Meri Queen ~ A Parnavi Seven-Shot ~ Chap 4 on pg 1

A wrong phone number brings Parth and Vaishnavi together, creating an unexpected bond through heartfelt conversations. But when the truth shatters their world, Parth must distinguish between fleeting attraction and true love. Can he prove that the woman he unknowingly called "Meri Queen" has always been the queen of his heart?

Chapter 1 (A Wrong Number)

The Wedding Celebration

The magnificent Shanti Niketan was glowing with lights.

The sprawling lawn had been transformed into a royal wedding venue. White flowers decorated every corner, crystal chandeliers sparkled above the guests, and soft instrumental music filled the pleasant evening air.

It was the wedding reception of one of the Virani family's close relatives.

The entire Virani family had gathered to celebrate.

Tulsi Virani warmly welcomed every guest.

Mihir chatted with old friends while keeping an eye on the arrangements.

The younger members of the family had already taken over the dance floor.

Laughter echoed through every corner of the mansion.

Standing among them was twenty-five-year-old Parth Virani.

Dressed in a light blue denim shirt over a white T-shirt and black jeans, he looked relaxed and carefree.

Unlike the elders discussing business and family matters, Parth was busy teasing his cousin, Dev.

"Dev!" Parth called out.

Dev turned around.

"What happened now?"

Parth pointed toward the dessert counter.

"I bet you can't finish two gulab jamuns before I finish three."

Dev laughed.

"Seriously? That's your challenge?"

"It is now."

Within seconds, both cousins hurried toward the dessert table.

"You started before I said yes!" Dev protested.

Parth grinned mischievously.

"That's because I knew your answer."

"You cheat."

"I prefer 'creative thinker.'"

Dev shook his head with a smile.

"I don't know how this family tolerates you."

Parth placed a hand dramatically over his heart.

"They love me."

"They survive you."

Both burst into laughter.

Watching them, Tulsi smiled.

"Parth hasn't changed since childhood."

Mihir chuckled.

"And I hope he never does."

Just then, the wedding host announced,

"The bride's family has arrived."

Everyone's attention shifted toward the entrance.

Several luxury cars stopped outside the mansion.

Guests welcomed the arriving families with smiles.

Among them was a young woman wearing an elegant pastel lehenga.

She politely greeted the elders before entering the venue.

As she walked across the lawn, Parth happened to look in her direction.

For a brief moment...

Their eyes met.

Parth stood still.

He didn't know who she was.

He had never seen her before.

Yet something about her graceful smile caught his attention.

Dev noticed Parth staring.

"What happened?"

Parth smiled faintly.

"Nothing."

Dev looked in the same direction.

"Oh..."

"So that's what happened."

Parth quickly looked away.

"Don't start."

Dev smirked.

"I didn't say a word."

"You didn't have to."

Before Dev could tease him any further, one of the photographers called out,

"Virani family! Everyone, please gather for a group photograph!"

"Saved by the photographer," Parth muttered.

"What was that?" Dev asked.

"Nothing."

The two cousins laughed as they walked toward the stage, leaving the mysterious girl to enjoy the wedding with her family.

Love at First Sight

The family photograph finally came to an end.

The elders dispersed to greet the guests, while the younger members headed back towards the lawn.

Parth picked up a glass of juice from a nearby table.

Before he could take a sip—

"Parth!"

He turned around.

It was Angad Virani.

"Chachu!" Parth smiled, walking towards him. "When did you arrive?"

"Just now. You were too busy posing for the photographs to notice."

Parth laughed.

"I had no choice. Baa would have scolded me if I disappeared."

Angad smiled, placing an arm around his nephew's shoulder.

"So... enjoying the wedding?"

"Very much."

The two continued talking as they walked through the beautifully decorated venue.

Just then...

A little boy, no older than six, came running across the lawn.

"Catch me if you can!" he shouted to his sister.

Unfortunately...

He wasn't looking where he was going.

He bumped straight into a young woman carrying a tray of mocktails.

"Oh!"

The glasses wobbled.

Before they could fall...

Someone quickly steadied the tray.

It was Parth.

"You okay?" he asked.

The young woman looked up.

It was the same girl he had noticed earlier.

"Yes... thank you," she said with a grateful smile.

The little boy looked frightened.

"I'm sorry, Didi..."

The young woman immediately knelt down beside him.

"It's alright."

She gently brushed his hair.

"You didn't do it on purpose."

The little boy smiled in relief before running back to his sister.

Parth watched the entire exchange.

Not once had she lost her temper.

Not once had she blamed the child.

Instead...

She smiled as though nothing had happened.

"Thanks again," she said to Parth.

"My pleasure."

For a brief moment, neither of them spoke.

Then one of her relatives called out,

"Mitali! Come here."

She turned.

"I'm coming!"

She looked back at Parth with a polite smile.

"Excuse me."

As she walked away...

Parth unconsciously repeated her name.

"Mitali..."

Angad noticed the expression on his face.

"So..."

Parth quickly composed himself.

"So... what?"

Angad chuckled.

"You finally know her name."

Parth tried to sound casual.

"I just happened to hear it."

"Hmm."

"I did."

Angad laughed.

"If you say so."

Just then, Dev joined them.

"What are you two talking about?"

"Nothing," Parth answered immediately.

Angad couldn't resist teasing him.

"Your cousin seems very interested in a certain guest."

Dev's eyes widened.

"Really?"

Parth sighed.

"Not you too."

Dev looked around the lawn.

"Who is she?"

Parth hesitated for a second before subtly nodding towards Mitali, who was now speaking to her family.

Dev followed his gaze.

"Oh..."

"So that's why you've been unusually quiet."

"I haven't."

"You have."

"I've just met her."

Dev folded his arms.

"So?"

"So... nothing."

Dev smiled mischievously.

"Then you won't mind if I find out who she is."

Parth immediately looked at him.

"You'd do that?"

Dev raised an eyebrow.

"I thought you said it was 'nothing.'"

Parth scratched the back of his neck, slightly embarrassed.

"I... just meant..."

Angad burst into laughter.

"Looks like our Parth has fallen at first sight."

Parth smiled sheepishly but didn't deny it.

His eyes wandered once again towards Mitali.

She was laughing with her cousins, completely unaware that someone across the lawn couldn't seem to look away.

One Phone Number

The wedding festivities continued with music and dance.

Guests filled the dance floor while others gathered around the buffet, enjoying the evening.

Parth, however, found himself looking towards Mitali every now and then.

She wasn't dancing.

Instead, she was helping an elderly aunt find a seat before joining her cousins.

Dev noticed.

"So..."

Parth sighed.

"I know that 'so.'"

Dev grinned.

"Then answer it."

Parth smiled sheepishly.

"I just... want to know her."

"Only know her?"

"For now."

Dev laughed.

"Progress."

Before Parth could respond, Angad joined them.

"What are you two whispering about?"

"Nothing, Chachu."

"I don't believe either of you."

Dev couldn't resist.

"Chachu, our hero has fallen for a girl."

Angad looked at Parth with amusement.

"Already?"

Parth rubbed the back of his neck.

"I've only seen her."

Angad smiled.

"Then start by introducing yourself instead of staring from across the lawn."

Parth shook his head.

"I can't just walk up to her."

"Why not?"

"I don't even know if she's interested."

Dev smirked.

"Which is why..."

He paused dramatically.

"...I'll help you."

Parth looked at him.

"You will?"

Dev nodded confidently.

"Leave it to me."

A few minutes later...

Dev casually walked towards the bride's cousins.

He greeted them politely and soon struck up a conversation.

Parth watched from a distance, pretending not to.

Angad folded his arms.

"You really are nervous."

"I'm not nervous."

"Then why have you been holding the same glass of juice for the last ten minutes?"

Parth looked down.

The juice was untouched.

He laughed.

"Okay... maybe a little."

Nearly fifteen minutes later...

Dev finally returned.

Parth immediately stood up.

"Well?"

Dev smiled proudly.

"I know her name."

"I already know her name."

"Fine."

"I know a little more."

Parth waited impatiently.

"She's from Mumbai."

Parth nodded.

"Her name is Mitali."

"I know."

"She's here with her family."

"I know that too."

Dev rolled his eyes.

"You already know everything!"

"I don't know the important thing."

"And what's that?"

Parth hesitated before asking,

"Is she... seeing someone?"

