[12]

" लबों पे लिखी है मेरे दिल की ख़्वाहिश

लफ़्ज़ों में कैसे मैं बताऊँ

इक तुझको ही पाने की ख़ातिर

सबसे जुदा मैं हो जाऊँ

कल तक मैंने जो भी ख़्वाब थे देखे

तुझमें वो दिखने लगे

इश्क़ जो ज़रा सा था वो बढ़ गया रे "

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The next evening, the Oberoi Mansion was abuzz with relatives who hadn't been able to attend the wedding. The house was alive with conversations

and laughter as family members gathered in the grand living room, exchanging stories and sharing smiles. Rishit and Kartik, however, were notably absent from the gathering, immersed in a discussion in the study.

"Bahut hi khoobsurat bahu hai aapki, Meera di," a woman seated nearby remarked, her gaze settling approvingly on Vaani with a hint of admiration.

( Your daughter-in-law is very beautiful )

"Woh toh hai," Meera replied with a proud smile, her tone laced with satisfaction.

( Yes she is )

Another woman, sitting beside Meera, joined the conversation, "Khoobsurti toh humne dekh li, ab gurn bhi dekh lete hain," she added, a mischievous glint in her eye.

( We have seen the beauty, now let's see the her virtue )

"Aapka matlab kya hai?" Meera asked, the curiosity evident in her voice.

( What do you mean )

"Yahi ki aaj hum sab aapki bahu ke haathon se bana hua khana khaenge," she replied. Vaani's eyes widened in surprise as she realized the subtle challenge hidden in the words.

( That is, today we will all eat food prepared by your daughter-in-law )

"Par-" Meera began, ready to interject on Vaani's behalf, but she was quickly interrupted.

( But )

"Par-var kuch nahi. Aaj toh hum Vaani ke haathon se bana khana hi khaenge," another woman chimed in, leaving no room for excuses.

( No if and but, today we will eat the food prepared by your daughter-in-law )

"Khilaogi na, beta?" she asked, turning her expectant gaze towards Vaani.

( Will you feed us )

"Jee, zaroor aunty," Vaani replied, her lips curving into a polite but slightly strained smile, aware of the impending task.

( Yes )

"Toh jao beta, dinner ki tayyari karo," one of the women encouraged, gesturing towards the kitchen. Vaani hesitated for a moment, then glanced at Meera, her eyes pleading for a reprieve.

( Then go, start preparing for the dinner )

But Meera, though empathetic, could only offer a look that seemed to say, I can't help you beta. Resigned, Vaani sighed softly before turning to leave for the kitchen, her shoulders slightly drooping and a tiny pout forming on her lips.

The moment Vaani exited the room, Meera discreetly gestured to Vidhi. Catching her cue, Vidhi rose from her seat and made her way upstairs to the study where Rishit was deeply engrossed in work, unaware of the scene unfolding below.

When Vidhi reached the study room, she knocked gently on the door. At Rishit's muffled response, she entered, looking slightly amused.

"Bhai," Vidhi called out, her voice soft but urgent. She proceeded to explain the whole situation unfolding downstairs.

"Hmm... I'll do something," Rishit replied calmly, his eyes narrowing slightly in thought. With a nod, Vidhi left.

As soon as the door closed behind her, Kartik, who had been quietly observing, leaned forward, a curious glint in his eyes. "Kya karega, bhai?"

( What will you do )

"Khana banaunga, aur kya," Rishit replied nonchalantly, a hint of a smirk playing on his face. Rising from his chair, he straightened his sleeves and made his way toward the kitchen.

( I will dinner or what )

Upon reaching the living room, Rishit noticed a group of women sitting comfortably on the plush couches, engrossed in lively discussion. Moving with quiet precision, he slipped past them, making sure he wasn't seen, and entered the kitchen.

