Chapter 48 - Chapter 45

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Isha's POV

I stirred awake to the soft glow of the morning sunlight filtering through the sheer curtains. The room was quiet, the only sound the gentle hum of the ceiling fan above us. My eyes fluttered open slowly, adjusting to the soft light.

I woke up to the soft morning light filtering through the sheer curtains. The warmth beside me was comforting - strong, steady. I blinked slowly, realizing that my head was resting against ansh's chest, his arm draped protectively around my waist. His breathing was even, his face relaxed, and the faint traces of sleep softened his otherwise sharp features.

For a moment, I stayed there, listening to his heartbeat beneath my ear. My fingers rested lightly on his chest, feeling the steady rise and fall. A small smile crept onto my lips. Last night had been... different. Warm, intimate - and now, waking up next to him, it felt natural.

I lifted my head slightly, trying not to wake him, but his arm tightened around me.

Ansh's arm was draped lazily across my waist, his face relaxed in sleep. His dark hair was tousled, falling slightly over his forehead, and the faint rise and fall of his chest under the thin white sheet was steady and calm.

I smiled to myself, stretching my legs under the sheets. I turned toward him, resting my head on my arm as I watched him sleep. His lashes were long and dark, casting faint shadows on his sharp cheekbones. Even asleep, he looked impossibly perfect.

"Ansh..." I whispered, brushing my fingers lightly across his hand. He didn't stir.

I slid closer, resting my hand on his arm. "Ansh, wake up."

No response.

I sighed, brushing a lock of hair from his forehead. "Shivanshhh... wake up!" I dragged out the last part, poking his cheek lightly.

Still nothing. His lips twitched, but his eyes remained closed.

"Unbelievable," I muttered.

I pushed myself up, intending to get out of bed, but before I could even swing my legs over the edge, his arm tightened around my waist.

"Where do you think you're going?" His voice was husky, still laced with sleep.

I looked up to find his dark eyes half-open, a lazy smirk pulling at the corner of his lips.

"I have to get ready. It's Holi Ka Dahan today, remember?" I whispered.

"Mmm... it's still early." He pulled me closer until my nose brushed against his collarbone. "Stay."

"Ansh..." I laughed softly, but his hand slid up my back, fingers grazing my skin beneath my shirt, making me shiver.

"Five more minutes," he murmured, lips brushing against my forehead.

I sighed, relaxing into him for a few more breaths before I finally sat up. "If I don't go now, maa sa will do everything by herself."

"Where do you think you're going? Stay here five minutes." His voice was rough with sleep, low and deep against my ear.

I froze. "Uh... washroom?"

Ansh's grip tightened, and in one swift motion, he pulled me back down against him. My back pressed against his chest as his arm curled more securely around my waist. His breath was warm against my neck, and I felt the lazy drag of his lips against my shoulder.

"Not yet," he mumbled sleepily.

My heart hammered in my chest. "Ansh, let me go-"

"No." His voice was slow, relaxed. "It's too early."

"It's morning!" I protested, squirming in his grip.

"Exactly. Early morning. Too early to get up." His lips brushed against my ear.

I wriggled again, but he only pulled me closer, his bare arm tightening around my waist. His hand settled low on my hip, fingers splayed.

"Ansh," I warned.

"Hmm?" His voice was a soft rumble.

"I need to go-"

"No, you don't."

"Yes, I do!"

He sighed. "Just five more minutes."

"That's what you said last night," I grumbled.

He smiled against my neck. "And wasn't it worth it?"

I rolled my eyes. "Ansh i-"

"Stay."

His voice was low, coaxing, and dangerous.

I sighed, relaxing back against him. "Fine. Five minutes."

"Mmm," he hummed in approval. His hand slid under the sheet, resting on my bare stomach. His thumb traced lazy circles over my skin, sending a warm shiver down my spine.

A few moments passed in silence. His breathing deepened, but I could tell he wasn't really sleeping. His lips brushed lightly against my shoulder again, making my breath hitch.

"Ansh," I whispered.

"Hmm?"

"Why don't you go to gym now?"

I felt him stiffen behind me. Then, his lips curled into a smile against my skin. "Excuse me?"

