When Hearts Begin to Surrender

Chapter- When Hearts Begin to Surrender

Rudra had visited the police station a second time fueled by a burning desire to meet Mayuri. His father’s strict rules had kept him away too long, but this time, he crafted a clever excuse about being unable to visit Udaipur that night. Little did anyone know, his real mission was to track down Officer Bansal. As he entered the police station, his heart raced—but his excitement quickly turned to disappointment. A cop only after receiving a hefty five thousand rupee bribe.

“ Bhaut bade ghare mein unke bhaiya ki shaadi fixed huyi hai…uhni gayi hai!”he chuckled mischievously.

“ Where ?” Rudra snapped, not the least bit interested in wedding gossip.

The constable's belly moved up and down with each laugh. With a gleeful grin plastered on his face and panmasala dribbling from the corners of his mouth, the constable continued, “ Udaipur, Rajasthan. Siddharth Singhaniya's daughter Pragya Singhaniya ke saath horahi hai unke bade bhaiya ki shaadi. Hohi gayi hai “

Rudraskh stood there , stunned as the constable's words echoed in his mind like sirens blaring. His chest flutters, a kind of sensation coursed through his veins.

Vicky narrowed his eyes , looking at his friend in disbelief. “ You don't even know who your sister is engaged to ?”

“ I blocked my entire Khandan from social media. “ Rudraskh's declared with an air of triumph .

“Why on earth would you do that?” Vicky asked, his brow furrowed in confusion.

“ Because the moment they see my handsome face , they’d be storming my Mom's doorstep with risthas.”Rudra shot back, a grin sneaking onto his face.

Vicky rolled his eyes, laughing at Rudra's self-obsession.

With a determined glint in his eyes, Rudra hopped into his car and started the engine. As he maneuvered the steering wheel, the vehicle glided forward, leaving the mundane behind. There was no holding him back—tonight, he would fly into Udaipur before dawn.

Rudra arrived at the Udaipur haveli like a self-declared undercover agent, except the only thing undercover about him was his overacting. The night was alive with the distant howls of jackals and the rhythmic snores of guards like broken generators,moonlight falling perfectly as if even nature knew the hero's entry would happen soon.

Vicky trailed behind him like a loyal sidekick, reminiscent of Betal and Vikram. Just as they slipped past the gate, a guard suddenly aimed his gun at them, but recognition flickered in his eyes, and he lowered his weapon with a sigh of relief.

A surge of exhilaration coursed through Rudra, enough to keep sleep at bay. Meanwhile, Vicky snored loudly, his mouth agape, blissfully unaware of the night’s unfolding secrets. Rudraskh peered out anxiously from his window,awaiting a glimpse of the morning light.

As time slipped by, drowsiness crept in, and he awoke late into the afternoon.

He woke up like in a jolting of motion.. he saw in his dream he was sleeping soundly while the wedding had already finished and his .. Mayuri..the golden peacock left without even meeting him.

“KYA?!” he jumped out of bed.

“Baraat aa gayi kya? Shaadi ho gayi kya? Main late ho gaya kya?”

Vicky, still lying like a corpse, mumbled—

“Shaadi ho bhi gayi ho toh bhi tu late hi hai…”

Freshening up quickly, he dashed downstairs, scanning the crowd with eager eyes, searching for one familiar face. And then, there she was—could it be real?

He saw her.Not in uniform. Not in authority mode. But draped in an ethereal pista green and yellow kurta set. Her medium-length hair cascaded down her back like a flowing waterfall, and her heart-shaped face was framed by beautiful oxidized platinum jhumkas.

The moment their eyes met, her jaw dropped open. “Tum?”

Rudra smirked instantly, recovering like a pro. “Yeh sawaal toh mujhe puchna chahiye, Officer Bansal… aap mujhe stalk kar rahi hain kya?”

Mayuri’s expression went from shock , then irritation and at last murder planning.

“Mein pagalo kw doctor nahi hai… jo aapke ilaaz ke liye dhundhengi!”

Rudra clutched his heart dramatically.

“Dil tod diya aapne. Main toh soch raha tha aap mujhe yaad karti hongi…”

Mayuri crossed her arms. “Aap yahan kar kya rahe hain?”

