इश्क़ भी तू
मेरा प्यार भी तू
मेरी बात ज़ात जज़्बात भी तू
परवाज़ भी तू, रूह-ए-साज़ भी तू
मेरी साँस नब्ज़ और हयात भी तू
मेरा राज़ भी तू, पुखराज भी तू
मेरी आस प्यास और लिबास भी तू

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After the chapters started getting 11k+ votes, we will stop increasing vote target.

A/N- I know that many of you look forward to the romantic scenes of different couples in the chapters, and I truly appreciate your excitement and love for them. However, I hope you all can understand that while these moments are important, the storyline itself also needs to move forward. If I focus only on writing couple scenes, the plot won't progress, and the overall story will lose its depth and meaning.

Every couple will get their special moments and dedicated tracks, but for that to happen, the main story needs to develop properly. That's why, in some chapters, certain couples might not have scenes. But don't worry everyone will get their moments at the right time, bas ruko jara sabar karo.

Also, in my last note, I realize that I came across as rude, and I sincerely apologize for that. I should have expressed my thoughts more politely. Par vote kar diya karo na yaar kya problem hai.

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Everyone made their way back to the hotel, their laughter and chatter fading into the background as they each retreated into their private spaces. They had just settled when a sudden call from the elders summoned everyone downstairs for an unexpected gathering.

Arav turned to Shashwat, still dressed in his dhoti and upper angavastram, his clothes a bit out of place for the gathering. "Tu change karke aaja," he said casually, not giving much thought to the fact that Shashwat wasn't quite ready to join the others yet.

Shashwat nodded absently, moving towards the door to leave. Siya, standing at the very edge of the group, was the last to step out. Just as she was about to cross the threshold, she felt the familiar warmth of Shashwat's presence behind her. The air around her seemed to shift.

Without a word, Shashwat closed the distance between them. His fingers brushed against her shoulder as he removed his and vastra, the fabric rustling in the silence of the room. Before she could react, he deftly draped the cloth around her waist, his hands moving with practiced precision. His proximity was overwhelming, and she gasped as the soft material made contact with her skin, feeling the heat of his touch.

Her breath hitched as he pulled her closer, his chest pressing against her back, his warmth seeping into her. In one swift movement, he kicked the door shut with his foot, the sound echoing in the otherwise quiet room. The sharp click of the lock followed, sealing them both inside.

Her heart raced, her breath catching as she looked up at him in a mix of surprise and confusion. "Shashwat? Aap...kya kar rahe hain?" she managed to ask, her voice a whisper of uncertainty.

His dark eyes gleamed with mischief and something else-something deeper, more intense. He leaned in slowly, his lips brushing just barely against her ear as he whispered, "Haan ji, what were you saying? Kaise khayal aa rahe the?"

His breath was warm against her ear, sending shivers down her spine as he gently tugged the cloth, guiding her to turn towards him. Her body reacted instantly, her pulse quickening as his hands moved with a careful yet commanding touch.

Siya felt her breath catch in her throat, her words stumbling as he leaned closer. "H...ham... toh... mazak..." she stuttered, her voice barely a whisper, a nervous tension building in the pit of her stomach.

But Shashwat wasn't having any of her uncertainty. His lips hovered near her ear, his breath hot against her skin, and he whispered with a calm, sensual certainty, "Jo khayal aa rahe the, ab poore kar lijiye, I am all yours."

His words were both a promise and a challenge, and Siya's heart skipped a beat. She opened her mouth to respond, but no words came out. Her body was betraying her, pressing closer to him, as if it knew what it wanted before her mind could catch up.

Shashwat, sensing her hesitation, gently gripped the fabric of the angvastra with one hand, pulling both sides tightly behind him, holding them together in a firm fist. The movement was purposeful, assertive, yet gentle-making sure that she knew exactly who was in control. His other hand slid slowly, deliberately down her arm until it reached her hand. He intertwined their fingers, locking them together, as though sealing a pact.