I turned my head slightly, glancing over my shoulder at him. "The gym. I remember dhruv bhai told me you guys go to gym in morning and work out together. Morning workout, right?"

Ansh opened one eye, glaring at me halfheartedly. "You woke me up again just to ask going me, why I don't go to the gym?"

"Why not?" I grinned. "It's good for you."

"You know what else is good for me?" He slid his hand up my side, his fingertips brushing just under the hem of my shirt. "Sleeping."

I rolled onto my back, looking up at him. "It's already morning, you know."

"I don't care."

I laughed softly. "You're so lazy."

"I'm not lazy," he murmured, brushing his lips over my jaw. "I just know my priorities."

"And that's sleeping?"

"No." He kissed the corner of my mouth. "You."

I flushed. My hands slid into his hair, pulling him closer. He leaned down, pressing a slow, lingering kiss to my lips.

"Still want to go to the gym?" he murmured, his breath warm against my mouth.

"I... uh..." My mind went blank as his lips brushed along the curve of my jaw.

"That's what I thought," he whispered.

I sighed, smiling. "Fine. Five more minutes."

Ansh's gaze darkened slightly. "Make it ten."

I laughed as he leaned down again, his lips finding mine in a soft but deep kiss. His hand slid up my side, his thumb grazing the curve of my waist.

"Or maybe longer," he added.

Ansh had been quiet for a few minutes now, lying on his side with one arm draped over my waist. His breathing was steady, his eyes closed, but I knew he was awake. The way his fingers occasionally tightened around my waist gave him away.

A mischievous smile curled at my lips. I turned toward him, resting my chin on my palm as I watched him with narrowed eyes.

"You know," I began casually, "for someone who's supposed to be a king, you're kind of lazy."

Ansh's brows twitched, but he kept his eyes closed.

"And," I added, my voice light and teasing, "you know what you're a bit of a jerk, arrogant and a cold monster too."

His eyes opened slowly, dark and sharp beneath the curtain of his lashes. "Excuse me?"

"You heard me." I grinned, poking his chest lightly. "Cold monster."

A muscle in his jaw ticked. "Isha..." His tone was low and dangerous.

I arched a brow. "What? You don't like it? Cold monster, cold mon-"

Before I could finish, he moved.

Fast.

One moment, I was lying comfortably on the bed, the next, Ansh had rolled me beneath him, his hands pinned on either side of my head. My breath hitched as I looked up at him. His dark eyes were sharp and heated, his gaze locked on mine.

"What... what just happened?" I whispered.

Ansh's mouth twitched. "I warned you."

I opened my mouth to speak, but his lips crashed down on mine, swallowing my words.

The kiss was hard, deep, and possessive. His hand slid to my waist, his fingers pressing into my skin through the thin fabric of my shirt. My heart pounded as I grasped at his shoulders, his weight pressing down on me in the most intoxicating way.

"Ansh..." I breathed when he finally pulled away, his lips just inches from mine.

"You really don't know when to stop, do you?" he murmured, his breath hot against my mouth.

I swallowed hard. "Not... really."

A dark smile touched his lips. "Good."

He kissed me again, slower this time but no less intense. His lips teased mine apart, his tongue brushing along my bottom lip. My hands slid into his hair, tugging lightly as he deepened the kiss.

My breath hitched when his mouth left mine and trailed down my jaw.

"Ansh..." I whispered, tilting my head back as his lips found the sensitive spot beneath my ear.

"Still want to call me a cold monster?" he asked against my skin.

I shivered. "Maybe."

He growled softly, his lips dragging lower, down the curve of my neck to my collarbone. He bit down gently, making me gasp, before soothing the spot with his tongue. My hands tightened on his shoulders, my breath coming faster.

"You were saying?" he prompted, his lips brushing along the hollow of my throat.

"I... I wasn't saying anything," I stammered, my voice breaking when his hand slid beneath the hem of my shirt, his palm pressing flat against my bare skin.

"Thought so." His teeth scraped along the curve of my neck before his mouth captured mine again.

My mind spun as he kissed me harder this time, his body pressing down against mine. His hand skimmed up my side, his thumb brushing beneath the curve of my chest.

"Ansh..."

He broke the kiss, his breathing uneven as he pulled back just enough to look down at me. His eyes were dark and sharp, his gaze heated.

