[4]

"हर शाम में आँखों पर, तेरा आँचल लहराए ,

हर रात यादों की, बारात ले आए ,

मैं सांस लेता हूँ, तेरी खुशबू आती है ,

एक महका महका सा, पैगाम लाती है ,

मेरे दिल कि धड़कन भी, तेरे गीत गाती है ,

पल पल दिल के पास, तुम रहती हो"

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It was 3 in the morning, and Rishit sat alone in his balcony, the only sound being the soft whisper of the cold wind brushing against him. The night was still, illuminated by a blanket of stars that twinkled silently above. His eyes, however, were fixed on something closer to him-a small photo frame clutched tightly in his hands, pressed against his heart as though it held the warmth he craved.

His fingers trembled slightly, tracing the edges of the photograph, a delicate relic of a past that felt both near and distant. The image in the picture showed a face he had once known intimately, a smile that had once lit up his world. Now, it was all that remained, a fragile reminder of what was, and what could never be again.

The cold bit at his skin, but Rishit barely noticed. His thoughts were far away, lost in the memories tied to that photo-late-night conversations, shared laughter, and the comfort of knowing someone was there. Yet tonight, as he stared at the sky, he felt a hollow ache that echoed through the stillness, a longing that words could not fill.

Time seemed suspended, as if the night itself were mourning with him. He let out a slow breath, his gaze lifting to the sky, as if hoping to find answers among the stars. But they only twinkled back, distant and indifferent.

"Wo Rishit Oberoi jo tumse shaadi karna chahta tha, jo tumhare saath apni zindagi jeena chahta tha, wahi Rishit Oberoi ne aaj kisi aur ke saath shaadi karne ke liye haan kar di," Rishit muttered, his voice trembling as he held the photo frame close to his chest. His eyes were glassy, filled with pain, and his fingers tightened around the frame as though it could bring back the warmth he had lost.

( That Rishit Oberoi who wanted to marry you, who wanted to live his life with you, the same Rishit Oberoi has today said yes to marrying someone else )

"Jo meri zindagi thi, wo aaj sirf meri yaad bankar reh gayi hai," he continued, his voice barely more than a whisper, laced with an unbearable sadness. Tears welled up in his eyes, blurring the face in the photograph, but he didn't wipe them away. He didn't care. The void in his heart felt too deep, too all-consuming.

( My life is now just a memory to me )

His gaze shifted upward toward the starry sky, searching for something-answers, solace, anything. The stars above twinkled in their eternal, indifferent beauty, but for Rishit, they held no comfort. He exhaled shakily, his breath visible in the chilly air, and spoke as if addressing God himself.

"Use aap par bahut vishwas tha," Rishit's voice cracked, raw with emotion. "Kya wo aapko itni pasand thi ki aapne use apne paas bula liya? Kya ek baar bhi nahi socha ki koi hai jo usse beinteha mohabbat karta hai? Aapne ek baar bhi nahi socha ki uske bina mera kya hoga?" His tone shifted from sorrow to a mixture of disbelief and bitterness as he questioned the heavens, his heart aching with a pain that had no remedy.

(She had a lot of faith in you )

( Did you like her so much that you called her to you? Did you not think even once that there is someone who loves her immensely? Did you not think even once what would happen to me without her? )

His hand trembled as he ran his fingers over the glass covering Nandini's face in the photo, her smile frozen in time, a memory of the happiness they once shared. He could almost hear her laugh, feel her warmth, but it was all just a cruel illusion.

"Aapne ek baar bhi nahi socha," he choked, his voice barely audible, "ki kaise zinda rahega Rishit Oberoi, Nandini Mathur ke bina?" His words hung in the cold air, unanswered, as if the universe had turned its back on his suffering.

( You didn't even think once )

( How Rishit Oberoi will survive without Nandini Mathur? )

Rishit closed his eyes for a moment, fighting back the wave of emotions crashing inside him. The world had moved on, yet he remained trapped in his grief, frozen in the moment Nandini had left him-taken away too soon, without a warning, without a goodbye. Every beat of his heart echoed the emptiness she had left behind, and the future felt like an unbearable weight.

As he opened his eyes again, he looked once more at the photo in his hands. His voice faltered as he whispered, "Meri zindagi tum thi, Nandini. Tumhe nhi pata ki kaise bitayein h mene ye 2 saal tumhare bina ?" His tears finally fell, streaking down his face as the silence of the night enveloped him.

( You were my life Nandini, you don't know how I had spent these 2 years without you )

Rishit's shoulders slumped, the weight of his sorrow pressing down on him like a physical burden. He sat back in the chair, his grip on the photo frame loosening, but he didn't let go. It was the last connection he had to Nandini, the woman who had been his whole world, the one who had filled his life with purpose. And now, that purpose was gone.

