The First Strike of Chaos

Chapter - The First Strike of Chaos

Rudra had just finished being roasted by Vicky and his friends and he was desperately trying to regain his dignity near the snack counter, when a tiny voice stopped him.

“Rudra mamu!”

Rudra turned, startled. “Oho! Neeraj champion!” he bent slightly. “Chocolate khaoge?”

Neeraj nodded proudly.“Yes, two.”

“Bas do?” Rudra scoffed. “Mujhe toh lag raha tha tumne poora box khana chagoge .”

Before Rudra could say anything else, Neeraj leaned in like he was about to reveal a state secret.“Mujhe swimming seekhni hai.”

Rudra grinned. “Arre waah! Olympic champion!” He patted his small back.

“Haan,” Neeraj nodded seriously. “Par wahi wali.”

Rudra blinked, confused “Kaunsi wali?”

Neeraj didn’t whisper, insteadannounced—“Wahi wali jismein Mammu Mammi ko pool mein pakad ke swimming kar rahe the!”

A nearby waiter atop in the midway

Mayank, standing beside Rudra with a drink in hand, almost choked.“WHAT—?!”

Rudra’s jaw dropped so fast it almost dislocated. “Hold on—kaunsi swimming?”

Neeraj demonstrated again, spreading arms wide “Aise pakda… phir dono chipak gaye… phir paani bhi nahi dikha.”

Dead silence.

Mayank stared at Rudra . Paused. Rudra seemed to have short-circuits in his brain for a moment.

Neeraj’s words dropped slowly “ Pranav Mammu , has also seen that…” he spotted a figure “ woh rahe Mammu!

Rudra turned and shot a cuprous glance at Pranav . Rudra grinned wickedly. “Bhai… yeh swimming classes kab se shuru ho gayi?”

Pranav giggled softly as he joined them .“ Bas …yuhi samjhna loo hawayein no aapna rok badal liya hai. Aur aaj bhaar mausam bhi bada romantic hai , Registan bhi bheeng jaye bas ” His expression turned into mischief. “

Rudra laughed loudly, grabbing his double meaning jokes “But Neeraj , why do you want to learn swimming?”

Neeraj nodded happily.“Cause Mammu was looking very cool in the pool . "Suddenly his jaw dropped “But h3 doesn't want to teach me !”

“ Why?” Rura , scooped the little tornado in his arms.

“Mammu ne bola yeh swimming sirf bado ke liye hoti hai.”His tiny hands flee around Rudra’s neck.

Rudra burst out laughing. “Correct bola bhaiya ne!”

Neeraj’s father , Nihit, who heard everything, spotted Prithvi, his eyebrows raised suspiciously, his lips twitching with barely contained laughter. “ Oh..” he said calmly, “ Kal se Neeraj roz mere paas aa ke bol raha hai—Mammu Mammi ko doobne nahi dete.“

Prithvi’s ears turned red. “Jijaji, woh—”

“Relax,” the elder brother-in-law interrupted, patting Prithvi’s shoulder. “Yeh swimming lessons ka schedule mujhe bhi mil sakta hai?” His words were laced in teasing jibe . .“Main toh bas proud Phil kar raha hoon. Itna responsible Mammu jo mila hai Neeraj ko.”

Rudra gasped at Nihit's words . “Dekha Pranav, yeh yoh Family-approved romance ban gaya hai.”

Pranav nodded seriously.“Haan. Safety first.” He said innocently, controlling his laughter, “ bahbhi is the first priority."

Prithvi glared at Pranav sharply, making him stop grinning. However Neeraj’s chubby cheeks beaming with an innocent smile .“Yes” he said , while clapping his tiny hands “Mammu hero hai!”

Prithvi groaned, shaking his head slightly in defeat “Tum log please stop —”

“Oh no no,” Nihit smirked. “Ab toh yeh tradition ban gaya. Kal pool ke bahar board lagana chahiye— “Couple Swimming Allowed. Kids Not Permitted.”

Rudra burst out laughing.

Nihit shook his head, amused. “Prithvi, ek baat batao… yeh swimming lessons sirf Mammi ke liye hain, ya koi aur bhi apply kar sakta hai?”

“Jijaji!” Prithvi protested, heat clogged in his cheeks.