Siya's breath hitched when he moved her hand, guiding it slowly to his chest, placing her palm flat against the bare skin of his exposed torso. The heat from his body was overwhelming, and her fingers instinctively clenched against the firm muscles beneath them. Her breath became shallow as she felt the thrum of his heartbeat against her hand.

Siya's breath hitched as Shashwat's fingers wove through her hair, untangling it with careful precision, until her locks fell freely, cascading over her shoulders. He leaned in closer, his breath warm against her ear as he inhaled her scent, a low growl of approval escaping him.

"Bas bolna hi aata hai?" he whispered, his voice rich with teasing challenge.

She shivered at the sound of his voice, a mixture of command and desire that wrapped around her like a warm blanket. His lips brushed lightly against her ear as he spoke, and she could feel the pulse in her throat quicken, her body responding to his every word. She had no answer, only the fire in her chest growing hotter.

Without thinking, her hand snaked up his chest, moving slowly over the warmth of his skin, feeling the steady beat of his heart under her palm. Her fingers grazed his shoulder, her touch light but deliberate as she moved downward, finding the soft fabric of his janeu. Her index finger delicately traced the edge of the sacred thread, pulling it slightly in her grip, her eyes locking with his.

Shashwat's breath caught in his throat as her actions left him speechless. The ang vastra slipped from his hand, and his grip on her waist tightened in response. He could feel the heat of her skin against his, their proximity now undeniable, yet the anticipation still hung in the air.

Her other hand slipped around his neck, fingers lightly tracing the contours of his skin as she leaned in closer. Her lips brushed his ear as she whispered, her voice low and seductive, "Aata toh bahut kuch hai..."

His hand found its way to her nape, his fingers threading through her hair, tilting her head slightly. He moved closer, their breaths mingling, the intensity between them so thick it felt like it could consume them both.

"Please?" His voice was barely above a whisper, filled with longing, his lips barely grazing hers as he waited for her response.

Siya didn't need words to answer him. In that moment, she closed the gap, pressing her lips to his with a fiery urgency, a kiss that spoke louder than anything they could say.

Their lips met in a kiss that started off soft, tentative, but quickly evolved into something much more urgent. It was a kiss that conveyed everything they had both been holding back-longing, desire, and an unspoken connection.

Siya's hands found his bare skin, roaming across his chest, feeling the warmth of his body as she pressed herself against him. Her body was flush against his, and the heat between them was overwhelming. Shashwat's hands gripped her waist, pulling her closer as he deepened the kiss. He could feel the rapid beat of her heart, matching the erratic rhythm of his own. Every movement, every touch seemed to fuel the fire that was rapidly consuming them.

As the kiss continued, Shashwat took a slow step back, guiding her with him, never breaking their connection. Their feet moved in sync, his under hers, both of them unable to move away from the pull they felt. Each step backward only seemed to heighten the pressure between them. He could feel her warmth, her body pressed against his with every inch of space between them closing in.

But then, his back hit a table, the sharp edge of it knocking him out of the rhythm for just a moment. He leaned against the surface, the weight of the kiss still heavy between them. Siya's toes moved to his calf, caressing the sensitive skin there, and a low groan escaped him, the sensation driving him wild. His hand moved instinctively to her waist, gripping her tighter, as if afraid she might slip away from him.

His lips never left hers, not even when he managed to gasp out a breathless command. "Stop it, mishti," he whispered against her lips, his voice thick with desire, a plea disguised as a command.

But even as he spoke, Siya didn't stop. If anything, she kissed him harder, pressing herself closer against him. Her lips were soft but insistent against his, moving in perfect harmony with his own. The taste of her, the feel of her body against his, was more than he could handle. He deepened the kiss again, his tongue exploring her mouth as her hands slid down his chest to his lower back, pulling him closer still.

Her lips parted slightly, and she kissed him again, slow and deliberate, dragging it out as though savoring every second of it.

