Devar = Husband's younger brother

Satyanarayana ki puja = A Hindu ritual seeking blessings and prosperity from Lord Vishnu on special occasions or for gratitude.

Bhanja = The sister's son to the man and his wife.

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Outside the hospital, the garden's tranquil atmosphere was disturbed by rows of cars parked on either side, their sleek bodies glinting under the soft glow of the porch lights. The scent of wet earth and blooming flowers wafted through the air, mingling with the distant hum of hospital machinery.

Siddharth stood tall, a hesitant smile flickering on his lips as he gazed at the person approaching him through the night. The urgency of stretchers rushing past, ward boys calling out, and nurses' sharp voices created a chaotic symphony around them.

Karan's sharp voice cut through the din, his face contorted. "You ra*cal! What the hell do you think of yourself?!" His fingers clamped around Siddharth's white collar, twisting the fabric. "And that fuc*er! Where is he?!"

Siddharth's eyes widened, but a soft chuckle escaped him. His hands wrapped around Karan's wrists, gently prying them loose. "It's not good to yell on your birthday, brother. Peace. Peace."

Karan's face reddened, eyes narrowing as his lips curled into a snarl. "Shove this peace in your mouth and flash it through your a*s!" With a swift motion, he stormed past Siddharth, his footsteps echoing on the pavement.

Siddharth followed, his long strides matching Karan's pace. "Karan! The doctor has suggested that he shouldn't take any stress!" He caught Karan by the shoulder, spinning him around. His filled with quiet urgency.

Kara's chest heaved, his breaths coming short and uneven. His gaze faltered, and he looked away, swallowing hard.

"Don't bring anything that might trigger the trauma again," Siddharth continued in a low, steady voice. "His state is very fragile right now, Karan. He's still recovering... from everything."

Karan's lips parted, then closed again before he finally asked, his tone softening, "How is he?"

Siddharth pressed his lips into a thin line, exhaling through his nose. "He's stable, but broken - both physically and emotionally." A small, dry chuckle slipped out. "But he's still smiling, joking, pretending like nothing happened. He's playing the part of playful Rudraksh... just covering up the real one inside."

He shook his head, eyes briefly shutting before reopening with quiet composure. The laugh faded, replaced by a calm, reassuring smile that softened his features. He reached out, patting Karan's back gently. "Come on, let's meet him... like buddies."

Karan's face finally relaxed into a warm smile, and the two friends fell into step together, walking toward Rudraksh's room with a shared sense of purpose.

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Karan's gaze swept across the room, his eyes lingering on the sterile white walls before coming to rest on Rudraksh's sleeping form.

Rudraksh's bandaged head was lolled to the side, and his casted hand rested on his chest, rising and falling with each slow, deliberate breath.

Karan's hand extended, his fingers gently caressing Rudraksh's hair. The soft strands, now dry, slipped through his fingertips. "Rudraksh..."

Rudraksh's eyelids fluttered before slowly opening, his gaze unfocused as he struggled to clear the blur from his vision. When his eyes finally settled on Karan's face, his expression relaxed, and his lips trembled as they curved into a weak smile. "Happy birthday, bro..."

Karan's tense face broke into a warm smile that faltered for a moment before bubbling into soft chuckles. "Ra*cal." His eyes crinkled as he smiled, his gaze never leaving his friend's face.

Rudraksh's eyes sparkled with amusement, and he chuckled, the sound low and raspy. He tried to sit up, his right palm pressing against the bed, fingers straining under the weight of his own body.

Karan and Siddharth immediately moved to help him, their hands gentle but firm as they guided him back against the bed frame.

Rudraksh's gaze drifted up to his friends, his eyes shining with deep gratitude. His smile stayed etched on his face despite the pain and exhaustion shadowing his features. "How's work going on?" His voice was barely above a whisper.

Karan looked at Rudraksh and settled beside him on the bed, the springs creaking softly under their combined weight. Siddharth sat across from them, his eyes fixed intently on the duo as he took a seat in the red plastic chair.

"We're gathering ourselves," Karan said, his voice unintentionally serious. He ran his tongue over his lips and blinked a few times, his gaze drifting to the pink cast around Rudraksh's left wrist, lingering there.

Rudraksh blinked slowly. "What happened, Karan?"

Karan's gaze lifted, meeting Rudraksh's concerned eyes, and he smiled, shaking his head. "Nothing. Just thinking how you'll face your family." He scratched the back of his head, a sheepish smile tugging at his lips. "Today, I called your home and played along with your little plot. The worst part is... I even asked Kshay about your whereabouts."

