The Dr Kaira Chapter. - Page 16

You are such a rajdhani..... I'm seriously shuffling with year end reports.... I'll definitely read all parts today

Marriage in 2 days they really trying to give kaira heart attack lol

Originally posted by: Phir_Mohabbat

Marriage in 2 days they really trying to give kaira heart attack lol

So so damn good 👍 👍

I was laughing when ruhi shut that Vidya up it was satisfying 😌☺️

Part 20: The Vow, The Vibe, and The Vultures

The Goenka DrawingRoom was now less a place of elegant repose and more a command center for ahigh-stakes, two-day operation. The air, thick with the scent of jasmine fromthe garden, now had aggressive undertones of espresso and stressed phone calls.

Ruhi stood calmlyamidst the storm, looking every inch the composed professional. She gesturedtoward her assistant, Maya, who carefully unveiled a velvet tray on the massivemahogany center table. The tray glittered with several exquisite, heavy men's rings—thenewest collection from Ruhi’s high-end jewelry line.

Kaira approachedthe table, picking up a massive platinum band embedded with baguette diamonds.She frowned, turning it over in her hand.

Kaira: "RuhiDi, why are men’s engagement rings becoming so... aggressive? This looks likeI’m gifting Aaryan a corporate award, not a symbol of love. It’s toomuch."

Ruhi (Smilingpatiently): "That’s the market, Kai. They want ‘statement’ pieces. Itsays, 'I’m powerful, and I’m taken.' We designed them to look like they couldsurvive a small nuclear fallout. Which one are you leaning towards?"

Kaira picked up amuch simpler, matte gold band.

Kaira: "Thisone. It’s classic. But Aaryan likes the flashy ones for 'press photos.' I don'tknow what to choose." She sighed, dropping the gold ring back onto thevelvet. "I'm supposed to be the bride, and I’m stressed about the groom'sfinger candy."

The chaos continuedunabated in the corner. Muskan was pacing a path in the expensive Persian rug,her voice a sharp, high-pitched demand against the backdrop of three concurrentphone calls—two with wedding planners, one with a catering service.

Muskan (Snappinginto the phone): "No, Mr. Makwana, I did not ask for a garden party; Iasked for the entire Raffles Udaipur booked! The engagement is in two days! Weneed the entire resort on lockdown for our guests! And the decor? I want FrenchRiviera meets Rajasthan Sunset! Yes, that’s a theme! Get me a mood board in tenminutes! And the food—tell the chef if the Tiramisu is not better than the onein Milan, I will personally send him back to catering school!"

She slammed thephone down, only to instantly pick up the next one.

Muskan (Into a newcall, voice sweetening slightly): "Namaste, Mehra Ji. Look, I know it's atight deadline, but the menu has to be approved by Me which means everythingmust be organic, vegan, gluten-free, sugar-free, ... and yet somehow alsolook like a feast fit for a Maharaja. Yes. That’s your challenge. Goodluck."

Kairav sat serenely on the sofa, a leather-bound address book open on his lap, a silver pen poised above the pages. He was engaged in a highly confidential call, addressing avery specific, strategic guest.

Kairav (Into thephone, a mischievous grin playing on his lips): "Harshvardhan Uncle! Howare you? Yes, Kaira’s engagement. Two days. Very last minute, I know. Now,listen carefully..."

He leaned forwardconspiratorially, his voice dropping slightly.

Kairav: "Ineed you to come. But don't just come, Uncle. Bring the entire clan—Shivanshand Vaani, Nishta and Arvind... everyone. And yes, especially Manjari Aunty.The more... history the gathering, the more... interesting the engagement willbe."

He paused,listening to the familiar, irritable sputtering sound on the other end, likelycaused by the mention of the Goenka name or the concept of forced socialinteraction.

Kairav(Preemptively cutting off a lecture): "I know, Uncle, I know. I canalready hear the speech about 'Tuntunewali's legacy' and the 'fall of the Birlaname,' but look at it this way: Abhir is here. Our Abhir. Your grandson. Andyour other granddaughter, Ruhi, who is handling the entire event, would love tosee her extended family."

He paused again,letting the weight of the two grandchildren settle on the notoriously difficultman.

Kairav: "Don'tworry about the awkwardness! It’s all fine! This is a Goenka party; awkwardnessis just the first course. Just tell them I’m demanding their presence asKaira’s boss, you practically have to. We need to distract the Poddars withtheir sheer existence. Yes! Perfect! See you in forty-eight hours, Uncle!"

Kairav hung up, hiseyes twinkling, clearly delighted with the massive emotional bomb he had justcasually dropped into the heart of the engagement guest list. The Birlapresence, particularly the estranged and dramatic Manjari, would guarantee adistraction of epic proportions.

Just as Kaira wasabout to select the "least offensive" ring, Meera, Nikhil’s frazzledchief assistant, hurried in, holding a massive, opaque garment bag.

Meera (Gasping forbreath): "Ma’am! Dr. Goenka! Nikhil Sir asked me to rush this over! He’sstuck in a final dye-setting meeting for the Banarasi panel! This is yourengagement lehenga. He said... he said, ‘Tell her to put it on immediately. Ifit fits, she’s ready. If it doesn’t, tell her to blame the cheesecake, notme!’"

Kaira laughed, thefirst genuine, stress-free laugh of the day.

Kaira: "Tell Nikhil I plan to do both! Thank you, Meera."

She took the heavy bag and headed toward the stairs. Muskan was still shouting coordinates to theevent manager, and Kairav was now compiling a list of five-star alcoholimports. The drawing room, a perfect picture of high-end chaos, ransmoothly—precisely because of the well-oiled machine of the Goenka family,united in their mission to host an engagement that would either cement analliance or completely destroy it.

Kaira (Calling upthe stairs): "Ruhi Di! Keep the classic gold one aside! Just in case Idecide Aaryan doesn’t deserve a diamond corporate award!"

The Goenkas smiledat the familiar blend of sarcasm and indecision. The forty-eight hours hadofficially begun.

The Poddar Foyerwas organized chaos, a stark contrast to the Goenkas’ measured efficiency.Kaveri Dadi Sa sat ramrod straight on a carved wooden chair, supervising thearrangement of expensive shagun trays. Manisha and Vidya were arguing in hushedbut furious tones about the jewelry matching the venue lighting.

Kaveri Dadi Sa(Tapping her cane sharply): "Silence! Vidya, Manisha! If the shagun is notarranged with parampara and shuddhi, the whole event will be apshagun!Focus!"

The atmosphere wasalready strained when Armaan walked in, dressed in a crisply ironed white kurta, trying to look detached. He held his phone to his ear, a grimace offorced patience on his face.

Armaan (Muttering into the phone): "Hello, Silly Girl. Are you still planning to attend the engagement dressed as a traffic signal? Dadi Sa is already on high alert."

A voice, bright andexcessively cheerful, immediately burst through the speaker.

Abhira (Loudly,clearly): "Hello, Silly Boy! Don't worry about my fashion sense! I’m currently battling a serious case of 'Panic Ka Fever' justthinking about standing next to Dadi Sa! I bet she's already cooked up somedelicious 'Anger Ke Pakode' just for me!"

Armaan winced,glancing quickly at Kaveri, whose spine seemed to stiffen even further.

Armaan:"Abhira, please. Use your inside voice. And what nonsense are you saying?'Anger Ke Pakode'?"

Abhira: "Yes!Anger Ke Pakode! Fried and crunchy with extra gussa! Anyway, Silly Boy, whatabout the 'Tension Ka Tsunami' that’s about to hit your family over the two-daynotice? Have they stopped hyperventilating yet?"

Dadi Sa (Voice likegrinding stone): "Armaan! Lower that volume! And what is this childishbakwas? Who is this 'Silly Girl' talking about Tension Ka Tsunami?"

Armaan quicklymoved away from the main gathering, trying to whisper.

Armaan:"Abhira, she can hear you! Look, I called you to tell you to be normal.This is a formal event. Don't use your... your ridiculous vocabulary.Seriously, your 'Worry Ke Laddoo' are driving me crazy."

Abhira (Gaspstheatrically): "Oh, wow! You are adding to my cringe vocabulary, SillyBoy! Fine! Worry Ke Laddoo! Noted! But tell me, have you finalized the ring?Don't pick something that gives my hand 'Boredom Ka B.P.' I need somesparkle!"

Armaan: "It’sAaryan wife’s ring, not yours! And I am not calling to discuss jewelry! I amcalling because I need assurance that you won't cause a scene. We cannot affordany more 'Family Izzat Ka Jhagda' with the Goenkas before the engagement."

Abhira: "Aww,don’t you worry your little head, Silly Boy! I promise to keep my 'Disaster KaRemote' firmly switched off. Unless someone is rude to me, then all bets areoff! Bye, Silly Boy! Don't get caught in the 'Drama Ki Baarish' before I get there!"

She hung up with acheerful toot-toot.

Armaan stared athis phone, a mixture of mortification and reluctant affection crossing hisface.

Armaan (Mutteringto himself): "She’s impossible. Utterly, completely impossible."

He turned around,finding Kaveri Dadi Sa standing right behind him, her face a thundercloud ofdisapproval.

Kaveri Dadi Sa:"Who was that, Armaan? And what is this nonsensical exchange of names?'Silly Boy,' 'Silly Girl,' 'Pakode,' 'Tsunami'—are you both children fromkindergarten? Act your age! You are a lawyer!"

