The Moment He Shouldnt See
The Oberoi mansion was alive.
Colors filled the air... laughter echoed... music played loudly in the background. Guests moved freely, greeting each other, smearing colors, celebrating Holi with full energy.
In the center, near the beautifully decorated idol of Lord Krishna, the pooja had just ended.
The atmosphere there was different there .
Janvi stepped forward first. She took prasad from pandit ji and gave it to everyone .Then she picked up the color slowly.
"Happy Holi...Krishna ji." she whispered softly, her voice gentle.
Then she added in a lower tone..
"Keep this house protected... always."
Her fingers trembled slightly as she applied the color to the idol Krishna god. A small smile touched her lips
She stepped back slowly.
Riddhita moved forward immediately after.Her energy is completely different.She folded her hands dramatically.
"Happy Holi, Kanha ji!" she said with a wide smile .
Then she leaned slightly closer.
"And please... keep my brother under control this year. He gets angry easily ." she added in a playful whisper.
Janvi gave her a look.
"Riddhita. What are you praying for kanha ji?" she said softly, but there was a warning in her tone.
Riddhita giggled.
"What? I'm just praying honestly. You know your son well then me." she replied innocently.
She applied the color quickly to Krishna.Then turned back, still smiling.
Vishwanath stepped forward next. He folded his hands.Closed his eyes for a moment.
"Keep this family together , kanha ji . And give us wisdom... so we don't hurt each other." he murmured quietly, his voice carrying a soft weight of responsibility.
He applied the color carefully.
Respectfully.Then stepped back.
Riddhita looked between them.
"Why are you both suddenly so serious?" she said lightly, trying to ease the mood.
"It's Holi, not a board your meeting." she added with a small laugh .
Vishwanath smiled faintly.
"Someone has to be serious in this house. If everyone is like you then our family can't serve." he replied softly.
Riddhita pointed at him immediately.
"That's your job, not mine," she said playfully.
Janvi shook her head slightly.
"You talk too much," she said, but her tone wasn't harsh.
Riddhita leaned closer to her.
"Because I am your daughter, Mom." she replied with a grin .
Janvi sighed.Her eyes shifted slightly.
Toward Aarav.Who was still standing behind.
Then..Aarav stepped forward last.He picked up the color.Applied it to Krishna ji silently.
After the pooja, everyone moved toward the garden.
Where music got louder.Colors burst into the air pink, yellow, green spreading everywhere.Some chased, throwing colors playfully.
But Aarav . Stood still.
In the middle of all that noise.
His eyes moved through the crowd again.And again.Searching for something or someone.
Riddhita noticed instantly.She walked up beside him, holding a plate full of bright colors, her lips already curving into a teasing smile .
"Bhai...what are you searching for " she dragged slowly and her tone playful but observant.
Aarav didn't respond.Didn't even look at her.
Riddhita tilted her head, watching him carefully.
" Bhat i ask you something Who are you searching for?" she asked, her voice was light.
Still no answer.Aarav's gaze shifted past a group of guests.
Riddhita leaned closer, lowering her voice.
"Your girlfriend isn't here, bhai . So you shouldn't look at other girls. If you keep looking then i tell her." she whispered dramatically.
Aarav's jaw tightened instantly.
His eyes flickered toward her for a second.
"I'm not looking for anyone, you stupid girl." he replied coldly but his eyes betrayed him completely .
Riddhita smirked wider.
"Oh really?Then why are your eyes moving like CCTV cameras?" she said slowly and she took a step around him, trying to catch his expression from the front.
Aarav shot her a sharp look.
"Riddhu , stopped it . Go away . Go play with your friends ."His voice was low and irritated.
Riddhita raised both hands instantly.
"Okay, okay... I'll stop." she said quickly. She stepped closer again.
"But still...It's my duty to protect my handsome brother from other girls for my future Bhabhi. So i can tell my Bhabhi ( brother's wife) I am her good sister..in..law. " she continued, her tone softer now but teasing remained.
"Stop imagining things. Go away. I am not looking for someone."Aarav frowned and annoyed immediately.
Riddhita laughed softly.
