Who would've thought that falling asleep could be this difficult, especially for a big sleepyhead like me? I glanced at the clock-six in the morning.

Inhaling a soft breath, I stared at my shattered mirror, swollen eyes, red nose, hairs a tangled mess. Closing my eyes, I gathered myself back walking towards the bathroom.

The moment the cold water hit my skin, tears began to flow again, his voice and memories played in a loop in my mind. I had thought I was okay. I thought I was numb. But deep down... the pain still lingered.

Slipping into a simple kurti with a patiala and a dupatta I headed downstairs. Raju Bhaiya and Reena were already busy in the kitchen. It was early for anyone else to be awake on a normal day I would have lost in my dream lands.

They gave me puzzled looks, surprised to see me up so early, but I ignored their glances and busied myself with preparing breakfast, a small distraction for me and tasty breakfast for everyone.

Breakfast was soon over, and the table cleared with everyone praising Parthvi's culinary skills who smiled politely at their compliments, but it was a smile that never reached her eyes, one that masked her inner turmoil swiftly after all She had no one to confide her pain in.

Nakul, Veer, Vyas, Randheer, and Aadarsh departed for the site, while the women gathered in the living room, indulging in a gossip session. while in Parthvi's room, she, Vedanshi and Rashmi were settled on the bed busy in their phones, when Chaya barged in with her super active energy, startling them.

"Chaya!" Parthvi playfully tossed a cushion at her face keeping a hand on her heart. "That was rude!" Chaya quipped, leaping onto the bed beside her.

"You guys are so boring! I thought with your cousins visiting, you'd be planning something fun, but look at you all drown in reels!" "We're not cousins," Parthvi snapped almost instinctively while Rashmi threw her an offended glance.

"Okay, okay! I mean the kids of your father's friend," Chaya teased, her tone playful as she stretched the words "All right, enough!" Parthvi picked another cushion to throw at her face.

"Wait, you guys really don't have any plans?" Chaya asked sincerely this time Vedanshi and Rashmi shook their heads together.

"Aadarsh and Randheer Bhaiya are both tied up with work, and they've taken all the cars too. I mean, who needs four cars to go to the same place? The audacity!" Vedanshi scoffed, rolling her eyes.

"Your brothers do!" Chaya scoffed "Leave it we're going to the carnival, and that's final! Look, I've already got the tickets!" she exclaimed, waving the tickets in the air.

"But...." Parthvi opened her mouth, but she cut in again with a wink "No buts! I'll convince your Aadarsh Bhaiya and Randheer to come along too, so no one can object," Parthvi nodded silently, not entirely convinced.

"Is something bothering you?" Chaya asked softly, once Vedanshi and Rashmi had left the room. "Huh? No, nothing," Parthvi replied. "You know you can share, right?" Chaya said gently not convinced but Parthvi simply nodded, resting her head there, and whispered, "I will... in time." Murmuring the last part to herself.

-----------✽✽---------------✽✽-----------

"I am not coming anywhere there is a lot of paperwork to be completed" he stated "Now you will deny me too? Please!!" she pleaded showing her best puppy eyes "Ahh okay but you know carnival and all is not my thing what will I get in return?"

"I will tell her about us!" "Really???" he exclaimed, his eyes glinting.  "Who will say this is the same guy who is always quiet and arrogant huh?" she giggled in his chest.

"That is for people not for you love!" they embraced each other in a tight hug as his lips lingered on her forehead in a warm forehead kiss.

RANDHEER’S POV:

I came here solely for work, I reminded myself yet despite my best efforts to stay focused, my gaze instinctively drifted to her balcony as I waited for her resting my back to the bike while Aadarsh, Rashmi, Vedanshi, and Chaya drove off, leaving me behind to come with her.

I didn't want to accompany them, but I couldn't exactly refuse Aadarsh. My patience wore thin as I checked the time. Finally, her room's light flickered off, and I shoved my phone back into my pocket.

