इक झलक देख लें तुझको तो चले जाएंगे.. कौन आया है यहां उम्र बिताने के लिए।

🪞✨🦢🌷Happy reading 💗

The car finally stopped in front of the grand, lavish wedding hall. Sitara yawned, looking around at her surroundings with wide eyes.

"Wow bhai, this is so pretty! Udaipur kitna sundar hai na, mai yahi shift ho jau kya?"

("Wow brother, this is so pretty! Isn't udaipur beautiful? Should I just move here?")

Devyansh chuckled.

"Kyu? Humara Jaipur sundar nahi hai?"

("Why? Isn't our Jaipur beautiful?")

"Haww! Aisa kab bola? Mera Jaipur sabse pyaara. Mai to keh rhi hu, man bana lo to Udaipur bhi door nahi!"

("Oh! When did I say that? My Jaipur is the dearest. I just meant.. if we make up our minds, even Udaipur isn't too far!")

She giggled like a child.

"Har baat pe filmy dialogue," Devyansh shook his head, chuckling.

("Filmy dialogue on every topic.")

"Madam," Evansh said, opening the car door with his usual stiff tone.

"Thank you," she whispered with a sweet smile, but..as always..he stood expressionless, unmoved.

She huffed and turned to Devyansh.

"Huh!! Ye mat sochna mai haar maan gayi. Meeting important naa hoti to mai aati nahi."

("Huh! Don't think I gave in. If the meeting wasn't important, I wouldn't have come at all.")

"Haan meri maa, mai haar gaya. Chalo ab," Devyansh laughed.

("Yes, my queen, I accept defeat. Let's go now.")

As she stepped out of the car, the cool evening breeze touched her face. She smiled, inhaling deeply, her eyes fluttering closed, soaking in the new air.

"Hmm, so refreshing, isn't it bhai?" she asked, rubbing her arms.

Devyansh nodded, smiling.

"Devyansh, my boy! You are her- " a familiar voice called out.

"Oh my god! Our Tara baby is also here! Nimrit is going to be so happy to see you. Thank you for bringing her, Devyansh," Krishnanad said excitedly as he walked towards them.

Devyansh hugged him warmly and touched his feet. Sitara followed suit, but as she bent down, he stopped her.

"No, no! You are Devi, my little child. You can't touch my feet."

("No, no! You're Devi, my little child. I can't let you touch my feet.")

She smiled softly and joined her hands in a gesture of respect, her heart melting from his warmth.

"Jab hum jaipur aaye the, kitni chhoti thi Sitara. Humari Bidani tabse iski deewani hai. Nimrit ki baatein nahi khatam hoti thi..Tara ye, Tara vo."

("When we came to jaipur, Sitara was so little. My wife has been crazy about her since then. Nimrit wouldn't stop talking.. Tara this, Tara that.")

Sitara smiled awkwardly, eyes darting around the place. Compliments made her shy. She could be chirpy and confident, but when someone complimented her, she didn't know what to do.

"Accha chalo andar, yahi sari baatein toh nahi hongi," Krishnanad said cheerfully, motioning to someone to take care of the luggage.

("Alright, let's go inside. We can't stand here chatting all evening.")

Evansh instantly followed behind Sitara in his usual rigid, alert posture.

"Bhai, ye yahan bhi aise hi rahega? Sab pagal samjhenge mujhe. Boliye na isse normal rahe," Sitara whispered lowly to Devyansh.

("Bhai, will he keep acting like this even here? Everyone will think I'm crazy. Tell him to behave normally.")

"I am normal, madam," Evansh replied, startling her.

Her eyes widened... how did he hear her whisper so softly?

"I am trained like that, madam," he added coolly.

Her eyes widened even more.

"Ye badi badi aankhein karke usse darana band karo aur usse apna kaam karne do," Devyansh chuckled.

("Stop making big eyes at him and let him do his job.")

She pouted, muttering something under her breath, making Devyansh laugh again.

"Nimrit, look who's here!" Krishnanad announced excitedly as they walked in.

Dressed in a stunning Rajasthani poshak, Nimrit turned around gracefully. Sitara gasped softly.

"She's so beautiful," she whispered with a pout.

Nimrit walked towards them, narrowing her eyes slightly, trying to recall.

Sitara smiled awkwardly, unsure if she remembered.

"Taraaaa!" Nimrit suddenly squealed and pulled her into a tight hug.

Devyansh instinctively raised his hand to stop her..knowing Sitara flinched at unknown touches.. but he stopped himself. It would only make things awkward.