He closed his eyes, letting the cool night air wash over him, but it did nothing to soothe the ache inside. His mind drifted back to the countless moments they had shared-their laughter, their dreams, the simple beauty of being in each other's presence. He remembered how she would look at him with those eyes, full of love and mischief, as if the world outside didn't matter as long as they were together.

But those moments were gone, snatched away by a cruel twist of fate. He had never imagined that one day he would be sitting here, alone, talking to the stars, with nothing but memories to keep him company. Rishit let out a bitter laugh, his voice hollow.

"Tumne kaha tha na, Nandini, ki humesha saath rahenge? Tum toh itni zaroori thi meri zindagi mein ke maine kabhi socha hi nahi tha ke tum nahi rahogi." His words were barely more than a whisper now, as if speaking too loudly would shatter whatever fragile grip he still had on reality.

( Did you say, Nandini, that we will always be together? You were so important in my life that I never thought that you will not be there )

The stars twinkled above, silent and unchanging, as if mocking the smallness of his pain compared to the vastness of the universe. Rishit wiped a tear from his cheek, but it was futile. More tears followed, and he let them fall freely now.

"Aaj bhi mein tumse pyaar karta hoon, Nandini," he said, his voice breaking. "Aur humesha karta rahunga. Tumhara jaane ka dard kabhi kam nahi hoga ".

( I still love you, Nandini )

( And I always will. The pain of you leaving me will never lessen )

His heart was heavy, filled with a grief that refused to fade. Every breath felt like a struggle, every moment a reminder of her absence. He had tried to move on, tried to rebuild his life, but everything felt meaningless without her.

"Kya yeh galat hai?" he wondered aloud, his voice barely audible in the stillness of the night. "Kya yeh galat hai ke main kisi aur ke saath zindagi guzarne wala hoon, jab meri rooh ab bhi tumhari hai?"

( Is it wrong )

( Is it wrong that I am going to spend my life with someone else, when my soul still belongs to you )

He didn't have the answers, and maybe he never would. All he knew was that the love he had for Nandini was eternal, something that time and circumstance couldn't erase. But the world kept moving, demanding that he move with it, even as his heart remained anchored in the past.

He stood up, feeling the cold seep into his bones, but it wasn't just the cold of the night-it was the cold of loss, of loneliness, of a future without her. As he walked back inside, he whispered softly into the darkness, "Main tumhe kabhi nahi bhool paunga, Nandini. Is dil mein jo jagah tumhari h wo tumhari hi rahegi."

And with that, he closed the door to the balcony, leaving behind the night sky and the stars that held his unspoken prayers. But even as he tried to move forward, he knew that a part of him would always remain on that balcony, under that sky, holding onto the memory of the love he had lost.

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Oberoi Mansion....

The day had finally arrived, and Meera Oberoi was bursting with excitement, although she kept a calm and composed exterior. Vaidehi, Vaani's mother, had informed her the previous evening about the upcoming meeting between the Ahujas and the Oberois. Meera was over the moon, knowing that Vaani, the girl she had been eyeing as a potential daughter-in-law, would be meeting her son, Rishit, today.

She could easily see Vaani fitting perfectly into their family, bringing a fresh, lively energy to balance her son's otherwise serious and focused nature. But what truly made her decision was Vaidehi's revelation-that Vaani harbored feelings for Rishit. Hearing that made Meera's heart swell with joy.

Having already acquired Vaani's contact number from Vaidehi, Meera decided to make a call. The phone rang just a couple of times before a bright, curious voice answered.

"Hello, kon bol raha hai?" Vaani's polite tone was tinged with a hint of confusion.

( Hello, who is this calling )

Meera couldn't help but smile as she responded, her voice playful yet warm, "Tumhari sasu maa... Sunne mein aaya hai aaj aap hamare bete se milne wali h."

( Your mother-in-law...I have heard that you are going to meet my son today )

There was a moment of silence on the other end, then a soft giggle. "Oh, Namaste Sasu maa, bilkul sahi suna hai aapne," Vaani replied, her voice carrying a mixture of shyness and excitement. It was clear she hadn't expected Meera to call, but she was more than delighted.

( Oh, hello mother-in-law, you heard it right )

Meera's smile widened. She liked this girl even more now-her humility and the genuine respect in her tone were exactly what she wanted for her son. Afterward, Meera imparted some guidance on how she might best impress her son.