Armaan (Stiffly):"Dadi Sa, that was Abhira. She was just... confirming her arrivaltime."

Kaveri Dadi Sa(Eyes narrowed): "That woman is an embarrassment. She is already a sourceof constant 'Sar-Dard Ka Migraine' for this family. If she causes one moredisruption tonight, I will personally ensure she is confined to her room forthe next month. Now go, check on Aaryan! Ensure he projects confidence, notthis juvenile weakness!"

Armaan noddedcurtly, but as he walked away, a ghost of a smile touched his lips. EvenKaveri's terrifying stare couldn't quite extinguish the spark of amusementAbhira’s chaotic presence brought to his severely structured life.

The Poddar Foyerwas still buzzing with pre-departure anxiety. Krish Bansal, dressed in apeacock-blue Kurta, adjusted his gold chain and turned his critical gaze backto his wife, Tanya.

Krish (Low,patronizing voice): "Tanya, why are you adjusting your saree every twoseconds? You are looking unnecessarily... fidgety. And honestly, did you wearthat heavy diamond set? I told you to keep the jewelry subtle so your... um...overall presentation doesn't look too cluttered. You still haven't lost thatbaby weight, have you? Goenka party mein log notice karenge."

Tanya flinched, herhands freezing on the pleats of her pink saree. Normally, this taunt would sendher into immediate, tearful self-consciousness. But today, Nikhil'swords—"You are valuable now. Apne curves ko embrace kar."—echoedfiercely in her mind. She remembered the warmth in his eyes, a contrast to thecold calculation in Krish's.

She dropped herhands from the saree and slowly, deliberately, turned to face her husband. Herexpression was no longer meek; it was sharp and utterly serious.

Tanya (Voice clear,cutting through the low hum of the room): "Krish. You are an idiot."

The word hung inthe air, instantly silencing the nearby servants and causing Manisha Poddar tochoke on her bottled water. Krish’s eyes widened in utter disbelief.

Krish (Hissing):"Tanya! What are you saying? Have you lost your mind? Dadi Sa is rightthere!"

Tanya (Steppingcloser to him, her chin high): "I am saying what I should have said twoyears ago. I am Tanya. Not your accessory, not your perpetual weight-lossproject, and definitely not your punching bag for misplaced male ego."

She tapped herstomach firmly.

Tanya: "Thisbody is mine. It is healthy. It is trying its best through fertility treatmentsthat you keep forcing. If you are worried about 'clutter,' look at your brain,Krish. It seems cluttered with low self-esteem that you project onto me."

Krish (Stutteringwith outrage): "You—you are talking back to me in public? Have youforgotten who you married? I am a Bansal! We are aligning with thePoddars!"

Tanya let out ashort, cold laugh that lacked any humour.

Tanya: "Oh, Iremember who I married. I also remember who I am. I am Tanya Raizada. Daughterof India’s Biggest Industrialist Late Vikram Vir Raizada and sister of AnshumanRaizada And, most importantly, I am the sister of Nikhil Raizada."

She paused, lettingthe name sink in.

Tanya: "Thesame Nikhil Raizada who is the current creative darling of Mumbai and whose networth could buy out the collective wardrobes of a hundred Bansals and fiftyPoddars without him even checking his bank balance."

Tanya leaned in,her eyes boring into his.

Tanya: "So thenext time you decide to criticize my curves, my clothing, or my choices,remember this: I am a Raizada. We don't shrink ourselves to fit in. We take upspace. And if you make a 'comment' at the Goenka party, I will remind everyoneexactly who I am and exactly how lucky you are to be the 'tenant' in thisrelationship. Now, adjust your own cufflink, and try to look less like a cheapwatch."

Krish was utterlydefeated. His jaw was slack, his cheeks flushed crimson, unable to comprehendthis sudden, terrifying shift in his wife's demeanor. He looked towards hisfather for rescue, but Sanjay Bansal was studiously examining a painting on thewall, pretending to be deaf.

Tanya turned awayfrom Krish, her posture taller than it had been in years. She walked past theshagun trays and calmly adjusted her elegant, expensive diamond set—not forKrish, but for herself. She felt light, powerful, and ready to face the Goenkaparty.

Aaryan was pacingnervously, adjusting the exquisite, heavily-embroidered Deep Green BandhgalaSherwani that hung regally on a mannequin. It was a traditional piece, designedto look imposing and wealthy—exactly what Aaryan wanted to project at the Goenkafunction.

Aaryan: "Mom,Vidya Chachi, check the fall of the dupatta. It needs to look rich, not flimsy.And Abhira, for the last time, please stop hovering near the clothes with thoseclumsy hands of yours."

Abhira (Muttering,while examining the silver zari work): "Relax, Aaryan. I'm just checkingif this sherwani is giving off 'Boring Ka Bomb' or 'Groom Ka Grandeur.' Rightnow, it’s leaning towards the bomb."

Vidya (Sighing):"Abhira, please. This is a classic designer piece. It costs afortune."

Just then, Armaanwalked back in, having forgotten his car keys. He stopped, his gaze landing onthe deep green sherwani.

Armaan(Approvingly): "Wow, Aaryan. This is sharp. This color, the cut... it’sexactly what the Poddar heir should wear. It projects authority."

Abhira (Eyesnarrowing at Armaan): "Authority? No, Silly Boy, it projects 'Uncle KaAudition.' It's too heavy! Aaryan is marrying Kaira, not a 19th-centuryportrait. It needs some youthful vibe, not this 'Burden Ka Bhoj!'"

She reached outand, with surprising speed, tried to snatch the sherwani off the mannequin toshow them an alternative.

Armaan (Instantlygrabbing the other sleeve): "Hey! Stop! Abhira, don't touch it! It'sperfectly fine! It shows class, not 'Bhoj'! What are you even doing? Leave theclothes alone!"

Abhira: "No!It needs to be replaced! I saw a much cooler, asymmetrical one with a pastelgeometric print! This green is making my 'Happiness Ka Hunger' vanish!"

She yanked thesherwani hard towards her side.

Armaan: "It'sthe best sherwani in the house! It stays! Aaryan needs to look sophisticated,not like a cartoon!" He pulled back with equal force.

And just like that,the elegant, eight-lakh-rupee designer sherwani turned into a rope in aridiculous tug-of-war between the two lawyers.

Aaryan (Horrified,shouting): "Armaan Bhai! Abhira Bhabhi! Stop it! It's delicate!"

Vidya (Clapping herhands frantically): "Oh my God! The embroidery! The threads willpull!"

Abhira: "It'smy fashion duty to save Aaryan from this 'Sadma Ka Suit!' Let go, SillyBoy!"

Armaan:"Never! I am the keeper of Poddar decorum! This suit must bepreserved!"

RIIIIPPP!

The sound wasshockingly loud. The intricate silk fabric, pulled taut between the two strongindividuals, gave way right at the seam connecting the shoulder and the sleeve.The entire left shoulder and sleeve came loose, dangling precariously.

Abhira staggeredback, holding the detached sleeve. Armaan was left holding the ripped torso.They both stared at the ruined garment, then at each other, their faces amixture of guilt and shock.

Aaryan (Turningcrimson, his voice tight with rage and despair): "MY SHERWANI! You... youtwo destroyed it!24 hours before the engagement! This was the best piece! Youtwo are completely impossible! How dare you treat my clothes like a circustoy!"

Abhira (Wincing,holding up the sleeve): "Oops. Silly Boy, I think we gave the sherwani asevere case of 'Tearful Trauma.' But look on the bright side, Aaryan! Now youhave to pick something else! Maybe something that doesn’t induce 'Sleep KaSensation!'"

Armaan (Slammingthe main piece onto a table, running his hand through his hair): "Abhira!This is not funny! You just ruined the most expensive garment in this house!Aaryan is right to be angry! What are you going to wear now, Aaryan?"

Aaryan let out afrustrated scream that echoed through the quiet foyer.

Aaryan (Wailing):"I don't know! I'll wear a bedsheet! Get out! Both of you! You havesucceeded in creating absolute Apocalypse in my life!"

Armaan, seeing thetotal meltdown, grabbed Abhira's arm and pulled her swiftly out of the roombefore Aaryan could direct his full fury at them.

Armaan (DraggingAbhira towards the exit): "Come on, Silly Girl. Mission accomplished, butwe need an emergency exit before we get thrown out of the house for good."

It’s the nightbefore the engagement, in Kaira’s lavish bedroom, the bride-to-be was deep intoher pre-engagement ritual. She was sprawled on her chaise lounge, her hairwrapped in a towel, her face gleaming with a sheet mask, and thick, coolingcucumber slices covering her eyes.

Her phone buzzedrepeatedly beside her. She picked it up blindly, peeling back one cucumberslice to peek at the notifications. It was a string of texts from Aaryan.

Aaryan (Text):Jaan, can't sleep. Thinking about you in the champagne lehenga tomorrow. Youwill look like a goddess. The most beautiful woman in the world.

Aaryan (Text): Iknow I was stressed earlier, baby. That Garima Garg incident was all my fault.I just want everything to be perfect for my Queen. I love you, Kairu.

Aaryan (Text): Soexcited to officially be yours. After tomorrow, we start building our empire.Poddar Law Firm needs the Goenka name, and I need you. Talk soon, my love.

Kaira slowlyreplaced the cucumber slice. The messages, dripping with affection andapologies, were precisely what the old Kaira would have instantly melted for.But now, after the fight, after Nikhil’s words, and after her parents’ andRuhi’s intense focus on the 'Green Flag Trap,' the words felt less like loveand more like a carefully crafted script.

