[16]
The next morning echoed with the familiar chaos of a typical Indian wedding. Everywhere people bustling about, each engrossed in various tasks that contributed to the overall preparations.
Shashwat was sitting alone with a little child in his lap. A random lady had handed him the baby, seeking comfort, and being the good-hearted person he was, he accepted the responsibility with a warm smile.
Ritika was chopping onions with Darsh and Reyansh while Arav , Richa and Arushi were shelling peas.
Meanwhile, Siya and Akash occupied a corner, with Siya's mobile enjoying watching reels.
Siya couldn't help but gaze at Shashwat, who was gently pampering the baby. His gentle gestures and warm smile melted her heart.
At that moment, a thought crossed her mind—a vision of Shashwat tenderly handling their own baby in the future.
“Chiiiii!!” Realising , She almost shouted, gaining everyone's attention.
Shashwat raised his eyebrows asking her what happened and she nodded her head looking at her mobile.
“What happened? Why did you shout?” Akash asked with blank expressions.
“Nothing bhaiya..See this reel.” She quickly changed the topic and they again looked at her mobile.
“Hahahaah!! That was too funny. Ayein??” Akash said, mimicking the reels.
“Baigan.” Siya replied and they both burst out laughing!
“Scroll down.” Akash said as they watched the next reel.
‘Bathroom me jaa ke nimbu kat dene se ek tarfa pyar bhi ya 100 percent chhor kar chale jane wale ko bhi jabardasti kheench kar lane ki Shakti pradan karta hai.’
As they saw the reels both looked at each other and then at the phone.
“So what do you think?” Akash asked, raising his eyebrows.
“A.. about what?” She asked.
“Arrr totka karne ke liye ye vala. Dekh tujhe bhi Shashwat ko patana hai aur mujhe Richa ko. So let's try it. ” Akash said with a grin, making her eyes widen.
[See you also have to impress Shashwat and I want to impress Richa.]
“Wh..what? K..kya kisko patana? Hame samajh nahi aaya.” She gulped.
[What? Impress who?? I didn't understood.]
“Don't lie in front of me. We know everything.” He said and she looked at him in shock.
“We?? Who are we??” She asked .
“I..i mean I and Darsh.” He covered up.
“ How do you know?” She asked nervously.
“Arre teri shakal pe likha hua hai that you love my friend. Don't worry I won't tell him.” He reassured her and muttered.
“Because he already knows.”
“Hein?” Unable to hear his last words she asked.
“Nothing nothing. Tell me, will you try this technique?” He asked and she grinned.
As they returned back from the kitchen after stealing one knife and two lemons. Shashwat frowned looking at Siya who was walking with a knife in her hand.
“Where are you both going with this knife?” He asked keeping patting the head of the baby who was sleeping on his arms.
“Nimbu pani banane.” Akash said and left from there dragging Siya with him.
[To make nimbu pani.]
“Pehle you go and after that I will.” Akash said and she nodded and entered the bathroom.
Meanwhile, Arushi was in the garden when she got her classmate’s call. As made her way back from the garden after attending a call, Vihan unexpectedly blocked her path, a sinister glint in his eyes. She ignored him and tried to move but he again blocked her path.
“Where are you running from me baby?” He asked moving close to her.
“Leave my way.” She said with a glare but instead he held her wrist.
Arushi, jerking her hand back, responded with a tight slap.
“Stay away from me! Otherwise..” Warned Arushi sternly.
“What will you do? I'm the son of the bride's father's best friend, and Siya's friend too.
If you open your mouth, it'll create a scene at the wedding.
And I know very well how much that uncle respects my father.
And siya's parents are also too close to my parents.” He said and pulled her closer holding her wrist.
Suddenly, someone pushed Vihan hard, causing him to tumble to the ground. Arushi turned to find Reyansh, his eyes simmering with anger, glaring at Vihan.
“Don't you dare to misbehave with her Vihan!!” Came his dangerous voice as he made him stand holding his collar.