Dev laughed.

"No."

Parth let out a small sigh of relief.

"But..."

Parth looked at him again.

"I couldn't exactly ask for her life story."

"Fair enough."

Dev reached into his pocket.

"I did manage to get something."

He held up a small folded piece of paper.

Parth's eyes widened.

"What's that?"

Dev grinned triumphantly.

"Her phone number."

Parth blinked.

"You actually got it?"

"I told one of her cousins that you wanted to congratulate her family after the wedding and might need to contact them."

Parth looked surprised.

"That worked?"

"It worked."

He handed the folded paper to Parth.

Parth unfolded it carefully.

A ten-digit phone number was written neatly on it.

He stared at it for a moment before smiling to himself.

Dev nudged him playfully.

"Looks like someone's evening just got a whole lot better."

Parth carefully folded the paper again and slipped it safely into his wallet.

"I'll call her tomorrow."

Dev smiled.

"Good."

Neither of them noticed...

That during the hustle and bustle of the wedding, one of Mitali's cousins had accidentally written down the wrong number.

The number now resting safely inside Parth's wallet...

Did not belong to Mitali.

Hello... Meri Queen

The wedding reception came to an end.

One by one, the guests began leaving the Virani Mansion.

Standing near the entrance, Tulsi and Mihir bid everyone farewell.

Parth's eyes instinctively searched for Mitali one last time.

She was standing beside her parents, thanking the hosts before getting into her car.

For a brief second...

She looked towards the mansion.

Parth smiled unconsciously.

The car drove away.

Dev walked up beside him.

"So..."

Parth smiled.

"So."

"You've been smiling ever since I gave you that number."

Parth slipped his hands into his pockets.

"I was just thinking."

"About Mitali, your mystery girl?"

Parth only smiled.

Dev laughed.

"I'll take that as a yes."

Angad, who had overheard the conversation, shook his head with a smile.

"Don't overthink things, Parth."

"Just call the number tomorrow."

Parth nodded.

"I will."

The next morning...

The Virani Mansion was unusually peaceful.

Most of the family members were busy with their own routines.

Parth sat alone on the balcony outside his room, sipping a cup of coffee.

His wallet lay on the table beside him.

He unfolded the small piece of paper.

The fancy phone number.

He stared at it for a few moments before smiling to himself.

"So..."

"Let's see if destiny is really on my side."

He picked up his mobile phone.

His thumb hovered over the call button.

For the first time in years...

He actually felt nervous.

He chuckled.

"You're behaving like a teenager, Parth."

Taking a deep breath...

He dialed the number.

The phone began to ring.

Once...

Twice...

Three times...

Just when he thought no one would answer...

The call connected.

"Hello?"

A soft feminine voice came from the other end.

Parth smiled instinctively.

"Hello..."

There was a brief silence.

"Who is this?" the girl asked politely.

Parth leaned back in his chair.

"Honestly..."

"I don't know."

The girl frowned.

"I'm sorry?"

Parth laughed softly.

"I got hold of a fancy number yesterday."

"And I thought..."

"Why not try my luck?"

"Maybe destiny would connect me to my Meri Queen."

There was silence.

Vaishnavi blinked in surprise.

"Meri... Queen?"

"Yes."

"So..."

"Did destiny finally smile on me?"

A faint smile appeared on Vaishnavi's face despite herself.

"Or..."

"Maybe destiny connected you to the wrong number."

Parth grinned.

"Maybe."

"But if it's destiny..."

"It can't be the wrong number."

Vaishnavi shook her head with an amused smile.

"You sound very confident."

"Not confident."

"Just curious."

"So..."

"Who am I talking to?"

Vaishnavi was about to answer.

"My name is Vai—"

Just then...

A loud mixer grinder started in the kitchen.

"What?" Parth asked loudly.

"I can't hear you!"

Vaishnavi tried again.

"I said—"

"...Vaish—"

The sound drowned her voice.

"...hello..."

"...can you hear me..."

The signal suddenly became weak.

The call disconnected.

Parth looked at the phone for a moment.

Then smiled.

"So much for destiny."

"I'll call again later."

He slipped the phone back into his pocket, completely unaware...

That the girl on the other end had never attended the wedding reception.

Nor was she the girl whose number he believed he was calling.

Meanwhile...

Vaishnavi looked at her phone with a puzzled smile.

"Meri Queen..."

she repeated softly.

"What a strange man."

She placed the phone on the table.

For reasons she couldn't explain...

She found herself wondering if he would call again.

-------

To be continued.

Bokmarking this one!

Chapter 2 (The Girl Behind the Voice)

An Unexpected Conversation

The next morning...

Parth woke up with a smile.

For some strange reason...

The brief conversation from the previous evening kept replaying in his mind.

"Meri Queen..."

He smiled to himself.

He looked at the folded piece of paper lying on his bedside table.

The fancy phone number.

"I wonder if she'll answer again."

Without overthinking...

He picked up his phone and dialed the number.

The phone rang twice.

Then...

"Hello?"

The same soft voice answered.

Parth smiled unconsciously.

"Good morning, Meri Queen."

There was a brief silence.

Then she laughed softly.

"So you've decided that's what you're going to call me?"

"Of course."

"I can't keep saying 'Hello, Stranger' every time."

"And besides..."

"I still think destiny connected me to the right person."

Vaishnavi smiled.

"You're still talking about destiny?"

"Why not?"

"It brought me to this fancy number."

She shook her head, amused.

"You're a strange man."

"I've heard that before."

"I hope I'm not disturbing you."

"No."

"I was just reading."

"Oh?"

"What are you reading?"

"A novel."

"Interesting."

"So you like books?"

"I do."

"What about you?"

"I read occasionally."

"But I'm more of a music person."

"You sing?"

"No."

"I spare people that torture."

Vaishnavi laughed.

"So dramatic."

"I prefer the guitar."

"You play?"

"A little."

"You'll have to prove it someday."

"Gladly."

A comfortable silence followed.

Parth broke it.

"So..."

"What do I call you besides Meri Queen?"

Vaishnavi smiled to herself.

"You already have a name for me."

"I suppose I do."

"So why ask?"

"I'm not asking."

"I was only checking whether you'd volunteer."

"I won't."

Parth laughed.

"Fair enough."

Across the city...

Vaishnavi lowered her phone thoughtfully.

Ever since college...

Every proposal she had received had begun the same way.

"You're beautiful."

"You have such lovely eyes."

"I fell for you the moment I saw you."

Not one person had wanted to know the real Vaishnavi before admiring her appearance.

She had made a silent promise to herself.

The man she would marry...

Would first fall in love with her heart.

Not her beauty.

Not her face.

Not even her name.

And now...

This complete stranger...

Hadn't asked for any of those things.

He wasn't asking for her photograph.

He wasn't insisting on knowing her name.

He wasn't even curious about where she lived.

Instead...

He was simply enjoying talking to her.

For the first time in her life...

Someone seemed interested in the person behind the voice.

A quiet smile appeared on her face.

Parth interrupted her thoughts.

"You're very quiet."

"Hmm?"

"I asked whether you're always this quiet."

"Only with strangers."

"Ouch."

"So I'm still a stranger?"

"A little."

"That's unfair."

"Why?"

"I've been looking forward to talking to you since yesterday."

Vaishnavi couldn't help smiling.

There was no compliment about her beauty.

No mention of her appearance.

Just...

A simple admission that he had wanted to hear her voice again.

She decided then and there...

She wouldn't tell him who she was.

Not yet.

She wanted to know whether this unusual stranger would continue liking the person behind the voice.

"Then..."

she replied playfully,

"...you'll have to work a little harder to become my friend."

Parth smiled.

"Challenge accepted."

From there...

The conversation flowed effortlessly.

Books.

Music.

Favourite foods.

Childhood memories.

Dreams.

Laughter.

Neither of them noticed that almost an hour had passed.

When the call finally ended...

Parth looked at his phone with a smile.

"Meri Queen..."

"Every conversation makes me want to know you a little more."

"I can't wait to talk to you again tomorrow."

Across the city...

Vaishnavi gently placed her phone on the table.

For the first time in years...

Someone had spent an entire hour talking to her...

Without asking,

"Can I see your picture?"

Without asking,

"What's your name?"

A quiet smile spread across her face.

Maybe...

This wasn't such a bad mistake after all.

The Nickname

The following evening...

