Jab Parth Met Vaishnavi ~ Parnavi SS ~ Chapter 2 on pg 1

A heartwarming Mumbai rom-com about carefree twenty-five-year-old Parth Virani, whose dream of settling abroad shatters. Moving to Mumbai with his cousin Dev, he unexpectedly meets twenty-eight-year-old Vaishnavi Shah. Amid friendship, laughter, and family bonds, destiny turns an accidental meeting into an unforgettable love story.

Chapter 1 (A Rejected Dream)

The Great Foreign Dream

The Virani mansion had witnessed celebrations, tears, business meetings, and enough family drama to last several lifetimes.

But this morning, the entire family had gathered for something far more serious.

Parth Virani had made an announcement.

"I'm settling abroad."

Silence.

Karan Virani slowly lowered his newspaper.

Nandini stopped arranging flowers.

Tulsi Virani paused midway through feeding Mihir a piece of dhokla.

And Mihir adjusted his spectacles.

Parth smiled proudly.

"Canada, to be precise."

Dev, lounging on the sofa with a bowl of chips, almost choked.

"Again?"

Parth frowned.

"What do you mean, again?"

"Last year it was London. Before that, Australia. Before that, Dubai. Before that, you wanted to become a travel vlogger and live in Bali."

Everyone burst out laughing.

Parth glared at his cousin.

"Dev bhai, great visionaries are always misunderstood."

Karan sighed.

"Beta, first decide what you want to become."

"I have decided."

"What?"

"An NRI."

Mihir blinked.

"That's not a profession."

"It is, Dadu. Look at Instagram."

Tulsi chuckled and affectionately pinched his cheek.

"My grandson will become whatever he wants."

"See!" Parth pointed triumphantly. "Baa believes in me."

Nandini smiled helplessly.

"We believe in you too, Parth. But dreams need planning."

Parth dramatically stood up.

"Everything is planned, Mom."

"Really?" Dev raised an eyebrow.

"Absolutely."

"Where's your passport?"

Parth froze.

Everyone looked at him.

"Passport?" he repeated nervously.

"Yes, Mr. Future Canadian."

Parth scratched his head.

"I think I kept it somewhere safe."

Dev burst out laughing.

"You don't know where your passport is?"

"It's so safe that even I can't find it."

The entire family erupted with laughter.

Karan shook his head.

"This boy!"

Tulsi wiped tears of laughter.

"My Parth is unique."

Mihir smiled.

"Unique? He's a full-time entertainment channel."

Parth folded his arms.

"Keep laughing. One day you'll all say—there goes Parth Virani, international businessman."

Dev grinned.

"And we'll proudly tell people we know the CEO of Canada."

Even Parth couldn't stop laughing.

But behind the jokes…

Behind the teasing…

Twenty-five-year-old Parth Virani genuinely wanted to prove himself.

For the first time in his life, he wanted something seriously.

He wanted a fresh start.

A new country.

A new life.

Two weeks later…

The entire Virani mansion was in chaos.

Because today was the day.

Parth Virani's visa interview.

He had barely slept the previous night.

Not because he was nervous.

But because he had spent the entire night watching YouTube videos titled:

"Top 10 Things Nobody Tells You About Canada."

And now…

He was panicking.

"Baa!"

Parth came running downstairs.

"Baa! Where's my file?"

Tulsi smiled.

"The same place where I kept it after you forgot it on the dining table yesterday."

"My sweet Baa!"

He kissed her cheek.

Nandini rolled her eyes.

"You only remember your Baa when you lose things."

Karan laughed.

"Beta, the poor woman isn't Google."

Dev walked in, munching on a sandwich.

"He doesn't need Google. He has Tulsi Baa."

Parth glared at him.

"Dev bhai, today is the biggest day of my life."

"So is your blood pressure."

"Stop joking!"

Dev grinned.

"I'm serious. You've checked your documents seventeen times."

"Sixteen."

"See? You counted."

Mihir chuckled.

"Let him be. Even I was nervous during my first business meeting."

Tulsi lovingly adjusted Parth's collar.

"My handsome grandson will do well."

Parth smiled.

"Thank you, Baa. When I become a Canadian citizen, I'll take you there."

"And leave us here?" Mihir asked dramatically.

Parth laughed.

"No, Dadu. You and Baa are a package deal."

Karan shook his head.

