The Dr Kaira Chapter. - Page 19

Originally posted by: Phir_Mohabbat

Everyone needs to mind their business lol

Kaira will work. No marriage

Nikhil need to be less majnu

Aryan will find a cms girl with less complications

And yeah everyone emphasising on dr kaira dr kaira as if she's the first doctor lmao

You keep endgame on basis of story not what anyone is telling

Originally posted by: A_Star39

kisko endgame rakhu😭😭😭

You confused me

I won't do ww of aaryan like armaan

R u ending it 🔜 .... I'm still hoping for greenflag troupe to work 🫣🤣

Also why nothing from heirloom for ruhi ? Coz she is not the kid of Kartik and naira 😡😤

This kind proves what aru said gorillas are partial to naira legacy only

Originally posted by: sammmmmyyyyyy

R u ending it 🔜 .... I'm still hoping for greenflag troupe to work 🫣🤣

Part 26: The Weight of Words

After the GanpatiPooja was successfully concluded, the Poddar family immediately gathered toplan the next major event.

Kaveri Dadi Sa(Clapping her hands enthusiastically): "Now, for the Sangeet! It must be aspectacular, lavish night! Manoj, Manisha, we need a grand performance stageand a choreographer for a huge family dance-off!"

Manisha (Grinning):"Yes! And the entire city must be invited! A proper, noisy, glitteringSangeet Night!"

Vidya (Eagerly):"And the theme should be Bollywood!"

Kairav(Interjecting, his tone mildly annoyed): "Excuse me, Aunty, Manoj Ji. Butwhy are we planning a huge Sangeet? The engagement ceremony was already amassive dance event—it was essentially a Sangeet and everyone danced heartilytoo. Let's do something different."

Muskan (Sighingdramatically): "Exactly. The wedding itself is in Udaipur at Udaivilas. Weshould do something more high-profile and classier there, something thatmatches the venue's elegance. I suggest a Poolside Brunch instead of a hecticSangeet.Also we will be doing a reception and After Party."

Muskan (Braggingslightly): "I was thinking of flying down the best Chefs from Italy andParis to curate a signature menu for the brunch. It will be intimate,sophisticated, and memorable."

The Poddars lookedaghast at the idea of exchanging a loud, public Sangeet for a quiet, high-classbrunch. Kaira saw the resistance and used the opportunity to test Aaryan again.

Kaira (Turning toAaryan, her voice sweet and persuasive): "Aaryan? What do you think?Poolside brunch sounds lovely, right? So much more relaxed before the weddingday."

Aaryan (Internallyfuming, thinking of the social media hype a Sangeet would generate):"Kairu, darling, a Sangeet is more fun! Thoda dance ho jaata tohachcha."

Kaira (Tilting herhead, giving him a look that dared him to refuse): "Please, Aaryan? Forme? No more noise, just class and good food."

Aaryan (Putting hisarm around Kaira, addressing the room): "Done! Kairu wants a PoolsideBrunch in Udaipur, and we shall have the best brunch India has ever seen!Anything for my Kairu."

The Poddars lookedutterly annoyed at Aaryan, their grand plans of a Bollywood Sangeet shatteredby Kaira's preference and Aaryan's desperate attempt to please her.

Sensing thesimmering tension, Abhira and Armaan attempted to step in and play thediplomatic couple, trying to appease both families.

Armaan (Trying tosound reasonable): "See, Dadi Sa, it's fine! A Sangeet is very loud. Abrunch is great! We can still play Bollywood music at the brunch, na? We canmake it a 'Brunch-eet'!"

Abhira (Noddingvigorously, trying to support Armaan): "Yes! And we can still have a fewsmall performances! It's the best of both worlds! Naach gaana aurcroissant!" (Dance and croissants!)

Their attempt toinject humor and hybridize the event hilariously failed. The Goenkas wereirritated by their juvenile suggestion, and the Poddars were too upset aboutlosing the grand Sangeet to appreciate the wordplay.

