[38]

After all the wedding rituals had concluded, the Ahuja family returned to their home, accompanied by the newly wedded couples. The atmosphere was still brimming with the remnants of celebration—hushed laughter, the lingering scent of fresh flowers, and the subtle shimmer of vermillion adorning the brides’ foreheads.

Only Ved remained behind, waiting for his separate car.

"Ved, tu jaa, main kal aaungi ghar," Vaani said casually, adjusting the folds of her lehenga.

Ved gave a slight nod, turning towards his car, but not before his gaze instinctively drifted towards Aarohi, who stood beside Vaani. His eyes lingered for a moment too long, a silent confession he wasn’t yet ready to voice.

Vaani, ever perceptive, caught the fleeting glance and smirked knowingly. Without wasting another second, she walked up to Ved, her mischievous grin in place.

"Sun, tujhse ek minute kuch baat karni hai," she said, grabbing his wrist and pulling him aside into a quieter corner. The dim glow of the streetlights cast a warm hue over them, their shadows stretching across the marble pavement.

Ved, caught off guard, blinked at her in confusion. "Kya hua, di?" he asked, his tone laced with hesitation.

Vaani folded her arms, tilting her head slightly as she asked, "Ye kya chal raha hai, Ved? Do you like her?" A soft smile played on her lips, but her eyes held a knowing glint.

For a brief second, Ved froze. His fingers twitched, and his throat went dry. He scrambled for words, his mind desperately searching for a response that wouldn't betray the chaos within him.

"Ye… ye kya keh rahi hain aap, di?" he stammered, his gaze darting everywhere except at her.

Vaani chuckled, shaking her head. "Wahi jo maine dekha. Ab jaldi bata, do you like Aarohi?" she pressed, her voice laced with amusement.

Unbeknownst to them, Aarohi happened to be passing by at that very moment. The sound of her name, spoken with such weight, made her pause in her tracks. Her heart pounded against her ribcage as she held her breath, waiting for his response. She needed to hear it—from him.

But when Ved finally spoke, his words landed like a cruel, unexpected blow.

"No di, I don’t like her," he said, his face devoid of any emotion.

Aarohi felt her body jolt as if she had been physically pushed. Her breath hitched, and her fingers curled into fists as a sharp pang of pain tore through her chest. Those five words echoed in her mind, each syllable cutting deeper than the last. Her vision blurred with unshed tears, and before she could betray her heartbreak, she turned on her heels and left, her steps hurried, almost frantic.

Vaani, on the other hand, simply raised a skeptical eyebrow at Ved’s declaration. "Then why were you stealing glances at her?" she asked, her voice calm yet pointed.

Ved exhaled heavily, running a hand through his hair. His walls crumbled in that moment of vulnerability, and with a faint smile, he admitted, "Because I think I am falling for her, di."

Vaani’s lips curled into a triumphant smile. "Then propose to her as soon as possible," she advised, patting his shoulder encouragingly.

Ved nodded, his heart lighter now that he had voiced his emotions, even if only to his sister.

"Ab tu jaa," Vaani said, giving him a little push toward his car.

With one last glance in the direction where Aarohi had disappeared, Ved stepped into his car, the wheels rolling toward the Ahuja Mansion—while his heart, unknowingly, had already begun its journey toward Aarohi.

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

Ahuja Mansion

The soft glow of the bedside lamps bathed the room in a warm, golden hue. Vidhi sat on the edge of the bed,

with the remnants of the day's overwhelming emotions. The wedding, the vows, the sacred fire—it all felt like a dream, yet here she was, in the room she would now share with Vidhan as his wife.

The door creaked open, and Vidhan stepped in, his gaze instantly softening at the sight of her. A radiant smile stretched across Vidhi's lips as she stood up and walked toward him, her silk dupatta slipping slightly off her shoulder. Without a second thought, she wrapped her arms around him, pressing herself against his chest.

Vidhan chuckled, his arms encircling her waist as he lifted her effortlessly off the ground, twirling her in the air. Her laughter rang through the room, filling it with an infectious warmth.

"So, you are officially mine now," Vidhan murmured, his voice laced with tenderness as he set her down gently.

Vidhi tilted her head, her eyes gleaming with playful mischief. "You too, officially mine," she whispered, her fingers lingering against his jawline.

Vidhan grinned widely before tugging her closer, his forehead resting against hers. "Chalo, we should sleep now, bahut raat ho gayi hai," he teased, amusement dancing in his eyes.

Vidhi raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms over her chest. "Aaj hamari suhagrat hai, do you really wanna sleep?" she asked, a mischievous glint flashing in her gaze.

Vidhan smirked, taking her hand in his, his thumb caressing her skin. "Do you want me to sleep?" he countered, his voice dropping to a husky whisper. Without waiting for an answer, he lifted her hand to his lips, pressing a lingering kiss to the back of it.

