मन्नत माँगी थी तुने इक रोज मैं जाऊं बिहायी
इस जोगी के संग मेरी तू कर दे अब कुड़मायी
इन हाथों में लगा दे मेंहदी -
बाँध शगुन का धागा

Vote Target - 10k
Comments -10k

Chapter 15 has been updated on scrollstack.

Next chapter will be updated after completing the vote target of this chapter, uske pehle nahi dungi ab 😭. Bhai atleast muh dikhane layak toh vote kardo, target ke aas paas hi.

_____________________________________________
____________________________________________

The soft moonlight filtered through the kitchen window, casting a dim glow across the empty space. The faint ticking of the clock echoed in the silence as Richa stepped inside, her heart beating just a little faster.

Her phone buzzed one last time - "Kitchen mein aao."

Akash's text.

She glanced around, finding the entire kitchen wrapped in shadows. The cold tiles pressed beneath her bare feet as she hugged her shawl closer, biting her lower lip.

"Akash?" She called out softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

The silence stretched, making her heartbeat quicken.

She walked further inside, her eyes searching through the darkness... until suddenly -

A strong hand shot out from behind the counter, wrapping around her wrist.

A surprised gasp escaped her lips before she was pulled forward, stumbling straight into his lap.

Her breath caught in her throat as her back collided with his hard chest, the familiar scent of his perfume filling her senses.

The moonlight filtered through the window, falling perfectly on their faces - illuminating the mischievous glint in Akash's eyes. His arms wrapped snugly around her waist, locking her in place as if he had no intention of letting her go.

Richa's chest heaved, her heart fluttering at their sudden closeness.

"Tum pagal ho gaye ho?" She whispered breathlessly, her eyes wide.

A slow, lazy smile tugged at his lips - making her heart thump harder against her ribcage.

"Tumne kar diya hai." He murmured, leaning in and pressing a soft kiss against her flushed cheek.

Her cheeks burned instantly, the warmth spreading down her neck as she tried to push him away. But his hold tightened - not enough to hurt, but enough to make her stay.

Her heart was racing, but the butterflies in her stomach betrayed how much she liked being trapped in his arms like this.

Gathering all her willpower, she wriggled out of his lap and sat down beside him on the cold marble counter - trying to calm the erratic beating of her heart.

"Tum yahan kya kar rahe ho? Aise chupke?" She asked, trying to sound stern but failing miserably when her voice trembled slightly.

Akash smirked, leaning back on his elbows. His dark eyes glimmered in the moonlight, fixed entirely on her.

"Tumhe bhook lagi thi na."

Her heart skipped a beat.

"Toh?"

Without breaking eye contact, he reached out and lifted a big steel bowl from behind the counter - steam still rising from inside.

Richa's eyes widened in surprise.

"Yeh tumne... abhi banaya?" She asked, her voice soft with disbelief.

Akash's smirk softened into something more tender.

"Haan... storeroom mein yahi mila jo jaldi ban sakta tha."

Her gaze flickered between him and the bowl of chowmein, her heart squeezing painfully in her chest.

"Itni raat ko... sirf mere liye?" She asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Tumhe bhookha kaise sone deta?" He murmured softly.

Akash's deep voice echoed softly in the dimly lit kitchen, making Richa halt mid-bite.

"Ruko."

She looked at him with questioning eyes, the spoon still lingering near her lips.

He stood up, walking towards the counter with lazy, confident strides. From behind the stack of jars and utensils, he pulled out two small white candles - the ones usually used for power cuts.

Her brows furrowed, but a soft smile danced on her lips as she watched him carefully place the candles on the marble countertop.

"Ye kya hai?" She asked, her voice barely above a whisper, the air thick with intimacy.

He flicked the lighter, the small flames flickering to life, casting a soft golden glow on both their faces. The dim, warm light made the entire atmosphere more... intimate. More magical.

"Candlelight dinner." He whispered, shrugging his shoulders.

A giggle escaped her lips despite herself.

"Khao." He said, his deep voice cutting through the thick silence.

Richa bit her lower lip to suppress the shy smile threatening to bloom on her face. She took a small bite of chowmein, chewing slowly as her eyes stayed fixed on him.

