The Malhotra house didn’t just glow that evening—it buzzed.
Music floated through the air, cousins ran around stealing sweets, and laughter echoed louder than the priest’s chants.
Aditi stood near her parents, adjusting the pleats of her saree, trying to look calm while everything inside her fluttered.
“Relax,” Nisha whispered.
“You look like you’re about to walk into an exam hall.”
“Feels worse,” Aditi muttered.
That’s when Kabir Malhotra appeared—Arjun’s cousin, effortlessly cool in a silk kurta, grin permanently in place.
“So,” he said dramatically,
“this is the girl who made my brother smile during business calls?”
Aditi blinked. “I—what?”
“Confirmed,” Kabir nodded. “We’re impressed.”
Behind him, Ishita Maasi, draped in elegant chiffon and oversized sunglasses indoors, waved cheerfully.
“Arjun’s been unbearable,” she announced.
“Please keep him that way.”
Aditi laughed before she could stop herself.
And then—
She felt it.
That familiar presence.
Arjun.
When Eyes Meet
He stood across the room, surrounded by relatives, but his gaze found her instantly.
Cream kurta. Rolled sleeves. That smirk.
Unfair, she thought.
When he walked toward her, Rhea, another cousin, nudged Aditi playfully.
“Brace yourself. He’s been staring like you’re dessert.”
Aditi’s cheeks warmed.
“Ready?” Arjun asked softly, offering his hand.
She placed hers in his.
Steady. Certain.
The Engagement Ritual (With Zero Peace)
As the priest called their names, the crowd suddenly went silent—
until Uncle Sameer whispered loudly:
“Beta, smile! This isn’t a board meeting!”
Laughter erupted.
Arjun chuckled, leaning toward Aditi.
“My family apologizes in advance.”
She smiled. “Mine doesn’t.”
When he slid the ring onto her finger, his touch lingered—slow, reverent, intentional.
His thumb brushed her skin.
Aditi inhaled sharply.
Only he noticed.
Kabir whistled softly.
“Ohhh, he’s serious.”
Post-Ritual Chaos
Photos turned into commentary.
“Closer,” Ishita Maasi instructed.
“Arjun, put your arm properly.”
“PROPERLY,” Rhea echoed.
Arjun obeyed—his arm settling at Aditi’s waist.
Her breath stuttered.
“You okay?” he murmured.
She nodded. “You?”
“Barely behaving,” he replied.
She smiled.
Midnight Call – When the Noise Fades
Later that night, when the house finally quieted, Aditi lay awake.
Her phone buzzed.
Arjun:
Survived today?
She called him.
“You have the loudest family,” she said.
He laughed softly.
“You fit right in.”
A pause.
Then—his voice shifted.
“Aditi… if anything feels fast—”
“It doesn’t,” she said gently.
“Not when you walk beside me.”
His exhale was slow. Relieved.
“Good,” he said.
“Because I want every step—with you aware, comfortable, choosing.”
Her eyes softened.
“Sleep,” he added.
“Tomorrow, they’ll tease us more.”
She smiled in the dark.
Some promises are made under sacred lights.
Others are whispered when the world finally sleeps.
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