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A week after the engagement, wedding preparations were on peak. Everything is being taken care of. Vaidehi wanted Aashvika and Dhruv to choose their wedding outfits so they could go shopping together.

Meera had agreed, pleased by the suggestion.

In fact, she thought it would give Aashvika and Dhruv a chance to spend time together and bond before the wedding.

She always doubted about this marriage whether it's right for aashvika or not?

What if this marriage remains a business deal for Aashvika and Dhruv, But After that day when Dhruv stood up for Aashvika without hesitation her remaining doubts about this wedding had faded.

She felt a quiet sense of peace finally, there was someone who might truly keep her daughter happy. Someone who would look beyond her tough exterior and see the real Aashvika.

Her thoughts wandered to her daughters. Aashvika… the rebellious and strong daughter. The world saw her as a fierce, rebellious young woman who never tolerated nonsense. But only Meera and Ishani had seen the softness beneath that rough exterior.

Her little Aashvika, once the child who cried over the tiniest scratch and never tired of throwing tantrums, now hidden behind the mask of strength. She had buried that little girl deep within herself, but no matter how firmly she pretended, beneath it all she remained the same girl.

Now her heart feels at peace, knowing there will be someone to protect her daughter, to care for her, and to always stand by her.

She came out of her thoughts and saw Ishani working in the kitchen and went to her. “Ishani beta”

Ishani turned her attention towards her. She replied while flipping the roti “ji maa”

Meera took the plate and knife and began cutting salad “beta Vaidehi ji chahati h aashi aur dhruv kal shopping par jaye, please tu bhi chali ja na warna sabke beech aashi akeli rahegi.”

Ishani’s hand stopped, her thoughts wandered back to Garv. “He'll be there too na….hum kaise jayenge, Maa ko mana kar de? par kya kahenge kyu nahi jana hume?”

“Kya hua Ishani?” Meera pulled her out of her thoughts.

Haa…nahi kuchh nhi maa “ she replied, coming out of her thoughts.

Anuradha had overheard the conversation. Her eyes had flickered with something unreadable, and a small wicked smile tugged at her lips. She thought it'll be a perfect opportunity for Shivani to become close to Garv.

With extra sweetness in her tone she said to Meera “kiska phone tha Meera?”

Meera unaware of her intentions replied “vaidehi ji ka tha, woh aashi aur Ishani ko shopping ke liye Bulaya hai”

Anuradha ji replied with sweetness laced in her tone “Arey to Vidya aur Shivani ko bhi shopping karni thi”

Meera unaware of her thoughts agreed with her “haa thik h Didi, inlogo ke saath woh dono bhi chali jayegi”

After dinner, Aashvika and Ishani were in their room preparing for bed. Just as Ishani reached over to switch off the lamp, the door creaked open. Shivani and Vidya walked into their room.

Shivani, her voice dripping with exaggerated sweetness, bounced onto their bed as if she owned the space.

“Aashi, dekh na! Teri engagement ki photos aa gayi,” she announced, waving her phone. “Chalo, dekhte hain.”

Aashvika’s brows furrowed in irritation. With an annoyed tone, she muttered, “Mujhe nahi dekhna. Tum log hi dekh lo.”

Vidya leaned closer, her grin wide and teasing.

“Kya yaar, Aashi… Teri shaadi hai aur tujhe koi excitement hi nahi. Kahin koi boyfriend toh nahi hai?”

Both girls burst out laughing, their giggles filling the room getting Ishani on nerves.

Ishani finally spoke up. Her tone was calm but edged with warning.

“Shivani, Vidya… soch samajh kar bola karo…Limit me hi mazak achha lagta hai.”

Vidya rolled her eyes and spoke in an uninterested voice, “Kya yaar, Ishani di… aisa bhi kuchh nahi bola humne. Khair, hume kya… hum chalte hain.”

She turned to leave, but Shivani paused at the door, her curiosity refusing to let go. She asked one last time, “Achha, Aashi… kal Garv bhi aayenge na shopping par?”