"Oh I'm not imagining...I'm observing."she replied like she had already figured everything out .
Aarav didn't respond.His patience is thinning.Back to the crowd.Still searching.
Riddhita noticed that too.Her smile softened slightly this time.
"Bhai...Whatever it is... you're not hiding it well." she said again, this time less teasing, more curious.
Aarav's jaw tightened again.
"I said I'm not looking for anyone.Just go away ."His tone is colder now.
Riddhita studied him for a second.
Then shook her head slightly.
"Liar. I can see it clearly." she whispered and a small smile returning .
"Enough. If you don't go away now then don't regret what i will do next."
Aarav finally snapped a look at her.
Riddhita sighed dramatically.
"Fine..." she said, rolling her eyes playfully.
Aarav didn't reply. He just turned.
And walked away. And his mind is still on one person.
He then saw Omkar.Walking in with his family.Vikram Thakur and hlis wife Vaishnavi beside him, graceful and composed.
And Omkar...Already looking at him.
Their eyes met.And without breaking eye contact.
He started walking toward Aarav.
Like he already knew how this would play out.
"Aarav . I don't know that I will come here and see you first." Omkar greeted smoothly but carrying a hidden edge.
"Omkar . I didn't expect you to be this... early for Holi." Aarav replied, equally composed .
Omkar's lips twitched faintly.
" I also didn't expect you to observe my schedule so closely . But don't worry I observe everything which is matters . " he replied coolly, his tone controlled but clearly challenging.
Aarav's face... calculating.Aarav's jaw tightened slightly.
"Then you should learn to focus on the right things and don't do anything for other matters." he said, voice low... .
A flicker passed through Omkar's eyes.
"Maybe I already . You just don't notice it . " Omkar replied, his smirk deepening just a little.
" Anyway Happy Holi , brother." Omkar said, picking up color casually...
"Same to you," Aarav replied, his voice steady... but his eyes didn't soften.
They stepped closer.Applied color like a mark.
Omkar leaned closer.Close enough that only Aarav could hear him.
" Come bro . At last say happy hoil . It's a holiday celebration. But by the Way, are you ready?" he murmured, voice low, dangerous calm beneath it.
Aarav didn't blink.
"For anything brother. " he replied, his tone steady...
Omkar's smile widened just slightly.
"Careful... sometimes 'anything' comes with consequences," he whispered, his breath brushing past Aarav's ear.
Aarav's eyes hardened instantly.
"Do not worry I don't deal with warnings . " he said quietly, his voice dropping.
"Good bro . Because I don't give second chances." Omkar straightened slowly.
Their eyes locked again.
Just then...
"Aarav ! You are here. We are looking for you."Vikram Thakur stepped forward warmly, breaking the tension like nothing had happened.
He applied color to Aarav's forehead and cheeks.
"Happy Holi, Beta ." he said with a genuine smile.
Aarav immediately straightened.
Respect replacing tension.
"Happy Holi, uncle." he replied politely.
Omkar's mother Vaishnavi stepped forward next.She gently applied color on Aarav's cheek also.
"Stay blessed, beta. May krishan ji be your happiness ." she said kindly, her eyes warm.
"Thank you, aunty," Aarav nodded respectfully, applying color back on her cheeks also.
Everything looked normal.But nothing was normal.Omkar stood slightly behind... watching.
Studying Aarav's every move.
Every reaction.
" Mom I need to talk to someone here . So i need to go now. " Omkar said casually.
Aarav's gaze sharpened instantly.
"Someone here !! Who ? Am I know that person.?" he repeated, voice quieter now...
Omkar tilted his head slightly.
" It's not Important like that. Just need to say something ." he added, his lips curling into that same knowing smirk.
Aarav stepped a little closer.
"How important ?" he asked, his voice low... but there was tension now.
Omkar leaned in slightly again.
"Important enough,that you won't like it." he said softly.
Aarav's jaw clenched.
"I think you forgot that I am also here with you. So do not try it with me brother." he replied, his tone darker now... almost a warning.
Omkar chuckled under his breath.
"Oh, I will. I really like to try it." he said, stepping back slowly.
