AUTHOR'S POV:
ONE MONTH LATER
The Rajvanshis bungalow bloomed with decorative colorful lights, the scent of lavender sprinkled in every corner, creating an exhilarating environment. The entire bungalow cheered for fun, entertainment, and elation, as the souls present screamed for jubilation, cheeriness, and delight.
In the garden, embellished with screeching happiness for the upcoming wedding, harmonizing with traditional Indian customs, Anira sat on a sofa on a temporary stage made specifically for the bride.
Wearing a sensationally stitched yellow lehenga that perfectly complemented her skin tone, Anira looked marvelous. Floral jewels added charming fuel to her look, while small patches of haldi on her face, hands, and exposed body parts gave her a perfect bride look. However, her smile was the main beauty that enhanced her appearance - a rare, radiant smile.
Kashvi stood before her, sporting a broad mischievous grin, her hands behind her back as if hiding something. Everyone had applied the haldi paste on Anira, except her best friend.
"Kya chupa rahi hai tu?" Anira asked excitedly.
(What are you hiding?)
Kashvi's smile broadened. "You look heavenly gorgeous today, Ani."
Anira looked at Kashvi doubtfully.
"Batana yaar, kya chupa rahi hai tu!!" This time her tone carried excitement and a hint of request.
(Tell me what you're hiding)
Kashvi complimented, "This floral jewelry seems made only for you."
"Thank you," Anira replied, uninterested, her rolling eyes expressing her mood.
"Aab toh bata de yaar!!" She again asked Kashvi to reveal what she was hiding.
(At least now tell me)
"Wowww, how can someone look so adorable when they're at their rage?" Kashvi commented mischievously, managing to hide her smile.
"Kashvi yaar," Anira complained childishly, while Kashvi giggled at her actions.
"Are you sure you want to know about it?" Kashvi asked, her voice still carrying mischief.
"Yes, yes!! Please!" Excitement again covered Anira.
With 100% devilment, Kashvi showed her hands to Anira, covered in haldi paste, almost making the excess paste drop.
Anira looked at her blankly until Kashvi's intentions hit her. However, she was too late; Kashvi successfully applied the haldi paste to Anira's face.
"Nooooo!" Anira complained, squeezing her eyes in realization, while Kashvi laughed heartfully.
"You liked the surprise, right?" Kashvi teased.
Anira gritted her teeth at Kashvi's comment. Understanding the situation, Kashvi started running away from Anira, who followed at the same pace.
"Kashvi ki bacchi!!" Anira shouted from behind. "I know you're excited after planning your future with Devansh, but where did my kids come in?"
Kashvi replied, running at the same pace, "Kashvi ke bhatije ya bhatiji bol na" (You should say Kashvi's nephew or niece).
The unexpected sentence brought an unforeseen pause to their running. Anira stood inches from Kashvi, who tried suppressing her laughter. Sensing tension, Kashvi slowly backed away.
Anira, deep in thought, suddenly realized what Kashvi had said and jerked her head up. "Kashvi!!!! Tu aaj pitegi mujhse!!"
(Kashvi, you'll get a good beating from me today).
Kashvi tried to escape, "Maaf karde meri maa peeche hi pad gayi hai tu toh."
(Spare me!!!)
However, Anira was reluctant to stop. Suddenly, Kashvi heard a strong sound from behind her. Doubtfully, she turned back to find Anira sitting in a pond of mud. Kashvi's jaw dropped in amusement.
With baby steps, Kashvi approached Anira, who gave a pissed-off look. After a strenuous effort to suppress her laughter, Kashvi failed miserably. A sudden burst of laughter echoed through the area, while Anira made embarrassed faces.
Kashvi held her stomach in soreness due to continuous laughter, but the scene prevented her from stopping.
Anira pouted, "Can't you help me up?"
Kashvi, wiping away happy tears, extended her hand to help Anira stand. However, Anira had different plans today.
As soon as their hands touched, Anira pulled Kashvi towards her with full force. Kashvi fell into the mud pond. Anira stood up, giving a tight-lipped smile, and threw mud at Kashvi.
"Tit for tat," she commented.
Kashvi shared a helpless look. Then, a voice came from behind, "Oh God, these girls! Please put some sense into their heads." Both girls swiftly turned around to see Mrs. Rajvanshi standing there, holding her head.
Kashvi immediately stood up, and both Anira and Kashvi bowed their heads. Anira's grandmother intervened, "It's okay, let them enjoy their moment." She reassuringly blinked at Anira.
A wave of relief washed over the girls. "Par maa..."
(But mom...)
Mrs. Rajvanshi began, but the grandmother interrupted.
"You both go clean up and rest before the Sangeet," she instructed.
Anira and Kashvi nodded and left. The grandmother gave Mrs. Rajvanshi a reassuring blink.
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ESHANTH'S POV:
I shuffled the files on my desk, my eyes locking onto a pink one. "ANIRA" was emblazoned in bold on the cover. Her name alone was enough to send adrenaline coursing through my veins. I knew fate was on my side this time, clearing obstacles from my path.
Devansh's deception was staggering - he was marrying Anira for convenience, not love. Their nuptials would be short-lived, shattering Anira miserably. But I was determined to protect her.
A sly smile spread across my face. Before intervening, I needed a plan - something dramatic to sever their ties. I couldn't let Anira marry him without knowing the truth.
If Devansh genuinely loved Anira, I would have relinquished my desire for her with a heavy heart.
"Kyunki mere liye meri Anira ki khushi pehle aur baaki duniya baad mein aati hai"
(For me, Anira's happiness comes first, and the rest of the world follows).
Though my longing for Anira wouldn't subside, I would have stepped back if she were truly happy with Devansh.