Aashvika responded, her words laced with sarcasm. “Haan, kyu nahi… apni pyari behnon ko matlab tum dono ko shopping karane zarur aayenge.”

Her sharp tone made Shivani’s smile falter. Without another word, the two sisters left the room, their bitterness written all over their expressions.

After Shivani and Vidya left with their bitter expressions, the room finally grew quiet. Aashvika and Ishani changed and slipped under their blankets, yet sleep remained a stranger to her eyes.

Ishani’s gaze lingered on the ceiling, but her heart had already wandered back to Garv. The memory of their last meeting unsettling her. Why was she thinking about him so much? Why did every thought return to him?

Her phone buzzed on the side table, breaking the rhythm of her thoughts. Ishani reached for it, expecting some late-night message from Aashvika.

Dhruv created a group: The Five.

Her name blinked on the screen alongside Aashvika, Dhruv, Garv, and Samaira. Almost instantly, the group filled with pictures moments from the engagement ceremony they had all been a part of. Smiling faces, laughter caught mid-frame.

Her eyes stilled on the very first photo. The one where Garv stood beside Ruhi, smiling not his usual reserved smile, but a genuine one, warm enough to soften anyone.

Something stirred in her chest.

Almost unconsciously, she zoomed in. Her gaze lingered over the sharp cut of his jaw, the faint stubble shadowing his face, and then… that dimple. That rare, almost dimple that appeared only when he let himself truly smile.

She didn’t know how long she stared. Minutes passed like seconds, her eyes lingered over his photograph.

Swiping forward, she moved through picture after picture, until her screen froze on another. Shivani stood too close to him, her smile bright, her hand brushing against his arm.

A strange hollowness pressed into her chest something she couldn’t explain, couldn’t even admit to herself.

With a sigh, she placed her phone down on the pillow beside her.

“Huh… waise toh bada akadu bane ghoomte rehte hain,” she whispered under her breath, a pout tugging at her lips. “Aur jab woh chipak ke khadi thi toh mana nahi kiya gaya.”

She pulled the blanket closer, turning on her side restlessly. Her voice dipped into a softer complaint, almost childlike.

“Mujhe kya… Ishani kyun soch rahi unke baare mein…”

But her own mind betrayed her, circling back again and again. She scrunched her nose, sulking at her own thoughts.

“Par woh… mana bhi toh kar sakte the,” she muttered, as though arguing with him in her head.

Finally, exhaustion pulled her under. Her phone lay forgotten on the side table.

At the mall's parking area, Ishani, Aashvika, Shivani and Vidya stood waiting for Dhruv, Garv and Samaira

Ishani wore a soft beige kurta with white palazzos, her dupatta neatly pinned. She looked calm, though her fingers fiddled with the edge of her dupatta without her realizing. Aashvika, dressed in a lavender co-ord set, stood beside her, scrolling her phone absentmindedly.

Vidya and Shivani were completely lost in their selfie session. Laughing, posing, adjusting their hair, they clicked picture after picture.

Their chatter makes Aashvika annoyed, but she bites back her irritation, choosing silence for Ishani’s sake.

Ishani glanced at them once and then her eyes wandered to the gate.

A car halted to stop and a small figure leapt from the backseat.

“Pari aunty”

Ruhi came running, She threw her little arms around Ishani’s legs with all the force her small body could manage.

Ishani bent down, scooping Ruhi into her arms and planting soft kisses on her cheeks.

“Hi baccha… kaise ho aap?” she asked warmly.

Ruhi’s face lit up, her eyes sparkling as she beamed.

“Main ekdum good… par aapse milkar itna zyada accha feel kar rahi hoon,” she chirped, stretching her tiny arms.

A giggle escaped Ishani at her enthusiastic reply. “Achha ji?” she teased, brushing her nose against Ruhi’s.

Ruhi nodded happily, then her gaze shifted. Spotting Aashvika, she called out with equal excitement, “Hello, chaachi!”