Rudraksh's weak smile spread across his face. "Don't worry. I'll handle them."

Siddharth's eyes softened with warmth as he watched his friends, a small smile playing on his lips. He broke the silence, his voice low and measured. "Well, Rudraksh, there's another piece of bad news." His hand absently scratched his eyebrow as his eyes stayed on Rudraksh, briefly flicking toward Karan. "Your bike's insurance got canceled, since the accident was caused by brake failure. And the report says you haven't serviced your bike in the last year."

Rudraksh's face contorted slightly, one corner of his lips curling into a wry smile as a dry chuckle escaped him. "When it rains, it pours."

The room fell silent. The rhythm of their breathing,uneven yet synchronized,filled the stillness. Each gaze drifted into the distance, lost somewhere at infinite points. Rudraksh's eyes were fixed on the ceiling, unfocused; Karan's dropped to the floor, his brows furrowed; and Siddharth's stare was vacant, his expression a mask of quiet contemplation.

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The late morning sunlight streamed through the glass wall, casting a warm glow over the living area. Anusuiya gently rocked Swastik in her arms, her soothing voice and soft humming filling the air as the baby's coos and giggles echoed through the room. Antara's laughter blended with theirs, creating a joyful atmosphere. The sound of their happiness was like music, filling every corner of the space.

The doorbell's ring brought their laughter to a gentle halt.

Antara rose from her seat, her deep green saree with a black border rustling softly as she moved. The black shawl wrapped around her shoulders shimmered faintly in the sunlight, and the gentle jingling of her payal accompanied her footsteps as she made her way to the door.

The creak of the door opening was followed by Antara's enthusiastic voice. "Kshay! Chanchal! Oh my god!"

Kshay's face lit up with a wide smile as he bent to touch his elder cousin sister's feet.

Chanchal, resplendent in a vibrant red glittering saree with her pallu draped over her head, wore a dozen red and green bangles on her forearms and a long vermilion line marking the parting of her hair. She screamed too much and overloaded the moment with energy. Her face glowed with a lively smile as she lunged toward Antara, embracing her tightly. "Didi!"

Antara wrapped her arms around both Kshay and Chanchal, her eyes shining with affection. "How are you both? It's been so long since we last met." Her voice was filled with warmth as she hugged them. The mild fragrance of her perfume mingled with the stronger scent of Chanchal's.

Kshay smiled. "We're good, didi. You know how it is - work and all. But we couldn't miss meeting you, could we?"

Antara's eyebrows arched, her expression mock-stern as she nodded. "Yeah, yeah. Living in the same city, and you don't have time to visit your family." As she spoke, her hands gestured animatedly, the bangles on her wrists jingling softly.

Kshay's lips curved into a grin as laughter bubbled up from his throat. "Oh, didi. You never visit us either whenever you come here."

Antara folded her arms across her chest, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Really, beta? Now you're using my words against me?" Her voice came out playfully sarcastic, followed by their shared laughter.

As they laughed, Chanchal playfully nudged Kshay, muttering something under her breath.

Antara's smile softened. "Okay, leave this and come inside." She gestured toward the living room.

As they stepped in, Anusuiya's eyes widened at the sight of the visitors. "Kshay! Chanchal!" A warm smile spread across her face as she got up from the sofa, walking over with long strides while cradling Swastik protectively in her arms.

Kshay and Chanchal bent down to touch her feet, and Anusuiya gently ran her hand over their heads before bringing it to her temple.

Chanchal's face lit up with a wide smile, showing all her teeth. "Mausi ji, how are you?! And how's Swastik doing?!"

Anusuiya's face glowed with pride as she gazed at Swastik. "He's growing up so fast, Chanchal. Just look at him - he's such a sweet boy."

Swastik giggled, tugging at the strands of Anusuiya's hair, and everyone laughed.

Chanchal's eyes sparkled as she gently took Swastik from Anusuiya's arms. "Ole, ole, ole! Where is my bhanja ji? Come to mami! Come, come!" she cooed in a high-pitched baby voice that grated like a screech on a blackboard, making silly faces at the baby.

Swastik squealed with delight, his eyes shining as he reached out to touch Chanchal's nose, his tiny fingers wiggling in excitement.

Antara raised her eyebrows at Chanchal, blinking once, her lips stretching into a polite, tight-lipped smile.

