Since Nandini's friends would also join them for the celebration, Khushi thought it would be a good idea to add a few more oil lamps on the terrace. Rajveer and Rishav had already hung up fairy lights up there after Nandini asked for permission to invite her friends. Navya and Payel started doing sitting arrangements. Akash and Anjali joined them. Arnav had to answer a business call so he went out to the garden. Returning, he saw that the elders were busy chatting amongst themselves while the younger generations was absent. He caught Khushi heading up the stairs with two large thaals filed with lit oil lamps.
Taking two steps at a time, Arnav soon came up behind her. He was pleased to see her in the outfit he had selected for her. The bottle green lehenga made her fair skin look more bright and glowy. Arnav started having this strange desire to put a small blemish on her flawless skin.
"Khushi, where are you going with those?" Arnav called out.
"Arnav ji, we thought of adding a more traditional touch to the Diwali celebration. We're placing these lamps on the terrace. Do you want to join us?" Khushi asked with a bright smile.
Arnav considered for a moment, then nodded. "Sure, why not? I could use a break from work." He followed Khushi up the stairs to the terrace.
Smirking, he grabbed her bare waist from behind as soon as they were hidden from view. The touch sent a shiver down Khushi's spine, and she turned to look at him with surprise.
"Arnav ji!" Khushi squeaked out in surprise.
Arnav buried his nose in her hair and reminded her in a husky tone, "Hold the thaals carefully. All the lamps are lit. The fire might hurt."
Khushi shivered at his tone. Her eyes closed automatically when he moved her hair to bare her neck for him. Then he leaned over and placed a small kiss on her neck. Rubbing his nose along her ear, he whispered, "Was it really necessary to come in front of me looking like this? Don't you understand that you make someone's heart beat increase a hundred times more? Can't you see how his breath hitches just looking at you?"
Khushi blushed, feeling a mix of embarrassment and excitement. She turned her head to look at him, and their eyes locked. Arnav's intense gaze made her heart race even faster. "Why would anyone's heart beat increase seeing me? There's nothing special in me," she told him after elbowing him away from her.
Arnav gave her an annoyed look as he rubbed his stomach where she hit him. He wanted to answer her question with a romantic one, but that's when he saw that Nandini was heading towards them. "It's because you're looking like a witch today. And anyone's heart would start racing after seeing a scary witch."
Khushi's jaws dropped apart, severely offended. "You're not looking like any prince either. That same boring suit and all. Huh!" she countered angrily.
Arnav raised an eyebrow, "Excuse me? I am the prince charming here. You should be grateful to have a handsome man by your side."
Nandini reached them, trying to suppress her laughter as she had overheard their silly argument. "What's going on here?"
Khushi huffed. "Arnav ji is calling me a witch!" she complained.
Arnav retorted, "And she's calling me a boring prince. Can you believe it?"
Nandini burst into laughter, "Oh my god, you two are hilarious. Khushi di, you look absolutely stunning, and Arnav bhaiya, you're looking like real life Royalty."
Arnav winked at Nandini, "See? Someone appreciates my good looks."
Khushi rolled her eyes. "Whatever, Mr. Laad Governer."
Nandini laughed, "Come on, let's finish placing these lamps. The terrace is waiting for your special touch, di."
Arnav grinned, "And my charming presence, of course."
"Keep dreaming." Khushi muttered.
The terrace was beautifully decorated with fairy lights, creating a warm and festive ambiance. Khushi, with her boundless energy, was placing the oil lamps strategically to enhance the traditional feel. Arnav couldn't help but be captivated by the way the lamps illuminated her face, casting a soft glow on her features. He couldn't resist anymore. So, he pulled out his phone and rapidly clicked a few photos of his lady love.
The sound of someone clearing their throat startled Arnav. He turned around to find an amused Rajveer standing right behind him, where he had a clear view of what Arnav had been up to until this very moment.
"I... ah... Oh..." Arnav stammered nervously. He could feel his cheeks becoming warmer at being caught red-handed by Khushi's older brother.
Rajveer arched an eyebrow, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Arnav, are you documenting the 'Diwali in Love' series or something?"
Arnav chuckled awkwardly, trying to cover up his embarrassment. "Uh, no, just capturing the beauty of the moment. You know, the ambiance, the lights..."
Rajveer smirked, "Capturing the beauty of the festival or the beauty itself?"
Arnav scratched the back of his head awkwardly, "Uh, both?"
