"42. A Golden Diwali"

"Unki aakhon me hai chand sa noor

Unki saadgi jaise koi kohinoor

Unki zulfein jaise chanchal lehrein

Unke hothon ki muskan hi hai mere sar ka guroor"

-Fictionflare_

(MKIB Men's)

The festive spirit was alive in the Malhotra Mansion. It was Diwali, and the entire mansion sparkled under the glow of a thousand lights, adorning every corner and reflecting the grandeur of the occasion. The decorations were meticulously done, fulfilling Ruhanika's heartfelt wish to experience the festival in all its glory. Rudraksh, who usually wasn’t fond of celebrating festivals, had made an exception this year. Ruhanika’s innocent excitement and desire to cherish these moments had brought about a wave of joy and togetherness in the family, prompting them to celebrate with enthusiasm.  Adding to the festive cheer, Kritika had returned from London, her work there with Kartavya finally wrapped up. Her arrival brought another layer of happiness to the household, as everyone reunited under the illuminated roof of the Malhotra Mansion. As the evening approached, the family prepared for a night filled with laughter, rituals, and celebrations, all for the sake of giving Ruhanika the Diwali she had always dreamed of.

The festive spirit in the house was palpable as preparations for the Diwali celebration reached their peak. Kritika, Savisha, and Ruhanika had come up with a stunning golden theme for the evening, and the entire family enthusiastically embraced the idea. All the men were dressed in elegant golden kurtas, their attire complementing the festive decor of the house perfectly. Savisha looked radiant in her golden sharara dress, its intricate embroidery glimmering under the lights. Kritika had chosen a flowing golden ethnic gown, her regal appearance adding charm to the atmosphere. Akshavi, known for her impeccable fashion sense, wore a dazzling golden lehenga that shimmered with every move. As for Ruhanika, she was dressed in a gorgeous golden lehenga, courtesy of Akshavi, who had insisted on this outfit for her. However, Ruhanika was a little hesitant. It was her first time wearing a lehenga, and she felt self-conscious about how it revealed her stomach, along with a hint of her back and waist.

Kritika was in charge of Ruhanika's makeup, carefully applying a subtle golden hue to match her outfit, accentuating her natural beauty without going overboard. Meanwhile, Akshavi busied herself styling Ruhanika's hair, giving her soft curls that framed her face elegantly. Savisha sat nearby, watching the duo work their magic. She had wanted to lend a hand, but her sisters-in-law firmly forbade her from doing any work, insisting she simply relax and enjoy.

Ruhanika: "Shavi Bhabhi, hum thik toh lagenge na??"

(Shavi Bhabhi, will I look good?)

Akshavi: "Ha Ruhii, aise kyu bol rhi ho bachcha??"

(Why are you saying this, my dear?)

Ruhanika: "Bhabhi dekhiye na isme toh kuch chupa hi nahi hai"

(Bhabhi, look at this outfit; it doesn’t hide anything at all.)

Savisha, Kritika, and Akshavi couldn’t hold back their laughter and chuckled.

Savisha: "Abhi thik se ready toh karne do toh Ruhii, pakka achchi lagogi"

(Let Akshavi finish getting you ready; I’m sure you’ll look beautiful.)

Kritika: "Haa Ruhi, infact Rudra bhai flat ho jayenge."

(Yes, Ruhi, in fact, Rudra Bhai will be mesmarized.)

Ruhanika: "Patle ho jayenge?? Kyuu, hum rakhte hai unke khane peene ka khayal"

(Why? I take such good care of him and his food!)

The room echoed with laughter as they all chuckled again.

Akshavi: "ok now stand up, let me drap the dupatta."

(Okay, now stand up; let me drape the dupatta properly.)

Ruhanika: "Haa kijiye jaldi se, tabhi toh kuch chup payega."

(Yes, please do it quickly; at least something will be covered.)

Savisha: "Areh Ruhi, beta relax karo Akshavi ne bhi Lehenga pehna hai, aur pyaari lag rahi hai na??"

(Ruhi, relax. Look at Akshavi; she’s wearing a lehenga too and looks stunning, doesn’t she?)

Ruhanika: "Ji bhabhi sa, Shavi bhabhi bahaut pyaari lag rahi hai. Bhaiyuu ko inpe bahaut zor se pyaar aayega aur vo bhi inhe kissie de denge."

(Yes, Bhabhi Sa. Shavi Bhabhi looks so beautiful. Bhaiyuu will fall head over heels and even give her a kiss!)

Akshavi blushed deeply, her cheeks turning a soft shade of pink as she gently took Ruhanika's dupatta and began draping it over herself. Her head lowered, and a shy smile played on her lips. Savisha and Kritika chuckled at Akshavi’s adorable display, their laughter light and teasing. However, as the giggles subsided, a thoughtful expression crossed Savisha’s face.

Savisha: "Ek min Ruhii, vo bhi kissie de denge ka kya matlab hai?? Aur kon deta hai??"

(Wait a minute, Ruhi. What do you mean "even give her a kiss"? Who else gives them?)

Ruhanika: "Ye de...."

(He giv...)

Ruhanika's eyes widened in surprise as the teasing began, and she quickly shut her mouth, realizing that she had just been caught. Akshavi, Savisha, and Kritika couldn’t help but smirk at her, enjoying her flustered reaction. Ruhanika’s cheeks turned a bright shade of red, and she immediately lowered her head, trying to hide her embarrassment.

It wasn’t the first time her curiosity had led her to ask questions about things she didn’t fully understand, particularly about how babies were born. Rudraksh had told her to keep their personal activities private, but the topic seemed to have slipped her mind in her innocent curiosity. Akshavi, Kritika, and Savisha started circling her, making playful comments and teasing her further. Ruhanika, unable to look them in the eye, blushed deeper. She fidgeted with the hem of her dupatta, which Akshavi had carefully draped over her shoulders and waist.

Savisha: "Ye?? Ye kon Ruhii??"

(Umm who, Ruhi?)

Akshavi: "Kya dete hai, kissie??"

(Who gives kisses?)

Kritika: "Kaha kaha dete hai??"

(Where, exactly, do he give them?)

Savisha, Akshavi and Kritika playfully nudged their shoulders against Ruhanika's, grinning as they began teasing her. Ruhanika, her cheeks still flushed with the blush, couldn’t help but smile shyly, her head lowering in an attempt to hide her embarrassment.

Savisha: "Areh batao bhi"

(Areh tell us)

Akshavi: "Main bhabhi hu na tumhari Ruhi, mujhse kya chupana"

(Ruhi, I’m your bhabhi, right? Why hide things from me?)

Kritika: "Hum sab ladkiya hi toh hai yaha, batao bhi ab."

(We’re all girls here. Come on, tell us already!)

Ruhanika: "Aap sab sata Rahi hai na hume??"

(You’re all teasing me, aren’t you?)

They all chuckled together, the laughter filling the air with warmth. As the giggles subsided, Savisha gently cupped Ruhanika's face, noticing how it had turned completely red. Her fingers caressed Ruhanika's cheeks, and she looked at her with a playful yet affectionate expression.