"Careful, Isha," he said, his voice low and rough. "You keep teasing me, and I might not stop next time."

My heart hammered as his thumb brushed over my lips.

"I think I can handle it," I whispered.

Ansh's lips curved dangerously. "We'll see."

He kissed me one last time-slow, deep, and deliberate-before pulling away. He rolled onto his side, his hand still resting possessively on my waist.

"Good morning, cold monster," I teased, my breath shaky.

Ansh's eyes darkened. "Careful, Isha. You're playing with fire."

"Maybe I like the burn," I whispered.

Ansh's lips twitched. "We'll see about that."

Ansh pulled himself away from me with a sharp breath, his eyes dark and intense. He sat up, running a hand through his slightly disheveled hair. His jaw was tight, his breathing still uneven as he swung his legs over the side of the bed.

I watched him in confusion as he stood up, his muscles tensing beneath his shirt. Without looking back at me, he started walking toward the second washroom connected to the living area of his chamber.

"Where are you going?" I asked, my voice still breathless from his kisses.

He stopped near the door, his back to me. "I'm going to take a shower," he said evenly. "A quick one. I'll take the second washroom."

I propped myself up on my elbows, narrowing my eyes. "Why the second one?"

He didn't turn around, but I could see the slight tilt of his head. "Because I need to cool off." His tone was calm, but there was an unmistakable roughness beneath it.

My breath hitched. Cool off? Jerk--

Oh.

My gaze slid over his tense shoulders, the slight stiffness in his posture, and suddenly it clicked. Heat rose to my cheeks as I realized exactly why he needed a cold shower.

I flopped back onto the bed, covering my face with my hands as embarrassment and amusement mixed inside me. "Oh..." I whispered to myself, my lips curving into a small smile.

When I peeked through my fingers, I saw him still standing by the door, his hand on the handle. His head turned slightly toward me, and there was a dangerous glint in his eyes when he said, "Unless you'd rather join me?"

My mouth fell open. "What?!"

Ansh smirked. "Thought so."

Before I could respond, he disappeared into the washroom, the sound of running water starting a moment later.

I groaned, pressing a pillow over my face. My heart was still racing, my skin tingling where his hands and mouth had been.

"Cold monster," I mumbled into the pillow, smiling despite myself.

I freshened up quickly, slipping into a pastel yellow anarkali with delicate gold embroidery. My hair fell loosely over my shoulders as I added a pair of small gold earrings. The house was already buzzing with activity when I stepped out.

After getting ready in a suit and light dupatta, I made my way downstairs. The house was already alive with activity - servants moving around with trays, arranging flowers, and setting up decorations. The scent of marigolds mixed with the faint aroma of sandalwood incense in the air.

Maa sa was standing near the entrance, giving instructions to one of the staff members. She looked regal in a soft red saree, her hair tied neatly in a bun.

"Good morning, Maa sa," I said, stepping toward her.

She turned and smiled warmly. "Isha, beta. You're up early."

"I thought I'd help with the preparations."

Her eyes softened. "That's sweet of you. Come - we need to set up the rangoli near the fire pit."

I knelt down beside the large brass fire pit set up in the courtyard. The cool marble beneath my knees sent a chill up my spine, but my fingers warmed as I began arranging the colors for the rangoli.

It was almost finish when I hear.

"Isha!"

I turned to find Prisha and Ishika walking toward me, their faces lighting up at the sight of me.

"You're here!" I stood up, brushing the color dust from my hands as they ran toward me. Prisha hugged me first, then Ishika.

"Surprise!" Prisha grinned. "Jizz's grandmother invited all of us to Holi. Even Ritwik bhaiya and Aarav are on their way. They're coming by road. "

I felt a rush of happiness and blush crept on me. "You guys actually came!"

"Of course!" Ishika laughed. "How could we miss celebrating Holi with you?"

Just then, I spotted my parents entering through the grand doorway. My mother was dressed in a green saree, my father in a crisp white kurta. My heart skipped at the sight of them.

"Mummy, papa!" I hurried toward them, hugging my mother first.

"Isha," my mom smiled, brushing my hair back. "We couldn't possibly miss this."

My father nodded. "We were honored to be invited."

