बदरिया सी बरसूँ, घटा बन के छाऊँ
जिया तो ये चाहे, तोहे अंग लगाऊँ
लाज निगोड़ी मोरी,
रोके है पैंया..

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A/N-  I’ve seen some of you eagerly waiting for a plot twist and finding the story a bit slow-paced at the moment. First and foremost, this is a romance novel with elements of family drama. It’s not a thriller where every chapter is packed with shocking twists. Instead, the story follows a smooth, natural flow, just as I’ve planned from the beginning. Right now, things might seem simple, but that’s because I’m focusing on building the relationships, emotions, and dynamics that make the story meaningful. Twists will come, but only when the time is right, when they fit into the narrative organically rather than being forced in just for the sake of shock value.

This book isn’t just about romance, it also includes family moments, friendship , humor, and deep emotions. You’ll get to see all of these things throughout the journey because they’re an important part of the story’s essence. I’ve planned everything carefully, and I don’t want to add unnecessary twists that don’t serve the plot.

I also understand that for some of you, the pacing might feel slower because I’m updating one chapter at a time. If you prefer a faster reading experience, you might enjoy it more once the book is completed, so you can binge-read multiple chapters at once instead of waiting for updates.

Just trust the process, and I promise the story will unfold just as it’s meant to.

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The cool mountain breeze brushed against their faces as the group continued their Vaishnodevi yatra. The elders walked ahead, discussing the significance of the pilgrimage, while the youngsters trailed behind, engaged in their usual banter. The rocky path was bustling with other devotees, the sound of temple bells echoing in the distance, and the faint chants of Jai Mata Di filling the air.

As they ascended further, Siya clutched her stomach dramatically. "Yaar, bhookh lagi hai!" she whined, exaggerating her hunger like a child throwing a tantrum.

Shashwat, walking beside her, shook his head. "Abhi jab tak Bhairav Baba ke mandir tak nahi pahunch jaate, tab tak kuch nahi khayenge," he reminded her in a firm yet amused tone. "Jhoothe muh darshan karna sahi nahi hota."

Siya pouted. "Itni bhi bhookh nahi seh sakte ham!"

Arushi pressing a hand against her growling stomach. “Arre, chai-biscuit toh kha hi sakte hain na? Bhookh ke mare chakkar aa rahe hain mujhe!”

“Haan wahi to!” Reyansh immediately backed her up, nodding enthusiastically. He turned toward the elders, determination in his eyes. “Papa, suniye!”

The elders, who had been walking a few steps ahead on the winding path, paused and turned around.

“Bolo,” Harsh asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Thoda chai-vagera pee lete hain,” Reyansh suggested, gesturing toward a small tea stall up ahead, its clay cups neatly stacked and the vendor busy pouring steaming tea into a kettle.

Naman sighed, rubbing his forehead. “Abhi thak gaye ye sab 12 kilo meter chalna hai.” He exchanged a glance with the other elders, who looked equally amused yet resigned. Finally, he gave a small nod. “Theek hai, thoda ruk jaate hain.”

A collective sigh of relief passed through the group of youngsters, and they quickened their steps toward the modest roadside tea stall. The comforting aroma of freshly brewed tea mixed with the crisp mountain air, wrapping them in a warm, inviting embrace. The vendor, an elderly man with a kind smile, started making tea.

As they waited for their tea, Richa’s eyes suddenly widened in excitement. She pointed toward a small shop a few steps away, where an old CRT television had been placed to a shop infront of them. “Aye, dekho! Jai Maa Vaishnodevi movie lagi hai!” she exclaimed, her voice brimming with enthusiasm.

“Arey haan!” Kanak grinned. “Waise bhi chai ban rahi hai, tab tak dekh lete hain!”

Siya and Arushi didn’t need any more convincing. “Chalo, chalo!” Siya grabbed Richa’s arm, leading the group of youngsters toward the shop.

The black-and-white screen flickered slightly, but the visuals were clear enough. A grand temple scene was unfolding, where devotees were singing bhajans with deep devotion. The chorus of “Mata Rani ki Jai Ho” played in the background, adding to the spiritual ambiance of their journey. The group huddled together, completely engrossed as if they were watching the film for the first time.

Meanwhile, at the tea stall, Kirti called out, “Aao bhai, chai ban gayi!”

The elders gathered around the vendor, their hands wrapping around the warm cups as they sipped the hot, spiced tea. However, the youngsters remained glued to the television screen.

