13

Vani and Pranvi picked up their purses from the table, giving themselves one last approving glance in the mirror. After what felt like an eternity of trying on outfits, adjusting hair, and fixing every tiny detail, they were finally ready. And ready wasn't even the word, this was the kind of ready that made people stop mid-sentence.

"Tu chal... main bas paani peeke aa rahi hoon," Vani said, heading toward the kitchen.

Pranvi nodded, her heels already clicking softly on the marble floor as she made her way to the door.

Outside, the scene was... less glamorous.

Aman stood under the yellow porch light, swatting at mosquitoes like a man fighting invisible demons, his face full of irritation.

"Yaar... main yahin samadhi le lunga ab," he grumbled dramatically, scratching his arm.

"Mujhe bhi yahi lag raha hai... le le tu. Aur mere liye bhi ek plot reserve kar dena," Ishan replied, eyes still glued to his phone.

Aman groaned. "Kitna time laga rahi hain ye dono? Waise to pranvi do minute mein ready hoke hospital pahunch jaati hain. Par aaj... jaadu hai kya vo ki subah bas superpower milti hai, aur raat ko gayab."

Ishan smirked but stayed quiet, scrolling.

"Aur ye Vani..." Aman added with a shake of his head, "bas ladne mein aage hai."

Just then, the sound of heels echoed from the hallway. A rhythmic click... click... click that seemed to carry its own kind of confidence.

Ishan's head lifted, his scrolling forgotten.

And there she was - Pranvi.

She stepped out from the doorway like she owned the night, her deep red dress shimmering under the porch light. The fabric hugged her silhouette perfectly, every curve and line brought to life with understated elegance. Thin, delicate straps rested on her shoulders, leaving her collarbones exposed, and her long hair parted slightly to the side, fell in soft curls, a few strands framing her face like a gentle whisper. Her makeup was a perfect balance - subtle yet bold enough to make anyone's heart stutter.

Ishan froze.

His breath caught in his throat. His eyes followed her like rain soaking into dry earth. No awkwardness, no hesitation just a quiet awe that made him forget to blink.

Aman glanced at him and smirked. "Sharam nahi aati parayi ladki pe aise nazar lagate hue, besharam aadmi," he whispered.

Ishan blinked fast, startled. "Main... main to bas aise hi dekh raha tha... normally."

"Hmm... normally. Dikh raha hai sab," Aman teased.

Pranvi reached them, smiling warmly. "Hi... sorry for the late."

"It's okay. Vani kahaan hai?" Ishan asked, voice back to normal or at least trying to be.

"Aa rahi hai... paani peene gayi thi bas," Pranvi replied.

Aman chuckled. "Aa rahi ho kahi Girtee padti "

And then... came the moment.

The click of another pair of heels. Louder. Sharper. More deliberate.

Vani locked the door behind her, each step like it knew exactly where it wanted to go. Her eyes shone like cut diamonds under the dim porch light, her skin glowing as if the moon itself had leaned in to kiss her cheek.

Her dress a deep sapphire blue bodycon flowed like liquid silk over her frame. It was off-shoulder, revealing the graceful line of her collarbones, and the lil slit on one side allowed just enough glimpse of her leg to make every step an event. Around her neck hung a delicate silver pendant, a single diamond winking in the light, its simplicity only making it more captivating.

But the real statement was her hair.

Long absurdly, enviably long, falling in waves that nearly touched her hips. If they'd been just a few inches longer, they would have brushed her knees. Each strand shimmered faintly, as if sprinkled with stardust, the subtle shimmer powder catching on the curls. A few rebellious strands drifted across her face, brushing her cheek with every turn of her head.

Aman's breath hitched.

He didn't move. Didn't speak. This was the long-haired girl.He thought . The one he saw on trip . For a second, the buzzing of mosquitoes, the chatter of voices, everything faded.

Ishan leaned closer to him with a smirk. "Parayi ladki pe aise nazar daalte hue... ab aapko sharam nahi aati, Mr. Rajvansh?"

But Aman didn't even flinch. His eyes stayed fixed, his mind blank except for the sight in front of him.

Ishan smirked harder. "Abhi mujhe bada gyaan de rahe the... khud ko dekho."

That finally pulled Aman back. He blinked, adjusted his coat, and looked away, covering his reaction with a forced cough.

