Mr. Wrong... Right? ~ A Parnavi SS ~ Chap 2 on pg 1

Childhood encounters, endless arguments, and stubborn egos define Parth and Vaishnavi's journey. As destiny repeatedly brings them together, friendship blossoms into love-but neither is willing to confess first. In this heartwarming Parnavi romance, family, laughter, and fate prove that sometimes Mr. Wrong is actually Mr. Right.

Chapter 1 (Written by Destiny)

A Promise That Changed Two Lives

"Some promises are not written on paper. They are written on the heart."

Mumbai, India

Twenty-Five Years Ago

The evening sky over Mumbai was unusually gloomy.

Dark clouds covered the city as heavy rain lashed the streets.

Inside Shanti Niketan, the magnificent Virani mansion, Tulsi was arranging fresh flowers before the household temple when the telephone rang.

She answered it.

"Hello?"

Her smile slowly disappeared.

"What?"

Within moments, she hurried towards the living room.

"Mihir!"

Mihir looked up from the newspaper.

"What happened?"

Tulsi's voice trembled.

"There's been an accident..."

Nearly an hour later...

A car stopped outside the mansion.

Mihir stepped out first.

His face was pale.

His eyes were swollen from holding back tears.

In his arms slept a tiny three-year-old girl.

Her little hands clutched a worn-out teddy bear tightly against her chest.

She looked exhausted.

Lost.

Completely unaware that her world had changed forever.

Tulsi's eyes immediately filled with tears.

She slowly walked towards them.

"Mihir..."

He looked at her silently before gently placing the sleeping child in Tulsi's arms.

"This is..."

"...Vaishnavi."

Tulsi looked down at the innocent little face.

The child stirred slightly in her sleep.

Softly...

Almost inaudibly...

She whispered,

"Papa..."

Mihir turned away.

He could no longer control his emotions.

Later that night...

Vaishnavi finally woke up.

She looked around the unfamiliar room.

Confused.

Scared.

"Mamma?"

No answer.

She rubbed her sleepy eyes.

"Papa?"

Still no answer.

Her lips began to tremble.

The bedroom door slowly opened.

Tulsi entered carrying a glass of warm milk.

She smiled gently.

"You're awake."

Vaishnavi immediately looked behind Tulsi.

"Where's Papa?"

Tulsi froze.

For a brief moment...

She had no words.

She placed the milk on the bedside table and sat beside the little girl.

"What is your name, beta?"

"...Vaishnavi."

"What a beautiful name."

The child looked around the room once again.

"When will Papa come?"

Tulsi could feel her own heart breaking.

Instead of answering...

She simply hugged the little girl.

Vaishnavi buried her face into Tulsi's shoulder and began crying.

"Mamma... Papa..."

Tulsi held her tightly.

"I'm here..."

"I'm here, beta."

Outside the room...

Mihir stood silently.

Listening to the cries of his best friend's daughter.

Every tear she shed reminded him of his lost friend.

The next morning...

Inspector Sharma and the family doctor arrived at Shanti Niketan.

Several documents lay on the centre table.

After offering their condolences, the inspector spoke quietly.

"Mihir ji..."

"There is something your friend wanted you to have."

He carefully removed a sealed envelope from his file.

"He regained consciousness for a brief while at the hospital."

"The doctors knew his condition was critical."

"During those final moments..."

"...he asked for paper and a pen."

"He insisted on writing this letter himself."

The inspector gently handed the envelope to Mihir.

"He also requested that this be given only to you."

With trembling hands, Mihir opened the envelope.

Inside was a handwritten letter.

The ink was slightly smudged, as though written with shaking hands.

He slowly began to read.

My dear Mihir,

I don't know if I'll survive long enough to say this to you in person.

If this letter reaches you, it means fate has chosen a different path for me.

I have only one request.

Please take care of my little Vaishnavi.

Don't let her grow up feeling that she has lost everything.

Raise her with the same love you would give your own child.

I know there is no one in this world I trust more than you and Tulsi.

Promise me... she'll never feel alone.

Your friend... always.

Mihir stopped reading.

His hands trembled uncontrollably.

A tear rolled down his cheek and landed on the letter.

He carefully folded it and held it against his heart.

For a long moment...

No one spoke.

Only the sound of rain filled the room.

That evening...

Mihir stood alone on the balcony, staring at the rain-soaked garden.

The letter remained tightly clasped in his hand.

Tulsi quietly walked over and stood beside him.

Neither of them spoke for several moments.

Finally, Mihir broke the silence.

"When I reached the hospital..."

"...I was too late."

His voice was barely a whisper.

"I couldn't even say goodbye."

Tulsi gently rested her hand on his shoulder.

"He knew you would come."

Mihir looked down at the letter.

"He trusted me with the most precious part of his life."

His voice cracked.

"I gave him my word."

"And I won't break it."

Tulsi looked towards Vaishnavi's room, where the little girl had finally fallen asleep.

"Then from today..."

"...she'll never have to face this world alone."

Mihir nodded.

"Not while we're here."

The two stood together in silence.

No grand speeches.

No dramatic promises.

Just two compassionate hearts...

Quietly deciding to dedicate the rest of their lives to a little girl who had lost everything.

From that day onward...

Shanti Niketan was no longer just a house for little Vaishnavi.

