Jahnvi and Abhinav walked side by side along the cobbled path leading back to the fort walls, their voices low and animated as they discussed Jahnvi's horse's quirks and the thrill of her first ride. The early sun spilled golden light through the arches, catching the glints in Jahnvi's hair and the easy warmth in Abhinav's smile.

They rounded a corner and nearly collided with Gauri, who stood with her arms crossed, dark eyes narrowed as they fell on the pair.

"How were your riding lessons?" Gauri asked sweetly, her voice edged with steel even as her lips stretched into a practiced smile. Jahnvi could almost hear the unspoken tell me everything vibrating beneath her words.

"Great. Jahnvi's a quick learner," Abhinav said, oblivious to the storm brewing behind Gauri's eyes.

"I'm sure," Gauri replied with an exaggerated tilt of her head, her sharp gaze flicking between them before fixing a syrupy smile on Abhinav. "Almost time for prayer, Abhinav dada. You should change—your kurta's soiled." She pointed delicately at a dark smear on his sleeve.

"I must have gotten it dirty while you helped me up the saddle," Jahnvi said with an apologetic smile.

"That's alright," Abhinav replied softly, shifting under Gauri's intense stare.

"You two should head to the temple," Abhinav said, stepping back with a parting smile. "I'll join you both after I change."

As he strode off towards the east wing, Gauri's eyes tracked him until he disappeared around a corner. Then she whirled on Jahnvi, her expression transforming from polite composure to barely restrained exasperation. "You, miss, are inviting trouble," she hissed, voice low but fierce. "Have you forgotten who his mother is?"

Jahnvi blinked, confused. "How does his mother matter to me?"

"She will once his mother becomes your mother-in-law," Gauri snapped, throwing her hands up dramatically.

Jahnvi threw her head back and laughed, her clear peal of laughter ringing in the quiet corridor, dimples flashing as her eyes squeezed shut. "Oh, Gauri..."

"I'm serious!" Gauri said, grabbing Jahnvi's wrist. Her voice dropped to a frantic whisper. "I can see it, Jahnvi. The way Damini Kaki's eyes follow you. She's scheming something, and I'm sure it's a wedding match with Abhinav. And what happens then—"

"Gauri," Jahnvi groaned, eyes rolling. "You hate her too much. She's not plotting some grand conspiracy—"

"No," Gauri cut her off, gripping Jahnvi's hands tightly between her own. Her eyes glistened with fierce protectiveness. "I love you too much. She can go to hell, but I won't let you get hurt."

"Hello, ladies," came a smooth voice behind them, breaking the charged silence. They turned to find Jai leaning against a pillar, dark eyes dancing with mischief.

"You know how to poke your nose in at the worst possible moment," Gauri huffed, crinkling her nose as she delivered a playful punch to Jai's arm.

"Ow, wildcat—control yourself," Jai teased dramatically, rubbing his arm with exaggerated indignation. "Aai Saheb sent me to fetch you both before you start a war here."

"Sorry, Jai," Jahnvi said with an apologetic smile, her voice warm.

Jai placed his right hand on his chest, bowing slightly, his gaze locking onto hers with theatrical flair. "That smile—oh, dear. It could launch a thousand ships."

Gauri groaned and rolled her eyes so hard it looked like they might get stuck. "Can we please move before you two start reciting poetry?"

Jai straightened, offering Jahnvi his arm with a wink, ignoring Gauri's annoyance. "Shall we, my queens?" he said, his playful charm wrapping around the three of them as they began to walk down the stone path towards the temple courtyard, their bickering and laughter echoing softly off the old fort walls.

The three of them climbed the temple steps together, sunlight dancing on the worn stone as they teased and nudged each other like children sneaking into a fair. The air smelled of marigold garlands and faint sandalwood drifting from the sanctum.

"Slow down, Gauri," Jai whined dramatically, nearly tripping over the hem of his kurta as he tried to keep up with her brisk steps. "The gods aren't going anywhere!"

"If you walked faster than a tortoise, we'd already be there," Gauri shot back, eyes twinkling.

Jahnvi hid a laugh behind her hand, nearly bumping into Gauri when they reached the top. The temple courtyard opened before them, quiet and serene. Pale sunlight fell on the worn stone, making the old lotus carvings glow.

By the sanctum, Malhar stood with the priest, his head bowed slightly as he listened—but when he glanced up and spotted the trio, a small, easy smile tugged at the corner of his lips. His dark eyes crinkled just a bit, a fleeting warmth chasing away the severity he usually wore.