She walked out from the main door, her jingling earrings and the glow of her face under the dim lights, her curls bouncing playfully with each step. In a black jean, a tank top, and a bohemian shrug she looked breath taking, her kajal cladded eyes and nude lipstick adding to her appearance.

My heart skipped a beat, hayee!

She stopped in front of me. her features taking over confusion "No one's here yet?" she asked in a soft voice. "They've already left," I replied pulling up my composure.

"What? They left me behind?" She pouted adorably. "Well, if you're going to take this long, you can't expect them to wait! Besides, they wanted to catch the horror show." I explained her confusion.

"How are we supposed to get there now?" she asked her lips still in that small pout. I motioned to my bike.

"This is a bike, and it runs too, you know." I said dryly, getting onto the bike and gesturing for her to sit behind. 

Surprisingly, she said nothing just obeyed silently. "Why isn't she snapping back at me?" I muttered under my breath, puzzled by her antics.

She has always been the blabbering and yapping one with her sassy remarks this silence isn't her trait. 

As we rode, her gaze remained fixated on the moon, while I stole glances at her through the rear-view mirror, not that I cared, but out of... humanity. 'Yes, Randheer you are the most human, human alive!" mocked my conscious.

We meet with the group in front of the haunted house. "Parthvi, you missed it! It was so much fun, even your brother got scared!" Chaya almost jumped on her in excitement, she offered a polite smile, but no words left her lips. What's going on with her today?

"Let's go on that ride!" Vedanshi exclaimed, tugging at Parthvi's arm. "I don't want to, please," she replied, her voice tired. "But Di, you love these rides," Vedanshi frowned.

"I'm feeling dizzy... you all go ahead," Parthvi murmured. I leaned against the side, observing them as Rashmi, scoffed "Bhai, at least enjoy yourself for today!" she scoffed. 

"I will. You go ahead and indulge in these childish rides," I shot back, shaking my head as she walked off with the others.

Aadarsh stood beside Parthvi his tone concerning as he said  "Parthvi, if you're not feeling well, we can head home."  She shook her head in denial  "I am fine bhai, you go with them!" hesitant he walked behind the girls.

She shifted beside me; her gaze locked on the ferris wheel. I tried to ignore her presence drowning in my phone but a warm feeling settled with her beside me.

"Aap humare saath ferris wheel pe chalenge please?" Her voice was so soft that it almost got lost amidst the carnival's chaos. 

(Will you come with me on the ferris wheel, please?)

"Huh?" I turned to her, unsure if my ears were ringing. "N-nothing..." She quickly averted her eyes. I took her hand in mine leading her to the ticket counter, bought two tickets and seated in the compartment. 

"Uhmm... humara haath!" she pointed and I realized I was still holding her hand leaving it with a jolt oddly self-conscious as she smiled, her smile the real one that snatched the very breath from my lungs.

(Uhmm...my hand?)

The ferris wheel began to turn, in the chaos of the night the cool breeze blew her hairs. Peace seemed to wash over her features her gaze on the lights below lost in deep thoughts on the other hand I had the sight of her-the moonlight casting a soft glow on her skin her nose pin as a star in a starless night.

"Thank you, Randheer," she said suddenly in a delicate voice "For what?" I asked, "For accompanying me," she lowered her gaze her face flustered with a hint of embarrassment.

The ferris wheel jolted to a stop as the lights out of nowhere went out. In the consuming darkness, only the pale moonlight illuminated the compartment, making her features seem even more ethereal.

"Randheer!" she called out with panic "Hmm?" I hummed, leaning slightly toward her. "Aap yahi ho na?" 

(You are here, right?)

"Ab yaha se kud to jaunga nahi!" I scoffed; my words came out harsher than intended.

(It's not like I'm jumping off or anything.)

"Why can't you just answer normally?" she grumbled, her frustration clear. "Yahi hu bolo!"

(I'm right here, say!)

"I... I'm scared of the dark," she confessed. "It's okay, I'm here," I said, extending my hand towards her. She took it immediately, holding to it tightly, her nails digging into my skin. 'Itna dar lagta hai madam ko?' I thought.

(Does she get this scared, really?)

