Still, she kept her voice steady. "Yes, Sam, the exhibition hall needs to be set up by Friday," she said, her tone firm, betraying nothing of the way her breath caught as Reyansh’s arms slowly, deliberately, wrapped around her waist from behind, pulling her against him.

He didn’t rush. No, he was far too cruel for that. Instead, he let his hands linger just above her stomach, his thumbs lightly stroking her sides, the pressure teasing, the slowness maddening.

She swallowed hard, forcing herself to focus. "And the stalls—uhm—the stalls need to be aligned according to—" She sucked in a sharp breath as he leaned in, his lips brushing against the shell of her ear, his warm breath fanning against her skin, sending an involuntary shudder down her spine.

Arushi tried to keep talking, to keep her voice even. "Sam, the—uh—the lighting, make sure the—" But her words faltered as he pressed a lingering kiss just below her ear, his lips soft yet searing, his grip on her waist tightening.

She sucked in a breath, her body betraying her as it arched slightly into him. "T-The lighting should be warm, not too bright," she somehow managed, her fingers digging into the wooden railing in an attempt to ground herself.

But Reyansh wasn’t done. Not even close. His lips trailed lower, grazing the side of her throat, and then, he parted them ever so slightly, letting the heat of his breath kiss her sensitive skin before placing another deliberate, lazy kiss.

"Arushi?" Sam’s voice on the phone made her blink, and she quickly straightened, clearing her throat. "Yes, yes, I’m listening."

Reyansh smirked against her skin. "Are you?" he murmured, his hands finally daring to slip from the side, his fingers sneaking underneath the delicate fabric of her lenhga, grazing the warm, bare skin of her waist.

She almost dropped the phone.

"I’ll call you back," she blurted out, quickly disconnecting before she could humiliate herself.

And the second the call ended, his grip tightened, pulling her flush against him, her back molding perfectly against his firm chest.

She could barely breathe, the heat between them suffocating in the most delicious way.

And before she could respond, he leaned down, his lips pressing against the very spot where her pendant rested—a slow, lingering kiss right at the dip of her collarbone.

Her lips parted in a silent gasp, her fingers curling into fists at her sides.

His lips didn’t move away immediately. No, he let them stay there, letting her feel the warmth of his breath.

Ritika sat inside, her excitement barely contained as she adjusted the intricate embroidery on her lehenga. The soft shimmer of her dupatta cascaded around her, and she couldn’t wait for the moment she would make her entrance. Her heart raced in anticipation, a mixture of nervousness and happiness bubbling within her.

Outside, the preparations were still ongoing.

"Reyansh ke alawa baaki side ki chadar kaun pakdega?" Aashi asked, looking around. There were only two boys available to hold Ritika’s dupatta, and they needed at least one more.

"Pata nahi… we don’t have many boys from our side," Tara admitted, scanning the crowd.

Before anyone could respond, the doors swung open, and in walked Prashant with his brothers, their confident strides demanding attention. Their presence alone shifted the energy in the room.

"Main kis liye hoon?" Prashant’s voice rang out, making everyone turn toward him. He smiled as he looked at Ritika. "Main sambhal lunga," he declared, stepping forward.

Ritika’s face immediately lit up with joy, her smile widening as she looked at him. There was something so reassuring, so grounding about him stepping up like this.

"Aap kaise?" Aashi asked, still surprised by his sudden involvement.

Prashant smirked, turning toward her. "Kyun? Sirf tumhari hi behne hain kya?" he teased before turning back to Ritika. Without another word, he cupped her face gently, his touch warm and affectionate.

A soft gasp escaped Ritika before she leaned forward, wrapping her arms around him in a tight hug. The moment felt precious, unspoken emotions weaving through their bond.

"Aur doosri side se?" Siya chimed in, breaking the moment.

Akash, who had been observing, immediately stepped forward, wrapping Ritika in a protective side hug. "Hum kyun hain?" he said, his voice laced with affection, a playful smirk on his lips.

Darsh grinned as he rushed toward her. "Main bhi!" he announced, his enthusiasm evident as he took his place beside her.

Not one to be left behind, Shashwat raised his hand high, as if he were in a classroom waiting for permission. "Main bhi!" he added eagerly.

Siya, always quick with her wit, rolled her eyes. "Classroom nahi hai, topper Shashwat Rajvansh," she teased, making everyone chuckle.

Shashwat, caught off guard, smiled sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck.