But fate had other plans.
"She's getting married tomorrow, and you're so calm about it?" a voice said from behind me.
I knew who spoke. My younger brother, Aadrik, didn't realize I was already several steps ahead.
Managing a serious expression, I turned around. Aadrik approached me.
"I know what I'm doing," I declared in a cold tone before he could continue.
Aadrik's concerned face caught my attention, but I avoided eye contact.
"I know how much you've loved and cared for her," he said.
"Maana ki unka 3 saal ka pyaar hai and woh apne 3 saal purane pyaar se shaadi kar rahi hai par aapka kya ? Aapne bhi toh pichle 8 saal se unse Shiddat se mohabbat ki hai .... Insab cheezon ke beech aapki Khushi kahan hai bhai?"
("They've been in love for three years and are getting married, but what about your feelings? You've loved her passionately for eight years. How can you be happy about this, bhai?")
My eyes softened at his words. I knew he genuinely cared, but I'm Eshanth Singh Shekhawat; I couldn't show emotions.
"Mind your own business, Aadrik," I said, turning away to conceal my feelings.
However, being my younger brother, he hesitated to leave.
"You can't hide your emotions, bhai," he said.
An awkward silence filled the room. I took deep breaths, feeling his hand on my shoulder.
"Toh ab kya?" (Now what?) he asked, his voice laced with genuine concern.
My gaze shifted to the large glass window. I twirled a pen in my hand.
"We're already ahead of them," I remarked.
"Ahead?" Aadrik repeated, confusion etched in his voice.
"Hmmm," I replied.
Aadrik's footsteps grew louder as he approached me. "Bhai, what's going on?"
The smirk on my face widened. "Something that will make her forever mine."
A peaceful emotion crossed Aadrik's face. "I thought you were focusing on your work, Eshanth," Dad's angry voice interrupted.
Aadrik and I immediately straightened up.
"I was," I replied.
Dad gestured for Aadrik to leave, and he promptly exited the office.
Dad walked towards me, placing a gentle hand on my shoulder.
I mentally gritted my teeth in frustration, thinking, "Not again."
"Eshanth..." Dad's voice was laced with seriousness.
I knew what was coming - a long lecture.
"Look, I know you love her, but love requires sacrifice. If she's happy with someone else, let her go and live her life happily," he said.
I scoffed inwardly. As if he could convince me.
"Sorry, Dad, but I don't appreciate Muft ka gyaan"
(Free advice)
"Eshanth!!!!!!" Dad's voice echoed through the room.
Regretting my tone, I apologized, "Sorry..." My voice was low.
As my father, I had to control my anger, but my patience was wearing thin.
I hoped he would leave soon, because....
My limit was about to break.
"Have you lost your manners?!" Dad's voice thundered, his rage palpable. I bit back my retort, barely controlling myself.
I watched as he struggled to calm down. "Eshanth, listen. This is the last time I'm telling you: forget about that girl and focus on your work!"
He exited the room, leaving me relieved.
Forget Anira? Never. I was already focused on my work. Elections were just three months away, and I was making my political debut. As a member of the royal family, I'd always been invested in my people's problems - the people of Rajasthan.
However, I'd never been drawn to politics. I was content with my business career as a chartered accountant; it was my dream job. Helping those who respected me and solving their problems brought me peace.
But Dad wanted me in politics. And, as the dutiful son, I'd set aside my dreams.
Anira was my reason for living, and Dad expected me to abandon her? Unthinkable.
ANIRA'S POV:
I stood before the mirror, admiring myself. The light pink hue of my dress lifted my mood. I was feeling radiant, basking in my happy moment.
Kashvi approached me, hairpin in hand, styling my hair. She wore a stunning pink lehenga, her jewelry accentuating her beauty.
A small smile crossed my face, grateful for Kashvi's constant presence.
"Stop gawking me I am not your Devansh" , Kashvi's voice reached my ears.
In return I passed a thunderous glare to her.
Kashvi looked at me quizzically.
"Kyaa?"
(What?)
Before I could respond, a joyful voice burst into my room.
"Surprise!!!!!!"
Kashvi and I turned to face the speaker.
"Nehaaaaaa!!!!!!" we chimed in unison.
Neha, my childhood friend, stood before us, beaming. We were once inseparable, the perfect trio, until Class 11 separated us. Kashvi and I chose commerce, while Neha pursued science. Later, she moved to Rajasthan with her family.
Despite the distance, Kashvi and I remained close to Neha through regular video calls and gossip sessions. She knew every detail of our lives.
We hadn't seen Neha in four years, and the reunion was exhilarating. Neha opened her arms, inviting us into a group hug. Kashvi and I exchanged excited glances before rushing into her embrace.
The silent hug was calming, loving, and long overdue. Breaking free, I admired Neha's outfit - a lovely pink ensemble.
"So, you remembered?" I asked.
"Of course! How could I forget our color theme?" Neha replied. "Pink for Anira's sangeet, green for Kashvi's, and..."
"Maroon for Neha's!" Kashvi and I chimed in unison, our laughter filling the room.
Contentment washed over me, thrilled to have my dear friend back.
"Why did you lie about not coming to the wedding?" Kashvi teased, playfully pinching Neha.
Neha winced, while I giggled at their antics.
"It was a surprise, na?" Neha explained.
Kashvi and I shot her mock glares.
"Come on, how could Neha Singh Shekhawat miss her best friend's wedding?" Kashvi asked.
"Huh, Neha Singh Shekhawat," we said in unison, our tone playful.
Laughter and joy once again filled the room. We shared another heartfelt group hug.
It was a perfect reunion - Anira Rajvanshi, Kashvi Thakur, and Neha Singh Shekhawat were together again.
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