Aashvika’s face softened instantly. Matching her excitement, she leaned forward with open arms. “Hi, my sweetheart…” she said.

The moment Ruhi noticed Vidya and Shivani standing nearby her little nose scrunched up in clear disapproval. She tugged lightly at Aashvika’s hand, asking her to bend closer. When Aashvika leaned in, Ruhi whispered with all the seriousness her tiny voice could whisper,

“Chaachi, ye dono aunty kyun aayi hain? Mujhe ye dono bilkul pasand nahi.”

Aashvika followed her gaze toward Shivani and Vidya, her lips curling in a knowing smile. She whispered back,

“Same, sweetheart. Mujhe bhi pasand nahi. Par aapki Pari aunty bahut achhi hai na… isliye inhe bhi bula liya.”

Ruhi’s pout deepened, her tiny lips pushing forward as she sulked, clearly not liking that Shivani and Vidya would be part of the gathering. She leaned back against Ishani’s shoulder with a dramatic sigh, making Aashvika chuckle softly at her innocent stubbornness.

Just then, Dhruv walked in, followed by Samaira, and behind them came Garv.

Ishani’s gaze drifted toward him. And in that passing moment, their eyes met.

The world around them seemed to blur, conversations fading into a distant hum. For a heartbeat, it was only her steady brown eyes locking with his cold, familiar ones. But today they weren’t as blank, as unreadable, as they always had been.

There was something unusual there. A teasing, almost mocking, yet not unkind. It unsettled her, left her wondering if she had imagined it.

Ishani couldn’t name it, but the silent challenge lingering in his gaze tugged at her chest.

Garv was the first to break their gaze, pulling himself out of that strange moment when Ruhi’s voice called out something in the background. He looked away, his expression once again settling into his usual one.

But before Ishani could fully gather her thoughts, Shivani made her move. She walked straight toward Garv, her smile overly sweet, her steps deliberate.

“Hello Garv,” she greeted, her voice pitched with unnecessary sweetness.

Without hesitation, she placed herself much too close to him, as though the world around them didn’t exist.

Samaira slipped her hand through Ishani’s arm, tugging her gently. “Chaliye, Ishani Di… let’s check the shop,” she said cheerfully, pulling her into the group.

Ishani allowed herself to be led, matching their pace as they moved toward the store. On the outside, she looked composed, even smiling faintly at something Samaira said. But her mind refused to follow.

Her thoughts lingered stubbornly behind, fixed on Garv and Shivani. On how close Shivani had stood.

Garv’s shoulders stiffened. His jaw tightened, and though his face remained calm, it was clear he wasn’t interested in whatever Shivani was trying to start. His replies, clipped and short, contrasted her attempt of trying to be friendly.

From a distance, Ishani watched. Her chest tightened, her lips pressing into a thin line. A sharp bitterness clouded her expression.

For a moment, it felt as though her glare could set Shivani on fire. Yet, she stood silent, her hands curling against her dupatta, saying nothing. Her silence was louder than any words she could have spoken.

Garv’s eyes, though, had not missed anything. He had noticed the change in Ishani’s expression, the bitterness on her face, her glaring at Shivani standing far too close to him.

And then, without a word, he stepped back. “Excuse me, I need to take this call, it's important” he said blankly, pulling out his phone as though it had just buzzed. His tone left no room for conversation.

Shivani’s smile faltered. She realized the subtle dismissal. Left with nothing else to hold onto, she reluctantly turned, her expression bitter as she fell back in line with the others heading toward the shop.

Garv’s gaze lingered on Ishani’s face again, through the mirror in front of him.

He noticed a hint of quiet satisfaction in her eyes when he had stepped back from Shivani.

His lips curved into an amusing smile, just It was quick, subtle, and gone before anyone around could notice, hidden as easily as it had appeared.

He quickly composed himself and went to Dhruv.