“When we needed an elder sister, you were always there, and whenever you need brothers, we would always be there for you.” Shashwat's voice came, soft and calm.

With laughter echoing around them, Ritika looked at the boys surrounding her, her heart swelling with gratitude and love. She pulled them all into a warm hug, holding onto the moment, cherishing the family she had found in them.

Arav stood on the stage, his fingers twitching slightly as he tried to keep his composure. The stage was beautifully decorated, adorned with cascading flowers and soft golden lights that flickered warmly, casting a dreamy glow over the scene. Yet, amidst all the grandeur, his focus remained fixed on the entrance.

He exhaled, his heart thudding against his chest. She was coming. Any moment now.

"Arav beta, aise khade rehne se woh jaldi nahi aa jaayegi," Kirti teased from behind him, making him snap out of his daze.

Arav blinked, his ears burning as he looked around. "Nahi... I— I was just getting bored," he fumbled, scratching the back of his neck, but the way his voice cracked betrayed him.

Laughter erupted among the guests, and he groaned internally. Great. As if he wasn’t already feeling nervous enough.

But before he could say anything else, the soft melody of the entry song filled the air.

The murmurs hushed. The laughter quieted.

And then—she walked in.

Ritika entered, stepping onto the pathway leading to the stage. Her red bridal lehenga shimmered under the golden lights, every intricate embroidery on her attire reflecting the significance of this moment. The dupatta draped over her head was held from all sides by her brothers and Reyansh, forming a canopy of love and protection over her. Siya and Divya walked beside her, carefully holding the plates of varmala, while Richa followed closely behind.

He remembered the first time he saw her— a girl full of life, eyes twinkling with mischief, always following him around. He recalled the way she used to call out to him, stick to him like a shadow, and how much he had found it irritating at first. But he never realized when that irritation turned into something else.

When did her presence start feeling like a habit?

When did that habit turn into a necessity?

When did he fall so deeply that now, standing here, just the sight of her was enough to choke him with emotions?

His throat tightened, his eyes stinging as he quickly looked down, trying to blink away the tears before they could betray him in front of everyone. But his heart knew the truth—he had been hers long before he had even realized it.

Meanwhile, Ritika's gaze locked onto him, and for a fleeting moment, the years rewound in her mind.

She remembered the first time she had seen him. The moment that had unknowingly shaped the course of her life. The stolen glances, the silent prayers, the quiet longing— seven years of love, of dreaming of this very moment.

And now, here it was. Real. Tangible. The moment she had imagined a thousand times.

She finally reached the stage, her heart pounding as Arav extended his hand toward her. Without hesitation, she placed hers in his, their fingers intertwining effortlessly.

He held her hand firmly, his warmth grounding her, sealing the silent promise of forever between them.

As she stepped onto the stage, she didn’t wait.

She lifted her hands, cupped his face, and pressed a kiss to his cheek.

The crowd erupted. Cheers, hoots, and whistles filled the air as everyone laughed at the boldness of the bride.

Reyansh and Harsh exchanged amused glances, shaking their heads, completely unsurprised by their fearless sister and daughter.

Arav’s face turned a shade of red so deep that even his sherwani couldn’t compete. His lips twitched, his fingers still tightly wrapped around hers, as he looked at her with a mixture of awe, embarrassment, and an overwhelming wave of love.

He smiled—a soft, shy, utterly smitten smile.

As the excitement in the air built up, Siya and Divya stepped forward, extending the varmala toward the couple. Ritika and Arav reached out, their fingers brushing as they took hold of their respective garlands.

Arav, with a soft smile on his lips, was about to put the varmala around Ritika’s neck when, suddenly—her feet left the ground.

A gasp escaped Ritika’s lips as Reyansh and Prashant lifted her up, hoisting her effortlessly into the air.

"Arre!!" she shrieked, gripping onto the varmala tightly as she realized what had just happened.

Arav, standing below, looked utterly fazed. One second she was in front of him, and the next, she was dangling above like a trophy he had to win.

The crowd burst into laughter, hoots echoing all around as Ritika struggled in her brothers’ grip.

"Chal ab," Prashant smirked mischievously, "teen chance diya jayega, usme varmala daal ke dikha."

Arav narrowed his eyes. "Bhaiya, aap toh groom's side se ho! Yeh cheating hai!"

Prashant grinned. "I am from my in law's side!"

The crowd erupted into cheers at his cheeky response. Meanwhile, Ritika was still struggling in their hold, glaring down at them.