Vani's lips curled into a teasing smile. "Aur chamkadar, kya haal hai? Kam se kam aaj to dhang se aa jaate... aisa lag raha hai bina brush kiye uth ke aa gaye ho."

Aman muttered under his breath, "Bekaar mein hi is chhachhundar ko dekh raha tha man me tareef kr rha tha ... dik kaisi bhi le, rahegi chuhiya dimaag ki."

Vani raised an eyebrow. "Kuch kaha tumne?"

"Tumse to achha hi dikh raha hoon," Aman replied quickly, forcing a smile that didn't reach his eyes.

"Mujhe aage baithna hai please... Ishan tum peeche baith jaoge?" Vani tilted her head slightly, giving him her best puppy-eyed look.

"Bilkul nahi," Pranvi and Ishan both chorused without missing a beat.

"Par kyu?" Vani asked, blinking in fake innocence.

"Tum dono phir ladne lage toh?" Pranvi said, glancing between her and Aman like a teacher trying to separate two notorious backbenchers.

"Haan, sahi-salamat party mein pahuchna hai," Ishan added, giving Aman and Vani a suspicious look, as if they were about to set the car on fire.

"Please..." Vani dragged the word, her voice softening, her expression so sweet that even a stone-hearted villain in a film would've signed over property papers instantly.

Ishan looked at her for a few seconds. Big mistake. The innocent eyes... the tiny pout... He sighed in defeat. "Ok."

But before sliding out, he pointed a finger at them like a strict judge. "Par please... ladna mat, dono."

"Dono?" Vani scoffed, sliding into the front seat with the grace of a queen taking her throne. "Bas tumhare dost ki guarantee nahi hai."

Aman, who had been pretending to adjust the air conditioner, turned to her slowly. "Meri guarantee ki tumhe zarurat hi nahi hai, madam. Main toh shanti ka doot hoon."

"Shanti ka doot?" Vani raised an eyebrow. "Tum toh shor ka loudspeaker ho."

"Main loudspeaker?" Aman laughed sarcastically. "Madam, apni aawaz kabhi record karke suno, lagta hai jaise koi kahin se remote se glass tod raha ho."

Vani gasped dramatically. "Tumne meri voice pe comment kiya?! Tumhaari toh..."

"Bas! Shuru ho gaye dono," Ishan said from the back seat, already regretting his decision.

Pranvi covered her mouth to hide a laugh. "Mujhe toh lagta hai yeh gaadi chalane ke bajaye boxing ring ban jayegi."

Vani buckled her seatbelt with an exaggerated click. "Main toh taiyaar hoon."

Aman smirked, turning the key in the ignition. "Main bhi. Dekhte hain kaun pehle haar maanta hai."

Aman unlocked the car with a sharp beep. Ishan, gentleman that he was, opened the back seat door for Pranvi, and she slid in gracefully, gathering her red dress so it wouldn't crease.

Vani, on the other hand, marched straight toward the passenger seat.

"Uh-uh." Aman held up a hand, blocking her like a bouncer outside a VIP lounge. "Miss Fighter Pilot, you're not sitting here."

Vani raised an eyebrow. "Aur kyun?"

"Because this is the co-pilot seat, and I need someone responsible here... not someone who throws water bottles and syringes at strangers," Aman smirked, unlocking the back door with a flourish.

Vani's lips curled into a dangerous smile. "Dekho Aman , meri gaadi nahi hai warna main tumhe bonnet pe bitha deti. Side ho jao."

He tilted his head. "Nope. Pehle promise karo tum mere music system ko haath nahi lagogi. Last time jab dinner krne gye the tab jo tumne 'Apna Bana Le' repeat pe lagaya tha, main teen din tak neend mein bhi wahi gaa raha tha."

"Accha tha na, soulful," Vani said sweetly, shoving past him and sliding into the passenger seat anyway.

Aman gave her a wow-you-really-did-that look before slamming his door shut. He started the engine, but the moment he touched the aux cable, Vani's hand shot out and grabbed it.

"My car, my rules.... " Aman began.

"My seat, my playlist," Vani cut in, already scrolling through her phone. "Aur tum apne khatarnak 'DJ Aman hits' apne doston ke shaadi pe bajana."

Pranvi giggled from the back. Ishan tried to hide his smile but failed.

The opening notes of a loud Bollywood dance track blasted through the speakers.

"Pungi bajake..."

Aman winced. "Bas! Gaadi hai ya baraat nikal rahi hai?!"

Vani turned the volume up. "Mood banana chahiye party ke liye."