True to his worry, Sitara stood frozen, her hands by her sides. She took a deep breath, trying to suppress the sudden wave of anxiety.

"You've grown up so beautiful! Thank you for bringing her, Devyansh!" Nimrit beamed.

Sitara smiled nervously, still looking around.

"Tha...thank you," she whispered.

"She's still the same," Nimrit smiled fondly.

"Mera bas chalta na, Jay ki shaadi Tara se karwa deti. Phir Tara humesha mere saath rehti, hai na nanad ji?"

("If it were up to me, I'd have gotten

Tara married to Jay. That way, she'd always stay with me...right, sister-in-law?")

Her husband gave her a warning look, subtly signaling she was crossing a line.

Devyansh shot her a pointed glare too.

"I...mean, joking! Taru is still a little girl!" she quickly corrected.

"I am not little girl, absolutely no... I... I am 24," Sitara mumbled under her breath.

"Huh?" Nimrit leaned in.

"Uhm... nothing..." Sitara said quickly with a sweet smile.

"Are bhai, le jao. Kuch khilao pilao bachon ko, kahan baaton mein lag gaye," Krishnanad interrupted, laughing.

("Hey , take them in! Let them enjoy and have some meals, don't just keep talking here!")

"Come, Devyansh, I'll show you around," Krishnanad said, gesturing to his wife to look after Sitara.

"Evansh, just keep eyes on her. Don't follow her around.. it'll be awkward," Devyansh instructed before leaving.

"Ok," Evansh replied with a curt nod.

______________

"So you're a potter?" Nimrit asked excitedly, as they sat in the room. Sitara was munching on snacks, her eyes twinkling.

Sitara nodded with a soft smile.

"Wow, so proud of you!" Nimrit exclaimed, beaming.

"You look so beautiful... this poshak suits you," Sitara said softly, admiring her.

"Aww, thank you! You love poshak?" Nimrit asked, her eyes lighting up.

"I... I've never worn a poshak, but I just literally love it. I've saved so many pictures of poshaks on my Pinterest and everywhere... but I never got the chance to wear one. Even after being in Rajasthan since childhood, you kno- "

Sitara stopped mid-sentence, realizing she was yapping again. She pressed her lips into a sheepish smile.

Nimrit chuckled warmly.

"You were the same when I met you in Udaipur. You used to talk a lot about pottery. I'm glad you followed your passion."

She said it fondly, her voice full of genuine affection.

Sitara's heart swelled with warmth. She smiled softly. The one thing every yapper secretly wished for.. someone who didn't say, "You talk too much," but instead listened with love.

"Taraaaa!!" Nimrit suddenly squealed, clapping her hands with glee.

"Huh?" Sitara blinked, startled.

"I have one new poshak! Why don't you wear it today.. for the mehndi and sangeet function in a few hours? Oh my God, you will look so pretty!" Nimrit jumped up from the couch in excitement.

Sitara's face lit up like Diwali lights, but she tried to contain her excitement.

"Uhm... but how can I... I mean... no... no, it's o- "

"Oh come on! I'm going to my room, I'll bring it up soon- before someone makes me busy with chores. I'm going to make you ready quickly! Oh my God, I swear Taru, you'll look so pretty!" Nimrit exclaimed, her excitement making Sitara blush instantly.

"Bu-" Sitara tried to respond, but Nimrit was already halfway out the door, her dupatta flying behind her.

"Eeeeeeehsjsisjskkhikhi!!" Sitara squealed, bouncing on the spot like a little girl who just got her favorite candy.

She twirled, unable to hold her happiness.

"Huff! Thank God I came!" she said, patting her own shoulder proudly.

"Proud of your decisions, Princess Sitara," she murmured to herself, giggling.

Feeling a little bored and alone, Sitara wandered through the grand haveli until her steps naturally led her to the balcony... an old-school gem with intricate jaali work and faded royal arches.

She gasped softly, enchanted.

It was... breathtaking.

"Mausam baarish sa ho raha aur ye view... I think I am in love with Jaipur," she whispered, walking toward the railing.

("The weather feels like rain, and this view... I think I'm in love with Jaipur.")

A cool breeze kissed her face as she leaned slightly forward. Her eyes swept over the wedding décor below .. soft yellow marigolds, fairy lights twinkling like fireflies, and the soul of Rajasthan humming gently through the shehnai playing in the background.

Her heart felt light. Unburdened.

That's when her gaze stilled.

