Today was supposed to be a dream. Her birthday, the crimson sari that mirrored the heat blossoming in my chest... God, if only she knew the wildfire she ignited with every glance, every subtle curve accentuated by the silk. She'd burrowed deep into my heart, a sweet trespasser leaving me a tangled mess of desire and self-control.Having her so close, yet completely out of reach, was pure torture. The way a blush crept up her neck under my gaze was a mirror to the inferno raging within me. I knew my stare was a double-edged sword, affecting her as much as it did me. But rushing things... that could scare her away. I craved the slow burn, the chance to savor every stolen smile, every shy exchange. So I devoured her beauty from afar, a parched man yearning for a single drop of rain.Then Sheetal barged in, shattering the fragile paradise I'd built. That woman... countless warnings had fallen on deaf ears. Yet, here she was, parading her unwelcome advances with shameless abandon. It was i
They shared a unique understanding, Arun and Anand. Unlike Karan, who was a whirlwind of laughter and carefree spirit, these two communicated in a language of unspoken words. Anand sighed, his gaze flickering to Arun who stood brooding by the window. He knew exactly what turmoil his brother was battling right now. Arun stared out at the cityscape, a million thoughts swirling in his head. Shame, regret, and a gnawing fear of losing Sruthi all competed for dominance. Anand pulled out his phone and dialed Kavya's number. "What? She's not there?" he asked, his voice rising slightly. Arun's head snapped sideways, a flicker of hope battling the despair in his eyes. "Oh, she's at the temple... good," Anand continued, lowering his voice. "Alright, Kavya, you and Deepali head over soon. You guys sure? Positive you two can handle it? Okay, fine. Just let me know how she's doing... alright, bye." He ended the call and met Arun's gaze, a silent understanding passing between them. Arun knew. He
"Okay, enough with this," Swathi declared, her voice firm. Playtime was over. "Tell me the rest."Deepali nudged Kavya, a silent signal to take over the explanation. Deepali, sensing the shift in mood, launched into the full story. "From the moment Sheetal set eyes on Arun bhai," she began, "she's been head over heels for him. But let me tell you, the feeling isn't mutual." A giggle escaped her lips. "We never really warmed up to her either. But here's the thing, Mishra Uncle is a good man. He wouldn't dream of forcing Arun bhai into anything, especially knowing what his own daughter is like. He tried to warn Sheetal to leave Arun alone, but she's persistent, like a fly buzzing around your head." Deepali swatted the air with her hand for emphasis. "And that, Swathi, is what makes your brother fume. Today's outburst, well, let's just say you got caught in the crossfire."A heavy silence descended upon the room as Deepali and Kavya watched Swathi process their explanation. She took a de
News of Swathi and Arun's engagement spread like wildfire through their social circles. Deepali and Kavya, practically bursting with pride at their successful matchmaking, took charge of planning the wedding. The Singh mansion buzzed with activity as families came together, laughter and chatter filling the air. Swathi and Arun, despite their initial reservations, found themselves swept up in the whirlwind of preparations. They bickered playfully over guest lists and color schemes, a newfound ease settling between them. Their understanding deepened, fueled by stolen moments and lingering touches. Arun's apologies continued, albeit in a less formal way. One morning, Swathi found a cartoon apology card on her desk, depicting a lovesick man battling a green-faced monster labeled "anger issues." She couldn't help but laugh, the apology as genuine as the goofy drawing. The wedding day arrived, a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors and joyous traditions. Swathi, adorned in a breathtaking bridal
Reyansh's train of thought derailed by Saarayu's suggestion. "Go out? Today?" he questioned, eyebrows raised."It's a holiday, Reyansh sir!" Saarayu chirped, her smile radiating sunshine. "And besides," she leaned closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper, "a little fresh air wouldn't hurt you, especially with all that thinking you've been doing."Reyansh couldn't help but chuckle. Saarayu always knew how to nudge him in the right direction. He glanced at his phone, a notification blinking on the screen. A smile bloomed on his face – his salary had arrived! Maybe a break wouldn't be so bad after all.As if sensing his change of heart, Saarayu turned to Avi, who was now gleefully exploring a corner of the living room with a stray sock in her hand. "Avi, beta," Saarayu cooed, kneeling down to her level, "do you want to go out with Dada and me today?"Avi, momentarily distracted from her sock conquest, tilted her head and stared at Saarayu with wide, curious eyes. "Out?" she
A peaceful silence had descended upon them. Avi, her face a delightful canvas of pink ice cream residue, was now blissfully occupied building a tower out of fallen leaves. Saarayu, a gentle smile gracing her lips, watched her with amusement. Reyansh, his gaze fixed on the vibrant foliage overhead, finally spoke."I think I've made a decision," he said, his voice thoughtful. "Like I mentioned earlier, I need a break. A break from trying to unravel the past, a break from everything for a while."Saarayu nodded, her expression understanding. "So, what does that look like?""Focus," Reyansh replied, his eyes hardening with newfound determination. "Focus on Avi, on my studies. You know my dream of becoming a cardiologist? I want to chase that with everything I have."He turned to Saarayu, his gaze sincere. "And I want to be there for Avi. Today... today was exactly what I needed. A reminder of what matters. I don't want to miss these moments, these simple joys."Saarayu's smile widened. "T
Saarayu, noticing Reyansh's lingering gaze, followed his line of sight and saw Ken and Sarah. Recognition dawned on her face."Shila Saarah?" she questioned, her voice barely a whisper.Reyansh nodded curtly. "Yeah."Saarayu's smile faltered slightly, a flicker of apology crossing her eyes. "Oh, Reyansh, I'm so sorry. I had no idea..."Reyansh raised a hand, dismissing her concern. "It's okay, Saarayu. Really. She's not important anymore."He forced a smile, but Saarayu could see the faint flicker of hurt lingering in his eyes. She understood. Betrayal by a loved one left scars, and the sight of Shila Saarah, a living reminder of that pain, must have been a punch to the gut.Reyansh, his face crinkled in concentration, carefully spooned a bite of mashed potato onto Avi's tiny airplane tray. The little one, perched precariously in her highchair, regarded the offering with a critical eye. After a moment's deliberation, she opened her mouth wide, and Reyansh expertly deposited the mash,
Saarayu gazed out at the star-dusted canvas from her balcony perch. A gentle breeze ruffled her hair as she drifted in thought, searching for Reyansh. Suddenly, the back door creaked open, and Reyansh entered the room. He froze in his tracks, his gaze snagged on a photo frame nestled on the side table. It depicted a beaming Saarayu flanked by the famous cricketer Vidhur and his wife, Haneesha. A whirlwind of emotions swirled within Reyansh. "My god!" he breathed, bewildered. "Saarayu... she's Vidhur's daughter?" The revelation shattered his perception of the simple, unassuming woman he'd come to know. How could someone with such a prestigious background choose such a seemingly ordinary. life?The photo frame practically burned a hole in Reyansh's hand. He crossed the room, each step echoing the sudden shift in his perception of Saarayu. Hesitantly, he approached the balcony where she sat bathed in moonlight, its glow emphasizing the gentle serenity he always found so captivating. "Saa