Rajveer grinned, "Sure, sure. I won't tell Khushi you've turned into a secret photographer. But make sure you show those pictures to Khushi. She'll love it."
Arnav sighed in relief, "Deal. And don't worry, I won't make it a habit."
"Does my sister know that you love her?" Rajveer asked.
"Yes. We... uh..." Arnav cleared his throat, feeling shy, "We confessed to each other."
"That's good." Rajveer patted him on the shoulder, "And just relax, Arnav. We've all been there. Just enjoy the celebrations."
As Rajveer walked away, Arnav couldn't help but feel grateful for the understanding and lightheartedness of Khushi's older brother. Arnav found it amazing how protective and understanding Rajveer was at the same time. He knew that if he had been in Rajveer's place, he would've bullied the man his sister liked. In fact, he did bully his brother-in-law when Anjali and Shyam had first started dating. This realization made Arnav appreciate Rajveer's maturity and acceptance Arnav turned his attention back to Khushi, who was still arranging the lamps, blissfully unaware of the small photography drama that had just unfolded.
...-...
...-...
...-...
Around 9 pm, Fab 5 reached the Shikhawat house. Cabir whistled, looking around. "Wow, man! I thought Nandini belonged to a middle-class family," he commented.
"Exactly! I also thought the same thing. Her down-to-earth nature doesn't let anyone even guess that her family is rich," Mukti added, surprised.
"I think this is her biological parents' house. Her adopted family is a middle-class family where Nandini was brought up," Manik explained as much as he could.
"You seem to know a lot about Nandini these days," Aliya commented with a slight smile.
"She's right. You do know Nandini more than any of us... and she's actually been friends with me," Dhruv added with an amused smile.
Cabir started snickering, hiding his face. Manik gave his friends a wide-eyed panicked look before making excuses, "We spoke and chatted multiple times when we spent time in the jungle and stuff. We don't just argue all the time."
"Guys, that's all okay. But does Nandini know that we're coming?" Cabir asked.
"Well... she invited us, so she must've assumed that we will come," Manik responded hesitantly, scratching the back of his neck.
"You're too much, man," Mukti shook her head in disbelief.
Smiling, Dhruv pulled out his phone and called Nandini. "Hello, Nandini? Hi, Happy Diwali."
"Happy Diwali, Dhruv! Where are you guys?" Nandini inquired.
"We're actually outside your house... well, we're assuming it's your house. Manik said you sent him the address," Dhruv informed.
"Oh great! You guys are here! I'll be there in a minute. Bye," Nandini answered before hanging up.
"She's coming. And Manik was right. Nandini did assume that we'll come," Dhruv told his friends.
"But how did she know that we'll come here? Did we decide like 10 minutes into the Malhotra's annual Diwali party that we wanted a change of scene?" Aliya asked curiously.
"In these last few months, Nandini got to know all of us nicely. She knows that I hate my mother and due to your loyalty to me, you also dislike her. So, it's not hard for Nandini to assume that I'd rather attend her traditional Diwali celebration. Of course, If I agree to come here, then Fab 5 will definitely come here," Manik explained.
A few moments later, they could hear the sound of chiming bells from someone's anklet. They turned towards the doorway, and Manik felt his eyes widening as soon as Nandini came into their view. Nandini was wearing a lime green lehenga choli set, the intricate embroidery and vibrant colors enhancing her beauty. Her hands were adorned with glass bangles, her hair left open in loose waves, shimmering makeup highlighting her features, and she wore ethnic golden-colored hanging earrings that complemented the outfit. The traditional attire emphasized her grace and elegance.
Manik felt like he had forgotten how to breathe. It was when Nandini reached them and shot him a knowing smile that Manik cleared his throat and looked away, embarrassed at being caught.
Nandini wasn't alone, though. Navya was a few steps behind her, dressed in a matching lime green anarkali dress and golden ethnic jewelry. With a smile, the girls greeted them, "Happy Diwali, everyone!"
"Happy Diwali, Nandini! Happy Diwali, Navya!" Fab 5 responded with equally joyful smiles. The girls hugged each other, and the boys waved.
"Come on! Everyone is getting ready to head for dinner. We've been waiting for you guys," Nandini informed them.
"Dinner sounds good. We didn't eat anything at the other party," Cabir said with a mischievous smile.
"That's good," Nandini replied before leading them inside. "Uh... guys, the older generation in my house is very traditional. So, please greet them with 'Namaste' instead of 'Hi or Hello,'" she warned.
"Thanks for the warning," Aliya told her with a smile.