Dhruv had just picked up a little dress for Ruhi when another hand tugged at the same dress. He lifted his gaze and found himself staring straight into Aashvika’s eyes.

Aashvika narrowed her gaze, glaring at him. “Tumhe dikhayi nahi deta? Ye pehle maine uthayi thi.”

Dhruv straightened, matching her tone without hesitation. “Excuse me? Pehle maine uthayi thi.”

Her irritation flared as she shot back, “Arey chalo, bagadbille! Ye dress maine select kari thi Ruhi ke liye.”

“Oh hello, chudail ki sardarni!” Dhruv countered back, tugging at the dress. “Pehle maine select kari thi Ruhi ke liye.”

Aashvika’s voice rose in annoyance. “Khud ki shakal to Harappan civilization ke zamane ki hai, aur baatein dekho! Ye dress maine select kari hai chup chap mujhe de do.”

His jaw clenched, but his grip didn’t loosen. “Main ye dress to bilkul nahi chhodne wala.”

“Dhruv ke bacche!” Aashvika warned, yanking the dress toward herself. “Ye dress chhod do, warna muh tod dungi!”

Dhruv’s hand tightened in resistance. “Main nahi dunga. Jo karna hai kar lo.”

The tug-of-war escalated. Irritated, Aashvika’s eyes darted toward the table nearby. Without another thought, she snatched up a glass of water and threw it straight at him.

Cold water splashed across Dhruv’s shirt, leaving him drenched. He froze for half a second, his expression darkening, before he grabbed the nearest glass. The next moment, water splashed all over Aashvika, soaking her from head to toe.

Yet, neither of them loosened their grip on the dress.

The staff members watching the scene unfold in front of them in horror.

One of them, unable to bear it any longer, rushed to Ishani and whispered in urgency, “Mam, woh aapki sister aur unke husband ko sambhāl lijiye please.”

Ishani exchanged a quick glance with Garv before both of them hurried towards the kids’ section. The moment they arrived, they froze in absolute horror.

There, Dhruv and Aashvika stood locked in a ridiculous battle each clutching tightly to a frock, pulling it from either end as if their lives depended on it. And right beside them, little Ruhi sat cross-legged on the floor, giggling uncontrollably at the sight.

“Dhruv, chhod do! Ye maine select kari hai,” Aashvika declared stubbornly, her voice rising as she gave the fabric a sharp tug with all her strength.

Not one to back down, Dhruv pulled it back with equal force, his jaw set, determination burning in his eyes. But before he could utter a word, a loud tearing sound sliced through the air.

The frock ripped apart in their hands.

For a moment, silence fell over the section. Both of them stared wide eyed at the torn fabric helplessly between them, the horror on their faces mirroring each other perfectly.

Dhruv and Aashvika finally seemed to realise their surroundings, the curious eyes and murmurs pulling them back to reality. Their heads lowered in embarrassment, but the moment their gaze fell on Ruhi rolling with laughter on the floor their embarrassment quickly turned into annoyance. Almost in unison, they shot each other a glare.

Dhruv was the first to break the silence, his voice edged with irritation.

“Sab tumhari wajah se hua hai.”

Aashvika’s eyes widened at the audacity, she shot back without hesitation.

“Excuse me? Tumhari wajah se hua hai ye!”

The tension crackled again, both ready to launch into yet another round of bickering, when Ishani’s sharp voice sliced through the air. “Aashi Dhruv Bas aaj ke liye bahut ho gaya!” Ishani’s tone carried the authority, enough to make both of them silent.

Garv stepped forward, his gaze firm and commanding,

“Tum log chhote bacche ho kya?”

Both of them shook their heads in unison.

And then, Ruhi’s laughter rang out louder than before. “Chaachu Chaachi aap dono kitne funny ho”

The shopkeeper glanced at the four of them, clearly uncomfortable, and stepped forward politely.

“Sir, Ma’am… you’ll have to pay for this.”

Dhruv and Aashvika, still holding on to the shopping bag, shot daggers at each other.