It became her home.

And for Tulsi and Mihir...

A promise became a lifelong responsibility.

One they would cherish with all their hearts.

A Home Filled With Love

"Families are not always born. Sometimes, they are built with love, one day at a time."

Three Years Later

Shanti Niketan was no longer the silent mansion it had once been.

Its corridors echoed with laughter.

Tiny footsteps raced across the marble floors every morning.

And almost every day...

One familiar voice filled the entire house.

"Papa!"

Six-year-old Vaishnavi came running through the living room, her school bag bouncing against her back.

Mihir looked up from his morning newspaper and smiled.

"Slow down, princess!"

She threw herself into his arms.

"I got full marks in my spelling test!"

"Really?"

She proudly showed him her notebook.

Every answer had a bright red tick beside it.

Mihir kissed her forehead.

"I knew my daughter would make me proud."

Vaishnavi's face lit up.

"You really think so?"

"I don't think so."

"I know so."

From the dining room...

Tulsi watched them with a smile.

"Both of you will be late if this celebration continues."

Vaishnavi giggled.

"Maa..."

"Papa started it."

Mihir looked offended.

"I did not!"

"You came running first."

"I only wanted my hug."

Tulsi laughed.

"Enough."

"My two children can continue this debate after breakfast."

Vaishnavi blinked.

"Two children?"

Tulsi looked at Mihir.

"One may be six years old..."

"...the other refuses to grow up."

Mihir placed a dramatic hand over his heart.

"See, Vaishu?"

"Your Maa always takes your side."

Vaishnavi burst into laughter.

Life slowly returned to normal.

Vaishnavi joined school.

She made friends.

She learnt to smile again.

Although there were nights when she quietly sat near the window holding her old teddy bear...

Thinking about the parents she barely remembered.

Whenever those moments came...

Tulsi never questioned her.

She simply sat beside her.

Sometimes...

Silence comforted more than words.

One evening...

Vaishnavi was arranging her crayons when she noticed an old photograph on the bookshelf.

It showed her parents smiling.

She carefully picked it up.

"Maa?"

Tulsi looked up from folding clothes.

"Yes, beta?"

"Were my Mamma and Papa good people?"

Tulsi walked over and sat beside her.

"They were wonderful people."

"Your father was one of the kindest men your Papa ever knew."

"And your mother..."

"...had the most beautiful smile."

Vaishnavi smiled softly.

"I wish I remembered them."

Tulsi gently tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

"You may not remember everything..."

"But they loved you very much."

"And so do we."

Vaishnavi quietly rested her head on Tulsi's shoulder.

Months passed.

The bond between Mihir and Vaishnavi grew stronger with each passing day.

Every evening...

He returned from work carrying something for her.

Sometimes chocolates.

Sometimes storybooks.

Sometimes colourful hair clips.

One evening...

He arrived empty-handed.

Vaishnavi looked at his hands.

"Papa..."

"You forgot my surprise."

Mihir smiled mysteriously.

"Who said I forgot?"

He bent down.

"My surprise is waiting outside."

Vaishnavi ran towards the garden.

Her eyes widened.

A brand-new bicycle stood near the gate with a bright pink ribbon tied around it.

She gasped.

"For me?"

Mihir nodded.

"For my brave little girl."

She threw her arms around him.

"You are the best Papa in the whole world!"

Tulsi smiled from the veranda.

Watching the two together...

It was impossible to believe they weren't father and daughter.

Because love had erased every difference.

Meanwhile...

Thousands of kilometres away...

In New York...

Another Virani household was celebrating.

A little boy had just blown out three birthday candles.

"Happy Birthday, Parth!"

Karan lifted his son into his arms.

Nandini kissed his cheeks.

"My little superhero is three today."

Parth grinned mischievously.

"I'm a big boy now!"

Karan laughed.

"Really?"

"Then can big boys eat all this cake by themselves?"

Parth nodded enthusiastically.

"Yes!"

Nandini laughed.

"I don't think so."

She wiped the icing off his nose.

"My little pilot still needs his Mom."

Parth wrapped his tiny arms around her neck.

"I'll always need my Mom."

Karan shook his head with a smile.

"Our son has completely stolen your heart."

Nandini looked lovingly at Parth.

"He didn't steal it."

"I gave it to him the day he was born."

That very evening...

Karan received a call from Mumbai.

"Papa?"

A smile spread across his face.

"How are you?"

Mihir's warm voice came through the receiver.

"We're all doing well."

"And your little champion?"

Karan looked at Parth, who was happily playing with his toy airplane.

"He's growing up too fast."

Mihir chuckled.

"Then it's time you brought him to India."

"Tulsi misses him."

"So do I."

Karan smiled.

"We were thinking of coming during his school holidays."

"Good."

"Shanti Niketan has been waiting for its youngest grandson."

As the two brothers continued talking...

Neither of them realized...

That very soon...

Two little children...

Living in two different worlds...

Were about to meet for the very first time.

The First Meeting

"Every unforgettable story has a first meeting. Sometimes it's magical... and sometimes it begins with a quarrel."

A Week Later

Shanti Niketan had come alive once again.

Tulsi supervised the servants as they decorated the entrance with fresh marigold garlands.

"Mohan, place those flowers properly."

"Yes, Baa."

The cook bustled around the kitchen.