"Tell me... what's your favourite memory?" I asked to distract her "A ferris wheel ride," she began softly, "With him." she added.

"A ferris wheel ride with him?" I repeated my voice more of a growl "Uhmm... yes, a friend!" she smiled sheepishly. "He better be just a friend," I muttered under my breath, though loud enough for her to hear.

Soon, the lights flickered back on, and the wheel resumed its motion. Completing the ride, we returned to the group.

"Rides are childish, you know, Vedanshi," Rashmi remarked, her voice laced with mockery. Why is she always so annoying?

PARTHVI’S POV:

I don't know why I asked him to ride with me. That was something Saransh and I used to do. Yet, in those ten minutes, with him in the air I forgot all the worries in our small bubble away I found a sense of peace.

I wasn't stuck on the past or anxious about the future. I was simply present, in the moment. I liked the way he held my hand; a sense of protectiveness embraced me, though his humour is a little too sharp for my liking.

Every time I glanced at him; I found his eyes already on me. His eyes, under the night sky shinned, as if holding a warmth that belonged to the coldest of nights. Could he possibly be... a vampire? I giggled to myself.

The sudden stop jerks me forward my body crashing into his as my hands held on to his shoulder lightly for support.

"Hold on properly, unless you want to fall off and make things difficult for me," he scoffed. I shot him an offended glare but my gaze fell on his wrist "What happened to your wrist?"

"I offered a poor soul my hand and she took all her frustrations out on me!" his tone laced with sarcasm.

Oppsie! I hadn't even realized I'd clutched him so tightly. "Sorry... but you could've told me to let go." "It didn't hurt."

"Yeah, sure, you'd have bled if I'd held on any tighter! 'It didn't hurt,'" I mimicked, closing my mouth quickly as he shot me a sharp look. 'Jyada mat ched Parthvi, yahi chod ke chalegae to?' came my conscious.

(Don't provoke him too much, Parthvi, or he might just leave you stranded here in the middle of nowhere.)

"Kabhi nahi chodenge!" his gaze softened as he replied.

(Will never leave you!)

A smile tucked my lips as soft blush coat my face but wait a minute how did he heard? Was I thinking too loud or Kahi sach mein to vampire nahi hai?

(Could he really be a vampire?)

-----------✽✽---------------✽✽-----------

As the group entered the house, they were greeted by the buzzing of the ladies. "We thought you all would be asleep by now!" Aadarsh exclaimed, lounging on the sofa. 

"Parthvi?" Veer inquired, scanning the room. "And Randheer too!" Sangeeta added, her gaze roaming in search of them. 

"They are coming together..." Vedanshi announced just as Parthvi and Randheer stepped in.

"You all are here, so listen closely! We have a puja in the morning, and I want all of you present by eight!" Sumitra declared with an authoritative tone. 

"But..."

 "So early..."

"Okay!" they protested half-heartedly, but Parthvi's agreement silenced them all as she ascended the staircase wrapping her locks in a rough bun.

"Okay? Humein to laga tha sab se jyada natak inhi ke honge," Harshita murmured in disbelief, watching Parthvi's retreating figure.

(Okay? I thought they would create the most fuss about this.)

RANDHEER’S POV:

I sank into the couch in the gallery outside my room, my eyes shutting close as I leaned my head against the backrest. Everything felt heavy and oppressive. I wish to escape or maybe to be caged forever.

However, the scenes were unfolding was wrong. Parthvi is a secret I wish to unveil, a mystery I attempt to solve but with every step I felt close only to find myself tangled in her eyes, her smiles, her locks. the web of her mystery untouched.

"Why are you here now?" I inquired without opening my eyes, my senses sharpened by the intoxicating scent of her being. "How did you recognize it's me without opening your eyes?" she asked, her voice laced with curiosity. 

"I have three eyes, little kitten!" I replied playfully in a low tone, leaning closer "Aap kahan jaati hain, kab jaati hain, kisike saath jaati hain, kya karti hain, kab karti hain; saari khabar rehti hai humein!" I yearned to toss that earring of her away biting and nibbling on her earlobe rather I clenched my fists forcing myself to sit back

(You go where, when, with whom, what you do, when you do it; I know everything about you!)