There, he found Vaani perched on the kitchen counter, her brows furrowed in concentration as she scrolled through her phone, searching YouTube for an easy recipe for shahi paneer. Sensing someone's gaze, she looked up and met Rishit's eyes, noticing his arms crossed over his chest, his gaze fixed on her with an unreadable expression.

"Aap yaha kaise?" Vaani asked, slightly surprised.

( What bought you here )

"I came to help you," Rishit replied smoothly, and without another word, he stepped forward and began gathering ingredients. Vaani, momentarily stunned, watched him with admiration.

As he chopped vegetables and stirred sauces with quiet expertise, Vaani couldn't help but be captivated by him. Even in the simple act of cooking, he exuded an effortless charm, his focus entirely on his task. Meanwhile, Vaani's focus remained entirely on him, lost in her own quiet admiration.

After what felt like a long two hours, the dinner was finally ready. Rishit wiped his hands and turned to Vaani.

"Dinner is ready. I should leave," he said, moving toward the door.

"Rishit," Vaani called out softly, causing him to stop mid-step. He turned, their eyes meeting in a brief but tender exchange.

"Apron," she said, gesturing to the apron he still wore, a slight smile tugging at the corner of her lips.

Rishit glanced down, momentarily caught off guard. "Oh, right," he murmured, quickly untying the apron and setting it aside. With a final, lingering glance in Vaani's direction, he left the kitchen, leaving her with a soft smile and a racing heart.

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

After some time, everyone settled at the dining table except for Vaani, Meera, and Vidhi.

"Maa, Vidhi, aap dono baitho, I will serve," Vaani said, her voice cheerful as she moved around the kitchen, dishing up the food.

( Mom Vidhi, you can sit, I will serve )

"It's okay, beta, we will help you," Meera replied, smiling warmly, and Vidhi nodded in agreement.

Just then, Rishit and Kartik joined them, and upon hearing the conversation, Kartik chimed in, "Are bhabhi, aap bhi baith jao, main aur Rishit serve kar denge." His tone was lighthearted, but there was an underlying seriousness to his words.

( You all can sit, Rishit and I will serve )

Kartik glanced at Rishit, who nodded in affirmation, his expression inscrutable. Some of the ladies around the table looked pleased with this decision, but others frowned slightly, their discomfort evident but unspoken, as Rishit's authoritative presence loomed over them.

With the two brothers now taking charge, they began serving food to everyone. Rishit's demeanor was calm yet commanding as he ensured everyone was taken care of before finally settling down at the table himself, the air thick with anticipation.

After a few moments, a lady seated next to Vidhi, who seemed oblivious to Rishit's reputation, piped up, "Isme thodi mirch kam hai, aur namak bhi. Bahu ke paas khoobsurati toh hai, par gurn nahi."

( There is a little less chilli in it, and also salt. The daughter-in-law has beauty, but no virtue )

Vaani shot her a glance, her expression unreadable, while Rishit turned to the woman, his sharp gaze slicing through the tension. Vidhi and Kartik exchanged a knowing glance, the atmosphere thickening with unspoken warnings.

As the lady continued her complaints, blissfully unaware of the brewing storm, Vidhi seized the opportunity. Without hesitation, she grabbed the red chili powder from the center of the table and poured the entire bottle into the lady's plate.

Gasps echoed around the table as the women watched in shock, some stifling nervous laughter. "Jaisa bhai, waisi behan," one lady muttered under her breath, impressed by Vidhi's boldness.

( Both brother and sister are same )

Kartik, playing the role of the mediator with his signature charm, said sweetly, "Aunty ji, choti moti galtiyan toh hoti rehti hain. Aap khana khaiye na," urging the lady to focus on her meal rather than her complaints.

( Aunty ji, small mistakes do happen, you help yourself )

The lady took a bite, and her face contorted as the fiery spices ignited her palate. "Pani!" she screamed, reaching for her glass in a frantic attempt to douse the flames in her mouth.