As I stood there, warmth spreading through my chest, Ansh appeared at the top of the staircase. He was wearing a navy blue kurta, sleeves rolled up to his elbows. His dark eyes met mine across the room, and even though the house was full of people, for a second, it felt like it was just the two of us.

He walked down the steps toward me, his gaze never leaving mine. His hand brushed against mine as he stopped beside me.

"Are you okay?" he asked softly.

I nodded. "Perfect."

A slight smile touched his lips. "Good."

Dadi sa approached, smiling warmly at all of us. "It's going to be a beautiful Holi," she said, her gaze soft as it rested on me and Shiva. "Now let's make sure everything is ready for the ceremony tonight."

I smiled, my fingers brushing against Anah's. He didn't pull away - instead, his hand slid into mine, his thumb stroking the back of my hand.

Tonight would be about tradition and family - but tomorrow? Tomorrow was Holi. And I had a feeling it was going to be unforgettable.

"Isha!" Dadi sa's voice echoed from downstairs. "Come and have breakfast! You all worked so hard - now come and eat properly!"

Ansh was already standing beside me. His dark hair was slightly damp, and the sleeves of his kurta were rolled up to his elbows. He turned when he saw me, his gaze softening.

"Come on," he said, extending his hand toward me.

I walked toward him, and just as I was about to reach him, a voice called from behind.

"Shiva!"

We both turned. Standing at the entrance were Juhi and her parents, bua sa nad fufa sa. Juhi was dressed in a soft pink salwar suit, her long hair falling over her shoulders in perfect waves. She smiled brightly - a little too brightly - as she walked toward us.

"Juhi," Choti maa called warmly. "Finally, you're here!"

Juhi's gaze flicked toward me briefly before she smiled at Shiva. "Shiva, I thought we'd be late because of the traffic."

Shiva smiled politely. "It's good you made it on time."

Juhi stepped closer to him - a little too close - brushing her hand against his arm. My eyes narrowed automatically.

Ansh's gaze shifted toward me, and I could tell he noticed the tension building between Juhi and me. Without saying a word, he stepped back slightly, creating distance between him and Juhi. My lips twitched in satisfaction.

"Come, come!" Dadi sa waved her hands. "Everyone to the dining area. Breakfast is ready!"

We followed the family toward the dining room. The long table was already set with a variety of colorful dishes - traditional Rajasthani food. There were kachoris, gatte ki sabzi, dal baati churma, and steaming bowls of spicy aloo sabzi. The smell alone made my stomach grumble.

Just as I was about to sit down, Ansh pulled out a chair for me. "Sit."

I blinked at him, surprised. "You don't have to-"

"Sit, Isha," he said quietly, his gaze steady.

I sat down slowly, feeling the heat rise to my cheeks as he pushed the chair in for me. Then, without hesitation, Shiva sat down beside me - his knee brushing against mine under the table.

Across the table, Juhi's gaze darkened. Her smile tightened as she watched Ansh's hand busy served me and then casually rest on the back of my chair. My lips curled into a slight smile as I picked up a piece of kachori.

Ishika leaned over toward me, whispering, "Juhi looks like she's about to explode."

"Let her," I whispered back, popping the kachori into my mouth.

Avi bhai and Dhruv bhai exchanged knowing looks from across the table. Dhruv bhai's gaze flicked between Shiva, Juhi, and me, his expression amused.

"So, Isha," Dhruv bhai said, grinning mischievously. "How does it feel to have a personal food server?"

I shot him a look. "Don't start."

"But it's true," Avi bhai teased. "Bhai sa is really treating you like a queen."

"She's already a queen," Ansh said casually, taking a bite of his dal baati.

I nearly choked.

Juhi's spoon clattered against her plate. She gave a tight smile. "How sweet."

"Isn't it?" Ishika grinned, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

Juhi's gaze narrowed as she glanced at ansh's hand resting comfortably on the back of my chair. Her jaw tightened.

"Isha, try this." Ansh lifted a piece of churma and held it out toward me.

My cheeks flushed. "I can eat by myself, you know."

Ansh's eyes glinted. "Honor me."

I hesitated, then leaned forward, tasting the churma from his hand. It melted on my tongue, warm and sweet. Ansh's gaze lingered on my lips for a fraction of a second longer than necessary.

