''𝐓𝐮 𝐩𝐨𝐨𝐫𝐚 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐚𝐢,
𝐌𝐚𝐢 𝐬𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐫 𝐤𝐢 𝐥𝐞𝐡𝐞𝐫,
𝐊𝐨𝐢 𝐭𝐨𝐟𝐚𝐚𝐧 𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐞,
𝐂𝐡𝐨𝐨 𝐥𝐮 𝐭𝐮𝐣𝐡𝐞.''
~Tera hi Rahun~
"Uska laal dupatta chandni ke neeche chamak raha tha, or uski saansein hawa me mil kar use lehrane lagi,"
[''Her red dupatta bloomed under the moonlight, and his breaths mixed with the night air, making that dupatta flutter.'']
It was a Dark, deadly night, they both ran, trying to save their life.
"I'm tired... I can't run anymore," she whispered, clutching his hand tightly.
He started to speak-"Va-" -but before the word could leave his lips, six gunshots cracked through the silence. No one knew how many bullets struck whom, but they were enough to still both their breaths.
Even their killers had questions in their minds-Who were they?
All they knew was this-if they wanted their families alive-these two had to die.
They buried a love before it could bloom. Two souls bound by a forbidden bond, stripped of their right to live.
Why it happened-no one ever knew.
And maybe, no one ever will.
A love, an unspoken story-that for centuries, maybe for eternity-will stay trapped within the stone walls of the fort.
Present,
"Ishqqqq!" Akayda's voice echoed through the house. It was practically the third time she had come to Ishq's room to wake her up-but Miss Ishq? She was still deep in her slumber, probably dreaming about how to skip university for few more days without getting caught.
Ishq pulled the quilt over her head, leaving no space for light to sneak in. "Akayda, please... ten minutes more, I'll wake up," she mumbled half-asleep.
"Ishq Raichand! I'm counting till ten, and if you don't wake up and run to the bathroom, I'm going alone to the university. You already know your attendance issue. They'll rusticate you this time!" Akayda warned, her voice carrying mock seriousness.
Ishq made a whinny sound.
"You're a traitor! " She groaned, dragging herself out of bed and stumbling toward the bathroom.
"Good," Akayda whispered with a smirk and left the room.
Thirty minutes later, Ishq walked out, fresh and ready for the day. She wore a simple outfit-a baby pink tank top and baggy pants, perfect for Mumbai's weather.
Her deep black eyes shimmered under the sunlight while her short wolf-cut hair swayed with the wind. As she smiled, dimples appeared on her cheeks, making her look even more beautiful.
"Good morning, Mumbai!" she said, stretching her arms wide like an actress in a Bollywood film.
Her fantasies didn't last long when she heard a familiar voice from outside her room.
"I'll push you off the 45th floor if you don't come for breakfast in two minutes!" Akayda yelled before slamming the door shut behind her and heading toward the dining table, leaving Aina staring at the door in disbelief.
Ishq rolled her eyes.
"I left a mother back in Rajasthan because I felt too suffocated. But this best-friend-turned-mother, who refuses to leave my side, is no less." She sighed dramatically.
She walked out and sat across from Akayda at the dining table. Akayda gently looked towards her, her anger already vanished, "Raichands won the elections again," she said between bites of her sandwich.
"Haan, I saw the news yesterday. Badepapa and Papa looked so happy," She replied with a smile.
"We should plan a trip there soon," Akayda said, glancing at Ishq to see if she felt the same.
"Yup. Maybe after the semester exams. Pehle usse toh matha maar loon," Ishq replied, already letting out what felt like the hundredth sigh since she'd woken up.
[Let me deal with them first]
Akayda chuckled. "You're acting like the exams personally declared war on you."
"Because they did," Ishq groaned, dropping her head onto the table. "And I'm losing the battle already."
"It's eight-thirty already! Ishq, we need to hurry," Akayda said.
"What?!" Ishq quickly stood up and grabbed her bag.
The two rushed around the apartment, collecting their things in a hurry before running out their apartment.
> They stood in front of the lift, waiting impatiently for it to arrive.
Ishq pressed a hand against her forehead. "I swear, I love living on the 40th floor and having a sea-facing apartment, but when it comes to moments like these, I feel like we should've bought a place on the first floor instead."
Akayda rolled her eyes. "Ms. Drama Queen, the lift is literally here."
The doors slid open.
"Finally," Ishq muttered as they stepped inside.
The lift descended floor after floor while Ishq kept glancing at the time on her phone.
A few moments later, they reached the parking level and hurried out. They got into the car, and Akayda started driving while Ishq checked if she had forgotten anything.
"I swear, if I get to sit in the first lecture, I'll host a party in the university." Ishq said.
"That day is definitely not today," Akayda replied as they drove towards the university.
As they reached the university, their eyes immediately found their group. On the last table of the outdoor food court sat Meera, Vaidik, Aveer, and Vihaan -waiting for them, as usual.
