
As we were stepping out of the temple, a sharp sting shot up my foot.
I winced.
Ouch.
Looking down, I saw a thorn piercing my skin. A small drop of blood pooled around it.
Ishaan immediately noticed. His brows furrowed as he followed my gaze. "Where's your footwear?"
I sighed. "With yours. Outside the temple."
Without another word, Ishaan bent down-and before I could react, he scooped me up in his arms.
"Put me down, Ishaan!" I protested, wriggling.
"Yeah, yeah, protest all you want," he muttered, carrying me effortlessly toward a large tree. He set me down gently, kneeling before me.
"I'll remove it."
"No! It'll hurt more," I argued, trying to pull my foot away.
His eyes softened, but his grip stayed firm. "Let me do it, Ruhi."
And just like that, I stilled.
His voice was low, almost soothing. I swallowed, watching as he carefully held my ankle. His fingers were warm against my skin.
Before I could protest again, he removed the thorn in one swift motion.
A sharp sting-then relief.
"See? Done," he murmured, brushing his thumb gently over the wound as if to check if it still hurt.
I looked away, my heart doing a weird little flip. Why does he-
"I'll carry you back," he said, already moving to pick me up again.
"No need," I huffed. "Just... give me some support."
He smirked, offering his arm. I grabbed onto him, using his strength as I limped forward.
But just as we neared the forest's edge-
He picked me up again.
"Ishaan!" I gasped, struggling.
"Shhh, you're slow," he teased, carrying me effortlessly.
I glared at him, but he just grinned, picking up both our footwear before putting his own on.
As we walked, I squinted at him. "You know this is the right direction, don't you?"
"Of course," he admitted smoothly.
I stopped. "So you lied? You knew the way back?"
He chuckled. "I just wanted an excuse to roam the forest with you."
I stared at him, speechless. My face felt hot.
And then, we finally reached the picnic spot.
Only to find... Ridith was missing.
On one side, Aaditya was fast asleep, his book lying closed on his chest.
On the other, Saanvi was sleeping too-her phone next to her.
Ishaan and I exchanged a look.
"Should we wake them up?" I whispered.
He grinned, tightening his hold around me. "Or... should we go to the farmhouse and enjoy our newly wedded life?"
I slapped his shoulder. "Ishaan!!"
He laughed, carrying me toward the farmhouse, and for the first time, I didn't stop him.
As the sun set with backs
~Saanvi's pov~
My eyes fluttered open, the world around me a painting of colors-golden hues melting into soft pinks, the trees swaying gently, whispering secrets to the wind. The air rushed past, wild and free, as if carrying the echoes of a forgotten melody.
For a moment, I let it embrace me, my hand resting lightly on my stomach-until I felt something else.
A warmth. A presence. A touch that was not mine.
My heart stilled as my gaze shifted.
And there he was.
Aaditya.
The golden light kissed his face, highlighting every perfect detail-the sharpness of his jaw, the softness of his lips, the way his lashes rested against his skin like a dream. His hair danced with the wind, just like the leaves above us, wild and untamed.
And in that moment, I knew-
No sunset, no sky, no endless horizon could ever be as breathtaking as him.
Falling for him wasn't just a feeling. It was gravity. I was being pulled in, deeper and deeper, with no way back.
Day by day, it was growing stronger. A madness. A quiet, beautiful chaos inside me.
I was his. Completely.
A soft smile crept onto my lips as I watched him sleep, so peaceful, so unaware of the storm he had created within me.
And as the wind continued to sing, I let myself drown in the beauty of him.
I didn't know how long I had been staring at him.
Maybe minutes. Maybe forever.
And yet, it wasn't enough.
If time could pause, if the world could stop spinning, I would stay here-just watching him, memorizing every breath, every flicker of his sleeping face.
But then-plop.
A raindrop.
It landed gently on his cheek, glistening against his skin like a fallen star.
My heart clenched. He looked so peaceful-I didn't want the rain to wake him.
without thinking, I lifted my hand, hovering it just above his face.
Drop after drop, the rain kissed my palm instead of him.
It was foolish, I knew.
But for him, even foolishness felt right.
And then-his eyes fluttered open.
The world stilled.
His deep blue eyes met mine, deep as the earth after the first rain.
For a heartbeat, neither of us moved.
Then, as the drizzle turned into a downpour, Aaditya sat up, breaking the moment. I quickly straightened too, pretending my heart wasn't racing.
Without a word, he grabbed my hand.
And before I could even process it, he pulled me up and ran.
The rain poured around us as he led me under the shelter of a tall tree, our breaths uneven, his grip firm in mine.
And though the rain was cold, his touch was warm-warmer than anything I had ever known.
The rain poured around us, a soft rhythm against the leaves, a song only nature could compose.
Aaditya stood beside me, his gaze fixed on the horizon, waiting for the downpour to ease. I, however, couldn't look away from him.
Every drop that slid down his face, every slow rise and fall of his chest-it was mesmerizing. I wanted to capture this moment, keep it locked away forever.
Maybe he didn't notice my stare. Maybe he did. But he didn't let go of my hand.
His fingers were wrapped around mine, warm despite the cold rain, sending shivers through me-not from the cold, but from him.
Suddenly, he turned toward me.
"It's not safe to stay here any longer," he said, his voice calm yet certain. "It'll be dark soon, and this rain isn't stopping anytime soon. We should run back to the farmhouse... even if we get wet."
I barely nodded before he moved.
Aaditya slipped off his jacket and, without hesitation, draped it over both of us, shielding me from the rain. I felt the warmth of it settle over my shoulders-but that wasn't the only thing.
His arm wrapped around my waist, firm yet gentle, holding me close under the shared fabric.
He didn't seem to notice.
But I did.
And so did my heart, which decided to abandon all logic and race wildly in my chest.
I swallowed, trying to focus on anything but the warmth of his touch, but the moment was already too intoxicating. The rain, the cold, the closeness-it was all a dream I never wanted to wake up from.
"We should hurry," he said, his voice near my ear, sending another wave of shivers down my spine.
We quickly grabbed the mat and picnic basket, his arm still secure around me, guiding me as we ran. The rain soaked us anyway, but I couldn't care less.
Because, for the first time, getting lost in the storm didn't feel so bad-
Not when he was the one holding me through it.
We ran through the rain, breathless, the farmhouse finally coming into view. My clothes clung to me, my hair dripping, but I barely noticed. Aaditya's arm was still around my waist, his warmth lingering even as we reached the farmhouse
We run inside and door.
He pushed it open, and we stepped inside-
Only to freeze.
My breath caught in my throat.
Aaditya stiffened beside me.
The scene before us-
Unbelievable.
~To Be Continue
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~Chapter Aesthetic ~
Temple
Ruhi and Ishaan
Saanvi and Aaditya
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~ Spoiler Alert ~
Ishaan scoffed, shaking his head. "Tu rehne de, teri bas ki baat nahi. Tu Pogo dekh, gadhe." With that, he walked off, leaving Aaditya stunned.
(You leave it, it's not your cup of tea. Go watch Pogo, idiot.)
Still processing the insult, Aaditya turned to Varsha. "And why are you not talking to me?"
Varsha crossed her arms, throwing him a sharp look. "Tu na jaake cocomelon dekh, gawar."
(You go watch cocomelon, uncultured fool.)
And just like that, she walked away too, leaving Aaditya standing there-completely speechless.