Savisha: "Koi baat nahi Ruhii, har pati patni ke beech ye normal hai. Sharmao mat."

(It’s okay, Ruhi. It’s normal between a husband and wife. Don’t feel shy.)

Ruhanika smiled softly, and as the teasing finally came to an end, the others focused on getting her completely ready once more, their hands working together with care. As they adjusted the final touches, they suddenly heard footsteps approaching, and a knowing look passed between them. They all paused, realizing that Rudraksh had returned.

Rudraksh: "Ruhhh, betu ready ho gayi kya?? Sab niche bula rahe hai."

(Ruhi, are you ready? Everyone downstairs is calling for you.)

Kritika: "Aaho ji Veere, tuhadi Ruhh bilkul ready hai!"

(Oh yes, Veere, your Ruhi is all ready!)

Savisha: "Aake zara vekho taan sahi bhai, kivein lag rahi si tuhadi Ruhh!"

(Come and see for yourself, Bhai! Look how stunning your Ruhi looks!)

Savisha and Kritika, shouted in a teasing tone from the closet.

Akshavi: "Aate hi tumhe kissie de denge tumhare Aksh Ruhi, isiliye hum chalte hai."

(As soon as you come, he’ll give you a kiss, Ruhi. So, we’ll leave now.)

As Kritika and Savisha left the room, both gave Rudraksh teasing smiles, knowing exactly what was going on. Rudraksh tucked his phone into his pocket, unaware of the mischief that had just occurred. He looked at Ruhanika, about to admire her in the moment, but before he could, Akshavi, with a mischievous grin, leaned in and planted a loud kiss on Ruhanika’s cheek. The sound echoed in the room, and before anyone could react, Akshavi darted out, laughing and glancing back at Rudraksh, who stood frozen with wide eyes, shocked by the suddenness of it all. Akshavi’s laughter lingered in the air as she disappeared down the hall, but Rudraksh’s eyes remained fixed on Ruhanika. His gaze was intense, unwavering, and deep. Ruhanika felt the weight of his gaze, every second feeling like an eternity, and without realizing it, her cheeks flushed. Her heart raced as she lowered her eyes in shyness, feeling the heat of his attention on her.

Rudraksh slowly approached Ruhanika, every step deliberate, as she stood nervously, fidgeting with the hem of her dupatta. The way she tried to calm her nerves only made her more endearing in his eyes. He couldn’t help but take in the sight of her from top to bottom, his gaze lingering on every detail.

Ruhanika looked absolutely stunning in her golden lehenga, the rich fabric shimmering under the light. The dupatta draped gracefully from her waist to her shoulder, adding an ethereal touch to her appearance. Her hands were adorned with delicate golden bangles, and the dark henna on her palms added an intricate, traditional charm. The only jewelry she wore aside from her nuptial chain was her gold necklace and jhumkas that shimmered as she moved.

Her makeup was soft and elegant, with nude tones enhancing her natural beauty. A subtle pink lipstick complemented the natural blush on her cheeks, which deepened under his appreciative gaze. The bindi between her brows and the kohl accentuating her eyes added to her enchanting look, but it was the dark red vermillion in her hairline that screamed his name—marking her as his, in the most beautiful way.

Rudraksh’s gaze softened as his eyes traveled down her neck, where a mole, usually hidden, now caught his attention in the elegant outfit she wore. His breath hitched at the sight, his admiration for her growing with each passing moment. He couldn’t take his eyes off her, intoxicated by her presence.

Ruhanika, still holding onto the moment, slowly lifted her eyes towards Rudraksh. Her gaze softened as she took him in. He looked nothing short of dashing. He wore a golden, mid-thigh length kurta with intricate mirror work that shimmered under the light, paired with matching pants that accentuated his tall frame. Over the kurta, he wore a stylish jacket that added a touch of sophistication. His watch gleamed on his wrist, complementing the rich shine of his shoes. His hair was neatly gelled, perfectly styled to suit the occasion, and his beard was trimmed impeccably, giving him a refined, confident look. His thick eyebrows added an intensity to his gaze, and his long lashes only seemed to enhance the charm in his eyes.  Ruhanika couldn’t help but admire him. He looked every bit the picture of elegance, but it was his presence—his warmth—that made her heart flutter. She felt a rush of affection for him, and in that moment, everything else seemed to fade away.

Rudraksh reached for his handkerchief and gently wiped Ruhanika's cheeks, his touch tender and careful. Ruhanika frowned, momentarily confused, wondering if her makeup had smudged or if something else was wrong. But before she could say anything, he cupped her face, his fingers warm against her skin. Leaning closer, he pressed a soft kiss to her cheek, making her heart skip a beat.

A blush immediately crept onto her face, and she lowered her gaze, a shy smile forming on her lips as she tried to hide the warmth spreading across her cheeks. Rudraksh couldn’t help but smile at her reaction, his heart swelling with affection. He leaned down and kissed her forehead gently, his lips lingering there for a moment, as if to reassure her of his love.

Rudraksh: "Meri biwi ko kiss karne ka hak sirf aur sirf mera hai."

(Only I have the right to kiss my wife.)

Ruhanika smiled warmly at his words, her gaze meeting his. She noticed the love and admiration shining brightly in his eyes, and it made her heart swell with affection. With a soft sigh, she placed her hands gently on Rudraksh's shoulders, her fingers brushing against the fabric as she stood on her toes, closing the distance between them.

Ruhanika: "Zara jhukiye"

(Bend down a little.)

Rudraksh gently placed his hands on Ruhanika's bare waist, supporting her as she balanced on her toes. He bent his head slightly, leaning closer to her, and in that quiet, intimate moment, Ruhanika gently pressed a soft kiss to his cheek. Rudraksh closed his eyes, savoring the warmth of the kiss and the love that radiated between them.

Ruhanika: "Aap bhi humesha ki tarah bahaut manmohak lag rahe hai, humara toh man hi nahi bharta hai, jitna bhi dekhe aapko kum hi lagta hai, bas din bhar aapko niharna chahte hai."

(You look so handsome and charming, as always. No matter how much I look at you, it never feels like enough. I could just spend my whole day admiring you.)

Rudraksh’s face turned a slight shade of red, the flush accentuating his fair skin and sharp features. He smiled at her tender words, his heart swelling with affection, but quickly looked away, feeling a bit shy under her gaze.

Ruhanika: "Aap itna Sundar aur pyaare lag rahe hai, man kar raha hai aapko bahaut sari kissiyan de dein hum."

(You look so stunning and adorable that I feel like giving you lots and lots of kisses.)

Rudraksh chuckled softly at Ruhanika’s words, the affection and admiration in her voice making his heart swell with warmth. With a tender smile, he gently turned her towards the mirror, their reflection gazing back at them. He then enveloped her in a back hug, his strong arms wrapping around her waist as he rested his hands on her flat stomach.

As he shifted her French braids to her right shoulder, he leaned in closer, his chin resting on her left shoulder, pulling her even more securely into him. The closeness was electrifying, both of them feeling the undeniable connection that grew stronger with every heartbeat. Her slight bare back, just beneath the delicate fabric of her lehenga, pressed against his chest, and a shiver ran down her spine.