"Reyansh!! Who the hell are you to speak on behalf of her? It's our personal matter. ” Vihaan asked, in anger. He looked at Arushi and again held her hand.
“Arushi, you have to accept my proposal.”
“Reyansh is my boyfriend. We're in a committed relationship.” Arushi, blurted out unsure how else to get rid of him removing her hand from his grip.
Reyansh, stunned by her unexpected declaration, tried to hide his shocked expression.
“This is a lie! You can't be in a relationship with him,"He asserted and tried to hold her wrist again.
Reyansh forcefully pushed Vihaan away, acknowledging Arushi's statement.
"Believe it or not, we are in a relationship. Stay away from her. Otherwise you won't be able to count your own teeths.” He warned, sensing the need to protect Arushi, while Arushi looked at him surprised .
“Jhuth keh rahe ho tum log. I have every piece of information about Arushi's life. I know she is single.” He said arrogantly.
"Your information is wrong this time," said Reyansh, with a confident smile.
“I'll expose everything to everyone," he declared.
“I witnessed your inappropriate behaviour with Arushi.
I will tell everyone that she rejected you, that's why you are doing this drama.
And I know my father believes my words. If you attempt to create any scene, be prepared for the consequences.
Arushi's father is a commissioner, and you won't escape unscathed.
If you want to avoid trouble, it's best you leave now and stay away from her.” Reyansh, said and smirked confidently.
"I will find out the truth. You can't hide it.”
Vihaan said , still sceptical about their relationship before moving inside.
Reyansh, expecting an explanation, turned to Arushi and Vihaan walked away. Arushi took a deep breath, preparing to reveal the unsettling truth.
"I'm sorry for lying about our relationship. The truth is, he's my stalker," she confessed, her voice trembling.
“Vihaan had been following me for the past two years, repeatedly proposing, and facing rejection each time. There was a period when he stopped talking to me, and I assumed he had moved on. I had never shared this with anyone, thinking he had forgotten about me but yesterday I found out that he is your family friend.” She said and he was looking at her.
"Arushi, you should tell everyone the truth.”Reyansh, still processing the revelation, suggested.
"I don't want to create a scene at the wedding. Ho sakta hai hamare families me jhagda ho jaye iss baat pe. You know na these small things can cause so much trouble.” She said hesitantly.
“This is not a small thing, Arushi.” He said and she sighed and stated.
“I know..but I can't take any risk na. Siya shared that because of Ashi didi’s skin colour, it was challenging to find a good alliance. Now that she's found a loving home and husband, I don't want to create any trouble here.”
Reyansh, gazing at Arushi, couldn't help but admire her selflessness. Her worry for Ashi's well-being, putting his sister's happiness above her own, echoed deeply with him.
“And I am sorry again. I didn't know how else to escape from the situation," she apologises looking down.
“It's okay. We can continue this drama in front of him for now, but after the wedding, I will tell his truth to everyone.” Reyansh reassured her and she smiled at him .
“We should go inside.” She said and they entered inside.
Akash settled down next to Shashwat, who was still attentively cradling the baby in his arms.
“Where were you??” Shashwat asked.
“Washroom me tha Siya ke sath.” He said and Shashwat gasped in shock.
[I was in washroom with Siya.]
“WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU SAYINGGGGG!!!” He yelled at him, making the baby flinch in his sleep.
“I..i mean wo ham dono alag alag washroom me the yaar..” He cleared himself and Shashwat sighed.
[We were in different washrooms.]
“To tameez se bata nahi sakta tha? Gadha kahin ka. Richa sahi kehti hai tere baare me bewkuf hai ek number ka.” He said with a glare and he smiled sheepishly.
[You should say like that. Donkey.]
“You know we tried a totka.” Akash told him with a grin and he frowned.
“Totka?” Shashwat asked, confused.
“Arre abhi we both saw a baba ji’s video and he told me that bathroom me nimbu kaatne se ek tarfa pyar bhi khicha chala aata hai. And we both are one sided lovers na.” said Akash with a pout.
