Siya nodded excitedly. "Chalo!" she whispered, barely able to contain her own giggles as she pressed play on her phone.
The moment the music started,
The door flew open.
This time, instead of finding an empty hallway, the pranksters found themselves face-to-face with an absolutely furious Ritika and an equally murderous-looking Arav.
Their eyes widened in horror. For a second, time stood still.
"BHAGOOOO!" Darsh yelled, and in the blink of an eye, Siya, Arushi, Kanak, Richa, Darsh, and Akash turned on their heels, sprinting down the corridor as if their lives depended on it. Their laughter echoed through the mansion as they disappeared around the corner.
Ritika rolled her eyes, slamming the door shut. "Ab aayen toh bataungi!" she huffed, crossing her arms.
Arav chuckled, shaking his head. He stepped closer, gently grabbing her wrist and pulling her toward him. "Chodo na, ab koi nahi aayega," he murmured, his voice softer this time.
She narrowed her eyes playfully. "Pakka?"
Arav smirked, his grip tightening slightly. "Pakka."
Ritika stood near the window, her hands resting on the sill as she gazed outside with a soft smile. The past, the present, and the future all seemed to blend in this moment. This room, once just a place she had stepped into as a guest, was now hers. Her home.
Just then, she felt a warm presence behind her. Strong arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her back against a familiar chest. She closed her eyes, feeling the steady rhythm of Arav's heartbeat against her back.
"Kya soch rahi ho?" Arav's voice was low, filled with curiosity.
She smiled, still looking outside. "Yaad hai, jab mai pehli baar tumhare room me aayi thi?" she asked, tilting her head slightly.
Arav glanced at the window, his lips curving into a nostalgic smile. "Yahin se." He said, his eyes softening.
Ritika chuckled. "Maine uss din bahar se bhi sabse pehle ye room dekha tha, jab pehli baar mili thi tumse. I didn't even imagine that this would be my home someday." Her voice carried wonder, disbelief, and happiness all at once.
Arav smiled, his arms tightening around her. He placed a lingering kiss on her cheek, his warmth sending shivers down her spine.
"I can't believe this!" he suddenly exclaimed, his voice filled with childlike excitement. "Ritika... I mean, we are finally married! I am Arav Ritika Rajvansh!"
Before she could react, he twirled her around, making her laugh as she clutched onto him. His joy was contagious, his laughter filling the room as he pulled her into a tight embrace from behind again.
Ritika shook her head playfully. "Aise thodi hota hai! It's Ritika Arav Rajvansh." she corrected, teasingly.
Arav frowned dramatically. "Kyun? When you can accept my name as your identity, then why can't your name be mine?" His voice was soft, his words carrying more meaning than just playful banter.
Ritika turned in his arms, her gaze locking with his. A slow, knowing smile spread across her lips. She reached up, cupping his face gently, her thumb brushing against his cheek.
"Toh phir, hum dono ek dusre ki pehchaan hain." she whispered.
Arav leaned against the headboard, his eyes following Ritika as she stepped out of the washroom. Her hair was slightly damp, strands sticking to her cheek, and she was dressed in a soft satin nightwear that made her look even more breathtaking.
She walked toward him, excitement twinkling in her eyes. She had been waiting for this moment-their first night together as husband and wife.
Meanwhile, Arav was busy setting up the bed, fixing the pillows, and ensuring everything was comfortable. Ritika sat down beside him, anticipation buzzing through her veins as she watched him closely.
He turned to look at her. "Baithi kyun ho?" he asked casually, as if he had no idea what was going on in her mind.
Before she could answer, he reached over and switched off the bedside lamp, plunging the room into a soft, warm darkness. Without another word, he lay down, closing his eyes as if the day had exhausted him.
Ritika blinked. Once. Twice.
At first, she thought he was just building up the moment. Maybe he was teasing her, taking it slow, setting the mood-but then... minutes passed.
Her eyes widened as she saw his breathing steady. He was actually going to sleep.
Her mouth fell open in disbelief.
And then, unable to hold it in anymore, she gasped. Loudly.
Arav's eyes snapped open immediately. "Kya hua??" he asked, frowning at her sudden reaction.
She glared at him. "YOU are hopeless! Hadd haii!" she said, crossing her arms in frustration.