Ruhanika’s breath caught in her throat as she lowered her head, her face flushing a deep red. The warmth of his embrace, the touch of his body against hers, and the soft weight of his chin on her shoulder made her heart race. She blushed intensely, feeling the effect of their closeness on both of them. The moment was perfect, their proximity sending a whirlwind of emotions through both of them, yet all Ruhanika could do was blush even more under his steady gaze.

Rudraksh: "Main batau tum kaisi lag rahi ho??"

(Should I tell you how you look?)

Ruhanika glanced at Rudraksh through the mirror, her expression tensing as she observed him. A slight furrow appeared on her brow, her mind racing with thoughts that she couldn’t quite shake off.

Ruhanika: "Aapko niharne me hum ye toh bhul hi Gaye, ha bataiye hum kaise lag rahe hai?? Humne pehle baar aisa kuch pehna hai hum thik toh lag rahe hai na?? Bura nahi laga na aapko?? Matlab isme toh kitna kuch dikh raha hai toh h..."

(I got so lost looking at you that I forgot! Tell me, how do I look? This is my first time wearing something like this. Do I look okay? Did you not like it? I mean, it reveals so much...)

Ruhanika continued speaking nervously, worried about her appearance in front of Rudraksh. Sensing her anxiety, Rudraksh decided to use the trick she had unknowingly taught him to quiet her. Gently, he leaned in and pressed a soft kiss on the mole on her neck.

The moment his lips touched her skin, Ruhanika immediately stopped speaking. A rush of warmth spread through her, and she closed her eyes, her heart racing from the gentle intimacy. She was caught off guard by the softness of his kiss and the way it sent a wave of calm through her, easing her nervousness.

Rudraksh smiled softly, pleased with the effect he had on her. Watching her blush deeply, yet not seem uncomfortable, filled him with a sense of relief. He cherished how naturally she responded to his gestures, the way she trusted him fully, even in moments like this.

He gently turned her to face him, his arms wrapping around her waist as he cupped her cheeks with his other hand. His thumb softly caressed her cheek, feeling the warmth of her skin beneath his touch. Ruhanika’s hands instinctively traveled up to his chest, her fingers lightly grazing his kurta as she sought comfort in his embrace. Her heart swelled with emotions as she felt safe, loved, and cherished in his arms.

Rudraksh: "Tum bahaut pyaari lag rahi ho Ruhh, tumhe dekh ke lag rahe hai meri zindagi me jo bhi Kami thi vo tumhare aane se puri ho gayi, meri puri duniya samati hai tumme, meri har khwaish ke pure hone ka ehsaas ho tum, mera pura Dil ho tum Ruhh."

(You look absolutely beautiful, Ruhi. Looking at you makes me feel that every missing piece of my life was completed the moment you entered it. You are my entire world, my every fulfilled desire, my whole heart, Ruhh.)

Ruhanika’s face lit up with a bright smile, her dimples showing with the joy that radiated from her. True to his nature, Rudraksh couldn’t resist and gently poked her dimples, his fingers grazing the soft skin before he leaned in and pressed a tender kiss to them.

Ruhanika: "Hum itne achche lag rahe hai??"

(Do I really look this good?)

Rudraksh: "Aaho ji Sohneyo, Ekdum hoor di pari lagdi ho tussi."

(Of course, my angel. You look like a fairy.)

Ruhanika looked at him in confusion, her brows slightly furrowed as she tried to understand his words.

Rudraksh: "Achcha toh abhi bhi Mallika-e-Aksh ko Punjabi Samajh nahi aati."

(And you still don’t understand Punjabi, do you, my Queen of Aksh?)

Ruhanika pouted and shook her head. Rudraksh smiled.

Rudraksh: "Betu, bahaut pyaari lag rahi ho, but agar comfortable nahi ho toh change karlo."

(Ruhi, you look very beautiful, but if you’re not comfortable, you can change.)

Ruhanika: "Nahi vo baat nahi hai, hum bas thode se ghabra Gaye the, vo aisa kuch pehli baar pehna hai na."

(No, it’s not that. I was just nervous because it’s my first time wearing something like this.)

Rudraksh: "Toh achcha hai na, see isme toh main easily tumhe kiss kar sakta hu."

(That’s great then because now I can easily give you a kiss.)

Rudraksh, with a gentle smile, leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to Ruhanika’s neck. The sudden affection made her heart race, and she instinctively lowered her head, a blush creeping onto her cheeks.

Ruhanika: "Kuch bhi kehte hai."

(You say the most random things.)

Rudraksh chuckled softly at her reaction, his eyes filled with warmth and amusement. He then gently squeezed her face affectionately, his fingers brushing against her soft skin.

Rudraksh: "Zyada mat socho betu, bahaut pyaari lag rahi ho infact pata hai kya..."

(Don’t overthink it, Ruhi. You look so beautiful. In fact, do you know what?)

Rudraksh carefully took some kohl from Ruhanika’s eyes, his fingers delicate as he applied a small amount behind her ears.

Rudraksh: "Kahi tumhe meri hi nazar na lag jaye."

( I’m worried I might accidentally cast the evil eye on you.)

Ruhanika smiled warmly, her eyes sparkling with affection. She then gently took some kohl from her eyes and, with a playful glint, applied it behind Rudraksh’s ears.

Ruhanika: "Phir toh aapko bhi humari Nazar lag sakti hai na, kyuki humari Nazar toh aap se kabhi hatti hi nahi hai."

(Then I could cast the evil eye on you too, couldn’t I? Because my eyes never leave you anyway.)

Ruhanika, feeling the warmth of the moment, squeezed Rudraksh's face affectionately, her fingers gently pressing his cheeks.

Rudraksh: "Flirt karvalo is ladki se bas."

(This girl is such a flirt!)

Rudraksh murmured his voice almost a whisper, and Ruhanika frowned slightly, her eyebrows knitting together in curiosity and confusion.

Ruhanika: "Ji kya??"

(What?)

Rudraksh: "Kuch nahi, niche chalo pata hai Akshu ke papa bhi aaye tumse milne."

(Nothing. Come downstairs now. Did you know Akshu’s dad is here to meet you?)

Ruhanika's smile faded slightly as she looked at Rudraksh, sensing a shift in the atmosphere. Without saying a word, he pulled her into a side hug, wrapping his arm around her with warmth and reassurance.

Rudraksh: "Achche hai vo, darne ki zarurat nahi hai, main hu na."

(He’s nice. There’s nothing to worry about. I’m here with you.)

Rudraksh and Ruhanika descended the stairs together, her hand gently resting on his biceps as they walked towards the waiting family. The warmth and love that surrounded them were evident as each family member stood there, a mix of smiles and affection on their faces. Kartavya, Savisha, Rishwik, Amandeep, Kritika, Ashvik, Akshavi, Karanjeet, and Akshavi's father, Akshat, all stood in anticipation to welcome them.