Entering the house, their eyes fell on Naina, who was heading towards the dining room with a container in her hand. She was helping Payel set the table. Rajveer and Rishav had brought another table and six more chairs from the storeroom, busy setting it up so that everyone could sit down for dinner.
Manik beamed at Naina and greeted with his hands folded, "Happy Diwali, bhabhi!" He was genuinely nervous around Naina and hoped to make a good impression.
Naina paused and turned towards Manik. With an amused smile, she greeted, "Happy Diwali, Manik! Looking good."
Manik, wearing a beige gold kurta adorned with mirror work, had left the buttons open, revealing his toned chest. His hair was brushed back neatly, aiming to make a good impression on Nandini's family.
"Thanks, bhabhi. You're looking no less than a goddess yourself in this saree," Manik complimented with a wide smile.
"Thanks," Naina replied, her smile reflecting genuine warmth.
Nandini turned towards the rest of the group, who were watching the scene with puzzled looks on their faces. "Guys, this is my soon-to-be sister-in-law, Naina bhabhi," she gestured towards Naina. Then she turned towards Naina, "Bhabhi, these are the rest of the members of Manik's band, Fab 5. This is Dhruv, Manik's best friend and my good friend. This is Aliya, Mukti, and this is Cabir," she introduced.
"Hi, Bhabhi! Happy Diwali!" the rest of Fab 5 greeted.
Naina chuckled. "Hi, guys. Happy Diwali. Manik, come with me to the dining room. You should help Nandini's brothers in setting the tables for everyone. Nandini, Navya, show your friends the house," Naina suggested, a mischievous smirk playing on her lips.
Nandini blushed, understanding why Naina ordered Manik to help her brothers. Clearing her throat, she told Fab 5, "Come on, guys! I'll show you around," and took off.
Manik followed Naina to the dining room, while the rest of the group followed Nandini. "Nandu, why did bhabhi ask Manik to help bhaiya and Rishav?" Navya asked before anyone else could.
Nandini blushed harder. "Actually, Manik came with me when I went to pick up Bhabhi. She knows that he had bullied me in the past, that's why maybe," she replied.
Cabir smirked. "Oh, so it has nothing to do with impressing your brothers?" he whispered to Nandini, making the poor girl blush even harder.
Mukti leaned into Aliya and whispered, "Aliya, don't you think there's something strange going on? Why do I feel like there's something more between Manik and Nandini?"
"I was also thinking the same thing," Aliya whispered. As she had moved on with Dhruv, she wasn't feeling as jealous as she would've felt a few months ago. During their forest adventure, Dhruv and Aliya had kissed, and soon after, they started dating in secret.
"Not only that, but I have a feeling that Cabir knows something about this whole matter," Dhruv added, gesturing towards their other friend who was busy teasing Nandini.
.. .. - - - - .. ..
"May I help as well?" came a voice as Rajveer was following Rishav's advice on how many more chairs they should get.
Rajveer turned his head to find Manik standing there with an expectant smile on his face. Naina also joined them after placing the food item on the main dining table.
"Rajveer sir, this is Manik, Nandini's special friend," Naina introduced with a naughty smile.
Manik's face paled instantly at the introduction as he saw Rajveer raising his eyebrow at Naina before turning to give Manik a thoughtful look. Manik felt like he would get a heart attack when Rajveer merely stated, "I know."
Naina chuckled, patting Manik's back, and then went back to the kitchen.
"Happy Diwali, Mr. Malhotra! Come, help us," Rajveer instructed casually.
Scratching his head, Manik came up to him and started helping in moving the table. Rishav greeted Manik with an amused smile and whispered, "Bhaiya did background checks the moment he realized that his younger sisters liked someone. There's nothing that Bhaiya doesn't already know about you."
"WHAT?!" Manik exclaimed, shocked.
Rajveer gave the younger boys a surprised look. "What's going on?" he asked.
"N-Nothing." Manik responded with a fake smile. "Ah... Bhaiya, you can call me 'Manik'." he added in a friendly tone.
"Okay."
After successfully setting the tables, the dining room became a hub of activity as the rest of the family and friends gathered. Nandini took the opportunity to introduce her friends to her family, and in accordance with her earlier warning, Fab 5 greeted the elders formally.
As everyone settled down, the room echoed with laughter and lively conversations. Platters filled with Lucknowi and South Indian delicacies were served, allowing everyone to savor the diversity of flavors. The Lucknowi dishes included kebabs, biryanis, and kormas, while the South Indian cuisine boasted dosas, idlis, and a variety of flavorful curries. The dining experience was more than just a feast; it was a celebration of unity and shared joy. Plates were filled with a mix of the delectable dishes, creating a colorful and appetizing tableau.