“Haan, main hi karti hoon payment,” Aashvika snapped, her chin tilting up proudly. “Is bagad bille se kya umeed rakhna?”

Dhruv’s jaw tightened, his ego instantly pricked.

“Excuse me?” he bit out, folding his arms across his chest. “Tumhari jankari ke liye bata du, I earn enough to make payments… samjhi? Pisachini kahi ki.”

Their childish bickering was drawing attention, and before it could worsen, Ishani’s firm voice cut through like a sharp knife.

“Bas! Chup karo, dono. Main payment karke aati hoon.”

But just as she turned towards the counter, Garv stepped in, his deep voice calm but commanding.

“Ishani… aap rehne dijiye. Main karta hoon.”

Ishani’s eyes lifted to meet his for a brief second before she simply nodded.

They returned to where Samaira was standing. She was already immersed in the racks of clothes with Shivani and Vidya, her excitement bubbling as she selected outfits, completely oblivious to the hilarious moment that had just passed. The moment she spotted them, she rushed over and latched onto Ishani and Aashvika.

“Aashvika bhabhi, Ishani di! Aap log bhi select karo na. Bhabhi, aapne bridal lehenga to choose kar liya hai… ab baaki functions ke liye bhi kar lijiye,” she spoke in excitement, tugging them towards another section.

Ishani and Aashvika exchanged a quick glance before letting Samaira drag them along. Soon, the three of them, With Shivani and Vidya, were engrossed in selecting outfits.

Garv and Dhruv sat at a distance, shoulders leaned back against the couch, eyes fixed on their phones completely unbothered by the chaos around them.

Aashvika’s outfits were already finalized, and now the rest busied themselves in selecting for upcoming functions.

Ishani paused when her eyes landed on a lehenga displayed neatly on the rack.

It shimmered faintly under the golden lights, an elegant golden piece, with intricate embroidery, paired with a blouse in a rich, maroon shade. For a moment, she imagined herself in it, But then her gaze slipped to the tiny rectangle dangling from it.

The price tag and reality pressed back in. With a practiced ease, she placed the lehenga down, as if it had only been a passing glance, nothing more.

“Itna mehenga? Ek baar hi to pehenna hai uske baad fir rakha hi rahega…..aur waise bhi meri shaadi thodi hai.”

It wasn’t that she couldn’t afford it. She had her savings after all, she used to teach at a school before she left the job a few months ago.

But Ishani was never the kind of person who believed in spending lavishly on herself. For her, practicality always weighed more than luxury.

“Agar kam mein manage ho jaata hai, toh zyada kharch karne ki kya zarurat hai?”

she reasoned quietly, putting the lehenga back in its place. She swallowed her thoughts, forcing her eyes elsewhere. But her heart gave a small, reluctant tug.

But two pairs of eyes were fixed on Ishani from a distance, Ruhi's curious ones and Garv’s stern ones.

Ruhi wriggled off Garv’s lap and ran towards her. With her tiny hands, she tugged at Ishani’s kurta to grab her attention.

“Pari aunty, aap woh wali dress lo na… aap bahut beautiful lagogi,” she pointed eagerly toward the same lehenga that Ishani had just walked past.

Ishani crouched down to her level, a soft smile on her lips. “Nahi beta, aapki pari aunty ko na simple dresses hi pasand hai,” she said gently, her tone light, but her eyes betraying a quiet heaviness.

Ruhi’s lower lip formed into a small pout. “Par pari aunty… aap sach mein beautiful lagogi.”

Then Ruhi placed her tiny fingers on her chin, imitating the way Of thinking deeply. After a dramatic pause, she declared with full seriousness, “Achha… aap meri taraf se gift le lo. Mere gullak mein itne saare paise hain… main kharidungi aapke liye dress.”

Her innocent plea drew warm smiles on everyone's face.

Shivani, who had been watching Ruhi’s growing attachment to Ishani, couldn't hold back any longer. Leaning slightly forward, she spoke with a fake sweetness,

“Ishani, please… is bacchi ki baaton mein mat aana. Tumhare upar ye dress bilkul achhi nahi lagegi.”

