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"आधा सा वादा कभी ,आधे से ज्यादा कभी ,

जी चाहे कर लूं इस तरह वफ़ा का ,

छोड़े ना छूटे कभी , तोड़े ना टूटे कभी ,

जो धागा तुमसे जुड़ गया वफ़ा का ,

मैं तेरा सरमाया हूँ , जो मैं बन पाया हूँ ,

तुमसे ही , तुमसे ही.. रास्ते मिल जाते है ,

मंज़िले मिल जाती है तुमसे ही, तुमसे ही"

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Oberoi Mansion.....

Everyone was sitting quietly on the dining table including Rishit and Kartik as they were told to come home early as Meera, Rishit's mother wanted to discuss something.

Rishit was the first to break the silence. "Maa, aapko kya discuss karna hai?" His tone was casual, but curiosity flickered in his eyes.

( Mom, what do you want to discuss )

Meera placed her fork down, her eyes meeting Rishit's, unflinching and determined. "Bahut ho gaya Rishit. Mene bahut ladkiyan dekh li aur tumne bahut reject kar di. From now, no more blind dates," she said firmly.

( Enough Rishit, enough of me searching girls for you and enough of you rejecting them. From now, no more blind dates )

Rishit and Kartik exchanged shocked glances, neither expecting such a blunt statement.

A soft smile played on their faces after hearing her words, but their relief was short-lived. Meera wasn't done.

"Now," she continued, her voice firmer, "you will marry someone of my choice. And Rishit Oberoi, this is not a request-it's an order."

The smile vanished from Rishit's face, his brows furrowing in frustration. "It's not happening, Maa," he said, standing abruptly, his chair scraping the floor. Without waiting for a response, he stormed off toward his room, leaving his dinner untouched.

Kartik, unsure of what to say, looked over at Yash, Rishit's father, who simply shrugged as if to say, You know how your friend is. Kartik quickly excused himself from the table and followed Rishit upstairs.

He found Rishit standing in the balcony, his eyes fixed on the night sky. The cool breeze did nothing to calm the storm that was clearly raging within him.

Kartik sighed and moved to stand beside him. For a few moments, neither of them spoke, the silence stretching between them like a taut string.

Finally, Kartik broke the tension. "Kab tak, Rishit? Aakhir kab tak tu past mein jeeta rahega?" His voice was gentle but firm.

( How long, Rishit? How long will you keep living in the past )

Rishit turned his head slightly, his expression pained. "Mein kaise bhula du use, Kartik?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

( How can I forget her Kartik )

Kartik shook his head, understanding but not agreeing. "Mene kab kaha ki tu use bhula de?" he replied softly. "But at least give yourself a chance to love again, Rishit."

( I never told you to forget her )

Rishit's eyes darkened, and he turned back toward the night. "Mujhse nahi hoga," he muttered, his hands gripping the balcony railing tightly.

( I can't do this )

"Listen, Rishit, tujhe apne aap ko ek moka dena chahiye. Wo bhi to yahi chahti thi na," Kartik said softly, his voice full of understanding and encouragement.

( Listen Rishit, you should give yourself a chance, this is what she also wanted )

Rishit closed his eyes at the mention of her, the pain was too raw, too real.

Rishit clenched his jaw, his eyes clouded with doubt. "But kaise Kartik?" he asked, frustration lacing his words. "Kaise karu main yeh sab?"

( But how Kartik )

( How should I do this )

Kartik sighed, his patience never wavering. "Aunty ki baat maan le, bhale hi tu abhi shaadi mat kar, but at least usse mil to le. It's not a commitment, just one step forward." His tone was calm, a stark contrast to the storm brewing within Rishit.

( Listen to aunty, even if you don't get married right now, at least meet her. It's not a commitment, just one step forward )

Rishit remained silent, battling the war in his mind.

Kartik gave him a final pat on the back, his voice light but firm. "Main neeche jaa raha hoon. Jab bhi jawab tyaar ho, bata dena." And with that, Kartik walked out of the room, leaving Rishit alone with his thoughts.

( I am going downstairs, do tell me whenever your answer is ready )

As Kartik's footsteps faded down the stairs, a realization hit Rishit like a wave crashing against the shore-maybe Kartik was right. Maybe it was time to let go, not of the memories, but of the fear that had held him back for so long.

He should give himself a chance at love again. After all, wasn't that what she had wanted for him, too? The thought of her, with her soft smile and encouraging words, brought both pain and comfort. She would never have wanted him to be stuck in this cycle of sadness and loneliness.

His mother, Meera, was only trying to help him move on. Even if the idea of meeting someone new felt daunting, he knew deep down it was the right thing to do. At the very least, he owed it to himself-and most importantly to her-to try.

