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दिल की बात छुपा कर हम,

लबों से मुस्कुराते रहे,

वो हमेशा हमें देख कर मुस्कुराते रहे,

हम उनसे मिलने की राह देखते रहे।

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The Kapoor Mansion buzzed with activity as the preparations for the God Bharayi ceremony continued with fervor. The once grand hall was transformed into a vibrant explosion of color and light, with fragrant flowers, shimmering drapes, and intricate decorations creating an atmosphere of joyous anticipation. Suhana and Aniket were at the heart of the preparations, ensuring that every detail was perfect for their beloved bhabhi and wife. Suhana, ever the perfectionist, darted around the mansion, barking orders and double-checking every arrangement, while Aniket managed the logistics, his calm demeanor a stark contrast to his sister's frenetic energy.

The Raichand family, thrilled for their daughter Ambika, had arrived early, eager to participate in the decorations. The mansion echoed with laughter and chatter as family members and friends worked together, their hearts swelling with pride and happiness. Ambika, the radiant mother-to-be, moved through the gathering like a graceful swan, her every movement filled with the soft glow of impending motherhood.

As the final touches were being made, Amrita, approached Adrisha with a warm smile. "Beta, could you please check on the decorations for the swing? We want it to appear flawless since Ambika will be seated there during the ceremony."

"Of course, aunty," Adrisha replied, flashing a confident smile. She made her way over to the swing, placed in a central area under a canopy of flowers and twinkling lights. The swing itself was a masterpiece, intricately carved and adorned with soft cushions, but Adrisha noticed that the floral arrangements were slightly off.

Due to her attention to detail, Adrisha decided to redo the flowers herself. She found a small stool and, without hesitation, climbed onto it, tiptoeing to reach the higher parts of the swing. As she carefully adjusted the flowers, she became completely absorbed in her task, unaware that the stool beneath her was wobbling precariously.

Eshaanth, who had been busy overseeing other arrangements, couldn't help but notice Adrisha out of the corner of his eye. He felt a familiar twinge of irritation—she seemed to be everywhere. He remembered their last argument vividly, the way she had so effortlessly gotten under his skin, leaving him stewing in a mix of frustration and something else he couldn't quite name.

As he watched her now, perched precariously on the stool, a new worry crept into his mind. The stool was clearly unstable, and the thought of her falling sent a jolt through him that he couldn't ignore. Just as he was about to shout a warning, the stool gave way completely.

Adrisha felt herself falling, the world tilting as she lost her balance. A gasp escaped her lips as the ground seemed to rush up to meet her. But before she could hit the floor, strong arms caught her, lifting her up and away from the impending fall.

Eshaanth had reacted on pure instinct, reaching her just in time to prevent what could have been a nasty fall. He caught her in a bridal style, his arms steady around her as the flowers she had been holding scattered around them like confetti.

Adrisha found herself captivated by the intensity of Eshaanth's gaze, almost feeling unworthy of the way his eyes seemed to drink her in. She had always believed his eyes were a straightforward grey, but now, under the soft light, they appeared to shift like a kaleidoscope—deep pools of color that seemed to change with each subtle movement. The play of light brought out hints of blue, green, and even gold, making them mesmerizing, as if she could lose herself within their depths.

Eshaanth, on the other hand, was equally entranced. His attention was drawn to the delicate mole on her chin, a small, endearing detail that he hadn't noticed before. It made her seem all the more real, grounding the ethereal beauty that her hazel eyes held. Those eyes—so warm, so full of unspoken thoughts and emotions—pulled him in deeper. The mixture of brown and green in her eyes reminded him of the earth after a fresh rain, rich and vibrant, promising secrets and stories yet to be told.

His face was so close, his expression one of irritation mixed with an unspoken concern. The intensity of his gaze sent a shiver down her spine, but she quickly pushed the feeling aside, her initial shock giving way to her usual defiance.

Adrisha regaining her composure, broke the silence. "Aap mujhe niche utar de," she said, her voice blending relief with irritation.

(Please put me down.)

"With joy," he said, setting her down.

Eshaanth, still holding her gaze, responded, "Miss Mishra, you should be more careful. We don't want you to ruin everything, do we?"

