2
[Are you crazy?]
Shashwat couldn't help but chuckle at the unexpected turn of events, struggling to contain his laughter as he stood outside the door, a bemused smile playing on his lips.
Inside, Siya couldn't help but feel a sense of irony at the situation. "Haan, yahi hona baaki tha beta, yahi ek embarrassment bachi thi, wo bhi aaj poori ho gayi," she mused silently.
[Yes this was the only thing left ..Why do I keep embaressing myself infront of him?]
Meanwhile, Shashwat, still trying to compose himself, stood outside the room,
"Could you guys lower the volume a bit? It's so loud, we can hear it next door," Shashwat suggested.
"By the way, how did you end up here? Wasn't your room in the hotel next door?" Richa asked.
"Actually the shower broke in our room, so we were sent here," Shashwat explained.
As Akash trailed behind Shashwat, he couldn't help but wonder if Shashwat had been distracted by another girl and had forgotten about Siya.
"You three are here," Akash remarked, surprised to find them together.
"Now that we're all here, let's go to the park in front of the hotel in the evening, after getting permission from ma'am," Shashwat suggested, his eyes subtly seeking Siya's approval.
"Rest for now and lower the volume of the music,Varna ma'am ne sun liya tum teeno ko agarbatti dikha dengi" Akash advised, and they nodded in agreement.
With that, both Akash and Shashwat left the room, leaving Reyansh with a curious expression.
"Did you two have a village council meeting with the girls next door?" Reyansh teased, curious about their sudden gathering.
"Arre wo ladkiyan koi aur nhi meri vali Teri aur Shashwat vali hain" Akash accidentally blurted out, causing both Reyansh and Shashwat to freeze in disbelief.
["Oh, those girls aren't just anyone, they belong to you and Shashwat."]
"Kyaa?" they exclaimed simultaneously, taken aback by Akash's unexpected revelation.
[What?]
"Arre I mean meri wali aur tum dono ko behne hain matlb Richa Siya aur Arushi" Akash quickly corrected himself, trying to cover up his slip of the tongue.
["Oh, I mean, my girl and both of you have sisters, I mean Richa, Siya, and Arushi."]
"You need to speak clearly, stupid," Reyansh shook his head.
As the morning rays fell on the the cozy ambiance of the Malhotra residence, Tara entered the hall, her voice echoing as she announced their departure plans for the day.
"Ritika beta we're going out. Take care of the house and don't go anywhere," Tara instructed, her gaze sweeping the room.
To her surprise, she noticed Ritika, lost in her reverie, had her dupatta delicately tied around the door handle, her gaze fixed on her phone playing "Pehla Nasha."
As the music enveloped her, she swayed gently, her fingers tracing invisible patterns as if dancing with her imaginary husband, the door. A soft blush tinted her cheeks, hidden beneath the veil of her dupatta, as she indulged in her romantic daydream.
"What are you doing?" Tara inquired, her curiosity piqued by Ritika's peculiar behavior.
"Chhoro na kya kar rahe ho mummy aa rahi hai?" Ritika replied, blushing slightly, as she attempted to shoo the door away .
[Leave me what are you doing? Mummy will come.]
"Please Swami chhoriye na." she pleaded, chewing her dupatta with a blushing face.
[Please Swami leave me na.]
"Tera Bollywood fever phir se shuru ho gaya?" Tara teased, rolling her eyes at her daughter's antics.
[You started your Bollywood fever again?]
"Mummy, please don't disturb my cute moment," Ritika protested, fully immersed in her impromptu performance.
"Koi dekh lega Swami chhoriye na." she continued, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.
[Someone will see us Swami.. leave me.]
Before Tara could interject further, Ritika's father entered the room, his expression puzzled by his daughter's strange behaviour.
"What are you doing, Ritika?" he questioned, halting in his tracks as he observed the scene before him.
Quickly thinking on her feet, Ritika grabbed her dupatta and began cleaning the door, attempting to cover up her unusual actions.