Then he turned.And started walking away.Like he already knew what he was about to do...
And how it would affect Aarav.
Aarav didn't move.His eyes followed him.His mind is already racing.
"...What are you planning that i know but for your sad it's never gone happen." Aarav muttered and irritation rising... mixed with something else.
His eyes scanned everywhere. Searching.For her.
Meera. But this girl has no sign.His frustration grew.His steps turned sharper.
"Where the hell are you... i told you to come to me after pooja. But this girl never listens to me ." he whispered under his breath, his eyes restless...
Because somewhere deep down
He knew.
Omkar wasn't just "talking to someone."
He was going exactly where Aarav didn't want him to go.
After a moment...
Aarav moved through the crowd.
His eyes scanned every corner again.
No sign of Meera.His jaw tightened.
His shoulders tense as frustration slowly built inside him .
"AARAV!"Janvi's voice cut through the noise.
He stopped and turned to his mom.
She stood right in front of him.
"Why are you doing roaming around like this ? Guests are here and you're not even welcoming them properly!" she asked, her tone filled with irritation .
Aarav exhaled slowly.Trying to control himself.
"Mom, I was just... looking.." he started, his voice tried to claim his mom.
"No. Don't give your stupid explanations. You come back after years... and still act irresponsible ."Janvi cut him off instantly.Her hand lifted slightly stopping him.
Aarav's jaw tightened.His eyes flickered for a second.
"I'm handling everything . Why you always need to argue with me. " he replied but a hint of irritation beneath it.
"Handling? But it doesn't look like ." her was voice sharp
Aarav looked away for a second.Then back at her.
"Everything is well. I don't see anything wrong , mom. Don't put yourself in too much pressure. " he said again like he was trying to end it.
Janvi stepped closer.Lowered her voice.
"I am not under pressure. And your control starts with responsibility which you still don't have ." she said, her tone quieter but more intense.
" You disappear in the middle of your own function and tell me everything is well !!" she added, her eyes searching his face.
Aarav's expression was hard .
"I'm not disappearing . It's just I need to look for something. So I came here." he replied while his voice tight.
For a second.Silence stretched. He needed to claim his mom down or she will argue with him more.
Then Suddenly he picked up color from the plate beside him.
And before she could react..He gently applied it to her cheek.
"Happy Holi, Mom. Don't always be angry. You should talk to me nicely. c
Cause your son came here after a long time." he said softly, his tone calmer now, trying to ease her mood.
Janvi expression shifted.The anger didn't disappear.But it softened.She looked at him closely.
"Don't think this will distract me. I know how to talk to my son. Don't dare teach me about it . " she warned, narrowing her eyes.
Aarav gave a faint smile.
"It already did, Mom. Now just be less angry and enjoy the function." he replied lightly.
Janvi stared at him.
"You haven't changed, beta. Always know how to make your mom happy." she mutter and her tone mixed with annoyance and something softer.
Aarav stepped back.
" Mom i need to look for something. I promise I'll be back . " he said quickly, his voice returning to urgency.
He turned.And walked away.
Fast.
"AARAV! This boy never listens to me . Just like his dad."Janvi called again, her frustration returning instantly.
But he didn't stop.She watched him go.
Behind her..Vishwanath walked in.
He smiled gently.Stepped closer and applied the red color softly to her cheek.
"Happy Holi, dear." he said warmly.
Janvi turned to him immediately.
Her expression is still not calm.
"Oh, now you remember me?Or did someone remind you I exist?" she said, her tone edged with irritation .
" Don't say like that I always remember you. " he replied softly, trying to keep things light.
Janvi raised an eyebrow.
"Really?Because it doesn't feel like it." she said, her tone was skeptical.
Vishwanath's smile faded slightly.
"Janvi...why are you getting angry on this. You know it's Holi. Just celebrated together."he started gently.
But she smiled and went with him in the garden to welcome their guests.
Meanwhile...
Inside the mansion : ??????
_____________________________
In the quiet pooja room.Away from the crowd.Meera stood alone. Wearing an old white dress... a simple dupatta draped around her shoulders.