Kairav (Speakingsternly, immediately putting Armaan in place): "Armaan, this is adiscussion about a wedding event, not a college mixer. We are talking abouthigh profile and class, not hybrid theme parties. Please."

Ruhi (Directlyaddressing Abhira, her voice sharp): "Abhira, a luxury poolside brunch isabout ambiance and sophistication, not turning it into a daytime Sangeet. Don'tdilute the concept just to make peace."

Tanya, who waswatching the entire exchange—Aaryan's defeat, the Poddar's outrage, and thepathetic failure of the 'Brunch-eet' diplomacy—threw her head back and laughedopenly and loudly. The chaos was too much to contain.

The Poolside Brunchwas confirmed, much to the silent agony of the Poddar elders and the visibledelight of the Goenkas.

The next four dayspassed in a whirlwind of logistics, luxury, and mounting tension as thecountdown to the wedding began. The city of Udaipur, with its shimmering lakesand royal heritage, prepared to host the union of two powerful families, butbeneath the celebratory veneer, fault lines were deepening.

The Poddars were inoverdrive. Kaveri Dadi Sa personally supervised the shipment of ancestralsilver and gold utensils to the Udaivilas, ensuring their wealth was on fulldisplay. Vidya and Manisha were busy coordinating with the florists, demandingorchids flown in from Thailand and marigolds from Kolkata.

Aaryan, meanwhile,was performing the role of the century. He sent Kaira elaborate gifts every fewhours: a Cartier bracelet, a box of imported Swiss chocolates, a giant bouquetof red roses delivered to the hospital in the middle of her rounds.

The office staffwere delighted; Kaira felt suffocated.

Her phone rangagain. It was Aaryan.

Aaryan (On thephone, voice dripping with honey and pride): "Did you get the bracelet,jaan? It matches your eyes. And guess what? I just closed the biggest corporatefraud case of the quarter! Crushed the opposition, Kaira! I'm telling you, I’mthe best young lawyer in Udaipur. It was a massive win! I just want to spoilyou. Are you happy?"

Kaira (Looking atthe flashy jewelry, feeling nothing, but deciding to share her excitement):"That’s great, Aaryan. Congratulations. You know, I actually have someexciting news too! I just got the acceptance letter—my research paper onadvanced molecular dermatology was accepted for presentation at theInternational Congress in Singapore! This is a huge achievement for my career!I'm thrilled!"

A moment of silencestretched on the line.

Aaryan (His tonehardening instantly, the honey evaporating): "Oh. Singapore. That's...nice. But Kairu, we'll talk about that later. It’s just a paper, right? Doesn'tmatter as much as my case win, which secured my future at the firm. Focus onus. I'm doing all this for you. That bracelet costs more than your Singaporetrip, by the way."

Kaira (Herexcitement instantly crushed, the reality hitting her): "Aaryan, it's amajor international achievement, not just a trip. It validates years ofresearch."

Aaryan(Dismissively): "Look, work can wait, Kairu. I need you to focus on thewedding preparations. I need your attention, not your resume. I'll call youback when you're done with your... consultations."

Aaryan hung upfirst.

Kaira stared at thephone, then at the massive, impractical bouquet of red roses blocking her desk.The gifts felt like bribes, not love. He wasn't listening to her need for spaceor acknowledging her professional success; he was suffocating her with expensivenoise to drown out her doubts. He expected her to celebrate his "massivewin" while instantly dismissing her own significant achievement as merely"just a paper." The reality of Aaryan—insecure, possessive, andperformative—was becoming impossible to ignore. He saw her achievements astrivial noise compared to his own career, reinforcing the image of acontrolling, toxic fiancé.

Nikhil (Passing hera cup as she sat on the balcony, exhausted): "Too much glittertoday?"

Kaira (Taking asip, relaxing instantly): "Way too much. He sent a marching band to thehospital lobby, Nik. I nearly died of embarrassment."

Nikhil (Chucklingsoftly): "Well, at least the patients got some entertainment. Justbreathe, Kairu. You set the pace."

