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 🤣