Adrisha's cheeks flushed with a mix of embarrassment and frustration. "Aa gye aap phir se tadi dikhane? Ek minute shaanth nahi reh sakte, bas naam mein hi shaanth hain," she retorted, making him narrow his eyes.

(Here you go again with the attitude? Can't you stay calm for even a minute?)

Eshaanth looked puzzled. "What's tadi?"

Adrisha widened her eyes in disbelief. "Aapko tadi nahi pata?"

(You don't know what 'tadi' means?)

Eshaanth frowned. "Where did you even hear that word? What is that language?"

Adrisha rolled her eyes. "Oh, mister Angrez Raichand, 'tadi' means attitude. Jyada angrez mat baniye. What is that language?" she sassed, mimicking him and making him angry while the Tangled Tribe laughed.

(Oh, Mr. Foreigner Raichand, 'tadi' means attitude. Don't act so foreign. What is that language?)

"How dare you?" Eshaanth said angrily.

"Phir se gussa? Aapko na apni little finger me moti pehna chahiye. Ek kaam karti hu, mai aapke liye banwa dungi," she said, making him glare at her blankly.

(Angry again? You know, you should wear a pearl on your little finger. Let me get one made for you.)

"Usse aapka anger control me rahega. Moti bahut acche hote hain. Aapko pata hai, humare colony me ek dog sabko kaatne daudta tha, same aapke tarah. Phir humne uska naam Moti rakh diya..." Adrisha continued.

(That will keep your anger in check. Pearls are very good, you know. In our colony, there was a dog that used to chase everyone to bite them, just like you. So we named him Moti...)

"Shut up!" Eshaanth yelled.

At this point, Aarav was laughing like a hyena because he never imagined anyone would say this to Eshaanth. Ambika, having witnessed the scene, approached with a charming smile. "Well, that was quite the performance. You two could give a film duo a run for their money," she said, her tone playful yet refined.

Amaiy joined in with a smirk. "And this is just the beginning. Wait until the full feature unfolds," he teased, his voice carrying a hint of amusement.

Aarav, who had been nearby, added with a grin, "The tension between you two is palpable. Bhai, perhaps there's more you need to say?" Adrisha shot Aarav a sharp look.

Prisha nudged Kaashvi with a grin. "We certainly have front-row seats to this show."

The playful taunts and laughter continued, each member of the Tangled Tribe adding their own brand of humor. Adrisha, though slightly flustered, couldn't help but enjoy the lighthearted banter, her irritation momentarily forgotten.

Eshaanth, however, grew increasingly agitated. He shot a withering glare at the laughing crowd, his frustration evident. "Alright, enough of this nonsense," he snapped, his voice sharp.

Without waiting for a response, Eshaanth turned on his heel and stormed away from the scene, his expression dark. The room fell silent for a moment before the Tangled Tribe erupted into laughter, their amusement unabated by his departure.

Suhana, observing from the sidelines, shook her head with a smile. "Well, that was quite a show. Let's get back to work, everyone. There's still a lot to be done."

As the group returned to their tasks, the atmosphere remained light and jovial, the playful exchange between Eshaanth and Adrisha leaving everyone with a smile as they continued their preparations for the ceremony.

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The excitement in the house was palpable, and the aroma of jasmine flowers, marigold garlands, and the lovely scent of incense wafting from the altar filled the air. The hall where the God Bharayi function was about to take place was a spectacle of vibrant colors and intricate decorations. Rich fabrics in hues of gold, red, and green draped the walls, creating a warm, festive atmosphere. The centerpiece of the hall was a beautifully adorned swing, intricately carved and wrapped in delicate floral garlands, awaiting the expectant mother, Ambika.

Everyone was dressed in their finest traditional attire, the colors of the lehengas and sarees reflecting the joyful spirit of the occasion. The girl gang of the Tangled Tribe were no exception. Each one was a vision of elegance in their stunning lehengas, designed to turn heads and capture hearts. Adrisha, wearing a stunning lavender lehenga, stood out from the rest. The outfit was a perfect match for her, accentuating her slender figure with its sleeveless blouse that showed just the right amount of her waist. Her face, glowing with the perfect layer of makeup, was framed by a loose bun with soft tendrils of hair falling gently around her cheeks, giving her the appearance of a doll. Despite her discomfort, there was no denying that she looked gorgeous.