Far down, beyond the crowd and near the gate... someone had just arrived.

She couldn't see much.. his back was toward her.. but there was something about him. The quiet way he stood. The way his dark green kurta with Rajasthani embroidery clung to him like second skin. The way he slowly stepped out of his sleek black car and... paused to gently brush a hand along its side, like it was more than just a vehicle.

Sitara tilted her head, lips quirking into a smile.

She almost laughed.

"Bogo..." she cursed with a chuckle.

("Fool.")

She didn't know why, but the moment felt oddly cinematic...like she was watching a scene she wasn't meant to witness.

Just as he began to turn..

"Sitara!" Nimrit's voice echoed from the inside.

She flinched and instantly stepped back, heart skipping for reasons she didn't understand yet... and ran inside, her orange dupatta fluttering behind her like a secret trying to escape.

─── ⋆⋅☆🌷🌷☆⋅⋆ ──

"Aaj baadal ki chadar mein dhakka apna Udaipur kitna haseen lag raha hai," a voice murmured, deep and calm, as Shaan stepped out of his car.

("Today, wrapped in a blanket of clouds, our Udaipur looks so stunning.")

He shut the door carefully, his hand grazing the car's surface. He didn't just drive this black Bentley.. he loved it. Possessive. Protective. Like it carried pieces of his soul in its metal body.

"Aayiye Shaan ji!" a voice greeted from ahead.

("Please come in, Mr. Shaan!")

Krishnanad approached with folded hands, smiling with the kind of warmth reserved for someone deeply respected.

"Apne humare yaha aake chaar chaand laga diye," he beamed.

("You've graced our event with your presence.")

"Are Krishnanad ji, abhaar aapka... aapne bulaya," Shaan replied, his tone respectful but composed.

("Mr. Krishnanad, the pleasure is mine... thank you for inviting me.")

Krishnanad couldn't help but admire his humility.. so unlike the usual political heirs.

"Let's go inside," the older man said with a nod.

Shaan gave a slight glance toward Aditya, his closest aide, who simply nodded back. But as he took the first step forward...

He paused.

His eyes lifted, almost instinctively... to the balcony above.

The shadows moved too fast for his eyes to catch, but something flickered ... a flash of orange. A soft silhouette retreating in haste. Something about it made him still for half a second.

His eyes fixed on the trailing end of a dupatta caught in the wind.

"Shaan?" Aditya's voice cut through the moment.

"Huh?" He turned back, almost too quickly.

"Kya hua?" Aditya asked, confused.

("What happened?")

"Nothing... nothing. Let's go," Shaan replied, shaking off the moment.. his heart skipping for reasons he didn't understand yet. But his eyes flickered one last time toward the balcony before stepping inside.

The music grew louder. The wedding lights flickered brighter.

Guests were now immersed in laughter, chatter, and celebration as the mehndi function began filling the palace with vibrant energy.

────────────⋆

"O my goshhhhhhh!!!!"

"I am dead, Taru...you are looking so pretty! Just look at yourself in the mirror!" Nimrit squealed, practically jumping in excitement.

Sitara blushed, her cheeks blooming like spring. She stood up slowly, turning toward the mirror.

She gasped softly, her breath catching in her throat.

"Bhabhi sa... it's so pretty," Sitara whispered, eyes wide with wonder, her face glowing like the brightest star in the sky.

"Correction, Tara. Not it's_" Nimrit leaned closer with a grin,

"You. You are so pretty."

Just then, a gentle knock came at the door.

"Kaki sa, Kaka sa aapko dhoondh rahe hain. Mehndi ki rasam shuru ki jaye, bol rahe hain," the worker informed politely.

("Kaki sa, Kaka sa is looking for you. They're asking to start the mehndi ceremony.")

"Aa rahi, aa rahi," Nimrit replied hurriedly.

("Coming, coming!")

She turned back to Sitara, eyes still gleaming with excitement.

"Tara, I'm heading downstairs.. jaldi se aa jana. And if you need anything, call me, okay?"

("Come down soon. And if you need anything, call me, okay?")

"Bhabhi sa... thank you, thank you so-"

"Bawri! Bhabhi sa bhi bolti aur thank you bhi?" Nimrit laughed, pinching Sitara's chin fondly.

("Crazy girl! You're calling me Bhabhi sa and saying thank you?")

"Jaa rahi hoon!" she whispered with a final grin before rushing out.

("I'm going!")