Their hands brushedas he took the empty cup back, a spark of electricity jumping between them thatboth pretended not to notice, though Kaira’s heart beat a little faster everytime he left.

The final fittingfor the wedding outfits took place at Nikhil’s studio. The atmosphere waselectric.

Kaira stepped outin the finished dusty peach and champagne gold lehenga. The adjustments wereperfect. The fabric hugged her form gracefully, and the aesthetic blouse lookedeven more stunning than before. She looked like a dream.

Nikhil (Adjusting apleat, his voice low): "You look... ethereal, Kairu. This dress waswaiting for you."

Kaira (Meeting hisgaze in the mirror): "Because you made it, Nik."

The moment wasintimate and heavy with unspoken emotion, broken only by a loud crash from theother fitting room.

Abhira stumbledout, tangled in a voluminous, heavy can-can skirt meant for the wedding. Shehad somehow managed to get her foot stuck in the layers of tulle and tripped,knocking over a mannequin.

Abhira (Flailing):"Who designed this?! It’s a trap! I feel like a shuttlecock stuck in anet! Armaan, help!"

Nikhil (Rushingover, trying not to laugh): "Abhira! That’s the underskirt! You put it onover your jeans! It goes under the lehenga!"

The entire room,including the stoic Kairav, burst into laughter. Abhira, red-faced, wasextricated by a giggling Ruhi and Tanya. It was a moment of pure, hilariouschaos that lightened the heavy mood.

As the sun set onthe fourth day, the eve of the celebrations, tension spiked at the GoenkaVilla. Muskan and Kairav sat in the living room, surrounded by lists andluggage.

Muskan ( rubbingher temples): "Kairav, I have a bad feeling. Aaryan is trying too hard.And Kaira... she’s too quiet. Are we making a mistake letting thishappen?"

Kairav (Lookinggrim): "I know, Muskan. But she chose him. If we stop it now without herrealizing it herself, she will always wonder 'what if'. She needs to see thetruth."

Nikhil walked in,looking sharp but serious. He sat down opposite them.

Nikhil (Calmly):"Relax, Uncle, Aunty. Trust the process. The next events—the Brunch, theMehendi, the Haldi—are pressure cookers. Aaryan can act for a few hours, but hecan’t act for three days straight under stress. The cracks will show. And when theydo, Kaira will be ready."

He looked at themwith unwavering confidence.

Nikhil: "Ipromise you. I won’t let her marry the wrong man. Just let the events play out.Sab theek hoga."

His assurancesettled their nerves. The stage was set. The families packed their bags for theshort drive to the Oberoi Udaivilas. The grand, tumultuous wedding saga wasabout to begin.

The Poddars hadalready departed for the Oberoi Udaivilas, taking their impatience andexpensive luggage with them. Now, the Goenka Villa was quiet, save for theflurry of the final preparations. Kaira was dressed in a heavy butaesthetically pleasing Anarkali Kurti suit—a rich sapphire blue velvet,intricately detailed with fine silver zari work, symbolizing royalty and gracefor her journey.

Kairav, Muskan,Ruhi, and Abhir gathered Kaira in the central hall. In front of her, Kairavplaced a beautifully carved antique wooden box—the Shringaar ka Sandook.

Kairav (His voicesoft with paternal pride): "Kairu, come. Before we leave, your mother andI want to give you something very special. Something that belongs to the heartof this house."

Muskan opened thebox. Inside, resting on red velvet, were the magnificent, antique pieces ofNaira Goenka's heritage jewelry. The heavy, intricate gold necklace and themagnificent chandbalis gleamed under the light.

Muskan (Tearswelling up): "These are your Dadi Naira's most cherished jewels, Kaira. Weheld them back because they are sacred. And look..."

Muskan lifted thenecklace. The rich, antique gold and embedded gems—mostly pale rose quartz andchampagne diamonds—mirrored the exact tones of Kaira's bridal lehenga. It was aseamless, destiny-woven match.

Muskan:"Nikhil designed your lehenga not knowing the color of these heritagejewels, but they match perfectly. This is Dadi's blessing, beta. Wear them, andcarry the strength of the Goenka women with you."