The terrace of the Virani Mansion was bathed in the warm hues of the setting sun.

Parth leaned against the railing, his phone already in his hand.

He glanced at the time.

Seven o'clock.

Right on cue.

A smile appeared on his face.

"I hope my Queen isn't too busy."

He pressed the call button.

The phone barely rang once before it was answered.

"Hello?"

The familiar voice greeted him.

Parth smiled.

"Good evening, Meri Queen."

Vaishnavi couldn't help smiling.

"Good evening."

"I was beginning to think you wouldn't answer."

"Why?"

"I don't know."

"I just thought you might have decided not to talk to a complete stranger anymore."

She laughed softly.

"I almost did."

"Almost?"

"Hmm."

"So what changed your mind?"

"I was curious."

"About?"

"The strange man who believes destiny brought him to a fancy number."

Parth burst into laughter.

"I told you..."

"I had to test my luck."

"And?"

"And I think destiny passed the test."

Vaishnavi shook her head, smiling.

"You're unbelievable."

"I've been told."

For a moment...

Neither of them spoke.

A comfortable silence followed.

Parth broke it.

"So..."

"Hmm?"

"I just realized something."

"What?"

"We've spoken twice already..."

"...and I never even introduced myself."

Vaishnavi smiled.

"That's true."

Parth laughed softly.

"I'm Parth."

"Parth?"

"Hmm."

"And you?"

Vaishnavi looked out of the window.

For a brief moment...

She almost answered.

"I'm Vaishnavi."

The words reached her lips.

But then...

She remembered every proposal she'd ever received.

"You're beautiful."

"You have such lovely eyes."

"I fell for you the moment I saw you."

No.

Not this time.

She smiled.

"You already have a name for me."

Parth chuckled.

"I suppose I do."

"So why ask?"

"I'm not asking."

"I was only checking whether you'd volunteer."

"I won't."

"Not today."

Parth laughed.

"Fair enough."

"Then..."

"...Meri Queen it is."

A faint smile appeared on Vaishnavi's lips.

"So..."

"You're really going to keep calling me that?"

"Unless you object."

She thought for a moment.

"I don't."

Parth smiled.

"Good."

"Because I've decided."

"From today onwards..."

"...you'll always be Meri Queen."

She laughed.

"And what if I never tell you my name?"

"Then I'll spend the rest of my life calling you Meri Queen."

She laughed even harder.

"You make impossible promises."

"I only make promises I intend to keep."

Her laughter slowly faded into a smile.

Every proposal she had ever received had begun with questions.

"What's your name?"

"Can I see your picture?"

"Where do you live?"

But this man...

Had deliberately chosen not to ask.

It was absurd.

It was childish.

And yet...

It touched her heart in a way she couldn't explain.

Parth interrupted her thoughts.

"So..."

"Meri Queen..."

"Hmm?"

"What were you doing before I called?"

"I was helping my aunt in the kitchen."

"Oh?"

"Can you cook?"

"A little."

"That's dangerous."

She laughed.

"Why dangerous?"

"What if I become hungry while talking to you?"

"That's your problem."

"So cruel."

"I prefer honest."

The conversation drifted naturally from one topic to another.

Books.

Music.

Favourite foods.

Rain.

Childhood memories.

Dreams they had never shared with anyone.

Time slipped away unnoticed.

When Vaishnavi finally glanced at the clock, her eyes widened.

"Oh!"

"What happened?"

"It's almost ten."

Parth looked at the time.

"So it is."

"My family will wonder why I've been talking on the phone for so long."

"I suppose I should let my Queen sleep."

She smiled.

"You really won't stop using that name, will you?"

"Never."

There was a brief silence.

Then she said softly,

"Good night... Parth."

For a moment...

He froze.

It was the first time she had spoken his name.

He smiled.

"Good night, Meri Queen."

Neither of them disconnected immediately.

Neither wanted to be the first.

Finally...

The line went silent.

Parth looked at his phone and smiled.

"Funny..."

"I know you're Mitali."

"But whenever I think of you..."

"Only one name comes to mind."

"Meri Queen."

Across the city...

Vaishnavi placed her phone on the table and hugged her diary to her chest.

He still hadn't asked who she was.

He hadn't asked for a photograph.

He hadn't asked where she lived.

He only wanted to hear her voice.

For the first time...

She felt that someone was beginning to know the person behind the voice...

Before ever seeing the face.

Hearts Without Faces

The days slowly turned into weeks.

Yet one thing never changed.

Every evening...

At exactly seven o'clock...

One of them would call.

Sometimes it was Parth.

Sometimes it was Vaishnavi.

But neither ever let the clock strike half past seven without hearing the other's voice.

It had become an unspoken promise.

A routine neither wished to break.

One evening...

"Hello, Meri Queen."

"Hello."

"What were you doing?"

"Waiting."

Parth's face lit up.

"Really?"

There was a pause.

Then she giggled.

"No."

"I was reading."

Parth sighed dramatically.

"You enjoy disappointing me."

"I enjoy teasing you."

"I've noticed."

Another evening...

"So..."

"What are you afraid of the most?"

Vaishnavi was silent for a few seconds.

"Losing people."

Parth's cheerful voice softened.

"Someone you love?"

"Hmm..."

"What about you?"

He looked up at the evening sky.

"Regret."

"Regret?"

"I never want to wake up one day wishing I'd said something I never had the courage to say."

She smiled quietly.

"That's... a beautiful answer."

A few days later...

"So, Meri Queen..."

"Hmm?"

"If you could live anywhere in the world..."

"Where would you go?"

Vaishnavi answered without thinking.

"A little cottage in the mountains."

"There would be books."

"A fireplace."

"Rain."

"And endless cups of tea."

Parth laughed.

"I knew you were going to mention books."

"What about you?"

"A beach."

"My guitar."

"A cup of coffee."

"And absolutely no alarm clock."

She laughed.

"You dream very simply."

"I think happiness is simple."

One rainy evening...

Thunder echoed across the city.

Parth stood on the balcony outside his room.

"It's raining."

"It is here too."

"What do you usually do when it rains?"

"I make ginger tea."

"And then?"

"I sit near the window."

"Alone?"

"Not always."

"Who keeps you company?"

"My thoughts."

Parth smiled.

"I think your thoughts must be very interesting."

"What makes you say that?"

"You've kept me talking for almost three weeks."

She laughed.

"So that's your conclusion?"

"It is."

Meanwhile...

At Vaishnavi's home...

Her cousin, Aarti, walked past her room.

She noticed the closed door.

The soft laughter inside.

Aarti smiled knowingly.

She knocked gently.

"Vaishu?"

Vaishnavi quickly covered the phone.

"One minute!"

Parth heard the muffled voice.

"Who's that?"

"My cousin."

"Should I be worried?"

"Why?"

"What if she confiscates my Queen?"

Vaishnavi burst into laughter.

"You're impossible."

"So I've been told."

"I'll be right back."

She placed the phone on the bed and opened the door.

Aarti folded her arms.

"You've been smiling at that phone every evening."

Vaishnavi tried to appear calm.

"Have I?"

"Don't pretend."

"Who is he?"

Vaishnavi hesitated.

"A... friend."

"Oh?"

"What's his name?"

Vaishnavi smiled sheepishly.

"I know his name."

"But..."

"He doesn't know mine."

Aarti stared at her.

"What?"

Vaishnavi laughed.

"It's a long story."

Aarti shook her head.

"I'll hear it someday."

"You will."

She closed the door and picked up the phone again.

"I'm back."

Parth chuckled.

"So..."

"Did I pass the family inspection?"

"There wasn't one."

"That's disappointing."

Another evening...

"So..."

"What makes you happy?"

Parth answered instantly.

"My family."

"My guitar."

"And..."

He paused.

"Hearing my Queen laugh."

Vaishnavi fell silent.

No one had ever said something so simple...

Yet so genuine.

She smiled.

"What about you?"

She looked out of the window.

"A good book."

"The smell of rain."

"My family."

"And..."

She hesitated.

"What?"

"Our evening conversations."

Parth smiled.

"I was hoping you'd say that."

The conversations grew longer.

Sometimes they spoke for an hour.

Sometimes for three.

Sometimes...

Neither of them spoke at all.

They simply stayed on the call.

Listening to each other's quiet breathing.

Neither found the silence uncomfortable.

It felt...