"You haven't even attended the interview and you're planning family vacations."

Nandini came with a bowl of curd and sugar.

"First eat this."

Parth obediently opened his mouth.

Dev immediately opened his too.

"Aunty, me too."

Nandini laughed.

"You're not going for an interview."

"I'm going with him. Emotional support."

Parth sighed.

"More like emotional damage."

Everybody laughed.

As they headed towards the car, Tulsi called out—

"Thakur ji bless you, Parth."

He smiled and folded his hands.

"Don't worry, Baa. Your grandson will make you proud."

Little did he know…

His dreams were about to receive the biggest shock.

And destiny…

Had already begun preparing something far more beautiful.

Bad News

The visa office.

Parth Virani emerged from the building with a blank expression.

Dev, who had been waiting outside with two cups of coffee, immediately stood up.

"Bro!"

No response.

"Parth?"

Still no response.

Dev frowned.

"What happened? Did they reject your application?"

Parth slowly turned towards him.

His eyes were moist.

"They rejected me."

Dev blinked.

"What?"

"They rejected me!"

"Canada rejected Parth Virani?"

Parth snatched the coffee from his hand.

"Stop making jokes!"

Dev bit his lips to stop himself from laughing.

"No, no. I'm serious. Why?"

"They said my profile wasn't strong enough."

Dev's face softened.

"Oh."

Parth sat down on a nearby bench.

"My dream is over, Dev bhai."

"It's not over."

"It is."

"Bro, it's just a visa."

"No. It was my future."

Dev sat beside him.

"Listen, Parth. There are a hundred countries in the world."

"I only wanted Canada."

"And Canada only wanted peace."

Parth glared at him.

"Not funny."

"Sorry."

Parth buried his face in his hands.

"For once, I was serious about something."

Dev's expression softened.

"I know."

"And I failed."

"No, you didn't."

"Everyone will laugh at me."

Dev smiled.

"Everyone already laughs at you. That's not new."

Parth looked at him and despite himself, let out a laugh.

"You're impossible."

"And you're dramatic."

The two cousins sat in silence.

Suddenly, Dev snapped his fingers.

"Done!"

Parth looked up.

"What?"

"We are going to Mumbai."

Parth stared at him.

"What?"

"Mumbai."

"Why?"

"Because sitting at home and crying like Devdas isn't an option."

Parth sighed.

"I don't want to do anything."

"Tough luck."

Dev grinned.

"I got admission for my MBA coaching in Mumbai. You applied too, remember?"

Parth blinked.

"Oh."

"And we'll stay together."

"I don't know, Dev bhai."

"Bro, Mumbai has beaches."

"Hmm."

"Vada pav."

"Hmm."

"Cricket."

"Hmm."

"And beautiful girls."

Parth finally looked up.

"Beautiful girls?"

Dev smirked.

"Now I'm getting your attention."

Parth smiled weakly.

"But I don't feel like going."

"That's exactly why you should."

Just then, Karan called.

"Hello, Dad."

"Beta, how did it go?"

Parth became silent.

Dev gently took the phone.

"Kaka?"

"Yes, Dev?"

"There was a rejection."

"Oh."

"But don't worry. I've got everything under control."

Karan smiled on the other side.

"I know you do."

After hanging up, Dev wrapped an arm around Parth's shoulders.

"Come on, partner."

"Where?"

"Home."

"And then?"

"Mumbai."

Parth sighed.

"And then?"

Dev grinned.

"And then we'll figure out life."

Little did the two cousins know…

Life had already figured them out.

Mumbai Calling

The atmosphere inside the Virani mansion was unusually quiet.

Parth sat on the swing in the garden, staring blankly at the evening sky.

For the first time in years…

Parth Virani wasn't cracking jokes.

He wasn't humming songs.

He wasn't annoying anyone.

He was simply…

Silent.

And that worried everyone.

Tulsi walked towards him with a glass of mango milkshake.

"My grandson hasn't smiled all day."

Parth forced a smile.

"I'm okay, Baa."

"No, you're not."

She sat beside him and lovingly caressed his hair.

"You know, when Mihir and I started our life together, nothing went according to plan."

Parth looked up.

"Really?"

Tulsi smiled.

"Really. Sometimes God closes one door because He wants us to enter another."

Parth sighed.

"But Baa, I really wanted Canada."

"And maybe God wants something even better for you."