She felt a strange,cold knot in her stomach—a weird, unsettling gut feeling that the love wastransactional, not unconditional. The last text, especially, felt too focusedon the 'empire' and the 'Poddar Law Firm.'

She didn't bothertyping a lengthy response. She simply sent a single, generic emoji.

Kaira (Text): ❤️

Across town, at thePoddar Haveli, Aaryan was hunched over his phone, his handsome face etched withhigh anxiety, waiting for Kaira's reply. The destroyed sherwani lay in adefeated pile on his floor, a symbol of his pre-engagement stress.

Ping!

He snatched thephone. He saw the red heart emoji. A long, shuddering breath escaped him.

Aaryan (Mutteringto himself, a smug smile spreading): "Phew. Bach gayi. She's not angry.The apology worked."

He tossed the phoneonto the satin bedspread, his expression instantly shifting from nervous loverto calculating businessman.

Aaryan (Thinking):The Goenka connection is secure.

His gaze drifted tothe blueprints of the Poddar Law Firm expansion pinned to his notice board.

Aaryan (Thinking,cold ambition gleaming in his eyes): Tomorrow, I get the status. I get thepower. And then, I will use Kairu’s influence, network, and sheer politicalweight to get my share in the Poddar Law Firm and the Poddar House. Kaveri DadiSa cannot stop me if Kairav Goenka is backing my decisions. My Queen will be mybiggest asset.

He was relieved—anddangerous. The engagement was now, officially, his stepping stone.

The guest suite wasfinally silent, bathed in the cool, blue light filtering from the gardenoutside. Nikhil was lying on the bed, but sleep was a distant prospect. Heturned onto his side, his gaze falling on the large sketch pad he had beenworking on earlier.

He picked it upgently. It wasn't a fashion design; it was a rough, charcoal sketch of Kaira.Not Kaira the doctor, not Kaira the heiress, but Kaira caught in a candidmoment her head thrown back in a laugh, her eyes crinkling at the corners, afaint smudge of kajal beneath one eye. The kind of detail only someone whotruly saw her would notice.

He traced theoutline of her smile with his thumb, a profound tenderness filling his chest.

Nikhil (Whisperingto the sketch): "Tum sirf meri best friend nahi ho, Kai. You are themasterpiece I spend my life designing for. Every color I choose, every textureI pick, it’s all subconsciously about making you shine brighter."

He had alwayshidden his feelings behind sarcasm and artistic temperament, but now, in thequiet solitude of the night before the engagement, the truth was an undeniable,burning reality.

Nikhil (His voicelow, thick with passion and certainty): "My love for you isn't aboutproperty, power, or press releases. It’s a force. It’s the energy that pulls meout of bed every morning. It's that fierce, protective instinct that flares upevery time that fraud, Aaryan, looks at you like you're a signedcontract."

He clenched hisjaw, the image of Aaryan’s critical gaze in the boutique flashing in his mind.

Nikhil: "Wohtumhe azaadi nahi dega.. And I won't let that happen. I refuse to watch thelight go out of your eyes because you chose a man who values your waist sizeand net worth more than your wisdom."

He placed thesketch on his bedside table and stared up at the ceiling, making a silent,solemn vow that resonated with the fervor of an artist protecting his mostprecious work.

Nikhil (Fiercely):"Kaira Goenka, you are my life. And I swear on everything I design, I willsave you from Aaryan Poddar tomorrow night. I will expose his real face, and Iwill make sure you walk away free. I will not fail you. "

He closed his eyes,the passion of his secret love fueling the adrenaline for the impendingconfrontation. Tomorrow would be the day the designer risked everything for hismuse

Part 20 is out!

I knew it. Bageera and arman planning to stop the engagement lol. And other side kairav hoping harsh will do something to stop the wedding. Nikhil muskan ruhi also trying to convince kaira to stop the wedding

Dekhte hai kiska plan kaam ata hai 🤣🤣

Bageeras language is unbearable. I hope something tell her to stfu and she does. What an insufferable idiot she is

Aryan ka ambition why not use kaveris legacy. Very stupid

Loved tanya shutting up krish. I hope she and Sanjay teams up they will be riot

What kinda menu muskan is asking to ruin everyone's mood 🤣🤣🤣 vegan gluten free also taste free lol

Nikhil is very nice and perfect all that jazz but the drama will be in kaira knowing about everyone plotting to end the wedding, she's also pissed at changed Aryan her parents ruhi Nikhil everyone. Maza ayega

Originally posted by: A_Star39

Part 20: The Vow, The Vibe, and The Vultures

The Goenka DrawingRoom was now less a place of elegant repose and more a command center for ahigh-stakes, two-day operation. The air, thick with the scent of jasmine fromthe garden, now had aggressive undertones of espresso and stressed phone calls.

Ruhi stood calmlyamidst the storm, looking every inch the composed professional. She gesturedtoward her assistant, Maya, who carefully unveiled a velvet tray on the massivemahogany center table. The tray glittered with several exquisite, heavy men's rings—thenewest collection from Ruhi’s high-end jewelry line.

Kaira approachedthe table, picking up a massive platinum band embedded with baguette diamonds.She frowned, turning it over in her hand.

Kaira: "RuhiDi, why are men’s engagement rings becoming so... aggressive? This looks likeI’m gifting Aaryan a corporate award, not a symbol of love. It’s toomuch."

Ruhi (Smilingpatiently): "That’s the market, Kai. They want ‘statement’ pieces. Itsays, 'I’m powerful, and I’m taken.' We designed them to look like they couldsurvive a small nuclear fallout. Which one are you leaning towards?"

Kaira picked up amuch simpler, matte gold band.

Kaira: "Thisone. It’s classic. But Aaryan likes the flashy ones for 'press photos.' I don'tknow what to choose." She sighed, dropping the gold ring back onto thevelvet. "I'm supposed to be the bride, and I’m stressed about the groom'sfinger candy."

The chaos continuedunabated in the corner. Muskan was pacing a path in the expensive Persian rug,her voice a sharp, high-pitched demand against the backdrop of three concurrentphone calls—two with wedding planners, one with a catering service.

Muskan (Snappinginto the phone): "No, Mr. Makwana, I did not ask for a garden party; Iasked for the entire Raffles Udaipur booked! The engagement is in two days! Weneed the entire resort on lockdown for our guests! And the decor? I want FrenchRiviera meets Rajasthan Sunset! Yes, that’s a theme! Get me a mood board in tenminutes! And the food—tell the chef if the Tiramisu is not better than the onein Milan, I will personally send him back to catering school!"

She slammed thephone down, only to instantly pick up the next one.

Muskan (Into a newcall, voice sweetening slightly): "Namaste, Mehra Ji. Look, I know it's atight deadline, but the menu has to be approved by Me which means everythingmust be organic, vegan, gluten-free, sugar-free, ... and yet somehow alsolook like a feast fit for a Maharaja. Yes. That’s your challenge. Goodluck."

Kairav sat serenely on the sofa, a leather-bound address book open on his lap, a silver pen poised above the pages. He was engaged in a highly confidential call, addressing avery specific, strategic guest.

Kairav (Into thephone, a mischievous grin playing on his lips): "Harshvardhan Uncle! Howare you? Yes, Kaira’s engagement. Two days. Very last minute, I know. Now,listen carefully..."

He leaned forwardconspiratorially, his voice dropping slightly.

Kairav: "Ineed you to come. But don't just come, Uncle. Bring the entire clan—Shivanshand Vaani, Nishta and Arvind... everyone. And yes, especially Manjari Aunty.The more... history the gathering, the more... interesting the engagement willbe."

He paused,listening to the familiar, irritable sputtering sound on the other end, likelycaused by the mention of the Goenka name or the concept of forced socialinteraction.

Kairav(Preemptively cutting off a lecture): "I know, Uncle, I know. I canalready hear the speech about 'Tuntunewali's legacy' and the 'fall of the Birlaname,' but look at it this way: Abhir is here. Our Abhir. Your grandson. Andyour other granddaughter, Ruhi, who is handling the entire event, would love tosee her extended family."

He paused again,letting the weight of the two grandchildren settle on the notoriously difficultman.

Kairav: "Don'tworry about the awkwardness! It’s all fine! This is a Goenka party; awkwardnessis just the first course. Just tell them I’m demanding their presence asKaira’s boss, you practically have to. We need to distract the Poddars withtheir sheer existence. Yes! Perfect! See you in forty-eight hours, Uncle!"

Kairav hung up, hiseyes twinkling, clearly delighted with the massive emotional bomb he had justcasually dropped into the heart of the engagement guest list. The Birlapresence, particularly the estranged and dramatic Manjari, would guarantee adistraction of epic proportions.

Just as Kaira wasabout to select the "least offensive" ring, Meera, Nikhil’s frazzledchief assistant, hurried in, holding a massive, opaque garment bag.

Meera (Gasping forbreath): "Ma’am! Dr. Goenka! Nikhil Sir asked me to rush this over! He’sstuck in a final dye-setting meeting for the Banarasi panel! This is yourengagement lehenga. He said... he said, ‘Tell her to put it on immediately. Ifit fits, she’s ready. If it doesn’t, tell her to blame the cheesecake, notme!’"

Kaira laughed, thefirst genuine, stress-free laugh of the day.

Kaira: "Tell Nikhil I plan to do both! Thank you, Meera."