Rudra flipped his hair slightly..“Main toh apni behen ki engagement ke liye aaya hoon—”

Pause.

Mayuri shot him a suspicious look, eyebrows raised.

He corrected himself. “Cousin sister! I already spilled mine. Now, what about yours?”

Mayuri glared sharply at him, memories of humiliation flooding back from ten days ago. “Aap ke cousin sister se meri bhaiya ki shaadi fixed huyi hai!”

Surprise flared in Rudraskh’s eyes, blinked. Once.. Twice. Then—

“KYAAAA?!”

His grin exploded. “Matlab… destiny ne already humari family meeting arrange kar hi di? He leaned slightly closer. “Ab toh hum rishtedaar hue na…”

Mayuri recoiled, her warmth replaced by a steely resolve. “Bilkul nahi… You and I will be anything but not relatives!”

Rudraskh’s grin morphed into mischief. “Hehee— lagta hai aap abhi bhi us din ke matter ke liye abhi bhi naraaz hain.”

Mayuri's jaw tightened. She remained silent, the tension crackling between them.

“Okay, Mayuri ji…” Rudraskh’s voice softened, he raised both hands slightly.“Okay okay… surrender. Mayuri ji, I’m sorry. Thoda over ho gaya tha us din.”

For a split second, his tone softened. And Unexpectedly unbelievable.

Her piercing gaze held him captive, as if scanning for lies like a human lie detector.

Then, without a word, without another glance she brushed past him, as if he were …air —Invisible.

Rudraskh stood appalled there, mouth agape, doubt swirling in his mind. “...yeh kya tha?” he muttered. Then slowly… a grin crept back, dangerous yet amusing. “Maan na padega… madam mein tevar toh hai.”

Vicky suddenly appeared beside him, chewing something. “Bhai… it is asani se nahi Milne wali hai tujse ”

Rudra didn’t look away from Mayuri.

“Waise mujhe challenge hi zada pasand hai ” he smirked. Then adjusted his collar. “Game shuru.”

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

“ Just one touch of a beautiful smile …and our bride is ready !” the professional make-up artist said proudly, sleeping back to admire her masterpiece.

Pragya inhaled softly, as if only now realizing the moment had truly arrived.

The makeup artist exited with a satisfied nod, leaving behind the girls in the room.

“ Pragya, just look at you, ” Reyansha put her arms on either of Pragya's shoulders, her chin resting there. “ Mayank would definitely faint on the stage, “ she said dramatically.

Pragya's eyelashes fluttered as she finally lifted her gaze and looked into her reflection on the dressing mirror. The woman staring back at her felt unreal.

She was trapped in an aqua blue designer lehenga that shimmered delicately with the breath she took. The fabric hugged her waist perfectly before flowing down in a layer of elegance. Diamonds adorned her from head to toe— heavy, regal yet somehow graceful on her delicate frame. Her iron-slicked hair highlighted in caramel-brown blend, cascading loosely down her back. Soft blush warmed her cheeks , her lips glinted in nude pink lipstick and her eyes sparkled with black reflecting love and joy. She swallowed, suddenly shy.

At that moment, Nidhi stepped inside, holding her heavy lengha with her both hands to keep it from brushing the floor. The moment her eyes landed on the bride, her mouth stretched into a wide, delighted smile.

“Pragya…” she whispered “ You're just ravishing .”

Pragya rose carefully from the cushioned tool , and faced her cousin sister “ Thank you Nidhi Di“she said softly, warmth filling her voice.

Reyansha casually rested her bent elbow over Pragya’s shoulder, smirking in a teasing glimpse “ Waise , Nidhi Di” She added , eyes twinkling, " you’re also looking very gorgeous tonight. Any intention of getting married once again?” She finished her words with a wicked wink.

Pragya burst into laughter, clutching Reyansha’s arm, while Reyansha grinned proudly at her own mischief.

Nidhi snorted, “ Filhaal, one marriage is enough to break my sanity ,” she shot back . " I don't need extra trauma, thank you very much.”

All three dissolved into giggles.