Ruhi and Abhirwatched, their eyes misty with emotion. Ruhi stepped forward and hugged Kairatightly.

Ruhi (Whispering):"Be strong, Kairu. You carry the best of us."

Abhir (His voicethick): "Kaira... if you need anything, anything at all, just call. Don'tforget that."

The emotion was toomuch for little Daksh. Seeing his beloved Maasi dressed up, surrounded by sadadults and knowing she was about to leave, he burst into tears, clinging to herleg.

Daksh (Crying):"Maasi! Don't go! Don't marry Aaryan Chachu!"

Kaira kneltimmediately, the sadness of the moment breaking her composure.

Kaira (Consolinghim, hugging him tightly): "Oh, my sweet boy! I won't go far, Dakshu. I'llcall you every day. And you can come visit me in my new beautiful house, okay?Be a good boy for Mumma."

She wiped histears, her own eyes glistening.

After the emotionalfarewells, Kaira took a slow, deliberate tour of the Goenka Villa. She tracedher fingers over the carved wooden railing, lingered by the family photo wall,and stood in the doorway of her empty room. She was saying goodbye not just toa house, but to the person she was within its walls—Dr. Kaira Goenka.

As she walked back,she found Nikhil waiting near the exit, holding their travel bags. He didn'toffer grand speeches or compliments; his expression was one of profound, silentconcern.

Nikhil (His voicebarely above a whisper, direct and searching): "Kairu... are youhappy?"

It was the questionshe was avoiding. Kaira met his gaze—the eyes that had suddenly begun to feellike home—and felt the pull of the truth. She didn't answer. Instead, sheoffered a fragile, non-committal smile.

Kaira: "Let'sgo, Nik. The clock is ticking."

Then, Kairavstepped forward for a final, important ritual.

Kairav (Kneelingdown, taking a bowl of water): "Kairu, tum hamare ghar ki Lakshmi ho .Asis the tradition when the daughter leaves, I will wash your feet one lasttime."

Kairav gentlywashed Kaira's feet, a symbol of utmost respect and devotion.

Afterward, Muskanbrought forward shallow trays of alta (red dye) and haldi (turmeric paste).

Muskan: "Now,leave your mark, beta. These impressions will stay here until you areback."

Kaira dipped herfeet in the bright red alta, leaving clear, beautiful footprints on a piece ofceremonial cloth. She then pressed her hands into the yellow haldi paste,leaving her delicate handprints beside the footprints. The moment was solemn,final, and deeply moving.

Finally, theGoenkas were ready to leave. Kaira turned back one last time, looking at herparents, her sister, and her brother.

Muskan and Kairav,Ruhi and Abhir stood together in the doorway. They waved, their faces etchedwith forced smiles, but their thoughts were united in a profound, silent, andfearful hope:

Muskan/Kairav/Ruhi/Abhir(Silent Thought): Let her see his truth. Let her find her courage. God, pleaselet Kaira realize Aaryan's reality and break the wedding. We will catch her.

The cars pulledaway from the Goenka Villa, heading towards the majestic, demanding, andultimately deciding grounds of the Oberoi Udaivilas.

The motorcadecarrying the Goenkas swept through the grand gates of the Oberoi Udaivilas. Theresort was less a hotel and more a meticulously restored palace, set againstthe backdrop of Lake Pichola. The Goenkas, despite being wealthy themselves,were momentarily stunned.

The architecturewas a symphony of domes, arches, and courtyards, all constructed in thetraditional Mewari style with intricate jharokhas (overhanging enclosedbalconies) and fountains. The lake shimmered, reflecting the palatialstructure, giving the surreal impression that the entire property floated onwater.

The Poddars,already settled, had gathered in the sprawling Bada Mahal courtyard to receivethem. Kaveri Dadi Sa ensured the welcome was grand, with traditional music anda shower of rose petals.

Kaira stepped outof the car, breathing in the luxurious air. A genuine smile touched her lips.Aaryan, standing beside her, looked immensely pleased with himself, as if hepersonally owned the lake and the palace.