She took the heavy bag and headed toward the stairs. Muskan was still shouting coordinates to theevent manager, and Kairav was now compiling a list of five-star alcoholimports. The drawing room, a perfect picture of high-end chaos, ransmoothly—precisely because of the well-oiled machine of the Goenka family,united in their mission to host an engagement that would either cement analliance or completely destroy it.

Kaira (Calling upthe stairs): "Ruhi Di! Keep the classic gold one aside! Just in case Idecide Aaryan doesn’t deserve a diamond corporate award!"

The Goenkas smiledat the familiar blend of sarcasm and indecision. The forty-eight hours hadofficially begun.

The Poddar Foyerwas organized chaos, a stark contrast to the Goenkas’ measured efficiency.Kaveri Dadi Sa sat ramrod straight on a carved wooden chair, supervising thearrangement of expensive shagun trays. Manisha and Vidya were arguing in hushedbut furious tones about the jewelry matching the venue lighting.

Kaveri Dadi Sa(Tapping her cane sharply): "Silence! Vidya, Manisha! If the shagun is notarranged with parampara and shuddhi, the whole event will be apshagun!Focus!"

The atmosphere wasalready strained when Armaan walked in, dressed in a crisply ironed white kurta, trying to look detached. He held his phone to his ear, a grimace offorced patience on his face.

Armaan (Muttering into the phone): "Hello, Silly Girl. Are you still planning to attend the engagement dressed as a traffic signal? Dadi Sa is already on high alert."

A voice, bright andexcessively cheerful, immediately burst through the speaker.

Abhira (Loudly,clearly): "Hello, Silly Boy! Don't worry about my fashion sense! I’m currently battling a serious case of 'Panic Ka Fever' justthinking about standing next to Dadi Sa! I bet she's already cooked up somedelicious 'Anger Ke Pakode' just for me!"

Armaan winced,glancing quickly at Kaveri, whose spine seemed to stiffen even further.

Armaan:"Abhira, please. Use your inside voice. And what nonsense are you saying?'Anger Ke Pakode'?"

Abhira: "Yes!Anger Ke Pakode! Fried and crunchy with extra gussa! Anyway, Silly Boy, whatabout the 'Tension Ka Tsunami' that’s about to hit your family over the two-daynotice? Have they stopped hyperventilating yet?"

Dadi Sa (Voice likegrinding stone): "Armaan! Lower that volume! And what is this childishbakwas? Who is this 'Silly Girl' talking about Tension Ka Tsunami?"

Armaan quicklymoved away from the main gathering, trying to whisper.

Armaan:"Abhira, she can hear you! Look, I called you to tell you to be normal.This is a formal event. Don't use your... your ridiculous vocabulary.Seriously, your 'Worry Ke Laddoo' are driving me crazy."

Abhira (Gaspstheatrically): "Oh, wow! You are adding to my cringe vocabulary, SillyBoy! Fine! Worry Ke Laddoo! Noted! But tell me, have you finalized the ring?Don't pick something that gives my hand 'Boredom Ka B.P.' I need somesparkle!"

Armaan: "It’sAaryan wife’s ring, not yours! And I am not calling to discuss jewelry! I amcalling because I need assurance that you won't cause a scene. We cannot affordany more 'Family Izzat Ka Jhagda' with the Goenkas before the engagement."

Abhira: "Aww,don’t you worry your little head, Silly Boy! I promise to keep my 'Disaster KaRemote' firmly switched off. Unless someone is rude to me, then all bets areoff! Bye, Silly Boy! Don't get caught in the 'Drama Ki Baarish' before I get there!"

She hung up with acheerful toot-toot.

Armaan stared athis phone, a mixture of mortification and reluctant affection crossing hisface.

Armaan (Mutteringto himself): "She’s impossible. Utterly, completely impossible."

He turned around,finding Kaveri Dadi Sa standing right behind him, her face a thundercloud ofdisapproval.

Kaveri Dadi Sa:"Who was that, Armaan? And what is this nonsensical exchange of names?'Silly Boy,' 'Silly Girl,' 'Pakode,' 'Tsunami'—are you both children fromkindergarten? Act your age! You are a lawyer!"

Armaan (Stiffly):"Dadi Sa, that was Abhira. She was just... confirming her arrivaltime."

Kaveri Dadi Sa(Eyes narrowed): "That woman is an embarrassment. She is already a sourceof constant 'Sar-Dard Ka Migraine' for this family. If she causes one moredisruption tonight, I will personally ensure she is confined to her room forthe next month. Now go, check on Aaryan! Ensure he projects confidence, notthis juvenile weakness!"

Armaan noddedcurtly, but as he walked away, a ghost of a smile touched his lips. EvenKaveri's terrifying stare couldn't quite extinguish the spark of amusementAbhira’s chaotic presence brought to his severely structured life.

The Poddar Foyerwas still buzzing with pre-departure anxiety. Krish Bansal, dressed in apeacock-blue Kurta, adjusted his gold chain and turned his critical gaze backto his wife, Tanya.

Krish (Low,patronizing voice): "Tanya, why are you adjusting your saree every twoseconds? You are looking unnecessarily... fidgety. And honestly, did you wearthat heavy diamond set? I told you to keep the jewelry subtle so your... um...overall presentation doesn't look too cluttered. You still haven't lost thatbaby weight, have you? Goenka party mein log notice karenge."

Tanya flinched, herhands freezing on the pleats of her pink saree. Normally, this taunt would sendher into immediate, tearful self-consciousness. But today, Nikhil'swords—"You are valuable now. Apne curves ko embrace kar."—echoedfiercely in her mind. She remembered the warmth in his eyes, a contrast to thecold calculation in Krish's.

She dropped herhands from the saree and slowly, deliberately, turned to face her husband. Herexpression was no longer meek; it was sharp and utterly serious.

Tanya (Voice clear,cutting through the low hum of the room): "Krish. You are an idiot."

The word hung inthe air, instantly silencing the nearby servants and causing Manisha Poddar tochoke on her bottled water. Krish’s eyes widened in utter disbelief.

Krish (Hissing):"Tanya! What are you saying? Have you lost your mind? Dadi Sa is rightthere!"

Tanya (Steppingcloser to him, her chin high): "I am saying what I should have said twoyears ago. I am Tanya. Not your accessory, not your perpetual weight-lossproject, and definitely not your punching bag for misplaced male ego."

She tapped herstomach firmly.

Tanya: "Thisbody is mine. It is healthy. It is trying its best through fertility treatmentsthat you keep forcing. If you are worried about 'clutter,' look at your brain,Krish. It seems cluttered with low self-esteem that you project onto me."

Krish (Stutteringwith outrage): "You—you are talking back to me in public? Have youforgotten who you married? I am a Bansal! We are aligning with thePoddars!"

Tanya let out ashort, cold laugh that lacked any humour.

Tanya: "Oh, Iremember who I married. I also remember who I am. I am Tanya Raizada. Daughterof India’s Biggest Industrialist Late Vikram Vir Raizada and sister of AnshumanRaizada And, most importantly, I am the sister of Nikhil Raizada."

She paused, lettingthe name sink in.

Tanya: "Thesame Nikhil Raizada who is the current creative darling of Mumbai and whose networth could buy out the collective wardrobes of a hundred Bansals and fiftyPoddars without him even checking his bank balance."

Tanya leaned in,her eyes boring into his.

Tanya: "So thenext time you decide to criticize my curves, my clothing, or my choices,remember this: I am a Raizada. We don't shrink ourselves to fit in. We take upspace. And if you make a 'comment' at the Goenka party, I will remind everyoneexactly who I am and exactly how lucky you are to be the 'tenant' in thisrelationship. Now, adjust your own cufflink, and try to look less like a cheapwatch."

Krish was utterlydefeated. His jaw was slack, his cheeks flushed crimson, unable to comprehendthis sudden, terrifying shift in his wife's demeanor. He looked towards hisfather for rescue, but Sanjay Bansal was studiously examining a painting on thewall, pretending to be deaf.

Tanya turned awayfrom Krish, her posture taller than it had been in years. She walked past theshagun trays and calmly adjusted her elegant, expensive diamond set—not forKrish, but for herself. She felt light, powerful, and ready to face the Goenkaparty.

Aaryan was pacingnervously, adjusting the exquisite, heavily-embroidered Deep Green BandhgalaSherwani that hung regally on a mannequin. It was a traditional piece, designedto look imposing and wealthy—exactly what Aaryan wanted to project at the Goenkafunction.

Aaryan: "Mom,Vidya Chachi, check the fall of the dupatta. It needs to look rich, not flimsy.And Abhira, for the last time, please stop hovering near the clothes with thoseclumsy hands of yours."

Abhira (Muttering,while examining the silver zari work): "Relax, Aaryan. I'm just checkingif this sherwani is giving off 'Boring Ka Bomb' or 'Groom Ka Grandeur.' Rightnow, it’s leaning towards the bomb."

Vidya (Sighing):"Abhira, please. This is a classic designer piece. It costs afortune."

Just then, Armaanwalked back in, having forgotten his car keys. He stopped, his gaze landing onthe deep green sherwani.

Armaan(Approvingly): "Wow, Aaryan. This is sharp. This color, the cut... it’sexactly what the Poddar heir should wear. It projects authority."

Abhira (Eyesnarrowing at Armaan): "Authority? No, Silly Boy, it projects 'Uncle KaAudition.' It's too heavy! Aaryan is marrying Kaira, not a 19th-centuryportrait. It needs some youthful vibe, not this 'Burden Ka Bhoj!'"

