"Mere Hathon Me Nau Nau Choodiyan Hain."

Akash swayed his hips dramatically, pointing towards Arav.

"Thoda thehro sajan, majbooriyan hain," he sang, earning a glare from Arav.

Darsh joined in, twirling with exaggerated grace, acting like Ritika.

"Milan hoga abhi, ek raat ki dooriyan hain," he teased, making Arushi burst into laughter.

She chimed in, completing the line as she danced along with them.

Shashwat giggled from the bed, watching the trio enjoy themselves while Arav sat in the middle of the room, frustration evident on his face. Unable to tolerate their teasing anymore, he stood up and smacked their heads one by one.

"Ouch!" Arushi yelped, rubbing her head while Akash and Darsh scowled.

Everyone made their way downstairs. Shashwat's eyes immediately searched for Siya, who was scrolling through her phone on the couch. When she looked up, their eyes met. He gave her a sad, puppy-eyed look, silently begging her for support. Siya simply shrugged her shoulders, biting back a smile.

But before Shashwat could sulk further, his eyes landed on Kabir sitting nearby - the one person he'd completely forgotten about. His heart skipped a beat as panic set in.

"Ye Kabir toh yahin rahega... near Siya... aahhhh!! What should I do!!!?" he muttered under his breath, shooting a sharp glare at Kabir, who was obliviously scrolling on his phone.

Suddenly, an idea popped into his head.

"Maa, hum sab toh yahan ruk sakte hain na?" Shashwat asked, his face the perfect picture of innocence.

Ishika raised her eyebrows suspiciously.

"Kyun?" Kirti questioned.

"Woh... sab yahin hain na. Wahan mann nahi lagega," he said, trying to sound convincing.

Harsh, who had been silently observing the drama, muttered under his breath, "Haan wahan kyun hi mann lagega!"

Before the other youngsters could jump in and agree with Shashwat, Naman interrupted, his authoritative voice shutting down their hopes.

"Wahan mann lagane ko kaun le jaa raha hai? Itne kaam hain aur mann lagana hai inko... chalo chup chap."

All of them pouted like little kids, dragging their feet towards the door, leaving behind Shashwat's shattered plan.

They started walking towards the car when suddenly Shashwat stumbled and fell to the floor with a loud thud.

"Arhhh!! My feet!" he hissed dramatically, clutching his ankle as if he'd broken every bone in his body.

Everyone froze in their steps. Siya's eyes widened, and she instantly rushed towards him, concern flashing across her face. Others followed behind, crowding around him.

"What happened?? Kaise gir gaye?" Piyush asked, kneeling beside him.

Shashwat winced, squeezing his eyes shut as if the pain was unbearable.

"Pata nahi, Chote Papa!" he groaned, making his voice extra strained.

Kriti's motherly instincts kicked in, her brows furrowed in worry.

"Is it paining too much?" she asked softly, placing her hand on his head.

Shashwat nodded weakly, his face contorting as if he'd just been through a battlefield.

"Haan Maa... I think fracture ho gaya... toh aap log jao. I will rest here."

His voice was heavy, like a tragic hero making a selfless sacrifice.

Akash, Arav, and Darsh exchanged glances, their smirks barely hidden. They had known Shashwat long enough to smell his drama from miles away.

"Chal, we will help you... car me baith ke jana hai," Arav said, plastering an extra sweet smile on his face as he held Shashwat's arm to make him stand.

Akash and Darsh immediately joined in, grabbing him from both sides.

Shashwat's eyes widened at their sudden helpfulness. He knew his plan was slipping from his hands.

"I can't get up!! Mujhe chakkar bhi aa rahe hain." He blinked rapidly, trying to look faint.

Ishika, who had been silently observing the whole scene, crossed her arms.

"Your feet is injured, not your head."

Shashwat blinked, caught off guard.

"Wo... uska affect hai... Mai yahin ruk jata hun." He blurted out, trying to save himself.

Arav smirked, leaning closer.

"Kyun? Yahan kaunse Ramayan me Lakshman ji ka treatment karne wale Vaidhya ji baithe huye hain?"

Everyone chuckled at his sarcastic remark, while Shashwat glared at him.

Tara smiled, shaking her head.

"Ye toh bilkul Ritika ki language seekh gaya hai."

Darsh's eyes twinkled mischievously.

"Haan aunty! Kal bhi pata nahi kaunse satyayug wale words keh rahe the... kya tha wo, Shashwat bhaiya?"