Nanda stood beside Malhar, her sari draped neatly over her silver-streaked hair. Her face brightened at the sight of them.

"Where's Abhinav?" Nanda asked, scanning behind them as they approached.

"He's changing, he'll join soon," Jahnvi said with a small, polite smile.

Just then, a hush fell over the courtyard. The scent of strong sandalwood oil filled the air as Damini stepped through the temple gates. She was a vision of intimidating grace in a dark maroon saree edged with silver zari, her chin lifted high, her sharp eyes scanning the courtyard with predatory precision.

Jai instinctively straightened. Gauri stiffened beside Jahnvi, eyes narrowing as Damini approached. Even Nanda's posture shifted subtly, tension radiating from her as she watched the other matriarch glide forward.

Malhar turned just in time to see Damini's entrance. His eyes flicked briefly to Jahnvi, standing a step behind Gauri and something darkened in his gaze before he schooled his features into polite indifference.

Damini's lips curved into a small, cool smile as she paused before the group, her eyes sweeping over each of them before settling on Jahnvi. "I see the entire household is here," she said, voice smooth as silk but carrying the weight of a blade.

"Damini kaki," Gauri said sweetly, the false warmth in her voice matching Damini's own. "What a surprise."

"Not a surprise dear, just devotion," Damini replied, letting her gaze linger on Jahnvi for an extra heartbeat, as if staking a claim none of them yet fully understood.

The temple bells began to toll softly, their resonant notes rolling through the courtyard like a wave. The priest raised his hand, beckoning everyone closer.

"Shall we begin?" he called out.

"Yes please." Damini replied.

The Bhosle family gathered near the Sanctum as the priest began the chants. Turn by turn, every member of the Bhosle clan took the brass plate and performed the aarti.

Jahnvi was the last to perform the ritual as the morning prayers came to an end, as instructed by the head priest she took the brass plate with the diyas around for the family to take the blessings of the sacred fire.

She started by extending her hand with the sacred fire in front of Nanda who bowed and took the blessings of the fire and placed her hand on Jahnvi's head blessing her as well, Jahnvi then moved on to Damini who too quietly took the blessings of the sacred flames.

Jahnvi turned next to Jai, who stood with his hands folded but a playful smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth.

"Careful with that plate, Jahnvi," he whispered as she stepped toward him. "We both know I'm blessed enough already."

She gave him a look, barely holding back a smile as he bowed slightly and took the blessings with exaggerated grace before stepping back with a wink.

Gauri was beside him, more solemn than usual. She accepted the sacred fire with a silent prayer, her fingers lingering briefly near the flame.

Finally, she stepped toward Malhar.

He stood at a slight distance from the others, arms relaxed at his sides, yet his presence pulled the air taut. As she approached him, the plate felt suddenly heavier in her hands. The morning breeze brushed past, flickering the diyas just enough to make her grip firm.

Malhar's gaze met hers directly, they were calm, unreadable, but not cold.

She held the brass plate forward. He took the blessings slowly, reverently, his hands strong but careful as they hovered above the flame. For a second, Jahnvi thought he would step back like the others.

But instead, he took a step closer and, without breaking eye contact, gently took the plate in his own hands and turned the plate offering the sacred fire back to her.

Jahnvi blinked, startled.

"You haven't taken it yourself," he said quietly. His voice was low, almost unheard under the priest's final chants.

Her fingers trembled slightly as she reached up and accepted the blessings from the flames.

The moment hung still, wordless, private. Their bubble which escaped time broke as a singular temple bells rang out again, pulling them back to life, to the present.

Abhinav had entered the temple. His hands folded, eyes closed and head bowed as he muttered a silent prayer near the idol.

"Jahnvi, don't forget to offer Abhinav the blessed fire," Damini's voice rang lightly from across the courtyard, controlled and composed.

Before Jahnvi could step forward, Malhar shifted beside her.

"Don't worry, Kaki Saheb," he replied, not looking at her. "I'll do the needful."

He raised the brass plate slightly to show her he still held it, the flames still glowing softly.

"Come on everyone, let's head for breakfast." Nanda chimed in as she ushered Damini towards the dinning area, trying to stir her and the conversation in a different direction.

AN: I my dear readers, I missed having conversations with you guys, writing makes me whole again, why did I ever give up.
My stories may not have the best plots or transitions but it's definitely a therapeutic to pen down characters.

Let me know what you think, i love you guys so much.

Stay safe
Lots of love
xoxo