With that, Meera disconnected the call, her heart brimming with anticipation. She was confident Vaani would leave a lasting impression on her son, but there was one thing Meera kept to herself-Rishit had no idea that the girl his mother had chosen was none other than Vaani Ahuja.

Meera's plan was to stay out of the way, allowing Rishit to draw his own conclusions. She trusted her son's instincts but also knew that his pragmatic nature sometimes clouded his emotions.

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Oberoi Industries Office...

"Aaj hamari meeting hai na Ahujas ke saath?" Rishit asked, glancing at his phone to confirm the details once again.

( Today, our meeting is scheduled with Ahujas, right )

"Haan, Rishit. 11 baje hai," Kartik replied with a nod, keeping his focus on the documents in front of him.

( Yes Rishit, at 11 am )

Rishit leaned back in his chair, tapping his pen thoughtfully against the desk. The Ahuja Group was a significant player in the market, and this collaboration could open up new avenues for his company. Today's meeting would involve finalizing the details with Vaani Ahuja, the youngest and most dynamic member of the Ahuja family.

He had heard a lot about Vaani - sharp, intelligent, and a rising star in the business world. While they had crossed paths a few times at various business parties, this would be their first in-depth discussion as business partners. For him, it was purely professional, but he was aware of his mother's excitement about this meeting.

Unbeknownst to Rishit, Vaani's anticipation for this meeting had nothing to do with the merger they were discussing.What Rishit saw as a business interaction was, for her, a chance to be closer to someone who had unknowingly captured her heart.

"Rishit?" Kartik's voice interrupted his thoughts. "Ready?"

"Yeah," Rishit nodded, collecting his files. "Let's get this done."

For him, it was just another day at work. But for Vaani and his mother, this meeting could mark the beginning of something far more significant.

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Bangalore....

Bangalore evenings are filled with a certain charm - the soft golden glow of the setting sun mixes with the cool breeze that sweeps through the city. The streets are abuzz with people wrapping up their day, a mix of hurried footsteps and the hum of traffic, yet there's an unmistakable calmness in the air.

Inside Vidhan's house, the living room is softly lit, casting a cozy glow on the plush furniture. As Ved rushed in announcing, "Vidhan bhai, bhabhi ayi h", earning a playful smack from Vidhi.

"Puch, mara kyu", Ved rubbed his back, feigning a dramatic expression of pain.

( Why'd you hit me )

"Why else? Because you're always up to mischief," Vidhi replied with a mock glare, her eyes still betraying a hint of laughter.

"Haa mara kyu mere bhai ko, sahi hi to bol raha tha, bhabhi hi to ho tum iski", Vidhan chimed in, grinning mischievously as he closed the distance between them. His casual words made Vidhi blush a soft crimson, her usual composed demeanor giving way to shy embarrassment.

( Yeah, why'd you hit my little brother? He's right, you know. You are his bhabhi )

Before she could protest, Vidhan smoothly intervened, " Ved, Teri bhabhi ghar ayi h, ja kitchen se kuch lekar aa".

( Ved, go grab something from the kitchen. Your bhabhi is home, after all )

Ved smirked. "Just say you want some alone time with your girlfriend, bhai," he teased, earning himself another smack from Vidhi.

"Nikal yaha se, and don't show your face for the next hour!" Vidhi half-laughed, half-scolded, trying to maintain a stern look. Ved merely grinned and shrugged, making a show of his tragic fate.

"Ye bahut badi nainsafi ho rahi h mere sath, iska badla lunga mein", he declared dramatically before stomping off to his room.

( This is total injustice! I'll remember this betrayal )

Left alone in the living room, a gentle silence enveloped Vidhan and Vidhi. They sat beside each other on the couch, close enough that the warmth of their shoulders brushing together was comforting. Vidhan slowly intertwined his fingers with hers, a soft, tender gesture that made her cheeks flush again. Her eyes lowered as a shy smile curved her lips.

"Aapne khana khaya?" Vidhi broke the silence hesitantly, looking up at him through her lashes.

Vidhan shook his head. "Nahi, tumne?"

"Abhi nahi," she replied softly.

"Then you're having dinner with me tonight," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument. Vidhi nodded, her gaze still lingering on their joined hands.

"Okay, you sit here. I'll go get dinner ready," Vidhan offered, starting to get up.

"Kya aunty leave par hai?" Vidhi asked curiously, surprised that he was the one offering to cook.

( Is aunty on leave )

Vidhan nodded, giving a small smile.

Vidhi's expression shifted to one of determination. "Then I'll help too. And I don't want to hear a word against it. That's final," she stated firmly, getting up before Vidhan could protest.

He sighed but nodded in agreement. "Okay".