Suddenly her expression sharpened . She glided an arm around Reyasha's shoulder, “ Waise, Reya ,” She said heartily “ if you want we can start searching for a handsome groom for you . Engagement double ho jayegi —along with Pragya ”

Reyansha rolled her eyes “ Didi, abhi nahi!” she protested , a blush crept stubbornly up her cheeks.

Pragya laughed hard, “ Actually, I agree with Nidhi Di,” She teased . “ Considering the number of proposals you have been getting lately — Reyansha Di!”

Before she could finish, Reyasha's hand flew over Pragya's mouth .

“Bas!” Reyansha hissed, horrified. “Chup!”

Nidhi’s eyes widened comically “ Oh ho! * She said dramatically “Yeh mein kya sun rahi hoon — you are wooing Shanaya Mami's back . “ She leaned in conspiratorially . “ Aab toh batani Maami ko batana padega— naya Rishtey banne ke bare meini .” She winked exaggeratedly.

Pragya removed Reyansha’s hand, laughing, and shot her a wicked look. “Too late.”

Nidhi Di, there is nothing,” Reyansha insisted quickly, shaking her head. “Aisi koi bhi baat nahi hai!”

“Toh phir baat kaise baat hai,” Nidhi countered gently now, her teasing softening. She placed her hand on Reyansha’s shoulder. " you're twenty-five Reya , and if you don’t invest in your relationship now , when — ?” Nidhi hand put over Reyansha's shoulder , her empathic gaze held her

Reyansha's playful grin faltered,something flickered behind her eyes. She looked away for a second before answering, voice quieter. “ Nidhi Di, I want to focus on my career first. I'm not prepared for all that …not yet.”

Nidhi’s expression softened instantly .“ I understand,” she said warmly . " But , you're already successful . You’ve opened your own business. You're confident , efficient and quietly brilliant at what you do. “ She smiled with pride. " We are all proud of you “

Reyansha met her gaze, comforted.

Nidhi continued.. “ But Reyan, you know how wonderful it feels — being loved by the man you want. And our Reyansha is as gorgeous as intelligent . Highly demanding bachelors of this country should be worried.“

Pragya nodded enthusiastically. “Very worried.”

Reyansha grinned, her earlier heaviness melting away “ Fine” She retorted dramatically "I'll organise a swayamber soon. let's see who dares to win my heart!”

All the three ladies erupted into uncomfortable laughter.

Just then , Pragya mobile beeped. She picked it up absent minded, but the moment she read the notification, her face lit up like thousands of diyas. She hugged the phone to her chest , her eyes glowing with joy and anticipation.

“ What happened ? Reyansha narrowed her eyes suspiciously . “ Why is our bride smiling like she just won a lottery?”

Nidhi exclaimed and even noticed these “ kya baat hai , Mayank ka msg hai kya ?”

“ No ,” Pragya shook her head. “ Nidhi Di! Reyansha Di “ her lips curved into a secretive smile . “ Tonight I have a surprise for everyone”

“Surprise ?” Nidhi raised a brow “ what more surprises do you have , madam ?”Nidhi asked as curiosity held her better

Pragya holds the mobile close to her chest “ Shuayra bhaiya aa rahe hai !”

Both Nidhi and Reyansha’ eyebrows scrunched.

“ Arrey, Shauraysh bhaiya…woh rahe hai ..meri engagement ceremony mein !” Pragya giggled and deepened.

Reyansha's heart thudded, as she couldn’t believe her ears . When she landed on Nidhi she saw her in the same chaos as her .

Pragya clutched the phone tighter, as if afraid the news might slip away. “Shaurya bhaiya aa rahe hain.”

The words landed like a dropped glass.

Both Nidhi and Reyansha froze — mid breath, their smile faded.

“Arre… Pragya chimed earnestly , oblivious to the sudden shift in the air . “ Shauryash bhaiya,”she corrected herself, her eyes glowing brighter. “ Woh meri engagement ceremony mein aa rahe hain!”

Reyansha’s heart skipped— then slammed violently against her ribs, as if demanding to be heard. Her fingers curled instinctively at her sides, nails biting into her mehendi stained palms.

Her breath hitched as she turned slowly toward Nidhi—only to find her wearing the same stunned, chaotic expression.