Aaryan (Putting aproprietary hand on her back): "See, Kairu? Didn't I tell you? Only thebest for my queen. Enjoy the palace, darling."

Kaira (Thinking):It is magnificent. Everything I planned for... everything I wanted.

Yet, the subtledoubt, fueled by Aaryan’s controlling actions and Nikhil's simple question,began to grow. The resort felt like a golden cage—beautiful, yes, butinescapable. Was her happiness tied to this perfect setting, or the man besideher?

The families wereushered into their respective wings. The Goenkas marveled at the opulence oftheir suites, featuring private pools and breathtaking views of the Aravallihills.

The next morningdawned clear and brilliant. It was the day of the much-debated Poolside Brunch.The theme was Boho Chic and Elegant, a deliberate move away from thetraditional, noisy events Poddars favored.

Kaira dressed withcare. She wore a stunning, flowy off-white silk midi-dress, adorned with lightgold floral embroidery that whispered rather than shouted. She completed thelook with minimal makeup, a delicate gold chain, and the only heavy accessory: herdiamond ear cuffs, sparkling brilliantly. She looked effortlesslysophisticated—a true reflection of her 'Dr. Kaira Goenka' persona.

The Goenkas—Muskanin a stylish draped kaftan, Ruhi in a linen sundress, and Kairav and Abhir inlight, tailored jackets—looked perfectly suited for the elite theme.

The brunch was heldon the magnificent Chandni Ghat, overlooking the main infinity pool whichseemed to merge with Lake Pichola. The setting was pure luxury: white linen,macrame, and subtle floral arrangements creating an atmosphere of sophisticatedease.High Profile Guests mingled with Poddars and Goenkas.Birlas were going toattend the Wedding as they had a Important Family Obligation to complete

Muskan (Laughingholding a Champagne Flute):” Thank You Mrs Kapoor,This whole event is abrainchild of Kaira”

The Poddars, thoughinitially annoyed, had complied with the theme. Armaan and Abhira worecoordinating pastel linen outfits, attempting to blend in, though Abhira wasclearly uncomfortable with the high-fashion savoir-faire. Kaveri Dadi Sacompromised in a heavily embroidered, but still brightly colored, silk tunicover palazzo pants.

The food was avegetarian, epicurean dream. The spread was vast and visually stunning,featuring more than ten different international cuisines:

A station offering freshly made Belgian Waffles and French Crêpes.

An elaborate Mediterranean Mezze bar with imported artisanal cheesesand olives.

A selection of delicate Japanese Sushi Rolls (vegetarian only) and DimSum.

A curated Italian Pasta counter featuring truffle ravioli.

And, of course, a healthy, exotic Juice and Smoothie Bar with everyfruit imaginable.

Muskan smiled intriumph, watching the Poddars cautiously approach the elite spread.

Muskan (To Kairav,quietly): "No loud music, no tacky dancing, only imported cheese andsilence. My chefs from Paris are doing a great job, Kairav Ji."

Aaryan stood byKaira, again trying to play the perfect host, talking loudly about the vintagechampagne they were serving. Kaira smiled politely, took a deep breath of thefresh Udaipur air, and hoped this perfect, beautiful day wouldn't turn sour.

The Poolside Brunchat Oberoi Udaivilas was a dazzling affair, with every guest dressed in amodern, elegant interpretation of the Boho Chic theme.

Kaira lookedeffortlessly sophisticated in a flowy off-white silk midi-dress, adorned withlight gold floral embroidery. She wore minimal makeup, accentuating the naturalelegance of the ensemble, which was completed by a delicate gold chain andsparkling diamond ear cuffs.

Aaryan stood byher, playing the perfect fiancé in a crisp white linen trousers, paired with asky-blue tailored shirt and designer loafers, trying to project a relaxed,yacht-club image.

Nikhil was optingfor tailored sage green chinos and an unbuttoned white Cuban-collar shirt wornover a fine gold chain. His look was casual yet meticulously styled.