The two of them moved into the kitchen, a compact but modern space filled with the warm scent of spices and fresh vegetables. Vidhan opened the fridge, glancing around. "How about sandwiches?" he suggested.

Vidhi grinned. "Perfect!

Vidhi stood beside Vidhan, rolling up her sleeves, determined to assist him in making sandwiches. The cozy kitchen felt even smaller with their proximity. Vidhan couldn't help but smile as he watched her carefully spread butter on the slices of bread.

"Be careful, tumhe lag jayega," Vidhan murmured softly, reaching out instinctively to guide her hand when she almost nicked her finger with the knife. His touch was gentle but sent a surge of warmth through her. Vidhi looked up, meeting his gaze. For a moment, they were lost in each other's eyes, the world outside fading away.

( Be careful, you'll hurt yourself )

"I'm fine, Vidhan," she whispered, her voice barely audible, as if afraid to break the delicate atmosphere between them. Yet, she didn't pull her hand away.

He didn't move either, his thumb brushing lightly over the back of her hand. "I just...don't want you to get hurt," he said, his voice low and earnest. The intensity in his gaze made her heart flutter.

The air felt charged, an electric current buzzing around them. Without breaking eye contact, Vidhan leaned in slightly, his face inches from hers. Vidhi's breath hitched, the room suddenly feeling warmer than it should. His closeness, the way he was looking at her, made her feel light-headed.

But then, breaking the spell, he let out a playful smile. "You know what? Maybe...just leave the knife aside. I don't want you to end up bandaging your hand and my heart in the process."

Vidhi blinked, her cheeks coloring. "Aap bhi na," she murmured, smiling shyly as she nudged him lightly with her shoulder. Her nervousness dissipated slightly as he took a step back, giving her space but still close enough for her to feel his presence.

"Fine, I'll handle the cutting," Vidhan declared, taking the knife and skillfully slicing through the vegetables. Vidhi watched him, amazed at the ease with which he moved. She bit her lip, trying to focus on her task of toasting the bread instead of how effortlessly handsome he looked.

After a few minutes, Vidhan handed her a perfectly sliced tomato. "Madam, aapke liye."

Vidhi couldn't help but giggle, taking it from him. "Thank you, chef," she replied, her eyes twinkling. They fell into a comfortable rhythm, working side by side, exchanging glances and light banter as they assembled the sandwiches.

Once they were done, Vidhan took one and brought it near her lips. "Taste and tell me how it is," he insisted.

She hesitated but leaned forward, taking a small bite. The moment her lips touched the bread, his gaze softened, lingering on her mouth. "It's good," she murmured, cheeks flushed. "Perfect."

Vidhan's grin widened, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Tumhare liye banaya hai, so it had to be perfect," he said softly.

( It is made for you, so it had to be perfect )

Vidhi looked down, her heart pounding. It felt surreal, standing in this small kitchen with him, sharing such a simple moment that meant so much more. Slowly, she gathered her courage and looked up at him again.

"Vidhan," she started, voice soft and tentative, "I-"

But before she could continue, Vidhan gently tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. His touch lingered, his fingers trailing down her cheek. "Vidhi," he murmured, his voice husky and full of emotions. "You don't need to say anything. I feel it too."

The weight of unspoken words hung between them. For a moment, everything else ceased to exist-the sandwiches, the kitchen, the evening outside. It was just them, wrapped in each other's presence, in a small corner of a big, bustling city.

Unable to resist, Vidhan took a step closer, closing the remaining distance. Vidhi's breath caught as his hand gently cupped her face, his thumb brushing over her cheek. Slowly, almost cautiously, he leaned in, his forehead resting lightly against hers.

Then, as if following a silent cue, Vidhan moved forward and pulled her gently into a warm embrace. His arms wrapped around her shoulders, drawing her closer. Vidhi let out a soft sigh, her own hands instinctively circling his waist, finding comfort in his presence. They held each other, the world shrinking until it was just the two of them, hearts beating in sync.

Vidhan's chin rested lightly atop her head, his fingers gently caressing her back in soothing patterns. "You're everything I ever wanted," he murmured, his voice a gentle caress against her hair.

Vidhi's heart felt like it would burst. She smiled, a soft, radiant smile that lit up her face even as she remained nestled against his chest. "And you...you're my everything, Vidhan."

They stayed like that for a moment longer, savoring the peace of the evening and the new chapter they had just begun. Outside, the Bangalore sky darkened, the city lights starting to twinkle, but inside that small kitchen, a new light had just sparked-a love that would only grow brighter.

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♡ Nandini Mathur ♡

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Also do check out my new book : VOW OF PROTECTION - A Life long Promise

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Thanks for reading...

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Roohi

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