( Water )

But Rishit was quicker. He snatched up the glass before she could grasp it and, with an icy tone that sent chills through the air, declared, "Wo raha kitchen. Aapko jaisa khana pasand ho, aap waisa bana kar kha lijiye." His cold gaze locked onto her, instilling a shiver of fear deep within her.

( That's the kitchen. You can cook it as you like and eat it )

"Wo Rishit Oberoi ki biwi hai, kisi ki naukar nahi, toh sabki farmaishen poori karte rahe," he added, his words sharp as daggers, leaving no room for argument.

( She is the wife of Rishit Oberoi, not anyone's servant, that she will keep fulfilling everyone's requests )

Vaani looked at him, her eyes sparkling with admiration and pride, appreciating the way he had stood up for her amidst the criticism.

As the lady nervously reached for another glass, Vaani, in a swift motion, picked it up and drank it all. "Bahut garmi hai na, mummy ji?" she said, glancing at Meera, who nodded in agreement.

( It too hot mom, isn't it )

"Haa beta, bahut garmi hai," Meera replied, a knowing smile tugging at her lips as she observed the unfolding scene.

( Yes, it's too hot )

Realizing she was outnumbered and the tide had turned against her, the lady hastily rose from her seat, her face flushed with embarrassment and irritation.

She quickly made her way to the kitchen in search of water, and as she left, everyone laughter except Rishit and few guest erupted around the table, breaking the tension that had settled.

Just then, a voice echoed through the dining area, "That's my boy!" An elegant old lady, approximately 65 years old, dressed in a beautifully tailored suit, made her entrance.

"Namaste, Buaa Dadi!" Vidhi and Kartik rose from their seats, their faces lighting up with joy as they rushed to hug her. Rishit also stood, moving towards his beloved Buaa Dadi, and with a gesture of respect, he touched her feet.

"Kaise ho, bachcho?" Surekha, their Buaa Dadi, inquired, her voice warm and inviting.

( How are you )

"Ham sab theek hain Dadi, aur aap?" Vidhi responded, her smile wide.

( We are fine, what about you )

"As always first class!" Surekha replied, her eyes twinkling with humor and wisdom.

"Waise accha kiya, aise hi karna chahiye aise logo ke sath," Buaa dadi said referring to the earlier incident with the guest. Katik's grin widened at this, and Vidhi joined in, her laughter mingling as they enjoyed the moment.

Surekha's presence seemed to lift the atmosphere in the dining area, her cheerful demeanor infectious. After sharing a few more words, Rishit excused himself and returned to the study, seeking a moment of solitude, while Kartik and Vidhi settled down with Surekha on the couch.

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

The next evening, the Oberoi mansion was adorned with fresh flowers, their fragrance mingling with the festive air. The chandeliers glittered overhead, casting a warm, luxurious glow that complemented the soft lighting and meticulous decorations.

Guests had begun arriving, and Kartik and Vidhi stood at the entrance, ready to welcome them with warm smiles. As the Ahuja family walked in, Vidhi's eyes immediately found Vidhan. He was dressed impeccably in a tailored black suit, accented by diamond cufflinks that caught the light with every movement. His entire presence exuded elegance.

Vidhi, in an elegant white gown and matching heels, stood out with an effortless grace that made Vidhan's heart skip a beat. The simplicity of her attire only served to highlight her natural beauty, leaving him momentarily speechless. Their eyes met, and for a heartbeat, everything else faded away. In that moment, they were lost in each other, the noise and crowd dissolving into the background.

Vidhi's outfit

A voice cut through their reverie, pulling them back to reality.

"Hi, Vidhi," Ved said, giving her a side hug before adding with a playful smirk, "Baad me ghoor lena ek dusre ko." His tone was barely above a whisper but loud enough for both Vidhi and Vidhan to hear.

( You can admire each other later )

"Chup kar," Vidhi retorted, but the blush spreading across her cheeks betrayed her. Vidhan noticed, and a soft smile tugged at his lips, pleased by her reaction.

( Shut up )

"Welcome, Uncle, Aunty," Kartik said warmly, and they responded in kind.