Her lips curved into a bright smile, the taste melting on her tongue.

"It's delicious... function waale se zyada." She murmured, genuinely surprised, eating another two spoonfuls as she stole small glances at him between bites.

Akash's smirk widened, pride flickering in his dark eyes.

But then her eyes softened, the teasing smile fading just a little as a warm wave of affection washed over her.

"Tum bhi khao na." She whispered, holding out the spoon towards him.

His gaze flicked between her eyes and the spoon - but instead of taking the bite, he leaned in closer...

Her breath hitched, her heart hammering inside her chest as he cupped her face with one large, calloused hand.

His thumb stroked her cheekbone slowly - lazily - while his dark, molten gaze dipped down... lingering on her slightly parted lips.

Her breath got caught in her throat, the warmth of his touch seeping into her skin, making her entire body flush under the soft golden glow of the candles.

His lips grazed her lower lip so achingly slow... so painfully gentle... that she felt like her heart might explode right there in her chest.

His warm breath fanned over her flushed skin, sending electric shivers down her spine.

He sucked the small piece of chowmein off her lower lip - his mouth barely touching hers, teasing... tasting... savoring.

His lips lingered... pressing a little firmer... making her whole body heat up under his touch.

Her eyes fluttered shut on their own, her heart hammering against her ribs as her fingers curled around the cold marble counter for support.

A soft sigh escaped her lips - barely audible, but he heard it.

And God... he felt it.

His smirk deepened against her mouth before he finally leaned back - breaking the almost-kiss - leaving her breathless, flushed, and absolutely shattered.

"Delicious indeed." He whispered, his smirk turning wickedly satisfied.

Richa's eyes shot open, her entire face burning scarlet.

"Akash!" She gasped, completely flustered, swatting at his chest with her small fists.

"Par koi aa gaya toh?" Richa's soft, anxious voice echoed in the dimly lit kitchen, her doe-like eyes flickering between Akash and the closed door.

"Itni raat mein kaun aayega, jaan?" He drawled.

"Phir bhi... risk kyun le rahe hain?" She whispered, her cheeks flushing at how close they were sitting - their knees brushing under the marble countertop.

Akash's smirk deepened, his eyes turning darker as he leaned in - close enough for his warm breath to fan over her flushed cheeks.

"Meri jaan..." He whispered, his fingers brushing a stray strand of hair behind her ear - making her breath hitch.

"...Jahan risk na ho, wahan ishq nahi hota."

She was just about to swat him again when -

THAK... THAK...

Footsteps echoed in the silent hallway, making both of them freeze mid-breath.

Their eyes widened in synchrony, panic crashing down on them like a cold wave.

"Yahan se awazein kyun aa rahi thi?"

Shreya's sharp voice echoed from outside the kitchen, making Richa's heart stop.

"M-mummy?" Richa whispered in sheer panic, clutching Akash's arm tightly.

He cursed under his breath, his smirk vanishing as they both scrambled to blow out the candles together - their hands fumbling in the dark as the flames flickered out one by one.

In the faint moonlight filtering through the window, Akash hastily pushed the candles behind the counter, their breaths mingling in the thick silence.

They both curled their legs up, pressing themselves into the small corner behind the kitchen counter - hoping to disappear into the shadows.

"Koi hai kya yahan?" Shreya's voice echoed again, closer this time.

Richa squeezed her eyes shut, clutching onto Akash's t-shirt in sheer panic, her heart hammering in her chest.

"Ye tumhari maa ke andar koi... romance detector machine fit hai kya? Hamesha aise waqt pe hi entry maarna hota hai?" He muttered in frustration.

Despite the panic, a muffled giggle slipped past her lips, making him grin wider.

"Shhh!" She quickly slapped her palm over his mouth, her eyes narrowing at him warningly.

His smirk didn't falter. Instead, he leaned in - his lips pressing a soft, feather-light kiss against her palm.

Before she could glare at him again, they both heard footsteps approaching...

"Koi hai kya yahan?" Shreya's voice echoed again - this time dangerously close.

Both of them froze, their breaths caught in their throats.

Richa squeezed her eyes shut tightly, sending silent prayers to every possible God in the universe.