The sound of the knock on the door broke the heated moment between them, and Shashwat groaned in frustration, not wanting to pull away from her. He tightened his hold on Siya, wrapping his arms around her in a protective embrace, his warmth surrounding her as he breathed in her scent, unwilling to let go.

"Shahswat..." Siya whispered, her voice filled with both surprise and softness.

Before he could respond, Ritika's voice rang through the door, light-hearted and teasing. "Siya? Shashwat? Breakfast karne chalo yaar, sab puch rahe hain."

Siya's expression softened in a mix of regret and humor. "Shahswat chhoriye hame," she said, pulling away gently.

Shashwat's lips curled into a mischievous smile. "Chhura lijiye," he whispered with a smirk, his voice low and filled with longing.

"Shahswat..." Siya said again, this time more firmly, as she broke away from his embrace.

He let go reluctantly, his heart pounding in his chest. However, as she started to move, he leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to her forehead, his lips lingering for a moment, leaving behind a trace of affection and warmth. Siya, in turn, leaned up to kiss him on the lips, a quick but sweet peck, before darting out the door, her laughter filling the room.

Shashwat stood there for a moment, staring at the empty space where she had been, a faint blush creeping up on his face. He chuckled softly to himself, his heart still racing. He moved towards his bag, shaking his head as he reached for his clothes. The truth was, he never even knew how he had become so bold, so shameless in front of her.

It was as if she had unlocked a side of him he didn't even know existed, this deep longing, this fierce desire that bubbled up whenever they were together. It wasn't something he had ever experienced before, and yet, with Siya, it never felt wrong. It felt... natural. Like a part of him that had always been there, waiting for the right person to draw it out.

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In the evening, Arav and Ritika had their photoshoot, while the others decided to explore the area together. It got late, so they booked a hotel near the photoshoot location. The elders stayed at the previous hotel.

Arav and Ritika entered the hotel room after their pre-wedding photoshoot. Ritika, in her white saree, still damp from the river and the long shoot, was visibly shivering. Arav immediately took off his jacket and wrapped it around her shoulders, his concern clear in his eyes. The warmth of the jacket contrasted with the cold air, but it wasn't enough to fully stop the shivers from running through her body.

Ritika stepped inside the room, looking around at the simple but cozy surroundings. But the absence of a heater hit her immediately, and her teeth started chattering more violently. "Mummy!! I will die today!! Heater bhi nahi hai idhar!" she exclaimed, her voice trembling from the cold.

Arav turned to her, his brows furrowed in concern. He had been warning her throughout the day about the cold, but now that they were finally here, he couldn't help but feel guilty. "Tumhara hi idea tha na iss shoot ka? I already told you... agar ab thand lag gayi toh?" he asked, trying not to sound too irritated, but it was obvious he was concerned about her well-being.

Ritika let out a frustrated sigh as she wrapped her arms around herself, trying to keep herself warm. "Are..." she said, clearly agitated as the shivers continued. "C...c...chup raho abhi... don't start again... ek... ek toh I am shivering aur phir lecture suno. Ye nahi ki kuch karo," she snapped lightly, her breath still shaky from the cold.

Arav shook his head, unable to stop himself from chuckling at her reaction despite the situation. "Go and change fast. Mai kya karun isme?" he asked, raising an eyebrow as he gestured toward the bag she had just set down on the bed.

Ritika, feeling both a little embarrassed and playful at the same time, turned to him with a sly smile on her face. "Body heat toh nahi de sakte, atleast jaa ke soup lekar aa jao, Swami," she said, teasing him as she began digging through her small bag for a change of clothes.

As Ritika started to walk towards her bag, Arav's hand shot out, grabbing her wrist. He pulled her gently but firmly toward him, and she stumbled slightly, her back pressing against his chest. She could feel the warmth of his body against hers, making her heart race.