[He said that by cutting lemon on washroom we will attract our crush.]
“Seriously!! Nimbu?? Kya bakwas hai ye! Tum dono na pagal ho bilkul.” he said and shook his head.
[What is this rubbish. You both are crazy.]
“Arre don't doubt babaji's totka. Dekhna you will start feeling attracted towards her.” Akash said, winking at him.
“Uske liye inn sab ki zarurat nahi thi.” Shashwat muttered under his breath.
[There was no need of any totka for this.]
“What?” Akash asked, looking at him kneely.
“N.. Nothing. I was saying that this all is rubbish. Ye sab pe kaise bharosa kar sakte ho tum log?” He said smacking on his head.
[How could you believe in this rubbish.]
“Arre it will work na. See my Richu is coming. Dekhna ab to wo mere pyar me padi hi padi.” Akash said in confidence and Shashwat actioned him to talk to her.
[See she will fell for me.]
“Heyy Richu aao na baitho mere pass.” He said with a grin.
[Come and sit with me.]
“Shakal dekhi hai apni? Aaye bade paas baithane vale.” She said, glaring at him and left from there while Shashwat burst out laughing.
[Have you seen your face?]
“Ho gaya na?” He said and mimicked him
“Don't doubt babaji's totka.”
“That means that baba is dhongi. Poor Siya.” Akash said with a pout while he chuckled.
Meanwhile Siya and Richa pushed Arushi lightly from back making her startled.
“Kahan gayab thi tum dono? I was searching for you both.” Richa asked, sitting on the dining chair .
“Arre you know aaj humne ek totka Kiya.” Siya said excitedly and told them everything while they both laughed at her.
“Tu bhi na ! Inn sab se kuch nahi hota hai bewakoof. " Arushi said slapping on her forehead.
"Wahi to.. ek baar maine bhi try kiya tha kisine bataya tha ki gaay ko roti khilane se exam me bina padhe pass ho jate hain so I believed but mai fail ho gayi thi. Aur uske baad mummy ne jo mere shakal roti jaisi kar di thi uska kya bataun." Richa said making them laugh.
In the hushed atmosphere of midnight, Shashwat felt a gentle tap on his shoulder. He opened his eyes and found Darsh standing there.
“What are you doing here at this time?” He whispered, rubbing his eyes.
“Aap chalo pehle.” Darsh said, dragging into the garden, where everyone had gathered, Shashwat's eyes eagerly scanned the surroundings searching for someone but that person wasn't present there.
“What are you doing here??” He asked with a confused expression.
“We're sneaking out for an ice cream party. Chalo.” Ritika said with a mischievous glint in her eyes.
“It's time to sleep, and I don't want to sneak out without informing the elders.” Shashwat said and everyone slapped their foreheads.
“Tu na jada agyakari beta mat ban ab. Isko kuch jada hi rehta hai yaar. Chal chup chap.” Reyansh said and Akash nodded his head.
[Don't be this obedient. Come with us.]
“Shashwat it will be fun yaar. Come with us na. Mai vaise bhi bore ho jaungi tumhare bina.” Kanak said standing with one of Siya's cousin. And the girls looked at each other making faces while Darsh and Akash also exchanged glances.
[What I will do without you.]
"You all can go, but I won't come.” He replied while everyone rolled their eyes at him.
Just then, his eyes caught Siya making her way towards the garden looking in her Phone. As she reached near him they looked at each other for a second and she walked towards her friends gazing down while he also shifted his gaze.
“I..I think ab tum log itni request kar rahe ho I should join you all.” He said suddenly feeling an unexpected urge to join.
[I should join you all as you are requesting.]
“Acchaa?? Achanak se??” Arav , Darsh and Akash asked in unison, raising their eyebrows.
“Haa..I mean mujhe accha nahi lag raha aise mana karna.” He said and his brothers and Akash gave him a suspicious look.
[I am not liking to deny you all.]