"Wo kuch nahi papa, just cleaning the door," she stammered, her cheeks turning pink as she bit her tongue in embarrassment, her actions bordering on comical as she vigorously wiped the door with her dupatta.
"Pagal ladki! Alright, we'll be back by evening. Take care of the house," her father said, breaking the awkward silence.
"You go start the car, I'll come after drinking water," Ritika replied, trying to regain her composure as she hastily made her way to the kitchen while her father headed outside.
Once in the kitchen, she resumed her delusional romance, lost in her own world of imagination.
Shortly after, Tara emerged from the kitchen, catching Ritika in the act once again.
"Phir shuru hua tera?" Tara remarked, her tone a mixture of amusement and exasperation as she observed her daughter's antics.
[Here you go again!]
As Ritika's phone began to ring, Tara couldn't help but be curious about the caller's identity.
"Ritika apne sapne ki duniya se bahar aa aur phone utha kisi Swami...hein ye kon hai?" Tara asked, her confusion evident.
["Ritika, come out of your dream world and pick up the phone, someone's calling... Who is this Swami?"]
"Aapka daamad," Ritika replied casually, taking the call.
[Your son in law.]
"Ye mera damad nhi hoga ....Ek baar ko Siya ka boyfriend ban jaye par Tera nhi ban ne wala...koi ladka Mila nhi hoga to kisi best friend ka naam hi rakh diya hoga," Tara teased, delivering a playful roast before leaving the room.
["This won't be my son-in-law... Siya's boyfriend might become one someday, but you won't be able to. I know you haven't found any other guy, so you must have just used your best friend's name."]
"Mummy yaar!" Ritika grimaced, rolling her eyes as her mother's teasing hit close to home.
With a resigned sigh, she closed the door behind her, leaving behind the playful banter with her mother.
"Tumhari mummy to tumhe hi roast kar ke chali gayi," Arav chuckled as he witnessed the exchange.
[Your mother roasted you.]
"Wo sab chhoriye bataiye na Swami apko meri yaad kaise aayi ?" Ritika inquired, her curiosity piqued by the unexpected call.
[ Leave that. Tell me Swami how did you remembered me?]
"Hmm, remember I gave you notes to copy from? I need them back for my coaching class test tomorrow," Arav explained over the phone.
"Why don't you come over to my place? We can study together, and it'll also help me with my revision," Ritika offered.
"What? Me, at your house? Alone? Are you crazy?" Arav replied nervously, his apprehension evident in his voice.
"Why are you getting nervous? I didn't invite you for dinner... we'll just study together and chat. Don't you consider me a good friend anymore? I'm getting bored without my gang, and your siblings aren't around either," Ritika said with a pout, trying to convince him.
"Alright, I'll come, but if you disturb or bother me..." Arav warned.
"Arre mai pakka pareshan nahi karungi Swami ," Ritika assured him, her tone mischievous.
"Okay, I'll be there in 20 minutes," Arav said before ending the call.
"Kya matlab pareshan nhi Karungi?" Ritika smirked to herself, already planning some playful antics for Arav's visit.
[What do he mean by not to bother him!]
As someone knocked on the door, Ritika's playful demeanour shifted to anticipation. "Lagta hai Swami aa gaye," she exclaimed, swaying towards the door, humming
"Mera piya ghar aaya o raam ji." With a grin, she swung open the door to reveal Arav.
"Heyyyyy," Arav greeted with a smile, stepping into the room.
"Hello Swami aaiye na," Ritika playfully teased.
Arav's nervousness betrayed him as he watched Ritika close the door behind him. "Arre darvaza kyu band kar rahi ho?" he asked, his voice tinged with apprehension.
"Swami bolti hun asli ke Swami nahi ho jo darwaza band kar ke kuch ulta seedha karungi," Ritika replied, her eyes twinkling with mischief.
[I just call you husband, you are not my husband that I will do something with you.]