A shiver ran down Vidhi's spine as his lips trailed slowly up her arm, leaving featherlight kisses along the way. Her breath hitched when he reached her shoulder, his touch setting fire to her skin. He nuzzled against the curve of her neck, his lips brushing over her pulse point before he placed a series of soft, teasing kisses there.

Her fingers curled into the fabric of his sherwani as he moved lower, tracing his lips over her collarbone, then along her jawline.

And then, finally, he reached her lips, capturing them in a kiss that sealed not just the night, but a promise of forever.

Vidhi’s breath hitched as Vidhan’s lips moved over hers with a slow, unhurried tenderness. His hands rested gently on her waist, fingers brushing against the intricate embroidery of her bridal lehenga. The warmth of his touch seeped through the fabric, sending a pleasant shiver down her spine.

She melted into the kiss, her hands moving up to rest on his chest before slowly winding around his neck. Vidhan deepened the kiss, but there was no urgency—only the quiet, intimate acknowledgment of the emotions surging between them. He kissed her as if savoring every moment, every sigh that escaped her lips.

When they finally pulled apart, Vidhi’s cheeks were flushed, her eyes shimmering with emotions too deep to put into words. Vidhan tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear, his thumb brushing softly against her cheek.

"You're blushing," he teased, his voice laced with warmth.

Vidhi rolled her eyes, though the way her fingers clung to his kurta betrayed her shyness. "Aur nahi toh kya? Aapne kya expect kiya tha?" she murmured, her lips curving into a small smile.

Vidhan chuckled, his hands gently caressing her arms before he leaned in once again, pressing a delicate kiss to her forehead. " You were looking heavenly beutiful wifey," he whispered against her skin, making her heart skip a beat.

His hands moved to her dupatta, and he carefully slipped it off her head, letting it cascade onto the bed. Vidhi’s heartbeat quickened, but there was no nervousness—only trust, only love. Vidhan traced the side of her face with his knuckles before trailing soft kisses down her shoulder once more.

Vidhi closed her eyes, tilting her head slightly to give him more access, her breath coming in soft, uneven waves. Vidhan’s fingers found hers, intertwining them before he guided her toward the bed. He sat down first, gently pulling her onto his lap, holding her as if she was the most precious thing in the world.

Vidhi rested her forehead against his, smiling. "It still feels unreal," she whispered.

Vidhan kissed the tip of her nose. "But it's real. Hum ab ek doosre ke hain—hamesha ke liye."

A comforting silence settled between them before Vidhan leaned back slightly, his arms still wrapped around her. "Agar tum thak gayi ho toh so sakte hain," he murmured, though the teasing glint in his eyes remained.

Vidhi laughed softly, her fingers tracing idle patterns on his chest. "Tum sach mein so na chahte ho?" she challenged playfully.

Vidhan hummed, pretending to think before flipping them gently so that Vidhi was now lying beneath him, his weight supported on his arms. He gazed down at her, his expression turning softer.

"Main sirf tumhare saath yeh raat jeena chahta hoon—jaise tum chaho," he confessed.

Vidhi cupped his face, her thumb running along his jaw. "Toh jeete hain yeh raat, ek doosre ke saath," she whispered.

Vidhan smiled before lowering his lips to hers again, and the night stretched ahead—filled with soft whispers, quiet laughter, and a love that would only deepen with time.

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

Oberoi Mansion

The soft glow of the bedside lamp bathed the room in golden hues, casting flickering shadows on the walls. Vaani lay beside Rishit, her gaze fixed on his face, tracing every detail—the sharp lines of his jaw, the curve of his lips, the steady rise and fall of his chest. A quiet warmth filled the space between them, thick with unspoken emotions.

Without hesitation, she leaned in, her lips capturing his in a kiss so soft, so delicate, that it felt like a whisper of a promise. Rishit stilled for a moment before responding, his hand finding its way to her waist, pulling her closer. The kiss was slow, unhurried—an exploration, a confession, a realization of everything they had been holding back.

As they parted, their breaths mingled in the stillness of the room. Vaani's fingers trailed up his arm, memorizing the warmth of his skin, the way his muscles tensed beneath her touch. Rishit’s lips pressed against her forehead, lingering there as his arms wrapped around her, encasing her in his warmth.

Time seemed to slow as he traced featherlight kisses along her jawline, down to the curve of her shoulder. A shiver ran through her, not from the cool air but from the depth of emotion behind every touch. She clung to him, burying her face in the crook of his neck, breathing him in, letting herself drown in the comfort he offered.

Fingers intertwined, hands exploring with gentle reverence, they let the night pull them deeper into a world where only they existed. Every glance, every touch spoke of unspoken desires, the slow unraveling of barriers they had never realized they had built.

Wrapped in each other’s arms, the world outside faded away. The rhythm of their heartbeats became the only melody, the warmth between them the only reality. As the night stretched on, they lost themselves in soft caresses, stolen kisses, and the quiet understanding that this—they—were meant to be.

And when sleep finally claimed them, it was not as two separate souls, but as one—entwined in love, in trust, in a forever that had only begun.