Across the hall—Just then—

Sanyogita walked past, talking to Mayuri… and heard everything.

She stopped mid-step.

“…pakda?” “…swimming?” “…paani bhi nahi dekha?”

“Mammi!” Neeraj yelled again, spotting her.

Sanyogita froze. Her soul left her body momentarily.

Mayuri saw her chance , and she blinked just once, “Uh… Sandy?”

She casually draped an arm around Sanyogita’s shoulder, voice dripping with fake innocence. “Arre wah!… tum toh bata hi nahi rahi thi ke tum advanced swimming coaching leti ho.”

Sanyogita’s eyes widened. Her cheeks turned tomato red. “Mayur—”she hissed sharply.

“Oh come on,” Mayuri continued loudly. “Kal pool mein jo tum aur jiju kya kar rahe the… jise Neeraj itna inspired ho gaya.”

Sanyogita shot Prithvi a look that screamed “murder - embarrassment - how-dare-you.”

Prithvi shrugged, just a faint gesture “ Maine kuch nahi bola.”

Rudra turned, eyes sparkling. “Bhabhi… aap swimming bhi sikh rahi ho?”

Mayank smirked, “Private lessons lag rahe hain.”

Mayuri grinned .

Sanyogita’s face turned crimson.“Tum log—”

Mayuri leaned closer, whispering sweetly.
“Yeh toh bas trailer hai, Sandy. Ab samajh aaya jab tum mujhe Rudra ka naam bol bol ke tease kar rahi thi?”

Sanyogita groaned. “Okay.., I surrender!”

Mayank had been pretending to listen to the chatter for the last ten minutes. In reality, he was only waiting. Waiting impatiently for the moment Pragya would appear. He checked his watch for the tenth time . The door finally flung open. His mouth remained wide open when he saw her glimpse. He couldn't take his eyes off her . He found her heavenly.

She looked like a fairy-tale princess who had somehow wandered into a royal haveli and decided to rule it.Nidhi and Reyansha were standing on either side of Pragya like two protective armours , guiding her forward like she was a bride being escorted to her destiny.

Dhruvan , whispered “ Mammy Bua has arrived,” he whispered dramatically, as if announcing a queen’s arrival . Then he started clapping with his tiny hands, his excitement spilling out of him like confetti.

Ishanvi chimed at her son's words . “ Okay, now go , greet your bua ..”

Dhruvan nodded innocently, then slipped away from his mother and ran straight towards his aunt “ Bua “ he squealed , nearly colliding into the leghenga. His tiny ames flung around Pragya’s waist like a full-body hug .“Aap bhaut… par… pretti lag rahe ho!” he declared, proudly messing up the pronunciation.

Pragya, balancing her heels and heavy fabric and jewellery, still bent down carefully to reach his level. “Awww… mera baccha!” She kissed his laddo like chubby cheeks.

A lipstick mark instantly bloomed on his face like a stamp of love.

Meanwhile, ..Mayank stood, frozen, with a jaw drop . He was waiting eagerly for her arrival but she invested the kiss on her nephew instead.

Mauyri’s grin widened , her teasing was deliberate .“ Ek chote bache jaise jealous ho rahein hai, aap kya husband banoge re !”

Mayank smirked, throwing a sideways glance at his sister“ When you will get married I'll also see how you will manage !”

Rudra's grin deepened as he stood nearby focusing more on the words exchanged between Mayuri and her brother . If things moved smoothly Mayank would be his future brother-in-law. Hence , he must strengthen his relationship with Mayank.

“But tonight is your engagement ceremony,” Mayuri whispered . “ Not the actual wedding!”

Mayank didn't even hesitate. His eyes stayed on his fiancee. “ Both are the same for me. “ A pride dances across his lips “ She has been my wife since the day I proposed . “

That sentence earned a few awws… and a few jealous sighs from the aunties.

Ishita stepped closer, eyes brimming with joy . She hugged Pragya and whispered “ Bhaut pyari lag rahi ho , beta?”

Then like every protective mother in every function ever —she put the kajal behind Pragya's nap to ward off nazar .

“Thank you, Choti Maa,” Pragya murmured, still holding Ishita’s arm as if she was gathering courage.