Arav sat up, completely confused. "Arrey! Hua kya??" he asked, looking around as if expecting some kind of disaster.
Ritika huffed. "Hua kya??" she repeated, her tone dripping with irritation. "It's our first night, Arav! Here I am, waiting, thinking kab tum kuch toh karoge... but I forgot whom I married!"
Arav blinked at her, realization slowly dawning on his face. Oh.
His ears turned slightly red. "I thought... you must be tired... itne din se rest nahi mila... toh..." he stuttered, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly.
Ritika rolled her eyes dramatically. "Chhoro! So hi jaate hain," she said, turning her back to him and pulling the blanket over herself.
But the smirk on her lips said otherwise.
She had done her part. Now, it was his turn.
Just as she was about to close her eyes, she felt it-his hand, warm and firm, slipping onto her waist from behind.
A sharp intake of breath left her lips as he pulled her closer, molding her against his body. The heat of his chest pressed into her back, his breath tickling the sensitive skin near her ear. She shivered as his fingers traced slow, lazy circles over the fabric of her nightwear, his touch sending sparks through her body.
"You did this intentionally, hai na?" he whispered, his deep, husky voice vibrating against her neck.
Her breath hitched. Before she could react, he turned her onto her back in one swift motion, his body hovering over hers, caging her in. The dim moonlight filtering through the curtains illuminated his face-his eyes dark, filled with something raw, something possessive.
Ritika swallowed hard, her pulse racing.
"Should we fulfill your command ma'am?" His fingers brushed over her cheek, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear before trailing down her jaw, his touch light yet electrifying.
She was about to say something, but then his lips crashed against hers.
The kiss was searing, urgent-like a storm breaking free after being caged for too long. He didn't wait, didn't tease this time. His lips moved against hers with dominance, demanding everything she had to give.
She melted beneath him, her hands gripping his shoulders, pulling him even closer. He groaned, deepening the kiss, his tongue sweeping inside, tasting, exploring, claiming. A moan slipped from her lips, and he swallowed it, tilting his head to deepen the kiss even further.
His fingers found her hand, intertwining their fingers as he pinned it against the mattress. His other hand trailed down her waist, pressing into the curve of her hip as he pressed his body against hers. The heat between them grew unbearable, intoxicating.
He broke the kiss just enough to catch his breath, his forehead resting against hers, both of them panting.
"Ritika..." he whispered, his voice filled with something deeper than just desire.
Her half-lidded eyes met his, filled with the same fire that burned in him. Without giving her a chance to respond, he kissed her again, this time slower, deeper. His lips moved sensually against hers, his tongue teasing, sucking, claiming her lower lip before biting it gently, making her whimper.
Arav's body pressed against Ritika's, his lips devouring hers like a man starved. Their breaths mingled, the air between them thick with heat and need. She clung to him, her fingers threading through his hair, tugging him closer, refusing to let go.
But he had no intention of stopping.
He broke the kiss only to let her catch her breath, his lips immediately trailing down the delicate curve of her jaw. Her pulse quickened as he placed a lingering kiss on the spot just below her ear, his warm breath sending shivers down her spine.
"Arav..." her whisper was barely audible, but it fueled the fire in him.
He smirked against her skin before lowering his head, kissing down the side of her neck. His lips moved with purpose, slow and teasing, pressing wet, open-mouthed kisses along her throat. She tilted her head back, granting him full access, her chest rising and falling rapidly.
His fingers trailed down her arm, slow and deliberate, as he tugged at the strap of her gown, letting it slip down her shoulder. He kissed the newly exposed skin, his lips warm and soft, contrasting with the sharp bite he left moments later.
The straps of her gown had already fallen, leaving her shoulders bare and vulnerable to his lips. He kissed down her collarbone, his tongue tracing the delicate hollow between her neck and shoulder before his teeth scraped against her skin. He bit down-not hard, just enough to make her gasp, her body arching into his.
"Arav..." she moaned, her voice barely a whisper, filled with need.
Ritika shuddered as his lips traveled lower, exploring, tasting. His warm breath fanned across her chest, making her squirm beneath him. He took his time, his tongue flicking over her skin before he sucked gently, leaving another mark. A reminder that she was his, and only his.