"Yeh galat baat hai, Kartik bhai! Aapne hamara welcome nahi kiya," Ved complained with mock indignation.

( It's wrong, you didn't welcomed us )

"Achha," Kartik and Vidhi replied in unison, exchanging amused glances before grabbing a plate full of flower petals and playfully showering them over Ved.

( Really )

"Ho gaya swagat, ab nikal yahan se," Vidhi joked, making everyone laugh.

( Done...now get lost )

"You both will have to pay for this!" Ved said, his tone full of melodramatic defiance.

(Over the course of the wedding, Kartik and Ved had developed a strong bond.)

"Maa, Papa, even you're laughing at me?" Ved said, pretending to be offended as he walked away, leaving the group laughing even harder.

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

Rishit sat in his room, elegantly attired in a tailored black suit, deeply absorbed in his work.

At that moment, Vaani emerged from the washroom, draped in a sophisticated white saree paired with a full-sleeved blouse.

Vaani's outfit

As she caught sight of him, she noted his intense focus on his phone. Her gaze lingered on him; the captivating depth of his eyes was fixated on the screen, and the sharp contours of his jawline were distinctly pronounced. Each of his features drew her in, yet she steeled herself and said, "Shall we go?"

Finally, Rishit lifted his gaze and, without uttering a word, nodded in agreement before rising to leave.

Vaani's heart ached at his aloofness, but she masked her emotions, and they exited the room together.

Upon reaching the staircase, Vidhi and Vidhan noticed them and seized the microphone.

"Attention, everyone!" Vidhi announced, successfully capturing the crowd's attention.

"Here are the stars of today's event," Vidhan proclaimed, gesturing toward Rishit and Vaani as they descended the stairs.

As they made their way down, they greeted various guests, immersing themselves in the atmosphere of the event.

When the music turned romantic, Surekha interjected, "Vaani and Rishit, go dance!"

"Please, no, Dadi," Rishit protested.

"Dance with her Rishit," she retorted, leaving no room for debate.

Rishit glanced at Vaani, and with a silent understanding, they moved toward the dance floor.

As the soft rhythm of "Oo Re Piya" began to play, Rishit hesitantly wrapped his arm around Vaani's waist, his gaze darting anywhere but at her.

Vaani placed one hand on his shoulder while intertwining her other hand with his. Her eyes remained fixed on him, observing the visible hesitation in his demeanor.

As they began to sway to the gentle music, Vaani felt the world blur around her. It was just them, the tender pull of the song, and the whispers of unsaid words. Rishit's face was unreadable, a mix of distant composure and something unspoken buried deep within his gaze.

Vaani tried to maintain her calm, her heart a storm beneath the serene façade. Each step brought her closer to him.

"Rishit," she whispered, barely audible over the music.

He looked at her, his eyes softening momentarily before the mask of indifference slipped back. He didn't reply, but his eyes spoke volumes.

As the final notes of the song faded, a bittersweet ache pressed against his chest, resonating with her heart. It was the first time she had sensed his hesitation in her presence, perhaps because it was the first moment they had been so intimately close.

Rishit and Vaani gracefully exited the dance floor, and while Vaani made her way to Buaa Dadi, Rishit vanished into the crowd.

Rishit retreated to the garden area, his heart racing from the unexpected intimacy he had just shared with Vaani. Leaning against a tree, he closed his eyes, trying to process the moment.

Meanwhile, in the hall, the guests remained blissfully unaware of Rishit's absence, with only Vaani and Buaa Dadi taking note. Feeling a heaviness in her heart, Vaani approached the counter and requested, "One orange juice, please."

After a short wait, the server handed her a drink, but in a mix-up, it was inadvertently exchanged with another guest's order. Vaani took a few sips before making her way back to Buaa Dadi, the glass still in her hand.

Moments later, Rishit returned from the garden and stood beside Buaa Dadi.

"Kahan chale gaye the?" she asked, her tone curious.