"Kuch bhi bolti ho...tumhe ajeeb nahi lagta?" Arav responded, shaking his head incredulously.
[Don't you feel weird while saying these things?]
"Ab aapse nahi kahungi to kis se kahungi!" Ritika retorted, feigning innocence.
Their banter continued as Arav requested his notes, and Ritika fetched them with a smile. "Aap padhai kijiye mai aapke liye kuch nashta lekar aati hun," she offered warmly.
[Continue your study, I will bring something to eat.]
"Aree no no it's ok aur vaise bhi tumhe bhi to padhna hai to baitho chup chap padho," Arav insisted.
[You also have to study.]
"Aise kaise jab pati kuch jaroori kaam karte hain to ye patni ka dharm hota hai ki wo apne pati ki sewa kare," Ritika declared dramatically, causing Arav to blush.
["When husbands are busy with important tasks, it's the duty of wives to serve their husbands."]
"Oo madam abhi ke liye iss era me vapas aa jao? Aur vaise bhi pati aur patni ka dono ka ek hi dharm hota hai," Arav replied, realizing his slip of tongue.
[Madam come back in this era and both husband and wife's duties are same.]
"Kya kaha kya kaha? Pani Patni!! Oohooo mtlb aapne bhi mujhe Dil se patni sweekar kar kiya hai Arya Putra. Hayee mai to dhanya ho gayi," Ritika teased him further
[What did you say? Husband wife? That means you accept me as your wife? I am blessed.]
"Shut up Ritika mai bas generally pati patni ki baat kar raha hun hamari nahi," he said, trying to regain his composure.
[I was just talking about random husban wife..]
"Hmmm hmmm jhuth bol lo tab tak mai chai bana ke laati hun," Ritika teased, sauntering towards the kitchen, leaving Arav momentarily flustered amidst their lighthearted banter.
[Keep lying I will bring tea for us.]
As Arav followed Ritika into the kitchen, he expressed his concern. "Ye sab karna jaroori nhi hai yaar," he remarked, his voice tinged with worry.
[This is not necessary.]
"Mujhe bhi peeni hai to isme kya hai aur maine kuch khaya bhi nhi tumhara hi wait kar rhi thi to mai Sandwich banane Jaa rahi," Ritika replied casually, brushing off his concern as she prepared to make sandwiches.
[I also have to drink tea . And I was waiting for you only.]
"Han tum yaha pe kaam karogi aur wahan Mera concentration bana rahega right? Ab tum nhi manogi to mai bhi help karwa deta hun," Arav suggested, offering his assistance.
[Yes when you are working here do you think I would be able to concentrate in studies? Let me help you.]
""Alright, as you wish... Then you make the tea, and I'll make the sandwiches. Everyone loves my sandwiches, even you will like them." Ritika conceded, handing him the items for making tea.
As Arav began preparing the tea, Ritika reached for the toaster to make sandwiches. However, as her delicate hand brushed against the hot surface, a sharp gasp escaped her lips, and she recoiled, nursing a small burn.
"Are you alright?" Arav's voice, filled with genuine concern, cut through the air like a gentle breeze.
She forced a smile, trying to brush it off. "Just a little burn, nothing serious," she reassured him, though the concern in Arav's eyes didn't go unnoticed by her.
But Arav wasn't convinced. With a tenderness that melted her heart, he took her hand in his, his touch sending a shiver down her spine. Gently, he blew on the burn, his warm breath like a soothing caress against her skin.
She looked into his eyes, and in that moment, amidst the pain, she felt an overwhelming surge of love.
"Thank you," she whispered, her voice barely a breath.
He smiled softly, his eyes never leaving hers.
"Chaiiiii," Ritika shouted, noticing the milk beginning to spill from the container.
Arav quickly lowered the gas flame.
"Tum dekh ke kuch nhi kar sakti kya?" Arav scolded her gently.
"Arre galti se ho gaya mai hamesha jalti hi nhi rehti hun," Ritika defended herself with a playful pout.