Reyansha and Nidhi guided her ahead , Mayank stepped forward and offered his hand.

Pragya placed her fingers in his like it was the most natural thing in the world like they’d been holding hands for years and were just now doing it in public.

From the side , Pranav stood holding his little nephew in his arms and couldn't resist teasing “ Pragya, why did you come so early ? You must've given it a second thought before marrying?”

Soft laughter rippled in the hallroom .

Pragya’s eyes sparkled mischievously. “ Pranav bhaiya, yahan itni khubsurat ladies hain… kya pata kisi haseen chehre ko dekhkar aapka bhi dil machalne lag jaaye.”She winked.

Pranav’s cheeks instantly reddened, caught like a schoolboy.

Pragya continued moving ahead, then reached the center of the stage holding Mayank hands , her eyes darted towards where her grandparents were standing, and nearby Sanjeev ( grandfather) and her father , Siddharth were standing. And Ishita was standing beside her father.

Neeraj, meanwhile, was chewing chocolate like it was his full-time job. He looked up at Pranav seriously. “Mammu… Pragya bua engagement kyun kar rahi hai?”

Pranav grinned “ Woh kya hai na …,aapki Pragya bua apni lifestyle itna paresan hoga hai , islye unhe engagement karni hai !”

Rudra, standing nearby, snorted.

Neeraj's eyes widened with sudden inspiration. “ Mammu… mein bhi Mumma se pareshan hoon . Mujhe bhi engagement karni hai “

Rudra burst out laughing like he'd been waiting for this all evening. He pinched Neeraj's chubby cheeks lovingly “ Waha beta, wah! tu bachha nahi…you naughty boy “

Neeraj giggled , entirely oblivious of the double meaning of his uncle’s words .

Nihit was laughing shamelessly. “Beta… itna bhi sach nahi bolna tha!”

But, Nidhi , who heard it , her cheeks burned like red chilli as her eyes shot to her husband. Her glance promised a murder after the function.

Reyansha chuckled , suppressing her smile, enjoying the cute banter.

Pranav, enjoying the destruction, leaned in with a grin.“Jijaji , aaj raat apko bhaut mar padne wali hai lagta hai “

Neeraj looked at her… then at Nihit… then—like an innocent prosecutor—asked brightly

“Mumma… aap Papa ko phirse maarogi?”

For half a second, silence stretched.

Then— Nidhi’s glare sharpened into a weapon.

Nihit’s laughter died so suddenly it looked like someone had pressed a mute button on him.

“HAHAA—!”ripples of laughter filled the room. “Arre wah…bachcha toh sab jaanta hai!”

“Jijaji toh regular maar khate hain!” Pranav announced loudly, laughing.

He nearly doubled over, clutching his stomach.

Rudra added immediately, louder—because he has no survival instinct, “Haan haan! Monthly subscription lag raha hai !”

Nihit's face burned crimson red. He immediately turned his gaze to the other side.

The laughter became louder.

Reyansha and Soumya were struggling with their laughter.

Rudra's pinched Neeraj's chubby cheeks once again “ tu bacha nahi …didi aur jiju ka ultra-pro product hai “

Pranav clutched his stomach, gasping for breath because of prolonged laughing..

Nidhi turned her face slowly.And looked at them. Not a scream. Not a word. Just that sharp, deadly stare.

Pranav’s laugh dried mid-air. Rudra’s grin collapsed immediately.

Both of them—like well-trained soldiers, shut their mouths at the exact same time.

Rudra even coughed politely, as if he hadn’t just insulted a married man’s survival.

Pranav pretended to clear his throat, suddenly fascinated by the ceiling decoration.He leaned towards Rudra and whispered, still grinning but carefully..very carefully “Engagement se pehle hi war start ho gaya.”

Neeraj popped another bite of chocolate into his mouth, swinging his legs happily—fully satisfied. Because in one innocent question…he had successfully roasted his Papa, exposed his Mumma’s legacy, silenced two grown men—

Nevertheless , his giggles didn't falter; instead curiosity grabbed him better, abruptly pausing mid-chew, brow furrowing like a mini professor. “Rudra Mammu…” he whispered confidentially, “product kya hota hai?”

The air froze. Dead silence.