But it made her look even more fragile.She arranged the pooja items carefully.Cleaning ,Folding And Setting everything back in place.
Her movements slow.She was avoiding the crowd.Avoiding him. Specially avoiding Aarav.
Her fingers paused for a second on a flower plate.
Then...A voice broke the silence.
"Are you hiding from your secret lover?"The tone teasing.
Meera froze.Her fingers stilled mid air.She turned quickly.
And saw Omkar.Leaning slightly against the doorframe.Watching her.A smirk playing on his lips.
She let out a breath.
"...It's you.. i thought it was him." she said, her tone mixed with relief .
Omkar pushed himself off the wall slowly.
"I think you are Disappointed that it's me." he asked casually, his eyes scanning her face.
Meera frowned.
" What!why would i be disappointed ?And what are you talking about my stupid lover? " she snapped, her voice annoyance clear .
"listen Omkar i do not even have a boyfriend or not I have a secret lover." she added firmly.
Omkar chuckled softly.
"Oh really?Because from what I've seen...You're like hiding from someone." he said, taking a step closer, his tone was deliberate.
He looked around the empty room.
Then back at her.Meera stepped back immediately.
"Stop this nonsense. Didn't i tell you i don't have time for your stupid talks." she said firmly, her grip tightening around the cloth in her hand.
She was turning away to continue her work and She picked She picked up the flowers from the puja tray again to clean them and ignoring him.
But Omkar didn't move. Nore Didn't leave.Instead he stepped forward.
Closer to her.
And then Suddenly he grabbed her wrist.Pulled her against his chest.
Meera gasped. The plate of flowers slipped from her hands and fell.
"What are you doing? Let me go!" she snapped, struggling instantly, anger flashing in her eyes .
But his grip didn't loosen.It tightened slightly.He pulled her closer.
Their distance..Gone. His chest against her back him. Their are touching eachother.
"Relax, Meera . Why do you get so angry so fast? I don't even start doing anything." Omkar said softly and watching her closely.
Meera tried to pull her hand back.
"Because you don't know your limits . Always do whatever you like just like him. " she shot back, her voice sharp, breath uneven.
Omkar leaned in slightly.
" So Aarav also does this?" he asked quietly.
The question hit on Meera.Meera froze.Her movements stopped.
Omkar noticed instantly.His smirk deepened.
"Ah...So I'm right here. " he murmured softly.
Meera looked away.
"Don't compare yourself to him. Even you two always do something i never like . But you can't compare to him ." she said quietly, her voice lower now.
Omkar didn't let her go . He just pulled her back against his chest as one hand pinned hers over her belly, the other gripping her shoulder.
"Why not? First tell me this . What does he have... that I don't?" he asked, his voice was softer but more dangerous.
Meera's lips parted slightly.
But no words came.Omkar watched her face closely.
"You let him come close to you. And you don't push him away like you do with me ." he continued, his voice was whispering
Meera's eyes shimmered.
"Stop it...it's..n..not true.. i try ..but.." she whispered, her voice breaking slightly.
But Omkar didn't stop.He leaned closer to his lips brushing her ear.
"Or is it that...You still feel something for him after everything." his tone was softer, but sharper in meaning.
He turned her around and grabbed her waist and made her against his chest again.
Meera's breath hitched.A tear slipped down her cheek.She didn't answer.Because she couldn't.
Omkar saw it.His expression changed.
Then..
He lifted his hand.His fingers brushing against her cheek.
Wiping her tear gently.
"Interesting... means you still have feeling for him . But i just want to know what you will do after hearing his so ..called ... " he murmured softly but stopped himself from telling her Aarav's girlfriend .
Meera's hands pressed weakly against his chest. Trying to push him away.
But there was no strength left. She stopped but another tear left from her eyes.
And just as his fingers moved again touched her cheek to remove it..
A voice cut through the room.
"OMKAR!!"
Both froze.Omkar's hand stopped .
Meera's breath caught again.
They turned.Aarav stood at the entrance.His eyes locked on them.
On Omkar's hand.On Meera.
There was no distance between them.
He become cold saw them together like this.