As Ishq and Akayda walked toward them, Kiaan stood up dramatically. "Finally, Miss Ishq Raichand," he announced with a fake bow, "and Miss Akayda Rathore are here."
"Shut up," Ishq said, poking his head before taking a seat beside him. "...and we missed our first lecture today also," she added.
"Tere sath hum sabko bhi nikal denge university vale, Ishq bro, tu hum sab ko leke doobegi," Akayda said.
Ishq gasped dramatically. "Excuse me? Main itni bhi buri nahi hoon."
"Tu hai," Akayda replied instantly.
"Leave it guys..." Vaidik paused, looking at Ishq, "Congratulations, bro! Raichands won elections again," he said with a grin.
"Congratulations, Babygirl!" everyone said in unison. Ishq smiled at all of them. "Thank you, guys," she replied.
"So, planning to join your dad in business after graduation, or going for politics?" Vihaan asked, leaning back in his chair.
"Abhi tak kuch nahi socha," Ishq sighed. "Mera wapas jaane ka mann bhi nahi karta."
[I haven't thought about it, I don't even want to go back.]
"Bro, if my dad was a businessman, my Badepapa a CM, and my brother a doctor, I swear I'd have never studied again," Vaidik said, eyes wide in mock shock.
"Humare sath jagah exchange krle fir," Ishq replied, her tone a little too serious.
"Are you sure?" Vaidik asked, trying to reassure.
Ishq laughed. "Chodh bro, abhi to mujhe canteen se samose khila ho, mujhe firse bhookh lag rhi hai," she said, keeping her head in her hands.
"Samose chodh, News sun..., Meera paused, creating some suspense, ''...Our economics lecturer changed," She said, suddenly pulling everyone's attention.
"Who told you?" Akayda asked, raising a brow.
"Bro, I overheard Khanna sir talking. He said he's going to take our lectures now," Meera said, pretending to wipe away imaginary tears.
"What the hell!" Ishq shouted. "Vo aadmi! VO insaan nhi bhoot hai, nhi-bhoot pisaach, chudail ka pati... all packed in one body! Mujhe nhi attend krni bhai University" She cried.
''Karni to pdegi yaar, attendance or performance ke L to already lage hue Hai,'' Aveer said, wiping his imaginary tears.
[We have to, bro. Attendance is already low.]
''Chodho, iska to vaise bhi kabhi man nhi krta padhne ka,'' Akayda said, rolling her eyes. ''Vedang bhai ko call krke kehna pdega shayad.''
[Leave it, She is never in mood to study. I guess, I have to call Vedang bhai,]
''Chup kar, or chalo,'' She said picking her bag from the table, a grumpy expression lingered on her face.
[Keep quiet, and let's go.]
On their way to class, all six of them suddenly froze.
Their eyes had landed on one person.
Mr. Nitansh Arora.
And who was he?
The very professor whose lectures they had been missing for the past week.
Before any of them could turn around and make a run for it, Mr. Arora spotted them.
"You six, stop!"
The group immediately shut their eyes.
Maybe if they couldn't see him, he couldn't see them either.
Unfortunately, life didn't work that way.
Slowly, they turned around and faced their professor.
Mr. Arora walked towards them with his hands tucked into his pockets. Stopping in front of them, he looked at each face before asking, "Why didn't you attend the lectures?"
Everyone looked at one another.
Nobody answered.
"One of you should answer," he said, folding his arms across his chest.
Without wasting a second, everyone took a step back.
Everyone except Ishq.
Still trying to understand what was happening, she remained standing exactly where she was.
Her eyes widened.
Traitors.
Complete traitors.
"So, Ms. Ishq," Mr. Arora said with a small smile. "You can answer."
Ishq looked around helplessly, only to find her so-called friends standing a safe distance away from her.
She mentally promised to murder all of them later.
"Well?" Mr. Arora asked. "I need reasons for every day. Seven in total. Let's start with 27th August. Why didn't you attend class that day?"
Ishq scratched her head and looked towards Vihaan for help.
The boy immediately pointed towards his stomach.
An idea struck her.
A terrible idea.
But an idea nonetheless.
Straightening her shoulders, she looked confidently at Mr. Arora.
"Sir, vo periods ko hum aa gaye the."
[Sir, actually periods got me]
For a moment, silence took over.
Then-
"WHAT?" everyone yelled at once.
Ishq's eyes widened.
"I-I mean, sir... hume periods aa gaye the."
[I mean, sir... I got periods]
Mr. Arora slowly looked towards the boys. "Acha. You all got periods?" He asked.
The boys nodded before their brains could process the question.
The professor closed his eyes for a second. Sometimes he genuinely questioned how these students had made it to university.
"Fine," he said. "Why didn't you attend class on 28th August?"
Ishq didn't even blink.
"Sir, we were coming to university, but suddenly our building manager called and said humari billi gatar mein gir gayi hai. Since we were all in the same car, we had to go back."
[Sir, we were coming to the university, but suddenly our building manager called and said my cat fell into the sewage. Since we were all in the same car, we had to go back]
She finished proudly, convinced that the cat story would earn sympathy.