Kanak smiled, interpreting it as a victory, thinking he agreed for her sweet request.
“But kaise jayenge ??” He asked as they walked.
[How will we go?]
“Shivam bhaiya ki car hai na..I asked for his keys.” Arav said.
“But car me itne log kaise aa payenge?” Siya asked .
“Aree don't worry baba. Maine Shivam bhaiya ki car ki keys ke sath Rishab bhaiya ke bike ki keys bhi maang li hai. So some of us will adjust in car aur do log bike se chalenge.” Akash said and they nodded.
“Come everyone take your seats.” Arav said and everyone quickly entered the car leaving Shashwat and Siya outside.
“Shashwat tum Siya ke sath bike pe aa jaa.” Reyansh said and while Akash threw the car keys towards him with a teasing smirk.
[Come with Siya on bike.]
“Guys I am also unable to adjust..” Kanak said and was about to get down from the car but Arav locked the car from inside and started the car.
“Kanak everyone is adjusting na so you also should.” Arav said with a fake smile.
As the others departed in the car, leaving Shashwat and Siya alone, he glanced at her while she fidgeted with her mobile, gaze fixed downward. Shashwat sat on his bike and gestured for her to join him and she went towards him with a sigh.
“Iss baar gir mat jana.” He said and she covered her face with palms embarrassed while he smiled looking at her through the mirror.
[Sit carefully.]
As they settled on the bike, Shashwat started the engine, causing a sudden jerk.
In that moment, Siya's hand instinctively clutched his shirt from the shoulder, momentarily halting his heartbeat while his breath hitched.
A blush spread across his face as she quickly withdrew her hand, her own cheeks tinged with a rosy hue.
“Sorry.” They both said together.
"Vaise Akash was telling me that you were doing some kind of totka." He said making her eyes popped out.
"Wh..what?? Hame samajh nahi aaya." She stammered while he controlled his chuckle looking at her reaction through mirror.
"Wo mujhe kya pata! That's why I am asking you na." He said and she gulped.
"Haan that was to pass the exam without studying." She said finally finding an excuse while he chuckled silently.
The next morning in Udaipur, the market came alive with vibrant colors and bustling energy.
The group, including Shashwat, Siya, and their friends, strolled through the lively streets adorned with shops showcasing traditional Rajasthani artifacts, colorful fabrics, and intricate jewelry.
The aroma of street food wafted through the air as they explored the market's hidden gems, capturing the essence of Udaipur's rich culture
The youngsters decided to explore some places at Udaipur. Meanwhile, the elders dived into the lively markets, carefully selecting special items for the bride, groom, and the wedding itself.
The streets echoed with the sounds of laughter and traditional music, creating a lively atmosphere. Vihan observed Reyansh and Arushi from across the lively gathering, his brows furrowed. Despite their claim of being in a relationship, they were not even giving a glance to each other.
Reyansh, catching Vihan's spectacle gaze, swiftly moved beside Arushi, who was strolling alongside Divya. He holds her hand secretly making her gasp in shock. Reyansh gestured for Arushi to direct her attention towards Vihan.
Arushi understood the scene and started blushing dramatically. Reyansh, rolling his eyes at Arushi's dramatic blush.
“Umm Divya, Richa was calling you." Divya nodded and moved towards Richa.
“Itni overacting mat karo.” He said in a low voice with a smile.
Meanwhile , Shashwat observed Siya engrossed in conversation with Arav, their laughter echoing through the air.
“Sabse baat karti hai except me.” He muttered to himself looking at her.
[She talks with everyone except me.]
“Kuch kaha aapne?” Darsh asked, walking behind him.
[Did you said anything?]
“Kuch suna aapne?” He asked him back.
[Did you listened anything?]
“Nahi.” Darsh replied.
[No.]
“To maine bhi kuch nahi kaha.” He said with a tight lipped smile and again glanced at Siya.
[Than I also didn't said anything.]