As Adrisha entered the hall, her mood was slightly soured by the way her lehenga kept tangling with her steps. She tugged at the fabric with frustration, feeling out of place in such elegant attire. But her awkward entrance went unnoticed by most, except for Eshaanth, who was standing in a corner of the room, deep in conversation with Aniket, Amaiy, Aarav, and Anant. The moment Adrisha stepped into the room, his eyes were drawn to her, and he found himself completely captivated. The sight of her in that lavender lehenga, so different from her usual style, left him momentarily speechless. He noticed, with a small start, that they were matching—his own lavender kurta perfectly complementing her attire.

Eshaanth couldn't tear his gaze away from her. Adrisha, feeling his eyes on her, looked up from her troublesome lehenga, and their eyes met. He looked incredibly handsome, his lavender kurta fitting his muscular physique perfectly, with the top three buttons undone to reveal a glimpse of his tan chest. His messy, curly hair fell across his forehead, adding a rugged charm to his appearance. The veins on his arms and the tattoo etched on his hand made Adrisha's heart skip a beat. She quickly glanced away, her cheeks flushing with warmth, as the intensity of his gaze made her feel both shy and self-conscious.

"Sundar hai na?" Amaiy's teasing voice broke through Eshaanth's reverie, almost making him nod in agreement. But he caught himself just in time, fixing Amaiy with a glare.

"Nahi," Eshaanth replied, his tone firm, though his eyes betrayed the truth.

"Chal jootha," Amaiy quipped with a knowing smirk, but Eshaanth ignored him, his gaze once again seeking out Adrisha, who was now focused on everything except him.

Meanwhile, the God Bharayi function was about to commence. Ambika, the expectant mother, was seated gracefully on the swing, dressed in a traditional red and gold saree that shimmered in the soft light. Her hair was adorned with fresh jasmine flowers, and her face radiated the joy and anticipation of motherhood. The elder women of the family gathered around her, performing the anointing ritual with turmeric and sandalwood paste, blessing her and the unborn child with prayers for health and prosperity.

As the rituals continued, the room filled with the soft sounds of traditional music, the gentle clinking of bangles, and the murmurs of blessings being whispered in reverence. Family members and friends showered Ambika with gifts and sweets, symbolizing the abundance of love and care that awaited the newborn. A sacred thread was tied around her wrist, meant to protect her and the baby from any negative energy.

Adrisha, now seated among the girl gang, couldn't help but steal glances at Eshaanth, who was similarly distracted. Both of them were caught in their own private world, their thoughts interwoven with the sacredness of the ceremony and the unexpected connection they felt in that moment.

The function culminated in a lavish feast, where the guests indulged in an array of traditional dishes, savoring the flavors and enjoying the joyous occasion. The entire atmosphere was a blend of sacred rituals and heartfelt celebration, filled with warmth, laughter, and the collective anticipation of new beginnings.

For Adrisha and Eshaanth, amidst the rituals and the blessings, something had shifted—a silent acknowledgment of an unspoken bond, blossoming quietly in the midst of the festivities.

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"Alright, boys, time to clear out. This is a ladies—only event, and your services are no longer required," Amrita announced with a flourish, waving her hand like she was dismissing a group of unruly schoolchildren.

But Aarav, never one to back down from a challenge, crossed his arms and grinned. "Oh, come on, Mom! Why should only my sister get all the attention? What about our dear brother-in-law? He deserves his moment of fame too!"

"Exactly! Why are we being kicked out?" Amaiy jumped in, his voice dripping with exaggerated indignation. "We're practically the life of the party!"

Aniket, ever the instigator, raised his hand like he was in class. "I second that! Were we just invited to be the help? I thought we were VIP guests!"

"And I third it!" Anant added, nodding so enthusiastically it was a wonder his head didn't fall off. "We're not going anywhere. This is a coup!"

Eshaanth, the only one with a shred of sanity left, had already begun inching toward the door, planning his escape before things got out of hand. But Aarav, sensing his departure, lunged forward and grabbed his arm.

"No way, big brother. If you leave, we're all done for! You have to stay and fight with us!" Aarav declared, looking at Eshaanth as if he were a soldier abandoning his comrades in the heat of battle.

