AADHIRA'S POV

It's such a beautiful Sunday morning, with the weather here being absolutely delightful. I was truly enjoying the peacefulness of it all until I heard someone call my name from inside, requesting my assistance with some tasks.

Oh, dear! These people just can't seem to relax and let everyone else enjoy the tranquility. Everyone is scurrying around, making preparations and getting things in order.

The engagement is scheduled to take place in the evening around 7, so there is still some time left. We chose to have it at the magnificent Malhotra's villa because it's an intimate gathering of close friends. The villa's elegance adds an extra touch of charm to the event.

Its beauty captivated everyone's attention. As for me, being a self-proclaimed lazy person , all I did is took the opportunity to leisurely explore the surroundings, strolling from one area to another, while also taking snaps to document the preparations.

It's now 5:30 pm, and as the function draws closer, everyone has retreated to their rooms to get ready.

I'm wearing this simple cream-colored lehenga, with a delicate bracelet adorning one hand and a watch on the other. After trying numerous hairstyles with my hair, I finally gave up and opted for a simple mid-partition, letting my locks flow freely.

Since I'm not very skilled in makeup, I decided to keep it minimal. I applied a simple foundation, a touch of baby powder, and a glossy lip balm. And just like that, I was ready...

Yeah, I know it may sound childish, but baby powder is the only thing that suits my unique skin.

As I stepped out of the room, fully prepared, I began searching for others who were also getting ready. To my surprise, every room was locked, and it seemed like nobody was ready yet. Determined to find someone, I decided to head towards Kiaan and my brother's room, assuming they were together. While walking straight, I accidentally bumped into someone.

"Umm, sorry," I apologized, looking up to see who it was.

To my surprise, it was Kabir's father, Prateek uncle.

"No problem, bcche . Just be careful," he replied politely.

"Can you do me a favour" he asked

"Yes, uncle, sure, why not?" I replied with a grin.

"Go and call Kabir and ask him to be quick. It's already 6:15, and guests have started arriving. He should be receiving the guests," he said.

"Okay, uncle," I responded.

I made my way to Kabir's room and stopped in front of the door. A sign caught my attention, reading - "KABIR'S ROOM - DO NOT PEEK INSIDE."

Reading the signboard, it felt as if the most secretive and valuable treasure was hidden behind that door! Who in the world writes such intriguing messages on their door? That idiot kabir , chachundar kahi ka !

I knocked on the door, my heart pounding with anticipation and impatience so that I can go to Kiaan and Ansh to have some fun rather than standing here like a statue in front of someone's door.

"Who is it?" he asked, his voice muffled from behind the door.

"It's me," I replied.

"Does this 'me' have a name or not?" he teased, with a tone of anger and frustration in it

"Yes, this 'me' has a very beautiful name called Aadhira. Now, please open the door," I replied eagerly.

I heard his footsteps approaching the door, and as soon as it swung open, my breath caught in my throat.

There he stood, shirtless, his chiseled body on full display. Time seemed to stand still as I couldn't help but gaze at his perfectly sculpted muscles, a testament to his dedication at the gym. My mouth went dry as I swallowed the lump that had formed. Just as he was about to catch me staring, I snapped back to reality, trying to regain my composure

"Don't you have any clothes?" I asked, rolling my eyes

"None of your business! Just tell me why you're here," he replied with a touch of rudeness in his tone.

"Well, it becomes my business when you're standing here like that. Anyway, Prateek uncle sent me to check on you. He wants you to get ready quickly because the guests have already started arriving. He wants you by his side to receive them," I responded, trying to brush off his cold demeanor.

"Okay," he replied curtly, slamming the door shut with a force that left me momentarily stunned.

-----

Kabir comes downstairs, looking dashing in his black suit, perfectly styled hair, and a fancy watch. He could easily pass for a model in a magazine shoot. I can't help but admit that he looks incredibly handsome. Though, someone should let him know that there are other colors in the world too.