Peaceful.

As though words had become unnecessary.

One evening...

Parth was strumming his guitar absent-mindedly.

"Meri Queen?"

"Hmm?"

"You asked me to prove that I play."

"I remember."

"Ready?"

"I'm listening."

He gently played a soft melody over the phone.

Vaishnavi closed her eyes.

The notes floated through the speaker.

Simple.

Warm.

Comforting.

When he finished...

She remained silent.

Parth laughed nervously.

"That bad?"

She smiled.

"No."

"It was beautiful."

"Really?"

"Hmm."

"You've just made my evening."

Another night...

Just before ending the call...

Parth spoke softly.

"Meri Queen..."

"Yes?"

"I've never met anyone quite like you."

Her heartbeat quickened.

"You haven't?"

"No."

"You make ordinary conversations..."

"...feel extraordinary."

Vaishnavi smiled.

"I feel the same."

Neither of them realized...

How deeply those simple words had settled in their hearts.

After disconnecting...

Parth lay back on his bed, smiling at the ceiling.

"Meri Queen..."

"Every conversation makes me feel like I know you a little better."

"And tomorrow..."

"I hope I know you even more."

Across the city...

Vaishnavi opened her diary.

She picked up her pen and wrote...

"Some people first fall in love with a face."

"Some fall in love with a name."

"But somewhere..."

"There is one strange man who calls me 'Meri Queen' every evening..."

"…without knowing either."

She closed the diary with a smile.

For the first time in her life...

She wasn't wondering whether someone would like her because she was beautiful.

She was beginning to believe...

Someone was slowly falling in love with the person behind the voice.

------

To be continued.

Chapter 3 (Falling Without Seeing)

Seven O'Clock

A month had passed.

Neither Parth nor Vaishnavi remembered exactly when their accidental conversations had become a part of their everyday lives.

But now...

Seven o'clock wasn't just another hour.

It was their time.

Inside Shanti Niketan...

Parth was helping Mihir arrange a few files in the study.

"These documents need to be signed before tomorrow," Mihir said.

"I'll take care of it, Dadu."

Parth glanced at the wall clock.

6:53 p.m.

Mihir noticed.

"What happened?"

"Nothing."

"You've looked at that clock three times in the last two minutes."

Parth smiled sheepishly.

"Have I?"

"Hmm."

"Someone seems to be in a hurry."

Before Parth could answer, Dev entered the room carrying a plate of samosas.

"What's going on?"

Mihir smiled.

"Your cousin has suddenly become very interested in time."

Dev immediately understood.

He looked at the clock.

"Six fifty-four."

Then he looked at Parth.

"Oh..."

"So the countdown has begun."

Parth frowned.

"What countdown?"

Dev grinned.

"To seven o'clock."

Parth tried to hide his smile.

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"You don't?"

Dev dramatically looked around the room.

"Has anyone seen a certain mysterious Queen?"

Parth immediately threw a file at him.

"Shut up!"

Dev dodged it easily.

"I knew it!"

Mihir laughed.

"So there really is someone."

Parth rubbed the back of his neck.

"There isn't."

Dev folded his arms.

"Then why does His Highness disappear to the terrace every evening exactly at seven?"

"It's peaceful there."

"Oh yes..."

"And the fresh air answers your phone calls."

Parth couldn't help laughing.

"You'll never change."

"I learned from the best."

Mihir smiled affectionately.

"Go."

Parth looked surprised.

"Huh?"

"Whoever you're making wait..."

"...don't keep her waiting."

Parth smiled gratefully.

"Thanks, Dadu."

At exactly seven...

Parth climbed the stairs to the terrace.

The evening breeze welcomed him.

The city lights had just begun to twinkle.

He leaned against the railing.

Without even checking the number...

He pressed the call button.

The phone rang once.

Then...

"Hello?"

The familiar voice answered.

A smile instantly spread across Parth's face.

"Good evening..."

"...Meri Queen."

Vaishnavi smiled just as brightly.

"Good evening."

"You sound happy."

"I am."

"Oh?"

"What happened?"

"I survived another day."

Parth laughed.

"That's quite an achievement."

"What about you?"

"I escaped three meetings."

"Congratulations."

"Thank you."

She laughed.

"You celebrate strange victories."

"They're still victories."

There was a brief silence.

Not an awkward one.

A comfortable one.

The kind that only existed between two people who had grown used to each other's presence.

Parth finally broke it.

"You know something?"

"Hmm?"

"I think seven o'clock has become my favourite time of the day."

Vaishnavi looked out of her window.

The evening sky was painted in shades of orange and pink.

A smile touched her lips.

"Mine too."

Parth smiled.

"Really?"

"Hmm."

"Why?"

She answered honestly.

"Because that's when I know..."

"...I'll get to talk to my strange friend."

Parth pretended to sound offended.

"Strange?"

"Very."

"Ouch."

"But..."

She smiled.

"...I don't mind."

Parth laughed.

"I'll accept that as a compliment."

Several minutes later...

The conversation drifted from books to music... then to food... then to childhood memories.

Neither of them realized how effortlessly they moved from one topic to another.

It felt...

Natural.

As if they had known each other for years.

When nearly two hours had passed, Vaishnavi glanced at the clock.

"Oh..."

"What?"

"It's nine already."

Parth looked at his watch and smiled.

"Time flies when I'm talking to my Queen."

Vaishnavi shook her head, smiling.

"You and that nickname..."

"It isn't going anywhere."

"I've noticed."

"Good."

"Because Meri Queen suits you perfectly."

For reasons she couldn't explain...

Hearing those two words still made her heart skip a beat.

She smiled to herself.

"Good night, Parth."

"Good night..."

"...Meri Queen."

As the call ended...

Neither of them realized that what had started as an accidental phone call had quietly become the happiest part of their day.

Every Little Thing

The days continued to pass...

Yet nothing seemed more important to Parth than hearing Meri Queen's voice.

Sometimes...

He didn't even have anything important to say.

He simply wanted to know how her day had been.

One afternoon...

Parth was helping Tulsi arrange books in the library.

As he climbed a stool to place a book on the top shelf...

His phone buzzed.

He looked at the screen.

A smile instantly appeared.

Meri Queen Calling...

Without a second thought, he answered.

"Hello, Meri Queen."

"Am I disturbing you?"

"Never."

"What are you doing?"

"I'm helping Baa."

Tulsi looked up.

"Who is it?"

Parth covered the receiver with his hand.

"A friend."

Tulsi smiled knowingly.

"Then don't keep your friend waiting."

Parth laughed softly and walked out onto the balcony.

"What happened?" Vaishnavi asked.

"Nothing."

"My Baa just threw me out."

"What?"

"She said I shouldn't keep my friend waiting."

Vaishnavi laughed.

"She sounds sweet."

"The sweetest."

"So..."

"What made you call today?"

There was a pause.

"I don't know."

"You don't know?"

"I just felt like talking to you."

Parth smiled.

"I was just thinking the same thing."

"You were?"

"Hmm."

"I was wondering if I should call you after finishing my work."

Vaishnavi smiled to herself.

Looks like...

She wasn't the only one who waited for his calls anymore.

"So, Meri Queen..."

"Hmm?"

"I have a question."

"I'm listening."

"If you could relive one day of your life..."

"Which day would it be?"

Vaishnavi thought quietly.

"My childhood."

"So quickly?"

"Hmm."

"I miss those days."

"No responsibilities."

"No worries."

"No expectations."

Parth nodded, even though she couldn't see him.

"I understand."

"What about you?"

He smiled.

"I'd relive every summer vacation."

"Why?"

"My cousins would come home."

"We'd play cricket until sunset."

"Steal mangoes from the neighbour's tree."

"And then get caught every single time."

Vaishnavi laughed.

"You stole mangoes?"

"I prefer the word 'borrowed.'"

"You never returned them."

"I returned the seeds."

She burst into laughter.

Later that evening...

Parth was sitting in the garden with Dev.

"What are you smiling about now?" Dev asked.

"Nothing."

"That's your favourite lie."

Parth shrugged.

"I just remembered something funny."

"Meri Queen?"

Parth looked at him.

"You really have no other work?"

"No."

"My work is observing you."

Parth laughed.

"I think you've become obsessed with my life."

"I think you've become obsessed with your Queen."

Parth picked up a cushion from the garden chair and tossed it at him.