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

Two Weeks Later…

The soft hues of the evening sun filtered through the curtains, casting a golden glow in the room where Vaani sat, lost in thought. A gentle smile played on her lips, her fingers resting unconsciously on her stomach. The moment she had been waiting for had finally arrived, and she could barely contain her excitement.

Just then, the door creaked open, and Rishit stepped inside. His presence was enough to make her heart flutter, just as it always had. The moment her eyes met his, she sprang up from the couch and rushed toward him, a wide, radiant smile adorning her face.

"Rishit, I want to tell you something," she said breathlessly, her voice brimming with happiness.

Amused by her excitement, Rishit tilted his head slightly, a soft smile forming on his lips. "Kya?" he asked, curiosity evident in his gaze.

Without another word, Vaani took his hands in hers, guiding him toward the mirror. She positioned herself in front of it, making him stand behind her. Then, ever so gently, she wrapped his arms around her waist, letting him hold her the way he always did—with love, with warmth, with the silent promise of forever.

Rishit tightened his embrace instinctively, resting his chin on her shoulder as he placed a soft kiss on her cheek. His heart swelled with contentment, but before he could express it, Vaani did something that took him by surprise.

She reached for his hand again, guiding it to her womb.

Time seemed to stand still as realization dawned upon him. His eyes flickered to where his palm rested, and then back to her reflection in the mirror. His heartbeat quickened, his chest rising and falling with uneven breaths. And then, as if a thousand emotions crashed over him at once, his lips parted in a joyous gasp.

Spinning her around to face him, he searched her eyes for confirmation. "Is it true? Are we pregnant?" His voice was a mix of disbelief and overwhelming joy.

With a smile that reached her very soul, Vaani nodded.

Rishit didn’t waste another second. He lifted her off the ground, twirling her in the air as laughter and happiness filled the room. The world outside ceased to exist—at this moment, it was just the two of them and the tiny life growing within her.

"I'm so, so, so happy, Vaani! Thank you so much," he murmured, his voice thick with emotions as tears welled in his eyes.

As he set her down, Vaani cupped his face tenderly, her thumbs wiping away the tears that had escaped. "It's our baby, Rishit… and this time, hamesha hamare saath rahega," she whispered, placing a soft kiss on each of his eyelids, sealing her words with love.

Rishit let out a breathless laugh, the weight of past sorrows melting away in the warmth of this moment. Kneeling down, he pressed a reverent kiss to her womb, as if silently promising their child all the love and protection in the world.

This little happiness, this tiny life, was healing wounds he thought would never mend. The baby he had longed for—his second chance at joy—had finally found its way to him.

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

Bangalore

The morning sun cast a golden hue over the city as Ved stood before the mirror, adjusting his tie. Today wasn’t just any day—it was the day he would finally confess his feelings to Aarohi. His heart pounded at the thought, a mixture of excitement and nervousness coursing through him. He had waited long enough, and now, he was ready.

Just as he reached for his blazer, his phone buzzed on the bedside table. Seeing Amrita’s name flashing on the screen, he frowned slightly before picking it up. But the moment he placed the phone to his ear, his entire world shattered.

"She is leaving, forever, Ved! Aarohi ja rahi hai! Please, use rokh lo! Wo abhi Bangalore airport par hai, aur ek ghante me uski Italy ki flight hai!" Amrita’s panicked voice trembled on the other end.

The phone slipped from his grasp, crashing onto the floor with a dull thud. His breath hitched, and for a second, everything blurred. She was leaving? Aarohi… was leaving him?

Without wasting another moment, he grabbed his keys and bolted out of the house. His hands trembled against the steering wheel as he sped through the busy streets, weaving between cars, ignoring the honks and yells of other drivers. His only thought—I can’t lose her. Not like this.

Minutes felt like hours as he pushed the speed limit, every second ticking by like a countdown to his heartbreak. It took him 55 minutes—55 agonizing minutes—to reach the airport.

The moment he pulled up, he didn’t even bother parking properly. He ran inside, his chest heaving, his eyes darting wildly in every direction, searching for her.

"Aarohi!" he shouted, his voice breaking, desperation lacing every syllable. He scanned the crowd, his heart hammering against his ribs. People turned to look at him, but no familiar face met his gaze.

Rushing to the information desk, he asked frantically about the Italy-bound flight. The staff member glanced at the screen before looking back at him with a neutral expression.

"Sir, the flight took off a few minutes ago."

The words hit him like a blow to the chest. His breath faltered, his knees buckled, and before he knew it, he had collapsed onto the cold, polished floor.

Tears streamed down his face, unchecked, unstoppable. His mind reeled, images flashing before his eyes—Aarohi’s laughter, the way she stole glances at him, the unspoken emotions between them. Every moment they had shared, every unsaid word, every stolen glance played in front of him like a cruel film.

"SHE LEFT… FOREVER," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.

And just like that, everything he had planned, every dream he had woven with her in it, shattered into pieces.

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