After preparing sandwiches, they returned to the hall.
""Taste it and tell me how it is."," Ritika urged, holding out a sandwich.
Arav took a bite. It's too good," he praised her, a genuine smile gracing his lips.
"Ye to kuch nhi mai sab kuch bahot acha banati hu..shadi ke baad tumhe aise hi ache ache cheezen bana ke khilaungi," Ritika remarked casually, causing Arav to shake his head in amusement.
["This is nothing; I make everything very well... After marriage, I'll cook delicious things for you like this."]
"Tum itne casually aise keh rahi ho jaise hamari shadi fix ho gayi hai aur agle week hone wali hai," he chuckled, trying to suppress his smile.
["You're saying it so casually as if our wedding is fixed and happening next week."]
"Haan to fix ho hi gayi hai mere man me," Ritika replied, unfazed.
["Well, it's already fixed in my mind."]
"Tum nhi sudhrogi," Arav teased, his eyes twinkling with affection.
[You won't stop!]
Ritika chuckled, enjoying their banter as they began to eat their sandwiches. However, Arav couldn't help but notice a small piece of sandwich near her lips.
"One minute," he said softly, moving closer to her.
Gently, he reached out, his fingers brushing against her skin as he delicately removed the crumb, his touch sending a shiver down her spine. Their eyes locked, and in that moment, the world around them seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them.
His heart raced as he gazed into her mesmerizing eyes, lost in the depth of her beauty.
"You had a little something there," he whispered, his voice low and husky, filled with warmth and affection.
She felt her cheeks flush as she met his intense gaze, her breath catching in her throat.
"Thank you," she murmured softly, her voice barely above a whisper, her eyes never leaving his. The air between them crackled with unspoken emotions.
Just as their cute moment was interrupted by Ritika's ringing phone, Arav retreated to his place while Ritika awkwardly answered the call.
"Siya ka video call hai," she announced before picking up.
"Heyyyy didi," a chorus of voices greeted her, belonging to Siya, Richa, Arushi.
"Wow, you're all here. Where are Darsh and Divya and others?" Ritika inquired.
"Is there someone else?" Siya asked curiously.
"Arre ye tumhare jiju hain...padhai karne aaye hain sath me," Ritika explained with a smile.
[Yes it's your brother in law. We are studying togather.]
"Arav Bhaiya bhi Hain...unhe bhi dikhao," Arushi requested.
[Arav bhaiya is also here? Show us.]
"Heyy I hope you guys are enjoying it," Arav chimed in with a friendly greeting.
"Yes, today we went to Prem Mandir, and tomorrow we'll go to Keshi Ghat, Bhandirvan, and Banke Bihari Temple." Siya shared excitedly.
"Ye chillane ki awaz kaha se aa rahi hai?" Arav asked, puzzled by the background noise.
[From where these noise coming from?]
"Ohh no ye Divya Darsh phir se shuru ho gaye,"Richa explained, and everyone rushed towards them.
Ritika and Arav joined the others in the garden, where they found Divya and Darsh drenched with water.
"What's happening?" Ritika inquired, concerned.
Siya flipped the camera to reveal the chaotic scene.
"Ye log wahan bhi shuru ho gaye," Arav remarked, shaking his head in exasperation.
[They both started there also.]
"Tumhe kisi din Mai maar na dalun mai panda ka mausere bhai," Divya threatened with a glare.
["Someday I'll kill you you cousin brother of panda."]
"Haan jaise tu Bach jayegi bandar ki mausi," Darsh retorted, their playful banter echoing amidst the laughter of their friends.
[As if you will be saved monkey's aunty.]
"We don't know them," Siya quickly interjected.
Their teacher approached, taking notice of their condition. "Tum log bheeg kaise Gaye?" she inquired.
[How did you both get drenched?]
"Ma'am ye Darsh ka bacha mujhpe Pani pheka," Divya complained.