The elders gathered around the main dining table, accompanied by Anjali, Akash, and Arnav. In the adjacent dining table, Nandini, Navya, Rishav, and Fab 5 found their places. Khushi, Naina, and Payel intended to serve the elders, but Rajveer intervened when he noticed Naina holding a food container.
"Naina, go and take a seat. I'll handle the serving," Rajveer insisted, gently taking the container from her.
"But Rajveer sir..." Naina began to protest, only to be met with a stern look from him.
"Your stitches are still healing. Please, go and sit down," he urged, and as he noticed her about to argue again, he added sternly, "It's an order, Cadet Singh."
Naina frowned but complied, taking a seat beside Madhumati. Knowing that Rajveer would join her, she occupied one of the two empty chairs next to Madhumati. Khushi and Payel exchanged smiles as they witnessed this banter before joining the others at the second dining table. The small act of care between Rajveer and Naina did not go unnoticed by everyone present.
Madhumati began placing a variety of dishes on Naina's plate, insisting that she was too thin and needed to build strength for her training. "You'll need all the energy for your rigorous training. Eat, eat," she asserted with a firm tone.
Naina chuckled, appreciating the elder's concern, and nodded in agreement.
Cabir was the first to voice the question that was on the minds of many present, and Anjali, along with others, admitted their curiosity. "What stitches are you talking about, Rajveer bhaiya? And may I ask why Naina bhabhi always addresses bhaiya as 'Rajveer sir'?"
Anjali added with a sheepish smile, "I was also wondering the same thing."
"So was I, Beta. I hope you won't mind," Devyani chimed in.
Rajveer's cheeks reddened at this point. "Actually, Naina got injured in her last drill before the vacation. She had to get 24 stitches as a result." Everyone gasped, especially Rajveer's family, unaware of the severity of Naina's injury. They wouldn't have let her help with the preparations if they had known.
"On top of that, the 17-hour journey and the special entrance didn't help the matter. As a result, her stitches didn't get the chance to heal properly. The doctor told me to make sure that she took proper rest, or it would be hard for her to join the drills in a few days," he explained.
Shanno and Khushi paled, feeling extremely guilty as they were the ones who suggested that Naina dance for her entrance.
Naina rolled her eyes. "It's not as extreme as he's making it sound. I'm fine, and it's been almost seven days since I was injured. If I can't endure this much, then how will I be able to fight in wars for our country?" She argued, throwing an angry look at Rajveer.
"That's it. Naina beta, you'll take it easy for the next few days until it's time for you guys to go back. Okay?" Kishori told her firmly.
Naina sighed and nodded. "Ji, dadi ji."
"And as for the 'sir' thing? It's because Naina is my cadet... um... student. I'm currently posted in the same academy as a teacher where Naina is taking her military training," Rajveer answered the other part of Cabir's question.
As Rajveer finished explaining, a mischievous grin spread across Cabir's face. He couldn't resist making a light-hearted comment. "Oh, Rajveer bhaiya, I've heard about these teacher-student love stories. Is it true love blossomed on the parade ground?"
Nandini and Navya exchanged amused glances, and the rest of Fab 5 couldn't hold back their smirks. Anjali, sensing the teasing moment, joined in, "Rajveer, is it one of those classic tales where the stern teacher falls head over heels for his dedicated student?"
Rajveer's face turned several shades of red, and he tried to deflect the attention with a dismissive wave. "Come on, guys, it's not like that. It's actually the opposite. The dedicated, innocent teacher fell in love with his stern, stubborn-as-hell student," he joked, throwing a teasing smile in Naina's direction. Then, he turned towards Cabir with a knowing glint in his eyes, "And should you really be making such comments? I mean, Professor Raghav's name does sound familiar to you, doesn't it?"
Cabir's eyes widened in shock. "H-How?" he asked.
"I did a thorough background check on EACH and every person my younger siblings interacted with in my absence. I not only know your backgrounds but also the backgrounds of your parents. Your father is actually one of my colleagues with whom I had the pleasure of being posted in the past. So, I am aware of your twin brother's details as well."
Cabir was left speechless, and the entire room burst into laughter. He had never expected Rajveer to turn the tables on him so effectively. Rajveer's ability to seamlessly blend sternness with humor left everyone amused and impressed.