Pranav’s mouth twitched. His eyes lit up with evil joy.

Rudra coughed once, then bent down and pinched Neeraj’s cheeks again—this time as a distraction tactic. “Aye… you naughty boy!”

But , Neeraj's cheeks puffed up stubbornly. “No “ he shook his head “ tell me what is … product, unless I'll complain to Prithvi mammu against you teo…Ki aap dono mujhe pareshan kar rahe they ”

Rudra's ear shot up hearing the threatening of a four years old kid, when he looked at Pranav witnessed the same fear in his eyes.

Pranav lost it. He slapped his own thigh and burst out laughing. “Arre yeh toh CBI nikla!” he wheezed. “Definitely! He wants to know everything at four years of age!”

Rudra tried to act strict, but his face was fighting a smile. “Pranav… tu chup reh!” he hissed. “Tu aur aise ideas mat de!”

Just then—

Mayuri’s gaze accidentally slid towards Rudra. His double-meaning laughter evaporated instantly. His grin collapsed into an awkward “hehe…”

Mayuri’s eyebrow lifted higher.

Rudra immediately cleared his throat and pretended to fix his sherwani collar like it was a life-or-death emergency.

Suddenly a scream sliced the air , Neeraj jolted his small limbs in air like an angry cub, his voice grew louder “ Mammu baato …Product kya hota “

Everyone's attention landed at Neeraj …then Pranav. Their gaze narrowed. Some looked at them in a mockery glance and turned their heads away.

Pranav noticed the shift like a hawk. He tilted his head, smirking at his cousin's brother.” Yeh sab kuch teri galti hai!”

Rudra swallowed. “Hehe… main toh… bas…”He tried another laugh. “Hehe he..”

Dhruvan, who had been watching all this drama like a tiny audience member, suddenly tugged Ishanvi's dupatta with full seriousness.

“Mumma…” he whispered, loud enough to be heard by half the row, “product kya hota hai?”

Ishanvi blinked. “Product…?” Her brain clearly searched for an answer the way a phone searches for a network—buffering.

Just behind her, Reyansha heard it and immediately pressed her lips together, trying to control her laughter. Her shoulders trembled once. Twice. She looked down as if the floor was suddenly very interesting.

Ishanvi, still confused, attempted a safe escape. “Dhruvan… abhi nahi. Baad mein.”

Dhruvan frowned like she’d denied him justice.

Then—

With the power of a full microphone in his throat, he shouted, breaking the whole spell: “MUMMAAA! BATAO NA! PRODUCT KYA HOTA HAI?!”

The hall stuttered.

A few heads snapped around. One aunty actually gasped as if someone had yelled a scandal.

Ishanvi’s eyes widened in pure horror. “Dhruvan—shhh!” she hissed, trying to cover his mouth. But Dhruvan was three. And three-year-olds are unstoppable once they taste attention.

He threw his tiny limbs in the air, kicking and flailing like a mini protester. “Nahin, Mumma batao product kya hota hai?”

A dead silence held for one second—Then the whole section erupted.

Vardhan who was busy talking to the guest, his head shifted once the familiar screams reached his ear . He stood baffled.

Someone choked on their drink. Two aunties even covered their mouths to laugh quietly and failed miserably.

Mayank’s shoulders shook. Pragya bit her lip hard to stop laughing and still failed—her eyes watered.

Rudra turned away instantly, pretending to adjust his cufflinks, but his face had gone bright red from holding laughter.

Pranav coughed dramatically. “Bhai… yeh bachche hamari class le lenge.”

Reyansha finally lost her battle. A tiny snort escaped—she quickly pressed her hand to her mouth, eyes shining with laughter.

Nidhi’s glare instantly flicked towards Rudra and Pranav again like: It’s your fault.

Nihit, who had learned nothing from life, whispered with a grin, “Ab batao beta…product.”

Ishanvi wanted to disappear into the carpet.

She leaned down, grabbed Dhruvan gently, and tried to carry him away.

Dhruvan didn’t stop. While being lifted, he announced to the whole courtroom like a royal decree: “ Mumma, PRODUCT”

And that was it. The words spread like a wild fire. And kids love one thing more than chocolates—group chaos.