Dev caught it effortlessly.

"I'll take that as a yes."

Across the city...

Vaishnavi sat near her bedroom window with her diary open.

Aarti entered the room carrying two cups of tea.

"You've been smiling a lot these days."

"Have I?"

"Hmm."

"Is it because of... your mysterious friend?"

Vaishnavi blushed faintly.

"Maybe."

Aarti handed her the tea.

"Does he know your name yet?"

Vaishnavi shook her head.

"No."

"And you're alright with that?"

She smiled.

"Very."

Aarti looked puzzled.

"Why?"

Vaishnavi stared out of the window.

"Because..."

"For the first time..."

"I feel like someone is getting to know me..."

"...before trying to know everything else."

Aarti looked at her thoughtfully.

Then she smiled.

"I hope he never changes."

Vaishnavi gently looked at her phone lying beside the diary.

"So do I."

Little did she know...

Every passing day was bringing them closer.

And every passing day...

Parth was unknowingly falling deeper in love with the heart behind the voice.

The First Person I Tell

Two months.

Neither of them had counted the days.

Yet somehow...

Their conversations had become the most important part of every day.

If something made Parth laugh...

He wanted to tell Meri Queen.

If something upset Vaishnavi...

She instinctively reached for her phone.

Without realizing it...

They had become each other's first thought.

One Saturday morning...

Parth was playing cricket with Dev and his two chachus Ritik and Angad Virani in the Virani garden.

"Last ball!" Dev announced.

"If you hit a six, your team wins."

Parth twirled the bat dramatically.

"Watch and learn."

The ball was bowled.

Parth swung.

The ball soared high over the garden wall.

"SIX!"

Everyone erupted into cheers.

Dev shook his head.

"I'll never hear the end of this."

"You certainly won't."

Parth laughed proudly.

A few minutes later...

While everyone celebrated around him...

Parth quietly slipped away.

He took out his phone.

Dev noticed.

"Where are you going now?"

Parth smiled innocently.

"I'll be back."

"Calling Meri Queen?"

Parth looked over his shoulder.

"I didn't say that."

"You didn't have to."

Dev laughed as Parth walked away.

The phone rang.

"Hello?"

"Meri Queen!"

Vaishnavi smiled instantly.

"You sound unusually happy."

"I am!"

"What happened?"

"I just won a cricket match."

She laughed.

"Congratulations."

"I knew you'd be happy."

"Of course."

"You sound more excited than the people who were actually playing."

"Maybe because..."

She stopped herself.

"Because?"

"I know how much you enjoy cricket."

Parth smiled.

"You remembered?"

"You've mentioned it at least twenty times."

"I have?"

"Hmm."

"You even told me which bat is your favourite."

Parth laughed.

"I talk too much."

"A little."

Later that evening...

Vaishnavi was arranging books in her room.

Her phone buzzed with a message.

It was from the community learning centre.

"Congratulations! Your literacy project has been selected for state funding."

Her eyes widened.

She couldn't believe it.

Months of hard work...

Had finally paid off.

Without thinking...

She picked up her phone.

Her fingers automatically searched for one contact.

She smiled.

"Meri... no..."

She laughed at herself.

She pressed Parth's number.

The phone rang once.

"Hello, Meri Queen!"

"I have good news!"

Parth immediately sat up.

"What happened?"

"My project..."

"It got selected!"

There was a brief silence.

Then...

"YES!"

Parth shouted so loudly that everyone in the living room turned to look at him.

"Parth!" Tulsi called out.

"What happened?"

He covered the receiver.

"Nothing, Baa!"

Then he returned to the call.

"I'm so proud of you!"

Vaishnavi smiled through happy tears.

"Really?"

"Of course!"

"You worked so hard for it."

"You deserve this."

His excitement sounded more genuine than her own.

For a moment...

Neither of them spoke.

Finally Vaishnavi asked softly,

"Do you know something?"

"What?"

"You were the first person I wanted to tell."

Parth smiled.

"You beat me to it."

"What do you mean?"

"If something good happens..."

"...you're the first person I think of too."

Vaishnavi closed her eyes.

Her heart skipped a beat.

She whispered,

"Thank you."

"No..."

Parth replied warmly.

"Thank you for sharing it with me."

That night...

After the call ended...

Parth lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling.

He smiled.

"I don't know why..."

"...but when she's happy..."

"...I feel happy too."

Across the city...

Vaishnavi opened her diary.

She wrote slowly...

"Today, something wonderful happened.

But the happiest moment wasn't the news itself.

It was hearing someone celebrate my happiness as though it were his own."

She closed the diary with a smile.

Somewhere...

Without ever seeing each other...

Two strangers had quietly become the first person the other wanted to call whenever life had something worth sharing.

A Promise to Meet

Days turned into weeks.

Weeks into months.

Neither Parth nor Vaishnavi could remember how an accidental phone call had become the most precious part of their lives.

Every morning...

They wondered how the other's day would be.

Every evening...

They couldn't wait for seven o'clock.

One Sunday afternoon...

The Virani family had gathered in the living room.

Dev walked in carrying an invitation card.

"Baa!"

Tulsi looked up.

"Yes, Dev?"

"The Mehtas have invited us for Riya's engagement next Saturday."

Tulsi smiled.

"Oh yes, I almost forgot."

Mihir adjusted his glasses.

"The entire family is invited?"

"Yes."

Dev nodded.

"Looks like it's going to be a grand function."

Parth, who had been lazily flipping through a magazine, wasn't paying much attention.

Until Dev added,

"The bride's family has invited Mitali and her family too."

Parth immediately looked up.

"Mitali?"

Dev noticed the sudden change in his expression and smiled mischievously.

"Looks like someone suddenly became interested."

Parth tried to hide his excitement.

"I was just asking."

"Of course."

Dev laughed.

"You were just asking."

Later that evening...

As expected...

The clock struck seven.

Parth called.

"Hello, Meri Queen."

"Hello."

"You sound happy today."

"I am."

"What happened?"

"My family has another function next week."

"Oh?"

"Hmm."

"It'll be fun."

"I'm sure it will."

Parth smiled.

"You know..."

"What?"

"I've been thinking about something."

Vaishnavi's smile faded into curiosity.

"What is it?"

"We've spoken for so long..."

"...yet we've never met."

She remained silent.

Not because she didn't want to answer.

Because she had been dreading this question.

Parth continued gently,

"Don't misunderstand."

"I'm not forcing you."

"I just..."

"...feel like I already know you."

Vaishnavi smiled faintly.

"So do I."

He took a deep breath.

"Then..."

"...shall we finally meet?"

Her fingers tightened around the phone.

For a long moment...

She couldn't answer.

Parth mistook her silence.

"If you're uncomfortable..."

"We can forget I asked."

"No..."

she replied softly.

"I'm not uncomfortable."

"Then?"

She looked out of her bedroom window.

If she said yes...

Everything could change.

If she said no...

She might lose the one person who had come to mean so much to her.

Finally...

She smiled.

"Alright."

Parth's face lit up.

"Really?"

"Hmm."

"When?"

She thought for a moment.

"The engagement function your family is attending next Saturday."

Parth looked surprised.

"How did you know about that?"

Vaishnavi laughed nervously.

"I guessed."

"You said your family had a function."

He smiled.

"Good guess."

"Then it's decided."

"We'll meet there."

"Done."

Neither of them realized...

They had reached the same decision for completely different reasons.

Parth believed he was finally going to meet the girl he had admired at the wedding.

Vaishnavi believed she was finally going to meet the man who had fallen in love with her heart before ever seeing her face.

After ending the call...

Parth looked at the folded piece of paper that still rested inside his wallet.

He smiled.

"Next Saturday..."

"...I'll finally meet my Meri Queen."

Across the city...

Vaishnavi gently closed her diary.

She smiled nervously.

"Next Saturday..."

"...I'll finally know whether dreams really do come true."

------

To be continued.

Chapter 4 (The Queen's Birthday)

A Birthday Secret

Thursday evening...

The sky had begun to turn shades of orange and purple.

Inside Shanti Niketan...

Parth glanced at the clock for what seemed like the hundredth time.

6:58 p.m.

Dev, who was lounging on the sofa with a bowl of chips, couldn't help laughing.

"You know..."

"You've become incredibly predictable."

Parth looked up.

"What now?"

"You've checked the clock six times in the last five minutes."