Akash, on the other hand, looked completely unbothered - his eyes shamelessly fixed on her flustered face, as if thoroughly enjoying the entire situation.

But then -

THAP!

Shreya's sandal-clad foot accidentally stepped on Akash's outstretched hand.

His eyes widened in sheer agony, his jaw clenching tightly as a muffled groan of pain rumbled in his throat.

He quickly slapped his other hand over his mouth, biting down on his knuckles to stop himself from screaming out loud.

Richa's eyes flew open, panic flashing across her face as she stared at his scrunched-up expression.

"Oh shit... oh shit... oh shit..." She whispered under her breath, trying her best not to burst into nervous giggles.

Shreya stood frozen in the doorway, glancing around suspiciously.

"Yahan toh koi nahi hai..." She muttered to herself, squinting at the dimly lit kitchen.

Akash's eyes were squeezed shut in pain, his teeth still digging into his knuckles as he desperately tried not to scream.

"Ye light kahan se on hogi?" Shreya muttered under her breath, her fingers brushing along the wall in search of the switchboard.

Akash's hand throbbed in pain, and he finally exhaled sharply as she unknowingly released her foot from his bruised hand. He quickly brought his palm to his mouth, caressing it softly to ease the pain while shooting daggers at Richa, who was biting her lips to stop herself from giggling.

They quietly slipped to the other side of the counter, pressing their backs against the cold marble slab.

"Shit... light on hote hi dekh lengi." Richa whispered in panic, clutching onto Akash's t-shirt tightly.

Just then -

CLICK

The fluorescent tube light flickered on, casting harsh white light across the entire kitchen.

Both of them froze in place, holding their breath like two guilty thieves caught red-handed.

But before Shreya could look around, another voice echoed from behind.

"Aunty?"

Shreya turned around, her brows furrowed as she saw Kanak standing at the doorway - holding a jug of water in her hand.

Akash and Richa exchanged wide-eyed glances, silently thanking all the Gods in the universe for this unexpected savior.

"Kanak?" Shreya asked, her suspicion shifting away from the counter.

Kanak smiled sweetly, walking further inside.

"Aunty... maine dekha ki aap ye jug lekar aa rahi thi... toh socha aapke liye paani le aati hoon." She said innocently, extending the glass of water towards Shreya.

Shreya blinked in surprise, her suspicion melting into fondness at Kanak's thoughtful gesture.

"Arre tum kyun laayi... mai yahan aa hi gayi thi." Shreya said, though her voice had softened.

Kanak's smile widened, her eyes flickering briefly towards the hidden duo before she smoothly covered up.

"Haan par uss waqt toh aap raste mein thi na... aur mujhe laga... kahin thak gayi hongi." She said sweetly, her voice laced with perfect innocence.

"...Aap yeh pi lijiye... mai jug bhar kar laati hoon."

Shreya smiled warmly at Kanak, completely buying her story as she took the glass and drank from it.

"Thank you, beta... kitni achhi ladki hai tu."

Kanak beamed proudly, while behind the counter, Akash and Richa exchanged victorious smirks - their hearts finally slowing down.

As soon as Shreya walked out of the kitchen, Kanak waited for a few seconds before turning towards the counter with a smug smile.

"Jo bhi shaitaan bacche yahan chupe hue hain... ab bahar aa sakte hain."

Akash and Richa peeked their heads out slowly, grinning sheepishly like two naughty kids caught stealing cookies.

Richa tucked her hair behind her ears, her cheeks burning red as she looked down shyly.

Akash, on the other hand, had the audacity to flash his signature smirk as if nothing had happened.

"Ahmm ahmm... kitchen romance, haan?" Kanak teased, folding her arms across her chest with an arched brow.

"Maine tujhe peetal samjha tha... par tu toh sach mein Kanak nikli." He drawled dramatically.

Kanak rolled her eyes, though a small smile tugged at her lips.

"Wo toh Richa ke liye bacha liya... varna tumhe bachane se pehle hi mai marr jaati." She shot back playfully.

"Arre do minute tareef bardasht nahi hoti na tumhe?" He teased.

"Tareef aur tumhare mooh se? Itne bure din nahi aaye hain mere."

Richa giggled softly, watching the two bicker like siblings.