"Ishq! Tune billi kab li? Kal tak to-" Before Aveer could complete the sentence, Meera slapped a hand over his mouth.
[Ishq! When did you get a cat?-]
The entire group stared at Mr. Arora nervously.
"29th August?" he asked.
"Sir, hume bukhar ho gaya tha."
[Sir, I caught fever]
"30th?"
"Us din billi ke saath hum bhi gatar mein-"
[That day, I, too, fell into the sewage with my cat]
"Shut up!"
Mr. Arora's voice cut her off immediately.
The group straightened.
"This is the last time I am letting all of this go," he said sternly. "The next time any of you miss my lectures without a valid reason, I'll personally make sure your suspension letters get signed."
Nobody dared to argue.
Mr. Arora shook his head and walked away.
The moment he disappeared around the corner, Ishq slowly turned towards her friends.
"Periods?" Meera repeated before bursting into laughter. "That too inhe?" she added, pointing towards the boys.
[That too, to them?]
"Ishq, billi?" Akayda asked, looking genuinely concerned. "By God, billi?"
[Cat?]
Ishq rolled her eyes.
"Oh, leave it, yaar. At least bach to gaye na."
[Atleast we are safe from his wrath]
With that, she started walking towards the classroom.
The rest of them followed behind her, laughing like complete idiots while Ishq pretended she hadn't just invented the worst excuses in university history.
Bade Papa won elections again.
I saw the news this morning-I could see how happy Dadu and Dadi were. I just wish I could meet them soon.
It's 6 p.m. right now. I'm sitting on the balcony-on the 40th floor. I can see the whole of Mumbai from one balcony, and sea from another-thanks to Vedang Bhai; he gifted me this flat on my twenty first birthday.
It's September 2 today, and my birthday is on October 13. I'm really excited to see what they all gift me this time.
I'm waiting for Akayda right now. She's gone to Vihaan's place because he wanted her help completing his assignment. Me being me-found it boring and decided to stay back at our flat.
I was lost in my thoughts when my phone buzzed. I picked it up from the floor and glanced at the screen-Ved Bhai. Did Akayda really called him to complain about me?
Leave it, I know he won't scold me anyways.
I picked up the call. "Radhe Krishna, Ved Bhai," I greeted, my voice full of excitement.
Ved Bhai is my favorite among all my family members. He's five years older than me and has always been there whenever I needed him.
To be honest, I love him the most.
"Radhe Krishna, Cupcake. How are you?" he asked. I could imagine the big smile on his face at the other end.
"I'm fine, Ved Bhai. Just missing you all," I said.
I really miss them a lot.
Even though it was my own home, I always carried a strange hesitation about going there. It wasn't because my family was unkind to me, nor because they had ever treated me unfairly. In truth, they had given me everything. Yet, somewhere deep inside, I was afraid of them-especially of her Papa and Bade Papa.
They love me, I know-They love me more than anyone ever could.
But their aura is heavy, commanding, almost frightening, even though they had never raised a hand or spoken harshly to me.
But then again, isn't fear sometimes beyond reason? Some things are simply not in our control.
"This is why I called you, Cupcake..." Ved Bhai paused, coughing slightly, "...the Sinhas are coming the day after tomorrow, and Dadi wants you to be here too," he said.
Sinhas?
Wait-yes, I remember. Mr. Sinha is MLA of Jodhpur and a good friend of Papa and Bade Papa.
"But why do they want me there? Is there anything special, Ved Bhai?" I asked, trying to make sense of why my presence was suddenly expected at the Raichand mansion.
Ved Bhai cleared his throat, trying to find the right words. "Our families want to arrange my alliance with their daughter, cupcake" he said.
My eyes widened in shock. Ved Bhai is getting married! "WHATTT? Ved Bhai, you're getting married? Y.O.U! Expect to nhi kiya tha.. but leave! You tell me, what's her name? Age?-I bombarded him with questions until he interrupted me midway.
"Patience, Cupcake. I'll answer you one by one," he said with a small chuckle.
"Okay," I murmured, hugging my knees to my chest, ready to listen to his answers.
"Her name is Noor... Noor Sinha. She's twenty-four, the daughter of Mr. Sinha. She's a fresher at our hospital and has been working under my guidance for the past month," he explained calmly.
"Oh! Bhai, is this a love marriage? Did you fall in love with her within a month only?" I asked, growing more curious.
"No, Cupcake. Papa, chote papa, Dadu and Mr. Sinha decided it-it was just a coincidence," he said, clearing all my doubts.
''Oh god bhaiiiiiii, I am really excited to meet her! Umm, I'll be there by tomorrow evening, Pakka.'' I said, trying to keep my over flowing joy in check.
"Love you! Bye, I need to pack! Also, talk to my university management for the leave," I added, before cutting the call.
Ishq was still waiting for Akayda to come. It was 8 p.m. Every day, they had a ritual of going to Marine Drive for a walk, but today Akayda was late.
