👑 Thirty Two~

"Sach sach bata tuney sirf dosti ki khaatir nahi bulaya na usey,"Rishabh asked Shubman, while Chandrika was busy talking to Durdhara and Snehanvi.

"Rishi, sit quietly. You're the groom. Chupchap mehendi lagwao,"Shubman scolded him and he giggled mischievously and then frowned as the Mehendi Artist was extending the design on his right hand.

"Arey bass bass. Dulha hain hum, dulhan nahi. Itna hi kaafi hain. Yeh yaha zara Devangini likh dijiyega acche se deep karke,"he said.

Shubman smirked and walked away towards Chandrika and heard Snehanvi asking her,"Yeh itna sa kiyu lagwaya hain mehendi? Thoda aur laga leti."

"Arey nahi Badi Bhabi Sa, actually humare agley episode ka shoot hain kal. Zyaada lagwaungi toh problem hogi. I'll be singing rock so I'll be wearing gloves till here. So designs dhak jayenge."

"And the next episode is on Indian music so mehndi won't be a problem,"Shubman added, standing beside her.

"Maan, it's good you came here. Take care of Chandrika for sometime. Snehanvi will be putting Mehendi and I have to check on Daadi Sa once,"Durdhara said.

"Jee Bhabi, don't worry,"Shubman said and the duo left after saying,"Hum abhi aaye haan?"

Chandrika nodded and Shubman said,"Getting on well with my family haan?"

"Yeah! They're warm towards me then why will I be cold towards them?"

"Good point,"he said and asked,"your Dad didn't say anything?"

"About what?"

"About our growing friendship."

"He doesn't seem to bother. He just wants me to remain ahead of you in everything."

"Classic toxic Oswals!"Shubman said with a chuckle and she hit his arm.

"You shouldn't be hitting a prince like that."

"I am also from a royal background. Be quiet."

"Whatever! Appetizers?"

"Sure."

A waiter came ahead and Shubman said,"Lo jo bhi lena hain."

Chandrika showed her hands. "Mehendi! You have to feed me then."

"Oh...alright!"Shubman said and then picked up a plate.

"Here, have it,"he said, making her eat.

Chandrika ate from his hand staring at him and he asked,"How's it?"

"Good! Pretty good,"she replied, thinking,"since you're feeding with your hand."

They walked around the lawn, talking about various things, especially the wedding while Shubman kept on bringing something or the other for her and made her taste the dishes, much to her delight.

"Bass! Hogaya. Aur nahi khaya jayega mujhse. I am full,"she said as he made her taste a dessert.

"Already? Tum ladkiyan itna kam kiyu khaati ho?"

"Who said? Did you count how many dishes you have made me taste till now?"

"Around seven, only. Then this dessert,"he replied, eating the remaining and she stared in surprise.

"What?"he asked, keeping the plate aside.

"You just ate the remaining cheesecake ice cream."

"Hmm, so?"

"A prince never eats someone's remains right?"

"Not when that someone is special."

"What?"

"I mean...friend, special friend."

Chandrika cleared her throat, smiling a bit and then said,"It seems like your family is on a wedding spree."

"Yah it's good. Teen teen Bhabiyan hongi ghar mein abb. Humara saath denewaley log barh jayenge. It feels great to be in a huge joint family, especially when there's love and understanding, Moon. You too have a big one right?"

"Scattered around the globe. We all don't stay together like you people. You really have a beautiful family, Maan,"Chandrika said. "By the way, the meaning of Maan is not only honour, but also the moon, do you know that?"

"Hmm! In Dutch and Arabic,"Shubman replied, a playful glint in his eye. "So, in a way, you have written my name in your hand."

Chandrika stopped dead in her tracks and turned around, a surprised "What?"escaping her lips.

Shubman chuckled, gesturing towards her left hand adorned with intricate mehendi designs. "That moon in your left hand."

She giggled, tracing the crescent shape with her finger. "Oh, this!"

"Thank God he didn't find his name hidden around,"she thought, her heart doing a little jig. She'd spent hours subtly incorporating his initials into the design, a secret she was determined to keep...for the time being.

Shubman took a step closer, the space between them shrinking with each heartbeat. He reached out, his fingers gently encircling her wrist. The touch sent a shiver down her spine.

"Actually,"he said, his voice dropping to a low, husky murmur,"I think I got a glimpse of something else too. Something that looks suspiciously like...Shubman."

Chandrika's breath hitched. Her pulse pounded in her ears. He'd seen it. He'd actually deciphered it! Even within the design!

A wave of nervous exhilaration washed over her, painting her cheeks a rosy hue.

He held her gaze, his eyes twinkling with amusement and something more, something that made her knees weak. Could he feel the same way she felt? Could he have a crushon her too? The world seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them, bathed in the soft glow of the moon above.