[Ma'am this Darsh threw water on me.]
"Tum mujhe chor bula rahi thi maine kitne baar kaha mai tumhari copy nhi liya hun samjh nhi aata," Darsh retorted defensively.
[You we're calling me theif, how many times I told you I haven't stole your copy.]
"Where are your elder brother and sisters?" the teacher inquired, noticing the absence of their elder siblings.
Darsh and Divya's siblings discreetly hid behind other students, avoiding the teacher's scrutiny.
"Darsh Divya jo bhi baat hai aise fight karne se aur janwaron ki tarah fight karne se nhi hoga solve," the teacher scolded them sternly.
[Darsh Divya stop fighting like animals and solve your matter calmly.]
"Ma'am bhi tumhe janwar keh rahi," Darsh laughed sarcastically.
[Ma'am is calling you animal.]
"Tumhe bhi keh rahi kaan band hai kya ...Ohhh haan saanp pe kaan nhi hote hain," Divya mocked, escalating the argument.
[She is addressing you also, are you deaf? Ohh how would you hear snakes doesn't have ears.]
"Tumhe to mai..." Darsh started to retort.
"Stop it...."This is a warning. If you behave like this again, I'll complain to your parents, and they won't send you on any trips again."," the teacher warned firmly, putting an end to their squabble.
They both glared at each other before reluctantly leaving the scene.
"Chalo guys handle them" Ritika said, signalling the end of the call as she cut it, leaving the group to manage the situation on their own.
After breakfast, everyone was bustling around, getting ready for the day. Today's itinerary promised visits to the sacred Keshi Ghat, the revered Banke Bihari Temple, and the enchanting Bhandirvan.
Shashwat, Akash, and Reyansh, fueled by a hearty breakfast, made their way to the washroom to freshen up for the day ahead. However, before Reyansh could even step foot inside, Akash dashed in, clutching his clothes tightly and shutting the door behind him with a mischievous grin.
"Akash, What is this behaviour? Maine pehle hi kaha tha I will go first," Reyansh protested, his voice echoing with indignation.
"Haan to tu bhi aa jaa, I don't have any problem."
Akash retorted from behind the closed door, his tone unapologetic.
"Chiii!! Kitna besharam ho raha hai tu aaj kal!" Reyansh exclaimed, shaking his head in disbelief at Akash's audacity.
[You are so shameless!]
"Kyun baby? Mere saath nahane mein kya problem hai?" Akash quipped back, his voice taking on a playful, girlish tone that only seemed to irk Reyansh further.
[Why baby? What is the problem in bathing with me?]
"Shut up, Akash!! Bahot pitega tu," Reyansh threatened, his frustration evident as he settled onto the bed, his attention shifting to his phone.
Observing the exchange with amusement, Reyansh raised his eyebrows as he noticed Shashwat's sudden interest in his phone. With a knowing glance, he caught sight of Shashwat chatting with someone, a playful smirk dancing across his features.
"Tu kya phone mein ghusa hua hai kabse? Aur itna sharma sharma ke kis se baat kar raha hai?" Reyansh inquired, his tone teasing as he sought to unravel the mystery behind Shashwat's sudden shyness.
[Why are you this much engaged in phone? ]
"Ah...mai..kisi se nahi. I just saw a funny reel," Shashwat stammered, his cheeks flushing slightly as he hastily placed his phone on the bed, a nervous smile playing on his lips.
But before the conversation could progress further, Akash's voice broke the brief silence,
"Aayi chikni chameli chupke akeli pauwa chadha ke aayi.." Akash's voice rang out from the washroom, his impromptu performance earning a mix of reactions from his companions.
"Kya hoga iska!!" Shashwat exclaimed, a mixture of amusement and disbelief evident in his voice, while Reyansh couldn't resist the opportunity to capture the moment, quickly pulling out his phone to record Akash's performance.