“Aate hain, bas ek minute!” Vihaan called back dismissively, waving a hand in the elders’ direction without even looking away from the screen.

“Arre ek minute nahi, abhi aao! Chai thandi hui to aise hi peena garam karvane bola tum log ko garam kar dungi issi aag me daal ke.” Tara scolded, clearly unimpressed by their antics.

The youngsters groaned in protest but knew better than to argue. With great reluctance, they peeled their eyes away from the movie and trudged back toward the tea stall.

“Yaar, abhi toh wo scene aane wala tha!” Arushi complained, taking her clay cup with a sulky pout.

“Aur wo bhajan Leke pooja ki thali wala chal raha tha!” Darsh shook his head in disappointment, blowing on his tea before taking a careful sip.

The elders exchanged amused glances but chose to ignore their complaints, resuming their walk. The youngsters, still grumbling, followed behind, sipping their tea and discussing the half-seen movie as if it had been the most thrilling moment of their lives.

Five minutes later, as the group continued their trek along the winding path, another small tea stall appeared along the way. The earthy aroma of freshly brewed chai filled the air, but what caught the youngsters' attention wasn't the tea it was the familiar sound coming from inside the shop.

“See, phir wahi movie!” Divya exclaimed, coming to an abrupt halt.

The others turned their heads toward the shop, and sure enough, an old television screen flickered inside, playing Jai Maa Vaishnodevi once again.

"Aur iss baar wo wali scene chal rahi hai jo abhi miss ki thi!” Akash added excitedly, his eyes lighting up.

Siya clutched Arushi’s arm, practically bouncing on her feet. “Ek second, thoda aur dekh lete hain!” she said, already turning toward the shop without waiting for permission.

And just like that, the entire group of youngsters came to a standstill, their gazes fixed on the small screen as if they had stumbled upon the most riveting spectacle of their lives. The scene they had missed earlier was now playing—the grand temple sequence, the devotees swaying in devotion, the powerful echo of "Mata Rani ki Jai Ho" filling the small space.

For a few moments, they stood there in complete fascination, sipping their tea and watching in silence.

This time, however, the elders noticed much quicker.

“Aye bhai, aage badho!” Naman’s voice rang out, his irritation evident. He turned to see the younger lot standing frozen in front of the shop once again.

“Bas ek aur scene, ye wali dekhne dijiye papa.” Shashawat pleaded, waving his hand dramatically.

“Beta log aage badhne ka naam suna hai kabhi?” Kirti asked dryly, her arms crossed.

But within minutes, the elders' patience started wearing thin.

"Phir se wahi movie dekh rahe ho? Chalo sab, late ho raha hai!" Aruna's voice carried a clear warning this time.

"Arre ek bhajan dekhne do mummy!" Kanak argued, her expression hopeful.

"Koi bhajan nahi! Ab chalo poore raste baj raha hai na!" Tara scolded, shaking her head.

A collective groan rose from the group as they exchanged reluctant glances. Grumbling under their breaths, they finally peeled themselves away from the screen and started walking forward, albeit at a much slower pace.

But just as they were getting back into stride, another tea stall came into view a few minutes later.

And from inside, the unmistakable chant of Jai Maa Vaishnodevi rang out once more.

The youngsters froze mid-step. Slowly, they turned their heads toward each other, their eyes widening in realization.

As if guided by an unspoken agreement, they instinctively shuffled toward the screen yet again, completely mesmerized.

Behind them, the elders sighed in exasperation.

Manav ran a hand down his face. “Mujhe lagta hai inhe yahin chhod kar aage nikal jaana chahiye.”

Harsh shook his head. “Bachpana hi nahi gaya phir kuch bolo to ab ham bade ho gaye hain.”

“Akele aane wale the papa aap log jao Ham akale jayenge…ye sab akele nikalte to do din vapas aate darshan kar ke ” Piyush said rolling his eyes.

Tara shook her head, finally giving up. “Do minute, bas do minute aur!” she announced, surrendering to their antics.

The youngsters cheered under their breaths and huddled closer to the screen, their excitement renewed as the movie played on.

The group of youngsters exchanged knowing glances, and without a second thought, they settled in once again, their eyes glued to the small television screen. The scene they had eagerly awaited was unfolding, the rhythmic chants of Mata Rani ki Jai Ho filling the air.