"I'll tell this Akayda once she's home..." Ishq paused, tying her hair into a loose bun, "...now what should I do? Even the cook is on leave for two days, and I'm already hungry. Akayda isn't here either," she murmured under her breath.
"I'm feeling sleepy too..."
Ishq sighed softly. "I should just take a bath, change, and sleep."
She walked toward her room, took out one of her loose night suits, and headed to the bathroom.
About twenty minutes later, she stepped out. Suddenly, her eyes widened. "Oh God, I didn't pack," she muttered, placing a hand on her head in mock horror.
"They need me for one day, right? I'll go tomorrow. The Sinhas will be there the day after, so I'll come back the next day," she said, already pulling out a small suitcase from her cupboard.
For the next fifteen minutes, she carefully picked out the clothes she wanted to pack. "Hell? Now I need to fold them? AAAAA-" Her groan stopped midway when she heard the doorbell ring.
"Akayda aa gyi kya.." she said, running out to open the door.
[Akayda is here.]
Yes, it was Akayda.
"Akaydaaaaa!" Ishq cried, dragging out her name dramatically.
"What happened, Ishq?" Akayda asked, her eyes falling on Ishq's clothes. "And don't we need to go to Marine Drive? Why are you in a night suit?"
"Akayda, Bhai called me in the evening. He told me to come there tomorrow," Ishq explained.
"Why, Ishq? Is everything fine?" she asked.
"No, no-everything's fine. Ved Bhai ki shaadi fix hone vali hai, so Dadi wants me to be there too," she said, her excitement bubbling over.
[Ved Bhai's alliance is getting fixed.]
"Congratulations, yaar Ishq! Finally Vedang Bhai ki turn aa hi gyi," Akayda said, pulling her into a hug.
"Vahi to, mujhe lga tha hum sab buddhe ho jayenge, magar ye shaadi nhi krenge," She replied.
"But Akayda..." Ishq paused and tugged her toward the room, "...see, I selected all my clothes, but I need your help to fold them."
Akayda shook her head. "Ishqqqqq, I am so done yawr, fold bhi khud se nhi hota?" she said, giving her an irritated look.
[You can't even fold the clothes now?]
"Hehe..." Ishq laughed, trying to lighten the mood, but failed when Akayda shot her a glare.
Akayda walked toward the bed and started folding the clothes one by one. The clothes felt extra as compared to number of days she was going. "Ishq, why don't you pack a lehnga, rishta kisi ka fix ho rha hai, and kapde Mam ke set nhi ho rhe?" she asked, sarcasm dripping in her talks.
[Someone else's alliance is getting fixed, but here we go, Madam is not able to set her clothes.]
"Chal chal! Kabhi emergency bhi pad jaati hai," Ishq said, rolling her eyes as she grabbed a few clothes to fold.
"When's your flight?" Akayda asked, shaking her head.
"Tomorrow, 12 p.m."
On the other hand,
The Raichand mansion was alive with light. Decorations hung from every corner, and the sound of hurried footsteps filled the hallways as servants moved around, checking arrangements for the celebration.
In the study, Veeransh, Jaiveer, and Raghuveer were gathered in quiet conversation, going over the last bits of work that needed to be wrapped up before the guests arrived.
Meanwhile, Niharika and Neeta were in the temple, carefully placing fresh flowers before Krishna's idol, their bangles chiming softly with each movement.
It was September 3rd, and the Raichands were throwing a party for their win in elections.
Upstairs, at 1:15 p.m., Vedang was already prepared. He stood in his room, adjusting the sleeves of his kurta, ready to leave for the airport to pick up Ishq.
"Ved beta, are you going to pick up Ishq?" Meera entered with two servants carrying traditional outfits.
"Yes, Maa. I'm leaving now. She'll land.at 1:40," Vedang replied.
Meera placed the clothes on the bed. "This one is for tonight's party..." she said, pointing to the right, "...and this one is for tomorrow."
Vedang nodded with a small, warm smile.
"I'm so happy," Meera added, her voice softening. "Soon we'll have one more daughter in the house."
Vedang's smile deepened, though he looked away shyly. "I should go, Maa. If I make her wait even a minute, Ishq will taunt me the entire ride back."
Meera laughed as he walked out, the house still buzzing around them.
Vedang settled into the car, turning the key just as his phone buzzed. Noor's name flashed on the screen.
A quiet smile tugged at his lips. It was strange-this was an arranged alliance, yet something in him had already started leaning toward her. Maybe it was her charm, or that soft smile she carried everywhere, or the way her eyes held warmth without trying. Everything about her felt... too surreal to ignore.
He picked up.
"Radhe Krishna, Ved," came her voice-calm, sweet, unmistakably hers.
"Radhe Krishna, Noor. How are you?" he asked, eyes still on the road as he pulled out.
"I'm fine, just leaving from work," she replied.
"Noor, I told you to take a leave. It wasn't necessary to go today."
"It's okay, Ved. I had some work left." She paused. "Aap bataye... horns ki awaaz aa rahi hai. Kahin jaa rahe ho?"