He smiled sadly.

"Like what?"

Tulsi chuckled.

"If I knew God's plans, I'd be sitting in heaven, not in the garden."

Parth laughed softly.

Just then, Dev entered dramatically.

"Ladies and gentlemen!"

Tulsi laughed.

"Who's the gentleman here?"

"Me, Baa."

"Since when?"

"Since three minutes ago."

Parth shook his head.

"Dev bhai, not now."

"No, especially now."

Dev sat beside him.

"I have an announcement."

"I'm not interested."

"You are."

"I'm not."

"You are."

"I'm not."

"Fine. Baa, I'm taking him."

Parth frowned.

"Where?"

"Mumbai."

"I'm not going."

"You are."

"No."

"Yes."

"No."

"Yes."

Tulsi smiled, enjoying the cousins' argument.

"Will somebody tell me what's happening?"

Dev grinned.

"Baa, I got admission in Mumbai for MBA coaching."

"That's wonderful!"

"And Mr. Canada here also got selected."

Parth blinked.

"What?"

Dev handed him an email.

Parth's eyes widened.

"I forgot about this."

Dev burst out laughing.

"Exactly! The man who forgot his passport also forgot his admission."

Tulsi laughed.

"My boys are impossible."

"But Dev bhai…"

"No buts."

"I'm not in the mood."

"Perfect. Mumbai will fix that."

Parth sighed.

"What if I fail again?"

Dev smiled.

"Then we'll fail together."

"What if nothing works out?"

"Then we'll figure it out together."

"What if life becomes worse?"

Dev smirked.

"Then we'll complain together."

Parth laughed.

"And if life becomes better?"

Dev winked.

"Then we'll celebrate together."

Tulsi smiled proudly at the two cousins.

"That's what family means."

Just then, Mihir entered.

"What's this celebration?"

"Parth is going to Mumbai!" Tulsi announced excitedly.

"What?"

Soon Karan and Nandini joined them.

"Mumbai?" Karan asked.

Dev nodded enthusiastically.

"Kaka, trust me. I'll take care of him."

Nandini smiled.

"And who'll take care of you?"

Dev scratched his head.

"That's… a good question."

Everyone burst out laughing.

Seeing the smile return to his son's face after days, Karan put a hand on Parth's shoulder.

"Go, beta."

Parth looked up.

"Dad?"

"Sometimes life doesn't give us what we want because it has something better in store."

Nandini kissed his forehead.

"And remember, home will always be waiting for you."

Parth smiled.

For the first time since the rejection…

He felt hope.

Goodbye, Ahmedabad

The Virani mansion was in complete chaos.

Suitcases.

Bags.

Snacks.

And a thousand instructions.

Parth stood in the middle of his room, staring at his overflowing suitcase.

"Dev bhai!" he shouted.

"Why do I have seventeen T-shirts and only two pairs of jeans?"

Dev entered with a grin.

"Because you packed like a man preparing for a fashion show."

Parth frowned.

"And why are there six packets of khakra in my suitcase?"

Tulsi appeared at the door.

"Because Mumbai doesn't have khakra like Ahmedabad."

Parth smiled.

"My sweet Baa."

"And don't forget the thepla."

"Baa, I'm going to Mumbai, not Mars."

Tulsi smacked his arm lovingly.

"A grandson should never argue with his Baa."

Mihir entered with a smile.

"And don't forget your medicines."

"Dadu, I'm twenty-five."

"So? Even I forget my medicines."

The two men burst out laughing.

Meanwhile downstairs, Nandini was busy stuffing more food into bags.

Karan shook his head.

"Nandini, they're going for coaching, not opening a restaurant."

"They'll need food."

"They can order food."

"They'll get sick."

"Then they'll learn."

Nandini glared at him.

"Very funny."

Just then, Dev walked downstairs carrying his own suitcase.

"Aunty, don't worry. I'll take care of Parth."

Karan smiled.

"I'm more worried about who'll take care of you."

Everyone laughed.

Soon it was time.

Parth touched Karan's feet.

"Take care of yourself, Dad."

Karan hugged him tightly.

"Make mistakes, learn, enjoy yourself. But most importantly, become responsible."

He nodded.

Then he bent before Nandini.

She hugged him immediately.

"Call me every day."

"Every day?"

"Twice a day."

"Mom!"

"Three times?"

