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BARANAS.
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Jungkook POV.

RM: Oh wow...is that Fire paan?!

four of us walking through market we have reached here this morning and Im bit tired of all regular traveling but the thought of her being beside me all this moment boost my energy.

YN: Yes...

Sofia: How can they eat fire??

Jk: they don't eat fire, Sofia. It's not really fire. It's a sort of tobacco and spice mix that they chew like a pan, hence the name 'fire paan'.

YN: how you know? You eat tobacco? (I gulp as she asked I had it few times but damn what to say now? He scratches the back of his neck, avoiding eye contact.)

Jk: er... well, I might have tried it once or twice. Just out of curiosity, you know? (He tries to laugh it off, hoping that you won't make a big deal out of it)

YN: (stare him for second and nod)

Jk: don't worry. It's not like I smoke or anything. I just tried it a few times at parties, mostly to fit in.

YN: hmm... (Jungkook can sense a bit of tension in your response)

Jk: hey... it's not a big deal, okay? I wouldn't lie to you about something like this. I promise.

He looks at you, his eyes searching yours for a sign of understanding. Meanwhile Taehyung order one paan immediately and told sofia to eat the first.

Sofia: What if I start taking out fire like dragon?! No!

RM: even now you don't take any honey out of your mouth.

That's it. they started barking each other I swear they are made for each other I chuckle lightly looking down at my misthidoi...and caressed her head. Just like us...She looks up confused but shake head. I love her. Her smile skips this 30 years old heart. Like no one ever I did suddenly taehyung turn with mishvious look to me..... wait no way!

Jk: Nonono! I don't eat such thing! My tongue is precious to me!

Tae: hey com'on!! Don't act like Sofia.. (in action to tell she spilt her paan on tae back) Aa!!

Jk: Eee!! (I disgust but hear a melody laugh sees my sweety she clap I chuckle damn. what are you doing to me...)

the sound of your laughter reaches his ears, making his heart skip a beat. It's a beautiful sound, one that he could listen to all day. He turns to look at you, a smile spreading across his face at the sight of your smile. He can feel the urge to pull you closer and drown in that laugh, to bask in the joy that you emit.

🍮
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YN: Aapko pata h...it's say That a human being's water gets washed away by taking a dip in the Ganges...

Jk: hmm... I've heard about that before. It's a deeply spiritual belief, isn't it? Many people come here for that very reason, to seek spiritual cleansing and redemption.

YN: Hmm...I will also want to dip but I kinda scared of water...

Jk: (turns to look at you) if you really want to dip, I'll be right by your side the whole time, holding onto you.

YN: Really?

Jk: (smile,He takes your hand in his and squeezes it gently) really. I promise. I won't let go of you for a single second. You'll be safe with me. tomorrow it is, sweetheart. We'll dip together and you'll see there's nothing to be afraid of. I'll hold onto you, every step of the way.

He pulls you closer, wrapping his arm around your shoulder, holding you against his chest. The comfort of having you by his side and the beauty of the Ganges at night washes over him. He rests his chin on the top of your head, inhaling the scent of your hair. He can feel the steady rhythm of your heart against his chest, and it's as if for that moment time stands still.

Jk: you know... tonight is perfect. The stars, the river, the peace... but the best part of all is having you here with me... can I ask you something?

YN: Ji?

Jk: (deep breath) I've been meaning to ask you this question for a while now, but I wasn't sure how or when to do it. But tonight- tonight feels right.

YN: Hm? (He hesitates for a moment, searching your eyes, He then takes both of your hands in his, holding them tightly, as if drawing strength from the touch.)

Jk: Misthi... do you trust me?

YN: ....At one point.....Khud se bhi jayda...

His heart skips a beat at your answer. He can see the honesty and sincerity in your eyes as you say you trust him more than yourself.

Jk: ...that is the best answer I could have wished for. (smile)

🍮

Jin sighs, clearly frustrated and not in the mood for shopping. But Lusy's persistent charm eventually wears him down, and he reluctantly agrees.

Jin: Fine, fine. I'll go. But don't expect me to enjoy it.

Lusy: You need to relax a bit... life's too short to be so serious all the time. (She smiles and sits beside him on the bed.)

Jin, trying to maintain his usual stoic expression, can't help but feel conflicted. Though they're engaged, he's never been sure about the relationship. He doesn't want to break her heart, but the pressure weighs on him. He knows she had a brief crush on Jungkook, but it seemed like nothing serious. Despite that, he had still told Jungkook to marry her once the engagement ended. But for some reason, he can't bring himself to end things with her now.

Jin: I just... don't feel like shopping, that's all. You should go by yourself.

Lusy pouts, her disappointment clear in her voice.

Lusy: But I want a Banarsi saree, and I can only find one at the market, right? You're my fiancé, you should take me shopping!

Jin sighs again, realizing he's not going to win this battle. He's not heartless, so he can't just refuse.

Jin: Fine, we'll go to the market. But we're not spending all day shopping, okay? I've got other things to do.

Lusy lights up, her disappointment quickly vanishing as excitement takes over. She claps her hands, eyes shining with anticipation.