Suddenly, one more kid from the side piped up, “Mujhe bhi jaan’na hai!”

Another shouted, “Haan! Batao!”

And within seconds, it turned into a full-on kids’ protest rally.

Parents stood frozen. Elders stared at the ceiling like the ceiling would save them.

Ishanvi tried to hush Dhruvan.Nidhi tried to hush Neeraj. Someone tried to distract the kids with sweets.

But it was too late.

The kids had formed a united front.

Rudra looked at Pranav with horror. “Bhai… yeh log toh press conference kar rahe hain.”

Pragya’s eyes went round.

Amidst the chaos, Neeraj was chewing his Cadbury with divine innocence and finally dropped the last bomb. “Mummy , Papa … Aap dono ne toh mujhe shaadi mein bhi nahi bulaya. aap dono ke dono kanjush nikle…” he bit into the chocolate “ AMM AMM AMM…”Prithvi mammu ne to phirbi bulya tha…”

Rudra and Pranav simultaneously lost their self control . Their laughter rang through the room like bells of chaos.

Sanyogita and Mayuri couldn’t hold themselves either—they laughed loudly, clutching each other’s arms.

Prithvi’s ears turned red. He felt like he might spontaneously combust if Neeraj tried another “public revelation”—he had learned his lesson.

Reyansha, trying to stay composed, leaned slightly on Soumya's shoulder, a mischievous grin tugging at her lips.

Meanwhile, Nidhi and Nihit’s faces were deep red, roasted mercilessly by a four-year-old. The humiliation was real, instant, and hilarious for everyone else.

Even the elders, after their initial shock, were laughing quietly to themselves. The room was filled with a mix of chaos, giggles, and tiny chocolate-stained proclamations.

Nidhi, meanwhile, stared at her son like she was calculating whether children could be returned to the hospital with a receipt.

Neeraj popped the last bit of chocolate into his mouth, dissolved in his own world, And proudly stated “aap dono se ache toh bade mammu hai, mujhe swimming bhi sikhanege promise kiya hai , Prithvi Mammu… maine sahi bola na?”

Prithvi opened his mouth—Then he closed it. Opened it again—then decided his dignity was already buried and chose better not to speak about anything.

He just stood there like a statue of regret.

Sanyogita’s face was pure red, frozen between “I’ll kill you Viraj” she whispered deep down.

A dead, deadly, murderous silence.

Then—

Someone snorted.

Another guest burst out laughing.

And suddenly the entire section erupted like a firecracker had been thrown into the crowd.

Rudra turned away instantly, shaking with laughter.

Pranav held his stomach. “Yeh bachcha… yeh bachcha toh breaking news of the country hai!”

Prithvi’s jaw tightened. His eyes darted nervously between Neeraj and the adults around him. Every nerve in his body screamed: “Not again… please, not another revelation!”

Nihit, spotting his chance for some revenge, leaned forward with a wicked grin. “Toh sale shaab… swimming sikhaange na, aape vanje ko!” he teased loudly, enjoying every second.

Neeraj giggled mischievously, his chocolate-stained hands clapping excitedly. “Pranav Mammu , neeche utarenge mols !” he demanded, and before anyone could stop him, he ran straight to Prithvi and clung to him like a crawling leaf .

“Bade Mammu… mujhe bahut pyaar karte hain… woh aap jaise kanjush nahi hai, Papa!” Neeraj declared proudly.

Nihit’s grin widened—revenge served cold.

Prithvi’s eyes widened in horror, “What will he spill next?!” he thought, his body bent instinctively only scooping the tiny tornado in his arms.

Sanyogita shot Prithvi a nervous glance, her heart hammering. “Please don’t let him say anything embarrassing!” She whispered through eyes.

But Neeraj, oblivious to adult fears, opened his mouth again. “Mammu… swimming—”

Quick as lightning, Prithvi shoved his hand gently over Neeraj’s mouth. “Haan beta, haan… sab kuch sikha dunga… ek din mein,” he muttered, muffling the boy’s excited protest.

Neeraj’s muffled little breaths came out like a tiny trumpet—but he was clearly not giving up.

Nidhi’s eyes widened in horror as she realized just how impossible her son was. She stepped forward, finally picking him up from her brother, trying to regain some parental control.

