Ch.11 [8] - HIS LAST LOVE [ A Ne...

__________________________________________________________________________________

Rishit was seated in his room, preparing for one of the most significant days of his life-his engagement. He adjusted his cuffs when Kartik entered, his presence commanding but familiar.

"Chale," Kartik prompted, his voice calm but expectant.

( Let's go )

"Hmm," Rishit hummed in response, rising from the bed. But as Kartik's eyes trailed down to his left hand, they froze on the ring adorning Rishit's finger.

"Rishit, aaj teri engagement hai," Kartik said carefully, his voice laced with hesitation, unsure of how his words would land.

( Rishit, it's your engagement today )

"Ha toh?" Rishit responded, his brow furrowing in confusion, unsure of the concern.

( So what )

"Ring nikaal de," Kartik suggested, his tone gentle yet resolute.

( Take the ring off )

Rishit's gaze fell to the ring, lingering for a moment that seemed to stretch with unspoken emotions. He sighed softly, his heart heavy as he slid the ring from his finger. Without a word, he moved toward the wardrobe, opening it to reveal a simple platinum chain. Threading the ring onto the necklace, he clasped it around his neck, letting the ring rest against his chest-close to his heart, where it had always been.

Kartik, watching his friend closely, nodded in silent understanding. He knew that some wounds needed time to heal, and this moment was one step in that long journey.

********************

They made their way to the engagement hall, where the ceremony was about to begin. The atmosphere was festive-full of laughter, soft music, and the murmur of conversations. Friends and family mingled, celebrating the start of a new chapter in Rishit's life.

Near the stage, Vaidehi stood with Vidhan, her eyes scanning the joyous crowd. "Beta, jaa tu bhi dance kar," she suggested, nudging her son with a mother's gentle encouragement.

( Go to the dance floor )

"But Maa, main kaise?" Vidhan replied, hesitant, as if the thought of dancing alone in the crowd overwhelmed him.

( But mom, how can I )

Before Vaidehi could respond, Ved, who had been listening from nearby, interjected with a teasing grin. "Haan bhai, dance karo!"

( Yes bro, dance )

Vidhan shot him a look but couldn't help a small smile tugging at his lips. "Ok, but main akele dance nahi karunga," he said, his voice half challenging, half playful.

( Ok, but I'll not dance alone )

Ved's smirk grew wider. "Haan toh theek hai, Vidhi ke saath kar lo," he teased, his voice carrying just enough innuendo to make Vidhan pause in surprise.

( It's Okay, you can dance with Vidhi )

"What?" Vaidehi asked, confused by Ved's suggestion.

Ved quickly backtracked, his expression innocent. "Mera matlab hai Vidhi bhi free hai, ussi ke saath kar lo." His quick recovery saved him from further questions, and Vaidehi simply nodded in agreement.

( I mean Vidhi is free, you can dance with her )

Vidhan, still a little unsure but encouraged, made his way toward Vidhi. The hall was illuminated by warm lights, casting a golden glow over the gathered guests.

Vidhi stood near the corner, a quiet smile playing on her lips as she watched the festivities. Her soft lavender lehenga swayed as she moved subtly to the music, unaware that Vidhan was approaching.

Vidhan, with a playful glint in his eyes, confidently made his way toward Vidhi. As he reached her, he gracefully bent down on one knee, holding out his hand in front of everyone. The room seemed to quiet as all eyes turned toward them.

With a charming smile, Vidhan said, "May I have the pleasure to dance with you, my lady?" The last two words were spoken in a soft whisper, meant only for Vidhi to hear, his gaze locked on hers.

Vidhi glanced around, noticing that everyone was watching them, but she didn't mind. The warmth in Vidhan's voice and the affection in his eyes made her heart flutter. She smiled, a touch of shyness in her expression, and gave a small nod.

Vidhan rose, gently taking her hand, and together they made their way to the center of the dance floor, the crowd parting with smiles and encouraging glances. The family members didn't mind it either as they were aware that they know each other from a long time.

********************

As the lively rhythm of Mehndi Laga Ke Rakhna filled the air, the atmosphere at the engagement was charged with excitement. The guests clapped to the beat as Vidhan and Vidhi stepped onto the dance floor. Their movements synchronized, the energy between them was palpable.

Vidhan, with a playful smile, took the lead, his eyes locking with Vidhi's as the lyrics played:

"Main ek jawaan ladka, tu ek haseen ladki..."

He stepped forward, his eyes twinkling with mischief as he sang along to the lyrics, pointing playfully at himself and then at Vidhi, who blushed and looked away, her smile betraying her amusement.

"Ye dil machal gaya toh, mera kusoor kya hai?"

With a dramatic hand on his chest, Vidhan swayed slightly, as if overcome by the charm of the moment, teasingly blaming his heart for falling for her. His lighthearted expression made everyone laugh as Vidhi tried to keep a straight face, failing to suppress her laughter.

Vidhi, catching her breath from the playful moment, stepped forward as her part in the song came. Her eyes sparkled as she sang:

"Rakhna tha dil pe kaabu, yeh husn toh hai jaadu..."

She raised her eyebrows at Vidhan, playfully accusing him of being unable to control his heart, while twirling gracefully, her lavender lehenga swirling around her. Her movements were graceful yet teasing, matching the song's playful banter.

"Jaadu hi chal gaya toh, mera kusoor kya hai?"