"Akash, your beautiful song has been recorded, ab tu jaldi se bahar aayega ya Richa ko bhej dunga," Reyansh teased, unable to contain his laughter as he awaited Akash's reaction.
True to Reyansh's prediction, within moments, Akash emerged from the washroom, hastily wrapping a towel around his waist, his cheeks flushed with embarrassment at being caught in the act.
"Kya!! You are so cheap! Delete that," Akash protested, his tone a mix of indignation and good-natured amusement as he implored Reyansh to erase the incriminating recording.
"Look who is talking! Now go and change fast...warna towel kheech ke photo click kar lunga," Reyansh countered, a playful smirk dancing on his lips as he teased Akash further.
With a resigned sigh, Akash grabbed his clothes and retreated back into the sanctuary of the washroom, his parting words delivered with dramatic flair.
"Hey bhagwan, bachao mujhe...ye log meri izzat utarna chahte hain," he declared, earning a round of laughter from Shashwat and Reyansh.
[God save me! ]
As they approached the Keshi ghat, the air was filled with the melodious chants of pilgrims and the gentle sound of the flowing Yamuna River.
The ghat itself is a series of steps leading down to the riverbank, adorned with colourful flags fluttering in the breeze and sacred symbols painted on the walls.
Upon reaching the ghat, the group first ventured into the nearby temples, each one a testament to the rich cultural heritage and religious fervour of the region.
The intricate carvings adorning the temple walls, the vibrant colours of the deity statues, and the soft glow of oil lamps all contributed to the sacred ambiance of the surroundings.
Siya looked ethereal in her baby pink suit, the delicate hue complementing her radiant complexion. Her hair cascaded down in loose waves, adding a touch of softness to her overall appearance, while her eyes sparkled with excitement for the day ahead.
Arushi exuded elegance in her blue suit, the color accentuating her graceful demeanor. With her hair neatly tied back, she exuded confidence and poise, ready to take on whatever the day had in store for her.
Richa looked pristine in her white suit, exuding a sense of purity and sophistication. With her hair half-opened, she struck the perfect balance between casual and elegant, effortlessly commanding attention with her serene presence.
"Shashwat, can you please click my pictures?" a girl from Shashwat's class asked, holding out her phone expectantly. Shashwat hesitated for a moment, his gaze drifting to Siya, who was glaring at him with unmistakable intensity.
"Okk.." he acquiesced reluctantly, but as he moved to take the phone, his eyes met Siya's stern gaze, and he quickly changed his mind. "Sorry, I can't...mujhe nahi aati," he apologised, returning the phone to its owner, who walked away with a disappointed expression.
Observing the entire exchange, Siya couldn't help but chuckle to herself, secretly amused by Shashwat's attempt to evade the situation. She took the opportunity to capture the moment herself, snapping pictures of the scenario unfolding before her.
Meanwhile, Shashwat discreetly opened his camera and pretended to film the surroundings, but his true focus was on Siya, who was smiling at the scene.
However, the realisation that he couldn't capture anyone without their permission dawned on him, and he quickly turned off the camera, feeling a pang of guilt.
Turning to Instagram, he swiftly composed a message to Siya, hoping to make amends for his indiscretion. However, his heart sank when she didn't immediately open the message, engrossed in clicking pictures with Arushi.
Deciding to take a more direct approach, Shashwat quietly passed by Siya's side, murmuring in a low voice, "Please check the Insta message," before making his way back to his friends.
Siya was taken aback by the unexpected encounter, her curiosity piqued as she exchanged puzzled glances with Arushi.
"Kya hai? Click kar na," Arushi urged, eager to resume their photoshoot.
"Richa, tu kar le," Siya deflected, feeling a mix of emotions swirling inside her.
"Haww!! I clicked so many pictures of yours, and now it's my turn, so you are doing this," Arushi protested, a hint of playful annoyance in her tone.
"Sorry I captured your video on my phone without your permission... Can I keep it with me? Or do you want me to delete it?" Siya's heart swelled with affection for Shashwat . With a gentle nod and a smile, she silently conveyed her forgiveness, and Shashwat grinned in response.