Rudra grinned wickedly at Pranav, silently celebrating the utter chaos.

Mayuri elbowed Sanyogita, who flushed bright red, desperately trying to control her embarrassment while sneaking a laugh herself.

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

“Prithvi, bhabhi ka dedar tu baad mein bhi kar sakta hai . Neeraj has already pulled you dhoti upfront of everyone, by revealing about you teaching swimming lessons to Sanyogita bhabhi “

Prithvi's cheek flashed, he hissed in a low voice , so no-one could hear their secret conversations “ I wasn't teaching swimming to Sanjh?”

He was talking with one of his business associates who was one of his close friends as well , Harsh Oberoi. Prithvi's eyes drifted towards Sanyogita, just seeing her laughing his heart hammer against his rib . Harsh noticed this , only giving a throat clearing to check on Prithvi, bringing him to reality.

“ Then what exactly did you do with your wife ?” Harsh winked, grinned like a goat

Prithvi rolled his eyes, “ Those aren't all your business .”

The clapping drew attention to the stage. Vardhan held the stage with a mic in his hand, the kind that sounded like an award acceptance mixed with a board meeting.

…he gave a long speech regarding the engagement ceremony of his sister.

Prithvi chuckled under his breath. Familiar resentment bubbling bitterly in his throat.

No matter how hard he tried to connect with his cousin brother, he always felt it—the silent competition, the invisible politics. The applause interrupted his thoughts.

Now the anchor stepped forward—

The Anchor was Reyansha . The kind of woman who could silence a room without raising her voice. Her speech flowed like a well-rehearsed pitch deck but dressed in elegance.

Her workload experience,Within a year of launching, her company crossed ₹10 crore in turnover. By the time she closed her first funding round, investors valued her company at ₹25 crores—not because of her surname, but because her numbers spoke louder than gossip. Her MBA credibility in finances gave her sharp pitch deck , high market research strategies, bringing clear niches for premium events and artist IP management. And moreover her rich background helped her get meetings with VCs, but it was her competence that closed the deal. She doesn't fly after every small event but one big win is her anchor , a grand luxury destination wedding in a year apart from that a branded music festival concert, that single win makes her “real”, highly demanding. Within two years her total personal profits are one and half crores .

She was after all kothari, however she grew up under the shadow of both the families.

Prithvi remembers how both his father and grandfather told him in his budding age , their family blood isn't ordinary. Their legacy was pride. Culture and class shaped authenticity.

Reyansha’s confident speech breakthroughs the hall , she added further “ So , everyone I'd like to invite my sister Pragya and her fiancée, Mayank , on the stage …with these they will unfold their special event …”

She lifted her hand, ready to announce—

And then— Her voice snapped off mid-sentence.

The fairy lights blinked. Once. Twice. Then… the vast ballroom plunged into darkness. A startled gasp rolled through the crowd as torch lights flared to lit in hands , one by one.

“Mammu , why did everything go dark ?” Neeraj’s asked innocently

Rudra switched on his flash lights like others.

Prithvi called the manager to check what exactly had gone through; even in case of a Power outage, the haveli would never be in complete darkness because of the inverter.

Hush of whispers spread through the air . Suddenly the atmosphere turned heavy with tension.

Pragya clutched Mayank's hand .

Mayuri chuckled “ Yeh kya ho raha? ..Why is it taking so long ? I think there's something fishy…

“Sshh! Mayuri, it's not your crime scene. I'll check it ,” Sanyogita said, walking towards the man whom she believed had a solution to every problem.

Sanyogita stood beside Prithvi, and tapped on his shoulder. She caught his attention when the sweet scent of her perfume and the soft jingle of her anklets, “ Viraj , dekhiye na kuch problem hua hai kya ?”

Prithvi squeezed her hand under the semi darkness of the torchlights “ Don't worry, Sanjh , mein dekh ta hoon “

She nodded nervously.

Suddenly, a voice in the dark drew everyone's attention to the stage. Prithvi spotted a girl holding a mic in her hand, but he couldn't recognize her. As she began to speak, her features were illuminated under the spotlight in the hall.