"I have not."

"You have."

"And in exactly two minutes..."

"You'll disappear."

Parth folded his arms.

"I don't disappear."

"Oh?"

"Then where do you go every evening?"

"The terrace."

"And what happens on the terrace?"

"It's peaceful."

Dev burst into laughter.

"Peaceful?"

"Or does peace answer the phone saying..."

He lowered his voice dramatically.

"Hello..."

"...Meri Queen."

Parth picked up a cushion and threw it at him.

"Will you stop?"

Dev caught it effortlessly.

"I've never seen anyone so excited for a phone call."

Parth smiled despite himself.

"Maybe because..."

He stopped.

"Because?"

"Nothing."

Dev shook his head knowingly.

"You've fallen badly."

Parth didn't deny it.

Instead...

He simply looked at the clock.

7:00 p.m.

He stood up.

"I'll be back."

"I know."

"Tell Her Majesty I said hello."

Parth laughed as he walked upstairs.

Across the city...

Vaishnavi stood by her bedroom window, her phone already in her hand.

Aarti entered quietly.

"Waiting?"

Vaishnavi smiled shyly.

"Maybe."

"For Parth?"

She nodded.

Aarti smiled warmly.

"You know..."

"I've never seen you this happy."

Vaishnavi looked out at the evening sky.

"Neither have I."

Just then...

Her phone rang.

A smile instantly spread across her face.

Without looking at the screen...

She answered.

"Hello."

The familiar voice greeted her.

"Good evening..."

"...Meri Queen."

She smiled.

"Good evening, Parth."

"I was beginning to think you'd forgotten me."

"I've been waiting."

The words escaped before she could stop them.

There was silence for a moment.

Then Parth smiled.

"So was I."

The conversation drifted from one topic to another.

Parth told her how Dev had spent the afternoon teasing him.

Vaishnavi laughed so hard that she could barely speak.

"I think..."

she managed between laughs,

"...I'd get along very well with Dev."

Parth groaned.

"Please don't encourage him."

"Too late."

"I already like him."

"Wonderful."

"Now there'll be two people making fun of me."

"There already are."

"Oh?"

"You."

Parth laughed.

"I suppose you're right."

For a while...

Neither of them spoke.

The silence wasn't uncomfortable anymore.

It had become familiar.

Comforting.

Finally...

Parth broke it.

"You sound happier than usual today."

Vaishnavi glanced at the calendar hanging on the wall.

Tomorrow's date had been circled in red.

She smiled softly.

"Maybe because..."

She paused.

"Because?"

"Tomorrow is a special day."

Parth straightened.

"Oh?"

"What makes tomorrow so special?"

She hesitated for a second before answering.

"It's my birthday."

There was complete silence on the other end.

Then...

"What?"

She laughed.

"I knew you'd react like that."

"You never told me!"

"You never asked."

Parth shook his head, smiling.

"So that's your defence?"

"It is."

"Hmm..."

"I'll accept it."

She smiled.

"So..."

"Happy Birthday in advance, Meri Queen."

"Thank you."

His voice was warm.

Genuine.

"So..."

"What are your birthday plans?"

Vaishnavi shrugged even though he couldn't see her.

"Nothing special."

"Bua will probably cook all my favourite dishes."

"And Phupha ji will spend half the day pretending he's forgotten my birthday."

Parth laughed.

"I already like your Phupha."

She smiled.

"And then..."

Her eyes sparkled.

"...day after tomorrow..."

"I finally get to meet someone."

Parth's smile widened instantly.

"I'm looking forward to it."

"So am I."

Neither of them realized...

One was dreaming of meeting the voice he had fallen in love with.

The other...

Was dreaming of meeting the man who had unknowingly become the happiest part of her life.

After another half an hour of laughter and conversation...

They finally said goodbye.

"Good night, Meri Queen."

"Good night, Parth."

The call ended.

Vaishnavi placed her phone on the bedside table.

A smile lingered on her face.

"Best birthday already..."

she whispered.

"...and it hasn't even begun."

Meanwhile...

At Shanti Niketan...

Parth didn't put his phone away.

Instead...

He sat down on the terrace, thinking.

Tomorrow.

It wasn't just Meri Queen's birthday.

It was the birthday of the girl who had, without even realizing it, become the brightest part of his days.

A smile crossed his face.

Then...

He picked up his phone again.

This time...

He called Dev.

A sleepy voice answered almost immediately.

"What happened?"

"It's barely been ten minutes since you left."

"Dev..."

"I need your help."

Dev sighed.

"What have you planned now?"

Parth smiled.

"My Queen's birthday."

"I want to send her something."

Dev frowned.

"Great."

"So send it."

"I don't know her address."

There was silence.

Then...

"What?"

"I need you to find it."

"How?"

Parth held up his phone.

"From this number."

Dev sat upright.

"Have you completely lost your mind?"

"It's almost midnight!"

"You expect me to trace a phone number right now?"

Parth grinned.

"Please."

"No."

"Dev..."

"No."

"My Queen's birthday is tomorrow."

"I only have a few hours."

Dev rubbed his forehead.

"I swear..."

"Love has destroyed your brain."

Parth laughed.

"So you'll help?"

Dev looked at him helplessly.

"If I do this..."

"You owe me dinner for a month."

"Done."

"And coffee."

"Done."

"And next time I call you for cricket..."

"You are not cancelling because your Queen calls."

Parth hesitated.

"I'll..."

"I'll try."

Dev burst into laughter.

"I knew it!"

"Give me the number."

Nearly half an hour later...

Dev closed his laptop with a satisfied smile.

"Found it."

Parth immediately looked up.

"You did?"

Dev nodded.

"Here's the address linked to the number."

Parth took the slip of paper eagerly.

A smile spread across his face.

"Perfect."

He looked at the clock.

"We still have enough time."

"I can have flowers delivered first thing in the morning..."

"...and send those books she said she's always wanted to read."

Dev looked at him in disbelief.

"You remember the names of the books too?"

Parth smiled without taking his eyes off the paper.

"She mentioned them only once."

"I remember everything she tells me."

Dev shook his head.

"You're hopeless."

Parth folded the paper carefully and slipped it into his pocket.

Looking up at the stars, he whispered with a smile,

"Happy Birthday in advance..."

"...Meri Queen."

Unaware that the address in his pocket belonged not to Mitali...

But to Vaishnavi.

The Best Birthday

Friday | 12:00 a.m.

The entire house was asleep.

Only one room was still lit.

Vaishnavi sat by her bedroom window, hugging a cushion, watching the moonlight spread across the courtyard.

Her eyes drifted to the clock.

11:59 p.m.

A smile slowly formed on her lips.

She knew...

He wouldn't forget.

The moment the clock struck twelve...

Her phone rang.

She answered before the first ring had ended.

"Hello."

A warm, familiar voice greeted her.

"Happy Birthday... Meri Queen."

Vaishnavi closed her eyes.

His voice alone was enough to make her smile.

"Thank you, Parth."

He laughed.

"So..."

"I win."

She giggled.

"What exactly did you win?"

"I was the first person to wish you."

"So I officially declare myself the Best Birthday Wisher."

She laughed.

"Who made that rule?"

"I did."

"When?"

"About five seconds ago."

"That's cheating."

"Maybe."

"But I still won."

The two of them continued talking.

Parth smiled.

"So..."

"How do birthdays usually go at your place?"

Vaishnavi's face brightened.

"Bua wakes up before everyone else."

"She always makes my favourite breakfast."

"And Phupha ji spends the entire day pretending he's forgotten my birthday."

Parth laughed.

"Really?"

She nodded.

"Every year."

"And every year, I actually believe him."

"Then in the evening..."

"He surprises me with a gift."

Parth smiled.

"He sounds like quite an actor."

"He really is."

She laughed softly.

"I lost my parents when I was very young..."

"But Bua and Phupha never let me feel that I was missing anything."

Parth fell silent.

For a brief moment...

A memory flashed before his eyes.

The wedding.

He clearly remembered seeing Mitali talking to a couple.

He had assumed they were her parents.

A slight frown appeared on his face.

Maybe... they were her aunt and uncle.

Or perhaps I misunderstood.

Before he could think any further...

Vaishnavi asked,

"What about you?"

"How do you celebrate your birthdays?"

Parth smiled again.

"Mine are usually celebrated at Shanti Niketan."