For a split second, the room felt too quiet. Too heavy with upcoming tension.

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

The grand hall of the Singhaniya haveli shimmered under crystal chandeliers. Guests mingled, laughter and polite chatter floating through the air. Laughter and music rippled through the night air as warm lights shimmered across the artificial fountains of the haveli courtyard. Water arced gracefully into marble basins, catching reflections of gold and amber, alive with celebration.

Yet just beyond the glow, on the balcony overlooking the courtyard, Sanyogita stood wrapped in silence. Her saree fluttered softly in the breeze, the loose end brushing her arm like a restless thought she couldn’t quiet. Since the morning incident in the bathroom, she had avoided Prithvi—slipping away whenever he drew near, hiding behind smiles and duties while he remained busy overseeing the evening’s arrangements.

Her gaze drifted past the fountains, past the lights , toward the dark stretch of sky beyond the haveli walls. Waves of emotion rose and fell inside her, just like the water below—pulling, crashing, retreating.

She didn’t hear him approach. But — the air seemed to shift.

Prithvi stepped close, not touching her, yet surrounding her presence so completely that her breath caught in her throat. His arms rested on either side of the railing, caging her gently—protectively.

“Kya dekh rahi ho?” (What are you looking at?) His voice was low, warm with concern.

She startled slightly, turning her head. The breeze lifted her hair, sending strands across her face. She tucked them behind her ear, her eyes glistening.

“I’m scared,” she whispered. “hume.. bhaut..daar lag raha hai, Viraj.”

He frowned softly. “Kis baat ka?”

She looked away, struggling to find words. “Of… all this. Everyone expects so much from me. Dadima, Dadaji… they trust me with responsibilities, with rituals, with standing beside you in the kuldevi puja…” Her voice trembled. “What if I fail them? What if I disappoint you?”

Prithvi stepped closer, his presence steady and grounding. “You don’t have to be scared of anyone,” he said quietly. “Not me. Not them.” He cupped her face gently, thumbs warm against her cheeks. “Tumhari har chinta meri hai, Sanjh. Tumhari har mushkile aab meri bhi hai .”

He lowered his head and pressed a soft kiss to her forehead. She shivered , not from the cold, but from the way his reassurance settled deep inside her.

“Viraj…” her voice wavered. “Aap meri itni fikr kyun karte ho? Agar kabhi humne aapka bharosa tod diya toh…?”

He met her eyes, unwavering. “Tum khud ko tod sakti ho, Sanjh ” he said calmly, “par jin logon se tum pyaar karti ho, unhe nahi.”

Sanyogita's heart raced wildly, the words pulled every string of her brain “ jin logon se tum pyaar karti ho” ….

The sky cracked open with a sudden flash of lightning. Thunder roared, loud and startling.

” Main pyaar karti hoon! Sanyogita thought, her eyes welled up with fresh tears

Prithvi's hand stretched out, wiped her eyes . She flinched and without thinking, stepped into him, clutching his shirt , burying her face against his chest.

For a second, he froze. Then his hands lifted slightly only to wrap around her, holding her as if she might disappear.

“Sanjh… andar chalo,” he murmured. “Toofan aane wala hai lag raha hai.”

Her heart pounded wildly. Toofan toh hamare zindagi mein aa chuka hai, Viraj.” she thought. “ Aur hum aapse dur bhi jaa nahi pa rahe hai.…”

Prithvi gently lifted her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze.

She looked enchanting tonight, her eyes wide with fear and trust, kajal slightly smudged by emotion. He brushed the dark trace with his fingertip, then touched his finger behind her nape.

“Meri Sanjh ko kisi ki nazar na lage,” he said softly. “—meri bhi nahi.”

Her fingers tightened in his shirt.

His hands rested at her waist, steady and respectful, anchoring her as the wind chilled her skin. He tucked her hair behind her ear, his touch unhurried, reverent.

She stared at him, caught between fear and something far deeper.

And then—

Without planning. Without thought.

Her hands slid down around his jaw line , She rose on her heels , and pressed her lips to his.

It wasn’t hurried. It wasn’t hungry. But a tentative—almost trembling, a quiet, unconscious surrender.

Prithvi was still in shock . For a heartbeat, he didn’t move.