Parth laughed.

"Okay."

Then came Mihir.

"Enjoy your life, beta."

"Dadu."

"And remember, money is important."

Parth smiled.

"Noted."

"And never lend money to Dev."

"Mihir Dadu!" Dev protested.

The entire family laughed.

Finally, Parth turned towards Tulsi.

Without a word, he hugged her tightly.

Tulsi kissed his forehead.

"My child."

Parth suddenly felt tears in his eyes.

"Baa…"

"Don't cry."

"I'm not."

"You are."

"A little."

She smiled lovingly.

"Wherever you go, God goes before you."

Parth nodded.

"And whenever you miss home… remember that your Baa is always waiting."

Unable to control himself, he hugged her again.

"Love you, Baa."

"I love you too, my child."

Soon, the two cousins climbed into the car.

As the vehicle moved out of the gates, everyone waved.

Parth rolled down the window.

"Bye, Mom!"

"Bye, Dad!"

"Bye, Dadu!"

"Bye, Baa!"

"Bye, everyone!"

Dev grinned.

"Bro."

"Hmm?"

"Ready for Mumbai?"

Parth smiled softly.

"Ready."

Dev smiled back.

"Then let's begin the next chapter of our lives."

The car disappeared into the bustling streets of Ahmedabad, heading towards Mumbai.

Neither Parth nor Dev knew...

That this journey wasn't just about a new city.

It was about destiny.

Hundreds of kilometres away...

Mumbai.

The city never slept.

Waves crashed against Marine Drive.

Local trains rushed through crowded stations.

Office-goers hurried home.

Somewhere amidst the chaos...

A young woman stepped out of her office with a smile.

Twenty-eight-year-old Vaishnavi Shah.

Independent.

Cheerful.

Mature.

Completely unaware...

That destiny had already begun writing a love story she had never asked for.

And that a carefree twenty-five-year-old boy from Ahmedabad...

Was on his way to turn her perfectly organized life upside down.

------

To be continued.

Loved this SS of P & V a lot

Please continue the story..

Chapter 2 (The Wedding and the Girl in Blue)

Mumbai Diaries

Mumbai.

The city that never slept.

The city of dreams.

The city where millions arrived every year hoping to find success.

And today...

It welcomed two more dreamers.

Parth Virani stood outside Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus with his backpack slung over one shoulder, staring at the endless stream of people rushing in every direction.

Cars honked.

Local trains thundered in the distance.

Street vendors called out to customers.

The salty breeze from the Arabian Sea mixed with the aroma of freshly made vada pav.

Parth slowly removed his sunglasses.

"Dev bhai..."

"Hmm?"

"I think Mumbai has more people than our entire family."

Dev laughed.

"Impossible. Have you forgotten the Virani family weddings?"

Parth smiled.

"Point."

A taxi driver approached them.

"Taxi, saab?"

Dev nodded.

"Bandra."

The driver loaded their luggage into the boot, and soon the taxi sped through the bustling streets of Mumbai.

Parth sat by the window, taking in everything.

The towering skyscrapers.

The old colonial buildings.

The sea link stretching across the horizon.

Film posters plastered on walls.

The vibrant chaos that somehow seemed perfectly organized.

"This city never stops, does it?" he asked.

Dev smiled.

"That's Mumbai. If you stop, it keeps moving."

Parth nodded thoughtfully.

For the first time since his visa rejection...

He felt...

Excited.

An hour later...

The taxi stopped outside a modern apartment complex in Bandra.

"This is it," Dev said.

Parth looked up.

"This place is amazing."

"It better be. The rent is amazing too."

They burst into laughter.

The watchman greeted them before helping them carry their luggage upstairs.

As soon as they unlocked the apartment door...

Parth froze.

The living room looked like a battlefield.

Pizza boxes.

Open suitcases.

Clothes hanging from a chair.

Books scattered across the sofa.

A cricket bat resting against the television.

Parth looked at Dev.

"You said this apartment was fully furnished."

"It is."

"You forgot to mention it was fully destroyed."

Dev scratched his head.

"I was in a hurry when I came last week."

Parth picked up an empty chips packet.

"You've been living like this?"

"It's called organized chaos."

"It's called a health hazard."

Dev threw an arm around his shoulders.

"Give me one day."

"You said that about cleaning your room in Ahmedabad."

"And?"

"You never cleaned it."