Shashwat's mind raced for a second before blurting out,

"Umm... haan... charitraheen."

Shashwat quickly stood up without any limp, completely forgetting that he was supposed to be injured.

"And wo bhi Darsh ko keh raha tha... because he snatched his phone while talking to bhabhi."

He grinned triumphantly - until he noticed everyone raising their eyebrows, especially Siya.

Shashwat sat in the car,as he was dragged by his family towards the car. He sighed leaning against the window with his arms folded, his eyes fixed on Siya, who stood outside with others. His heart sank seeing her there while he had to leave. He let out a small sigh, his lips curving into a soft smile when his phone buzzed with a message from her.

"Don't worry, I won't talk to Kabir."

He stared at the message for a moment, a faint smile playing on his lips. Even without him asking, she understood what was bothering him.

"I know Siya... but I just don't want him near you... especially in my absence." He typed, his fingers moving slowly as if every word carried the weight of his emotions.

Within seconds, her reply popped up.

"But I said na I will stay away from him."

He exhaled deeply, running a hand through his hair.

"And I said I trust you... it's not about you... it's me... wo tumhare sath ek hi chatt ke neeche hai, this is enough to make me feel jealous."

A small giggle escaped Siya's lips as she read his message, imagining his sulking face.

"Ham room ke andar rahenge."

He smiled at her reply but his possessiveness kicked in again.

"Nahi, tum nahi... usko band kar do ek room me."

A loud laugh escaped Siya as she quickly covered her mouth, trying not to draw attention. Her eyes sparkled with mischief as she typed her reply.

"You are pookie."

Shashwat's smile instantly disappeared, a confused frown replacing it. His eyebrows knitted together, staring at the screen as if the word itself was an unsolved mystery.

"Kon?" He typed before muttering under his breath, "Who the hell is pookie? Kabir kam tha kya ab ye bhi aa gaya..."

Siya chuckled, imagining his clueless face, biting her lip to suppress her laughter.

Siya chuckled, imagining his clueless face, biting her lip to suppress her laughter.

"Kuch nahi, sorry ham apne zamane ki baat karne lage, dadaji."

Shashwat's mouth fell open slightly, scratching the back of his neck at the teasing message.

"Jo bhi ho... stay away from this pookie too... and I am not him... I am your Shashwat."

Siya burst into laughter, her heart warming at his adorable possessiveness. He was such a mix of grumpiness and sweetness, and she loved every bit of it.

"Chaliye bye, kaam hai." She messaged, trying to wrap up their little banter before someone noticed her smiling like an idiot.

Shashwat's face dropped, his heart sinking at the thought of their conversation ending.

"Bye🥺."

He pouted while typing, adding the sad emoji as if it would make her stay a little longer. Siya read the message and giggled again, shaking her head at her overgrown baby.

Tucking her phone away, she glanced at him one last time. Their eyes met, and she gave him a small smile, making his heart flutter even in the middle of his sulking.

The night had draped the palace in its peaceful silence, the soft glow of moonlight seeping through the curtains. After the Gauri Pooja, everyone had retired to their rooms, the air still carrying the faint fragrance of incense and fresh flowers.

Ritika entered her room, exhausted yet content. Dressed in a simple white suit with her dupatta loosely hanging on one side, she laid down on her bed, stretching her tired limbs. Her eyes fell on her phone lighting up with Arav's name flashing on the screen. A smile automatically crept onto her lips as she picked up the call.

"Hello Swami... charan sparsh." She greeted playfully, biting back a giggle.

A soft chuckle echoed from the other side, making her heart flutter.

"Yaar... ye raat kab beetegi?" Arav's deep, sleepy voice came, laced with frustration.

Ritika glanced at the clock lazily.

"10 ghante baad." She said matter-of-factly, a teasing smile playing on her lips.

Arav smacked his forehead on the other side, making her giggle softly.

"Miss Malhotra, watch mere paas bhi hai." He muttered dramatically, making her giggle even more.

"Aap soye nahi abhi tak?" She asked softly, her voice turning gentle.

There was a pause before his voice came, laced with honesty.

"Aapse mile bina neend nahi aa rahi."

"Accha? Itne saal toh phir aap meri yaadon mein jaag ke bitaye honge?" She teased, her eyes twinkling mischievously.

Arav smirked on the other side, leaning back on his bed.

"Koi shaq?" He asked, his voice soft yet intense.

"Bilkul nahi." She replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

Suddenly, Arav heard his mother's voice calling him from outside his room. His eyes widened in panic.