"Good?" he asked.

"Good," I murmured

[ vote and comment for next chapter.]

Dhruv bhai whistled low under his breath. "Well, this just got interesting."

Juhi's expression soured further. She crossed her arms, looking like she was trying very hard not to say something rude.

Ansh's hand brushed against my back. I didn't miss the way Juhi's gaze followed the movement. My heart swelled with satisfaction.

After breakfast, the elders prepared to go to the temple for the initial Holi ka Dahan prayers. The younger group, meanwhile, lounged in the living room.

"What should we do until the pooja?" Avi bhai asked, stretching lazily on the couch.

"Movie?" Ishika suggested.

"No way," Prisha said. "How about a game?"

"Cards?" Ritwik bhaiya offered.

"Nah, too boring," Dhruv bhai said. "What about charades?"

Ansh's dark eyes gleamed. "How about we just sit and watch everyone embarrass themselves?"

"Nope!" Prisha pulled him up from the couch. "No sitting out. You're playing too."

Ansh sighed dramatically but allowed himself to be dragged into the circle.

Juhi took a seat directly across from us, her eyes fixed on Ansh My gaze sharpened.

"Shiv, you're on Isha's team," Dhruv announced.

Juhi's smile tightened.

"I wouldn't have it any other way," Ansh said smoothly.

My heart raced as he pulled me onto the couch beside him, his arm resting behind me. My thigh pressed against his as I leaned into him slightly.

Juhi's smile faded completely.

We started the game, laughter and teasing filling the room. ansh was naturally good at everything - even guessing the most ridiculous clues. His hand casually rested against my back the whole time, and every time Juhi's gaze darkened, my smile widened.

At one point, Dhruv bhai leaned toward me. "You're enjoying this way too much."

"I have no idea what you're talking about," I said sweetly, while Ansh's fingers traced slow circles against my back.

Juhi's glare intensified.

Finally, Ansh leaned toward me, his lips brushing against my ear. "You're evil."

"You love it," I whispered back.

Ansh's low chuckle sent shivers down my spine.

Juhi's expression tightened as I leaned into Ansh's side, feeling his warmth press against me. And for the first time in a long time - I felt exactly where I belonged.

Then she went somewhere.

Just then, Juhi walked in. Dressed in a pale lavender kurta, her long hair cascading over her shoulders, she looked effortlessly elegant. Her gaze immediately found Shiva.

"Shiva!" Her smile widened as she walked over.

My stomach tightened when Ansh gave her a polite nod. Juhi sat down beside him - a little too close - and leaned toward him as if she was whispering something. I couldn't hear what she said, but Ansh's expression didn't change.

I turned toward Prisha and rolled my eyes. "Really?"

Prisha grinned. "Jealous?"

"Of course not," I said, my voice a little sharper than intended.

Ansh's gaze slid toward me, his lips twitching with amusement. He leaned back lazily, his arm resting behind me on the couch, his fingers brushing the back of my shoulder. I felt the heat of his touch through the thin fabric of my kurta.

Juhi's gaze flicked toward his hand, her smile fading slightly.

"Isha?" Ansh's voice was low, meant for my ears alone.

"Hmm?"

"Relax." His thumb traced slow circles against my shoulder.

I turned toward him, finding his dark eyes closer than I expected. His gaze dropped to my lips for half a second before returning to my eyes.

"You think I'd notice anyone else when you're here?" His voice was quiet, his lips curving at the edges.

Before I could respond, Dadi sa called from the entrance. "It's time! Everyone go get ready for the pooja!"

Ansh's hand slid from my shoulder, and I felt the loss of his touch instantly. He stood, extending his hand toward me. "Come on."

We all went to our rooms to get ready. I slipped into a deep green suit with golden embroidery. My hair fell in soft waves over my shoulders, and I added a pair of diamond earrings to complete the look which was gifted by dhruv bhai.

Ansh was already waiting for me when I stepped out onto the balcony. The evening light softened his sharp features, making his dark eyes seem even more intense.

"You look..." His gaze lingered over me before he smiled. "Perfect."

The pooja began as the sun dipped below the horizon. We all gathered around the sacred fire as the priest recited the prayers.