("You tell me... I can hear horns blaring. Are you going somewhere?")
"Ji," Vedang said. "Ishq is landing in Jodhpur. I'm on my way to pick her up."
He heard Noor hum softly in acknowledgment.
"Noor, you didn't sleep last night, did you?" Vedang asked.
There was a beat of silence. He could almost picture her eyes widening.
"Aapko kaise pata?"
(How did you know?)
"It's been thirty-two days you've been working under me," he said, a small smile forming. "I've seen it enough times-your tone changes when you're sleepy."
"You've observed me so much..." she murmured, half shy, half surprised.
"Ab mere paas aapko observe karne ki wajah jo hai, Noor, shaadi ke baad kaam ayega" he teased.
(Because Noor, now I have a reason to observe you often, It'll help me further after marrige)
Her breath hitched on the other end.
"Bawre," she whispered, cheeks definitely red.
(Idiot)
"Apka hoon. Bawra hi sahi."
(I am yours. Even if I am crazy)
And before she could respond, he cut the call-his own face turning the faintest shade of red.
Vedang reached the airport just as the afternoon rush was settling. People were dragging suitcases, calling relatives, complaining about delayed flights-typical airport chaos. But his eyes found Ishq in a heartbeat.
She was standing near the exit gate, her small suitcase beside her, adjusting her top with that familiar impatience. The moment she spotted Vedang, her entire face lit up like someone switched on a bulb inside her.
"Bhaiiiiiiiiiiii!" she squealed and sprinted toward him.
Before he could steady himself, she practically jumped on him, wrapping her arms around his shoulders.
Vedang laughed, lifting her off the ground without effort.
"Radhe Krishna," he said, squeezing her lightly. "How's my Cupcake?"
"Zindaaaaa!" she said dramatically, still clinging to him as if he might vanish if she let go too soon.
(Alive)
When they finally separated, Vedang took the handle of her suitcase with that older-brother ease and started walking toward the parking area. Ishq followed beside him, matching his steps but with twice the energy.
"I am perfectly fine, Ved bhai, Aap kaise ho?" she said, practically bouncing, her braid swishing with every hop.
(How are you?)
"You seem... a little too excited," Vedang teased as he placed her suitcase in the trunk.
"Well obviously," she said, slipping into the passenger seat with a grin, "I'm finally going to meet my bhabhi."
Vedang paused for half a second, the corners of his mouth lifting despite himself.
~||~
They reached the mansion just as the afternoon light softened into gold. The whole drive, Ishq hadn't stopped talking-actually, she hadn't even paused to breathe properly.
She'd thrown a hundred questions at Vedang about Noor, her personality, her habits, her voice, whether she drank chai or coffee. At one point she even begged him to take a detour to Noor's place first, but the moment she learned Noor would be coming to the evening party, she dramatically declared, "Fine, I'll survive till then. I was just extra excited,"
As the car rolled to a stop outside the Raichand mansion, something in Ishq's chest tightened with nostalgia. Eleven months. She hadn't stepped foot in Jodhpur since Vedang's birthday last year.
She stepped out, inhaling the familiar scent of home-marigolds, incense, and the faint trace of sandalwood polish on the old doors. Vedang gestured to a servant to take her suitcase upstairs.
But Ishq was already inside, eyes wide.
"Yeh sab... wow."
(This...)
The mansion looked different-brighter, louder, alive. Lights ran along the pillars like streams of fireflies, flowers were woven into delicate patterns along the walls, and servants rushed around setting up for the celebration.
Her gaze fell toward the temple, where Neeta and Niharika were arranging fresh flowers around Krishna's idol.
And just like that, Ishq forgot everything else.
"DADIIIIIIIIIIIII!" she yelled, launching forward. "Dekho kaun aaya!"
(See, who's here)
Neeta turned-and the moment her eyes landed on Ishq, they softened, brightened, and filled all at once.
"Meri bachi," she breathed, pushing herself to her feet.
(My child)
Ishq crashed into her hug.
"I missed you so much, Dadi," she whispered, her voice thick with tears she hadn't planned to shed.
"Meri Ishq... I missed you too, mera bacha," Neeta murmured, caressing her hair in slow, soothing strokes. That touch-warm, familiar-hit Ishq straight in the heart.
When she finally pulled back, her eyes found Niharika.
"Maa," she said, smiling through her watery eyes before hugging her too.
Niharika cupped the back of her head gently. "Finally, meri Ishq is here. We've been waiting for you since morning."
She had barely stepped back when another familiar presence appeared at the temple doorway - Meera, her Badi Maa. Her eyes widened first, then softened into that tender look only Meera had.
"My pari... finally." Meera walked forward, arms already open.
Ishq didn't hesitate-she ran into her embrace. Meera kissed her forehead, lingering. "You've become thinned. Come, let me look at you."
"I'm here now, Badi Maa," Ishq said, pressing her cheek against her shoulder.