"Is there something you want to tell me, Moon?"Shubman asked, holding her cheek, surprising her, but she liked his touch. It was the first time he touched her in a way different than a formal touch.

"Shubh!"

The spell shattered. A high-pitched voice sliced through the tranquility, dragging them back to reality with jarring force.

Sharon, her perfectly tied hair gleaming under the decorative lights, pranced towards them, her eyes fixed on Shubman. "There you are! I've been looking everywhere."

Chandrika stiffened. Sharon's presence was like a cold splash of water on a warm fire. She clearly had her eyes on Shubman since the beginning, and her blatant tactics grated on Chandrika's nerves.

Shubman's smile faltered, a flicker of disappointment crossing his features as he turned towards Sharon. "Oh, hey, Sharon."

Chandrika, her romantic bubble completely burst, felt a surge of irritation. She gently pulled away from Shubman.

"I... I take a leave now. I'll meet Durdhara Bhabi and Snehanvi Bhabi Sa and go. Bye Maan,"she mumbled, avoiding Shubman's gaze. "Enjoy the ceremony."

She turned and walked away, leaving Shubman standing with Sharon. Her heart ached with unacknowledged longing and a simmering resentment towards the unwelcome interruption. As she disappeared into the throng of guests, she couldn't shake the feeling that their fleeting moment, like the moon hidden behind a cloud, was now lost in the shadows. Shubman watched her go, a clear expression of loss etched on his face. Talking to Sharon or his other friends could wait, but the opportunity he'd just lost might not come again.

Devangini was sitting and blowing air to her face as the weather had turned humid suddenly, and despite conducting the Mehendi Ceremony in the open, she was feeling hot.

The Mehendi Artists approached her and they sat on both the sides, taking her hands and keeping them upon a cushion.

"Send me your picture,"came Rishabh's text and she chuckled and sent him her pic before keeping the phone aside and the artists started applying the henna paste on her hands.

"Kya khoob lag rahi hain humari Gini,"Rishabh said as Siraj showed him her picture.

"Haan bohot khub bohot khub!"Shreyas said while eating his appetizers.

"You didn't even see,"Rishabh complained.

"Bro you have seen, that's enough. Accha, your mehendi ceremony is over, then...."Siraj trailed off.

"Then?"Rishabh asked, raising a brow.

"You can go and see her once. I mean, pic mein dekh ke kya maza?"

"That's a lovely idea but unfortunately I won't be allowed to go away now. All eyes are on me,"Rishabh said in a disappointed tone.

"More guests are yet to arrive or what?"Shreyas asked.

"No! Not exactly. I guess it's over. Call Mahakaal."

"Your bodyguard? Okay. Oh! He's there,"Siraj said, and waved at the man who came ahead.

"Jee Baujiraj?"

"Kaal! Saarey guests agaye kya?"Rishabh asked and he checked the tab he was holding. "Jee Baujiraj, maximum of them have arrived. Kiyu?"

"Nahi kuch nahi. Thank you." As Mahakaal left, Rishabh added,"People will get busy in dinner after a while, we have to sneak out at that time. My mehendi had dried up already. So problem nahi hoga."

"Kya problem nahi hoga Bro? We'll drive you to your bride,"Shreyas said.

"Kar kar acche se dulhey ka sewa kar. The next turn is yours,"Siraj said, making him frown.

Snehanvi's eyes, alight with a quiet joy, traced the delicate patterns, a smile playing on her lips as she discovered a familiar, cherished inscription: Virat’s name, nestled within a swirl of henna.

Just then, Virat approached her, intending to usher her towards the communal gathering for dinner, but his gaze fell upon her mehendi-adorned palm.

The playful smile that had graced Virat’s face moments before, vanished, replaced by a sudden, unnerving seriousness. His usual warmth seemed to recede, leaving a peculiar tension in its wake. Snehanvi, sensing his presence and catching the abrupt shift in his demeanor, turned around. The sight of his altered expression sent a ripple of unease through her.

"Why have you written my name?" Virat's voice was low, lacking its usual easy cadence.

Tears pricked at Snehanvi’s eyes, her voice barely a whisper. "Because... because you're my husband. Every girl writes her husband's name... that's why I..."her explanation trailed off.

Virat’s brow furrowed further. "I have told you not to do such things. Why don't you listen?" His words, though not harsh, carried an edge of frustration, a hint of impatience that Snehanvi hadn't anticipated.

Gathering a sliver of courage, she met his gaze, her own eyes pleading for understanding. "This is a very simple act, Yuvraj," she argued softly. "You cannot force me to abandon the feelings I have for you."

For a long moment, Virat’s expression remained a mask of unspoken thoughts. The seriousness deepened, a silent battle playing out behind his eyes. Finally, with a heavy sigh that seemed to release some of the built-up tension, he turned away.