"Party toh tab banegi jab tumhe sunayi dena band ho jayega," Aman muttered, grabbing the volume knob.

She swatted his hand away. "Touch mat karo!"

"Main driver hoon.... "

"Main DJ hoon."

"Main...!"

"Tum bas steering sambhalo, baaki main dekh lungi."

Aman slammed his palm on the wheel in fake frustration, making the horn blare loudly. A cyclist on the side road almost fell, yelling at them.

"Dekho, tumhari wajah se log accident karwa denge," Vani said, shaking her head like she was genuinely disappointed.

"Meri wajah se?!" Aman stared at her in disbelief. "Madam, music ka volume tum badha rahi ho, gaana tum chala rahi ho..... "

"Driver tum ho, responsibility tumhari."

"Wah! Tali do haath se bajti hai, samjhi!"

"Fir Main toh violin bajaoogi " Vani said with a straight face, then smirked when Aman blinked at her.

Pranvi burst out laughing from the back seat. Ishan was now openly enjoying the drama, leaning back like it was his favorite TV show.

Aman tightened his grip on the steering. "Bas ab chup raho, warna main tumhe raste mein utar dunga."

Vani gasped dramatically. "Aur mein tumhara party entrance boring bana doongi? Kyunki main nahi rahungi toh tumhare saath koi aur to vaise bhi nahi jana chahega."

Aman glanced at her with narrowed eyes. "Tum khud ko Miss Universe samajhti ho?"

She tilted her head, flipping her hair like in a shampoo commercial. "Main toh hoon."

Aman clenched his jaw, muttering something under his breath that suspiciously sounded like "self-obsessed chamkadar..."

Vani crossed her arms, grinning. "Sun rahi hoon."

"Accha? Toh sun lo..... " Aman began, but the traffic light ahead turned red, and they both stopped mid-sentence, glaring at each other like two rival wrestlers waiting for the bell to ring.

Pranvi was fixing her lipstick, but she was struggling to hold her tiny pocket mirror steady in the moving car. She tilted it, tried again, but it slipped from her fingers and landed on her lap with a dull thud.

She sighed in frustration and picked it up again, only for it to wobble dangerously once more.

Before she could fumble for the third time, a hand appeared in her line of sight.

Ishan had taken the mirror from her. For a second, she thought he was just going to pass it back - simple, quick, done. But instead, he adjusted himself slightly in his seat and held it up in front of her, perfectly angled so the light fell right on her face.

"Here," he said, his voice calm. "I'll hold it for you."

Pranvi froze. Her brain scrambled to understand why on earth her heartbeat had decided to triple its speed in the last three seconds.

She hesitated, staring at him, then at the mirror, then back at him.

"A... ab main kya karu...?" she muttered under her breath. "Should I apply... or just... rakhu? Hey Bhagwan, waise toh main aapse kuch maangti nahi, par kal raat ko bas ek baar bolne pe aapne mission chalu bhi kar diya... thoda toh rukte..."

She didn't even realise she was speaking out loud until she caught his faint smirk in the reflection.

"What happened?" he asked casually. "Apply. I'll hold it for you."

Pranvi blinked once. Then twice. Then again. Her cheeks felt warm... too warm. Still, she obeyed, leaning slightly forward to reapply the lipstick she had hurriedly messed up earlier.

Only, nothing about this was normal anymore. Her hands were doing the makeup, but her mind was busy screaming What is happening? and Why is he looking so normal about this?!

The only colour brighter than her lipstick right now was the natural blush that had bloomed across her cheeks.

Finally, she capped the lipstick and let out a small, relieved breath, closing her eyes for a moment like she had just completed some impossible mission.

"You know," Ishan said after a pause, still holding the mirror, "your eyeshadow looks beauuuutiful."

The compliment was thrown casually, almost like a passing observation, but it hit her like a direct arrow to the heart. Her blush deepened from a soft pink to a deep crimson. She could feel it crawling up to her ears.

Her heartbeat was loud enough in her head that she almost didn't hear Vani from the passenger seat.

"Uska credit mujhe do," Vani interrupted, turning halfway to look at them. "Galat jagah tareef kar rahe ho, maine kiya hai woh."

Ishan chuckled, his eyes flicking to the front.

"Haan haan... toh phir 'tareef' to you as well," he said smoothly, chuckled,"but... it's looking so pretty on her."