Sensing Shashwat's eyes on her, Siya glanced in his direction. Their eyes met briefly, and Shashwat, caught off guard, swiftly shifted his gaze elsewhere. Meanwhile Richa was walking with Divya and Kanak was walking with Siya's cousins.
“Yaar bhukh lag rahi hai.” Ritika said, gaining everyone's attention.
[I am feeling hungry.]
“Pehle kuch khaa lete hain.” Arav said and Ritika smirked.
[We should eat something.]
“Kyun? Tumhe kyun mere bhukh ki itni chinta hai??” She asked, hitting on his shoulder and he rolled his eyes.
[Why are you worried for my hunger?]
“Shut Up! I was also feeling hungry, that's why I said.” He said while everyone chuckled at them.
As they decided to eat something before continuing their journey, they all moved towards a small stall. Everyone took their place and Siya was standing alone glaring at her friends who sat without her.
Shashwat, noticing Siya searching for a seat, cleared his throat, catching her attention. He subtly shifted, creating space for her, his gaze lowered. Siya, suppressing a grin at the unspoken, prepared to take the offered spot.
But just then Kanak swiftly claimed the seat, making her stand at her place.
“Thank you so much Shashwat for making space for me. '' She said, smiling and Ishita, one of Siya's cousin sat beside her.
Shashwat, sighing in irritation, exchanged a glance with Siya, who was looking at him with a sad face.
"Come sit here!" Arushi said as she shifted a Little. And Siya, shooting a glare at Kanak, took the offered seat.
“Ye kanak kitna irritate karti hai Shashwat ko.” Ritika said in a low voice to Siya.
[This kanak irritates him so much.]
“Sach me. Unhone Siya ke liye jagah banayi thi.” Richa said .
[He made space for Siya.]
“Tumhe kaise pata? Why would he make a place for me? Uske liye hi banaye honge na she is his special friend.” Siya said, looking down.
“Tujhe seriously lagta hai wo uske liye shift huye the? Mai observe kar rahi thi usse. I know he wanted you to sit beside him.” Ritika said and Siya looked at her with hopeful eyes.
“Sachhi?” She asked and Ritika nodded.
“Mucchi. Ab don't spoil your mood.”
Siya nodded in agreement as Arav placed their order. Her attention shifted to Shashwat, who was engrossed in writing something on a paper with a pencil borrowed from the stall's attendant. Before anyone else could notice he quickly kept the copy and folded the chit keeping it inside his pocket.
After some time, the group decided to continue their stroll.
Siya caught sight of Shashwat passing by her, and her gaze instinctively followed him to the spot where she had been seated earlier.
A small note lay there, catching her attention.
Shashwat, already looking at her shifted his gaze to otherside and she unfolded the chit she read his words.
"Next time I will make sure no one could take your place"
A surge of happiness swept over her, and a blush painted her cheeks a subtle shade of red. Her heart fluttered in response to the sweet sentiment conveyed in those simple yet meaningful words.
Her gaze naturally drifted towards Shashwat, who was walking alongside his friends. Their eyes met, and he again shifted his gaze smiling while she kept the chit inside her small bag blushing.
Throughout the entire journey, Siya and Shashwat exchanged secret shy glances, their eyes becoming a silent language .
The night had fallen, casting a blanket of darkness over the palace, and the youngsters, having explored the city, returned to find some of their relatives already present there.
The rain started pouring down heavily and the thundering voice echoed through the windows as everyone gathered in the hall. Mattresses were spread on the floor, creating a cozy space for conversations. Laughter and chatter filled the room.
“Arav, did you call mummy papa? Where are they?” Shashwat asked, looking at Arav who just entered the hall.
“Yes, Papa said that they are stuck in this heavy rain. They're staying at a hotel nearby because it's too dangerous to drive in these conditions. Unhone kaha ki chacha Chachi log and some more relatives are here for us. ” Arav told them and they nodded in relief.