After their visit to Kashi Ghat and the eventful bus ride, the group arrived at the revered Banke Bihari temple, a site of profound spiritual significance in Vrindavan. As they entered the temple premises, they were greeted by the bustling crowds, all eager to seek the blessings of Lord Krishna.
Despite the throngs of devotees, there was an undeniable sense of peace and tranquillity within the temple walls.
The air was heavy with the fragrance of incense, and the sound of melodious bhajans reverberated throughout the sacred space.
As they made their way through the crowd, the group felt a palpable sense of reverence wash over them.
Amidst the crowd, they caught glimpses of the deity, Lord Banke Bihari, adorned with garlands of flowers and surrounded by devotees offering prayers and performing rituals. The sight of the idol, bathed in the soft glow of flickering lamps, filled their hearts with a sense of awe and reverence.
After sometime, they reached Bhandirvan and approached the temple, Siya's eyes sparkled with a familiar fondness as she gazed upon the sacred surroundings.
"This place is my favorite," Siya expressed, her voice filled with reverence.
"Why?" Arushi inquired, curiosity piqued by Siya's affection for the place.
"Arre, yahan Radha Krishna ka vivah hua tha... It is said that Lord Brahma himself conducted the divine union of Radha and Krishna here," Siya explained, her words tinged with adoration. "That's why this place is so divine, a symbol of true love."
"Really?" Richa asked, her eyes widening in awe.
"Yes, look, there's that spot," Siya pointed out, leading them towards the ancient banyan trees that stood as silent witnesses to the timeless love story of Radha and Krishna.
After seeking blessings at the temple, the group found themselves seated in a peaceful corner, savouring prasad and enjoying each other's company. Amidst the serene atmosphere, Siya's phone chimed with a message notification, and her heart skipped a beat as she read Shashwat's message.
"Mishti, will you please come near the banyan tree," the message read, sending a wave of excitement and nervous anticipation through Siya's being. With a quick glance at her friends, she made a decision.
"Aru, Richa, we'll be back in a moment... please take care of things here," Siya requested, a hint of mystery in her tone.
"But where are you going?" Arushi questioned, puzzled by Siya's sudden departure.
"Come on, Aru, you know where she's headed... it must be a special invitation. Go on, Siya, we'll hold down the fort," Richa encouraged, a mischievous grin spreading across her face.
With a grateful smile, Siya hurried towards the banyan tree, her heart racing with anticipation for what awaited her there. As she approached the sacred spot, she couldn't shake the feeling that this moment held the promise of something truly extraordinary.
As Siya and Shashwat sat beneath the ancient banyan tree, a tranquil silence enveloped them, broken only by the gentle rustle of leaves overhead. Shashwat observed Siya's radiant smile as she gazed around the hallowed surroundings for the second time.
"You love this place, don't you?" Shashwat inquired softly, his gaze fixed on Siya's enchanting expression.
"Yes, I love this place so much... and aapko ek aur baat batayen?" Siya replied eagerly, her eyes alight with excitement, to which Shashwat nodded encouragingly.
"It is believed that only those souls who were somehow part of Radha and Krishna's divine union can find their way to Bhandirvan... hame to soch ke hi goosebumps aa rahe hain," Siya shared, her voice tinged with awe and wonder.
Shashwat's smile widened as he listened, captivated by Siya's fervent reverence for the sacred site. "Yes, I've heard about this from my aunt once," he acknowledged, his tone filled with quiet admiration.
"It's like... being here reminds me that true love is worth waiting for, worth believing in," Siya continued, her voice infused with heartfelt sincerity. "For me, this place is more than just a temple; it's a symbol of enduring love, a testament to the power of devotion and patience."
Shashwat listened intently, his heart stirred by Siya's poignant words.
"What is love for you?" he inquired, his gaze fixed upon Siya, seeking to unravel the depths of her soul.