Arav sighed against her neck, his breath warm and calming as he placed a lingering kiss on her forehead. His fingers gently brushed through her hair as he whispered, "It's enough for today. You're already tired, love. We have all the time in the world... let's not rush."
Ritika's eyes fluttered open, meeting his with a softness that melted her heart. She smiled, her fingers tracing small circles over his chest as she nodded. "Hmm... okay," she murmured, her voice laced with contentment.
Arav shifted, pulling her close as they laid down together. She nestled against his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath her cheek. His arms wrapped securely around her, his warmth cocooning her in a way that made her feel safe, cherished. He pressed a tender kiss to her head, his lips lingering as if sealing a silent promise between them.
The night air was cool, but in his embrace, she felt nothing but warmth. Their fingers intertwined lazily, his thumb brushing over her knuckles in soothing strokes.
Siya blinked the sleep from her eyes, her brows furrowing as she noticed Shashwat standing outside the window, waving at her.
For a moment, she just stared at him, bewildered.
Then, as realization set in, she quickly glanced around the bed. Arushi was snoring softly, Kanak was curled up, and Richa was barely clinging to the edge of the bed.
With a sigh, she carefully slid out from under the blanket and tiptoed toward the door.
As soon as she stepped outside, she whispered, "Kya hua?" Her voice was thick with sleep.
But before she could say more, Shashwat's hand wrapped around her wrist, his grip firm but gentle.
Within moments, they reached the terrace.
Siya's eyes fell on the small bowl of sooji halwa placed on the railing, a tiny diya flickering in front of it. The golden light from the flame cast a warm glow over the simple setting, making it feel more special than anything extravagant ever could.
Her brows furrowed in curiosity. "Yeh kya hai?" she asked, tilting her head.
Shashwat, standing beside her, shoved his hands into his pockets and shrugged lightly. "Tum date chahti thi na... toh."
Then, with an exaggerated dramatic flourish, he bowed low like a royal servant.
"Whatever my Mishti says, goes." He declared, looking up at her with a smirk.
Siya blinked at him, then back at the simple setup before her. It was just halwa and a diya, nothing fancy, nothing overly prepared-yet her chest tightened at the thought behind it.
He had actually gone out of his way for this. Even in the middle of a chaotic wedding, even when he had so little time.
"Itne time me itna hi ho paya," he added, rubbing the back of his neck almost sheepishly.
That was all it took.
Siya didn't wait another second-she closed the distance between them and threw her arms around him, hugging him tightly.
"I love you." Her voice was muffled against his shoulder, but he heard it loud and clear.
For a moment, Shashwat didn't react. Then, with a small chuckle, he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her even closer.
"Pata hai," he murmured against her hair, his lips brushing lightly against her temple.
"We have only three hours, uske baad mujhe ready hona hai." He reminded her, nudging the bowl toward her.
They sat cross-legged on the floor, the night air cool around them, but the warmth between them making it feel anything but cold. The small diya flickered softly, casting golden shadows on their faces as Shashwat carefully scooped up a spoonful of halwa and held it up to Siya's lip
Shashwat had been watching her, the way she pouted while eating, the way her hands trembled slightly as she took small bites. But when he saw her brown eyes glistening with unshed tears, his heart clenched.
He turned toward her immediately, cupping her face with his warm hands. His thumbs brushed against her soft skin, wiping the tear that managed to escape.
"Arre... kya hua?" he asked softly, concern laced in his voice.
Siya sniffled, her gaze dropping to her lap before she whispered, "Why do you have to leave so soon? Ek din aur ruk jaiye, please."
Shashwat exhaled, his amber eyes searching hers. He wished it was that easy. Wished he could stay forever.
"Rukna toh sari zindagi chahta hoon," he admitted, his voice thick with emotion as he wiped her fresh tears.
Siya looked up at him, her lips trembling. "Last time you went away... and we had to suffer for three years."
Shashwat's jaw tightened at the mention of their past separation. He sighed and reached for her hand, intertwining their fingers tightly as if anchoring them together. He lifted her hand to his lips and pressed a gentle kiss on the back of it.