The aroma of fresh Gujarati delicacies filled the mansion.

Mihir glanced at his watch every few minutes.

"They should have reached by now."

Tulsi smiled knowingly.

"You've been waiting since morning."

"I'm waiting for my grandson."

"And I'm waiting for my son and daughter-in-law."

Before Mihir could reply...

The security guard opened the gates.

A white car slowly entered the driveway.

"They're here!"

The front door opened.

Karan stepped out first.

"Maa!"

Tulsi hurried forward and embraced him.

"My son..."

"It's been so long."

"I missed you."

"So did we."

Mihir hugged Karan warmly.

"My boy."

Then Nandini stepped out of the car.

She immediately bent down to touch Tulsi and Mihir's feet.

"Maa..."

"Papa..."

"Bless me."

Tulsi lovingly placed her hand on Nandini's head.

"Always stay happy."

Mihir smiled.

"Our daughter has become even more beautiful."

Nandini laughed.

"Papa..."

"You always say that."

"Because it's true."

Everyone laughed.

Suddenly...

A tiny voice came from inside the car.

"Mom..."

"Are we there?"

Nandini smiled.

"Come out, sweetheart."

A curly-haired little three-year-old boy climbed out of the car carrying a toy airplane.

He looked around curiously.

"So this is India?"

Karan chuckled.

"Yes."

"And this..."

He pointed towards Mihir.

"...is your Dadu."

Parth looked up.

"Dadu?"

Mihir knelt down with open arms.

Parth ran straight into them.

"Dadu!"

"My little champion!"

Mihir lifted him into the air.

"I've missed you so much."

Parth giggled.

"I came in an aeroplane!"

"Did you?"

"Yes!"

"And I didn't cry."

Everyone laughed.

"Baa!"

Parth stretched out his little arms.

Tulsi immediately took him from Mihir.

"My handsome grandson."

Parth kissed her cheek.

"I missed you."

Tulsi smiled lovingly.

"I missed you too."

Nandini watched the scene with moist eyes.

Karan gently placed an arm around her shoulders.

"Our son is home."

From upstairs...

A little girl watched everything curiously.

Six-year-old Vaishnavi stood on the staircase holding her favourite pinwheel.

She had heard everyone talking about Parth.

Now she wanted to see him.

Tulsi noticed her.

"Vaishu..."

"Come here, beta."

Vaishnavi slowly walked downstairs.

She stood beside Tulsi.

Mihir smiled.

"Parth..."

"This is Vaishnavi."

"Our Vaishu."

Parth looked at her for a few seconds.

Then...

His attention shifted.

The colourful pinwheel in her hand caught his eye.

His eyes sparkled.

"I like that."

Vaishnavi smiled proudly.

"Papa bought it for me."

Parth walked closer.

"Can I play with it?"

She thought for a moment.

Then hugged it closer.

"No."

"It's mine."

Parth frowned.

"I'll give it back."

"No."

"I only want to play."

"No."

Parth wasn't used to hearing that word.

Before anyone could stop him...

He reached out and grabbed the pinwheel.

Vaishnavi immediately held on to it.

"It's mine!"

"I'll return it!"

"No!"

The two little children pulled from opposite sides.

Suddenly...

Rip!

The colourful paper blades tore apart.

The pinwheel fell to the floor.

Silence.

Vaishnavi stared at her broken toy.

Her lower lip trembled.

"You spoiled it..."

Parth looked at the torn pinwheel.

For the first time...

He realised what he had done.

"I..."

Before he could explain...

Vaishnavi glared at him.

"I don't like you!"

She picked up the broken pinwheel and ran upstairs.

The entire hall fell silent.

Parth looked at Nandini.

"I only wanted to play."

Nandini knelt beside him.

"I know."

"But before taking someone else's things..."

"You should always ask."

Parth lowered his head.

"I'm sorry."

Nandini smiled gently.

"Then say sorry to Vaishnavi."

Parth looked towards the staircase.

"But she went away."

"You'll get another chance."

That evening...

Nandini sat beside Vaishnavi on the balcony.

In her hand was a brand-new pinwheel they had bought on the way from the airport.

"This is for you."

Vaishnavi looked surprised.

"For me?"

Nandini nodded.

"Parth didn't mean to spoil your toy."

"Sometimes..."

"He acts before he thinks."

Vaishnavi accepted the new pinwheel.

"Thank you."

Nandini smiled.

"Will you be friends with him?"

Vaishnavi looked towards the garden where Parth was playing with Mihir.

She thought for a few seconds.

Then quietly shook her head.

"No."

Nandini couldn't help but laugh.

"Let's see how long that lasts."

Far below...

Parth looked up at the balcony.

For a brief moment...

The two children locked eyes.

Neither smiled.

Neither looked away.

Then...

Both turned in opposite directions.

Neither knew...

This wouldn't be their last meeting.

It was only the first page...

Of a story that had just begun.

Growing Up, Growing Apart

"Time changed them. Circumstances separated them. Yet life kept bringing them to the same place."

Three Years Later

Shanti Niketan was decorated with colourful balloons.

The Virani family had gathered to celebrate Mihir's birthday.

Nine-year-old Vaishnavi stood proudly beside Tulsi.

"Maa, is everyone here?"

"Almost."

Just then...