"For me, love is devotion," Siya responded, her eyes drifting towards the majestic banyan tree, as if drawing inspiration from its timeless presence.
"Then I am devoted to you, Siya. The way you are devoted to your Krishna," Shashwat declared, his words infused with a sincerity that resonated deep within her being. His gaze held an intensity reminiscent of a devotee's unwavering adoration for the divine.
Siya's breath caught in her throat, her heart pounding with a mixture of surprise and disbelief. She turned to face Shashwat, her eyes wide with astonishment, as his confession washed over her like a wave of unexpected tenderness.
As they stood beneath the ancient banyan tree, its sprawling branches casting a dappled pattern of light and shadow upon the ground, Shashwat rose to his feet, his eyes alight with a fervent determination.
With a gentle gesture, he beckoned Siya to walk with him, leading her to the very spot where Radha and Krishna were believed to have exchanged their sacred vows.
"Here, in this sacred place, which is called as the place of divine union of Radha and Krishna , I want to confess my feelings for you," Shashwat began, his voice soft yet filled with an undeniable strength.
"I wish for you to be by my side always till eternity, just as Radha's name is forever intertwined with Krishna's.
" Siya's heart swelled with emotion as she listened to Shashwat's words, her gaze fixed upon him with unwavering devotion.
Unable to find her voice amidst the overwhelming tide of emotion that flooded her soul, she allowed her eyes to convey the depth of her love and gratitude.
With a tender expression, Shashwat extended his hand towards Siya, his eyes earnest and sincere.
"Will you give me your hand, Siya?" he asked, his voice a gentle plea. "Not just for now, but for all the days to come? Let me hold your hand, knowing that I never have to let go, that I can walk this journey of life with you by my side, always and forever."
"Tumhare krishna ke samne tumhara hath thamna chahta hun, tumhe ye vishwas dilane ke liye ki mai inhe kabhi nahi chhorunga." he whispered, his voice a sacred hymn of devotion.
Moved beyond words, Siya gazed at the banyan tree, its ancient branches reaching towards the heavens like silent witnesses to their love.
Closing her eyes in a silent prayer of gratitude to her beloved Krishna for granting her this moment of pure happiness, she slowly extended her palm towards Shashwat, offering him her hand with unwavering trust.
As their hands met, a surge of warmth and reassurance flooded through them both, binding them together in a bond that transcended the realms of time and space. With a gentle squeeze, Shashwat held Siya's hand securely, his touch a promise of everlasting love and devotion.
'Have you ever felt that the whole world is in your hand?'
They were feeling exactly the same at that moment as they clasped each other's hands, it felt as though they held the entire universe within their grasp, a tangible testament to the depth of their bond.
Shashwat led Siya on a symbolic journey around the revered tree, doing the parikrama. As they walked side by side, Siya's eyes were drawn to his profile, captivated by the depth of emotion reflected in his gaze.
As they reached the sacred spot beneath the tree, they closed their eyes in reverence, seeking the blessings of Radha Krishna, the divine embodiment of love. In that silent communion, they felt the presence of something greater than themselves, a force that bound them together inextricably.
Opening their eyes, they turned to each other, their souls laid bare in the soft glow of the moon.
"Chalein?"" Siya's voice was a gentle whisper, but Shashwat remained rooted to the spot, his hand tightening around hers as he pulled her closer.
"Tum kuch nahi kahogi?" His question hung in the air, filled with anticipation, as Siya's gaze fell to the ground, a shy smile gracing her lips.
Raising her eyes to meet his, she spoke softly, her words like petals unfurling in the breeze. "I have found my devotion in you."
His heart swelled with emotion, his cheeks flushed with the warmth of her words. With a tender smile, he lowered his gaze, overwhelmed by the depth of her love.
"Chalein?" This time, it was Shashwat's turn to ask, his voice barely a whisper, and Siya nodded in response, her heart singing with the promise of a future entwined with his.