"Beta, I'm not only your mausi but your chachi as well," Anusuiya said with a warm smile as she pinched Kshay's nose, her own nose scrunching and lips pouting playfully.

Kshay chuckled, rubbing his nose. "Mausi..."

As they all sat down, Antara asked, "So, how's life treating you both? Chanchal is glowing. What's the secret, bhai?" Her sparkling eyes lingered on Chanchal before darting back to Kshay.

Kshay and Chanchal exchanged a glance, their eyes locking in a moment of shared excitement. Chanchal lowered her gaze, adjusting her pallu with one hand while cradling Swastik with the other.

"Swastik is going to get a sibling," Kshay announced with a wide smile, his eyes gleaming.

Anusuiya's and Antara's eyes widened in unison, their faces lighting up with surprise before breaking into warm smiles and laughter.

"Oh my god!" Anusuiya exclaimed. She got up quickly, approaching Chanchal and embracing her in a warm hug. "Bless you, bahu. Bless you. May God protect you from every evil eye." She traced a bit of kajal from her own eye and placed a small black dot behind Chanchal's ear.

Antara followed, her face soft with a warm smile as she hugged Chanchal. "May you have a healthy and happy child." Her lips brushed Swastik's forehead in a gentle kiss. "Now you'll have someone to play with, my boy."

Swastik giggled in response, his little arms fluttering as he babbled excitedly.

Kshay's eyes crinkled at the corners as he took in the warm scene unfolding before him. The soft glow of the lights highlighted the smiles still lingering on Anusuiya's and Antara's faces as they sat back, their eyes shining with happiness.

Anusuiya raised her hands, her arms opening wide as she expressed her heartfelt wish. "Now, I only pray to get well-cultured, obedient, caring, and cheerful wives for my Rudraksh and Vardhaman - just like Chanchal. Then I'll hold my grandchildren in my arms."

Chanchal adjusted Swastik in her lap, settling the baby comfortably. "Oh, mausi ji! How many times have I spoken to devar ji about marriage with my distant sister?" Her voice rose excitedly. "What fault does she have? She's beautiful, cheerful, and well-cultured - an all-rounder! She'll give him every happiness. And the best part? She even likes devar ji!"

Her expression grew more animated as she continued. "But he's so shy. He doesn't even look at me, let alone talk! God knows how hell ever give you good news!" She spread her hands wide in mock helplessness before breaking into a humorous chuckle.

Antara forced a laugh. "Yeah, Rudraksh is very shy." She paused, her lips tightening into a polite smile before continuing, "But we shouldn't judge him, right? Let his future wife be the judge of that, shouldn't we?" Her smile vanished as quickly as it appeared, replaced by a stern look.

Chanchal's face pinched, her lips pursed in a faint snarl, and her eyebrows lifted. "I'm just saying, didi! What do I have to say in his life? We can only wait..." Her eyes darted between Anusuiya and Antara, flicking back and forth like a cat searching for amusement in a trapped rat's misery.

She continued, her lips curling downward. "Because he has got a revolutionary attitude. I don't think he'll marry someone of your choice."

Antara's lips curved into a bright smile as she leaned forward. "Oh, Chanchal, what's the difference? Arranged or love, he has to live his whole life with that girl, not us. So, let him choose. And anyway, I have full faith in my brother and his choice - whoever she may be."

Chanchal patted Swastik's back resting on her shoulder, her eyebrows furrowing and lips twisting into a snarl-like expression. "Oh didi, don't get me wrong. But we all know how well his choice turned out. The girl left him hanging in the middle of the sea, without any ladder or rope."

Antara's laughter burst forth - a little too forced. "Anybody can face betrayal, Chanchal." A smile stretched across her face that didn't quite reach her eyes. "Now look at your own brother. Not even six months into the marriage, and the divorce drama started." Her narrowed eyes locked onto Chanchal's wide ones. "That was a love marriage, wasn't it?"

"Are... wo..." Chanchal's lips trembled as she struggled to form words, her voice breaking into a hesitant stammer.

"Okay! Okay!" Anusuiya's loud voice boomed through the room, breaking the tension. "Rudraksh is not getting married tomorrow morning. When the time comes, we'll see. For now, let's focus on the present."

Chanchal's face twisted into an awkward smile as she laughed, the sound forced and unnatural.

Antara's gaze stayed fixed on her, a warm smile spreading across her face, though her eyes glimmered with a knowing sharpness.

"Where is Rudraksh, Mausi?" Kshay asked, his eyes scanning the room, eyebrows furrowed.