A familiar car entered through the gates.

"Dadu!"

Six-year-old Parth jumped out before the driver could even open the door properly.

He ran straight into Mihir's arms.

"My champion!"

Parth laughed.

"I've grown taller!"

Mihir measured him against himself.

"Hmm..."

"Just a little."

Parth pouted.

"I'm much taller."

The family burst into laughter.

That afternoon...

Mihir announced a treasure hunt for all the children.

"You'll play in two teams."

He looked around.

"Parth..."

"You'll lead one team."

He turned towards Vaishnavi.

"And Vaishu..."

"You'll lead the other."

Both immediately looked at each other.

"I'll win."

Parth declared confidently.

Vaishnavi folded her arms.

"We'll see."

The game began.

Every clue became a competition.

Whenever Parth solved one...

Vaishnavi solved another.

The children raced across the garden...

The terrace...

The library...

Finally...

Vaishnavi's team found the treasure chest first.

"We won!"

Her teammates cheered loudly.

Parth sighed dramatically.

"You were lucky."

Vaishnavi smiled.

"Winners don't need luck."

Parth simply shook his head.

"I'll beat you next time."

Two Years Later

It was Uttarayan.

The terrace of Shanti Niketan was alive with excitement.

The winter sky sparkled with hundreds of colourful kites.

Eight-year-old Parth proudly held his brand-new kite.

Eleven-year-old Vaishnavi smiled mischievously.

"So..."

"Ready to lose again?"

Parth looked offended.

"I never lose twice."

She laughed.

"We'll find out."

Within minutes...

Their kites danced across the sky.

The family watched from behind.

Karan cheered for Parth.

Mihir encouraged Vaishnavi.

Nandini stood beside Tulsi, enjoying the friendly rivalry.

For several minutes...

Neither gave up.

Then...

With one clever pull...

Vaishnavi's kite sliced Parth's string.

"Kaipo Che!"

The terrace erupted in applause.

Parth watched his kite disappear into the sky.

He turned towards Vaishnavi.

"You practised."

She smiled proudly.

"Maybe."

"I'll practise harder."

"I'll be waiting."

Three Years Later

The Virani family had organised a picnic on the outskirts of Mumbai.

Parth, now eleven, had become calmer.

Vaishnavi, fourteen, had grown into a responsible teenager.

The younger children played near the gardens.

Suddenly...

One little boy wandered away.

Within moments...

The family realised he was missing.

Everyone began searching.

Parth noticed tiny footprints leading towards a nearby mango orchard.

At the same time...

Vaishnavi spotted a small cap lying on the ground.

Without saying a word...

The two began searching in the same direction.

A few minutes later...

They found the frightened child sitting beneath a tree.

"There you are."

Vaishnavi smiled warmly.

The little boy immediately hugged her.

Parth gently lifted him into his arms.

"Let's take him back."

The walk back was unusually quiet.

For the first time...

Neither argued.

Neither competed.

They simply walked together.

As they reached the picnic area...

The family sighed in relief.

Mihir hugged the little boy.

"You both did well."

Parth smiled.

"So did Vaishnavi."

She looked at him in surprise.

"And so did you."

It was the first compliment either of them had ever given the other.

A brief one.

But genuine.

As the years continued to pass...

Parth returned to New York after every visit.

Vaishnavi remained in Mumbai.

They met only during family gatherings.

Sometimes they argued.

Sometimes they competed.

Sometimes they hardly spoke.

Yet somehow...

Neither visit to India ever seemed complete without crossing paths with the other.

Life moved on.

Childhood slowly gave way to adolescence.

Without either of them realizing...

The little rivalries of yesterday had quietly become cherished memories.

Homecoming

"Sometimes, years pass in the blink of an eye. People grow up, lives change... but a single journey can change everything."

Five Years Later

The magnificent Virani mansion glowed under thousands of fairy lights.

It was the wedding of one of the Virani cousins.

Relatives from every corner of the world had gathered at Shanti Niketan.

Karan had arrived from New York with Nandini and sixteen-year-old Parth.

As soon as he entered the mansion...

Parth bent down before Tulsi.

"Baa."

Tulsi lovingly placed her hand on his head.

"Stay happy, beta."

He then hugged Mihir.

"Dadu!"

"My grandson!"

Mihir embraced him tightly.

"You've become taller than me."

Parth laughed.

"You finally noticed."

Nandini smiled as she watched grandfather and grandson tease each other.

Meanwhile...

Nineteen-year-old Vaishnavi was helping Tulsi supervise the wedding arrangements.

"Vaishu."

"Have the flower baskets reached the mandap?"

"Yes, Maa."

"And the guests?"

"They've all been shown to their rooms."

Tulsi smiled proudly.

"You've handled everything beautifully."

Vaishnavi smiled.

"I learnt from the best."

The wedding preparations continued.

Everywhere...

People bustled with excitement.

Yet...

Two people kept missing each other.

Parth walked into the kitchen looking for a bottle of water.

"I think Baa kept it here..."

Just then...

Vaishnavi stepped out through the opposite door carrying trays of sweets.

Neither looked back.

A few minutes later...

Vaishnavi climbed the staircase to fetch the bride's jewellery.

At that exact moment...

Parth came downstairs after helping Karan decorate the terrace.

Again...

They missed each other.