The night air was thick with the scent of burning wood and ghee as the Holika Dahan preparations neared completion. The elders were seated, the younger ones bustling around, and the warm glow of the fire illuminated the courtyard in golden hues. The atmosphere was filled with quiet reverence, but when I turned to look at Shivansh, I realized he wasn't standing beside me.

He was a few steps behind, his arms crossed, his gaze distant.

I frowned. Why was he standing so far away?

And then I remembered.

Flashback

A day ago, I was in the kitchen with Shivansh's mother, helping her arrange some silver plates for a small ritual. As she wiped her hands on a towel, she looked at me and said softly,

"Isha, beta, you might notice during Holika Dahan that Shivansh will not actively participate. He doesn't believe in these rituals anymore."

I had blinked at her in surprise. "Why?"

She hesitated, glancing toward the entrance as if making sure no one was around. Then, she sighed.

"It's something that happened years ago. After... after what happened to her, he lost faith. He doesn't talk about it, but he refuses to do any pujas or prayers. He'll attend for the family's sake, but he won't step forward willingly."

End of Flashback

I don't know who is she, even he didn't tell me in the balcony also and maa sa also didn't said about her but time will come when he will open up about his past.

I turned back toward Shivansh, who was still standing away, his expression unreadable. My heart clenched.

No. Not tonight.

I walked up to him, grabbing his wrist gently. "Come with me."

He didn't budge. His eyes locked onto mine, unwavering. "Isha, don't-"

"Please?" I cut him off, squeezing his hand. "Just once. For me."

His jaw tightened. For a moment, I thought he would refuse. But then his mother glanced toward us, a silent plea in her eyes. His father stood beside her, watching. The air grew tense.

Finally, he sighed, running a hand through his hair before muttering, "Fine."

I smiled triumphantly, pulling him forward.

As we stepped beside the fire, Juhi's eyes flickered with irritation. I caught the way her lips parted as if she wanted to say something, but she remained silent.

The flames of the Holika Dahan burned steadily, crackling against the cool evening air. The scent of sandalwood, ghee, and dried coconut filled the space as everyone gathered around, ready to perform the sacred ritual. The elders were already seated near the fire, their expressions serene as they recited mantras.

I stood beside Shivansh, our hands folded in reverence as the priest led the prayers. His presence was commanding even in this moment of devotion, the flickering light casting sharp shadows over his chiseled features. I stole a glance at him, only to find him already looking at me. My heart stumbled in my chest.

As the priest announced that it was time for the couples to take their ceremonial rounds around the holy fire, I felt a nervous flutter in my stomach. This tradition was meant to signify prosperity, happiness, and togetherness, and couples had to walk hand in hand, praying for longevity and harmony.

The priest began the chanting, and one by one, couples started stepping forward to perform the circumambulation around the holy fire.

First went dadi sa and dada sa. Dadi sa was blushing furiously while dada sa, kept whispering something to her, making her glare at him between rounds.

It doesn't look like they are on their 80's and had grand son's.

Next, Shivansh's parents stepped forward, their union reflecting years of companionship. Maa sa smiled at papa, her eyes shining with deep affection.

Then my parents. My mother's eyes twinkled with joy, and my father, ever the composed man, had a look of contentment as he followed the tradition.

Then went choti maa and chote papa, their steps synchronized as they walked around the flames. Chori maa's face glowed with happiness, chote papa's usual playful smirk softening into something almost tender.

Then went bua sa and fufa sa, dua sa smiled at fufa sa, and his eyes shine eyery time dua sa looked at him.

Finally, it was our turn.

Dadi sa gestured toward us. "Isha beta, Shivansh, you two go now."

"Let's go," I whispered.

I felt heat rise to my cheeks, but before I could react, Shivansh took my hand. His grip was firm, steady, as if telling me there was no need to hesitate. Slowly, we started walking around the sacred fire.

Each step felt significant, almost surreal. The warmth of the flames danced against my skin, and my heartbeat drummed in my ears. The air between us was thick with something unspoken. Every time our shoulders brushed, a spark ignited in my chest.

But then, from the corner of my eye, I saw Juhi standing at a distance, watching us. Her fingers clenched into the fabric of her dupatta, her eyes dark with something I couldn't quite name-jealousy, frustration, longing? Maybe all of them.