Rajveer continued taking a seat beside Naina, "So, my dear Cabir, when you try to tease me, make sure your own secrets are well guarded. Now, let's focus on enjoying Diwali and not dig too deep into each other's personal lives."
The teasing atmosphere eased, and the group shared hearty laughs. Naina playfully nudged him. "Well played, sir. I didn't know you had such a witty side."
Rajveer smirked, "There's a lot you don't know about me, Cadet Singh. I'm full of surprises."
As the banter settled, they all turned their attention back to the festive dinner, enjoying the warmth of family and friends during Diwali.
...-...
...-...
...-...
After the dinner concluded, Garima suggested that the elders could sit in the living room and play some Diwali games, while the younger ones could enjoy on the terrace. Almost everyone agreed to this, but Rajveer intervened.
"Why? We can all enjoy together. Please remember that the elder generation was also young one day. There's nothing that they didn't already do. And I don't understand the concept of a generation gap. If everything is out in the open in every relationship, then parents and kids would have a deeper relationship instead of having barriers of different generations," he pointed out.
"But Rajveer beta, our elder generation might not feel comfortable revealing some details in front of the younger generations," Vijay told him hesitantly.
"No, Vijay beta. I think Rajveer beta does have a point. It's time we let our younger generation know that we didn't just sprout out old. You also did some happening things in our young days," Devyani stated proudly.
"Absolutely," Kishori chimed in, making everyone laugh.
"That's wonderful. Then, let's play a game that would let us know everyone's secrets," Naina suggested, clapping her hands with a naughty smile.
"Let's go up to the terrace. We'll have a change of scenery and all of our hard work will get some reward." Khushi suggested.
Everyone happily agreed. Soon, everyone was seated on the terrace where they had arranged the seating earlier. Twinkling fairy lights and oil lamps were casting a warm glow, giving the area a magical, dreamland vibe. The gentle breeze carried the festive scent of Diwali, enhancing the joyful atmosphere.
Mukti took charge, explaining the rules to everyone as Dhruv, Cabir, and Rishav distributed bottles of cold drinks. Since no alcohol was allowed in the house, they opted for 1-liter bottles of cold drinks each. "Tonight, we're playing a game called 'Never Have I Ever,'" Mukti announced, capturing everyone's attention. "One participant will mention something they've never done in their life. If anyone present has done that thing, they take a sip. Sharing the backstory is optional, but if someone feels like sharing, we're all ears. Everyone clear on the rules?" she inquired.
"That sounds like quite an interesting game," Kishori commented with a wry smile.
"I'm getting excited!" declared Devyani Raizada, her enthusiasm earning an eye roll from Arnav.
Seated with their cold drink bottles in hand, everyone prepared for the game. "Alright, Nandini, you kick things off!" Cabir exclaimed, initiating the game.
"Never have I ever... cheated on an exam," Nandini confidently declared.
The Fab 5 wore expressions of surprise, while the elders beamed with pride.
"No way! Never?" Cabir questioned in disbelief.
"I've never cheated," Nandini insisted, earning smiles for her innocence. The Fab 5, along with Devyani (Arnav's nani), Anjali, Vijay (Nandini's uncle), Shanno (Nandini's aunt), Manorama (Arnav's aunt), Shashi (Khushi's father), and Khushi took sips from their drinks.
"Nani? Di? Seriously?" Arnav exclaimed incredulously. In response, they offered sheepish smiles, setting off laughter among the rest of the group.
"Alright, let's turn the spotlight on Mr. Arnav now," Cabir declared.
"Never have I ever... been sent to the principal's office," Arnav stated with confidence.
Kishori was the first to take a sip, leaving Nandini and Vijay gaping in shock. Subsequently, Rajveer, Shanno, Rishav, Manik, Cabir, Mukti, and Manohar (Arnav's uncle) also took sips from their drinks.
Noticing Naina's surprise, Rajveer sighed dramatically and explained, "Totally your brother's fault. He got caught dating more than five girls at a time. I had to save him from the parents of those girls who went to complain about him to Brigadier Chandok."
His revelation prompted laughter from Naina and the rest of the group.
"Alright, Rajveer Bhaiya, it's your turn," Cabir prompted.
"Never have I ever... smoked a cigarette," Rajveer stated.
Vijay winced and took a sip, earning a disapproving glare from his wife and mother. Subsequently, Mukti, Manohar, and Akash also took sips.
"HHBB! Akash bituwa, you spoke?" Manorama asked in shock.