But why should I care? It's his function, his engagement, and his problem, or I should say, his to-be wife's problem. I couldn't help but think this.



It is 7:30, and almost everybody has arrived, so the ceremony is about to begin.

"Ooooh!" everyone starts hooting as Kabir extends his hand to take Shayra with him on stage.

"Everything is ready, now pass the rings," one of the people standing there asks.

"Pass the rings" Shivani aunty looks at my papa, who looks at me with a questioning look. I then look at Kiaan with my smiling face, only for it to disappear in seconds when I find him staring at me again, with a questioning gaze.

"What? Where is the ring?" I whispered in his ear, a sense of panic creeping in.

"I don't know," he replied, and now I could feel my heart sinking.

"Oh God, ab to mai gyi ,"( I am gone now) anxiety flooded my mind...

Papa had given me the ring boxes, asking me to arrange them beautifully on a plate and bring them for the ceremony. And being the most careless one, I entrusted them to Kiaan to keep them safe. But it seems like I did the worst job!

"Where is the ring?" Shivani aunty asked, her anger evident in her voice.

"Umm, I'll go and find it," I replied, my heart pounding as I searched everywhere.

I looked high and low, but the ring was nowhere to be found. I regretted giving it to Kiaan. I ran from room to room, kitchen to hall, desperately searching.

I was on the verge of bursting into tears, knowing deep down that it wouldn't help...

I walked towards the area where the function was happening, or I should say, paused because of the missing ring. Each step felt heavy with anticipation as I prepared to deliver the news that the ring was misplaced...

Internally, I prayed to God, "Bhagwan, please save me, please!" And just as I reached the hall with empty hands, about to utter the words, "Umm, rii...ng.., ring...is...miis..."

Suddenly, Buzo came running towards us, and my eyes lit up with joy when I saw the rings hanging from his neck belt. A wave of relief washed over me, and I let out a sigh of relief...

"Ooh God, thank you, thank you, thank you so much," I muttered to myself, finally completing my sentence.

"The ring is here, with me only. Take it." I handed over the box to aunty, a mix of relief and happiness flooding over me.

Kabir and Shayra exchanged the rings, and everyone erupted in applause. The joyous moment filled the room with warmth and love.

After that, everyone's hunger took over, and we all eagerly went to have food. The function continued smoothly, with laughter and happiness filling the air.

-----

"Finally, the function is over," I sighed, relaxing my body on the bed and slipping off my sandals.

I quickly changed into more comfortable clothes and decided to stay inside the room, fully aware of the lecture that awaited Kiaan. I knew I would be the next one to face the wrath...

"What is this behavior, Kiaan? How can you be so careless?" Shivani aunty shouted, her voice filled with frustration and disappointment.

"Umm, mom, actually I thought bringing the ring in the plates is too old-fashioned, so I wanted to do something unique," Kiaan nervously replied, flashing a smile that revealed his teeth. He quickly added, "That's why I tied the ring in Buzo's neck belt." He finished his sentence with a sincere apology.

Before aunty could continue scolding Kiaan, my father intervened, saying, "Let it be, Shivani. He's just a child, and everything turned out fine in the end. So, relax. He'll take care from now on, okay?" He gave a subtle hint to Kiaan to leave with a smile.

It was great how he saved Kiaan from getting scolded by Shivani Auntie. But sometimes, when I think about myself in situations like this, he never did the same. Instead, he would make things worse every time.

But it's okay. I'm not going to let something so silly ruin my mood, I told myself.

I'm here to enjoy myself, and that's exactly what I'm going to do, I said to myself, motivating me and making my way towards the garden.

-----

As I walked through the peaceful garden, I realized it was the perfect place to use my phone without any disturbances. I was also on the lookout for Kiaan, as I am not going to spare him this way. After searching everywhere, I finally found him behind a tree, leaning against it and talking to someone.