Rishit exhaled heavily and glanced at the empty balcony, the night sky still vast and endless above him. Maybe it was time for a new beginning.

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Rishit descended the stairs to find Kartik standing with his mother, Meera, who now wore a softer expression, evidently convinced by Kartik's persuasive words to not pressure her son about marriage. The tension that had filled the air earlier seemed to dissipate slightly, though Rishit's heart was still heavy.

He approached the dining table, where everyone had gathered. Letting out a long, deep sigh, he stood tall, taking a deep breath before speaking in a firm tone, "Okay, I will marry her, Maa."

A wave of relief and joy swept across the room, lighting up Meera's face. Kartik exchanged a glance with her, his expression one of silent victory.

Before they could fully process his words, Rishit added, "But I will not meet her before the wedding." His declaration was final. Without waiting for anyone's reaction, he turned on his heel and disappeared into his room, leaving behind a moment of stunned silence.

"Now, I will not force him for anything," Meera declared with determination, her voice filled with maternal warmth. "But I will make sure that he gets the best life partner." Everyone around the table nodded in agreement, the atmosphere calmer now that Meera had softened her stance.

Some time later, Kartik quietly made his way to Rishit's room. He found Rishit at his desk, deeply engrossed in his work, though it was clear that he was using it to distract himself from the whirlwind of emotions stirring inside him. Kartik sat beside him on the couch, his presence calm and reassuring.

"Tu usse milna kyu nahi chahta?" Kartik asked gently, breaking the silence.

( Why you don't want to meet her )

"Man nahi hai," Rishit replied, his eyes still fixed on the laptop screen, his voice detached.

( I don't fell like it )

"Kyun?" Kartik pressed softly.

( Why )

This time, Rishit finally looked up, meeting his eyes for the first time. "Mene shaadi ke liye to haan to bol diya hai, par mera dil nahi maan raha in sab ke liye, Kartik," he confessed, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

( I have said yes to marriage, but my heart is not agreeing to all this, Kartik )

Kartik placed a comforting hand on Rishit's shoulder. "What if...mujhe usse mohabbat nahi hui? Uski toh zindagi barbaad ho jaayegi na," Rishit continued, his voice laced with guilt.

( What if...I didn't fell in love with her? Her life would be ruined, right )

"Main kitni bhi koshish kar lu, par main usse woh jagah nahi de paaunga jo wo deserve karti hai," he added, his frustration and self-doubt bubbling to the surface.

( No matter how hard I try, I can never give her the place she deserves )

Kartik sighed softly, choosing his words carefully. "Itna negative mat soch, decision liya hai toh uspe bane reh," he said, his tone gentle but firm, trying to reassure his friend.

( Don't think so negatively, if you have taken a decision then stick to it )

Rishit's voice was quiet, almost pleading, as he asked, "Yeh mujhse hoga na, Kartik?"

( Can I do this, Kartik )

Kartik nodded, his eyes filled with understanding. "Hoga," he replied simply. "Chal, ab main chalta hoon. Zyada mat sochna, so jaana."

( Yes )

( Ok, I am leaving now. Don't think too much, go to sleep )

Rishit merely hummed in response, turning back to his laptop as Kartik stood up to leave, though his mind was far from at ease.

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Bangalore....

The night in Bangalore was quiet, with a faint breeze drifting through the windows, carrying with it the soft hum of the city that never truly sleeps. The living room was bathed in the warm, golden light of a single lamp, casting a gentle glow across the space. The air inside felt intimate, a cocoon of comfort and familiarity where conversations could linger late into the night.

Ved and Vidhan were sitting on the soft, plush couch in the living room, each engaged in their own work. The door creaked as Vidhi entered the room. The moment her delicate figure crossed the threshold, the atmosphere seemed to shift. Her presence, like a breath of fresh air, quietly filled the space.

Vidhan didn't notice her immediately, but Vidhi's eyes found him. For a second, she hesitated, her gaze lingering on his profile as he worked, unaware of her. The sight of him-his brow furrowed in concentration, his hair tousled from running his hands through it repeatedly-made her heart skip a beat.

But the moment their eyes met, Vidhi instinctively looked away, almost as if she'd been caught stealing a glance. She bit her lip, mentally chiding herself for being so obvious.

But Vidhan? He was far too enchanted to let the moment slip by so easily. He'd caught her looking, and in that fleeting instant, something stirred deep within him. His eyes followed her as she walked into the room, her footsteps soft but resonant.

She was dressed in a sky-blue chikankari kurta, its intricate embroidery was so delicate. The wide-legged jeans she paired it with gave her an effortless charm, making her look even more ethereal. The simplicity of her attire, with no jewelry adorning her, only magnified her natural beauty.