Just as they were getting comfortable, a sharp voice rang out behind them.

"Aap log fir khade ho gaye?!

The youngsters winced in unison before slowly turning around like guilty children caught sneaking extra sweets.

Shreya stood with her hands on her hips, her glare sharp enough to cut through their excitement. "Jahan dekho, movie dekhne ke liye ruk ja rahe ho! Yatra kar rahe ho ya cinema hall dhundh rahe ho?"

“Bas last time dekh rahe hain, promise Mummy!” Richa attempted, flashing her most innocent smile.

“Yeh promise toh pichle chaar baar bhi suna tha!” Ishika scoffed.

Manav sighed deeply, rubbing his temples. "Ab chalo, warna subah tak yahin pahunch paoge!" His tone left no room for negotiation.

With exaggerated sighs and dramatic reluctance, the youngsters exchanged guilty glances and dragged their feet forward. The elders, satisfied that they had finally put an end to this nonsense, resumed walking ahead.

But, of course, the peace didn’t last long.

Barely a few minutes later, yet another stall appeared on the side of the path.

And, as if scripted by fate, another television screen flickered inside the shop.

And, unsurprisingly, Jai Maa Vaishnodevi was playing.

For a moment, there was silence.

Siya gasped in exaggerated wonder. “Mata Rani humein baar baar bulane ki koshish kar rahi hain! Yeh koi mamooli baat nahi hai!” She smirked finding a chance to watch the movie m

“Sach mein! Humein yeh signal ignore nahi karna chahiye!” Arushi joined in, playing along.

Just as they were about to inch closer to the television again, a collective groan rose from the elders.

"NAHIIIIN!" Tara dramatically threw her hands in the air. "Ab yahi sabke samne pad jayegi tab dimag thikane ayega kya!"

The elders stomped forward in exasperation, while the youngsters despite their feet moving couldn’t stop giggling at their own antics.

Just as they thought they were making good progress, Siya suddenly stopped in her tracks, her eyes lighting up with excitement.

"Arey wah!" she gasped, pointing toward a small roadside stall. "Dekho, kitni sundar jewellery bech rahi hai!"

The shop shimmered under the golden evening light, displaying an array of dazzling earrings, intricately designed bangles, and delicate rings that seemed to call out to them.

Arushi clapped her hands gleefully. "Haan! Chal na, dekhte hain!"

Before anyone could react, Siya, Arushi, Richa, Divya, Kanak, and Ritika made a beeline for the stall, their excitement bubbling over.

"Ye bangles dekho! Kitni sundar hai na?" Kanak gushed, carefully picking up a pair of silver-embedded bangles, turning them in her hands as they sparkled.

"Yaar, ye jhumke toh bohot cute lag rahe hain!" Richa said, holding up a pair of oxidized silver earrings against her ears. She tilted her head slightly, admiring herself in the tiny hand mirror placed on the counter. "Acha lag raha hai na?" she asked.

"Bilkul!" Siya agreed before turning her attention to a delicate anklet with tiny bells. "Yeh kitna sundar hai! Le lete hain kya.’

Arushi, meanwhile, had her eyes set on a beautifully carved ring with an emerald stone in the center. She turned to the vendor, her face alight with curiosity. "Bhaiya, ye kitne ka hai?" she asked eagerly.

The vendor smiled and was just about to respond when

"Ladkiyo!"

The sharp call cut through the air like a whip. The girls flinched and turned around slowly, their excitement quickly fading as they saw their mothers standing a few steps away, hands firmly placed on their hips, expressions a mix of irritation and amusement.

"Bas mummy, thodi der ke liye ruk gaye the!" Siya replied, attempting her most innocent smile while subtly hiding the pair of earrings she had been admiring behind her back.

"Thodi der?" Tara scoffed, folding her arms. "Hum kab se wait kar rahe hain! Tum log yeh shopping ka mood yatra ke baad nahi bana sakti?"

The girls exchanged guilty glances, but their reluctance was evident as they put back the accessories they had picked up.

Arushi pouted. "Par maa, itne sundar designs hai! Sirf ek pair jhumke le lete hain na?"

"No! Ritika Arav ki shaadi ke itne jewellery itna sab khareeda hai" The collective voice of the mothers left no room for argument.

Grumbling under their breaths, the girls finally stepped away from the stall, dragging their feet dramatically as if they had just lost the biggest opportunity of their lives.