"Baa makes sure the whole family is together."

"Nobody is allowed to miss dinner."

Vaishnavi smiled.

"That sounds lovely."

"It is."

He chuckled.

"But..."

"My birthdays have never been this interesting."

Vaishnavi teased,

"Oh?"

Parth's voice became softer.

"Because..."

"You weren't there to make them interesting."

Silence.

Neither of them spoke for a few moments.

Vaishnavi felt her heart beat a little faster.

She lowered her eyes.

"You've become quite good at saying sweet things."

Parth smiled.

"I only say what's true."

As the conversation drew to a close...

Parth said,

"One condition."

"What?"

"Today..."

"You are not allowed to be sad."

She smiled.

"I wasn't planning to be."

"Good."

"And every time I get a break today..."

"I'm calling you."

She laughed.

"So many calls?"

"Of course."

"My Queen gets only one birthday every year."

"Then I'll be waiting."

"Promise?"

"Promise."

"Happy Birthday once again..."

"...Meri Queen."

"Good night, Parth."

"Good night."

Neither of them wanted to disconnect.

Yet...

Someone had to.

Parth finally ended the call.

The next morning...

As the first rays of sunlight entered Vaishnavi's room...

The doorbell rang.

Bua opened the door.

A florist stood outside, holding a beautiful bouquet of white lilies and pink roses.

"Is... Mitali ji at home?"

Bua looked puzzled.

"Mitali?"

"No, beta. There's no one by that name here."

The florist checked the address on the delivery slip.

He frowned.

"The address is correct."

Just then...

Vaishnavi walked to the door.

"What happened, Bua?"

The florist looked at her.

"Ma'am... was this phone number used while placing the order?"

He showed her the last few digits.

Vaishnavi's eyes widened.

"Yes..."

"That's my number."

The florist smiled with relief.

"Then these flowers are for you."

She accepted the bouquet.

Tucked between the flowers was a handwritten card.

Happy Birthday, Meri Queen.

May your smile never fade today.

— Parth

A smile spread across her face.

"He actually sent flowers..."

A few minutes later...

The doorbell rang again.

A courier stood outside with a neatly wrapped parcel.

He looked at the package.

"Delivery for... Mitali."

Bua smiled.

"I think you've got the wrong name again."

The courier checked the phone number on the parcel.

"It's the same number."

Vaishnavi laughed softly.

"I think it's meant for me."

Inside...

Were three books.

The very books she had once casually mentioned during one of their conversations.

Bua looked at her curiously.

"Your friend still thinks your name is Mitali?"

Vaishnavi smiled sheepishly.

"He..."

"...doesn't know my real name yet."

Bua raised an eyebrow but decided not to ask any more questions.

Instead, she smiled warmly.

"He seems to know your heart better than your name."

Vaishnavi gently ran her fingers over the books.

"He listens..."

"...to everything I say."

Across the city...

Parth's phone vibrated.

It was a message from the florist.

"Delivery completed successfully."

A few moments later...

Another message arrived.

"Parcel delivered."

Parth smiled with satisfaction.

Right then...

Dev walked into the room carrying a cup of coffee.

"So..."

"Mission Birthday Queen accomplished?"

Parth nodded happily.

"I hope she likes them."

Dev laughed.

"If she doesn't..."

"I'll personally ask for a refund."

Parth threw a cushion at him.

"She'll like them."

"How are you so sure?"

"Because..."

"They aren't expensive gifts."

"They're things she once said she loved."

Dev smiled knowingly.

"You really do remember everything she tells you."

Parth looked out of the window.

Without realizing it...

He smiled.

"When you care about someone..."

"You remember the little things."

Dev watched him for a moment before shaking his head with a grin.

"My friend..."

"You're completely gone."

Parth laughed.

"Maybe."

He picked up his phone.

There was only one thing left to do.

He pressed the call button.

The phone began to ring...

One More Day

Vaishnavi answered on the very first ring.

"Hello."

Parth smiled.

"So..."

"How's my Birthday Queen doing?"

She laughed softly.

"I was wondering when you'd call."

"Were you counting the minutes?"

"Maybe."

"I knew it."

She smiled.

"You sound very pleased with yourself."

"I am."

"I've managed to keep my promise."

"You have."

"And the flowers?"

"They're beautiful."

"And the books?"

She looked at the parcel lying beside her bed.

"I've already started reading one."

Parth laughed.

"I knew you'd open the books before anything else."

"How?"

"Because that's exactly what my Queen would do."

She smiled.

"You know me too well."

"I'd like to think so."

Just then...

Bua called from downstairs.

"Vaishnavi!"

"Lunch is ready, beta."

Vaishnavi smiled.

"I have to go."

Parth nodded.

"I'll call later."

"Okay."

"And..."

"Don't forget."

"What?"

"Smile."

She laughed.

"Yes, sir."

The call ended.

The day continued exactly as Parth had promised.

A short call after lunch.

Another while he waited for a meeting to begin.

One just to ask,

"What are you reading?"

She held up the book instinctively before remembering he couldn't see her.

"The novel you sent."

"I knew you'd start today."

"You know everything."

"Not everything."

"What don't you know?"

He laughed.

"What my Queen looks like."

For a brief second...

Neither of them spoke.

Then Vaishnavi smiled to herself.

"Tomorrow."

"Tomorrow."

Evening arrived.

Bua lit the lamps in the house.

Phupha ji walked in carrying a neatly wrapped gift.

"I suppose..."

"I almost forgot again."

Vaishnavi laughed.

"You never learn."

He handed her the gift.

"Happy Birthday, beta."

She hugged him warmly.

"Thank you."

From the doorway...

Bua smiled at the sight.

"You'll always be our little girl."

Vaishnavi's eyes became moist.

"I know."

A little later...

Her phone rang again.

Parth.

She answered immediately.

"So..."

"Did Phupha ji remember?"

She laughed.

"He pretended to forget until the evening."

"I knew it."

"How?"

"You told me."

"And I remember everything."

She smiled.

"You really do."

The conversation slowly turned towards the next day.

Parth asked,

"So..."

"What will my Queen wear tomorrow?"

Vaishnavi looked at the neatly folded pastel blue salwar suit lying on her bed.

"I haven't decided yet."

"Liar."

She laughed.

"Fine."

"I've decided."

"And?"

"I'm not telling you."

"Why not?"

"Because I want it to be a surprise."

Parth smiled.

"Fair enough."

"Then I'll surprise you too."

"Oh?"

"What are you wearing?"

"I'm not telling."

"So we're both keeping secrets?"

"Looks like it."

There was a pause.

This one felt different.

Not awkward.

Not uncertain.

Just...

Filled with anticipation.

Finally Parth spoke.

"Can you believe it?"

"What?"

"Tomorrow..."

"I'll finally get to see the face behind the voice."

Vaishnavi's heartbeat quickened.

"And I'll finally meet the man who keeps calling me 'Meri Queen.'"

Parth smiled.

"I have a feeling..."

"...tomorrow is going to be one of the happiest days of my life."

Vaishnavi looked out at the night sky.

"So do I."

They remained silent for a few moments.

Each imagining the same tomorrow...

Yet dreaming of two completely different realities.

One believed he was finally going to meet Mitali.

The other believed she was finally going to meet the man who had fallen in love with her.

Destiny...

Had one last surprise waiting for them.

The Meeting

Saturday Evening...

The Mehta residence sparkled beneath hundreds of fairy lights.

Music echoed through the beautifully decorated lawn as guests poured in, greeting one another with warm smiles.

Inside Shanti Niketan...

Parth stood in front of the mirror for what seemed like the tenth time.

Dev leaned against the door, watching him with folded arms.

"You've changed your shirt twice."

Parth adjusted his watch.

"I have not."

"You have."

"And you've asked me three times if this jacket looks okay."

Parth smiled sheepishly.

"I just..."

He stopped.

Dev grinned.

"You're nervous."

Parth laughed.

"A little."

"A little?"

"You look like you're about to attend your own wedding."

Parth shook his head.

"I've waited for this day for weeks."

Dev smiled.

"I know."

Parth picked up the small gift box lying on the table.

Inside...

Was a silver bookmark engraved with a tiny crown.

On the back...

Two words.

Meri Queen.

Dev looked at it and smiled.

"Nice."

"I thought she'd like it."

"I'm sure she will."