Vidhan felt his breath catch. She was stunning, more than that-she was captivating. Her grace, the way she carried herself, the softness in her expression-it all took his breath away. It wasn't just her physical beauty; it was something deeper, something in the way her presence filled the room and the quiet elegance that followed her. His heart skipped a beat, lost in a moment that felt too fragile to interrupt.

Just as Vidhan's thoughts spiraled further into admiration, Ved's voice cut through the room, pulling him back to reality. "Aao na, Vidhi. Bhatho" Ved's tone was casual.

( Come Vidhi, sit )

Vidhi nodded, her lips curling into a soft smile, and made her way to the couch, sitting beside Ved. Vidhan shifted slightly, feeling the weight of the unspoken words hanging between him and Vidhi.

Just as Vidhi settled on the couch, her phone rang, pulling her attention from the moment. She glanced at the screen and saw her mother's name flashing. Answering quickly, she heard her mother's voice brimming with excitement.

"Vidhi, aaj pata hai kya hua? Tere bhai ne shadi karne ke liye haa kar di." Meera said, barely able to contain her joy.

( Vidhi, do you know what happened today ? Your brother agreed to marry someone )

"Really, Maa?" Vidhi's tone matched her mother's excitement as she stood up from the couch, completely forgetting where she was. Ved and Vidhan exchanged confused glances, silently wondering what had prompted such enthusiasm but remaining unnoticed by her.

"Bas ab ladki dhoondhni hai," Meera continued, her voice lighter with anticipation. "Waise to ek ladki ka rishta aaya hai aur woh mujhe bahut pasand bhi hai."

( Now I have search a girl )

( Actually, I have got a proposal and I like her very much )

"Kaun, Maa?" Vidhi asked, her curiosity piqued.

( Who mom )

"Vaani Ahuja," Meera revealed.

Vidhi's brow furrowed slightly. "Vaani Ahuja... yeh naam to suna suna sa lag raha hai, Maa."

( Vaani Ahuja, I have heard this name mom )

Across the room, Ved and Vidhan exchanged another glance at the mention of their sister's name, their confusion growing. The significance of Vaani Ahuja clearly had not dawned on Vidhi yet.

Meera and Vidhi continued chatting, with Vidhi nodding along as her mother shared details. Once the call ended, Vidhi disconnected and sighed softly, her mind still on the conversation. Before she could sit back down, Ved chimed in, breaking the silence.

"Yeh Vaani Ahuja ke baare mein kya baat chal rahi thi?" Ved asked, his voice filled with curiosity.

( What were you talking about Vaani Ahuja )

"Oh, actually," Vidhi replied, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "There are talks going on about my brother's marriage with Vaani Ahuja."

Ved and Vidhan exchanged glances and said in unison, " Really ".

Vidhi nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "Haan, but yeh naam suna suna lag raha hai." She tilted her head as if searching her memory, but the answer remained elusive.

( Yes, but I have heard this name )

Ved, sensing the mood and eager to change the topic, grinned and said, "Arey yeh sab chhod, mujhe bulaegi shaadi mein?"

( Leave all this, just tell me, will you invite me in the wedding )

Vidhi laughed softly, grateful for the change in subject. "Obviously, bulaungi."

( Obviously, I will )

Vidhan, who had been quietly observing, leaned forward slightly, a playful glint in his eye. "Aur humein nahi bulaengi aap?" His tone was light, but there was a hint of teasing in his voice, as if testing the waters of their growing familiarity.

( Won't you invite me )

Vidhi felt her cheeks flush at his words. She glanced briefly at him, then looked away, her shy smile betraying her emotions. "Aap bhi aa jana, Ved ke saath," she mumbled, her eyes firmly on the floor, too embarrassed to meet his gaze.

( You can come with Ved )

Vidhan hummed in response, a soft, knowing sound that made her heart race even faster. Unable to bear the heat rising in her cheeks, Vidhi made an excuse. "Mujhe washroom jana hai," she muttered hastily before practically fleeing the room, her face as red as a tomato.

( I want to go washroom )

Ved and Vidhan watched her leave, both amused by her obvious attempt to hide her flustered state. They exchanged a quiet smile, each appreciating the unspoken shift in the air.

Vidhan, his thoughts still lingering on Vidhi's shy smile, stood up soon after, making his way to another room. His mind, however, stayed on the moment, realizing that the brief exchange had left him more affected than he cared to admit.

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As Vidhi stepped out of the washroom and made her way toward the living room, a hand swiftly reached out, pulling her into a nearby room.