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The warm glow of diyas and the sweet scent of incense sticks filled the air.

Jheel sat serenely, her hands clasped near her chest in a gesture of devotion. The vibrant red saree draped elegantly around her accentuated her delicate features. A matching red dupatta rested over her head and shoulders, its intricate golden borders shimmering in the soft light. A red bindi nestled between her eyebrows. The delicate bangles adorning her wrists jingled softly as she moved, while the glittering necklace resting against her throat sparkled in the flickering flame.

As the Satyanarayana puja began, Jheel closed her eyes, letting the soothing rhythm of the worship wash over her. The priest’s voice rose and fell in a gentle cadence, reciting the sacred verses.

Around her, her family, along with her soon-to-be in-laws and friends, had gathered – their faces glowing with smiles and warmth.

The ceremony was a beautiful blend of tradition and sentiment, a poignant reminder of the bond that was about to be sealed – a graceful beginning to a new chapter in her life. Her eyes occasionally opened to gaze at the sacred rituals being performed.

Ira sat elegantly in a corner, her gaze fixed on the flame dancing in front of her. The soft light cast a warm glow across her face, but her expression remained unreadable. She wore a white frock suit with intricate golden borders – the one her mother had bought for her. Her brown hair fell just above her armpits, framing her oval-shaped face.

As the ceremony progressed, her eyes stayed on the flame, her thoughts hidden behind her calm exterior. It was as if she were lost in her own world – one that felt both familiar and uncertain. Her hands rested quietly in her lap, her fingers twitching occasionally, betraying a nervous habit.

Panchhi, seated beside her, suddenly sensed a pair of eyes fixed intently on her sister. She followed the gaze to a boy sitting across the room, someone from the groom's side, whose eyes were locked onto Ira, unblinking. He was around Ira's age, with a wheatish complexion and curly black hair that added a boyish charm to his youthful features.

The boy cradled his chin with his forefinger, his eyes never leaving Ira's face. His gaze was so focused it felt almost piercing. Every now and then, his eyes would narrow slightly, then relax, only to wander away before returning to Ira moments later.

Panchhi's eyes flashed with annoyance as she caught him staring at her sister far too long to be considered polite. She glared at him, her intense gaze cutting through the room.

The boy's eyes widened slightly; he looked taken aback by Panchhi's fierce glare. Shifting uncomfortably in his seat, his gaze darted away from Ira and then back to Panchhi.

Panchhi's glare didn't waver – her eyes boring into his, daring him to look at her sister again.

His eyes flickered, and finally, he looked away, focusing instead on the priest conducting the ceremony.

Panchhi watched him for a moment, ensuring he didn’t sneak another glance at Ira. Satisfied that he’d gotten the message, she turned her attention back to her sister – who, completely oblivious to the exchange, continued gazing at the flame, lost in thought.

The boy’s eyes soon drifted back to the flame. He bit his nails, his body tense, as though trying to recall a memory just out of reach. He scratched his head, his lips twitching, his eyes narrowing further. And then, in a flash of recognition, they widened. He straightened abruptly, scraping his chair against the floor.

"The dreaming girl!"

A triumphant smile spread across his face. The sudden outburst drew confused glances from everyone around him, including Ira and Panchhi.

Realizing his mistake, the boy’s face turned bright red. He forced an awkward laugh. "Sorry, sorry," he muttered, sinking back into his chair.

Ira blinked at him, her expression unreadable, before shrugging and returning to her calm, introspective state.

Panchhi, on the other hand, frowned in clear irritation. Leaning slightly to the side, she covered her mouth with four fingers and whispered, "Di, that creepy boy has been staring at you for a long time."

Ira turned towards Panchhi's ear and whispered back, "Ignore, ignore. You'll find these owls everywhere. Let's focus on the puja."

Panchhi nodded, and the two sisters returned their attention to the ritual. The boy, still looking embarrassed, tried to compose himself. Though his eyes couldn't resist drifting back to Ira now and then.

As the puja came to a close, the atmosphere in the house shifted from solemnity to celebration. The boy couldn't help but steal glances at Ira, his sheepish smile still lingering. He ruffled the hair at the back of his head, looking awkward yet utterly charmed.

Just then, someone called out, "Kanishk! Beta, come upstairs, food will be served there!"

Kanishk's eyes lingered on Ira as she walked out of the house with Panchhi, before he reluctantly tore his gaze away and headed upstairs.

A/N:

1. Did you recognize Kanishk?

2. What is your opinion about Chanchal?