Arav sighed dramatically, then turned to his own brothers-in-arms for help. Before he could even ask, Shashwat, Darsh, and Akash exchanged a knowing glance— and within seconds, Arav was lifted into the air too!

"Ham hain na saath, bhaiya! You can do it!" Akash grinned.

Now, both the bride and groom were suspended in the air, surrounded by their mischievous families, while the crowd cheered and clapped, enjoying the fun.

Arav made his first attempt— but the moment he reached forward, Reyansh and Prashant took a step back, moving Ritika just out of his reach.

The crowd laughed as Arav groaned in frustration.

"Not fair!" he huffed, adjusting his balance, trying again.

The second time, he almost got it—almost. But at the last second, Reyansh tilted Ritika slightly to the side, and she giggled as Arav missed again.

Finally, on the third attempt, Arav managed to place the varmala around her neck!

The crowd erupted into cheers and claps, while Ritika pouted. "Cheaters!" she whined, looking at Reyansh and Prashant. "Why didn’t you move back this time?"

Reyansh smiled, "Kab tak rokta?”

"Fine! Now it's my turn!" Ritika declared.

Arav, still catching his breath, turned toward his own brothers—who, in perfect sync, took a step back.

But she wasn’t one to back down. She tried to reach up, stretching her hands as much as she could, but Arav was too high up.

She pouted, looking around, then her gaze locked onto her secret weapons—Shashwat, Akash, and Darsh.

Her eyes narrowed as she sweetly called out, "Akash… Darsh… Shashwat…?"

The three instantly froze.

A second later—they gently placed Arav down.

The moment his feet touched the ground, Ritika wasted no time—she quickly put the varmala around his neck, sealing her victory!

The crowd erupted in laughter, whistling and cheering as Arav stood frozen, completely caught off guard.

"CHEATERS!" Arav gasped, looking at his so-called loyal brothers. "Ek minute me side badal li tum logon ne?!"

Akash grinned shamelessly and, in perfect Circuit style, said, "Bhabhi ne kaha karne ka, matlab karne ka!"

The entire venue burst into laughter, and even Arav couldn't help but shake his head with a chuckle, accepting defeat.

As the ritual concluded, Ritika looked at Arav, happiness radiating from her eyes.

With the varmala ceremony complete, the couple was surrounded by family and friends, clicking endless pictures. The camera flashes illuminated their faces, capturing the joy, the laughter, and the love that filled the air.

Arav, still a little flustered from Ritika’s bold cheek kiss earlier, managed a shy smile as they posed together, the warmth of her hand in his grounding him. Ritika, being her usual self, effortlessly switched between soft, romantic gazes and playful teasing expressions, ensuring every picture reflected her emotions.

As the photoshoot wrapped up, Arav was guided toward the mandap, where the sacred fire was already burning brightly, its flames flickering in anticipation of the rituals to come. He adjusted his sherwani, sitting cross-legged, waiting for his bride to return in her second attire.

And then—she arrived.

Draped in a stunning yellow saree, Ritika walked towards the mandap, her bangles clinking softly, her movements graceful yet carrying her usual carefree charm. Her dupatta trailed behind her as she held something in her hands, her expression already screaming exhaustion.

She reached Arav’s side, let out an exaggerated sigh, and sat beside him, making herself comfortable before dramatically exclaiming,

“Aur kitni der tak chalegi? Direct sindoor, mangalsutra pe done nahi kar sakte?”

A collective chuckle rippled through the audience at her blunt impatience.

Tara, sitting nearby, rolled her eyes before giving Ritika an unimpressed look. “Tera fashion show nahi hai ye. Abhi shuru bhi nahi hui shaadi ke rituals, aur tu already complain kar rahi hai?”

Ritika groaned, resting her head on her hand. “Mujhe neend aa rahi hai yaar, thak gayi itne me.” She whined, her voice laced with exhaustion.

Arav, watching her fondly, let out a soft chuckle. His bride, who had been so excited for this day, was now ready to skip half of it just to reach the finish line.

Knowing her all too well, he subtly caught Darsh’s attention and gestured for him to come closer. Darsh leaned in as Arav whispered something in his ear. A smirk crossed Darsh’s lips as he nodded and walked away, only to return moments later with a steaming cup of tea.

Arav took it from him and carefully handed it to Ritika.

"Neend kam ayegi." He whispered, his voice soft, his eyes filled with adoration as he offered her the cup.