Vidhi twirled again, her hand lifting in a mock defense, as if to say it wasn't her fault that her beauty cast a spell on him. Her eyes sparkled with teasing as she spun towards him, and Vidhan's laughter echoed through the room.

Then, as the music swelled, Vidhan stepped closer, his hand outstretched towards Vidhi, his voice joining the lyrics once more:

"Rasta hamara takna, darwaaza khula rakhna..."

He gestured as if promising to always find his way to her, his steps confident and his grin wide. Vidhi watched him with a soft smile, their connection deepening with each movement.

"Lene tujhe o gori, aayenge tere sajna..."

With a dramatic flair, Vidhan mimed arriving at her doorstep, ready to sweep her off her feet, while the crowd cheered, clapping in sync with the beat. Vidhi laughed, stepping toward him and letting him spin her one last time as the music crescendoed.

The song ended with both of them standing side by side, their hands still intertwined, as the crowd erupted into applause.

********************

After the energetic dance performance, the atmosphere remained charged with excitement as the time for the engagement ceremony finally arrived. Rishit and Vaani stood at the center of the stage, facing each other, ready to begin this new chapter of their lives. The crowd quieted with anticipation, but the joy in the room was palpable.

Vihaan stood beside his sister, holding the ring carefully in his hand. He cast a quick glance at Vidhi, who stood across from him next to her brother, holding the other ring. Their eyes met briefly, and though it was a public moment, there was an intimate spark between them-an unspoken connection that always lingered whenever they were near. Vidhi's lips curved into a soft smile, a look that Vihaan returned, though they both quickly looked away to focus on their siblings.

As the ceremony unfolded, Rishit and Vaani exchanged the rings. Rishit slid the delicate ring onto Vaani's finger. Vaani, glowing with happiness, gently placed the ring on Rishit's finger in return, their eyes locking as they made their promises in silence.

As the rings were exchanged, the hall erupted into applause, cheers, and laughter. The room was filled with clapping and congratulations, the sound of celebration echoing in every corner.

Vihaan, momentarily lost in the crowd's excitement, felt Vidhi's gaze once again and instinctively looked over. In that brief moment, surrounded by the happiness of their families, they shared a knowing look-one filled with love and the quiet promise of a future that might one day mirror the ceremony they had just witnessed.

********************

After the engagement ceremony, when everyone decided to stay in the same hotel, the night had fallen into a comfortable quiet. Vidhi was lying on her bed, lost in thought, when a sudden knock interrupted her solitude. She rose and opened the door, surprised to find Vihaan standing there.

Vihaan quickly scanned the hallway, ensuring no one was around, and before Vidhi could even react, he slipped into her room, closing the door behind him with a soft click.

"Kya kar rahe ho?" Vidhi asked, raising an eyebrow in surprise.

( What are you doing )

"Tumse milne aaya hu," Vihaan replied, his lips forming a playful pout.

( I came to meet you)

"Itni raat ko?" Vidhi questioned, though her heart warmed at his presence.

( At this time )

"Kyu, tumse milne nahi aa sakta kya?" Vihaan teased, stepping closer.

( Why, can't I come to meet you )

Vidhi shook her head with a faint smile, "Nahi, aisa kuch nahi hai."

( No, it's not like that )

Vihaan waved off her response and then, with sudden seriousness, placed his hand gently on her cheek. "Accha ye sab chhodo. Tum mujhe ye batao, ceremony ke baad udas kyun thi?" His voice softened with concern, his eyes searching hers.

( Leave all this, tell me why you were upset after the ceremony )

Vidhi quickly looked away, avoiding his gaze. "Nahi toh," she mumbled, trying to brush it off.

( I was not )

"Vidhi, meri taraf dekho aur batao, kya hua hai?" Vihaan urged, his voice gentle yet firm, his eyes locked on hers.

( Vidhi ,look at me and tell, what happened )

For a moment, Vidhi hesitated, but as soon as her eyes met Vihaan's, something within her broke. She wrapped her arms tightly around his waist, burying her face into his chest. The tears she had been holding back for so long finally flowed freely, soaking his shirt as her body trembled with quiet sobs.

Vihaan's heart ached at the sight of his love in such pain. Without saying a word, he enveloped her in his arms, one hand gently stroking her hair. He rested his chin on the top of her head, whispering, "Kya hua, Vidhi? Bolo na." His voice wavered slightly, the sight of her breaking down affecting him deeply.

( What happened Vidhi, tell me )

But Vidhi couldn't speak. She only held him tighter, her hands clutching at his back, as if grounding herself in his presence. Vihaan, sensing she needed time, simply tightened his hold around her, offering silent comfort as her sobs continued to shake her.

After what felt like an eternity, her crying began to subside, her breathing slowing down. Vihaan gently led her to sit on the bed beside him, his hand still resting on her shoulder.

"Ab batao, kya hua?" Vihaan asked again, his fingers intertwining with hers, holding on tightly, reassuringly.

( Now tell me, what happened )

Vidhi looked at him, her eyes still glistening with tears. Instead of answering, she gently guided him to lie down beside her. She rested her head on his chest, her arms wrapping around his waist. Vihaan held her close, one hand around her waist while the other lovingly tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear, his fingers softly caressing her face.

With a deep breath, Vidhi finally began to speak, her voice soft and trembling.

__________________________________________________________________________________

( They will get married in the next chapter and also their first night will also be shown )

Share This Chapter