Her words hung in the air, cruelly sharp against the sweetness of the moment. Ishani’s smile faltered, though she tried to keep her expression steady for Ruhi’s sake.

Vidya, picking up from her sister’s taunt, added with a smirk,

“Bilkul sahi kaha di… waise bhi tum shopping karne aayi kyun ho, jab tumhe kisi picture mein jagah hi nahi milegi… kyunki mamaji to tumhe pehle hi mana kar chuke hain, yaad hai na?”

Her tone was dipped in mockery, every word meant to sting.

Her words made Aashvika and Samaira’s blood boil. Before Aashvika could even open her mouth, a little voice suddenly cut through the air.

It was Ruhi.

Her tiny fists curled at her sides, her little face scrunched in anger. Her voice trembled, “Aunty, meri dadi kehti hain… agar kuchh achha nahin bol sakte, toh muh band rakhna chahiye.”

Vidya and Shivani froze, stunned by her unexpected rebellious behaviour. Aashvika stepped forward, her eyes narrowing as her voice cut through the air like ice. She spoke in a sharp, warning tone cold enough to send a shiver down their spines.

“Meri Di kuchh bolti nahi iska matlab ye nahi ki tum kuchh bhi bologi.”

Her words were measured, but the fury laced in them was undeniable.

Samaira stepped in with the same fury lacing her tone, her eyes blazing as she stood beside Aashvika.

"Ishani di jaisi na koi hai hi nahi," she declared firmly, her words cutting sharper than any blade. "Woh khoobsurat hai surat se bhi aur seerat se bhi."

She let her gaze linger on Vidya and Shivani.

"..to aap logo ke compliment ki zarurat to unhe nahi hai," Samaira added, her voice steady, dipped in protectiveness.

Shivani and Vidya stood frozen, completely speechless. They hadn’t expected to be called out like this, humiliated in front of everyone. Just as they were about to recover their composure, Dhruv stepped in, his tone firm but controlled.

"Humari shaadi mein aayi hain na, to chup chap enjoy kariyega," he said, his eyes flicking briefly toward them. "Dobara main Ishani di ke liye kuchh sunna nahi chahta… I hope aap dono ko baat samajh aa gayi hogi."

Their faces flushed red with embarrassment. Without a word, they turned and left, leaving a heavy silence.

All eyes shifted toward Ishani, who stood quietly. Just as Ishani opened her mouth to thank anyone, Ruhi’s tiny voice rang out again.

“Pari aunty, dadi kehti hai agar hume koi bura bolta hai, to hume bhi use jawab dena chahiye!”

Ishani’s lips parted, ready to speak, but Aashvika quickly cut in, her tone soft yet firm.

“Beta, aapki Pari Aunty na… dusron ki feelings ka itna dhyan rakhti hai ki apne bare me hi bhul jati hai.”

Dhruv, unable to resist joining the conversation added,

“Ishani di, itna achha hona bhi achhi baat nahi.”

Samaira chimed in, her tone playful,

“Ishani di, aap na humare bhaiya se seekho kuchh.”

She turned to Garv and added, “Garv bhaiya, mujhe lagta hai aapko Ishani di ko bolna sikhana chahiye, jaise aap apne students ko sikhate hain.”

Ishani, after hearing all their words, let out a small pout and murmured,

“Tum sab toh hume sunane lage… hum koi chhote bacche thodi hai.”

Garv, watching her, stared at her face as if it were the most peaceful, perfect sight he had ever seen.

Ishani suddenly realized that all eyes were on her and felt a little self-conscious.

“Kya hua?” she asked softly, tilting her head.

Samaira shook her head, her eyes sparkling with admiration.

“Aap kitni cute ho, Di… aise hi haste rahiye, bahut pyari lagti hai,” she said, her excitement bubbling over.