After chatting for a while, everyone drifted off to sleep without realising it while some were still awake. Suddenly, Siya woke up feeling nauseous and hurried to the nearby washroom. Her cousins noticed but didn't pay much attention as they were chatting with their boyfriends.
However, Shashwat, emerging from the kitchen after a sip of water, listened to the voice.
Responding to instinct, he followed the source of the noise and discovered Siya inside the washroom vomiting.
Ignoring any social boundaries, he entered the washroom ,offering a comforting presence.
He gently rubbed her back, providing support without the need for words.
As Siya concluded her bout of vomiting, Shashwat, considerate and caring, turned on the tap, allowing the water to flow into the basin. Siya rinsed her mouth and hands with the available handwash.
“Feeling better?” He asked with a concerned voice and she nodded, closing her eyes.
Just then, Ritika and Arushi, having noticed Siya's absence, joined them in the washroom.
“Kya hua? Siya?? Are you ok?” Ritika asked, entering inside.
“Didi she was vomiting badly.” Shashwat informed her.
Concern etched across Arushi's face, she felt Siya's forehead.
“Fever hai tujhe.” She said and Ritika also touched her forehead.
[You have fever.]
“Let's go to the hall first.” Ritika said and they took her to the hall while Shashwat followed them.
In the meantime, the rest of the group started waking up, but Siya's cousins pretended to be sound asleep to avoid any help.
“Fever check karo.” Arav said as he gave the thermometer to Akash who then checked her temperature.
“103 degree.” He said looking at the thermometer.
“ Kisi ke paas ibuprofen ya paracetamol kuch hai? So that we can give it to her.” Arav asked, looking at everyone.
“Let us check. Aur sab se jaa ke puchte hain kisi na kisi ke pass to hoga hi.” Richa said as they went to search for medicine while Ritika and Shashwat stayed beside her . Shashwat covered her properly with a blanket as she was shivering.
“I asked her not to eat more than one. Upar se barish aur ho gayi.” Ritika said as she caressed her hairs.
Meanwhile others who went to search for the medicine knocked on the door of their relatives who were sleeping but some of them didn't open the door while some just denied.
“No one has the medicine and kuch logon ne gate nahi khole.” Akash said.
"These selfish relatives have lost all humanity. Someone in their own family is unwell, and they just don't care.” Shashwat said, frustration etched on his face while his brother and friends with Arushi looked at him surprised as they saw him angry after a long time.
“We have to bring medicine from any shop.” Reyansh said and got up from his place.
“Reyansh wait tu iske sath reh. I will bring the medicine.” Shashwat said.
“But itni barish ho rahi hai and look at the time. Kon si medical shop khuli hogi at this time?” Ritika asked and everyone nodded.
“I don't know..but we can't just sit here and wait for morning. Koi na koi shop to khuli hogi.” Shashwat said.
“Shashwat you don't need to yaar I can..” Before he could complete, Shashwat interrupted.
“Tu tab tak medicine se pehle kuch khane ko bana uske liye.” Reyansh said and moved towards the entrance taking the keys.
“Par agar nahi mile to vapas aa jana..jada door mat jana. “ Ritika said and he nodded.
Shashwat went outside on his bike, determined to find medicine. Riding through the challenging weather, he faced difficulties with each turn. The streets were deserted, and all the shops seemed to be shuttered against the heavy rain.
He continued his quest until, after covering a distance of 50 km, he spotted a hospital. Rushing inside, he braved the waiting time and finally emerged two hours later, rain-soaked but carrying a bag of medicines. A satisfied smile played on his lips as he returned to the palace.
Siya, still in a daze, was awakened by Reyansh.
"Siya, wake up. Eat this sandwich and have medicine."
Reyansh handed her a sandwich he had prepared, while Ritika offered her the necessary medicine.
"Take these. You'll feel better soon.” Ritika said and she had the medicine.
As Siya slept again after having the medicine, Shashwat entered the room, holding a bowl of water and a cloth.
“Mummy geeli Patti rakhti hain fever hota hai to.” He said and Ritika smiled at him holding the bowl.