"That incident happened so that we could learn from our mistakes," he murmured, squeezing her hand reassuringly. "No matter what happens, we won't stop talking to each other this time. We'll always send letters, and if someday we don't get calls or letters, then instead of being angry like before... we have to try harder."
His eyes softened as he cupped her face again. He had made a mistake once, letting his silence push her away, letting misunderstandings consume them. Not this time. Never again.
"Maine kaha tha na... kuch bhi ho jaye, kitne saal beet jayein, always know.." he started, but Siya interrupted, her voice breaking as she completed his words for him.
"It's not the end," she whispered, their foreheads touching now, her warm breath fanning against his lips.
Shashwat closed his eyes, nodding. "Yes... it can never be the end."
And then, without hesitation, she wrapped her arms around him, burying her face in his chest. His arms circled her tightly, holding onto her like she was his entire world.
"Phir kab milenge?" she murmured against his shirt, her voice barely above a whisper.
Shashwat smiled sadly, pressing his lips to the top of her head.
"Roz," he whispered.
Siya frowned, pulling back slightly. "Matlab?"
A smirk tugged at the corner of his lips, though his own eyes had started glistening with unshed tears.
"Sapne mein," he answered simply.
Siya let out a soft chuckle, even as fresh tears slipped from her eyes. She shook her head, hitting his chest lightly.
The night melted into dawn, but neither of them cared. They talked endlessly, sharing every unspoken word, every stolen dream, and every ache of the past three years.
But as the first hues of orange painted the sky, Shashwat glanced at his watch and sighed.
"I have to go," he said softly, his voice laced with reluctance.
Siya nodded, blinking back the sting in her eyes. She stood up, her heart sinking with every step she took away from him. But just as she turned, his hand found hers, pulling her back.
"Mishti..." his voice held an urgency, a quiet plea.
She looked at him, her brown eyes searching his amber ones. "What?" she whispered.
Shashwat swallowed, his thumb brushing against the back of her hand. "Just promise me one thing."
She tilted her head. "Kya?"
He exhaled, his grip tightening just a little. "Please don't sleep on the floor anymore... I can never sleep peacefully knowing you're sacrificing your comfort for me."
Siya's lips parted slightly, and for a moment, her heart ached at his words. But then, a sad smile played on her lips as she whispered,
"You are sacrificing your comfort, your everything... even your life for this country. So, this is the least I can sacrifice for you."
Shashwat's jaw clenched. It was always like this. She never let him carry all the burdens alone.
"Because I chose this, Mishti. This is my fate. This was my dream," he reasoned, his voice barely above a whisper.
But what Siya said next left him utterly speechless.
"And I chose you, Shashwat," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. "You are my fate. You are my dream."
His breath hitched. His fingers instinctively tightened around hers as he just stared at her, lost in the depth of her love.
"Aur ye sab ham aapse zyada apne liye karte hain..." she confessed, her brown eyes shimmering like molten gold. "The bed feels like it's made of thorns when you barely get any sleep and comfort yourself. And the floor... the cold, hard floor... feels softer than any mattress, because somehow, it connects me to you."
Shashwat's heart clenched painfully as she continued,
"Even my most favorite food feels like poison when I know you're miles away, eating whatever is available. And the simplest, most tasteless food the kind I used to hate, feels like nectar... because in that moment, it reminds me of you. It makes me feel alive."
A strangled breath left his lips. Tears slipped down his face, unbidden, unrestrained.
How could she love him like this? With such depth, such devotion, that even his absence became a part of her existence?
"Mishti.." his voice broke, and before he could stop himself, he pulled her close and pressed a long, lingering kiss on her forehead.
Tears fell silently from his eyes, landing on her hairline, soaking into her skin-a silent testament of the love he couldn't put into words.
"How did I get so lucky?" he whispered against her forehead, his lips still resting there, unwilling to let go.
Siya clutched his shirt, burying herself into him as he wrapped his arms around her, holding her like she was the only thing keeping him grounded.
The early morning air carried the scent of damp earth and blooming marigolds as Shashwat stood outside his house, dressed in his uniform, his duffel bag slung over his shoulder. The driveway was filled with his loved ones, all gathered to bid him farewell.
One by one, he hugged them, committing each embrace to memory.
"Jaldi aana," Akash muttered as he pulled
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