“Mera bas chalta toh aapki shaadi Garv Bhaiya se karwa deti!”

Ishani’s eyes widened at Samaira’s bold words. She quickly glanced at Garv, only to avert her gaze, feeling her cheeks warm as a sudden flutter danced in her chest.

Aashvika, sensing the sudden awkwardness spoke up with a teasing smile,

“Arey, cute kyun nahi hogi… aakhir badi behen kiski hai?”

Dhruv shot back with a playful smirk,

“Galatfehmi achhi paal rakhi hai mohatarma ne, hai na?”

Aashvika’s eyes narrowed instantly. With a swift kick to his knees, she shot him a glare.

Meanwhile, Garv turned to the shopkeeper.

“Please pack everything,” he instructed, before heading off to pay the bill.

Everyone else, leaving the tension behind, moved toward the food court, chatting and laughing.

When Ishani and Aashvika returned home, they found Shivani and Vidya already lounging in the living room. Choosing to ignore them, they busied themselves with unpacking their shopping bags, showing each item to Anuradha and Meera.

But Shivani’s sharp eyes immediately landed on the lehenga.

“Ishani,” she spoke with mocking sweetness, “waise toh tum simplicity ki badi baatein kar rahi thi waha… aur aakhir mein yeh lehenga le liya?”

Ishani froze, her lips parting but no words escaping. She hadn’t even realized how the lehenga had come into her bag. She was just about to reply when Aashvika cut in firmly, her voice laced with warning.

“Shivani, ek aakhri baar keh rahi hoon meri Di se is tone mein baat bilkul mat karna. Aur yeh lehenga maine unke liye liya hai. Tum isse wapas rakho.”

Shivani’s face scrunched up, but with no other option, she set the lehenga back down.

Before the silence could settle, Anuradha’s voice sliced through, sharp and sarcastic.

“Arey, toh kaun si iski shaadi ho rahi hai jo itna heavy lehenga dilaya hai ise?”

Aashvika’s anger flared instantly. Her eyes glared as she shot back,

“Bua, shaadi toh aapki betiyon ki bhi nahi ho rahi. Fir kyu mere makeup artist se appointment book karwaya hai dono ne?”

She rose to her feet, her tone laced with warning.

“Shaadi mein aaye ho toh bas enjoy kijiye, khana khaiye aur phir wapas jaiye. Lekin agar meri mummy ya meri behen ki insult ki… toh Aashvika Ishani Chauhan kya cheez hai, sabko pata chal jayega.”

Without waiting for a reply, she grabbed Ishani’s hand and pulled her along, both of them disappearing into their room, leaving a bitter silence behind in the living room.

As soon as she locked the door, Ishani turned to her.

“Jhuth kyu bola neeche?”

“Kaisa jhuth?” Aashvika asked, her gaze slipping away, scrolling her phone to avoid her eyes.

Ishani folded her arms, staring at her. “Yahi… ki tune li hai ye dress.”

Aashvika bit her lip, then shrugged lightly. “Haan… nahi li. Shayad galti se aa gayi hogi. Par ab aap yahi pehnogi. That’s final.”

“Aashi, par…”

“Please, di.” Aashvika’s tone softened, almost pleading, leaving no room for argument. Her stubbornness carried the weight of her love.

Ishani sighed, her protest dying on her lips. She knew there was no winning against her.

She looked at her reflection in the mirror, then at Aashvika’s reflection behind her.

Ishani shook her head with a faint smile, whispering, “Zid pakad li hai na tumne…”

Aashvika grinned. “Haa to haq hai mera, badi behen se zid nahi karungi to fir kisse karungi.”

They both smiled, their eyes softening with the silent promise. Ishani adjusted the blanket, tucking it around them, while Aashvika nestled closer to her. Wrapped in the comfort of their bond, the sisters slowly drifted into sleep.

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💖 What did you think of today’s chapter?

🌸 Did Ruhi steal your heart with her innocence?

I’d love to read your answers in the comments ⬇️

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