A smug feeling stirred in me, but I pushed it aside. I focused on the moment, on Shivansh's presence beside me.

Shivansh hesitated beside me, his fingers twitching at his side. I placed my hand over his, intertwining our fingers.

He didn't say anything, but he walked beside me, his grip tightening around mine.

As we circled the fire, Juhi's piercing gaze burned into my back. I could feel her anger, her silent frustration. But I didn't care.

This moment-this sacred, rare moment-belonged to us.

Then went Aarav and Prisha, their steps synchronized as they walked around the flames. Prisha's face glowed with happiness, Aarav's usual playful smirk softening into something almost tender.

After them, Ishika and Avi bhai stepped forward, exchanging hesitant smiles before they began their rounds. Their bond was new, still blossoming, but the way Avi bhai kept glancing at Ishika with admiration was hard to miss.

Then, the single peaple like juhi, Dhruv bhai, Veer bhai and ritvit bhaiya, symbolizing prosperity and future happiness.

Arjun could not come because he has to preparation for his interview and it's important for his career. So, it's good mummy papa didn't force him to come here. After his interview we will play holi.

Ansh stood beside me, his hand brushing against mine every so often. My parents stood nearby, smiling proudly.

At the end of the ceremony, dadi sa held out a small silver plate with red powder.

"Now, apply some color to each other. It's tradition."

I dipped my fingers into the red powder and gently brushed it across Ansh's cheek. His gaze softened as he did the same, his touch lingering longer than necessary.

[ ab bina bole toh karoge nhi toh ab vote kar lo. ]

Then we all had our dinner. After dinner, we all settled in the garden, where the game of Truth and Dare began. Ansh sat next to me, his hand resting on my knee. Juhi sat across from us, her gaze sharp and calculating.

But I didn't care. Because Ansh's hand was on me - and his dark eyes were on me. And this Holi? It was already perfect.

The garden was buzzing with energy, the faint scent of flowers mixing with the cool night air. We all sat in a circle, some lounging on cushions, others leaning on each other, debating what to do next.

"I don't want to watch a movie," Ishika whined, stretching her legs out.

"Yeah, we already played charades in the afternoon," Prisha added, looking thoughtful.

"What else is left?" Avi bhai shrugged, leaning back on his palms.

Then, Dhruv bhai smirked, his eyes gleaming mischievously. "Why don't we play Truth and Dare?"

I blinked at him. "Didn't we play that last time?"

"Yeah, but that was only the us. Now there are more of us."

There was a brief silence before everyone grinned in agreement.

"Alright," Arav nodded, "but let's make it interesting."

I had a feeling that "interesting" in Arav's dictionary meant trouble, but I didn't object.

We sat closer, forming a tight circle. Dhruv took out an empty glass bottle from the nearby table and placed it in the center.

"Shall we begin?" he asked, his smirk widening.

I exchanged a glance with Shivansh, who was sitting beside me, his arm resting lazily on his knee. He wasn't a fan of such games, but for some reason, he stayed.

The game began.

The bottle spun.

First spin and it stop on Ishika and she choose Truth. "Who was your first crush?" Everyone leaned in expectantly. She turned pink before mumbling, "Shah Rukh Khan."

Second spin, it stop on Dhruv bhai and he choose Dare. He was made to dance on a romantic song with Arav, which sent us all into fits of laughter.

Then, the bottle landed on me.

"Truth or dare?" Prisha smirked.

I hesitated. "Truth."

Juhi scoffed from the side. "Coward," she muttered, but I ignored her.

Prisha grinned wickedly. "Have you ever been in love?"

I tensed. My eyes flickered toward Shivansh, who was watching me intently. I felt warmth creep up my neck.

"Well..." I bit my lip. "Maybe."

"Maybe?" Avi bhai laughed. "That's not an answer."

Before I could say more, Shivansh's hand found mine, fingers curling around my palm, hidden from everyone's view. My breath hitched, but I remained silent.

The bottle spun again.

This time, it stopped at Avi bhai.

"Truth or dare?" Dhruv bhai grinned.

Avi glanced at ishu, something passing between them. Then, to my surprise, he said, "Truth."

Dhruv bhai didn't hesitate. "What's going on between you and ishika?"

The entire circle went silent.