Ritika’s face lit up instantly, her exhaustion momentarily forgotten. She looked at him as if he had just handed her the most precious thing in the world.

She took the cup, inhaled the aroma deeply, and sighed in pure bliss. "Thank you, Swami..." she murmured teasingly, using the term just to get a reaction out of him. "I needed this the most.”

While the wedding rituals continued smoothly at the mandap, another war was being plotted in the shadows. The battle for the groom’s shoes.

A little away from the main event, a group from the bride’s side huddled together, whispering among themselves. Kanak, Siya, Divya, and Reyansh were deep in their scheming, their eyes darting toward the groom’s side, where Shashwat, Akash, and Darsh stood like hawks, guarding Arav’s shoes with unwavering vigilance.

Reyansh observed them with narrowed eyes and let out a small scoff.

"Dekho Shashwat kaise cheel ki nazar rakha hua hai jiju ke joote pe." He pointed toward his friend, who stood with arms crossed, his eyes glued to Arav’s shoes as if they were the most precious thing on Earth.

Siya sighed dramatically. "Hame unn sabka dhyan bhatkana hoga."

Divya nodded in agreement, her mind already racing with ideas. "Pehle chalo, unhe shaq nahi hona chahiye ki ham kis maqsad se jaa rahe hain."

Reyansh’s gaze shifted toward Kanak, who technically belonged to the groom’s side. He raised a brow, pointing toward her. "Par ye toh ladke waalon ki side se hai."

Kanak shrugged nonchalantly, grinning mischievously. "Mujhe joota churane me jyada maza aata hai. Aur waise bhi, mai toh kisi ke side se ho sakti hun."

The girls' side was determined. If they wanted to steal the groom’s shoes, they had to break the defense line that Shashwat, Akash, and Darsh had formed around them. And what better way to do it than to use their own charms?

Divya, ever so gracefully, glanced at Darsh, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

Darsh, who had been leaning back comfortably in his seat, watching everything unfold like an amused spectator, suddenly found himself caught in her gaze. His smirk deepened as he tilted his head slightly, observing her reaction.

For a brief moment, her confidence wavered, and she quickly averted her gaze, suddenly nervous.

Darsh raised an amused brow but said nothing. Interesting.

Divya, determined not to let him fluster her, sat beside him, crossing her legs elegantly, pretending as if she wasn’t aware of his piercing gaze on her.

Meanwhile, on the other side, Reyansh had found his own target—Arushi.

He called out sweetly, his voice dripping with charm, "Aru… you know… you are so pretty."

Arushi, used to his antics, gave him a tight-lipped smile, flipping her hair back with practiced elegance. "Haan, I know."

Reyansh chuckled, leaning in slightly, "Look into my eyes… you will find yourself even more beautiful."

For a moment, Arushi struggled to control the blush creeping onto her cheeks, and her fingers curled into the fabric of her dress as she looked away, pretending to be unaffected.

Shashwat, who had been silently witnessing this nonsense, had finally had enough. He rolled his eyes before raising his hand and smacking Reyansh on the back of his head.

"Tu meri behen se mere saamne flirt karega?" Shashwat deadpanned.

Reyansh winced, rubbing the back of his head. "Bhai, maine toh bas tareef ki thi!"

Shashwat shot him a glare, and Reyansh grinned, knowing full well that he was pushing his limits.

Amidst the chaos, Siya had her own plan brewing.

She knew Shashwat was the toughest to break—his focus was razor-sharp, and he wasn’t easily fooled. But she also knew one thing: he wasn’t immune to her.

With a sly smile, she lifted her foot slightly, sliding off her sandal discreetly.

Then, ever so slowly, her bare toes found their way to his foot, brushing against it lightly.

Shashwat, who had been busy keeping an eye on the groom’s shoes, froze. His eyes widened slightly, and for a split second, he lost his train of thought.

His sharp gaze darted toward her, only to find her looking at him with a perfectly innocent expression.

But then—she winked.

His breath hitched.

Her foot moved again, trailing along his ankle this time. His entire body tensed, and his fingers trembled for just a second—enough for his phone to slip from his grip and fall onto the floor.

Damn it.

Siya, feigning concern, leaned down and picked up the phone slowly, making sure their fingers brushed slightly as she handed it back to him.

Shashwat snatched the phone quickly, his ears burning. He knew exactly what she was doing.

Meanwhile, on the other side, Kanak was still trying to