Dev grinned shamelessly.

"Exactly."

Parth couldn't help laughing.

By evening...

The apartment looked far more presentable.

Most of the clothes had found their way into cupboards.

The pizza boxes had disappeared.

And the two cousins finally collapsed onto the sofa.

Dev switched on the television.

"So..."

"So?"

"Welcome to Mumbai."

Parth smiled.

"Thank you."

His phone buzzed.

It was Tulsi.

He answered immediately.

"Baa!"

"My child! Have you reached safely?"

"Yes."

"Did you eat?"

Parth looked at the untouched packets of chips on the table.

"Yes."

Dev looked at him in disbelief.

Tulsi smiled from the other end.

"You're lying."

Parth laughed.

"How do you always know?"

"Because I'm your Baa."

"I'll eat now. Promise."

"Good. And call me every night."

"I will."

After ending the call, Parth leaned back on the sofa.

He looked around the apartment.

A new city.

A new beginning.

Maybe...

Life was finally moving forward.

Just then, Dev's phone rang.

He answered cheerfully.

"Hello?"

A broad smile spread across his face.

"What? This weekend?"

Parth looked at him curiously.

Dev ended the call and turned towards him with an excited grin.

"Guess what?"

"What?"

"My college friend Rohan is getting married this Sunday."

"So?"

"We've been invited."

Parth shrugged.

"Okay."

Dev's grin widened.

"Half our old college gang will be there."

Parth wasn't impressed.

"Still okay."

"And the bride's side has some really beautiful girls."

Parth rolled his eyes.

"Is that your solution to every problem?"

"It works surprisingly often."

Parth laughed.

"I'll come only because I don't want to sit alone at home."

"Whatever helps you sleep at night."

Neither cousin realized...

That the wedding invitation lying on the coffee table...

Wasn't just an invitation.

It was destiny's first move.

Because at that very same wedding...

A twenty-eight-year-old woman named Vaishnavi Shah would arrive wearing a royal blue lehenga.

And one careless glance...

Would change Parth Virani's life forever.

A Wedding Invitation

Sunday morning...

The Virani apartment was unusually peaceful.

Until...

"PARTH!"

Dev's voice echoed through the apartment.

Parth groaned and buried his face deeper into the pillow.

"What happened now?"

"We're getting late!"

"For what?"

"The wedding!"

Parth lazily opened one eye.

"It starts at six."

"It's only eleven."

"Exactly. We have to shop."

Parth sat up.

"Shop?"

"You can't attend an Indian wedding wearing jeans."

Parth yawned.

"I'll wear the black kurta Mom packed."

Dev shook his head dramatically.

"No."

"Why?"

"Because every photograph will exist forever."

"So?"

"You'll thank me later."

An hour later...

The two cousins found themselves inside a bustling shopping mall.

Dev walked confidently from one store to another while Parth dragged his feet behind him.

"I don't understand why weddings require so much preparation."

Dev held up two kurtas.

"Blue or maroon?"

"I don't care."

"This is exactly why you're still single."

Parth laughed.

"And you're not?"

Dev cleared his throat awkwardly.

"That's... not the point."

Parth burst into laughter.

After trying on nearly fifteen outfits...

Parth finally emerged from the trial room wearing an elegant ivory embroidered kurta with a navy-blue Nehru jacket.

Dev stared at him.

"There he is."

"Who?"

"The hero."

Parth looked down at himself.

"It's just a kurta."

"Trust me."

"What?"

"Some girl's heart is definitely getting broken today."

Parth rolled his eyes.

"Please."

Dev smirked.

"I'm serious."

Before Parth could respond, his phone rang.

Baa Calling...

He answered immediately.

"Baa!"

"My child, have you eaten breakfast?"

Parth smiled.

"Good morning to you too."

Tulsi laughed softly.

"So?"

"Not yet."

"I knew it."

"Baa..."

"No arguments."

"I'll eat."

"And send me a picture in your wedding clothes."

Parth chuckled.

"Why?"

"I want to show my handsome grandson to everyone."

Dev leaned closer to the phone.

"Baa, don't praise him so much. His ego is already too big."

Tulsi laughed.

"Dev, you're no less."

Parth grinned triumphantly.

"See? Baa loves me more."

"I love both my boys equally."

The cousins smiled.

"Take care," Tulsi said gently.