The room she was pulled into was dimly lit, illuminated only by the soft glow of a single bedside lamp. The light was golden, casting long shadows that stretched across the walls, creating an intimate, almost dreamlike atmosphere. The curtains were half-drawn, allowing only the faintest sliver of moonlight to filter in from the night outside. The air inside felt heavier, charged with unspoken words and emotions.

Vidhi found herself backed against the wall, her breath hitching as she realized what had just happened. Two strong arms caged her in, pressing gently on either side of her, and she felt her heart race. Slowly, she lifted her gaze, her eyes meeting Vidhan's. He was standing so close that their faces were mere inches apart, the warmth of his breath mingling with hers in the small space between them. His expression was soft, a tender smile playing on his lips, but there was something more-an intensity in his eyes that made her pulse quicken.

"Yeh aap kya kar rahe hain?" Vidhi finally managed to whisper, her voice trembling slightly. Her eyes instinctively dropped to the floor, unable to meet his gaze for long. Vidhan's hand gently tilted her chin upward, making her to look at him once more.

( What are you doing )

"Ab batao," Vidhan's voice was low, almost a murmur, as he gazed deep into her eyes, "aap hame apne bhai ki shaadi mein bulaengi?"

( Now tell me )

( Will you invite menon your brother's wedding )

Vidhi blinked, trying to gather her thoughts in the midst of her pounding heart. "Ji, mene kaha to tha," she stammered, her voice quiet but steady. "Aap aa jana Ved ke saath."

( I told you )

( You can come with Ved )

Vidhan's teasing smile grew, and he leaned in just a little closer. "Ved to apke dost ke rishte se aayega... hum kis rishte se aayein?" His voice was playful, but the question lingered in the air, heavy with meaning.

( Ved will come as your friend...what relation do I come from )

Vidhi looked up at him, a rush of emotions flooding her as his words sank in. Her heart thudded quickly in her chest as she took a deep breath. She closed her eyes for a brief moment, summoning the courage to speak. When she opened them again, her gaze met his, and she spoke softly, "Aapke ek baat kahun?"

( Should I tell you something )

"Ji, kahiye," Vidhan replied, his voice barely above a whisper as he leaned even closer, their faces now just a breath apart. The proximity sent a flutter through her heart, making her feel lightheaded.

( Yes )

Vidhi took another deep breath, her voice trembling as she closed her eyes again and said, "Hum mohabbat karne lage hain aapse. Nahi pata kabse, bas itna pata hai ki aap hamari zindagi ban chuke hain... mohabbat ban chuke hain... ibadat ban chuke hain."

( I have started loving you. I don't know the reason, I just know that you have become my life... you have become my love... you have become my devotion )

Vidhan froze, his breath catching in his throat as he stood there, processing the words she had just spoken. His eyes, wide with emotion, seemed to reflect every feeling he had been hiding for so long.

Vidhi opened her eyes and saw the depth of his feelings-emotions so intense that no words could ever truly express them. His eyes were the proof of how long he had waited to hear these words from her.

"I love you, Vidhan Ahuja," Vidhi whispered, her confession filling the room like a soft, lingering echo. A single tear slipped down Vidhan's cheek, a tear he had been holding back for what felt like forever.

Seeing him cry, Vidhi's own heart ached. She reached up and gently cupped his face, her thumbs brushing away the tear as it slid down his skin. "Aap ro kyu rahe hain?" she asked, her voice breaking as she saw the depth of his emotions reflected in that single tear.

( Why are you crying )

"Aaj maine woh sun liya jo main kab se sunne ke liye taras raha tha," Vidhan replied, his voice thick with emotion. A soft smile broke through the tears as he looked at her, his heart overwhelmed by the moment. Vidhi's hands remained on his cheeks, her touch warm and comforting.

( Today, I heard what I had been waiting to hear for a long time )

"Tum nahi jaanti, Vidhi," Vidhan continued, his voice filled with raw emotion, "tum mere liye kya ho... tum mera sab kuch ho, Vidhi."

( You don't know Vidhi )

( Who you are to me....you are my everything Vidhi )

A silence settled between them, thick with the weight of their confessions, yet so light with the relief of finally speaking the truth. Vidhan leaned closer, his forehead resting gently against hers, their breaths mingling as they stood there, hearts beating as one.

"I love you too, Vidhi Oberoi," Vidhan finally whispered, the words slipping from his lips with a tenderness that made the entire room feel brighter. Another tear traced down his cheek, but this time it was one of joy, of release.

In that moment, they both knew-this was more than love. It was everything they'd ever needed.

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Finally Vidhi and Vidhan confessed their feelings to each other.

And Rishit is ready for -- A New Beginning

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( Id - author_roohi_ )

Link in the bio....do check it out...♡

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Thanks for reading....♡

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Roohi

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