Ruhanika, as was customary, bent down to take blessings from Karanjeet, but he stopped her with a gentle touch, placing his hand over her head. His gesture was warm, his eyes filled with fondness.

Karanjeet: "Na puttar, kudiya pair nahi chuti."

(My dear, girls don’t touch elders' feet like this.)

Ruhanika smiled warmly as she moved towards Akshat, intending to touch his feet in a gesture of respect. However, Akshat stopped her, placing his hand gently on her head instead, blessing her with a tender smile.

Akshat: "Kitni badi ho gayi hai beta, bhabhi ki godh me thi jab pehle dekha tha."

(You’ve grown up so much, my child. I remember when you were in your Bhabhi’s lap when I first saw you.)

Ruhanika gave a confused expression, her brows furrowing slightly as she looked up at Akshat.

Ruhanika: "Hum samjhe nahi bhabhi ke papa."

(I don’t understand, Bhabhi’s father.)

Akshat smiled warmly at Ruhanika, his eyes filled with affection and understanding.

Akshat: "Tere papa mere dost the."

(Your father and I were friends.)

Ruhanika widened her eyes in surprise, her mind processing Akshat’s words. She then turned to look at Rudraksh and Ashvik, who blinked their eyes in unison, confirming that everything was as it seemed. Unsure of how to react, Ruhanika simply smiled at Akshat, her expression a mix of confusion and gratitude.

Akshat: "Koi baat nahi, dheere dheere pehchan ho jayegi. Par ha ye bhabhi ke papa kya hai, tere papa ki tarah hu kaku ya uncle bula le."

(Never mind, you’ll understand with time. But instead of “Bhabhi’s father,” call me Kaku or Uncle.)

Ruhanika nodded.

Savisha: "Achcha chaliye ab Puja kar lete hai."

(Alright, let’s start the prayer now.)

Ruhanika smiled broadly at Akshat and nodded in acknowledgment. Before she moved toward Savisha, she playfully pulled on Rudraksh's sleeves. He raised an eyebrow, intrigued by her gesture. Ruhanika then gestured for him to bend down a little. With a slight confusion, he leaned his head towards her, curious about what she wanted to say or do next.

Ruhanika: "Aapne suna kaku sa ne kaha hum kitne bade ho gaye hai."

( Did you hear what Kaku said about how much I’ve grown up?)

Rudraksh chuckled softly, shaking his head in amusement at Ruhanika’s playful antics.

Rudraksh: "Puja karne jao tum"

(Go for the prayer now.)

Ruhanika pouted playfully and then made her way towards Savisha, clearly in a lighthearted mood. The ladies then went to the temple to perform the puja and aarti, while the men stayed in the living room, as they didn’t share the same beliefs. After some time, the ladies returned, completing their puja, with prashad in hand. As soon as they entered, Rishwik excitedly ran towards Ruhanika, his face lighting up with joy as he reached her.

Rishwik: "Angel, kitni pyaari lag rahi ho tum."

(Angel, you look so beautiful.)

Ruhanika smiled warmly as Rishwik ran towards her, and soon, others began complimenting her on her appearance. Their kind words eased the nervousness she had been feeling about her outfit. The compliments made her feel confident and comfortable, and her earlier worries melted away, replaced by a sense of happiness and pride in how she looked. She glanced around at everyone, feeling surrounded by love and support.

Rishwik: "achcha chalo ab patake fodte hai."

(Let’s go burst some firecrackers now.)

Kartavya: "Har kaam me jaldi hai is munde nu, ruk itthe."

(This boy is always in a rush. Wait here.)

Rishwik gave an annoyed look to Kartavya.

Karanjeet: "Khotya, Ruhi puttar di pehli Diwali hai, gifts toh dene de."

(You fool, this is Ruhi Puttar’s first Diwali. Let us give her gifts first.)

Rishwik: "Areh ha main bhul gaya."

(Oh, I forgot!)

Ruhanika grinned, her excitement growing as she eagerly anticipated the gifts. Ashvik, noticing her excitement, gently held her hand and guided her to sit in the center of the couch, making sure she was comfortable. Just as she settled, the men suddenly ran off to their rooms, only to return a few minutes later, leaving Ruhanika completely confused. She looked at them with raised eyebrows, wondering what had just happened, her curiosity piqued by their sudden departure and mysterious return.

Rishwik: "Pehle main dunga."

(I’ll give mine first.)

Ashvik: "Chup kar har cheez me pehle rehna hai, aaj toh main hi dunga pehle"

(Shut up! Always trying to be first at everything. Today, I’ll give mine first.)

Amandeep: "Main chota hu, main dunga pehle."

(I’m the youngest. I should give mine first.)

Karanjeet: "Main bada hu main dunga"

(I’m the eldest, so I’ll give mine first.)

Kartavya: "Main kisi aur ko pehle dene hi nahi dunga"

(I won’t let anyone else give theirs first.)

Rudraksh: "Meri biwi hai main pehle dunga"

(She’s my wife; I’ll give her my gift first.)

As soon as the men returned, they started quarreling amongst themselves, their voices rising in playful disagreement. Ruhanika looked at them, utterly confused, unsure of what was going on. She glanced around, only to see everyone else chuckling at the scene unfolding in front of her.

Ruhanika: "Baassssss"

(Stoooop!)

As the bickering continued, everyone suddenly stopped and turned to look at Ruhanika, their expressions shifting to concern.

Rudraksh: "Kya hua betu??"

(What happened, Ruhi?)

Ruhanika: "Aise lad kyu rahe hai aap sab?? Hume achcha nahi lag raha aap sab ek sath tohfe de dijiye."

( Why are you all fighting? I don’t like it. Why don’t you all give your gifts together?)

The men exchanged annoyed looks with each other before each of them stepped forward, holding a file in their hands. Ruhanika’s eyes widened in surprise as she took in the sight of the files. Her confusion grew, and she looked from one man to the next, trying to understand what was happening. The men, too, were giving each other puzzled glances, as if they were just as confused as she was. The whole situation added to her bewilderment, and she couldn't help but raise an eyebrow, silently asking what was going on.

Ruhanika: "Aap sab apne office ki files denge hume tohfe me?? Hum kya karenge iska??"

(And what will I do with all these office files you’re gifting me?)

Ashvik slowly knelt down in front of Ruhanika, his expression serious yet gentle. With a soft smile, he placed the file carefully on her lap, his eyes meeting hers with a mix of anticipation and affection.

Ashvik: "Mujhe is ghar se toh ye log kahi jaane dete nahi, but mera khudka ek Bunglow hai jo ab main tere naam kar diya hai."

(I’m not allowed to leave this house, but I do have a bungalow, which I’ve now transferred in your name.)

Ruhanika's eyes widened in surprise, and she looked at Akshavi, wondering if she might have upset her in some way. However, Akshavi smiled warmly at her and gave a reassuring blink, silently telling her not to worry. Ruhanika's confusion faded slightly as she felt comforted by the gesture. Just then, Rishwik also knelt down in front of her, placing another file on her lap.