Finally, she stepped forward, wrapping her arms around Kanak in a grateful hug.

"Thank you so much, Kanak... agar tum na hoti toh aaj toh pakke se mummy se dhulai ho jaati."

Kanak hugged her back, patting her head affectionately.

The soft golden hues of the early morning sun painted the terrace in a warm glow, casting a serene ambiance all around. The gentle breeze carried the faint fragrance of fresh marigold flowers, making the atmosphere feel even more pure - perfect for the haldi ceremony about to begin.

Siya walked slowly onto the terrace, her yellow lehenga shimmering under the sunlight. The delicate embroidery sparkled, matching the subtle golden glow of the morning. Her netted dupatta flowed behind her, tucked gracefully over her shoulder. She held it in place with one hand while her other hand carefully fixed the small pins to secure it. Loose tendrils of her hair framed her soft face, while the rest was tied neatly in a side braid, giving her an ethereal beauty.

Her mother had asked her to bring the turmeric kept on the terrace, but as she took a few steps forward, her movements halted, her breath catching in her throat.

Her wide eyes settled on the figure seated a few feet away...

Shashwat.

He was sitting cross-legged on a mat, lost in his morning meditation. His eyes were closed, his face calm and composed ,almost angelic, with the early sunlight kissing his sharp features. But what made Siya's heart skip a beat was the sight of him in just a white vest and track pants. His toned muscular arms flexed slightly as he rested his hands on his knees. Every inch of him looked carved to perfection, from the taut lines of his shoulders to the way his biceps stretched beneath the thin fabric.

She tried to shake off the sudden heat rising inside her, reminding herself of the turmeric she was supposed to collect. Carefully, she tiptoed across the terrace, making sure her anklets didn't make much noise. Each step felt heavier as if the floor itself was trying to give away her presence to him.

Her eyes flickered towards him again...

His chest rose and fell in perfect rhythm - broad, sculpted, and utterly distracting. A light sheen of sweat glistened over his collarbones, making him look even more tempting under the morning sun. The faint shadow of stubble graced his jaw, adding a rough edge to his otherwise calm demeanor.

Siya's throat went dry.

She scolded herself silently, turning her eyes away and focusing back on her task.

Siya's wide, honey-brown eyes flickered between him and the turmeric she couldn't find.

"Shayad neeche ho." She thought, and her eyes again stepped at him.

Shashwat sat still, his chest rising and falling in steady rhythm, completely lost in his meditation. His thick dark lashes rested over his cheeks, shielding those deep, intense eyes that always managed to see through her.

Her throat dried up as her hand slowly lifted on its own - as if her heart had taken control of her movements, not her mind.

Her slender fingers hovered just above his face, careful not to touch him. Her fingertips traced the air above his sharp jawline, brushing over the fine stubble that darkened his skin. Her hand trembled slightly as her eyes drank in every inch of him - the perfect curve of his nose, the slight parting of his lips, the way the sunlight made his skin glow like molten gold.

He looked...

Divine.

Her breath hitched as her fingers slowly trailed above his forehead, then down to his sharp cheekbones, and finally... they hovered dangerously close to his lips.

A sudden shiver passed through his broad shoulders, the tiny hairs on his exposed skin standing on edge.

She was so gone for this man...

With a deep breath, she composed herself and turned to leave, clutching her netted dupatta tightly around her shoulders. But the soft fabric slipped from her fingers...

And before she could even react, the yellow dupatta floated in the air like a feather- landing right on his face.

Her eyes widened in shock - lips parting as she froze on the spot.

The soft fabric draped over his face, covering half of his handsome features. For a moment, he didn't move...

A sigh of relief escaped her lips as she carefully stepped forward, her fingers curling around the edge of the dupatta. Slowly... very slowly... she lifted the delicate fabric off his face, her eyes lingering on the faint pink hue dusted across his cheeks from the morning chill.

Shaking her head at her own stupidity, she turned around on her heels, ready to leave before her heart betrayed her again.

But just as she took a step forward...

Tug.

Her entire body froze.

Her heart pounded violently against her chest, every nerve in her body tingling with awareness. She didn't dare turn back, but the warmth of his presence behind her wrapped around her like an invisible cage.

A startled gasp escaped her lips as her bare