That evening...

The little children insisted on taking photographs in the garden.

"Parth bhaiya!"

"Come quickly!"

Parth walked towards them.

At the same time...

Tulsi called out from the opposite side.

"Vaishu!"

"The photographer is waiting."

Vaishnavi hurried towards the family portrait area.

Just as she reached...

Parth had already been called away by Mihir.

Throughout the wedding...

Their paths crossed again and again.

One arrived.

The other left.

One turned left.

The other turned right.

They were always just a few steps apart.

Late that night...

The wedding ceremony finally concluded.

Parth stood on the balcony admiring the lights decorating the garden.

Nandini joined him.

"Tired?"

He smiled.

"A little."

"But weddings in India are much more fun."

She laughed.

"They certainly are."

After a brief silence, Parth asked,

"Mom..."

"Dadu keeps mentioning someone called Vaishu."

Nandini smiled.

"She's been living here since she was a little girl."

"Oh."

"I don't think I've seen her."

"You probably did..."

"...without realizing it."

Parth simply nodded.

Elsewhere...

Vaishnavi was helping Tulsi clear away the last of the decorations.

Mihir walked over.

"You've worked all day."

"Go and get some rest."

"I'm fine, Papa."

He smiled affectionately.

"You always say that."

As she turned to leave...

Her eyes briefly fell on the balcony upstairs.

A young man stood there talking to Nandini.

She couldn't see his face clearly.

Before she could look again...

He had already walked inside.

She thought nothing of it.

Present Day

New York

Sunlight streamed through the large windows of the Virani residence.

The peaceful morning was interrupted by a familiar voice.

"Mom!"

"Where are my car keys?"

Nandini smiled from the kitchen.

"Exactly where I told you to keep them."

Twenty-five-year-old Parth came downstairs carrying his laptop bag.

"I checked."

"No, you didn't."

She opened the drawer beside the entrance.

"There."

Parth laughed.

"I knew you'd find them."

Karan looked up from his newspaper.

"I sometimes wonder how you'll manage without your mother."

Parth grinned.

"I won't have to."

Nandini handed him a cup of coffee.

"Here."

"Just the way you like it."

He took a sip.

"Perfect."

She smiled knowingly.

"I know."

Just then...

Parth's phone rang.

Dadu Calling...

He answered immediately.

"Dadu!"

Mihir's cheerful voice echoed through the speaker.

"My grandson!"

"When are you coming home?"

Parth smiled.

"Very soon."

"In fact..."

He looked at Karan.

"I think I'll be seeing all of you sooner than expected."

Karan folded the newspaper.

"I was just about to tell you."

Parth looked at him curiously.

"The Mumbai office needs someone to take charge."

"I've decided..."

"...you're going."

Parth blinked.

"Me?"

Karan nodded.

"For at least a year."

Nandini smiled warmly.

"It'll be good for you."

"You've been away from India for too long."

Parth slowly smiled.

"So..."

"I'm going home."

Mumbai

At the same time...

Vaishnavi finished arranging fresh flowers in the living room.

Mihir entered with a smile.

"Vaishu."

"Karan, Nandini and Parth are landing tomorrow morning."

She looked up.

"Really?"

Mihir nodded.

"I want you to come with me to the airport."

"Of course, Papa."

She smiled.

"It'll be nice to see Karan Bhaiya and Nandini Bhabhi after so many years."

"And Parth?"

Mihir asked teasingly.

Vaishnavi laughed softly.

"I barely remember him."

Mihir smiled.

"I doubt he'll remember you either."

Neither of them knew...

That after years of childhood meetings...

Friendly rivalries...

And countless near misses...

The next meeting would change both their lives forever.

-------

To be continued.

Bookmarking this one too!

Chapter 2 (The Worst First Impression)

Back Home

"Sometimes home isn't just a place. It's where the people who love you have been waiting all along."

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport

Mumbai

The arrival terminal bustled with passengers.

Announcements echoed through the airport.

Families eagerly waited behind the barricades, searching every face that emerged from the arrival gates.

Standing near the front were Mihir, Tulsi, Vaishnavi, and Dev.

Dev glanced at his watch.

"International flights are always late."

"They've already landed," Mihir replied. "Immigration takes time."

Dev grinned.

"Three years later, I'll finally get to see Parth again."

Vaishnavi smiled.

"You two were close?"

Dev nodded proudly.

"Partners in crime."

"We've done everything together since childhood whenever he visited India."

Mihir laughed.

"And together, you've given us enough headaches."

Dev feigned innocence.

"Me?"

"It was always Parth's idea."

"Of course," Tulsi said with a smile. "You're both equally mischievous."

They all laughed.

Meanwhile...

Inside the terminal...

Passengers streamed out with luggage trolleys.

Parth adjusted the strap of his backpack as he looked around.

"So..."

He smiled.

"Mumbai."

Nandini noticed the smile immediately.

"Happy?"

Parth nodded.

"I've missed this place."

Karan placed a hand on his son's shoulder.

"It has missed you too."

Nandini gently brushed a strand of hair away from Parth's forehead.

"You'll have to get used to the heat again."

Parth laughed.

"As long as Baa keeps feeding me..."

"...I'll survive."

Nandini smiled.

"You haven't changed at all."

He wrapped an arm around her shoulders.