Meera smiled, brushing Ishq's hair aside. "aise lag rha hai ghar ka dil vapas aaya ho"
(It's like heart of our home is back)
And in that moment-surrounded by the women who had raised her-something heavy inside Ishq finally unclenched. Home had that effect.
"Vedang, beta, go take her to the study. Let her meet them," Niharika said, her eyes warm with affection.
Vedang nodded and gestured for Ishq to follow him. They walked down the grand hallway, the soft murmur of the mansion buzzing around them.
As they reached the study, Vedang paused at the door and leaned closer. "Jao, mil lo" he murmured, his hand lightly pressing hers in encouragement.
[Go, meet them]
''Aap bhi aao,'' She said.
[You, too, come.]
''Chali jao, Cupcake. Vo khaa thodi na jayenge aapko. Vedang replied, trying to encourage her.
[Go, Cupcake. They won't eat you.]
Ishq hesitated, the familiar weight of nervous excitement settling in her chest. But the pull of family-and the curiosity that had built up over the months-was stronger. She stepped inside.
"Kitna darti hai aaj bhi," Vedang murmured under his breath.
[She is afraid of them so much.]
The study was quiet, save for the soft scratching of a pen and the occasional sip from empty coffee glasses. Three men sat on the couches, papers and files spread before them. At the sight of Ishq, all three heads turned simultaneously.
Raghuveer was the first to rise, a wide smile breaking across his face. "Ishq, bache, aap aa gaye? Yahan aao," he said, opening his arms.
(Ishq, you are here? Come)
Ishq's lips curved into a soft smile as she ran forward and hugged him tightly. "Radhe Krishna, Dadu," she whispered, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.
"Radhe Krishna, beta," Raghuveer said, patting her head gently.
Her gaze shifted to Jaiveer and Veeransh. She stepped toward them, her voice a hushed murmur, "Papa... Bade Papa."
Jaiveer smiled warmly. Sweet but controlled, like he always was. "How are you?"
"I'm fine, Papa," Ishq replied softly. Veeransh reached out, placing his hand lightly on her head, offering his blessings. "Khush rho,'' He murmured, a small smile forming on his face.
(Be happy)
"Mera bachi Kitna vakt lga diya aane me, aapki daadi to Kal se intezaar Kar rhi thi apka." Raghuveer said, a soft smile lingered on his face.
(My child, you took long enough. Your grandmother misses you so much.)
''Bas dadu, dekho ab hum aa gayein hai na, ab Dadi ko dher sara pyaar dekhr hi jayenge,'' Ishq said, as she broke the hug.
(See dadu, I am here now. I'll pamper dadi with lots of love now.)
''Kab aaye aap?'' Jaiveer asked, a smile tugging his lips.
''Bas abhi 10 minute pehle hi, Papa.'' Ishq replied.
''Acha hua aap aa gyi, ghar mein ronak rhe gi,'' Raghuveer said.
''Acha mai chalti hu, aap log bhi kaam kar lijiye," Ishq said, turning to leave the study.
The men nodded.
~||~
Time skipped,
It was 6 p.m. Ishq sat in her room, staring at the array of outfits spread across her bed. Media presence had always been her biggest phobia, and knowing she had to face it tonight made anxiety twist her stomach into knots.
"I'm freaking confused... what should I even wear? Maa has given me so many outfits-it's overwhelming," she murmured, pressing a hand to her head, brows knitted in frustration.
Her eyes drifted over the pile of clothes and suddenly caught one tucked beneath the others. Its colors, its cut-everything about it seemed to call to her. "Perfect, I'll wear this only." she whispered, lifting the outfit carefully.
She darted to the bathroom, excitement mingling with nerves. Thirty minutes later, she emerged, the dress flowing gracefully around her as if it had been made just for her.
Sitting at the dressing table, she faced the next challenge: hair and makeup. For twenty meticulous minutes, she selected her products, working carefully to create a look that felt like her-polished yet effortless.
Finally, she stood in front of the mirror, taking in the reflection. Her heart skipped a beat.
She was draped in a luminous Anarkali of warm, honeyed gold. The skirt fanned gracefully around her, its gossamer layers shimmering with delicate stripes of zari that glimmered in the mellow evening light.
The Anarkali fitted with long, sheer sleeves, was adorned with faint embroidery-petals and vines that hinted at quiet luxury. Draped elegantly over one shoulder, her dupatta caught the light with subtle floral motifs, the intricate threadwork whispering stories of artisanal finesse.
The entire ensemble evoked timeless elegance, a harmonious blend of tradition and grace, ensuring every eye in the room there will be drawn to her radiant presence.
And now she knew one thing-she had done a great job.
It was 8:30 p.m. Everyone in the Raichand mansion was finally ready. Ishq-after dressing up-had gone straight to the mandir, her footsteps soft against the marble as she folded her hands before Krishna.
Meanwhile, Vedang was still in his room, pacing. "Am I even looking good enough?" he muttered, checking his reflection for what felt like the tenth time. He straightened his kurta again, the fabric catching the warm golden glow of his room's lights, making him look far more confident than he felt.