"And enjoy yourselves."

"We will, Baa."

By evening...

The wedding venue sparkled under thousands of golden fairy lights.

Fresh marigolds and white jasmine decorated the grand entrance.

Soft instrumental music floated through the air.

Guests walked in wearing dazzling traditional outfits.

Parth adjusted the sleeve of his kurta as he stepped out of the car.

He looked around in amazement.

The First Glance

The wedding hall was alive with music, laughter, and endless conversations.

Children ran around the stage.

Relatives posed for photographs.

Waiters moved through the crowd carrying trays of juices and appetizers.

Parth looked around curiously.

"Indian weddings are basically festivals."

Dev nodded, grabbing a glass of orange juice from a passing waiter.

"With unlimited food."

"You'll never change."

"I don't want to."

The two cousins laughed and continued walking through the beautifully decorated venue.

Just then...

A familiar voice called out.

"Dev!"

Dev turned around and broke into a wide smile.

"Rohan!"

The groom rushed over and hugged him warmly.

"It's been so long!"

"I know!"

Rohan then looked at Parth.

"And this handsome fellow is...?"

"My cousin brother, Parth Virani."

Parth smiled politely and shook his hand.

"Congratulations."

"Thank you! Make yourselves comfortable. I'll introduce you to everyone after the varmala."

"No problem," Dev replied.

The groom hurried away as another group of relatives called him.

Parth looked around once again.

"So many people..."

"And yet, by the end of the night, every aunty will know your entire biodata."

Parth laughed.

"That sounds terrifying."

"It is."

Meanwhile...

Inside the bridal suite...

Three young women stood before a large mirror.

One was helping the bride adjust her dupatta.

Another was busy clicking selfies.

And the third...

Was trying to fix the bride's earrings.

"Vaishu!" Aarti called dramatically.

"Leave the bride alone for two minutes."

Vaishnavi laughed.

"I'm helping."

"You're making her nervous."

The bride giggled.

"She's right."

Vaishnavi finally stepped back.

"Fine."

Aarti smiled mischievously.

"Now go get ready."

"I am ready."

Aarti looked her up and down.

"No."

"What?"

"You still haven't worn the earrings I gifted you."

Vaishnavi sighed.

"They're too flashy."

"Exactly why you should wear them."

"I like simple things."

"And I like making you look beautiful."

Vandana joined the conversation.

"Aarti won't stop until you wear them."

Vaishnavi laughed helplessly.

"Fine."

A few minutes later...

She stood before the mirror once more.

Her royal blue lehenga shimmered under the lights.

Her long hair fell in soft curls over one shoulder.

The silver earrings completed the look.

Aarti folded her arms proudly.

"There."

"What?"

"You finally look like someone who might accidentally make a man fall in love."

Vaishnavi rolled her eyes.

"I came here for Riddhi's wedding, not to find a husband."

Vandana laughed.

"That's what everyone says before fate proves them wrong."

Vaishnavi smiled.

"I don't believe in love at first sight."

Aarti raised an eyebrow.

"What do you believe in?"

"Friendship."

"And career."

"And peace."

The three friends laughed together.

Outside...

Dev was already making his second visit to the food counter.

Parth looked at him in disbelief.

"We've been here fifteen minutes."

"So?"

"You're eating already."

"It's called planning."

Parth shook his head with a smile.

"I'll be back."

"Where are you going?"

"Just looking around."

As Parth wandered through the venue, admiring the decorations, someone carrying a large floral arrangement accidentally walked in front of him, blocking his view.

At the very same moment...

Vaishnavi stepped out of the bridal suite with Aarti and Vandana.

The two groups walked towards the central courtyard from opposite directions.

Only a few steps separated them now.

Neither Parth nor Vaishnavi knew...

That destiny had chosen this exact moment.

One more step...

One more heartbeat...

And their lives would never be the same again.

"Wow..."

Dev smiled.

"I told you."

"This is beautiful."

"It gets even better once the food counters open."

Parth laughed.

"You only think about food."

"And you only think about your future."

They entered the venue together.

Neither of them knew...

That somewhere inside this very wedding...

A woman was adjusting the pleats of her royal blue lehenga while laughing with her best friends.

A woman Parth had never met.

A woman three years older than him.

A woman who had absolutely no idea...

That in just a few moments...

A single accidental glance...

Would become the beginning of the greatest love story of their lives.