"I told you..."

"I never will."

Karan watched the mother-son duo and chuckled.

"I've officially become the third wheel."

Both mother and son looked at him.

"Always."

The three burst into laughter.

Near the baggage belt...

Parth spotted a small boy struggling to pull a heavy suitcase.

Without hesitation, he walked over.

"Need some help, champ?"

The little boy nodded gratefully.

"Thank you, bhaiya."

Parth lifted the suitcase onto the trolley with ease.

"There you go."

The child's mother smiled warmly.

"Thank you so much."

"My pleasure."

Nandini watched quietly.

A smile of pride appeared on her face.

Karan noticed.

"What?"

She looked towards Parth.

"No matter where he goes..."

"...he always notices the people around him."

Karan smiled.

"He gets that from you."

Outside...

Dev suddenly straightened.

"They're coming!"

Mihir looked towards the automatic glass doors.

A familiar figure emerged first.

"Karan!"

"Papa!"

Dev waved excitedly.

Karan immediately smiled.

"Dev!"

He walked over and hugged his nephew.

"You've grown up!"

"So have you, Chachu."

Nandini hugged Tulsi warmly.

"Baa..."

"I've missed you."

Tulsi cupped her face lovingly.

"So have we, beta."

Nandini then embraced Mihir.

"Papa..."

"Welcome home."

He smiled.

"It's good to have all of you back."

Just then...

Parth walked through the doors, pushing a luggage trolley.

"Dadu!"

Without caring about the people around him, he left the trolley where it was and embraced Mihir tightly.

"My grandson."

Mihir held him close.

"I've waited a long time for this."

"So have I."

Parth then turned towards Tulsi.

"Baa."

She hugged him affectionately.

"My little boy has become a handsome young man."

Parth smiled mischievously.

"I'll still ask you to make methi thepla."

Tulsi laughed.

"I already have."

Everyone around them smiled at the heartwarming reunion.

Standing a few steps away...

Vaishnavi watched quietly.

The cheerful young man laughing with Mihir and Tulsi...

The affectionate son teasing his mother...

The loving grandson hugging his grandparents...

He seemed nothing like the stubborn little boy she vaguely remembered.

She smiled unconsciously.

"So that's Parth..."

At the same moment...

Parth turned towards the family.

His eyes briefly swept past everyone.

For the shortest moment...

His gaze rested on Vaishnavi.

She stood beside Tulsi, dressed in a simple pastel-blue kurta, her long hair falling over one shoulder.

She looked familiar.

Yet he couldn't place where he had seen her before.

Before he could think further...

Dev threw an arm around his shoulders.

"Welcome back, partner!"

Parth laughed.

"I've missed you, idiot."

The two cousins immediately began teasing each other.

Vaishnavi shook her head with an amused smile.

"Some people never grow up."

Little did she know...

Within the next few hours...

She and Parth would have the argument that neither of them would ever forget.

A Case of Mistaken Identity

"Sometimes, the worst misunderstandings begin with the best intentions."

The Virani family slowly made their way towards the airport exit.

Dev pushed one luggage trolley while Parth handled another.

"So..."

Dev nudged him playfully.

"Ready to live in Mumbai again?"

Parth smiled.

"I think so."

"As long as you don't disappear every weekend."

Dev laughed.

"Not happening."

"We've got a lot to catch up on."

"Deal."

Meanwhile...

A few steps ahead...

Mihir and Tulsi walked with Karan and Nandini, happily catching up after years apart.

Vaishnavi followed behind them, carrying Tulsi's handbag.

Just then...

Her phone rang.

She glanced at the screen.

Office Calling...

She sighed.

"Excuse me, Maa."

Tulsi nodded.

"Go ahead."

Vaishnavi stepped aside near one of the pillars and answered the call.

"Hello?"

"Yes..."

"I know the presentation has been postponed."

"No, I'm at the airport."

"I'll come to the office after reaching home."

As she listened carefully...

She absent-mindedly began walking.

At the same moment...

Parth noticed an elderly gentleman struggling to lift a heavy suitcase onto a trolley.

"Dadu, one minute."

Before Mihir could respond...

Parth hurried over.

"Let me help you, Uncle."

The gentleman smiled gratefully.

"Thank you, beta."

Parth lifted the suitcase with ease.

"There you go."

"God bless you."

"My pleasure."

As Parth turned around...

He suddenly collided with someone.

Thud!

A file slipped from Vaishnavi's hand.

Several papers scattered across the polished airport floor.

"Oh!"

She immediately bent down to gather them.

Parth crouched beside her.

"I'm so sorry."

"I didn't see—"

Without looking at him...

Vaishnavi replied,

"It's okay."

She quickly collected the documents.

One sheet, however, slid a few feet away.

Parth picked it up.

"Here."

She accepted it politely.

"Thank you."

For a brief second...

Their eyes met.

Neither recognised the other.

Neither remembered the childhood meetings.

To them...

They were complete strangers.

Vaishnavi smiled courteously.

"No problem."

She turned and walked back towards her family.

Parth watched her for a moment.

"Hmm..."

Dev noticed.

"What happened?"

Parth shrugged.

"Nothing."

He pushed the trolley forward.

Outside the terminal...

The chauffeur had already parked two cars near the entrance.

The driver began loading the luggage into the boot.