"It's already eight thirty... if I don't go downstairs now, I'm dead," he sighed, brushing a hand through his hair before finally stepping out of his room.
Vedang came downstairs and immediately spotted Ishq in the mandir, her figure framed by the soft glow of diyas. Nearby, Dadi, Maa, and Choti Maa were checking the final décor before the guests arrived.
The party was set to begin at nine-barely thirty minutes left.
"Maa, where are Papa and the others?" Vedang asked, adjusting the strap of his watch.
"Beta, they're in the front lawn. Mr. Sinha has arrived," Meera replied while picking up a tray of flowers.
Vedang's shoulders straightened at the mention. "Noor-" he began, but Dadi cut in gently.
"No, beta. She'll come with her mother and brother." Vedang cleared his throat, scratching the back of his neck.
From behind, a hand tapped his shoulder. "Bhaiiiii!" Ishq beamed, practically vibrating with excitement.
(Brotherrrrrr)
"Hanjiiiiii?" Vedang mimicked her tone, turning around.
(Yesssssss)
"Bhabhi is here?" she whispered hopefully.
He shook his head. "Nope. She's coming with her mom and brother."
Ishq nodded, and before anyone could say another word, she drifted toward the backyard-her bangles chiming like tiny bells with each step.
Once there, she immediately dialed Akayda. "Why is she not picking up?" Ishq muttered, calling again.
Still no answer.
"I should call Vihaan. I'm so desperate to show them my outfit." She sighed and dialed Vihaan instead.
He answered within two rings.
"Vihaan! Finally, at least you picked up. That Akayda ki bachi kaha hai?" she demanded.
(Where is Akayda?)
"She and Vaidik went to the mall. Her phone's dead. Vaidik told me," he replied.
Ishq hummed. "Fine, fine. Anyway-LOOK." She stepped back and showed her dress.
Vihaan gasped dramatically. "Haye! Agar main wahan hota toh bhaga ke le jaata, behen!" His hand flew to his chest in full dramatic style.
(Haye, If I were there-I would have made you run with me, Sister.)
Vihaan's over-the-top filmy lines were legendary on campus-but he always ended them with behen, never crossing a respectful line. That was his charm.
"You and your filmy dialogues... keep them to yourself," Ishq groaned.
"Party kab-" Vihaan went silent when he heard someone behind her.
"Ishq." Her father's voice sliced the moment clean.
Her entire body stiffened. She cut the call instantly and turned around to face Jaiveer.
"Ji, Papa," she whispered, unable to meet his eyes, fingers tightening around the hem of her dupatta.
"What was that?Who was he?" Jaiveer asked. His voice remained calm, but disappointment threaded through the words like fine cracks.
"Papa... he was my university friend." she said, rubbing her palms together, forcing a small smile.
"I don't think so whatever he said was appropriate," Jaiveer said, holding his hands behind his back.
"I just called him to show my outfit." Ishq replied, already freaked up.
''Aapko nhi lagta, uske baat krne ka tareeka theek nhi tha?'' Jaiveer asked.
[Don't you think the way he talks wasn't right?]
''Ji papa, vo bas aisa hi hai... kaafi frank hai,'' She mumbled in response.
[Yes, Dad, He is just like that... so frank]
''Aap samjhdaar hai Ishq, aapko pata hona chahiya... hum daant nhi rhe, aage se dhiyaan rakhna bas,'' Jaiveer said.
[You are mature and understanding, Ishq. You should know. I am not scolding you, just keep it in your mind from next time]
''Sorry, Papa. Hum aage se dhiyaan rakhenge,'' She apologised, her head hunging down.
[I'll take care]
He nodded-though it was clear the explanation hadn't convinced him completely. ''Hmmm,'' He hummed. Still, he placed a hand on her head. "The guests have started arriving. Andar aa jayiyega, hmm?"
[Come inside, hmm?]
Saying this, he walked away.
The moment he disappeared, Ishq sucked in a breath and muttered under it, "Ek toh samne aaye nahi ki saansein rukne lagti hain."
(When he comes in front of me, my breathes automatically stops)
She took a second to straighten her dupatta and calm herself before heading back inside.
The decorations outside the mansion-spread across the front yard-looked almost dreamlike. Golden fairy lights draped the trees, fresh flowers spilled fragrance into the warm night air, and sleek modern lamps cast soft circles of light across the arranged tables. It felt like the evening itself had dressed up.
Guests had already scattered everywhere, talking, laughing, filling the place with polite noise.
Vedang excused himself from a small group and slipped toward an empty table-his eyes glued to the entry gate, waiting... waiting for someone who still hadn't arrived.
From behind him, Ishq's bangles made a tiny, teasing jingle. "Aa jayengi bhabhi. Sabr ka fal meetha hota hai, bhaiya," she whispered, standing beside him.
(She'll be here, brother. Waiting always results in sweetness.)
"Don't tease me," he muttered, shooting her a warning side-eye... though the corner of his mouth twitched.
Before she could say anything else, his voice dropped. "They're here." The excitement in his tone was impossible to miss.