"Yaar... ye log aa gaye... ab phone bhi cheen ke le jayenge." He whined like a kid, making Ritika chuckle softly.

"Arav..." His mother's voice came again, a little louder this time.

Arav sighed dramatically.

"Accha bye bye... love you." He whispered hurriedly, disconnecting the call before she could even reply.

He quickly deleted the call history, patting his phone like he had just hidden a national secret.

On the other side, Ritika smiled softly, hugging the phone close to her chest.

Ritika lay on her bed, staring at the ceiling with a cute pout on her face. Her fingers drummed impatiently on the mattress, eyes flickering to the clock every now and then. A mischievous grin slowly tugged at her lips as she waited for the whole house to fall into deep slumber, ready to execute whatever plan was cooking in her little chaotic mind.

Meanwhile, in another room, Siya was snuggled up with her laptop, watching an old classic movie with a small smile playing on her lips. The faint light from the screen illuminated her delicate features, and just then, Shashwat's video call popped up on the corner of the screen. Her eyes sparkled, a soft smile blooming on her face.

Quickly setting her hair and making sure she looked presentable, she answered the call.

The first thing she heard was his deep voice, filled with possessiveness and irritation -

"That stingy Kabir didn't trouble you right?"

Siya's smile widened as she bit her lower lip, her cheeks turning pink at his protective nature.

"Shhh... aise nahi kehte Shashwat." She scolded softly, trying to suppress her giggles.

Shashwat, lying on his hotel bed with one arm under his head, smirked. His messy hair and casual t-shirt only made him look more handsome ,not that Siya would ever admit it so easily.

"Accha ji? Kanak ko kalank keh sakte hain phir?" He shot back, raising his eyebrows teasingly.

Siya's eyes widened, and she instantly covered her face with both hands, letting out a soft embarrassed giggle.

"Arre... wo alag baat thi." She mumbled from behind her palms, cheeks flushing red at the memory.

Shashwat chuckled, enjoying her flustered state.

"Ek hi baat thi" He teased, his lips curving into a playful smile.

"Whatever." She said with fake attitude, crossing her arms.

Shashwat immediately mimicked her,

"Whatever."

Siya's mouth fell open as she gasped, making him laugh harder.

"I'm missing you." She whispered, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

Shashwat's smile widened, but he tried to play it cool.

"It's been only a few hours, Siya." He said with a smirk.

Her eyes narrowed instantly.

"Haan haan, aapke liye hoga... aapko toh time ka pata bhi nahi chalega... wahan itni khoobsurat ladkiya hongi... chance mil gaya hoga flirting ka." She taunted, raising one eyebrow.

"Shayad hongi..." He paused dramatically, making Siya's eyes widen.

"Par mujhe samajh nahi aaya... mere liye toh khubsoorat ka doosra naam meri Siya hai." He said, his voice turning soft and sincere.

Her cheeks burning crimson as she covered her face with one hand, trying to hide her blush.

"Chaliye chaliye..." She mumbled, but the way her lips curved into a shy smile betrayed her playful scolding.

Her eyes twinkled with excitement as she suddenly asked,

"Accha... didi ke reception ke baad ham date pe chalen? I am feeling giddy just thinking about it... sochiye na... after three years."

A wide grin adorned her face, her heart fluttering at the thought of finally spending time with him - without any barriers, without any fear.

But as soon as the words left her mouth, Shashwat's smile faltered. His gaze shifted away for a moment, as if gathering the courage to say something he didn't want to. Siya immediately noticed the change, her grin slowly fading.

"Umm... I have to return back after reception... infact subah jaldi hi." He said softly, his voice laced with regret.

Siya's heart sank, but she quickly masked her disappointment with a small smile, not wanting to make him feel guilty.

"Ohh..." She murmured, trying to sound casual.

But the flicker of sadness in her eyes didn't go unnoticed by him. His heart clenched seeing the excitement vanish from her face - the same excitement that mirrored his own a few moments ago.

He cursed himself internally, hating the fact that he was the reason behind that dimming sparkle in her eyes.

"I am sorry..." He whispered, breaking the silence.

Siya's eyes snapped back to him.

"Mai thoda aur din ki leave le sakta tha... but... I thought we will never be back again." He confessed, his voice cracking slightly. Siya's heart clenched at the mention of those painful years they'd spent apart.

He took a deep breath, his eyes clouded with guilt.

"Aur maine socha... aisi situation mein jitna aas paas rahenge... utni hi takleef hogi." He admitted, his gaze dropping.