Rishwik: "Mujhe toh Ghar kharidne ki zarurat nahi padi isiliye ab ye new house liya hai tumhare naam pe Angel."

(I didn’t need to buy a house before, but now I’ve bought this new one in your name, Angel.)

Amandeep, following the others, bent down in front of Ruhanika with a warm smile. He carefully placed yet another file on her lap, adding to the growing stack. Ruhanika's confusion deepened as she looked down at the files, her mind racing to figure out what was happening.

Amandeep: "Maine abhi bas plot liya hai, jaldi hi vaha ghar bhi ban jayega."

(I’ve just bought the plot; soon there will be a house built on it too.)

Karanjeet, with a gentle smile, sat beside Ruhanika and carefully placed yet another file on her lap, adding to the collection. The stack of files on her lap was now growing, and Ruhanika’s confusion only deepened. She looked at the men around her, each one with a look of anticipation, but no one offered an explanation.

Karanjeet: "India me zyada properties hai nahi meri aur jo hai vo Kritika, kartavya aur Savi puttar ke naam kar diya hai, ye aakhri thi jo ab tere naam hai Ruhi puttar."

(I don’t have many properties left in India, and whatever I have, I’ve transferred to Kritika, Kartavya, and Savi’s names. This was the last one, and now it belongs to you, Ruhi.)

Kartavya, also bent down in front of Ruhanika and placed yet another file on her lap, completing the circle of men around her. The pile of files was now significantly stacked, and Ruhanika’s confusion reached its peak.

Kartavya: "Jis property ki baat Dadu kar rahe hai, vo maine ab tumhare naam kar di hai little sunshine."

(The property Dadu is talking about has been transferred to your name, little sunshine.)

By now, Ruhanika's eyes were already moist, overwhelmed by the unexpected gesture from everyone. With the files occupying her lap, there was no more space in front of her. Rudraksh, noticing this, sat beside her, his expression soft and gentle. He placed his  file on her lap, completing the final part of the gesture. Ruhanika looked down at the stack of files in her lap, her emotions mixed—she felt touched, yet still completely confused.

Rudraksh: "Ye is ghar ke aur pure Malhotra Empires ke papers hai, jiski owner ab sirf aur sirf Meri Ruhh hai."

(These are the papers of this house and the entire Malhotra Empires, which are now solely owned by my Ruhh.)

Ruhanika's eyes widened in shock as she looked at the stack of files in her lap. The realization hit her—Rudraksh had literally transferred everything to her name. Her heart raced, and tears welled up in her eyes, though she tried to keep her composure. She looked at Rudraksh, her voice barely above a whisper, yet filled with a mixture of disbelief and gratitude, she asked, her voice trembling, still processing the enormity of the gesture.

Ruhanika: "Aap sab ne hume tohfe me ye kyu diya?? Aur aap aapne toh apna sab kuch humare naam kar diya kyu???"

(Why have you all given me these gifts? And you’ve given me everything you own, why??)

Rudraksh: "Kyuki ye sab materialistic cheeze mera sab kuch nahi hai, tum ho mera sab kuch."

(Because all these materialistic things aren’t my everything. You are my everything.)

Ashvik: "Aur main nahi chahta ki meri behen dobara ye kahe ki uske pass ghar nahi hai."

(And I don’t ever want my sister to say again that she doesn’t have a home.)

Amandeep, Rishwik, Kartavya, Karanjeet: "Hum bhi nahi chahte."

(Neither do we.)

Ruhanika couldn’t hold back anymore, and tears streamed down her face as she burst out crying. The men around her immediately tensed, not expecting this reaction. Rudraksh, his face filled with concern, quickly pulled her into his embrace, wrapping his arms around her tightly. He gently rubbed her back, trying to soothe her as her sobs echoed in the room.

Rudraksh: "Shhh betu, kya hua?? Ruhh rone kyu lagi??"

( Shhh, my dear, what happened? Ruhh, why are you crying?)

Ruhanika: "A..ap, a..ap buddu hai."

(You...you’re silly.)

Rudraksh pulled Ruhanika back slightly, his hands gently wiping away the tears that had fallen down her cheeks. He looked at her with confusion and concern, his brow furrowed.

Rudraksh: "Kya keh rahi ho Ruhh??"

(What are you saying, Ruhh?)

Ruhanika: "Ha aap buddu hai"

(Yes, you’re silly.)

Rishwik: "Angel tum keh toh sahi rahi ho, par achanak kyu??"

(Angel, you’re right, but why all of a sudden?)

Rudraksh shot a deadly glare at Rishwik, his eyes narrowing in a mix of concern and frustration.

Ruhanika: "Humne kaha tha hume kabhi ehsaas nahi hua ki Rathore mansion humara Ghar hai, isiliye aap sab ne ye kiya na??"

(I said I didn’t feel like Rathore Mansion was my home, so you all did this, didn’t you?)

The men nodded in understanding.

Ruhanika: "Par humne ye kab kaha ki is ghar me hum ye ehsaas hota hai??"

(But when did I ever say that I feel this way in this house?)

The men all looked at each other, exchanging silent glances, before shaking their heads in unison.

Ruhanika: "Toh kyu kiya aisa?? "

(Then why did you do all this?)

None of them had a clear answer, and the silence stretched on for a moment. Finally, it was Karanjeet who broke the stillness. With a calm yet understanding expression, he spoke up, his voice steady.

Karanjeet: "Toh kya hua, apni bachchi ne naam hi toh kiya hai, kya ho gaya usme."

(So what? I’ve just put it in my daughter’s name; what’s the problem in that?)

Kartavya: "Exactly rakho ab ise chup chap se."

(Exactly, now keep quiet and accept it.)

Ashvik: "Vahi na toh bas bekaar ke sawal kara lo is ladki se."

(Right, no need for unnecessary questions, young lady.)

Rishwik: "Pehli baar Ashvik bhai ke sath agree kar raha hu."

(For the first time, I agree with Ashvik Bhai.)

Amandeep: "Afsos par haa is baar sab sahi keh rahe hai Ruhii"

(Unfortunately, yes, everyone is right this time, Ruhii.)

As Ruhanika chuckled softly at their reactions, the men stood up, their expressions a mix of relief and amusement. They exchanged glances, their tense postures slowly easing as they watched her smile. The mood lightened, and they couldn’t help but smile back, relieved to see her laughter. Her chuckles were contagious, and the atmosphere shifted from awkwardness to warmth and comfort.

Rudraksh: "Ruhhh"

Ruhanika: "Jiii"

(Yes?)

Rudraksh: "File kholo"

(Open the file.)

Ruhanika: "Kyu ji"

(Why?)

Rudraksh: "Kholo toh."

(Just open it.)

Ruhanika slowly opened the file, her fingers trembling slightly as she glanced down at the contents. Her smile faded, replaced by a look of surprise and concern as she scanned the papers before her. The realization of what was happening hit her, and her hands began to shake. Sensing her distress, Rudraksh immediately placed his hand gently over hers, offering her a sense of comfort and support.

Ruhanika: "N..ahi... Nahi hum nahi jayenge."