"Thankuuu," Vani replied in an exaggerated tone, clearly enjoying her little moment of credit-stealing.

But Pranvi? She was lost. Completely gone. Her gaze drifted to the window, her lips pressed together in a faint smile, her mind replaying the moment over and over.

The lipstick was perfect now.

The blush... well, that was all natural.

Aman's hands were steady on the steering wheel, eyes on the road... mostly.

But his mind? Not so much.

That girl he had seen on the trip flashed in his mind. The one with the long, flowing hair that had caught his attention for reasons he still refused to admit.

And now... his eyes flickered to the rearview mirror.

She was here.

Or at least... she looked a lot like her.

Kaise ho sakta hai...? he thought. Par ho bhi sakta hai...

It was the first time he had seen her with her hai

r open. Normally, it was always in a bun, braid, or tied and folded neatly like she was on some hair-management mission.

But today? Loose waves framed her face, falling down her shoulders like she had just walked out of a shampoo commercial.

Par vo Peeche se kitni calming dikh rahi thi... aur ye to.....he mused, watching her in the mirror again before snapping his gaze back to the road. Peeche se dekh raha hu, samajh ni aa raha... age se thodi, baalon se thoda, behaviour se thoda pata chalta hai... par... agar vo hui to...

He trailed off in his own thoughts.

To kya? Mujhe kya? Main kyun itna soch raha hu?

Still, his eyes betrayed him, flicking up to the mirror once more.

And just for a second, he smiled.

Ye baal... still looking like a goddess.

His smile faded as quickly as it had appeared.

Wait. Why. Why am I thinking this? Leave it na... focus, Aman, focus.

But the corner of his mouth twitched again anyway.

"...Aur pata hai, iske toh sapne mein bhi aata rehta hai ek ladka."

Pranvi casually dropped the bomb in between their random conversation, like it was no big deal.

Vani's eyes widened. "Pranvi!" she hissed, shooting her a look.

Ishan turned instantly, all curious. "Sach mein? Kaun hai?"

There was that teasing smile of his, like he had just discovered her deepest secret.

Vani waved a dismissive hand, looking out the window. "Arey, vo toh aise hi... chhodo na ye topic."

"Oh, no no no," Aman joined in from the driver's seat, smirking in the mirror. "Please batao toh. Ab toh curiosity high ho gayi hai."

Vani rolled her eyes dramatically. "I don't know... main face bhool jaati hoon."

They finally reached the location a towering five-star hotel that looked like it had stepped straight out of a luxury magazine. The tall glass facade shimmered under the warm evening lights, reflecting the city skyline. At the entrance, uniformed doormen in gold-trimmed coats stood with perfect posture, holding the massive glass doors open for guests. The valet area buzzed with sleek black cars and the low hum of expensive engines. Inside, soft music floated out from the lobby, hinting at the elegance waiting within.

Just then, Ishan's phone rang.

"Ishan, how much time will you take? Come fast!" Riya's voice came through, urgent but excited.

"We're just near the main entrance," Ishan replied.

"Okay, come in. My driver will park your car...he's waiting outside."

"Got it," Ishan said before ending the call.

Finally, their car slowed to a stop right in front of the grand entrance. Ishan was the first to step out, his black coat catching the golden light from the chandelier above. Without missing a beat, he walked to the other side and opened the door for Pranvi. The cameras stationed outside for guest arrivals were already rolling.

Pranvi placed her hand in his like a princess accepting a gentleman's gesture. For the first time, there was no hesitation, no sudden pulling away, just a calm, natural moment. She stepped out gracefully, her long gown flowing with her movement, her head held high like she owned the place. Without glancing around, she walked toward the entrance, her posture straight, her steps poised. Ishan came up beside her, and in a perfectly timed move, she intertwined her hand with his, walking like a couple making a grand entrance.

Ishan, in his full black tailored coat and trousers, crisp shirt, and polished shoes, looked like a fashion show model who had wandered into real life. His hair was perfectly set, but his sharp jawline and confident half-smile gave him a magnetic edge.

Meanwhile, Aman handed the car keys to the valet driver before turning to Vani.

"Koi drama mat karna. Record ho raha hai sab bahar," Aman warned, pointing a finger at her.

"Main? Tu karoongi? Aur ye kaunsa tareeka hai baat karne ka? Ungli neeche karo, nahi toh tod dungi. Samjhe?" Vani shot back, raising an eyebrow.