"Umm, baby, I was busy, that's why I didn't answer your calls," I heard him say.

And before he could say anything, I playfully grabbed him by the ears.

"Baby, I was busy," I said, imitating him. "But because of him, I almost had a heart attack. Talking to someone as 'baby'? That's not going to fly!" I scolded him with a teasing tone.

"Teri khud ki umar kisi baby se kam nhi h , suhdr ja " I scolded him while still holding his ears. (Your own age is no less than that of a baby, improve yourself.)

"Arey sorry didi, vo bhool gaya tha call aa raha tha baar baar. Par aap kaan toh chhod do," he said, making funny faces. (Oh sorry di , actually there was continuously calls coming on my mobile , but atleast leave my ear)

"Call aa raha tha toh ring bhool gaya, aur bill mere naam ka phat jaata uska kya?" I said, loosening my grip on his ears. (Yeah and because of your call , you forgot about the ring and then who was about to get blamed ? Me !)

"Accha ab toh ho gaya na, jaane do ab please," he pleaded. (Okk , but now it's all okk na , now please let me go atleast)

"Nahi aise nahi, pehle 50 situps kar," I replied, crossing my arms over my chest. (No , not like this first you do 50 situps)

"Kya?" he said, widening his eyes in shock. (What)

"Kya nahi, tera byah! Kar ab chup chap," I replied. ( what do you mean by what , it's not your wedding , now do it fast)

"Aap karwaogi?" he said with excitement. (You will arrange my wedding)

"Haa bilkul, abhi chalte hai mast Shivani aunty ke paas. Phir vo karaengi na tera byah, badiya se," I replied smartly. (Yess , ofcourse why not , after this we'll go to Shivani Aunty and she will definitely arrange your wedding)

"Arre didi, sorry ho gayi galti, maaf karo ab bachche ki jaan loge kya," he replied. (Oh no di , sorry , I accept my mistake , now please forgive me or are you thinking of taking my life for this)

"Nahi, situps lungi," I replied. (No, I am am thinking of taking sit ups for this)

"Accha thik hai, kar raha hu," he said and started doing situps. (Okk okk , I am doing it )

"Arre vo kya hai," he said, pointing to something in the darkness. I turned my face to see what is there actually, and... (hey , what's there)

And he ran.

"Ansh, pakad ise," I asked my brother who was also with me there and ran behind him. (Ansh go and catch him)

---

"Maro aur maro," I asked my brother after he finally caught him. (Beat him)

"Aaaah," Kiaan screamed in pain rubbing his butt

"Agli baar karega?" I asked raising my one of the eyebrow (will you repeat it again now)

"Kyu ? bhai phir se engagement karenge?" he asked curiously. (Why? Is bhai going to get engaged again)

"Arre gadhe, mera matlab tha, agli baar toh galti nahi karega," I replied, hitting my forehead with my own palm. (Oh stupid, I meant to say , are you going to repeat this carelessness of your again)

"Nahi karunga bhai, maaf kar do bachhe ko, galti ho gayi." He replied joining his both the hands (No man , Not at all, now please forgive me atleast)

And we all burst into laughter.

"Chlo accha bhut thak gyi hu mai , mai chli sone" saying this I made my way to my room rubbing my sleepy eyes . (Okk okk now , I am very tired , I am going to my room to sleep)

KABIR'S POV :-

Lying on my bed, I'm thinking about today... Rajat uncle still can't convince mom, and now I think he won't be able to. What can he do in a day? And the day after tomorrow, I'm getting married. Oh God, how does it sound? It feels like I'm going to jail.

When today the ring wasn't found for a few minutes, it gave me some hope that maybe the engagement would get postponed. But it soon shattered as soon as the buzo came with the rings.

Oh God, I really don't know what's going to happen. Please help me, God.

And saying these words while thinking of what awaits in the future for me, I didn't realize when I drifted into sleep.

♡♡♡♡♡

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