(N...no...I’m not going.)

Rudraksh: "Abhi nahi jaana hai Ruhh"

(Not now, Ruhh.)

Ruhanika: "Nahi, hum kabhi nahi jayenge, aap kyu bhej rahe hai hume.... Bhaiyuu hume nahi jaana hum nahi jayenge bhaisa inse kahiye na"

(No, I’ll never go. Why are you sending me away? Bhaiyu, tell him I don’t want to go, please.)

Ruhanika’s breath quickened, and panic set in as she looked down at the file. Her hands trembled uncontrollably, and her face paled. Rudraksh immediately noticed the change in her and, without hesitation, pulled her into his embrace. He wrapped his arms around her protectively, rubbing her back gently in an effort to calm her. He instinctively tucked her face into his chest, shielding her from the world around her. Rudraksh gently pulled Ruhanika back, his hands moving to cup her face with tenderness. His thumb softly caressed her cheeks as he wiped away the tears that had begun to fall. His eyes were filled with concern and love, and he whispered soothingly.

Rudraksh: "Shhh, shant shant."

(Shhh, calm down, calm down.)

As Rudraksh continued to hold her gently, Ruhanika’s hiccups gradually subsided.

Rudraksh: "Tumne kaha tha na mumma ki tarah businesswoman banna hai, toh padhai karni padegi na betu."

(You said you wanted to be a businesswoman like Mumma, right? So you’ll have to study for that, won’t you, my dear?)

Ruhanika: "Par hume nahi karna ye sab ab, hum nahi jayenge college."

(But I don’t want to do all this now; I won’t go to college.)

Ruhanika panicked when she saw the college form in the file, thinking she had to go to college alone.

Rudraksh: "Shh, jaan abhi nahi jaana hai, dekho pehle start karne ke liye ghar pe tutor jayenge base clear karne ke liye, uske baad college start hone me toh 3-4 mahine hai abhi."

(Shh, sweetheart, not right now. Look, to start, a tutor will come home to clear your basics. After that, there are still 3–4 months before college starts.)

Ruhanika: "Par hum akele kaise jayenge, hum gaye nahi hai na kahi."

(But how will I go alone? I’ve never been anywhere by myself.)

Rudraksh: "Akele nahi Betu, mujhpe bharosa hai na"

(Not alone, my dear. Do you trust me?)

She nodded.

Rudraksh: "Toh itna mat socho, main sambhal lunga sab, thik hai??"

(Then don’t overthink. I’ll handle everything, okay?)

She nodded.

Rishwik: "Chaloo ab bas ab Diwali manate hai Angel chalo patakhe fodte hai."

(Alright, let’s stop now. Angel, let’s go celebrate Diwali and light some crackers.)

Rishwik, sensing Ruhanika’s need for a distraction, gently took her hand and playfully dragged her out of the house. Ruhanika, still a little shaken but now smiling, giggled at his enthusiasm and followed him willingly. Amandeep and Kritika, not wanting to miss out on the fun, ran after them, their laughter filling the air. As they all made their way outside, Rudraksh watched them go, a soft smile on his face, happy to see Ruhanika starting to feel better. Just then, Ashvik stepped toward him and pulled him into a tight hug.

Ashvik: "Thank you."

Rudraksh: "Ek laat padegi na piche, saara thank you nikal jayega."

(I’ll kick you, and that “thank you” will fly away.)

Savisha: "Rudra bhai, achcha socha hai aapne Ruhi ke liye."

(Rudra Bhai, you’ve thought well for Ruhi.)

Akshavi: "Haa bhai, uske development ke liye bahaut achcha hai ye."

(Yes, Bhai, this is very good for her development.)

They all nodded in understanding, sharing a quiet moment before Rishwik quickly returned, his face lit up with excitement.

Rishwik: "Bhai yaar kya time pass kar rahe ho sab, bahar aao na Angel crackers nahi jala Rahi."

(Bhai, why are you all wasting time here? Come outside! Angel isn’t lighting crackers.)

They all went outside, where Amandeep was already trying to convince Ruhanika to burn crackers.

Amandeep: "Ruhii, beta chalo na ek fuljadi toh jalao."

(Ruhi, dear, come on, at least light one sparkler.)

Ruhanika: "Nahi Aman bhaiya hume darr lagta hai. Aag jayegi toh."

(No, Aman Bhaiya, I’m scared. What if it catches fire?)

Ashvik: "Kuch nahi hoga teddy."

(Nothing will happen, teddy.)

Ruhanika: "Nahi bhaiyu, hume aag se darr lagta hai. "

(No, Bhaiyu, I’m scared of fire.)

Ashvik glanced over at Rudraksh, his eyes narrowing slightly, but Rudraksh simply blinked, his gaze calm. He then subtly gestured to the others to act normally, giving a silent cue for them to start lighting the crackers. He specifically chose ones that didn’t make much noise, ensuring a more peaceful atmosphere for everyone.

As the group got engrossed in the festivities, Ruhanika stood off to the side, her eyes wide with fascination as the colorful lights from the crackers danced in the air. She watched in awe, captivated by the beauty of the fireworks, but there was a hint of hesitation in her stance. She wanted to join in but was scared of lighting the crackers herself, unsure of how to handle them.

Rudraksh, noticing her hesitation, silently moved to stand beside her. He held a phuljadi in his hand.  Without saying a word, he simply stood there with her, watching the lights together, offering her a sense of quiet support.

Ruhanika: "Kya hua ji aapko?"

(What happened, Ji?)

Rudraksh: "Ye jaalana hai mujhe."

(I want to light this.)

Ruhanika: "Toh jaiye aap bhi sabke sath jalaiye"

(Then go and light it with everyone.)

Rudraksh: "Main kaise?? Mujhe tumhare sath pehli Diwali manani thi par tum nahi aa rahi."

(How can I? I wanted to celebrate my first Diwali with you, but you’re not coming.)

Ruhanika bowed her head, feeling downcast.

Rudraksh: "Areh koi baat nahi betu, hum dono yahi se dekh lenge tum udaas nahi hona."

(It’s okay, dear. We’ll watch from here; don’t be sad.)

Rudraksh continued to hold Ruhanika close, his eyes still on the phuljadi, his thoughts racing. His heart pounded in his chest as he watched her trembling hands reach out. Slowly, with hesitation, Ruhanika took the phuljadi from his hand, her fingers shaking slightly. It felt as though time had stopped for a moment as she held it in her hands, the weight of the situation settling in.

Ruhanika: "Hum chote the toh na Sachet Bhaiya aur Mahira didi hume isse bahaut pareshan karte the, ek baar unhone humare dupatte me ye laga diya tha aur phir has rahe the, hume bahaut darr lagta hai."

(When I was little, Sachet Bhaiya and Mahira Didi troubled me a lot with this. Once they tied it to my scarf and then laughed. I was very scared.)