Parth carefully slipped it into his pocket.

"Come on."

"We're getting late."

Across the city...

Vaishnavi stood before the mirror.

She wore a simple pastel blue salwar suit.

No heavy jewellery.

No elaborate makeup.

Just a pair of earrings...

And the smile she hadn't been able to hide since morning.

Aarti entered her room.

"You look beautiful."

Vaishnavi blushed.

"You think so?"

"I know so."

Aarti walked over and adjusted a loose strand of hair.

"Nervous?"

Vaishnavi nodded.

"I don't know why."

Aarti smiled knowingly.

"Because today..."

"You're finally meeting him."

Vaishnavi looked down shyly.

"I've imagined this moment so many times."

"And today..."

"It's finally here."

A little later...

The two reached the Mehta residence.

The celebration was already in full swing.

Soft music floated through the air as guests mingled beneath strings of golden fairy lights.

Vaishnavi looked around nervously.

"So many people..."

"What if I don't recognise him?"

Aarti smiled reassuringly.

"Don't worry."

"We'll find him."

The two slowly walked further into the lawn.

Aarti noticed one of the Mehta cousins welcoming the guests.

She walked over politely.

"Excuse me..."

"I'm looking for someone."

The young woman smiled.

"Who?"

"His name is Parth."

The young woman looked around for a moment before smiling.

"Oh... Parth!"

She pointed towards a group of guests standing near the stage.

"He's over there."

"The one in the navy-blue sherwani."

Aarti smiled.

"Thank you."

She returned to Vaishnavi.

"I found him."

"You did?"

Aarti nodded.

"Come."

"I'll show you."

Meanwhile...

Parth entered the venue with Dev.

His eyes instinctively began searching the crowd.

Every young woman he saw made his heart beat a little faster.

Dev laughed.

"Relax."

"You'll recognise her."

Parth smiled nervously.

"I hope so."

On the other side of the lawn...

Aarti stopped walking.

"There..."

She discreetly pointed towards a young man standing beneath the canopy of lights, laughing at something Dev had just said.

"That's Parth."

Vaishnavi followed her gaze.

Time seemed to stand still...

There he was.

Standing beneath a canopy of lights.

Dressed in a navy-blue sherwani.

Laughing at something Dev had just said.

A smile slowly spread across Vaishnavi's face.

"So..."

"That's Parth."

She couldn't take her eyes off him.

"He looks..."

Aarti smiled.

"What?"

Vaishnavi laughed softly.

"Even more handsome than I imagined."

Her heart raced.

Every conversation...

Every laugh...

Every "Meri Queen"...

Suddenly had a face.

Aarti gently nudged her.

"Go."

Vaishnavi nodded.

Taking a deep breath...

She began walking towards him.

At that very moment...

Parth noticed someone entering the venue.

His eyes immediately fell on Mitali.

She had just arrived with her parents.

A smile lit up his face.

"There she is..."

Dev followed his gaze.

"Mitali?"

Parth nodded happily.

"My Meri Queen."

Without another thought...

He began walking towards her.

Vaishnavi kept walking.

Her eyes never leaving him.

A smile played on her lips.

For one beautiful moment...

She believed he was coming towards her.

Instead...

Parth stopped in front of Mitali.

He smiled warmly.

Then, with the same affection that had coloured every phone call over the past few weeks...

He said,

"Meri Queen..."

Mitali blinked in surprise.

"Parth?"

He smiled.

"I finally get to see you."

She looked at him, puzzled.

"See me?"

Parth laughed softly.

"And after making me wait for so many days..."

Mitali frowned.

"I'm sorry..."

"What are you talking about?"

Parth chuckled, convinced she was teasing him.

"Very funny."

"I've been waiting for this day."

Mitali exchanged a confused glance with her parents.

"Parth..."

"I really don't understand."

A few steps away...

Vaishnavi stopped walking.

The smile slowly disappeared from her face.

Her heart skipped a beat.

She stared at Parth.

Then at Mitali.

Then back at Parth.

The world around her slowly faded into silence.

Only one sentence echoed in her ears.

"Meri Queen..."

Her eyes filled with tears.

Everything...

The midnight birthday wish.

The flowers.

The books.

The laughter.

The promises.

He had believed...

He was saying them to Mitali.

Not to her.

Vaishnavi stood frozen.

Her dream...

Had shattered before she had even reached him.

Broken Dreams

For a few long moments...

Vaishnavi couldn't move.

The laughter around her...

The music...

The conversations...

Everything faded into a distant blur.

Only one voice remained.

"Meri Queen..."

But he hadn't said it to her.

He had said it...

To Mitali.

A tear slipped down her cheek.

Aarti looked from Parth...

...to Mitali...

...then to Vaishnavi.

In an instant...

She understood.

Her eyes widened.

"Oh no..."

She hurried towards Vaishnavi.

"Vaishnavi..."

But Vaishnavi slowly shook her head.

"I..."

Her voice broke.

"I need to leave."

Without waiting for another word...

She turned around and walked away.

Not running.

Not creating a scene.

Just...

Walking.

Each step felt heavier than the last.

Meanwhile...

Parth was still standing before Mitali.

He smiled awkwardly.

"I thought..."

He scratched his head.

"You'd at least smile after seeing me."

Mitali looked utterly bewildered.

"Parth..."

"We've only met once."

"And that too..."

"For a few minutes."

"So why are you talking as if we've known each other forever?"

Parth laughed.

"You're still pretending?"

"I have no idea what you're talking about."

Dev, standing beside him, frowned.

Something didn't feel right.

He leaned closer.

"Parth..."

"Are you sure she's joking?"

Parth nodded confidently.

"Of course."

"She's just teasing me."

Mitali looked at him with genuine confusion.

"I wish someone would explain the joke to me."

Her parents exchanged puzzled glances.

Outside the venue...

Vaishnavi finally stopped.

The moment she stepped beyond the brightly lit entrance...

The tears she had been holding back began to fall.

Aarti caught up with her.

"Vaishnavi..."

She gently held her hand.

"I'm so sorry."

Vaishnavi gave a faint smile through her tears.

"So..."

She whispered.

"He wasn't talking to me."

Aarti's heart broke hearing those words.

"He thought..."

Vaishnavi continued.

"...he thought I was Mitali."

Every late-night conversation.

Every laugh.

Every promise.

Every "Meri Queen."

Every birthday wish.

The flowers.

The books.

None of them...

Had been meant for Vaishnavi.

She closed her eyes.

"I was foolish."

Aarti immediately shook her head.

"No."

"You weren't."

"He made a mistake."

Vaishnavi wiped away her tears.

"But the truth doesn't change."

"He loves Mitali."

Those words hurt more than anything else.

Back inside...

Parth finally smiled at Mitali.

"Alright."

"You win."

"If you don't want to admit it here..."

"We'll talk later."

Mitali stared at him.

"Talk later?"

"I don't even have your phone number."

Parth blinked.

"My number?"

"You've been talking to me every day!"

Mitali looked completely stunned.

"I think..."

She said carefully,

"...you're confusing me with someone else."

Parth laughed nervously.

"Nice try."

Dev didn't laugh.

Instead...

He quietly looked at Mitali.

There wasn't the slightest hint of recognition in her eyes.

No hidden smile.

No playful teasing.

Only confusion.

A strange uneasiness settled in his heart.

Outside...

Vaishnavi looked back at the beautifully decorated venue one last time.

Only a few minutes ago...

She had entered believing she was about to meet the man she loved.

Now...

She was leaving with a broken heart.

She took one last deep breath.

Then quietly said,

"Goodbye..."

"...Parth."

She turned away.

Never realizing...

That the man she was walking away from...

Didn't love Mitali at all.

He loved...

The girl who laughed with him every evening.

The girl who challenged him.

The girl whose voice had become the happiest part of his life.

The girl he knew only as...

His Meri Queen.

But destiny...

Had not yet revealed that truth.

------

To be continued.

Damn! That was heartbreaking...

Hey!

A request/suggestion - Could you add an index and embed the links of the chapters? It would become much easier to find the newest chapter you upload.

TIA.

Originally posted by: Nush_Rat

Hey!

A request/suggestion - Could you add an index and embed the links of the chapters? It would become much easier to find the newest chapter you upload.

TIA.

Sure I will try to do that

Originally posted by: Aleyamma47

Sure I will try to do that

Thank you dear!