Sweat beads covered her forehead, her eyes closed, breathing unevenly, the sight was oddly captivating, with her enchanting self on my mercy. A smirk played on my lips as I admired her.

She narrowed her eyes looking at me with disbelief "Apply the ointment, or else your wounds will get infected." Keeping the tube beside me she stood to leave, but I stopped her by tugging her wrist.

"Zakhm khud diye hain, to marham bhi khud hi laga dijiye!" my voice low and husky as I said.

(If you've given the wound yourself, then you should apply the remedy as well!)

I craved a reaction out of her when I stepped in her personal space, yet she simply nodded applying the ointment and leaving in a hurry. 

Her calm demeanor is etching me. What's wrong with your Parthvi? Maybe I was missing her sassy attitude and our banters.

PARTHVI’S POV:

I rushed back to my room as if my tail had caught fire. "You are not a real cat, idiot. You don't have a tail," my conscience mocked.

His closeness sparked something different in me, it was no fear but the anticipation to see how far he would go.

My relationship with Saransh had always been calm and gentle, with little interaction with men of family. Yet, my equation with Randheer was something I couldn't interpret and lacked the strength to confront for now. I was drained.

Lying on my bed, I reviewed our messages. I had shared what his friend had said, but there was no reply; all he mentioned was that he would call tomorrow evening. Inhaling deeply, I closed my eyes, allowing memories to flood my mind as tears streamed down my cheeks. The conversations with his friend echoed in my mind.

I felt numb, but I couldn't ignore that it wouldn't have been easy for him either. He often spoke of the future, he wanted it, but could I have stood against my family? What if I had chosen my father?

How could I place all the blame on him only because he had to make a choice before me? How long could I have stayed with him when it was destined to end like this?

How could I cry only for myself, being selfish when love is selflessness?

I couldn't subside my own suffering, but perhaps I could ease his. His friend's words echoed in my mind:

"My girlfriend started to feel for someone else while being with me; it was the worst. It broke me and made me hate her..."

What if Saransh, too, began to hate me? The thought itself shook me to my core. Yet, perhaps then, all his confusion would dissolve. He would hate me, marry his parents' choice, and eventually move on, all set. Nothing holds more power than a shattered ego.

"Bholebaba, give me strength to do this please!" I prayed silently, waiting for the night to pass.

-----------✽✽---------------✽✽-----------

Sumitra and Harshita did the arrangements for the puja, while Manjari oversaw their efforts. Veer, Vyas, Nakul, Aadarsh, and Randheer occupied sat together in the hall; drown in simple talks.

In a simple white kurta, Randheer looked breath taking; a few strands of hair lay charmingly across his forehead.

"Maa!!" Parthvi's voice rang out as she descended the stairs, drawing everyone's attention. 

Draped in a plain red saree with a full sleeves blouse, with oxidized earrings, red glass bangles, thick blue kajal and brown lipstick enhancing her features.

"Acchi lag rahi hai!" Sumitra praised her warmly. "Ab jaa kar kitchen mein prasad dekh le!" she added, with a cheesy smile.

(You look beautiful! / Now go check on the prasad in the kitchen!)

"At least tareef to kar deti yaar, maa!" Parthvi winced, retreating into the kitchen.

(At least you could have given me a compliment, mom!)

Randheer's breath hitched as he observed her every movement through the window.

The way she tucked her pallu around her waist, how she twisted her hair into a rough bun, and how the sweat-dampened strands clung to her cheeks as she worked—it was mesmerizing.

He found it difficult to tear his gaze away. The constant feeling of being watched made her look up, their eyes met, and Parthvi raised her eyebrows questioningly, but he quickly diverted his gaze embarrassed at getting caught only for his heart to flutter as she giggled shaking her head at his antics.

"I want to tease you; but... actually, a little bit is no harm!" With a mischievous smile, he stepped into the kitchen. 