Ruhanika clung to Rudraksh, her body trembling as she buried her face into his chest. He tightened his embrace, holding her close, but his eyes darkened with a mix of anger and frustration. His heart ached for her, and seeing her in such distress only intensified his emotions. With a sharp breath, Rudraksh pulled away slightly, his jaw clenched in fury. He reached into his pocket, took out his phone, and quickly typed something with swift, precise movements. After sending the message, he tucked the phone back into his pocket, his expression hardening. His protective instinct for Ruhanika was stronger than ever, and his mind raced with thoughts of how to make things right, whatever it took.

Rudraksh: "Chalo aaj kuch achchi yaadein bana le isse??"

(Let’s make some good memories with this today?)

Ruhanika took a deep breath, summoning a bit of courage, and nodded with a light smile. Rudraksh, noticing her effort, leaned in and kissed her dimples, successfully distracting her from her nervousness. Her cheeks flushed a deep pink, and she couldn’t help but blush at his affectionate gesture.

With an encouraging smile, Rudraksh guided her toward a diya, holding her hand firmly yet gently. He positioned himself behind her, wrapping his arms protectively. One hand rested over hers, steadying the phuljadi she was holding, while his other hand rested warmly on her stomach, grounding her. Together, they bent down, their movements synchronized, and lit the phuljadi using the diya’s flame.

As the sparkler came to life, Rudraksh suddenly lifted Ruhanika in the same pose, eliciting a surprised squeal from her before it turned into gleeful laughter. He twirled her around, the glowing phuljadi casting shimmering light around them. Her giggles were infectious, and everyone paused for a moment to admire the couple enjoying themselves like carefree children.

They continued to light small crackers, with Rudraksh twirling her after each one, making her laugh uncontrollably every time. The joy in her eyes was enough to make his heart swell. Later, Ashvik couldn’t resist joining in. He picked up Ruhanika and did the same, spinning her around while she laughed. Rudraksh’s laughter halted mid-way, and his expression shifted to a sharp glare aimed at Ashvik.

Ashvik: "Ghoorta kya hai be, behen hai meri."

(What are you staring at, dude? She’s my sister.)

Rudraksh: "Aur biwi hai meri, main ghuma sakta hu tu nahi."

(And she’s my wife. I can twirl; you can’t.)

Rudraksh gently pulled Ruhanika close and wrapped her in a comforting embrace.

Ashvik: "Chup kar tu jalkukda, teddy yaha aao ab bomb jalate hai."

(Shut up, you jealous guy. Teddy, come here; let’s light a bomb now.)

Ashvik extended his hand to Ruhanika with a playful smile, gently tugging her arm. But Rudraksh tightened his hold around her, refusing to let go. Ruhanika giggled, her laughter lightening the tension in the room. The rest of the family burst into laughter, thoroughly enjoying the sight of Rudraksh and Ashvik bickering over her like children. Savisha shook her head with a grin.

Ruhanika: "Achcha achcha ladiye mat, ab bas bhi kijiye ab hume bhook lagi hai khana khane chale??"

(Okay, okay, stop fighting. Let’s stop now; I’m hungry. Let’s go eat, okay?)

They all nodded.

Amandeep: "Ahh Ruhi, actually mujhe kuch kaam se jaana hoga."

(Ahh Ruhi, actually, I need to go for some work.)

Ruhanika: "Aman bhaiyu, khana toh kha lijiye."

(Aman Bhaiyu, at least eat first.)

Amandeep: "Ahh vo bhi bahar hi Ruhi please zaruri hai."

(Ahh, I’ll eat outside, Ruhi. Please, it’s important.)

Ruhanika nodded with a warm smile, Meanwhile, Rishwik caught Amandeep’s gaze and smirked mischievously, a playful glint in his eyes.

Rishwik: "Sab samajh raha hu main"

(I understand everything.)

Amandeep: "Ja na bhai tu jab dekho aa jata hai pareshan karne"

(Get lost, bro; you always come to bother me.)

Rishwik: "Jab madad chahiye tab toh bada gidgida raha tha"

(You were begging me for help before.)

Amandeep rolled his eyes in exasperation and walked away. Before Rishwik could stop him, his phone buzzed with an incoming call. Frustrated, Rishwik answered, mentally cursing the caller for interrupting at such a moment.

Rishwik: "Bhai, office me zaruri kaam hai, main zara jaake aata hu."

(Bro, there’s some urgent work at the office. I’ll go and come back.)

Rudraksh: "Is waqt?"

(At this hour?)

Rishwik: "Ha bhai, vo gold and diamonds project ka kaam hai."

(Yes, Bhai, it’s for the gold and diamonds project.)

Rudraksh: "Thik hai dhyaan se jaana"

(Alright, take care.)

Savisha: "Aur jaldi aa jana, sab intezar kar rahe hai."

(And come back soon; everyone’s waiting.)

Rishwik: "Ji bhabhs."

(Yes Bhabhs)

Rishwik made his way toward the garage, his steps quick and determined. At that very moment, the sound of a car entering the RM Mansion's gate caught everyone’s attention. Ruhanika instinctively reached for Rudraksh’s hand, gripping it tightly, as both their gazes turned toward the driveway. The car came to a halt, and a figure stepped out. The atmosphere grew tense as Kritika’s expression turned to one of shock, her eyes wide with disbelief.

Kritika: "Ye ziddi doctor yaha kya kar Raha hai, agar mere piche aaya hai toh Aaj khair nahi iski."

(What is this stubborn doctor doing here? If he’s following me, he’s in trouble today.)

The person who stepped out of the car was none other than Aakarsh. Dressed elegantly in a golden kurta that shimmered under the sunlight, he exuded a confident yet warm aura. His eyes immediately sought out Kritika, and when they met hers, they shone with an unmistakable emotion—love and longing.

Aakarsh: "Hayy o Rabba, tussi ta bade meherban ho mujhpe, meri Pari yaha rehti hai aur mujhe khabar tak nahi."

(Oh, my dear Lord, you’re so kind to me. My angel lives here, and I didn’t even know.)

He murmured under his breath, his expression unreadable, before walking over to Karanjeet and respectfully taking his blessings.

Karanjeet: "Jeunda reh puttar."

(Stay blessed, dear.)

Aakarsh turned around and folded his hands in a respectful greeting to everyone present.

Aakarsh: "Happy Diwali aap sabko."

(Happy Diwali to all of you.)

He greeted everyone warmly, and as he finished, he shot a quick wink at Kritika, making sure no one else noticed. Kritika raised her fist at him, as if threatening to punch him while glaring at him.

Kartavya: "Ye kon hai Dadu??"

(Who is this, Grandpa?)

Karanjeet: "Mere dost ka pota hai, London se abhi abhi shift hua hai, yaha pe Hospital khola hai usne, toh maine kaha ghar dundhne ke pareshani kyu karni kuch din yahi reh le."

(He’s my friend’s grandson. He recently moved here from London. He has opened a hospital here, so I told him there’s no need to struggle to find a place to stay. He can stay here for a few days.)

Kartavya: "Wait a min, are you Dr. Aakarsh Khanna?? Parminder Uncle ke bete??"

(Wait a minute, are you Dr. Aakarsh Khanna? Parminder Uncle’s son?)