Love at First Sight

The sound of the shehnai echoed softly through the beautifully decorated courtyard.

Guests began gathering near the stage for the varmala ceremony.

Parth slowly walked towards the lawn, absentmindedly looking around the venue.

"Where did Dev bhai disappear now?" he muttered.

Knowing his cousin...

The answer was obvious.

"The food counter."

Parth chuckled to himself.

Just then...

A little girl came running across the lawn, chasing a balloon.

She accidentally bumped into Parth.

"Oh!"

The balloon slipped from her tiny hands and floated into the air.

"I'm sorry, Uncle..."

Parth's eyes widened dramatically.

"Uncle?"

The little girl innocently nodded.

Before Parth could recover from the emotional damage...

A melodious voice reached his ears.

"Ria!"

He instinctively turned.

Time...

Stopped.

Standing a few feet away...

Was a young woman in a breathtaking royal blue lehenga.

Her long, wavy hair cascaded over one shoulder.

Silver earrings shimmered beneath the fairy lights.

A delicate smile adorned her face as she gently knelt before the little girl.

"It's okay," she said softly, brushing a strand of hair away from the child's face.

"We'll get another balloon."

The little girl smiled.

"Promise?"

"I promise."

Parth simply stood there.

Unable to blink.

Unable to breathe.

Unable to look away.

The little girl suddenly pointed towards him.

"Didi... he's staring."

Vaishnavi looked up.

For the very first time...

Their eyes met.

Parth forgot where he was.

The noise around him faded.

The music disappeared.

The crowd became a blur.

All he could see...

Was her.

Vaishnavi noticed the young man standing awkwardly with an embarrassed smile.

She smiled politely.

"Thank you for stopping her from falling."

Parth opened his mouth.

Nothing came out.

She waited.

Still nothing.

Finally...

"...Welcome."

Vaishnavi looked confused.

"Welcome?"

Parth mentally slapped himself.

Brilliant, Parth.

She thanked you... and you welcomed her.

Vaishnavi couldn't help smiling.

"I meant... thank you."

Parth scratched the back of his neck.

"I... yes... thank you."

Stop talking.

Please stop talking.

Before he could embarrass himself any further...

Dev appeared carrying two plates overflowing with snacks.

"There you are!"

He looked at Parth.

Then at Vaishnavi.

Then back at Parth.

A slow grin spread across his face.

"Ohhh..."

Parth immediately understood that grin.

"Dev bhai..."

"What?"

"Don't."

"I'm not saying anything."

"You don't have to."

Dev stepped forward with his usual cheerful smile.

"Hi! I'm Dev."

Vaishnavi smiled politely.

"Vaishnavi."

"I'm Parth," he blurted out before she could even ask.

She looked at him with an amused smile.

"I figured."

Parth wanted the ground to open and swallow him whole.

Dev was enjoying every second.

Just then...

"Aye, Vaishu!"

Aarti called from across the lawn.

"The bride is looking for you!"

"And hurry!" Vandana added. "The varmala is about to begin."

Vaishnavi looked back at the cousins.

"It was nice meeting you."

She smiled once again...

Turned around...

And walked away with Aarti and Vandana.

Parth watched her until she disappeared into the crowd.

Only then did he realize...

He was still smiling.

Dev slowly waved a samosa in front of his face.

"Hello?"

No response.

"Earth to Parth?"

Still nothing.

Dev laughed.

"Game over."

Parth blinked.

"What?"

"You've fallen."

"What nonsense!"

"Really?"

"I just met her."

"And?"

Parth looked in the direction she had disappeared.

"I don't even know why..."

A smile unknowingly crept onto his face.

"...but I want to meet her again."

Dev folded his arms triumphantly.

"I knew it."

Parth finally admitted in a whisper—

"I think..."

"...I'm in love."

Dev burst into laughter.

"You don't even know her surname!"

Parth smiled dreamily.

"I know her name."

"Vaishnavi."

For him...

That was enough.

Far away...

Vaishnavi joined Aarti and Vandana near the stage.

Aarti immediately nudged her.

"So..."

"So what?"

"Who was the handsome guy?"

Vaishnavi smiled casually.

"I don't know."

"Did you notice how he kept staring at you?"

She laughed.

"He seemed... sweet."

"That's all?"

"That's all."

Little did Vaishnavi know...