Then realization dawned in his eyes , soft, reverent joy blooming across his face. He lifted one hand to cradle her head, deepening the kiss just enough to answer her, not overpower her.

Their lips were very soon moving in a rhythm . His hand skimmed to her waist, as his fingers caressed her bare skin around her small back , he felt a slight shift in the movements .They both lost themselves so much they forgot about their surroundings, if anyone came and saw them like this . Prithvi held her closer than before, a rush of euphoria washed over him , it was the first time Sanyogita had initiated the kiss . His all worries finally drove away, she surrendered to him .

For a moment , he wished the world would disappear. If there were no ceremony , duties he was given — he would steal her away somewhere quiet on an isolated island, where he could kiss her slowly until she forgot everything but him . Somewhere untouched, where he would rip apart each remaining distance between them , and make love to her as if nothing mattered to him but she . She was the only woman who could dismantle him like this , stripped him of discipline, made him forget all his rules , his armor of pride . As if she were his— only devotion, his undoing, his salvation.

When they finally parted, her breath was uneven, lips flushed and swollen. Prithvi’s gaze traced her face slowly, as if committing her to memory. A faint smear of lipstick lingered at the corner of her mouth. He brushed it away with his thumb.

Sanyogita froze, lashes falling to her cheeks, her breath caught somewhere deep in her chest.

His hand still cupped her cheek when he murmured softly, almost reluctantly,

“We should go back. Sab log wait kar rahe honge.”

She nodded.

She nodded her head. Prithvi’s hand slid against her hand , she nodded her head, he interlocked their finger , as if a whisper of promise. He lifted their clasped hand and he planted a gentle kiss on her knuckles which brought fuller in her chest.

Prithvi’s eyes lingered at her shyness for a longer until a voice broke their sweet moments.

“Prithvi beta!”

He stepped back reluctantly.

As he walked away, one of his friends passed him and muttered with a grin,“Bhai… lips saaf kar lo. Pranav ya Rudra ne dekh liya na, toh zindagi bhar nahi chhodenge.”

Prithvi touched his lips unconsciously.

And for the first time that night—

He blushed.

She could still feel him.

The warmth of his hand on her cheek lingered long after he stepped away, as if her skin had memorized the weight of his touch. Her lips tingled—soft, sensitive, aware in a way they hadn’t been moments ago.

“What did I just do…?”

The thought surfaced faintly, not with regret, but with wonder.

Her heart refused to slow, thudding wildly against her ribs, each beat echoing the truth she had been running from all evening. She pressed her fingers together, grounding herself, but even that simple motion reminded her of how his fingers had laced through hers—sure, steady, unyielding.

I kissed him.

Not by accident. Not by impulse alone.

Because somewhere between his words, his patience, the way he had held her without asking for more—something inside her had finally stopped fighting.

She had been so afraid of leaning in. Of wanting too much. Of needing him in ways she wasn’t ready to name. Yet in that kiss, she hadn’t felt small or uncertain.

She had felt… safe.

Chosen.

Seen.

Her throat tightened as she remembered the way he had responded—not with urgency, not with hunger, but with a restraint that spoke louder than passion. As if he understood exactly how fragile this step had been for her—and honored it.

He didn’t take it, she realized. He received it.

A tremor ran through her at the thought.

All her doubts—the expectations, the weight of tradition, the fear of failing everyone—had quieted in those few stolen seconds. With him, the noise softened. The world made sense again.

She wasn’t ready for forever. Wasn’t ready to promise perfection.

But she was ready for this.

For the way he looked at her as if she were enough.

For the way his presence steadied her storms.
For the way her heart leaned toward his, again and again, no matter how hard she tried to pull it back.

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

The vast hall room of the haveli draped in gorgeous fairy light, the flowers in the wall mingle their fragrance in the atmosphere inside , keeping the environment captivating. The ballroom was crowded with rich people, politicians, press and media were capturing the beauty of the decoration in their cameras.

Near one corner, Rudra stood with the intense focus of a hunter spotting prey.The prey?

Mayuri.

She was talking to Sanyogita, both women glowing , laughing and smiling, radiating new enthusiasm. Rudra adjusted his blazer, inhaled deeply, and muttered internally, "Aaj ya toh dil jeetkei rahunga.”