Aakarsh: "Ji bhai."

(Yes, that’s me.)

Kartavya: "Good to see you, man."

Kartavya approached and gave Aakarsh a hearty, brotherly hug, clapping him on the back with a warm smile.

Kartavya: "Maahiye, yaad hai maine bataya tha na uncle ke bare me ye unka beta hai."

(Maahiye, remember I told you about Uncle? This is his son.)

Savisha nodded politely and greeted Aakarsh with a smile. Shortly after, Kartavya stepped forward and introduced Aakarsh to everyone, making sure to highlight his connection to the group.

Ruhanika: "Aakarsh bhaiya, aap bhi chaliye hum sab khana khane hi Jaa rahe hai."

(Aakarsh Bhaiya, you should join us. We’re just about to have dinner.)

Aakarsh's gaze shifted toward Ruhanika as he took a step closer to her. He bent slightly to meet her height, but Ruhanika instinctively moved a little behind Rudraksh.

Aakarsh: "Oh my God, who's this pretty girl. Gudiya jaisi lagti ho, aakhir ho kon??"

(Oh my God, who’s this pretty girl? You look like a doll. Who are you?)

Ruhanika smiled softly at Aakarsh, but Rudraksh shot him a sharp glare, his protective stance clear.

Rudraksh: "Biwi hai meri, stay away."

(She’s my wife. Stay away.)

Rudraksh spoke in a stern voice, his tone firm, and Aakarsh immediately took a step back, sensing the warning in his words.

Aakarsh: "Relax Dude, main toh yunhi keh raha tha."

(Relax, dude. I was just saying.)

Karanjeet: "Har jagah pagalpanti karta hai khotya, chal ab."

(You act crazy everywhere, you fool. Now come along.)

Everyone made their way inside, moving together towards the entrance of the house.

Kritika: "Yaha bhi sar pe nachne aa gaya mere, I swear zyada bakwas ki toh ise bataungi ki kon hu main, Mafia Princess se panga nahi lena."

(He’s here to create havoc again, I swear. If he starts blabbering, I’ll show him who I am. Messing with a Mafia Princess is not a good idea.)

She smirked, her expression filled with subtle amusement, before following everyone inside.

Amandeep arrived at Avyukta's apartment, his heart racing slightly as he stood outside her door. He rang the bell, and within moments, the door swung open. Avyukta stood before him, her face lighting up with an excited smile. The moment their eyes met, Amandeep was instantly captivated by her presence. She looked absolutely stunning in a golden suit, the rich fabric shimmering softly in the light, complementing her radiant beauty.

For a brief moment, time seemed to stand still as Amandeep took in her appearance. The way her eyes sparkled with joy and warmth, and how effortlessly she carried herself, left him momentarily speechless. Similarly, Avyukta felt a sudden flutter in her chest as she locked eyes with Amandeep. His intense gaze left her feeling both nervous and thrilled, as if a powerful connection had sparked between them in that instant. They stood there, silently lost in each other's eyes, both feeling the undeniable pull between them. The world outside seemed distant as they remained in their moment, unaware of anything else happening around them.

Amandeep: "Yahi pe khada rakhne ka irada hai kya madam??"

(Planning to just stand here, madam?)

Avyukta's cheeks flushed a soft pink in embarrassment as she realized how long they had been silently staring at each other. A shy smile spread across her face, and she quickly stepped aside to invite Amandeep inside. As she closed the door behind him, Amandeep couldn't resist the urge to act on the moment. He stepped closer, wrapped his arms around her, and pulled her into a warm, tight hug. Avyukta, taken by surprise at first, smiled and instinctively hugged him back.

Amandeep: "Happy Diwali Yuku."

Avyukta: "Happy Diwali Deep."

Amandeep closed his eyes in contentment, a sense of satisfaction washing over him as Avyukta called him "Deep" after such a long time.

Amandeep: "Keh raha hu yaha akele kyu rehna hai chalo mere sath yah uncle aunty ko bula lo london se par sunti nahi ho."

(I keep telling you, why stay here alone? Come with me. Call Uncle and Aunt from London too, but you don’t listen.)

Avyukta: "Toh keh rahi hu le chalo Shadi karke aap bhi kaha maan rahe hai."

(And I keep telling you, let’s get married and go together. But you’re not agreeing to that either.)

Amandeep: "Yukuu Jaaniye, kuch vajah se hi rukne keh raha hu"

(Yukuu, sweetheart, I have a reason for asking you to wait for now.)

Avyukta: "Jaanti hu, chaliye vo chodiye abhi mere sath deep jalaiye, ab tak kuch kiya nahi bas aapka intezar kar rahi thi."

(I know that. Leave it for now. Come light the diyas with me. I’ve been waiting for you.)

Amandeep nodded, and together they lit all the diyas, their faces glowing with satisfaction. As the final diya flickered to life, Amandeep gently kissed her forehead, a soft smile of affection playing on his lips.

Amandeep: "Mujhe maaf karne ke liye thank you yuku."

(Thank you for forgiving me, Yuku.)

Avyukta: "Ab ghar me niche aap dhol nagade baja ke maafi mangenge puri society ke samne ghutno pe jayenge, toh maaf toh karna padega na bholi ram."

(Oh, you’re not off the hook yet. You’ll have to apologize by playing dhol and nagadas in front of the whole society, kneeling down. Then I’ve to forgive you, dear)

They both giggled.

Avyukta: "Vaise mujhe aata toh nahi hai par maine kuch banane ka try Kiya hai khayenge??""

(By the way, I don’t know how to cook, but I tried making something. Will you eat it?)

Amandeep: "Mana karne ka option kaha hai??"

(Do I even have the option to refuse?)

Avyukta shot him a glare, her eyes filled with playful irritation, and Amandeep couldn't help but chuckle at her reaction.

Amandeep: "Chalooo."

(Let’s go.)

Avyukta gently pulled away and led Amandeep toward the dining area. As they walked, Amandeep couldn't help but notice the way the space was transformed. Soft, warm lighting filled the room, and the table was set with candles flickering gently, casting a romantic glow. Rose petals were scattered across the surface, and there were two plates, each thoughtfully arranged with a delicious meal. It was clear she had gone all out to make this moment special. Amandeep’s eyes softened, his heart touched by the effort Avyukta had put into creating such a beautiful and intimate setting. Avyukta smiled shyly, a hint of excitement in her eyes.  As they sat down at the table, Amandeep took his seat across from her, his gaze never leaving her. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, and they both settled into the evening with a sense of comfort. They shared light conversation, laughter, and soft glances, enjoying each other's company as they savored the meal she had prepared. It was a night to remember, filled with simple but meaningful moments that made everything feel perfect.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hey lovely peeps, 💞

Here's another update! Apologies for the delay; I wasn’t  well today, so I couldn’t update on time.

For the outfits of the characters, visit their Instagram page.

Precap:

Rathore's begging in front of Rudraksh and Ashvik.

Aakarsh flirting with Kritika.

Rishwik carries Riyanshi in his arms.🌸

Are you enjoying the love stories of the other couples?☺️

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