She reached outand, with surprising speed, tried to snatch the sherwani off the mannequin toshow them an alternative.

Armaan (Instantlygrabbing the other sleeve): "Hey! Stop! Abhira, don't touch it! It'sperfectly fine! It shows class, not 'Bhoj'! What are you even doing? Leave theclothes alone!"

Abhira: "No!It needs to be replaced! I saw a much cooler, asymmetrical one with a pastelgeometric print! This green is making my 'Happiness Ka Hunger' vanish!"

She yanked thesherwani hard towards her side.

Armaan: "It'sthe best sherwani in the house! It stays! Aaryan needs to look sophisticated,not like a cartoon!" He pulled back with equal force.

And just like that,the elegant, eight-lakh-rupee designer sherwani turned into a rope in aridiculous tug-of-war between the two lawyers.

Aaryan (Horrified,shouting): "Armaan Bhai! Abhira Bhabhi! Stop it! It's delicate!"

Vidya (Clapping herhands frantically): "Oh my God! The embroidery! The threads willpull!"

Abhira: "It'smy fashion duty to save Aaryan from this 'Sadma Ka Suit!' Let go, SillyBoy!"

Armaan:"Never! I am the keeper of Poddar decorum! This suit must bepreserved!"

RIIIIPPP!

The sound wasshockingly loud. The intricate silk fabric, pulled taut between the two strongindividuals, gave way right at the seam connecting the shoulder and the sleeve.The entire left shoulder and sleeve came loose, dangling precariously.

Abhira staggeredback, holding the detached sleeve. Armaan was left holding the ripped torso.They both stared at the ruined garment, then at each other, their faces amixture of guilt and shock.

Aaryan (Turningcrimson, his voice tight with rage and despair): "MY SHERWANI! You... youtwo destroyed it!24 hours before the engagement! This was the best piece! Youtwo are completely impossible! How dare you treat my clothes like a circustoy!"

Abhira (Wincing,holding up the sleeve): "Oops. Silly Boy, I think we gave the sherwani asevere case of 'Tearful Trauma.' But look on the bright side, Aaryan! Now youhave to pick something else! Maybe something that doesn’t induce 'Sleep KaSensation!'"

Armaan (Slammingthe main piece onto a table, running his hand through his hair): "Abhira!This is not funny! You just ruined the most expensive garment in this house!Aaryan is right to be angry! What are you going to wear now, Aaryan?"

Aaryan let out afrustrated scream that echoed through the quiet foyer.

Aaryan (Wailing):"I don't know! I'll wear a bedsheet! Get out! Both of you! You havesucceeded in creating absolute Apocalypse in my life!"

Armaan, seeing thetotal meltdown, grabbed Abhira's arm and pulled her swiftly out of the roombefore Aaryan could direct his full fury at them.

Armaan (DraggingAbhira towards the exit): "Come on, Silly Girl. Mission accomplished, butwe need an emergency exit before we get thrown out of the house for good."

It’s the nightbefore the engagement, in Kaira’s lavish bedroom, the bride-to-be was deep intoher pre-engagement ritual. She was sprawled on her chaise lounge, her hairwrapped in a towel, her face gleaming with a sheet mask, and thick, coolingcucumber slices covering her eyes.

Her phone buzzedrepeatedly beside her. She picked it up blindly, peeling back one cucumberslice to peek at the notifications. It was a string of texts from Aaryan.

Aaryan (Text):Jaan, can't sleep. Thinking about you in the champagne lehenga tomorrow. Youwill look like a goddess. The most beautiful woman in the world.

Aaryan (Text): Iknow I was stressed earlier, baby. That Garima Garg incident was all my fault.I just want everything to be perfect for my Queen. I love you, Kairu.

Aaryan (Text): Soexcited to officially be yours. After tomorrow, we start building our empire.Poddar Law Firm needs the Goenka name, and I need you. Talk soon, my love.

Kaira slowlyreplaced the cucumber slice. The messages, dripping with affection andapologies, were precisely what the old Kaira would have instantly melted for.But now, after the fight, after Nikhil’s words, and after her parents’ andRuhi’s intense focus on the 'Green Flag Trap,' the words felt less like loveand more like a carefully crafted script.

She felt a strange,cold knot in her stomach—a weird, unsettling gut feeling that the love wastransactional, not unconditional. The last text, especially, felt too focusedon the 'empire' and the 'Poddar Law Firm.'

She didn't bothertyping a lengthy response. She simply sent a single, generic emoji.

Kaira (Text): ❤️

Across town, at thePoddar Haveli, Aaryan was hunched over his phone, his handsome face etched withhigh anxiety, waiting for Kaira's reply. The destroyed sherwani lay in adefeated pile on his floor, a symbol of his pre-engagement stress.

Ping!

He snatched thephone. He saw the red heart emoji. A long, shuddering breath escaped him.

Aaryan (Mutteringto himself, a smug smile spreading): "Phew. Bach gayi. She's not angry.The apology worked."

He tossed the phoneonto the satin bedspread, his expression instantly shifting from nervous loverto calculating businessman.

Aaryan (Thinking):The Goenka connection is secure.

His gaze drifted tothe blueprints of the Poddar Law Firm expansion pinned to his notice board.

Aaryan (Thinking,cold ambition gleaming in his eyes): Tomorrow, I get the status. I get thepower. And then, I will use Kairu’s influence, network, and sheer politicalweight to get my share in the Poddar Law Firm and the Poddar House. Kaveri DadiSa cannot stop me if Kairav Goenka is backing my decisions. My Queen will be mybiggest asset.

He was relieved—anddangerous. The engagement was now, officially, his stepping stone.

The guest suite wasfinally silent, bathed in the cool, blue light filtering from the gardenoutside. Nikhil was lying on the bed, but sleep was a distant prospect. Heturned onto his side, his gaze falling on the large sketch pad he had beenworking on earlier.

He picked it upgently. It wasn't a fashion design; it was a rough, charcoal sketch of Kaira.Not Kaira the doctor, not Kaira the heiress, but Kaira caught in a candidmoment her head thrown back in a laugh, her eyes crinkling at the corners, afaint smudge of kajal beneath one eye. The kind of detail only someone whotruly saw her would notice.

He traced theoutline of her smile with his thumb, a profound tenderness filling his chest.

Nikhil (Whisperingto the sketch): "Tum sirf meri best friend nahi ho, Kai. You are themasterpiece I spend my life designing for. Every color I choose, every textureI pick, it’s all subconsciously about making you shine brighter."

He had alwayshidden his feelings behind sarcasm and artistic temperament, but now, in thequiet solitude of the night before the engagement, the truth was an undeniable,burning reality.

Nikhil (His voicelow, thick with passion and certainty): "My love for you isn't aboutproperty, power, or press releases. It’s a force. It’s the energy that pulls meout of bed every morning. It's that fierce, protective instinct that flares upevery time that fraud, Aaryan, looks at you like you're a signedcontract."

He clenched hisjaw, the image of Aaryan’s critical gaze in the boutique flashing in his mind.

Nikhil: "Wohtumhe azaadi nahi dega.. And I won't let that happen. I refuse to watch thelight go out of your eyes because you chose a man who values your waist sizeand net worth more than your wisdom."

He placed thesketch on his bedside table and stared up at the ceiling, making a silent,solemn vow that resonated with the fervor of an artist protecting his mostprecious work.

Nikhil (Fiercely):"Kaira Goenka, you are my life. And I swear on everything I design, I willsave you from Aaryan Poddar tomorrow night. I will expose his real face, and Iwill make sure you walk away free. I will not fail you. "

He closed his eyes,the passion of his secret love fueling the adrenaline for the impendingconfrontation. Tomorrow would be the day the designer risked everything for hismuse

Nikhil is so so lovely, his love for Kaira is admirable

Armaan and his silly girl are total clowns 🤣

Part 21: The Grand Entrance and The Birla Blitz

The Poddar convoy,a line of gleaming, high-end cars, cut a tense path through the Rajasthani twilight, heading toward the majestic Raffles Udaipur resort. Inside theflagship sedan, the air conditioning was high, but the tension was higher.

In the back seat,Armaan was trying to focus on a legal brief on his tablet, but the constant,agitated muttering of his wife, Abhira, was proving distracting.

Abhira: "Istill can’t believe Muskan Mami bol rahi thi ki I look like a spilled paintbox! Woh toh unki problem hai agar unhe vibrancy nahi pasand."

Armaan:"Abhira, relax. Muskan Aunty is stressed. Focus on the reason we're going.Kaira and aaryan. Tumhe kya lagta hai,sudden two-day notice—kuch gadbad lagtihai."

Abhira:"Gadbad toh hai, Silly Boy. Kaira is too smart to suddenly rush into wedding.But my problem is my own family, yaar. Kairav Mama aur Muskan Mami—they treatme like some... some unwanted side dish! Especially Mama. Unhe itni problem kyathi?"

She slumpeddramatically against the leather seat.

Abhira: "Justa simple 'Akshara Goenka-Sharma Music Academy'—itna bhi nahi kar sakte the?It’s like they keep trying to erase Papa's existence, just like they tried toerase Maa’s past! Bahut gussa aata hai mujhe!"

Armaan (Gently):"Janta hoon. But today, focus on Kaira and Aaryan. Unke liye kuch bhigalat nahi hona chahiye."