“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen .Tonight , on this special moment , a person will join us all—a man who is very close to this event . When he left this house with nothing in his pocket but thousands of dreams in his eyes and fire in his heart . Now he lives in a thousand hearts. Five years ago, he was just a tiny flame , but now that same flame burns brightly like fire in the sky . No amount of words could capture his struggle,” she said.

Sanyogita stood beside Prithvi, having the same confusion as everyone else.

“Please , put your hands together to welcome the talented, crush of thousands—Mr, Shauryash Singhaniya aka our “Secret Dueño ", the girl announced.

Reyansha stood frozen on the stage , waves of anticipation coursing through her as she braced for the chaos that would ensure.

Pragya’s cheeks brimmed brighter with excitement, “ Bhaiya!” She whispered softly

Mayank shared a subtle smile . He hadn’t seen Shauryash before, but he had heard about him from Pragya umpteen times and it was only yesterday when excitedly mentioned introducing someone very important to her life.

Mayank shared a subtle smile. He hadn’t seen Shauryash before, but he had heard about him from Pragya just days earlier when she

The crowd's focus remained fixed on the stage.

Smoke danced in the spotlight as a figure appeared, wearing a dark-grey blazer over a brown T-shirt inside and the matching black pants . A guitar hung from his neck , his hand wrapped around it as it was made for him. However, his face was still obscured.

Sanyogita's curious glance didn’t dare to tear off, while Prithvi closed his eyes momentarily, his expression filled with disgust and annoyance. When his eyes lifted just as the first note of the voice sliced the air .

Dil Se Chahne Ki Mujhe
Saza Dete Ho
Main Rota Hoon Aur Tum
Maza Lete Ho

The chill of waves washed over Sanyogita’s skin . The ground beneath her feet felt as if it were shifting, and she lost her balance . Just then , she caught hold of someone unknown for support.

A face appearing clearly in the spotlight. Her breathing hitched. Prithvi helped her regain her footing . “Are you okay?” He asked, his voice laced with concern

However his words didn't quite reach her ear .

Teri Shikayat Kar Doon

Tujhko Gale Laga Kar

Teri Shikayat Kar Doon

Tujhko Gale Laga Kar

Mayuri’s eyes widened in horror as she turned to look at Sanyogita. She sensed the strom that Yash would bring. But more than that, she couldn't fathom that “Yash's full name is Shauryash Singhaniya.”

Teri Galtiyon Ko Phir Se

Jaaun Tujhko Samjhakar

Main Ja Raha Hoon Door
Tum Awaz Dogi Kya …

Tera Naam Dhokha Rakh Doon
Naaraaz Hogi Kya
Tera Naam Dhokha Rakh Doon
Naaraaz Hogi Kya

Shauryash's eyes were burning furry , fixed on Sanyogita. She felt as if his anger could turn her to ashes.Goosebumps erected on her skin, making her shiver. Tears welled up in her eyes , and a pang of guilt coalesced in her throat .

Tune Jis Tarah Se Loota
Aahat Bhi Na Hone Di

His hands flew open, inviting two girls who were dancing. They accepted his invitation , twirling in a circle and drawing near to his chest as if they were made of water . He pushed them back in the same way pulled them in.

Haan Tune Jis Tarah Se Loota
Aahat Bhi Na Hone Di

……….

The songs 🎵 went of , the lyrics spilling from his lips were accusatory, revealing grief, hurt, and betrayal.

Suddenly, he left the guitar, and started to step down off the stage . Instinctively, Sanyogita stepped back . What if… If Yash claimed her I in front of everyone? , how would she faced —Viraj?

Horror gripped Sanyogita like a second skin. Her heart thudded with each coming step Shauryash took towards her . But, to her surprise, he suddenly pulled a girl from nearby the stage . Yet, his eyes remained fixed ahead, stilled onto her . They were bloodshot and brimming with unspoken accusations, hurt, disgust, and betrayal. Although his lips were singing, his heart felt like it was ready to explode.