Sitara stood there frozen for a second, then__

"Eeeehhhshsjsjskkhikhi!!" she squealed, twirling with joy in front of the mirror.

"Bhai ko bolungi nazar utarne ko meri," she giggled, taking out her phone.

("I'll tell bhai to do a nazar utarna for me.")

"Aaj toh gallery pink-pink ho jaayegi meri," she laughed, posing like a child with her favorite candy.

("My photo gallery is going to be full of pink today!")

The poshak hugged her frame like it was made just for her. The vibrant hot pink melted into shades of orange, complementing her glowing skin. A delicate silver maang tikka kissed her forehead, while her silver-pink jhumkas swayed with every movement. Bangles chimed softly on her wrists as she examined every detail with a giddy heart.

She twirled again, her joy uncontainable, her smile brighter than ever.

And then..click.

Another photo. And another.

Shaan walked out of the washroom, towel in one hand, adjusting his damp hair with the other. The soft Rajasthani music still echoed from the courtyard below.

Just then, a faint giggle floated in through the open window.. soft, airy, like wind chimes on a spring evening.

"Haan bhai kaha ho aap... aap dekhoge toh pehchaan hi nahi paoge mujhe. Itni khoobsurat lag rahi hoon mai!"

("Bhai, where are you? You won't even recognize me.. I'm looking so beautiful!")

Shaan paused mid-motion. His hand, which was fixing his collar, stilled. His lips twitched.

"Crazy," he whispered to himself, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth, catching himself reacting to a complete stranger's self-obsessed little rant.

"Are you smiling?" Aditya raised a brow from behind his phone screen.

Shaan instantly straightened up, replacing his fleeting softness with his usual cool, composed frown.

"Dreaming in daylight,??"

"It's evening anyway," Aditya added, smirking.

"Yeah, whatever." Shaan rolled his eyes, turning away to fix his outfit.. anything to distract himself from the unexpected flutter in his chest.

His fingers moved slower than usual. Something about that voice... the way she laughed... why was it stuck in his head?

"What the fuck is wrong with me? Why did I lie?" he muttered under his breath, confused by the sudden spike in his heart rate.

⋆⋅☆🌸☆⋅⋆

Meanwhile, Sitara walked down the staircase, still on a call, her face lit up in joy.

"Aur ek aur photo click ki! Omg I swear chachi ko puri gallery bhej dungi aaj!"

("Clicked another photo! I swear I'll spam Aunty 's gallery with my pics today!")

But just as she reached the last few steps, her poshak caught beneath her sandals and her foot slipped.

"Aah.."

Before she could even register what was happening, a strong arm caught her just in time.

She blinked rapidly, clutching the balustrade, heart racing. No one seemed to notice.. everyone downstairs was lost in the music and conversation.

"Are you okay, madam?" a voice asked, calm and composed.

She turned, realizing it was Evansh, her bodyguard.

He instantly let go once she was balanced.

"Hmm... thank you," she said quietly, slightly embarrassed.

"There's no need to wear such a dress which can harm you, madam," he said stoically, not even blinking.

Sitara blinked. Then stared at him. And then..

"Are you serious?!" she huffed.

"Ab se bilkul chup hi rehna agar jaan pyari hai toh!"

("Better stay silent from now on if you value your life!")

She glared at him.

"Kya dhamkiyaan de rahi ho use?" a familiar voice cut in, amused.

Sitara muttered something under her breath and turned around.

"Bhai!"

As soon as her eyes met Devyansh's, they softened. His smile said it all.. love, pride, wonder.

"Aapka chehra bata raha hai... bahut sundar lag rahi hoon na mai?" she beamed, stepping toward him.

("Your face is giving it away.. I'm looking very pretty, right?")

"Tara, you're looking so pretty in this__"

"Poshak, bhai!" she finished excitedly, making him chuckle.

Devyansh leaned in and pressed a kiss to her forehead.

"Aasman ka sabse chamakta tara.. meri sundar Sitara," he whispered.

("The brightest star in the sky-my beautiful Sitara.")

She giggled softly.

"Lao idhar," he said, beckoning her closer.

She leaned in instinctively.

Devyansh gently took a little kajal from the corner of her eye and dabbed it behind her ear.

"Kisi ki nazar na lage meri Taru ko."

("No evil eye should touch my Taru.")

Sitara scrunched her nose, blushing, her heart so full it could burst.

For a moment.. everything paused. The wedding music faded into the background. The lights sparkled above.

And somewhere in the crowd, destiny silently scribbled a new chapter.

______________________________

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