In the car ahead,Manisha Poddar (Aaryan's mother) and Manoj Poddar (Aaryan's father) werediscussing the future acquisition—Kaira.

Manisha: "Ji,suno. Kaira ke aane se humari izzat kitni badh jaayegi, socho!."

Manoj: "Haan,Manisha. But yeh ladki... she is a doctor, very independent. Agar usne Aaryanko control karna shuru kar diya toh? Weneed to make sure she understands the Poddar rules jaldi se."

Manisha: "Sheis marrying Aaryan. She will adjust. Poddar bahu banne ka prestige koi chotibaat thodi hai. We just need to manage Maasa’s temper today."

In the lead car,Kaveri Dadi Sa sat beside Sanjay Bansal (Krish’s father). Kaveri was radiatingcold displeasure.

Kaveri:"Sanjay, did you hear that Muskan? 'We command magic!' Kitna ghamand hai!And setting the engagement in two days... yeh toh sirf apni shaan dikha rahehain."

Sanjay (Nervouslyadjusting his tie): "Ji, Dadi Sa. Goenkas are known for their power, butMuskan ji ka attitude was a bit much. Lekin humein toh chup rehna padega. Thealliance is important for the firm’s image, aur Aaryan ka future."

Kaveri: "Chuptoh rehna padega, but remember this arrogance. I don't trust Kairav andMuskan's sudden haste. Kuch toh chhipa rahe hain."

In the third car,Krish was still smarting from Tanya’s public display of rebellion. Tanya wasstaring out the window, looking serene and victorious. Kiara (Aaryan's sister)was quietly observing the dynamics.

Krish (Fuming,whispering): "Tanya, I swear, if you embarrass me again, main tumhe gharjaane nahi dunga. What was all that 'Raizada' nonsense? Ek chota sa designerhai woh, uske naam se mujhe dara rahi ho?"

Tanya (Turningslowly, a playful smirk on her face): "Oh, Silly Boy... wait, I mean,Krish. Woh chhota designer nahi, woh mera Bhai hai. And he is ten times morecreative and richer than your entire family. Darna toh chahiye. Just be nice tome tonight, or maybe I’ll ask Nikhil to design your next jail uniform insteadof my next gown."

Kiara (Snortingquietly, then quickly covering it): "Tanya Bhabhi, aap toh aaj full formmein ho!"

Tanya (Winks):"Kya karein, Kiara. Some people only understand the language of money andpower. Raizada power show karna padta hai."

Just then, the carsslowed, and the magnificent, brightly lit façade of Raffles Udaipur came intoview, shimmering on the waters of the lake. The sheer scale and opulence of thevenue were breathtaking.

Kaveri Dadi Sa (Asliver of shock and awe entering her voice): "My God. Itna badaintezaam... in two days."

The Poddar convoypulled up, ready to step into the Goenka's opulent battlefield.

The Grand Lobby ofRaffles Udaipur was a masterpiece of marble, chandeliers, and hushed opulence.The Poddars stood in a stiff, huddled cluster near the reception, looking likea group of uncomfortable penguins in a tropical paradise. Kaveri Dadi Sa was tappingher cane rhythmically, her patience thinning with every passing second.

Kaveri Dadi Sa:"Where are they? Humein yahan khade rehne ka shauk nahi hai. We havearrived on time. The hosts are missing."

Vidya (Adjustingher heavy pallu): "Maasa, maybe they are busy with arrangements. Lekinunhe humein receive karne aana chahiye tha. It’s basic etiquette."

Suddenly, themassive double doors of the private wing swung open. The Poddars turned,expecting traditional greetings. Instead, they got a fashion show.

Muskan walked outfirst. The Poddar women gasped. The mother of the bride was dressed not in asaree, but in a stunning, aesthetic floral short dress , showing off tonedlegs. It had billowing long sleeves, giving it a breezy resort vibe. A LadyDior bag swung from her arm, and Prada sunglasses were perched effortlesslyatop her head. She looked less like a 50-year-old mother of a 28-year-olddoctor and more like an Instagram influencer on a brand trip.

Kairav walkedbeside her, looking ruggedly handsome in a sharp, unbuttoned linen resort shirtand baggy denim jeans, his hand resting casually on the small of Muskan’s back.

Vidya (Eyes poppingout): "Hey Bhagwan! Is that Muskan Ji? She looks... she looks..."

Manisha(Whispering, slightly impressed): "Stunning, Bhabhi. She looks youngerthan us!"

Kaveri Dadi Sa(Hissing): "Chhi! Look at her clothes! Short skirt? At this age? She isthe mother of the bride, not a teenager!"

But the shocksweren't over. Behind them walked Ruhi. The Bahu of the Poddar family, themother of Daksh. Instead of the somber or traditional attire Vidya expected,Ruhi was glowing in a chic, sleeveless pastel co-ord set (crop top and flowypalazzo pants). Her hair was blow-dried to perfection, and she wore statementearrings. She looked liberated, wealthy, and stunning.

Vidya (Clutchingher chest): "Ruhi? She doesn't looklike a... like a mother at all!"

And walkingsilently beside Ruhi was Abhir. The atmosphere around the Poddars instantlydropped ten degrees. Sanjay Bansal froze, his eyes fixing on the man who hadbeen his late daughter Charu’s husband and Kiara’s ex-husband. Abhir lookedstoic, dressed in all black, his presence a haunting reminder of the past.

Kiara shifteduncomfortably, avoiding eye contact with her ex, while Sanjay clenched hisfists.

Sanjay (Grittinghis teeth): "Why is he here? Kairav brought him to insult us."

Before the tensioncould explode, a loud commotion erupted from the portico entrance.

"CAREFUL! MYHAIR! THE HUMIDITY IS 80%!"

Kaira made hergrand entrance. She stormed into the lobby like a pop star arriving at astadium. She was wearing a denim mini skirt, a cropped jean jacket, and a hotpink tube top. Like her mother, expensive sunglasses sat on her head. Trailingbehind her was a literal entourage: Two makeup artists holding brushes, twohairstylists with portable fans and sprays, and her personal assistant jugglingthree phones and a venti iced coffee.

Kaira (Snapping herfingers at the assistant): "Simran! Where is my mist? Meri skin dehydratedlag rahi hai! And tell the DJ to change the lobby music, it’s giving me'Funeral Vibes'!"

Aaryan stared athis fiancée, bewildered. He wanted a trophy, but this was a high-maintenancehurricane.

Armaan (Whisperingto Abhira): "Is she... is she always like this? She has a team just towalk from the car to the room?"

Abhira (Giggling):"Welcome to the Kaira Show, Silly Boy. Ticket free hai, par drama fullcost."

Just as the Poddarswere processing Kaira's diva moment, a deep, throaty roar of an enginereverberated through the open lobby doors. VROOOOM.

A sleek, Miami BluePorsche 911 GT3 screeched to a halt right at the entrance, the valet scramblingto open the door.

Out stepped Nikhil.He tossed the keys casually to the valet without looking, adjusting his blazer.He looked effortlessly rich, radiating the kind of 'cool' that Aaryandesperately tried to buy but couldn't quite master.

Aaryan’s jawdropped. He looked at his own luxury sedan, then at Nikhil’s beast of amachine. Armaan, who appreciated cars, just stared, visibly impressed despitehimself.

Krish (NudgingTanya): "Yeh... yeh tumhara bhai hai? Porsche? That’s a 3 Crore car!"

Tanya (Smirking,checking her nails): "Like I said, Krish. Raizada."

Muskan clapped herhands, breaking the trance.

Muskan (Cheerfully,ignoring Kaveri’s glare): "Oh, welcome Poddars! Sorry for the wait! Wewere just soaking in the vibe! Kairav Ji, dekho sab aa gaye! Let’s get thisparty started!"

The Poddars stoodstunned in the lobby—outdressed, outclassed, and completely overwhelmed by theGoenka grandeur before the engagement had even begun.

The tension in theRaffles lobby was thick, a silent war between the Goenka style and the Poddarshock. As Muskan and Kairav began greeting the Poddars, Aaryan strode past his own parents, ignoringtheir attempts at a serious conversation, and went straight for Kaira, who wasstill adjusting her sunglasses on her head.

Aaryan (Oozingcharm and forced tenderness): "Kairu, my love! Aap kitni beautiful lagrahi ho! This look—the denim, the pink—it's so 'you.' So spunky, so modern!Maine toh socha bhi nahi tha ki koi bride-to-be itna cool ho sakti hai."

He grabbed herhands and raised them to his lips, giving them a prolonged, dramatic kiss,completely oblivious to the chaos his family was causing.

Kaira (Confused butmomentarily warmed): "Aaryan? Oh, thanks. You like it? I thought thismight be a bit much for Dadi Sa."

Aaryan: "Whocares about Dadi Sa? Mera dil toh sirf tumhare liye dhadakta hai. You're adoctor, a powerhouse, you should wear what makes you feel powerful. Tum meriQueen ho, not some traditional figurine! I love your confidence, Kairu. Let'sgo show them what a truly modern couple looks like."

He wrapped his armtightly around her waist, pulling her possessively close, flashing a practiced,confident smile at the gathering.

The Poddar familywatched Aaryan's sudden, saccharine display with varying degrees of annoyanceand disgust.

Kaveri Dadi Sa(Hissing to Vidya): "Look at him! Kitna natak kar raha hai! He sounds likehe's reading a script! And praising that vulgar dress? Iss ladke ko toh sharambhi nahi aati!"