For her...

It had been a brief, pleasant encounter.

But for Parth Virani...

It was the moment his heart quietly chose its forever.

A Name That Wouldn't Leave His Heart

The wedding celebrations continued in full swing.

The bride and groom exchanged garlands amidst loud cheers.

Rose petals showered over them.

The band played festive tunes.

Everyone applauded.

Everyone...

Except Parth.

He was still looking towards the entrance from where Vaishnavi had disappeared.

Dev slowly nudged him.

"The bride is on the stage."

"Hmm."

"The groom is smiling."

"Hmm."

"The food counter has opened."

"Hmm."

Dev frowned.

"The jalebis are getting over."

Parth's eyes widened.

"What?"

Dev burst into laughter.

"There! He's back."

Parth shook his head.

"Not funny."

"It was."

Dev took a bite of his samosa.

"So..."

"So?"

"Are you planning to keep staring into empty space?"

"I'm not."

"You've been looking in the same direction for the last ten minutes."

Parth smiled sheepishly.

"I was just..."

"Thinking about Vaishnavi?"

Parth looked away.

"I didn't say that."

"You didn't have to."

A few minutes later...

On the other side of the venue...

Vaishnavi stood with Aarti and Vandana, chatting with the bride's family.

Aarti leaned closer.

"So..."

Vaishnavi sighed.

"Again?"

"Again."

"What?"

"The handsome guy."

Vaishnavi smiled.

"His name is Parth."

"Oh!"

"You remembered."

"He introduced himself."

Aarti folded her arms dramatically.

"He introduced himself before you even asked."

Vandana laughed.

"I noticed that too."

Vaishnavi couldn't help laughing.

"He was... nervous."

"Nervous?"

"Very."

Aarti grinned mischievously.

"I think he liked you."

Vaishnavi immediately shook her head.

"Aarti!"

"What?"

"We spoke for barely a minute."

"So?"

"People don't fall in love in one minute."

Vandana smiled knowingly.

"Sometimes they do."

Vaishnavi laughed.

"You two watch too many romantic movies."

"Maybe."

"But we're usually right."

Vaishnavi simply smiled and changed the topic.

Meanwhile...

Dev had dragged Parth to the dinner buffet.

"Eat."

"I'm not hungry."

"You've said that three times."

"I'm serious."

Dev placed a plate in his hands anyway.

"You'll faint before falling in love."

Parth laughed.

"I'm not in love."

Dev raised an eyebrow.

"No?"

"No."

"So if Vaishnavi walks past right now..."

"I won't even look."

"Really?"

"Really."

At that exact moment...

Vaishnavi, Aarti and Vandana walked past the buffet.

Without realizing it...

Parth immediately turned.

His eyes automatically searched for only one face.

And there she was.

Laughing.

Talking.

Completely unaware that someone was looking at her as though she were the only person in the room.

Dev slowly looked from Vaishnavi...

To Parth...

Then back again.

He couldn't stop smiling.

"You were saying?"

Parth sighed in defeat.

"I looked."

"You practically forgot to blink."

Parth laughed helplessly.

"I can't explain it."

Dev's teasing expression softened.

"You don't have to."

Parth looked towards Vaishnavi once again.

"I've met hundreds of people."

"Hmm."

"But when I saw her..."

He smiled to himself.

"...it felt different."

Dev nodded.

"Then don't let the opportunity go."

"What do you mean?"

"Go talk to her."

Parth almost dropped his plate.

"What?"

"Go."

"No!"

"Why?"

"What will I even say?"

Dev thought for a moment.

"'Hi, I'm Parth.'"

"I've already said that."

"Then say, 'Hi, I'm still Parth.'"

Parth burst into laughter.

"You are impossible."

"And you're hopeless."

Before either of them could continue...

Rohan walked over.

"Parth!"

"Yes?"

"Could you do me a favour?"

"Of course."

"The photographer wants all our college friends for a group photograph."

"Sure."

"And the bride's friends are joining too."

Parth nodded without thinking.

Only after following Rohan towards the stage...

Did he realize what he had just said yes to.

Because standing beside the bride...

Adjusting her dupatta...

Was Vaishnavi.

Destiny had smiled once again.

And this time...

It had brought them together.

Without either of them asking.

-------

To be continued.

Wow! A light hearted read after your previous dark story.

I loved the bond between the cousins!