Tanya was theshowstopper in a stunning, fitted deep coral silk jumpsuit with wide legs,accessorized with bold gold hoops, exuding modern glamour that highlighted herconfidence.

Krish, Tanya'shusband, was dressed in a casual yet stylish patterned navy blue short-sleevedshirt and white shorts.

Manoj wore asand-colored linen suit with a soft pastel pink pocket square, aiming forstately relaxation. Manisha chose a flowing yellow georgette cape gown,accented with ethnic silver jewelry, looking bright and eager.

Sanjay Bansal worea simple beige linen shirt and comfortable trousers. Kajal chose a brightturquoise maxi dress with mirror work detailing, embracing the boho spirit morewholeheartedly.

Vidya wore astructured cream dress with heavy lace detailing, attempting to be modern butlooking somewhat stiff and constrained. Her husband, Madhav, prioritizedcomfort in a simple, dark polo shirt and light grey trousers.

Manoj and Manishaimmediately zeroed in on Kaira, eager to show off their honewali bahu amidstthe splendid backdrop.

Manoj (Putting hisarm around Kaira stiffly): "Kaira Beta, come, let's take a perfect picturefor the family album! This is the Poddar standard of elegance!"

Manisha (Beaming):"Yes, darling, look beautiful! This is going to break the internet!"

Kaira managed apolite, fixed smile as they posed, feeling the pressure of their publicexpectations.

Across the pool,Nikhil watched, but his attention was caught by Tanya.

Nikhil (Walking upto Tanya, taking her phone): "Stop posing with the old furniture, Tani!Let me take a picture.

He skillfully tooka few candid shots of Tanya, making her laugh. "See, the light loves you!Goenka style! Forget the Poddar drama, you are the star!"

Tanya spottedKrish, her husband, attempting to enjoy the gourmet food a safe distance away.Knowing his past taunts about her weight, she saw her opportunity.

Tanya (Waving apiece of sushi at Krish): "Krish! Still hiding in corners? Come on, thisisn't a library! Try the French toast, it's almost as sweet as your silence!Unless you're too busy counting calories, dear?"

Krish blushedfuriously under the subtle public taunt. His parents, Sanjay and Kajal,attempted to ignore the tension, deciding to focus on the luxury.

Kajal (To Sanjay):"Oh, don't worry about her! Come, Sanjay, let’s go get some of that exoticpasta. This is much better than the dal-bati Maa Sa planned!"

A soft,sophisticated live band was playing jazz music near the pool edge. Aaryan,still intent on showcasing his devotion, led Kaira onto the makeshift dancefloor.

Aaryan (Pulling herclose): "Look at us, Kairu. We are the perfect couple, in the perfectsetting. This is our life."

They movedgracefully, but Kaira felt a hollowness. She looked over his shoulder and sawNikhil talking animatedly with Ruhi, his laugh genuine and unforced.

Kaira (Thinking):Aaryan is holding me tightly, but I feel free when Nikhil is around. Why doesAaryan's touch feel like ownership, and Nikhil's presence feel like ease? Thesubtle doubt grew heavier, shimmering under the dazzling Udaipur sun.

Maira and Daksh,oblivious to the adult complexities, were having a wonderful time. They hadabandoned the elegant lawns for a remote courtyard, playing a silent game withsome stray rose petals, dissolving their mothers' political anxieties intochildhood glee.

Kiara was laughingheartily with Ruhi near the beverage bar, sharing a private joke about thePoddars' confusion over the vegetarian sushi. The laughter died, however, whenAbhir walked by.

Kiara immediatelygrew stiff and awkward, her smile vanishing. Abhir, feeling the weight of hispast actions, gave her a hesitant, apologetic look and quickly moved away,leaving the silent tension hanging between them.

Meanwhile, Vidya,unable to appreciate the elegance, was determined to find flaws in the spread.

Vidya (Whisperingto Madhav): "Madhav Ji, look at this. Only vegetarian food? And what is this green paste? It’s too elite!Iski koi zaroorat nahi thi. They spent so much money on this fancynaatak."