Aman immediately realised his mistake and lowered his finger. "Sorry, sorry..." he mumbled quickly.

"Acha, I'll open the door for you," he added, trying to smooth things over.

Adjusting his navy blue coat, Aman stepped out. The light caught the soft curl of his hair and his warm, deep-set eyes-the kind that carried a mix of charm and mischief. His frame was straight and confident, his every movement unhurried but assured. He walked around and opened the door for Vani.

Vani stepped out, her heels clicking against the marble. She didn't need to try; her entry carried its own weight a blend of confidence and unshaken attitude. Even in the bustle of luxury cars and flashing cameras, her presence didn't fade; it commanded space.

They walked in together, their combined energy almost cinematic.

Inside, the hall was breathtaking red roses draped over golden stands, creating a fragrant pathway toward the main event area. Crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceiling, scattering soft golden light across the room, giving it a vintage, royal glow. The polished marble floor reflected the warm tones, and servers in crisp uniforms moved silently, carrying trays of sparkling drinks.

Riya walked toward them in a stunning golden gown that shimmered under the hall's warm, golden lights. The gown hugged her figure perfectly before flowing out like liquid gold around her feet. Her hair was styled in a delicate fairy braid, woven with tiny crystal beads that caught the light like stars. She looked like she had stepped straight out of a fairytale, confident, graceful, and glowing with birthday excitement.

Beside her was a tall, handsome man whose calming personality contrasted her vibrant energy. His posture was straight yet relaxed, and his eyes had the kind of quiet charm that made people instantly comfortable. The way he carried himself showed both elegance and ease.

"Hi... guys! You all are looking fantastic," Riya said, her voice warm and full of genuine happiness.

"Hello! Happy Birthday!" the group replied together, smiling.

"Meet him Ritik, my boyfriend," Riya said proudly, slipping her hand into his like it belonged there. "And Ritik, this is Aman and Ishan you've already met them. And these are Vani and Pranvi, Aman and Ishan's friends... and now mine too."

"Hello," Ritik greeted with a polite smile, shaking hands with each of them. "Nice to meet you all." His tone was calm but friendly, instantly making them feel welcomed.

"You're looking so pretty, like a queen," Vani said, admiration clear in her voice. Pranvi nodded in agreement, scanning Riya from head to toe.

"Thank you so much! You're also looking great," Riya replied, her eyes sparkling as she returned the compliment.

Just then, the hum of conversations around them blended with the soft music playing in the background, a slow jazz tune that gave the whole place a vintage, romantic vibe. The chandeliers glowed like captured sunlight, casting golden halos on the guests. Waiters moved around with trays of mocktails, wine glasses, and tiny bite-sized starters. The faint scent of fresh flowers drifted in from the massive flower arrangements red roses, white lilies, and golden orchids, that decorated every corner of the hall.

"Let's go, it's time to cut the cake!" Riya announced excitedly, her heels clicking lightly on the marble floor as she led them toward the center of the room.

The grand cake table stood like a centerpiece of celebration. The cake itself was massive, a three-tier creation draped in smooth white fondant, decorated with gold leaf and delicate sugar roses. Small fairy lights twinkled inside the transparent cake stand, making the whole thing glow.

Guests started surrounding the table, phones and cameras ready. A few people called out for Riya to pose, while others teased Ritik to smile more.

Ritik stood beside Riya, his hand resting lightly on her back. "Ready?" he asked softly.

"Always," she said with a grin, picking up the knife wrapped with a golden ribbon.

As the first slice was cut, applause filled the air. Camera flashes went off like tiny fireworks. Riya giggled as she fed the first bite to Ritik, who in return playfully tried to make her take a bigger bite than she wanted. The crowd laughed.

One by one, close friends and others stepped forward to take photos and share cake. Vani and Aman argued over who got the bigger piece, while Ishan and Pranvi quietly stood to the side, smiling and watching the whole scene unfold.

The night was just beginning, but already, the atmosphere was perfect warm, elegant, and full of joy.

The cake-cutting was followed by laughter, chatter, and camera flashes. Everyone was still nibbling on cake when suddenly-

Click.

The lights went out.

A soft gasp ran through the crowd, but before anyone could speak, the first delicate notes of Ishq Wala Love filled the hall. The music wrapped around the silence like silk. Then, a single golden spotlight clicked on, falling directly on Riya.