He tried his best to grab her attention , a worker was going through the gathering holding a tray of juices and drinks on it , Rudra's eyes fell over it once , he stepped ahead and asked for the tray from the worker. At first the man was startled, worrying if anyone caught him and the possibility of getting fired from his job . Before the poor worker could even react, Rudra smoothly snatched the tray and started to serve amidst the guests . But his motive was to come into notice by someone, and that someone was Mayuri .

His destination was clear. He stopped right in front of the two gorgeous ladies.He placed the tray before the two gorgeous ladies, making them stunned .

Sanyogita's eyes widened astonished “ Rudra? Tum serve kyun kar rahe ho ?”

Mayuri blinked. Once. Twice. “ Yeh phirse agaya !” she muttered internally.

She was even surprised to see Rudra's sudden change in demeanour.

Rudra snickered in his Oscar winning award acting “ Oh kya haina , Bhabhi…”he said dramatically, placing a hand on his chest “ I loved to serve for my people. Behen ke shaadi Matlab bhai ka zemedari , perhaps Pragya is my cousin sister lekin behen toh behen hoti hai na!” As he finished his speech and slowly, very slowly, shifted his gaze to Mayuri.

Sanyogita nodded, genuinely impressed. “Achhaaa… quite thoughtful!”

Rudra’s chest puffed up, feeling proud of him . “Toh bhabhi “ he continued,suddenly turning sharply “ ek pyari si juice le ljiye—”

Then , instantly swiveling towards Mayuri, his tone softened like melted butter. “ “ Mayuri ji , aap bhi apne pasand ki drink le lijye. Woh ke hai na, aaj poora decoration main hi samhaal raha tha, isliye todha late ho gaya .”

Sanyogita's eyes snapped open,and a sudden shift in Rudra's demeanour deepened her suspicions .

Mayuri stretched her hand out …then pulled it back mid-air “ Extremely nice work Rudraji . But— opps! I don’t like to drink .”

Rudra's mouth instinctively opened, — something crashed inside him . His overconfidence.

Then shut his mouth immediately “ Oh..” Then his brain rebooted. “ Achaa ji…mein bhi nahi peeta juice ! Bilkul nahi! Juice… phusss!”

Mayuri smiled innocently. “ Umm…coffee..”

Rudra cut her shot “ Hanji ! aap coffee piyengi ?” Hee asked so solemnly that Mayuri briefly wondered if he’d start describing coffee brands like a saree salesman—Italian blend, madam, bilkul classy, bilkul aap jaisi.

“ No ,” she said calmly.“ Mein coffee bhu nahi peeti. Anyway, thanks for asking. Aap tray rakh dijiye. workers handle it.”

Rudra shook his head so hard his hair almost lost balance. “ Aapke chinta ke liye sukhriya . Bade bhaiya—” he gestured dramatically towards Sanyogita , “ inkey patidev” he has given me the responsibility to look over tonight's function. “

Sanyogita bit her lip.

“Aur sach bataun,” Rudra continued, rubbing his shoulder theatrically, “zimmedari uthate uthate yeh kandha ab bahut majboot ho chuka hai. Aab toh aram se Thakan hoti hai…par farz se bada kuch nahi.”

Sanyogita nearly spilled her juice laughing . She once looked at Rudra and then at Mayuri.

Mayuri inhaled slowly, holding back irritation with the grace of a trained officer. “Thik hai, Rudraji. Jaisi aapki marzi.”

Bas? That was it? Rudra waited. Nothing. The mission failed successfully.Mayuri was a little challenging to get into his hold and that was both amusing and frustrating.

Just then—

“yeh waiter idhar toh aaa!” Someone shouted .

Words dropped like sirens. He turned , and instantly regretted every life decision.

Vicky was grinning like the devil himself.

Rudra’s ears turned red. His cheeks burned.Best friend hai… par dushman se kam nahi.

He retreated, bidding the ladies a stiff, overly formal goodbye.

The second he vanished—

Once Rudra left , Sanyogita exploded into laughter. Her eyes sparkled mischievously.