Haan Kitne Khanjar Peeth Pe Meri
Ginkar Toh Batao

Dhayan Se Gin’na Bewafa
Kahin Ginti Na Bhool Jaao

Dekhna Hai Humko
Tum Mere Dil Ke Andar Aao

Chaukna Mat Jab Andar
Tum Apni Tasveer Paao

Yash strode in as the song thundered through the hall, his gaze cutting straight through the crowd—straight to Sanyogita. Someone brushed past him, trying to get in his way. Without a moment of hesitation, he caught her wrist and yanked the person aside, pulling her closer, as if the world had no right to stand between him and his rage. Reyansha’s breath hitched when she was suddenly hauled right in front of him, his chest nearly brushing hers—too close, too public. She flinched on instinct, eyes widening, because the heat in his grip wasn’t desired… It was furry— of abhorrence . And still, he didn’t even seem to notice her; his stare remained locked on Sanyogita, sharp enough to wound.

Jala Doon Jo Tasveer Teri
Udaas Hogi Kya
Jala Doon Jo Tasveer Teri
Udaas Hogi Kya

Tera Naam Dhokha Rakh Doon
Naaraaz Hogi Kya
Tera Naam Dhokha Rakh Doon
Naaraaz Hogi Kya

Read Full Lyrics at iLyricsHub: https://www.ilyricshub.com/dhokha-arijit-singh/

The last note faded… but the tension didn’t.

For the moment, the ballroom stayed trapped in that silence where even breath felt too loud.

Yash was still behind Reyansha—his hand still locked at her waist, fingers splayed like he’d claimed the space around her without realising it. The torchlight caught the veins on his wrist, the tightness in his grip… and the fire in his eyes.

His gaze—burning, furious—was still pinned on Sanyogita.

As if the song hadn’t ended. As if the verdict hadn’t been delivered yet.

Sanyogita swallowed hard. The lump in her throat was guilt… and fear—raw, choking. Her spine prickled when she felt someone step close behind her.

A gentle pressure touched her back.

Mayuri.

Her calm hand settled on Sanyogita’s shoulder like an anchor. Not a comfort. A warning. Don’t move. Don’t react. Don’t collapse.

Prithvi stood slightly ahead of Sanyogita now—half shielding her without making it obvious. His jaw was clenched so tight a muscle ticked near his temple. The disgust in his eyes wasn’t subtle anymore.

Not because Yash had sung.

But because he had dragged Reyansha into it—right in front of elders—right in front of cameras—like her dignity was collateral damage.

The elders’ faces were stiff with shock.

Whispers curled through the crowd again, low and poisonous.

Reyansha stood frozen in the circle of Yash’s arm, throat tight, cheeks heated with humiliation. Her gaze flickered towards her grandfather… then her father… then Ragini.

Vikrant’s eyes were wide, burning with fury.

Then—something shifted.

For the first time since he entered, Shauryash’s eyes moved away from Sanyogita.

Slowly.

Like it hurt him to look anywhere else.

His gaze dropped… to the girl he was holding so close.

Reyansha.

For a moment, he simply stared. As if he was seeing her properly for the first time.

The fire in his eyes dimmed…not completely but enough to reveal the ache beneath. His features softened, just slightly… like reality finally punched through his rage.

His grip loosened immediately.

Reyansha inhaled sharply like she’d been held underwater and was finally allowed air. Her lashes lowered on instinct, not out of submission… but because his closeness had turned the entire hall into a spotlight she never asked for.

Her heartbeat didn’t slow.

It hammered harder. Captivated… and haunted. Before anyone could speak—

Pragya broke the spell. She rushed forward, unable to contain herself, the excitement bursting out of her like fireworks. “Shaurya bhaiya!”

She threw her arms around him tightly.

And just like that, the room remembered it was supposed to be a celebration.

Pragya hugged him again, almost bouncing. “I’m on cloud nine ! Thank you—thank you so much! Aapne mera promise rakh .”

For a second, Shauryash's body stayed rigid, like even a hug felt unfamiliar.

Then his hand lifted, hesitant and then rested on Pragya’s back, the smallest gesture of acceptance.

Reyansha forced a smile from the side, lips trembling slightly as she tried to look normal. I tried to look unaffected.

But everyone’s gaze lingered.

On Shauryash.

And while the guests smiled again, clapped again, murmured “How sweet,”

Prithvi didn’t. His eyes never left him. Because a man who brings a storm into a ballroom…he didn't come only to sing. He had come to settle something.

And Prithvi could feel it—

This wasn’t the end of the chaos. This was only the first strike.