Vidya: "He'soverdoing it, Maasa. He’s only acting like this because she rejected his choicein the boutique. Yeh sab dikhawa hai."

Krish (Whisperingsourly to Tanya): "What a fool. He's desperate. Aisa lagta hai jaise yehkoi competition jeetne ki koshish kar raha hai."

Manoj (Shaking hishead to Manisha): "He's making it too obvious. Usko thoda subtle rehnachahiye tha. Now the Goenkas will know he’s desperate for the alliance."

Across the room,Nikhil stood by the massive flower arrangement, watching the scene unfold. Hecouldn't help himself. A genuine, low chuckle escaped him.

Aaryan was playingright into the trap.

Nikhil (Mutteringto Ruhi, who stood nearby): "Look at him, Di. He’s trying so hard to bethe 'Green Flag' Kaira asked for. But it's all surface-level, all words, nogenuine feeling. He's praising her 'confidence' and 'modern look' only becausehe thinks that's the new requirement for the asset. Bichara. He thinks love isa checklist."

Ruhi (A small,knowing smile): "He's compensating for the 'Quality Control Manager'comment, Nik. He's terrified of losing her."

Kaira, however, wascaught off guard by the intensity of Aaryan's praise. The criticism she hadfaced from him felt like a distant nightmare now.

Her guardmomentarily dropped. She felt a surge of relief and happiness. Maybe she hadoverreacted? Maybe he did value her as she was?

Kaira (Thinking,her heart fluttering): He called me cool. He said he loves my spunky style. Hesaid I’m his Queen and he doesn't care what Dadi Sa thinks...

She squeezed hisarm, a wide, genuine smile finally replacing the look of stress.

Kaira: "Thankyou, Aaryan. That actually means a lot."

She was overjoyedby the validation, but underneath the joy, a tiny thread of confusion lingered.It felt too sudden, too perfect, too much like a performance. But for now,wrapped in his strong, possessive arm, she chose to believe the comforting lie.

Kaira stepped intoher opulent, lake-view suite at Raffles Udaipur, the high-energy chaos of thelobby momentarily left behind. Her entourage of stylists immediately beganprepping the room, but Kaira ignored them for the moment, walking straight tothe massive garment bag.

She unzipped thebag and let out a soft gasp. The lehenga, designed by Nikhil, was a vision: amagnificent champagne gold with soft, intricate tone-on-tone chikankariembroidery, studded with delicate pearls and fine zari. It had none of theaggressive bling the Poddars favored; instead, it exuded a quiet, undeniableluxury.

Kaira carefullylifted the heavy skirt and examined the blouse. As she turned it over, near thewaistline, she spotted something unusual. Stitched neatly inside the lining ofthe blouse was a small, almost hidden fabric tag. It wasn't the designer label.Embroidered delicately in a silver thread was a single name:

"Dr Akdu"

Kaira’s eyessoftened instantly. Dr Akdu—the ridiculously affectionate, slightly teasingnickname Nikhil had given her when they were inseparable children, a name hehadn’t used out loud since they were teenagers.

A warm wave ofemotion washed over her, making the confusing compliments from Aaryan earlierfade. Nikhil knew her heart.

She gently smoothedthe tag with her finger, a private smile touching her lips. "You areimpossible, Nik," she whispered. She placed the blouse carefully aside andsummoned her team. "Alright, let's start. We have an engagement to get to."

Midway through herhair setting—Kaira’s signature long waves being meticulously curled—a sharp rapsounded on the suite door. Before her assistant could answer, the door swungopen to reveal the formidable Poddar Matriarch, Kaveri Dadi Sa, followed by Manisha,Vidya, and a surprisingly quiet Abhira.

Kaveri Dadi Sasurveyed the chaotic scene—the makeup palettes, the curling irons, thehalf-dressed bride—with an expression of stern disapproval.

Kaveri Dadi Sa(Voice sharp): "Stop that nonsense. We are here for the tradition. Kaira,beta, these are the diamond bangles from the Poddar family. Wear them for theceremony. Yeh shagun hai."

She presented avelvet box containing a set of heavy, traditional diamond bangles, glisteningwith generational wealth.

Kaira (Politely,though annoyed by the intrusion): "Thank you, Dadi Sa. They arebeautiful."

Kaira accepted thebox and signaled her stylist to place them safely.

Kaveri Dadi Sa:"Make sure you wear them first. Poddar shagun takes precedence." Shethen turned her attention to the rest of the room.

As Kaveri Dadi Salectured Kaira on proper posture and jewelry placement, the other three Poddarwomen had their eyes fixed on the magnificent lehenga draped over the dressingscreen.

Manisha (Whisperingto Vidya, awe-struck): "Oh my God, Vidya Bhabhi. Look at the chikankari.Is that... real pearl work? Kitna soft, kitna elegant hai."

Vidya (Her usualcontempt momentarily replaced by stunned admiration): "Yeh toh designer sebhi upar lag raha hai. Our Aaryan's bride should definitely wear something thisrich. The champagne color is so unique, aur unke upar kitna accha lagega."

Even Abhira, whousually found fault with anything traditional, was mesmerized.

Abhira (Muttering):"Wow. Silly Boy ka taste may be a 'Disaster Ka Remote,' but Nikhil ’sdesign is giving stunning."

The quality of thegarment was so undeniably superior to the stiff, heavily gilded clothes favoredby the Poddars that it silenced their usual criticism. For a brief moment, thesheer artistry of Nikhil’s work united the women in grudging, genuine admiration.Kaira, noticing their slack-jawed silence, simply smiled faintly. Let thedesign speak for itself.

The sun beat downon the shimmering turquoise water of the infinity pool at Raffles Udaipur. Theengagement was hours away, and the resort was buzzing with low-level activity.

Aaryan was walkingalong the poolside promenade, dressed in tailored chino shorts and a poloshirt, heading to the spa—trying to project confidence he didn’t feel. He wasstill rattled by Kaira’s defiant morning attire.

He stopped dead inhis tracks.

Lounging on asubmerged deck chair in the pool, looking completely unbothered, was Nikhil.

Nikhil was wearingdesigner printed swim shorts and black sunglasses, the sunlight glinting offhis wet hair. He was leaning back, one arm trailing in the water. The factor was evident in how his build wasn'toverly bulky; his chest and shoulders were broad, and his abs were defined—thekind of lean, functional musculature of someone who didn't live in the gym butused his body actively, perhaps built from long hours sculpting and standing atan easel. He looked effortlessly, annoyingly hot.

Aaryan (Thinking, asurge of burning jealousy hitting him): This clown. He acts like he owns theplace. With his artistic hands and his perfect hair and his... that stupidPorsche. And now he’s lounging around like a Greek statue.

Aaryan resented notjust Nikhil's wealth, but the easy, casual way he wore it. Aaryan had to buystatus; Nikhil simply was it. He looked at Nikhil’s relaxed posture, a starkcontrast to his own tight, spa-bound anxiety.

Aaryan (Thinking,his jaw tightening): Kaira needs structure, not this artistic fantasy. He'sjust a friend. He’s just a distraction.

Nikhil slowlyadjusted his sunglasses, his eyes opening and fixing directly on Aaryan. Alazy, knowing smirk curled the corner of his mouth—the look of someone who knewexactly what the other person was thinking and was thoroughly amused by it.

Aaryan felt theheat rise to his neck. He quickly broke eye contact, his composure crackingunder the direct challenge. He adjusted his polo collar and forced himself towalk on, his footsteps echoing too loudly on the stone.

Aaryan (Vowingsilently, his heart pounding): "Yeh game ab personal hai. He thinks he'scharming Kaira, he thinks he's better than me. I won’t let this arrogantdesigner win. I am Aaryan Poddar. I will have the Goenka name, and Kaira. Atany cost."

He marched awaytoward the spa, fueled by a renewed, toxic determination.

High above thepool, on the private balcony of her luxury suite, Abhira stood sipping a glassof iced tea, her bright saree making her visible against the pale architecture.She had been watching the entire interaction between Aaryan and Nikhil.

She saw the wayAaryan’s shoulders tightened, the almost predatory gleam in Nikhil’s eyes as hesmirked, and the sudden, angry pace Aaryan adopted when he walked away.

Abhira (Muttering,putting down her tea glass): "Hmm. Yeh toh sirf swimming pool ki dostinahi hai. That look on Nikhil's face was not 'friend.' That look was'Competition Ka Current.'"

She bit her lipthoughtfully, her usual cringe-vocabulary giving way to genuine suspicion.

Abhira (Thinking):Kairav Mama aur Muskan Mami ki itni urgency in engagement? Nikhil ka suddeninvolvement? Aur ab yeh Aaryan ka 'I will murder you' wala face.

Abhira:"Something is Maha Wrong brewing here. Kaira ka engagement hai, ya koiplan chal raha hai? I need to find out yeh sab kya ho raha hai."

Her lawyer'sinstinct, sharpened by years of observing the complexities of both the Goenkaand Poddar families, told her this engagement was less about love and moreabout a calculated disaster. The game was on, and Abhira was officially sensingthe conspiracy.

The engagementceremony was being held in the Grand Ballroom of Raffles, which Muskan hadtransformed into a vision of "French Riviera meets Rajasthan Sunset."