Mihir looked around.

"Vaishu..."

"Would you sit with Maa?"

She nodded.

"Of course, Papa."

Just then...

Another suitcase remained beside the pavement.

Parth reached for it.

At the exact same moment...

Vaishnavi did too.

Their hands touched.

Both instinctively pulled back.

"I'll take it," Parth said politely.

Vaishnavi smiled.

"No, it's alright."

"I've got it."

Parth shook his head.

"It's heavy."

"So?"

"I carry heavier things every day."

He smiled.

"I'm sure you do."

"But please..."

"Allow me."

Vaishnavi looked at him for a moment before letting go.

"Thank you."

"My pleasure."

Parth placed the suitcase inside the car.

Nandini observed the interaction quietly.

"What a gentleman."

She whispered to Karan.

Karan smiled.

"Our son has finally learnt some manners."

Parth overheard.

"I heard that, Dad."

Everyone laughed.

Except...

Vaishnavi.

She simply smiled faintly and got into the car beside Tulsi.

The two cars pulled out of the airport.

Inside the first car...

Mihir, Tulsi, Karan and Nandini chatted happily.

In the second...

Dev occupied the front passenger seat while Parth sat behind him.

Vaishnavi sat by the opposite window.

For several minutes...

Silence.

Dev turned around.

"So..."

"Parth."

"This is Vaishnavi."

"Our Vaishu."

Parth smiled politely.

"Hi."

Vaishnavi returned the smile.

"Hello."

Neither showed the slightest sign of recognition.

After all...

Their last proper meeting had been nearly two decades ago.

They were no longer the little boy and little girl who had fought over a pinwheel.

They were two adults...

Meeting each other all over again.

Neither imagined...

That before the day ended...

Their peaceful introduction would be replaced by an argument worthy of becoming family legend.

Sparks Begin to Fly

"Sometimes, two people don't fall in love at first sight. They first fall into an argument."

The drive from the airport to Shanti Niketan was unusually lively.

Mihir, Karan and Nandini reminisced about old memories while Tulsi listened with a warm smile.

Dev kept talking endlessly.

"...and then I told him the client wasn't going to wait another week."

Parth laughed.

"You've become dramatic."

"I've learnt from the best."

"Meaning?"

"You."

Everyone chuckled.

Only Vaishnavi remained quietly looking out of the window.

Every now and then...

She found herself glancing at Parth through the rear-view mirror.

He seemed cheerful.

Easy-going.

Nothing like the stubborn little boy she faintly remembered.

Nearly an hour later...

The cars finally entered the gates of Shanti Niketan.

Parth slowly rolled down the window.

The familiar gardens.

The ancient banyan tree.

The marble fountain.

A smile spread across his face.

"I'm home."

Mihir noticed.

"We've been waiting to hear those words."

As soon as the cars stopped...

The servants hurried forward to unload the luggage.

Parth immediately stepped out.

"Baa..."

"I'll carry the bags."

Tulsi smiled.

"You've just come from a long flight."

"So?"

"I'm still stronger than Dev."

Dev looked offended.

"Excuse me?"

"You heard me."

"I'm stronger."

The cousins immediately started pulling the same suitcase from opposite sides.

"Leave it."

"No."

"It's mine."

"I saw it first."

The suitcase refused to move.

Everyone watched them with amused expressions.

Karan sighed dramatically.

"They're still children."

Nandini laughed.

"They'll never change."

Vaishnavi picked up Tulsi's handbag.

"Maa..."

"I'll take this inside."

She walked towards the entrance.

Just then...

One of the servants accidentally dropped a carton.

Several books spilled across the driveway.

"Oh!"

Without thinking...

Vaishnavi bent down to collect them.

Parth immediately crouched beside her.

"I'll help."

"No, it's alright."

"It's quicker if two people do it."

Before she could protest...

He had already picked up half the books.

Within seconds...

Everything was neatly arranged again.

"Thank you."

"My pleasure."

For the first time...

Vaishnavi smiled genuinely.

"You're very different from the little boy I remember."

Parth looked up.

"You remember me?"

"A little."

"You used to break pinwheels."

Parth burst into laughter.

"I remember the pinwheel..."

"...and someone who refused to let me touch it."

Vaishnavi folded her arms.

"You tore it."

"It was an accident."

"You still owe me one."

Parth grinned.

"I think Mom already settled that debt."

Vaishnavi couldn't help smiling.

"Maybe."

For a brief moment...

Everything felt surprisingly easy.

Just then...

Dev called out.

"Parth!"

"Hurry up!"

"The room upstairs is still yours."

"I'm coming."

Parth picked up the last carton.

"I'll take these."

"No."

Vaishnavi reached for it.

"I know where they belong."

"I'll manage."

"So will I."

Both held the carton at the same time.

Neither let go.

Parth smiled.

"You always have to win, don't you?"

Vaishnavi raised an eyebrow.

"Excuse me?"

"You've been competing with me since we were children."

"I don't remember asking you to compete."

"Oh?"

"Then why are you still holding the box?"

Vaishnavi looked down.

She realised neither of them had let go.

She quickly released it.

"You really haven't changed."

Parth chuckled.

"I was about to say the same thing."

She walked inside without another word.

Parth watched her leave.

A small smile appeared on his face.