"Arav..." she whispered, her voice shaky, both from the cold and the proximity between them.

He leaned in close, his breath warm against her ear. "De sakta hun," he murmured, his voice low and intimate.

Ritika's heart pounded in her chest, and before she could react, Arav's hand slid gently to her waist, his touch sending a shiver through her body. He ran his fingers along the curve of her waist, almost like he was memorizing the feel of her skin. She gasped softly, her body responding despite the cold.

Arav's other hand brushed against her bare back, his fingers tracing the delicate line of her spine. He pressed his lips to the soft skin at the base of her neck, planting a gentle kiss there. The sensation sent a wave of heat rushing through her, and she closed her eyes, leaning back against him, letting herself feel the warmth he was offering.

Ritika turned abruptly, her breath ragged, her eyes darkened with the same desire that burned in his. Without giving him a chance to react, she grabbed his shirt and pulled him down, crashing her lips onto his.

The kiss was not gentle. It was raw, demanding, and searing with the intensity of a wildfire. Her fingers twisted into his hair, pulling him impossibly closer as their mouths moved in sync, devouring, exploring, taking. Arav groaned against her lips, his control slipping with every passing second.

His hands gripped her waist tightly, as if anchoring himself to reality. But reality had long faded-the only thing that existed was her, her scent, her warmth, the intoxicating feel of her soft lips against his.

With a desperate need to be closer, he stepped forward, pressing into her as she leaned back onto the chair. His knee came up, resting on the same chair just beside her leg, while his other foot remained planted firmly on the ground. The proximity, the angle, everything about this moment was electric.

Ritika shivered as his hand traced its way from her waist, up her back, to tangle into her damp, wavy hair. His other hand reached back, gripping the edge of the bed behind her for support. As he leaned in further, his elbow now resting on the mattress, the chair beneath them tilted slightly, making her gasp into his mouth.

Arav smirked against her lips, taking the opportunity to deepen the kiss. His tongue slid past her parted lips, meeting hers in a slow, sensual dance that sent shivers down both their spines. His fingers in her hair tightened, tilting her head back, exposing more of her neck to him.

Arav's lips left hers, but the fire they had ignited refused to fade. Without hesitation, he dipped down, pressing a lingering, open-mouthed kiss just below her ear.

Ritika gasped softly, her fingers gripping his shoulders tightly. Arav smirked against her skin, letting his lips trail lower, leaving slow, feather-light kisses down the delicate expanse of her neck.

Her breathing grew uneven as he reached her collarbone, his lips barely touching, teasing her with his warm breath before he kissed her there-soft, lingering, yet intoxicating.

"Arav..." she breathed out, her voice barely a whisper.

Encouraged by the way she melted beneath his touch, he continued, his mouth tracing back up to the other side of her neck, placing wet, open-mouthed kisses all over. His lips moved lazily, savoring every inch of her heated skin. But just when she thought she could handle the slow torture, he bit down, his teeth grazing her sensitive skin.

She let out a soft moan, arching slightly against him. Arav growled lowly, his grip tightening on her waist as his other hand roamed up her back, fingers pressing into her bare skin.

He licked the spot where he had just bitten, soothing it, but the way his lips lingered made her shiver for an entirely different reason. His hands explored her back, his fingers tracing the curves, memorizing the way her body reacted to his every touch.

Ritika's hands moved from his shoulders to his chest, fisting his shirt as she pulled him even closer. The heat between them was unbearable, the tension thick and suffocating. She felt like she was drowning in him, and she didn't want to come up for air.

Just when she thought she would lose herself completely, Arav captured her lips again, this time kissing her with a passion that sent sparks through her entire body.

As the kiss slowed, he pulled back slightly, their lips barely apart, their breaths mingling. His voice was husky, teasing yet filled with undeniable heat as he whispered, "Aren't you feeling hot now, Swamini?"

Just as they were lost in each other, the chair beneath them suddenly lost balance. Before