"Uhmm, Raju, someone is calling you outside." he announced casually. "Jii, bhaiya!" Raju replied, leaving the kitchen in hurry.

(Yes, brother!)

Randheer stood behind her; although she, aware about his presence remained focused on her work.

"Suniye!" he called softly, surprising her. 

(Excuse me!)

"Jii, kahiye," she replied, turning to him with a teasing smile.

(Yes, what is it?)

"Vo humein kehna tha ki... kuch yaad kyun nahi aa raha?" he muttered the last part to himself, visibly flustered.

(Uh, I was supposed to tell you... but I can't seem to remember what!)

Confused, she looked at him intently to complete, and he changed his words, "Paani, haan, paani lena aae tha!" 

(Water, yes, I came to get water!)

"Ye lijiye," she offered, extending a glass toward him.

(Here you go.)

He accepted it with a smile but took a step closer, teasingly remarking, "Gala sukh gaya hoga aapka humein dekhte. Koi baat nahi, pyaas bujha lijiye apni!" she stepped closer a smirk dancing on her lips, her eyes glinting with tease.

(Your throat must be dry watching me. No worries quench your thirst!)

Her smirk left him speechless, but he too was the infamous Randheer Thakur! How could he not reply back?

"Aapko lagta hai ye paani humari pyaas bujha sakta hai?" he retorted, raising an eyebrow as he tucked her hair behind her ear before turning away in a swift motion, leaving Parthvi feeling flushed with the heat creeping up her cheeks. 

(Do you really think this water can quench my thirst?)

"Dii! Dii! Parthviiii!" Rashmi, Vedanshi and Chaya called out as they burst into the kitchen, finding Parthvi standing frozen in front of the door.

"What happened?" "Why are you so sweaty and flushed?" "Do you have a fever?" they bombarded her with questions, while Chaya touched her forehead to check her temperature.

 "You are cold as ice but all red, why so?" Chaya raised her eyebrows concerned "It's just too hot here!" Parthvi attempted to divert their attention with a dismiss of her hand.

"Uhm, oh... okay, now let's go; Pandit ji is here, Badi Maa is calling!" Vedanshi said, nodding Parthvi turned off the gas and moved out.

Veer and Sumitra performed the puja under Pandit ji's guidance. "Aap sab havan mein ahuti daal dijiye!" Pandit ji instructed. 

(Everyone, please offer your offerings to the fire one by one!)

Manjari followed by Harshita and Sangeeta with their respective partners Vyas and Nakul offered the offerings in the fire.

 Then came Rashmi, Vedanshi, Aadarsh, and Chaya. Randheer sat there, waiting for his turn when Manjari glanced at the plate of samagri.

"Parthvi, abhi tu bhi to bachi hai. Samagri to thodi si hi hai; ek kaam karo, tum dono ek saath hi karlo!" Manjari suggested, looking at Dadi and then at Randheer, who blinked in assurance. 

(Parthvi, you're also still left. There's only a little offering; why don't you both do it together?)

She sat beside him, covering her head, and they performed the hawan together, their hands brushing against each other. As the puja concluded, Pandit ji tied sacred threads to everyone, offering his blessings.

Tying the sacred thread to Parthvi, he said, "Bhagwaan kare tumhara joda humesha salamat rahe, bitiya!" 

(May God keep your bond always safe, my daughter!)

"Joda?" she repeated, realizing what he meant. Before she could correct him, he stood up to leave. Veer, Vyas, and Nakul touched his feet in pairs, receiving blessings of a happy family and success.

Aadarsh touched his feet and was blessed to get married soon, on his mother’s insistence.

At last, Randheer approached and touched his feet, receiving the blessing, "Prabhu ki kripa se tumhara grahast jeevan bina kisi duvidha ke khushal bete!" 

(May God's grace allow your married life to be blissful and without any troubles!)

It took him a minute to grasp the meaning of 'grahast' and when he did, a smile formed on his face, a mix of hope and disbelief shining in his eyes altogether.

(Married Life)

To Be Continued....