( Where were you )

"Bas garden tak gaya tha," Rishit replied.

( In garden )

"Do jhapad lagaungi agar phir gayab huaa to! Bas Vaani ke saath chup chap raho," Buaa Dadi warned, and Rishit complied, moving closer to Vaani while maintaining a respectful distance.

"Padosi ki biwi nahi hai, beta, jo itne door khada ho. Paas aakar khada ho," Buaa Dadi insisted, prompting Rishit to step nearer.

Just then, Vaani finished the last of her drink and began to sway slightly, the effects of the alcohol becoming evident. Rishit, sensing her unsteadiness, swiftly placed a supportive hand on her shoulders.

"Kya hua, beta?" Buaa Dadi inquired, her voice tinged with concern.

Rishit's gaze fell upon Vaani's eyes, which were slightly glazed and red, then shifted to the glass she was holding. He took it from her, bringing it to his nose for a closer inspection.

"She is drunk," Rishit declared, his concern deepening.

"Lekin kaise? She don't drink," Ved, who had been standing nearby, remarked incredulously.

"Shayad galti se pee li ho," Rishit suggested, and everyone nodded in agreement.

"Take her to the room, Rishit," Meera instructed, her tone firm. Rishit nodded, preparing to assist Vaani.

"Hold her in your arms, Rishit," Buaa Dadi ordered. With a touch of hesitation, he picked her up in his arms and began to walk toward her room.

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

As they approached their room, Vaani slurred, "Ham kaha ja rahe hain, Rishit"?

( Where are we going )

Without meeting her gaze, Rishit replied, "Room mein."

( In the room )

"Oh... okay," she murmured, resting her cheek against his chest and wrapping her arms around his neck, drawing closer as they walked.

Upon reaching their room, Rishit gently laid her on the bed. "Have some rest," he said, turning to leave, but Vaani grasped his arm tightly with both hands.

"Why are you avoiding me, Rishit?" she asked, her words tinged with intoxication.

"I'm not avoiding you," he replied, deliberately averting his eyes from hers.

"No, you're lying. Tum mujhe ignore kar rahe ho," Vaani insisted, her tone reminiscent of a child's pout.

( You are ignoring me )

"I'm not ignoring you," Rishit repeated.

"Yes, you are! Do you even know how much it hurts when the person you love ignores you?" Vaani said, tears streaming down her cheeks as she rose, using his arms for support.

Rishit's heart skipped a beat at her words.

"I love you from the past one year and always wanted you to be mine. And when I am standing here, close to you as your wife, you are ignoring me Rishit," Vaani confessed, her tears flowing freely.

"So you're the one who's been stalking me for the past one year?" Rishit asked, half in disbelief.

"Yes, I was stalking you because I love you Rishit, I still remember the day when I first saw you, the day when I felt flustered because of someone, the day when I felt how being attracted to a man feels like Rishit," she said, tightening her grip on his arms.

"You were just an attraction of mine, an obsession but by the time you became my love Rishit," Vaani continued. "I wanted to be with you, I wanted you to love me but all that you are doing is ignore."

"My heart, this heart that beats for you, aches, Rishit," she said, placing a finger on her chest.

Rishit stood frozen, absorbing her every word in silence.

"Do you remember when you suggested that we should be friends?" Vaani asked, meeting his gaze. "Mujhe bahut gussa aaya tha, thinking, how could he friendzone me? But eventually, I realized there's nothing wrong with starting our relationship as friends," she added.

"I was willing to embrace that idea, to start our relationship with friendship, but today it felt like there's nothing between us at all. Friends are comfortable with one another, but you're not comfortable with me," Vaani lamented, her voice trembling as Rishit remained silent, listening intently.

"My heart aches, Rishit, but I still want to tell you that I love you, and I always will," Vaani declared, her resolve firming as she stood on her toes and pressed her lips against his, leaving him momentarily stunned.

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Thanks for reading

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-Roohi

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