Lusy: Thank you, Jin! You're the best! Let's go right away! I can't wait to get a beautiful Banarsi saree!

🍮

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N E X T D A Y
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Jungkook removes his shirt, revealing his muscular torso, momentarily captivated by your unraveling dress. He takes your hand, intertwining your fingers, and smiles.

Jk: "Ready, Misthi?"

YN: (nodding) "Soniye... don't think dirty in there..."

Jk: (laughs) "Me? Think dirty? Never."

YN: "N is silent in never?" (Raised brows)

Jk: (playfully poking you) "Hey, no need to be cheeky."

He leads you into the water, and you take three dips.

YN: "Aa... Ram ji!! Cold hai!!"

Jk: (chuckles, watching you shiver)"What did you expect? It's the Ganges!"

YN "You made of rock? Why are you so calm?" (Frowned)

Jk: (smirking) "I guess I'm used to the cold. Besides, I've got a good reason to stay warm."

You splash water at him, narrowing your eyes.

YN: "I told you, no dirty thoughts!"

JK: (raising hands in surrender) "Hey! Just kidding!"

His eyes linger on you for a moment, hinting at his playful intentions.

YN: (mocking) "Ap na jalebi ki tarah sidhe ho..."

JK: "Are you calling me round? Like a jalebi?" (Raised brows)

He pretends to pout, a mischievous glint in his eyes as he steps closer.

YN: "No, I meant straight like jalebi-innocent but with a dirty mind!"

Jungkook's playful charm shines through, blurring the lines between innocence and mischief... but...

Jk: wa-it Jimin...? (Shocked as jimin wave hand)

(Jungkook immediately rushed over and hugged Jimin.

Jungkook: "Damn, tell me I'm not dreaming!" (He gasps and glares at him as Jimin playfully spanks him, both of them chuckling.) "I'm so happy you chose to... this..." (He smiles, his words full of emotion as he nods.) "Oh, where's my misthi? Where is she?" (He looks around.)

Jimin: (Chuckles lightly)

YN: (narrowing eyes as she stands next to Jungkook)

Jimin: "Nice to meet you, Mrs. Jungkook."

Your glare fades, replaced by a blush on your cheeks as you smile politely and greet him back. But as Jungkook wraps his arms around you, you slip away from him.

YN: "Keep looking for your misthi. Ja... le... bi... Ji..."

🍮

As night fell, you attended the Ganga Aarti, mesmerized by the thousands of oil lamps glowing like stars. The atmosphere was peaceful, filled with chants and rituals. Beside you, Jungkook wrapped his arm around your shoulders, his touch warm and comforting.

Jin, meanwhile, suddenly pulled Lusy close, his arm wrapped around her waist protectively. She had been lost in the moment, carefree in the crowd, but a shiver ran through her when he held her tighter. Glancing up at him, she noticed he was focused on the view. She smiled softly and leaned into his chest, sensing his unease. He stiffened and looked down at her, but said nothing, his silent feelings hanging in the air.

Jin muttered, almost to himself, "Does it feel like Jungkook's embrace?" He thought she didn't hear, but Lusy caught the words and looked up at him.

Lusy replied gently, "I've moved on, Jin... it's been years. It was always a one-sided crush. It always was." Her eyes drifted to you and Jungkook, watching as he carefully adjusted your dupatta, ensuring it stayed in place, smiling at you. "I'm glad he never noticed me. And her... she changed him. She made him happy." Jin looked at the two of you, his expression softening, knowing exactly what she meant. He had seen the difference in Jungkook, the warmth and happiness that was now a part of him. "I want to be that person for you too, Jin," Lusy continued, her voice tinged with vulnerability. "I know I'm being foolish, but if you can bear me, I know I can make you happy."

Jin stared at her, his feelings conflicted. He cared for Lusy more than anyone realized, and he was genuinely happy when they got engaged. But everything had changed the day he overheard her confessing that she loved Jungkook-that she had always wanted to be with him, but had ended up with Jin instead. Jin's heart had shattered at that moment. He had wanted to call off the engagement then and there, but he didn't want to hurt her, so he decided to wait. He'd once planned to break off their engagement and force Jungkook to marry her, but then Jungkook chose Y/N and broke his half-hearted promise to Jin.

-★-

Sofia: Mmm, delicious! (She sips another glass of juice, enjoying the view from upstairs, away from the chaos. Isn't it surprising that Sofia is staying out of the commotion? Not really, because she's the one causing it!)

Shopkeeper: Who stole my juice?!

Sofia: I saw it! It was that person over there with the dimple on his face! (The shopkeeper storms over to confront the man, none other than RM. Sofia smirks and fills up more glasses for him before slipping away.)

Shopkeeper: How dare you-?

RM: What did I do this time? Anyway, how much do I owe you? (The shopkeeper pauses for a moment, then gives him the total. RM pays and leaves, while the shopkeeper stands there, scratching his head.)

Shopkeeper: Huh?

🍮

After the ceremony, you walked back to the hotel, Jungkook's hand resting on your back. The lobby buzzed with conversation as he led you to a private table in the restaurant... Jin being suprisingly quiet and Zoe in her usual self.