She stood in the center, her golden gown catching the light so perfectly that she almost looked ethereal. Slowly, she began to twirl, her skirt swirling in soft waves around her ankles. Her braid shimmered with each spin, the crystals glinting like tiny stars caught in her hair. Guests moved back instinctively, giving her space, watching as though they had been transported into a movie scene.

Then, with a graceful step, she reached for Ritik's hand.

He hesitated for just a heartbeat, then smiled and joined her. Together, they began to dance, a slow, almost dreamlike ball dance. His hand rested gently at her waist; her fingers curled lightly over his shoulder. They moved in sync, every step deliberate yet effortless, as if the music had been composed just for them. The room seemed to fade away, leaving only two people lost in their own little universe.

When the final soft note of the song drifted away, Riya didn't let go of his hand. Instead, she stepped back slowly, her breathing quick but steady.

And then she lowered herself gracefully onto one knee.

The crowd erupted into whispers, phones shooting up in the air to record. Ritik froze, his brows drawing together in surprise.

In her hand, she held a small velvet box. She flicked it open, revealing not one, but two rings. They weren't the delicate kind meant for a fleeting proposal; they were simple yet elegant gold bands, wedding rings, carrying the weight of forever.

Her eyes never left his as she began to speak, her voice warm, steady, and filled with emotion.

"Ritik... the day I met you, something in me shifted. Your presence filled my life like a fragrance I never knew I was missing gentle, yet impossible to forget. You've always been my protector, my safe place... my constant in every storm."

She swallowed, her lips curving into a trembling smile.

"But today, I don't just want to be someone you protect. I want to share that role. I want to be the one who stands with you, who carries half your weight when life feels heavy, and dances with you when it feels light. I want to divide the responsibilities, the laughter, the struggles and multiply the love. Not just in this life, but in every one that comes after."

A tear slipped down her cheek, catching the light.

"So... will you let me be your partner, in every possible way, for all the years and all the births to come?"

The crowd was utterly silent, holding its collective breath. Ritik's expression softened eyes glistening, lips pressing into a smile that spoke volumes.

For a moment, Ritik didn't move his gaze locked on Riya as if trying to process every word she had just spoken. Then, slowly, his lips curved into the kind of smile that was rare, the kind that came from somewhere deep inside.

His eyes glistened, the golden light making them look warmer than ever. "Yes," he breathed soft, but so full of certainty that it carried through the hushed hall.

Riya let out a shaky laugh of relief, her own eyes shimmering as she stood. Before she could even put the ring on his finger, Ritik pulled her into a tight hug, wrapping her up like he never wanted to let go.

"Thank you," he whispered against her hair.

The moment shattered into sound cheers, whistles, applause echoing across the grand hall. Some guests stood from their chairs, clapping above their heads. Phones flashed like tiny stars, trying to capture the magic that words never could.

Off to the side, Vani grinned wide, clapping with extra enthusiasm. "Wah, wah... full filmy proposal! Mujhe to goosebumps aa gaye," she said.

Aman chuckled, still clapping. "Filmy? This is beyond filmy. Isse to award milna chahiye 'Proposal of the Year.'"

Pranvi's smile was softer, her eyes lingering on the couple. "They look... so happy," she murmured.

Ishan nodded beside her. "Yeah... it's the kind of moment you don't forget."

The four of them exchanged a glance half awe, half joy for their friend before joining the crowd in congratulating the newly promised couple.

Riya finally pulled back from Ritik's arms, though her fingers lingered on his as if afraid this might all dissolve if she let go. She picked up the ring box from the small tray, her hands trembling slightly. Carefully, almost reverently, she slid the silver band onto his finger.

Ritik's smile deepened, and with a playful bow of his head, he took the other ring from her palm. "My turn," he said softly, though everyone nearby still caught it. His fingers brushed hers gently, deliberately slow, as if savoring every second before he slid the matching ring onto her hand.

The crowd erupted again some of Riya's friends squealed, a few even whistled, and the older relatives wiped at their eyes with tissues. Someone shouted, "Jai ho!" and laughter rippled through the guests.

The DJ, quick to catch the mood, switched the track to something light and upbeat an instrumental of "Tum Hi Ho." The atmosphere lifted instantly.

Riya and Ritik stood hand in hand, rings glinting under the golden chandeliers. They turned toward the guests, overwhelmed by the clapping and warm wishes flooding from every direction. Riya pressed her forehead briefly to Ritik's arm, like she was grounding herself in the reality of the moment.