Madhav (Taking alarge bite of a fruit tart, eyes closed in bliss): "Vidya, please shut upfor today and enjoy! This brunch is heaven, and for once, the noise level isperfect. Just eat the fancy paste and be quiet!"

Vidya huffed butreluctantly returned to her plate, temporarily silenced by her husband's raremoment of defiance. The elite Poolside Brunch was a clear victory for theGoenkas, setting a sophisticated tone that challenged the Poddars at everyturn.

As the afternoonsun reached its peak, the formality of the brunch gave way to a luxurious PoolParty organized by Kaira and Aaryan by the main pool of the Udaivilas. Theelders—exhausted by the opulence—had retreated to their suites. Hilariously,Vidya and Madhav had been cornered into babysitting their grandchildren, Mairaand Daksh, in their lavish suite.

The ambiance wassleek: chilled cocktails, a DJ playing house music, and the beautiful blueinfinity pool merging with the lake.

Kaira wore a chic,deep emerald green one-piece swimsuit covered by a sheer white nettedkaftan.Aaryan changed into bright red swim shorts and a matching unbuttonedresort shirt, trying to project a cool, casual look.Ruhi wore a modest butstylish high-waisted black tankini. Abhira wore a simple navy blue swimsuitcovered by a large floral shawl.Armaan was in tailored navy swim trunks.Tanyalooked fantastic in a vibrant yellow bikini top paired with high-waisted linenshorts. Krish wore plain black swim shorts and a loose t-shirt, clearlyuncomfortable.Abhir wore simple denim-colored swim shorts and a white t-shirt.Kiara wore a stylish light blue high-neck swimsuit.

Nikhil arrived lateand immediately stole the visual attention. He looked annoyingly hot in tropical-printed swim shorts, effortlesslystyled with a pair of aviator shades, his body language completely relaxed.

He hadn't been inthe pool for two minutes before Aaryan's female friends, Priya and Sonia,gravitated toward him.

Priya (Flipping herwet hair): "Nikhil, right? I love your work! That print is amazing. Areyou going to launch a swimwear line next?"

Sonia (Giggling):"He doesn't need to, Priya. He just needs to model it! You lookincredible, Nikhil!"

Nikhil just smiledcharmingly, deflecting the attention with casual grace.

Aaryan, noticingthe attention Nikhil was receiving, felt a familiar surge of competitiveinsecurity. He was fit, but Nikhil's effortless appeal drove him mad.

He stripped off hisresort shirt and performed a series of dramatic exercises near Kaira—push-ups,followed by a theatrical flex of his biceps.

Aaryan (Panting,wiping imaginary sweat): "Kairu! Hey, Kairu! How does this look? Solid,right? I’ve been hitting the gym hard for the wedding. Nikhil might be thedesigner, but I’m the groom, right?"

Kaira (Blushingfuriously, embarrassed): "Aaryan, stop! Everyone is watching! Just relaxand have a drink."

Ruhi and Abhira,observing the antics from the bar, exchanged a look of shared exasperation.

Abhira (To Ruhi):"Ruhi, I swear, Aaryan What is he doing? This is Udaipur, not a collegeexhibition!This is Maha Embarassing."

Ruhi rolled her eyes on the 25th timeof use of word “ Maha” by Abhira

Abhira decided tofocus her attention on her husband, Armaan, who was attempting to read a legaldocument by the pool edge.

Abhira:"Armaan, stop working! You'll burn. Let me put on sunscreen."

She grabbed abottle and squirted a generous amount into her palm. Armaan, distracted by aphone call, turned his head sharply just as Abhira reached out. Instead ofhitting his back, her entire palm full of white sunscreen landed squarely inhis meticulously styled hair.

Armaan (Gasping,dropping his phone): "Abhira! What did you do to my hair?!"

Abhira (Horrified):"Oh my God! Armaan, I am so sorry! I... I thought you were facing theother way! Tumhare baal toh Sunscreen ki Dukaan lag rahe hai"

Ruhi and Tanyaburst into uncontrolled laughter, much to the chagrin of the"perfect" Poddar couple.