"The kids are waiting," he said, his voice regaining a semblance of its normal tone,"come for dinner."

Snehanvi gave a nod and followed him while the vibrant mehendi on her hands felt both a symbol of her affection and a quiet testament to the complexities of their marriage.

Hardik’s arm circled Durdhara’s waist, a familiar, possessive gesture as she tilted her head to admire the intricate patterns of her mehendi.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" she murmured, her voice laced with satisfaction. "I specifically requested this design; I just love getting mehendi done. Bachpan se hi mehendi lagwana itna pasand hain na humein, kya bataye aapko."

Hardik leaned in, a playful glint in his eyes. "Well, and you love to hide my name in it too, now, don't you?" he teased, his thumb stroking her waist.

Durdhara merely smirked, a hint of mischief dancing in her gaze. "Not at all," she replied, her tone deceptively innocent. "Your name isn't written here."

"Liar, let me see," he insisted, gently taking her hands, his touch careful to avoid smudging the freshly applied henna.

Unseen by them, from the vantage point of an upstairs window, Andrew watched the intimate scene unfold. A familiar pang of jealousy tightened in his chest as he observed their easy comfort and affection. It was a stark reminder of his own persistent loneliness, a feeling that had become an unwelcome constant.

"Got it!"Hardik exclaimed triumphantly, his fingers finally locating the hidden initial. Durdhara let out a soft chuckle at his delight. It was at that precise moment, as Durdhara’s smile was at its brightest, that Andrew’s frustration boiled over. He grabbed a glass of water from a passing waiter, the condensation cool against his heated palm, and unceremoniously hurled it out of the window. He ducked back quickly, a shadow in the periphery. The icy cascade of water struck Durdhara’s mehendi with a chilling splash, instantly obliterating the delicate artwork.

Durdhara’s delighted expression vanished, replaced by a sharp intake of breath and a wail of disappointment. "My mehendi!"she cried out. Hardik’s gaze snapped upwards, his playful mood instantly replaced by a surge of protective anger. He scanned the windows, his voice booming with fury, "WHO THE HELL WAS THAT? WHO SPOILED THE QUEEN'S MEHENDI?"

He turned to her and added,"Dhara, don't worry dear. Hum phirse lagwa lete hain haan. Aaiye chaliye."

"Rehene dijiye Ranaji. Humari mehendi kharab hogayi. It can't be resurrected,"she said and went away from there, her cheerful mood torn down into shards.

Hardik felt bad for her and looked upward again, muttering,"I would have killed the person. Haath mein aajaye bass."

Devangini’s heart swelled with a quiet satisfaction as she gazed at the intricate mehendi adorning her hands. The deep hues, now mostly dried, promised a beautiful union. The mehendi ceremony, a vibrant tapestry of music, laughter, and tradition, was nearing its end, and the aroma of dinner wafted through the air. With a sigh that spoke of sore muscles from hours of graceful posing, Devangini descended from the festive stage.

Seeking a moment of respite from the revelry, she ambled towards a secluded path bordering the resort's lush gardens. It was a fleeting moment of peace, however, that was shattered by a sudden, jarring interruption. Before she could even register the sensation, strong arms clamped around her from behind, a rough hand stifling any cry that might have escaped her lips. To her utter horror, a gang of burly men materialized, their intentions clear as they began to drag her relentlessly towards a waiting jeep.

Panic seized Devangini as the men forcefully pulled her towards the vehicle. Just as they were about to shove her inside, a screech of tires pierced the night air. A car, driven with deliberate speed, skidded to a halt directly in their path. One of the doors swung open, and out stepped Rishabh, his face a mask of grim determination and anger, while Siraj and Shreyas followed up, their expressions a mixture of shock and readiness.

With a shared urgency, the three men rushed to Devangini’s aid. They descended upon the abductors with a ferocity that took the goons by surprise. A brief, but intense, scuffle ensued, with Rishabh before Siraj and Shreyas fought valiantly to protect their best friend'e bride.

Overwhelmed by the swift and decisive intervention, the attackers scrambled back into their jeep and sped away into the darkness, leaving behind only the lingering scent of fear.

As the dust settled, Rishabh immediately turned to Devangini, his arms enveloping her in a protective embrace. His concern was palpable as he held her close, murmuring words of reassurance. Turning to his friends, he called out,“Siraj, Shreyas, follow them! Call the police immediately!”

As the guys left immediately, he asked Devangini,"Gini! Are you okay?"

She gave a nod and said,"Yeh log kaun ho saktey hain, Baujiraj?"

"Pata nahi. Thank God we came on time,"he said, looking towards the way the jeep had gone while she hugged him again in fear.

************************************Here goes the update. Keep Reading and Keep Vommenting Guys.😘❤️