Ishu's eyes widened. "W-what?"

"I mean, you two have been acting suspicious for a while now," Arav added. "So... are you together?"

Avi bhai exhaled, then turned to look at ishu. His voice was softer than usual. "Do you want to tell them, or should I?"

She swallowed, fidgeting with the hem of her kurti. Then, slowly, she said, "Yes. We... we're together."

For a second, no one spoke. Then-

"WHAT?!" prisha shrieked.

The moment Avi and Prisha confessed their relationship, I could feel the shift in the air.

For a second, there was only silence. And then-

"What the hell?!" ritvit bhaiya shot up from his seat, his face darkening.

Avi bhai barely had time to react before bhaiya lunged at him, his fists clenched, eyes blazing.

"You-" bhaiya's voice was sharp, furious. "You were with my sister all this time, and you didn't tell me?"

Ishu grabbed his arm. "bhaiya, stop! It's not like that-"

But he wasn't listening.

I saw Avi exhale slowly, standing up too, but he didn't back away. He simply squared his shoulders, standing his ground.

"If you have a problem with me being with ishu," Avi's voice was calm, but firm, "then say it. But don't act like I would ever hurt her."

Bhaiya's jaw tensed. For a moment, it seemed like he was actually going to punch him. His muscles were tight, his fingers twitching.

Then, just as suddenly as his anger had erupted-it settled.

He let out a frustrated breath and ran a hand through his hair.

"You're lucky I know you," he muttered, glancing away. "Otherwise, I swear-"

Ishu sagged in relief, while Avi Bhai grinned slightly. "Noted."

Just like that, the tension dissolved.

But the atmosphere still buzzed with an energy I couldn't place.

"Oh my God," Dhruv bhai laughed. "This is huge."

"You guys have been hiding this from us?" Arav gaped.

Ishu covered her face, embarrassed. "We weren't hiding! We just... didn't know how to tell you."

I felt a huge grin spread across my face as I nudged her. "I knew something was up. You both are terrible at keeping secrets."

The excitement grew as everyone bombarded them with questions. Avi, as always, answered everything with his usual laid-back attitude, while ishika blushed like crazy.

And I didn't thought that I will see her blushed like a crazy person, it's something which I can never imagine.

As everyone was talking, I felt a gentle tug on my wrist.

Before I could react, Shivansh pulled me toward him.

My breath hitched as he leaned in, his lips grazing my forehead in a soft, lingering kiss.

"You were staring at them too much," he murmured, his voice husky. "Look at me."

I blinked up at him, my heart pounding. "What are you doing?"

He smirked. "Distracting you."

Before I could retort, he pulled me closer to him like we are stick to each other. His arms around my waist.

I let out a tiny gasp, my hands landing on his chest as he held me securely. The movement was subtle enough to go unnoticed by the others, but Juhi saw it.

My breath caught. "What-"

But before I could even finish my sentence-

His lips brushed against mine.

It was so quick, so subtle, that no one noticed.

Except for Juhi.

She had been sitting right beside us, watching everything. But because Shivansh had pulled me into his embrace, from her angle, she couldn't see exactly what he was doing.

She only saw me suddenly freeze, my face heating up.

Shivansh smirked against my lips. "You keep looking at me like that, jaana, I might just do it again."

I swallowed hard, trying to ignore the way my heartbeat went into overdrive.

Juhi's eyes narrowed. She knew something was up, but she couldn't prove it.

I glanced at her, then at Shivansh. A victorious smirk tugged at my lips.

Let her be jealous.

And just when I thought the night couldn't get any more interesting-

Her jaw clenched, her fists tightening.

I glanced at her from the corner of my eye and- smirked.

If she wanted to be jealous, let her.

I turned back to Shivansh, who was watching me with an unreadable expression. Then, before I could even process what was happening-

His lips met mine.

It was brief. A soft, feather-light kiss that barely lasted a second. But it sent a shockwave through my entire body.

My eyes widened, my lips parting in surprise.

Shivansh chuckled lowly. "Now you're the one staring."

I smacked his arm. "You're impossible."

He shrugged, looking way too pleased with himself. "And you love it."

Juhi's glare burned into me. But all I did was smile sweetly at her before turning back to the one person who mattered.

Because tonight, I had won.

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