The ballroom wasdraped entirely in flowing fabrics of muted champagne, delicate blush pink, anddeep indigo. Instead of traditional heavy flowers, the decor featured dramatic,cascading arrangements of white orchids and exotic foliage, mixed with hundredsof custom-designed crystal lanterns casting a warm, flattering glow. Thedominant feature was a massive, floral-laden archway leading to the stage,designed not for garish drama but for effortless elegance. The air was scentedwith tuberose and French lavender, and a subtle, live instrumental fusion bandplayed jazz-infused Indian classical music. It wasn't loud; it was classy.

The Poddar convoy,stiff and formally dressed, was escorted into this breathtaking space. Theylooked around, their expressions freezing in collective awe. This wasn't theloud, glittery wedding they were used to; this was a display of refined,understated power.

Kaveri Dadi Sastopped at the entrance, her silver cane resting momentarily on the marblefloor. Her face was an unreadable mask, but her eyes, darting across the room,betrayed her shock. She wore a formidable emerald green silk saree, heavy withgold zari, adhering strictly to the 'traditional wear' dress code.

Kaveri Dadi Sa(Whispering to Sanjay): "Yeh kya hai? This is too... classy. No flash, butyeh toh Raja-Maharaja ki party lag rahi hai."

Vidya (Dressed in aheavy purple Banarasi saree): "It's the money, Maasa. Look at thecrystals; they are all hand-cut. And the lights... koi harsh light nahi hai.They look beautiful even without the heavy makeup."

Manisha (Wearing abusy magenta saree): "My goodness! The food stalls! Is that a separatesection just for artisanal cheese?"

Armaan (Wearing asharp black sherwani, despite his earlier sherwani trauma): "This isstrategic, Mom. It's not just a party; it's a status declaration. They aresaying, 'Our class is quiet, and it still outshines your loudest gold.'"

Krish (In a classicnavy suit, trying to look unimpressed): "It's pretentious! Too much whiteand green! Thoda colour hona chahiye tha!"

Tanya (Lookinggenuinely happy, in a subtly sparkling teal lehenga): "Krish, shut up.It’s beautiful. It looks like a magazine cover."

Kairav and Muskanstood near the entrance, greeting their high-profile guests with practicedease.

Muskan wasbreathtaking in a blush pink georgette saree, edged with delicate pearlembroidery. She wore a simple, exquisite diamond necklace and earrings,complementing her earlier polished look. The saree was light, fluid, and spokevolumes about her taste.

Kairav was thepicture of regal sophistication in a custom-tailored Midnight Blue Sherwaniover a crisp kurta, the fabric catching the light with subtle richness.

Muskan (Warmlygreeting a famous industrialist): "Welcome, Mrs. Jindal! So glad you couldjoin us on such short notice!"

The guests arrivingwere a veritable who's who—industrialists, film producers, powerfulpoliticians, and renowned doctors. The Poddars watched, realizing this wasn'tjust a family engagement; it was a major social event they were merelysecondary participants in.

Ruhi and Abhir werecirculating gracefully.

Ruhi lookedstunning in an indigo and silver embroidered gown, embodying modern royalty.She moved with effortless confidence, chatting easily with guests, the perfect,composed hostess.

Abhir, in a sleek Darkblue kurta and bundi, maintained a quiet distance but was constantly sought outby the guests, reflecting his own reserved stature.

Abhir (Talking to amedical colleague of Kaira): "Yes, the Goenkas always ensure grandaffairs. Glad you could make it, Doctor. Kaira will be thrilled to seeyou."

Sanjay Bansal(Muttering to Kaveri Dadi Sa): "Maa Sa, the guest list... yeh toh sirf topke log hain. Our alliance is going to be front-page news tomorrow."

As the Poddarsabsorbed the reality of the Goenka's absolute power and elegance, theatmosphere thickened with anticipation. The stage was set, the audience wasseated, and only the two contenders for the spotlight—Kaira and Aaryan—remainedhidden.

The jazz fusionband softened their tempo as a hush fell over the entrance. If the Goenkas werethe royalty of Udaipur, the Birlas were the titans of the medical world—andthey carried an aura of clinical intimidation.

The Birla Clanwalked in, looking sharp, severe, and expensive.

Dr. HarshvardhanBirla led the pack, his expression permanently set to 'dissatisfied.' He wore agrey suit that looked sharper than a scalpel. Beside him was Manjari Birla,dressed in a muted beige saree, clutching a Bespoke Potli bag, her eyesscanning the room with a mix of devotion and judgment.

Trailing them werethe younger generation: Dr. Shivansh with his wife Dr. Vaani, and their twindaughters Jiya and Riya, who were already critiquing the hygiene of thechocolate fountain. Dr. Nishta and her husband Arvind rounded out the group.

The Poddars watchedclosely. Kaveri Dadi Sa recognized power when she saw it.

Kaveri Dadi Sa(Whispering): "The Birla Hospitals family. Inka aana badi baat hai."

Abhir, who had beenstanding with Ruhi, felt a lump in his throat. Despite the years of separationand the trauma of his childhood, these were his grandparents—the parents of thefather (Abhimanyu) he had lost.

He stepped forward,bowing to touch Harshvardhan’s feet.

Abhir (Softly):"Dadu... Dadi."

Harshvardhan,usually a man of stone, softened visibly. He grabbed Abhir by the shoulders,his eyes glistening.

Harshvardhan:"Abhir. My Champ. Finally. You look just like him. Just likeAbhimanyu."

Manjari steppedforward, tears streaming down her face, and pulled Ruhi and Abhir into acrushing embrace.

Manjari: "Merebache.I have prayed every day for this moment."

It was a touchingscene—until the Birlas’ gaze shifted slightly to the left and landed on Abhira.

Abhira was standingnext to Armaan, smiling nervously, hoping for a generic greeting. She was,after all, Akshara’s daughter too.

Harshvardhanadjusted his spectacles, narrowing his eyes at Abhira’s bright Lehenga. Helooked at her with the same disdain one might have for a misdiagnosed patient.

Harshvardhan(Loudly, cutting through the emotional moment): "Oh. You are here too? Ofcourse, you are."

He turned toKairav, pointing a finger at Abhira.

Harshvardhan:"Kairav! Iska dress code check nahi kiya tha? Look at the colors! Shelooks exactly like her mother. Bilkul wahi loud fashion sense."

He scoffed, shakinghis head.

Harshvardhan:"She is the carbon copy of that... that Tuntunewali. Ye Tuntunewali kibeti yahan kya kar rahi hai?"

The entire Poddarfamily froze. Kaveri Dadi Sa’s jaw dropped. Vidya gasped. Armaan looked readyto snap.Abhir grew uncomfortable and Ruhi nudged him not to intervene.

Abhira (Eyeswidening, offended but trying to deflect): "Excuse me? Tuntunewali? Sir,my name is Abhira Sharma. And my mother was Akshara Sharma!"

Harshvardhan(Dismissive hand wave): "Haan, haan. To me, she was always Tuntunewali.Always singing, always causing headaches. Looks like the genetics are strong.Same irritation factor."

Manjari, wiping hertears, looked at Abhira not with anger, but with a chilling, pitying disgust.She stepped closer, her voice soft but laced with venom.

Manjari:"Harshji, leave it. We cannot expect sanskaar or stability from herbloodline."

She looked Abhiraup and down, her gaze lingering on Maira, who was hiding behind Armaan’s legs.

Manjari (Sweetlypoisonous): "I am actually surprised to see you standing here with yourhusband and child, Abhira beta. I heard about what happened seven yearsago."

The air in theimmediate circle turned freezing cold.

Manjari: "Itmust be hard for you, na? Knowing that Armaan had to run away with infant Mairabecause he didn't trust you to be a mother? Suna hai he hid the child for sevenyears because you were... incapable?"

Abhira (Voiceshaking): "Manjari Dadi... that’s not... we moved past that. That was amisunderstanding regarding the surrogacy..."

Manjari (Cuttingher off, turning to Vidya Poddar): "You poor woman. Dealing with a Bahuwhose own husband had to flee to protect his child. Maa ban na sabke bas kibaat nahi hoti. It requires sacrifice, not just DNA. But then again... she isAkshara's daughter with that taxi driver. Chaos is in her destiny."

Armaan steppedforward, his fists clenched, ready to defend his wife, but Kairav intervenedswiftly, sensing the explosion.

Kairav (Firmly,stepping between them): "Uncle, Aunty. Let’s focus on the celebration.This is Kaira’s night."

Harshvardhan,having dropped his verbal bombs, instantly switched modes as if nothing hadhappened. He looked around the ballroom, nodding appreciatively.

Harshvardhan:"Yes, yes. Ignore the noise. Kairav, I must say... this decor isexcellent. Very classy. Unlike the people, the venue is sophisticated."

Manjari (Smilingwarmly at Muskan): "Muskan Beta, you have done a wonderful job. Bohotsundar lag raha hai sab. It feels peaceful here."

They walked past astunned Abhira and a fuming Armaan as if they were invisible furniture,proceeding to the VIP section.

Abhira (Whisperingto Armaan, tears pricking her eyes): "Silly Boy... did he just call my Maa'Tuntunewali' in front of everyone? And Manjari ji... she acts like a saint buttalks like a serial killer!"

Armaan (Squeezingher hand tight): "Ignore them. They are bitter old people stuck in thepast. You are a great mother, and you are Akshara Maa’s daughter. Sar utha kekhadi raho."

From a distance,Kaveri Dadi Sa watched the interaction, a thoughtful look on her face.

Kaveri (Thinking):Even her own extended family despises her. 'Tuntunewali ki beti'... Hmm.

Part 21 is out!

let me know how it is in discussions thread!