“What’s the case, Officer Mayuri?”

Mayuri groaned. “Sandy!” she tried to be offended but her smile betrayed “ I told you na, , one week ago I arrested a rich spoil brat , and this your ladle devar, is that spoiled brat…”

Sanyogita looked at Mayuri with a surprised glance “ ohh”... Mayur ,...Matlab. “ Then her grin widened dangerously. “I want to hear everything in much much details “ her grinned deepened

Mayuri rolled her eyes “ Sandy…there is nothing special to hear !”

“ I don't think so,” Sanyogita elbowed her. “ you turned from a rich spoil brat to a decent, attention-grabbing gentleman !”

“Gentleman?” Mayuri scoffed. “Bas wait karo. Uska motive pakka hai. I don’t trust him.”

“We’ll see,” Sanyogita smirked. “Par pehle mujhe tum dono ki first meeting sunni hai.”

Mayuri sighed.“Okay… fine.”

Prithvi was standing away busy talking on his Bluetooth, also keeping a keen gaze on the party. When his eyes captured Sanyogita's smiling face , his chest fluttered. It was the first time in a while she had been laughing since the morning. A sigh of relief washed over him . His trance of admiration was shattered by two tiny eyes .

Tiny. Persistent.

“Mammu,” Neeraj asked,tugging at Prithvi's trailer suit. His tiny physique barely reached up to Prithvi’s waist, “mujhe swimming sikhaoge na?”

Prithvi laughed, scooping him up. “Shaitan baccha!”

Neeraj was standing there.

“ Mammu, mujhe swimming sikhaoge na?” he asked with his tiny tooth while sucking a Candy in his hand. Prithvi planted noisy kisses on Neeraj's soft cheeks. He giggled, wrapping his arms around his mama’s neck.

“Neeraj,” Prithvi said in a mock-serious tone, “tumhein swimming itni achanak kyun seekhni hai, haan?”

Neeraj sucked noisily on his Cady-lolipop, eyes wide and very sincere.“Kal dekha tha,” he nodded vigorously. “aap aur Mammi pool mein swimming kar rahe the.”

Prithvi froze.He cleared his throat. “Achha? Kaunsi swimming?”

Neeraj tilted his head, thinking very hard. “Woh… jismein aap aur mammi bilkul chipak jaati hai.”

Prithvi almost dropped him.““C-chipak jaati hai?” he repeated, eyes widening.

“Neeraj,” he whispered urgently, “aawaz thodi dheemi rakho.”

Neeraj, misunderstanding completely, raised his voice. ““Haan!” he confirmed proudly. “Aur aap mammi ko pakad ke rakhe the. Bilkul nahin doobne diya.”

Prithvi pressed his lips together, trying not to laugh—or die of embarrassment. “Beta… woh swimming nahi tha ”

Neeraj frowned.“Phir kya tha?”

Prithvi scratched the back of his neck, utterly defeated. “Woh… advanced level swimming hai.”

Neeraj’s eyes sparkled. “Wow!” He gasped. “Toh mujhe bhi wahi wali sikhao na!”

Prithvi groaned dramatically. “Neeraj, pehle tum paani mein seedha khade rehna seekho.”

“But aap toh mammi ko utha ke swimming kar rahe the!” Neeraj argued, pointing accusingly. “Mujhe bhi aise hi sikhao.”

Prithvi sighed, planting a kiss on his forehead.“Shaitan kahin ka.”

Neeraj giggled, wrapping his tiny arms around Prithvi’s neck.“Toh kal sikhaoge?”

Prithvi smiled helplessly.“Kal nahi.”

Neeraj pouted.“Par kyun?”

Prithvi lowered his voice conspiratorially. “Kyunki woh swimming… sirf bado ke liye hai.”

Neeraj blinked. Then grinned mischievously. “Toh main jaldi bada ho jaunga!”

Prithvi laughed softly, hugging him closer.“Bas bas… pehle candy finish karo, phir baat karenge—future swimmer.”

Neeraj nodded happily.“Okay, Mammu.”

Prithvi shook his head, smiling to himself. “Iss ghar mein sabse zyada danger toh yeh chhota baacha hai —magar kisi tsunami se kaam nahi.”