Siya swallowed the lump in her throat, the memories of those horrible years flashing in front of her eyes. The distance... the longing... the sleepless nights... the pain of staying away from the person she loved the most - all because of misunderstandings and circumstances neither of them could control.

But she couldn't let him drown in guilt - not tonight.

Blinking away the tears threatening to well up, she forced a small smile on her face.

"Arre... I said na, koi baat nahi." She said lightly, shrugging her shoulders.

"Ham bhi yahi karte... I also wanted to avoid you that time."

Her attempt at teasing brought a soft chuckle from him, but the sadness in his eyes lingered.

There was a long pause, both of them lost in their own thoughts - the weight of everything they'd lost hanging heavy in the air.

Finally, Shashwat broke the silence.

"How much time we have wasted, Mishti..." He whispered, his voice barely audible.

"I am so sorry."

Siya's heart squeezed at the raw vulnerability in his voice. Her eyes softened, and she shook her head gently.

"Why are you apologising?" She asked softly.

"Kisi ki galti nahi hai... maybe Krishna ji was testing our love."

Her words brought a faint smile to his lips, the pain in his heart easing just a little.

"Aur hum dono ne flying colours se pass kiya." He completed her thought, a flicker of warmth returning to his eyes.

Siya's smile widened, her heart swelling with love for this man who had always been hers - no matter how much time or distance had come between them.

"And if we passed this... toh we can fight any biggest problem together." She said with quiet determination, her eyes shining with unwavering faith in their love.

"Wo sab baatein kyun karne lage ham... I need to hug you now." She mumbled, her voice barely above a whisper.

Shashwat's lips curled into a tender smile, his heart melting at her innocent demand.

"Whatever my Mishti says... aao."

He spread his arms wide in front of the camera, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

Siya's eyes widened before a giggle escaped her lips. Without wasting a second, she stretched her arms too, pretending to wrap them around him through the screen.

As the laughter slowly faded, Siya sighed softly, her fingers tracing the edge of the laptop screen.

"Par... I want a real one." She whispered, her eyes shimmering with longing.

Shashwat's heart skipped a beat, his smile faltering for a second. He knew how hard it had been for both of them - staying away, fighting the urge to just run into each other's arms.

He tried to lighten the mood, masking his own longing behind a playful smirk.

"Aa jao na phir... main gate khol dun?"

Siya's eyes snapped to him, narrowing suspiciously.

"Don't take it as a joke, Shashwat... I can do anything." She said, raising her eyebrow.

"Of course, you can Mishti... tum kuch bhi kar sakti ho." He said sincerely, his voice dropping to a tender whisper.

Darsh sat on the balcony, the cool night breeze brushing against his face, but even the soothing air couldn't calm the storm inside him. The series playing on his laptop was long forgotten - the scenes passing by without leaving any trace in his mind. His heart and mind were both occupied by one name - Divya.

A girl who was terrified of darkness had stepped into the night just for him.

A girl who always stood behind him, silently pushing him forward when he felt low.

A girl who never asked for anything in return except... him.

Darsh sighed, running a hand through his hair. His heart felt heavy, a feeling he couldn't understand. Without thinking much, he picked up his phone and dialed her number.

He didn't even know why he was calling her at this hour... but his fingers had moved on their own.

On the other side, Divya was tossing on her bed, unable to sleep.

Her phone buzzed, breaking her thoughts.

"Darsh?" She frowned, glancing at the clock. Without wasting a second, she picked it up, walking towards her balcony.

"Hello... kya hua? Raat me disturb kyun kiya? Sab thik hai na?" Her voice came out worried, but she masked it with her usual sarcasm.

Darsh, who was all ready with a random excuse, suddenly felt tongue-tied hearing her soft voice. He scratched his neck awkwardly, leaning against the balcony railing.

"Umm... wo... tere phone me... meri, teri aur Vihaan ki pictures hain na... wo bhej dena." He blurted out the first thing that came to his mind.

Divya's forehead creased.

"Maine sari pictures group me bheji thi... andhe jaake dekh." She retorted, rolling her eyes.

Darsh mentally facepalmed himself.

"Oh... haan... mujhe nahi pata tha sorry." He mumbled, feeling utterly stupid.

For a second, there was silence - then Divya's voice came, laced with amusement.

"Wait... sorry?? Tumne abhi sorry bola?"

Darsh groaned, rubbing his temple.

"Haan toh? Galti ho gayi... nahi bolna chahiye tha." He grumbled, but the small smile tugging at his lips betrayed his