"Hmm..."

Dev came and stood beside him.

"What happened?"

Parth shook his head.

"Nothing."

"Then why are you smiling?"

"I wasn't."

"You were."

Parth picked up his luggage.

"Come on."

"We've got unpacking to do."

Dev smirked.

"If you say so."

As they walked towards the mansion...

Neither cousin noticed...

Vaishnavi had turned around for just a second.

She looked at Parth...

Then quietly walked away.

For reasons she couldn't explain...

The mischievous little boy she had once disliked no longer seemed quite so annoying.

The Beginning of a Beautiful War

"The funniest battles begin over the smallest things."

The rest of the afternoon passed in a whirlwind.

Servants moved luggage upstairs.

Karan and Mihir settled into the study, discussing work.

Tulsi and Nandini disappeared into the kitchen, insisting on preparing lunch together despite the cooks' protests.

Dev had already dragged Parth upstairs.

"Come on."

"I'll show you your room."

Parth entered the room he had occupied during every visit to India.

Nothing had changed.

The wooden bookshelf.

The old cricket bat resting in one corner.

The framed family photograph beside the bed.

He smiled.

"It still looks exactly the same."

Dev grinned.

"Baa wouldn't let anyone touch it."

"She kept saying..."

"'My grandson will come back one day.'"

Parth's smile softened.

"Baa..."

After unpacking for a while...

Dev suddenly slapped his forehead.

"Oh no!"

"What?"

"I left my phone downstairs."

"I'll get it."

Parth nodded.

"I'll come too."

Downstairs...

Lunch was almost ready.

The aroma of fresh theplas, undhiyu and dal filled the dining room.

Parth inhaled deeply.

"Baa's cooking..."

"I've dreamed about this."

Tulsi laughed.

"You've become just like your Dadu."

Mihir looked offended.

"What's wrong with that?"

"Nothing."

Tulsi smiled.

"You both think with your stomachs."

Everyone laughed.

As the family gathered around the dining table...

Tulsi looked towards Vaishnavi.

"Vaishu, beta..."

"Would you bring the mango pickle from the kitchen?"

"Yes, Maa."

At the very same moment...

Nandini turned to Parth.

"Beta..."

"Can you bring some glasses of water?"

"Sure, Mom."

Both walked into the kitchen from opposite doors.

Neither noticed the other at first.

Vaishnavi reached for the jar of pickle kept on the top shelf.

It was just beyond her reach.

She stood on her toes.

Still...

It was too high.

Just as she stretched a little further...

A hand reached over her shoulder and effortlessly picked up the jar.

She turned.

Parth stood beside her.

"Here."

She accepted it.

"Thank you."

"No problem."

He then reached for the tray of glasses.

As he turned...

His elbow accidentally nudged the pickle jar.

It slipped from Vaishnavi's hands.

Crash!

The glass jar shattered on the floor.

Bright yellow pickle splashed across the tiles.

For a second...

Silence.

Both stared at the broken jar.

Then...

Vaishnavi looked at Parth.

"You couldn't be careful?"

Parth blinked.

"Excuse me?"

"You bumped into me."

"I was carrying the glasses."

"You still bumped into me."

Parth folded his arms.

"I said it was an accident."

"You could at least apologise."

"I was about to."

"You don't sound like it."

He frowned.

"I literally said it was an accident."

"And I literally said you should apologise."

Parth sighed.

"Fine."

"I'm sorry."

Vaishnavi looked at him.

There was something about the way he said it...

Almost teasing.

She folded her arms.

"You don't mean it."

Parth couldn't believe what he was hearing.

"I apologise..."

"...and now I'm being graded on the apology?"

She raised an eyebrow.

"Maybe."

At that exact moment...

Dev walked into the kitchen.

He froze.

The broken jar.

The pickle on the floor.

Parth and Vaishnavi glaring at each other.

He looked from one to the other.

"What happened here?"

Both answered at exactly the same time.

"It was his fault!"

"It was her fault!"

Dev stared for a second...

Then burst into laughter.

"You two haven't changed at all!"

"What do you mean?" Parth asked.

Dev pointed at both of them.

"You've been fighting since you were kids."

"And apparently..."

"...you're planning to continue."

Before either could respond...

Tulsi entered the kitchen.

She looked at the broken jar.

Then at Parth.

Then at Vaishnavi.

A knowing smile appeared on her face.

"It's only a pickle jar."

"I'll ask someone to clean it."

She calmly picked up another jar from the cupboard.

"Now..."

"Can we all have lunch before your food gets cold?"

Parth rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly.

"I'm really sorry, Baa."

Tulsi smiled affectionately.

"I know, beta."

Vaishnavi quietly looked away.

The argument was over.

But something told her...

It wouldn't be the last.

As everyone walked towards the dining room...

Dev leaned close to Parth and whispered,

"I've been here for years..."

"...and today you've managed to break a pickle jar and start a fight within an hour."

Parth smirked.

"I have a talent."

From a few steps ahead...

Vaishnavi overheard him.

Without turning around, she muttered softly,

"That much is obvious."

Parth heard it.

A smile tugged at the corner of his lips.

"Oh..."

"So that's how it's going to be."

Neither of them realised...

This was only the beginning.

The battle between Parth and Vaishnavi had officially begun.

------

To be continued.