As the partycontinued, Kaira approached Aaryan, trying to distract him from his competitionwith Nikhil.

Kaira:"Aaryan, everyone's having fun. Let's just go dip in the pool."

Aaryan (His eyesscanning Kaira’s figure, his voice losing its playful tone and adopting a soft,controlling edge): "Kairu, wait. Why are you wearing that kaftan? It hidesyour figure completely. You have such great curves; you should show them off,especially now."

Kaira (Slightlytaken aback): "I’m comfortable, Aaryan. It’s a bit exposedotherwise."

Aaryan (Putting hisarm around her, leaning in conspiratorially, his eyes dismissive): "Anddarling, you seem to have gained a few kilos since the engagement, right aroundthe waist. You know, you really should avoid carbs before the wedding events.We don't want you looking chunky in that lehenga, Kairu. People notice thesethings."

Kaira froze. Thecasual cruelty of his remark, delivered under the guise of concern for herappearance, hit her like a physical blow. The smile she had been holdingvanished.

Kaira (Steppingaway, her voice level): "Thank you for the dietary advice, Aaryan. I'mgoing to get a drink."

The toxic side ofAaryan's perfectionism and possessiveness had come out from behind the resortshirt, stark and ugly. Kaira walked toward the bar, her mind reeling. She wasblushing, embarrassed, and hurt seeing Aaryan’s true colors, yet she was stillblushing when she accidentally bumped into Nikhil, whose genuine, easy smileoffered an unwelcome but undeniable sense of peace.

Tanya watched Kairawalk away, sensing the tension. She immediately turned her sights back toKrish, who was carefully applying sunscreen to his own neck.

Tanya (Loudly, soKrish's friends could hear): "Krish! Are you seriously putting onsunscreen? Careful not to miss a spot, dear! You know how quickly you darken upif you get too much sun, right? You should stick to the shade, just incase"

Krish, humiliatedand defeated by the public attack, snatched his t-shirt and retreated, provingthat Tanya's retaliatory taunts were just as sharp as his initial cruelty. Thepool party was definitely heating up, exposing more than just skin.

Kaira hurried tothe bar, her stomach churning from Aaryan’s casual cruelty. She ordered asparkling water, her hands trembling slightly as she took the glass. Thevibrant party atmosphere suddenly felt oppressive and fake.

Before she couldretreat, a voice, warm and grounded, spoke beside her.

Nikhil: "Justwater? On a day like this? That’s Dr. Kaira Goenka being sensible, not Kairubeing fun." He leaned an elbow on the bar, his presence radiatingeasygoing comfort.

Kaira managed aweak smile. "I'm just... tired, Nik."

Nikhil’s eyes,shielded by his shades, were deceptively perceptive. He had seen the swift,sharp exchange with Aaryan and the subsequent deflation of her energy. Hedidn't pry; he simply offered a genuine distraction.

Nikhil: "Comeon. I need your opinion. That DJ is playing total rubbish. You’re the one whointroduced me to decent Jazz. Come help me choose the next track."

He gently took herhand, his touch light and respectful, and led her toward the music booth.

Nikhil (Leaningclose so she could hear over the music): "Forget the noise, Kairu. Look atthis view." He gestured toward the shimmering lake and the hills."This is real. You are real. Don't let anyone make you feel small in aplace this big."

Kaira looked at hisprofile—his genuine concern, his refusal to let her sink into self-pity, andthe instant calm his proximity brought. She felt a profound shift. Aaryan usedher weaknesses to control her; Nikhil used her strengths to lift her.

A genuine smilefinally curved her lips, chasing away the shadow Aaryan had cast.

Kaira: "Okay,Designer. Let's fix this playlist. Where's the Miles Davis?"

Part 26 is out!

That's why marry the man that u feel safe and comfortable with

Why no jewellery for ru

I understand why not abira and abir ..

So the partial behaviour to sirat moving to her grandkid