But just as they walked a few more steps ahead—

"Arey wah! Ye shop dekho!" Siya’s excited voice rang out once again.

And just like that, another beautifully decorated stall caught their attention, this time filled with colorful handcrafted bangles and embroidered handbags.

The girls gasped in delight, their feet automatically halting as they turned toward the shop, eyes twinkling once again.

"Aree,White wala kitna cute hai meri dress ke sath match karega haldi kw!" Divya whispered in awe.

The mothers, who had been relieved that the group was finally moving forward, turned around just in time to see their daughters once again eyeing the items longingly.

Tara groaned. "Oh God, yeh yatra toh aaj khatam hone se rahi!"

This time, as they walked down the narrow lane, their eyes fell upon a store selling beautiful traditional Kashmiri dresses. The vibrant colors and intricate embroidery caught everyone’s attention.

"Wow!" Divya gasped, her eyes wide with admiration. "Dekho, kitne pyaare Kashmiri suits hain!" She was already drawn to the colorful array of dresses displayed outside, with delicate Kashmiri embroidery adorning the fabrics.

Arushi  immediately chimed in, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Ek baar andar chalte hain, bas dekhne!"

Before anyone could protest, the group had already dashed inside, their footsteps quick as they ran their fingers along the soft, embroidered fabrics, their minds swirling with ideas for how these outfits might look on them.

"Yaar, ye wala dekh, kitna sundar hai!" Richa held up a deep blue Kashmiri phiran with golden embroidery. She twirled the fabric in her hands, marveling at the richness of the design.

"Arey nahi, mujhe toh ye red wala zyada pasand aaya!" Siya declared, holding the deep red Kashmiri suit against her, twirling dramatically as she imagined how it would look on her. 

Richa raised an eyebrow, unable to hide her amusement. "Tere liye kon dekh raha hai re?" she teased, making everyone laugh. Siya shot her an unamused look.

But Siya wasn’t about to let it go. "Isko pehnungi na, Shashwat wahi palat jayenge!" she said with a sly smile, spinning around once more in front of the mirror, imagining the dramatic effect it would have. The girls giggled, catching the playfulness in her voice.

Meanwhile, the elders, once again, realized the girls were nowhere to be found. They had drifted away in their shopping spree once again, and this time, they had crossed the line into traditional wear.

"AB CHALO YAHAAN SE!" Tara yelled, her voice cutting through the air like a whip. Her glare was fierce, and the command was clear this was the end of their shopping spree for the day. The girls froze at the sound of Shreya’s voice, turning toward her as their faces fell.

Startled, they quickly placed the bracelets back on the counter, attempting to appear innocent, but it was too late. They knew they had pushed it too far this time.

The group continued their ascent, voices echoing in the cool mountain air as they chanted in unison—

"Jai Mata Di!"

Their energy was infectious, their spirits high despite the aching legs and burning muscles. Elders led the way, their devotion unwavering, while the youngsters followed behind, their enthusiasm slightly mixed with exhaustion.

Siya was walking steadily, keeping pace with the group, while Shashwat walked beside her, deep in conversation with Akash. He appeared casual, as if his focus was entirely on the discussion, but his mind was elsewhere. His gaze flickered toward Siya every now and then, taking in the slight frown of concentration on her face, the way she adjusted her dupatta now and then, and the gentle rise and fall of her breath.

And then, without warning, he reached out and took her hand.

Siya’s eyes widened instantly, her breath hitching in her throat as she turned to look at him, her lips parting in shock.

"Shashwat?!" she whispered, instinctively trying to pull her hand away.

But his grip remained firm—not forceful, not desperate, just… steady. As if he belonged there. As if her hand in his was the most natural thing in the world.

Her heart pounded against her ribs as she glanced around nervously, making sure no one had noticed. With a quick thought, she reached for her dupatta, pretending to adjust it as she tugged at the end that had gotten stuck somewhere. In the process, the dupatta had been loosely draped around her shoulders, unfurled and dropped down, covering both their hands in its warmth.

Shashwat finally looked down at their covered hands, a soft smile tugging at his lips. A slight pink dusted his cheeks.

The group had paused on the way, settling down on a shaded patch along the rocky path. With aching legs and tired smiles, they sipped on energy drinks, their breath slowing as the fatigue melted into the peaceful mountain air. The elders sat in a circle, talking amongst themselves, while the youngsters stretched their legs, some leaning against