Sofia: "Did you get goosebumps?! Cotton candy?"

YN: nods "I do... I can still hear all the sounds..." smiles

Lusy: "I know, right? It was... mind-blowing!!" Jungkook smiles at your enthusiasm

Jungkook: "The Arti was beautiful, right?"

YN: agrees "Absolutely, I'd love to attend again in the future."

Jungkook: whispers "As many times as you want, Misthi."

Taehyung: teases "Careful! You're sweetness is dripping!"

Jungkook's cheeks flush, but he laughs it off, though he feels a little awkward with Jin around. Still, he's happy today.

Jungkook: "Hey, didn't mom tell you not to talk while eating?"

He glances at you, realizing how obvious his feelings are becoming. Zoe narrows her eyes but says nothing as she talks to RM. Jungkook quietly offers you some paneer from his plate, knowing how much you love it.

YN smiles while eating paneer Jungkook slides more pieces to your plate, pretending to focus on his conversation with Taehyung. He glances at you, pleased when you smile back.

Jungkook: "Still can't stand veggies?"

You shake your head, and he notices you're not eating much.

Jungkook: "You should eat more. It looks like you're just playing with your food."

YN: "I'm eating."

Jungkook: "Really? Because it seems like you're just moving it around. If you're full, don't force it." concerned

YN: "But I can't waste it."

Jungkook: "It's not waste if you're full." takes your hand under the table, gently stroking your palm "Your health is more important than finishing everything."

YN: "Okay..." concedes, then adds "Every bite is important to someone who didn't eat every day."

You get up to wash your hands, and Jungkook watches you, feeling a mix of admiration and worry. He pushes your plate in front of him and finishes your leftovers, hoping you'll reconsider your eating habits.

Zoe: "Seriously... why are you eating her leftovers?"

Jungkook glances up, his expression a mixture of annoyance and defensiveness.

Jungkook: "Mind your own business, Zoe. I'll eat whatever I want, including her leftovers."

Zoe: "You're walking the same path Jimin had, now look at him, he's suffering..."

Jungkook sets down his fork, his eyes narrowing at Zoe.

Jungkook: "Don't even try to compare me to Jimin. I'm not the one struggling, and neither is he! And I definitely don't need your unsolicited advice."

Sofia: "Guys, please..." gestures toward Jimin, who's talking on the phone outside

Jungkook pauses at Sofia's interruption, his irritation momentarily overshadowed by her pleading tone. He sighs heavily, giving Zoe a warning glance before turning to Sofia.

Jungkook: "Fine. I won't say anything more. But I wish everyone would stay out of my business."

Jimin stood outside a restaurant, speaking on the phone with his manager when, out of nowhere, a girl collided with him while running, clearly limping. In the distance, two men pursued her, their urgency unmistakable.

A wave of concern crossed Jimin's face as he grasped the situation. He ended his call and positioned himself in front of the girl, shielding her from the approaching men.

First Man: "Hey, don't act like a hero!"

Jimin: "Step back."

Second Man: "Who do you think you are to stop us?"

Jimin: (his expression hardening as he squared his shoulders, he stood firm) "And you think you can do whatever you want? I said, step back!"

Second Man: "What are you going to do about it? You think you can take us both on?"

Jimin: "Try me."

First Man: "You really think you can handle both of us, pretty boy?" He sneered, condescension dripping from his tone.

Jimin: "I don't just think. I know." He shifted his weight, his stance resolute and ready.

Second Man: "You're just a pretty face. All bark, no bite." He scoffed, attempting to provoke Jimin.

Clenching his jaw in response to the mockery, Jimin stepped forward, closing the gap between them.

Jimin: "Don't underestimate someone based on their looks." He kept his gaze locked on the men's faces, unwavering.

The first man was about to throw a punch when Jimin struck him in the face, causing his nose to bleed.

First Man: "YOU-" Just then, Jungkook, Taehyung, Jin, and Hobi emerged from the restaurant, alerted by the commotion, while YN, Lusy, and Zoe also approached. Jungkook and Taehyung, along with Jin and Hobi, quickly intervened to block the punch.

Jin: "What's going on here?" His voice was sharp, the question lingering as they took in the chaotic scene.

Jimin: "This man is trying to harm this girl-"

But before he could finish, Jimin noticed that the girl had disappeared. Panic surged through him as he scanned the area frantically.

He caught a glimpse of a shadow moving behind a nearby car. Instinctively, he turned his focus toward the vehicle, his eyes darting back and forth, searching for the hidden figure.

Her: "Nonono!! Don't!" She was about to hit a stone, thinking it was one of the men.

Jungkook: "Wait!" He called out, trying to prevent her from hurting herself.

??: (Her vision blurred from tears, she trembled in fear, unable to see them clearly.)

Taehyung: "It's okay now. You don't need to be scared. We won't hurt you. Can you tell us your name?"

YN: "Muskan?!"

As YN and Sofia/Lusy approached, shock washed over YN's face. She rushed toward Muskan, recognizing her as her bua's daughter and her own cousin. Concern and disbelief filled her eyes as she came closer.

🎀

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