Eshaanth sighed, a look of long-suffering patience on his face. "Why do I always get dragged into these things?" he muttered, though a small smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.

Adrisha, who had been silently enjoying the spectacle, decided it was time to up the ante. "Aaru, you know, if you're so keen on staying, maybe it's because deep down, you've always felt like one of the girls," she teased, batting her eyelashes at him with mock innocence.

The room exploded with laughter. "Oh, definitely! You've always had a certain... feminine charm," Suhana added, fanning the flames of embarrassment with a wicked grin.

Aarav puffed out his chest in mock offense. "Excuse me? I am all man!" he declared, though the effect was somewhat ruined by the fact that his voice cracked halfway through.

"Sure, sure," Adrisha said, nodding sympathetically. "In fact, since you're so manly, you won't mind joining us in some of the... more delicate rituals. How about we start with a nice henna design? Maybe some flowers and hearts to bring out your softer side," she said, waving a mehndi cone in front of his face.

"Or maybe you'd like to model this beautiful pink dupatta? It's just your color," Kaashvi added, draping the bright fabric over Aarav's shoulder with a smirk.

"Wait, wait! Let's not do anything we'll all regret!" Aarav yelped, trying to wriggle out of the dupatta while the other boys looked on, horrified by the prospect of being similarly "accessorized."

But the girls of the Tangled Tribe were on a roll. "Too late! You're in it now, Aarav," Adrisha laughed, holding out a set of bangles. "And these will look perfect with your outfit!"

Just as Aarav looked ready to flee for his life, Amrita intervened, her laughter barely contained. "Alright, alright, enough with the fun. Boys, out! This is a ladies—only zone now, and believe me, you're not ready for what comes next."

The girls shared a knowing look and, with military precision, began herding the boys out the door. Adrisha gave Aarav a final teasing wink. "Don't worry, we'll save some of the rituals for you... maybe during the next kitty party."

Eshaanth, finally freed from the chaos, shook his head with a grin. "See? This is why I always say, never argue with the ladies. You're just digging your own grave," he said, patting Aarav's shoulder as they were pushed out.

"No more ladies' functions ever!" Aarav declared as the door closed behind them, but even he was laughing too hard to make his threat sound convincing.

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"Bhai, don't you find it suspicious that the girls are keeping us out? What could they possibly be doing that we're not allowed to see?" Aarav asked, trying to sound serious but with a gleam of curiosity in his eyes. Amaiy nodded in agreement, clearly intrigued.

"You're onto something, Aarav," Amaiy said, leaning in closer as if they were conspiring. "What on earth could they be up to?"

Eshaanth, who was standing nearby, shook his head in disbelief. "You two are overthinking it. It's just a ladies' function, nothing more."

But Anant wasn't about to let logic spoil the fun. "Should we spy on them?" he suggested, his eyes lighting up with mischief.

The suggestion made Aarav and Amaiy grin like they were kids plotting to steal cookies from the jar. "Now that's what I'm talking about!" Aarav said, rubbing his hands together in anticipation.

"Not a good idea," Eshaanth warned, trying to be the voice of reason, but his words fell on deaf ears.

"Oldie detected, opinion rejected," Aarav muttered under his breath, earning a loud laugh from Amaiy, who was already too invested in the scheme to turn back.

"But how do we pull this off?" Amaiy asked, fully on board now. His eyes darted around the room as if he was expecting to see some secret spy gadgets pop out of nowhere.

"We could try sneaking in... or maybe..." Anant began, but Aniket interrupted him with a wide grin.

"No need for that, gentlemen. You can thank me later because I had the foresight to install CCTV cameras in the hall for 'security purposes'," Aniket announced with a mock bow, looking quite pleased with himself.

The group erupted into cheers, giving Aniket high-fives all around. Even Eshaanth couldn't help but roll his eyes at their enthusiasm.

"Alright, let's see what the girls are up to," Aarav said, his excitement barely contained as they gathered around Aniket, who quickly pulled up the CCTV footage on his phone.

As the video loaded, they held their breath, eyes glued to the screen. What they saw next was... unexpected, to say the least.

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Thanks for reading, everyone!

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