Ishq followed his gaze.
There she was-Noor Sinha-walking in with her mother and brother. The warm lights brushed her face gently as they stopped to greet Meera and Niharika. Something about her presence seemed to slow the entire evening for a second.
"I'm going," Ishq whispered quickly. "Maa is calling me."
She adjusted her dupatta and headed toward Niharika, already preparing herself to be introduced-eyes glowing with quiet anticipation.
Noor was dressed in a soft sharara set, the fabric falling around her like quiet moonlight. Her dupatta hung loosely over one shoulder and down her arm, the subtle embroidery on her kurta catching the warm golden lights and perfectly complementing the richer shade of her dupatta. A small clutch-matching flawlessly-rested in her hand.
Her eyes drifted across the crowd... and landed on Vedang. Her steps slowed. Something softened in her gaze. She excused herself politely and began walking toward him, each step measured, almost shy.
"Radhe Krishna, Ved," she greeted, voice gentle as ever.
Vedang's face lit up instantly.
"Radhe Krishna, Noor."
She came to stand beside him. For a heartbeat, neither spoke-just basked silently in that comfortable nearness. Then Noor finally turned to him, her voice low but steady:
"Khoobsoorat lag rahe hain aap."
(You're looking beautiful.)
Her eyes held his-warm, unblinking, honest.
Vedang's smile deepened, a softness settling over his features.
"Jinki ankhon mein hum khoobsoorat lag rahe hain... sochiye woh kitni khoobsoorat lag rahi hongi."
(Whose eyes in which I look beautiful... think how beautiful she look.)
And with that, he gently patted her head-such an unhurried, tender gesture that Noor's cheeks flushed almost instantly. She straightened herself, trying to hide it, but the warmth refused to leave her face.
That's when Ishq appeared, sliding between them like a whisper.
"Sorry for disturbing you both, but I just had to meet bhabhi," she announced, practically glowing.
Noor's cheeks turned a deeper shade at the word bhabhi.
"It's okay, Ishq," she said softly. "You're not disturbing us at all."
"I was so excited to meet you, bhabhi," Ishq began, leaning in mischievously. "Finally I'm meeting you-and now I know why bhai was blushing so hard when he heard your name."
Noor blinked, stunned, then Ishq added in a whisper,
"Kyunki aap ho hi itni pyaari... hume bhi aap par crush aa raha hai."
(Because you're looking so beautiful. Even I feel I have a crush on you.)
Noor burst into a soft laugh.
"Aap mujhse bhi zyada pyaari hain, Ishq," she said, gently squeezing Ishq's cheeks.
(You're more pretty than me.)
Before Ishq could add another teasing line, Neeta's voice echoed from across the lawn.
"Acha, Dadi is calling me," Ishq said, stepping back. "I'll go... you guys carry on."
And just like that, she disappeared into the crowd, leaving Noor and Vedang standing under the golden lights-quiet, shy, and impossibly aware of each other.
"I hope you actually slept after reaching home from the hospital?" Vedang asked, eyebrows rising in that I-know-you-didn't way.
Noor gave him a guilty little look. "Hehe... I-I had some work to finish, you know," she said, scratching the back of her head.
Vedang shook his head. "Bawri. Ghar jaayegi to seedha soo jana. No excuses."
Noor nodded quickly, a small smile tugging at her lips.
It's 11:30 right now, and honestly? My body is begging me to sleep. I want to sit with Dadi, Maa, and Badi Maa. I want one of those long, chaos-filled conversations with Ved bhai too... but everyone is busy, occupied in their own corners-and here I am, tired and bored out of my mind.
I was drifting in my thoughts when Bade-Papa's voice boomed through the mic. My eyes instantly turned toward him.
"Thank you, everyone, for gathering here," he began, pride resting easily on his face. Dadu and Papa stood beside him, both smiling brighter than I've seen in months.
"It's the Raichand's winning party. But today, I-along with the men of our Raichand family-want to announce something very important. Something we've been waiting to share for a long time."
He paused, and the whole lawn seemed to hold its breath.
"My son, Vedang Raichand, is getting married to Mr. Sinha's daughter-Noor Sinha-on 1st November."
For a second, the entire place fell into perfect silence.
Then the applause rose-loud, sharp, mixed. Some faces beamed with happiness. Some... definitely jealous. And some held expressions I couldn't decode even if I tried.
But me?
I think I'm the happiest of them all.
My Ved bhai is getting married, and I'm officially gearing up to dance my soul out on "Mere Veer Da Viah."
Thanks to my Punjabi sidekick Vihaan, who has force-fed me the entire Punjabi wedding playlist.
Here is Chapter-1 of Crowned in Crimson. Don't forget to vote and comment down.
I hope you'll like the chapter, First 2-3 chapters might feel boring 'cause it's important to make the base of the book.
Don't forget to follow me on Wattpad & Instagram.
Aapki Apni,
Aira Kaur R.🧿
Chapter-2 will be out on - 28th July.
(Soon regular updates will be given)
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