"I tried it once in school. Worst experience of my life," Akash clarified, prompting a relieved sigh from his mother.
"Your turn, Anjali ji," Cabir said.
"Never have I ever... stolen someone else's things," Anjali stated.
With instant sheepish smiles, Devyani and Kishori took sips, surprising their children more than anyone else. "Stole mangoes from the neighbor's trees," Kishori admitted.
"Same," Devyani added before sharing a conspiratorial smile with Kishori.
Then, Madhumati, Garima, and Shashi also took sips. Payel and Khushi stared at them with wide-eyed shock. "I stole tamarind," Madhumati chimed in with a mischievous grin.
"I stole my sister's dress," Garima confessed with a sheepish smile.
"And I stole a flower for her," Shashi said, throwing a loving smile at his wife. Garima blushed at his gaze.
"OOOOOO!" The kids chorused playfully.
Then, Khushi, Rishav, and Naina took sips and gave everyone cheeky smiles, withholding any further details.
The game continued for a while. Eventually, the older generation excused themselves and went downstairs to chat. They realized that the younger ones were keeping the games clean for their benefit. Once the elders left, Rishav spoke up.
"I'm bored. Let's play... something interesting. How about... 'Truth or Dare'?" he suggested.
Everyone present agreed. Rishav turned towards Cabir and boldly asked, "Truth or dare?"
"Dare," Cabir replied, grinning.
"Call the first person... in your call log and howl like a wolf," Rishav stated with a smirk.
Everyone present was already snickering as Cabir pulled out his phone. "My mom will think that I've gone completely insane," he grumbled but did as the dare suggested. As soon as the howling was complete, everyone could hear his mother asking frantically if he was okay or not.
"Mom, I'm fine," Cabir assured his mother. His mother sighed in relief and hung up, still upset that he was gay.
Then, Cabir turned towards Khushi and asked, "Khushi ji, truth or dare?"
"Truth," she replied.
"What do you find attractive in guys?" Cabir asked.
"Their manners and how they treat their family. No one's outer look impresses me," Khushi replied confidently. Arnav narrowed his eyes at her answer.
"Now, I ask the question?" Khushi asked Cabir who nodded. Beaming, Khushi turned towards Arnav and asked, "Truth or dare, Arnav ji?"
"Dare," Arnav answered, still glaring at her.
"You have to sing a song," Khushi said, grinning.
"For Khushi ji," Anjali added. "You have to sing a song for Khushi ji," she completed with a mischievous smile.
Rajveer and Naina shared a knowing look at this.
Arnav gave Khushi an evil smile before he started singing the song "Made You Look" by Meghan Trainor.
"I could have my Gucci on
I could wear my Louis Vuitton
But even with nothin' on
Bet I made you look (I made you look)"
He had a smug look on his face the entire time and stared directly at Khushi. Everyone around them observed Arnav and Khushi when they realized that Arnav was offended by Khushi's comment about how she never felt attracted by outer looks.
"I'll make you double take soon as I walk away
Call up your chiropractor just in case your neck break
Ooh, tell me what you, what you, what you gon' do, ooh
'Cause I'm 'bout to make a scene, double up that sunscreen
I'm 'bout to turn the heat up, gonna make your glasses steam
Ooh, tell me what you, what you, what you gon' do, ooo"
Arnav raised his eyebrow at Khushi with a knowing smile as he sang the lines, adding a playful touch to the atmosphere. He was boldly telling everyone present that Khushi was attracted to Arnav, that she was his girl. The mischievous glint in his eyes hinted at the delightful teasing he was indulging in.
"When I do my walk, walk (oh)
I can guarantee your jaw will drop, drop (oh)
'Cause they don't make a lot of what I got, got (ah, ah)
Ladies if you feel me, this your bop, bop (bop-bop-bop)
I could have my Gucci on (Gucci on)
I could wear my Louis Vuitton
But even with nothin' on
Bet I made you look (I made you look)
Yeah, I look good in my Versace dress (take it off)
But I'm hotter when my morning hair's a mess
'Cause even with my hoodie on
Bet I made you look (I made you look)
Mhm-hm-hm"
Arnav finished the song, directing a smirk in Khushi's direction. She was blushing hard, both at the lyrics of the song and the fact that he managed to openly convey something about their relationship. Huffing up her cheeks, she glared at him, much to everyone's amusement. The playful banter between Arnav and Khushi added a lighthearted touch to the evening.
Everyone cheered and clapped for Arnav. Naina, intrigued by the unfolding connections between the couples, leaned into Rajveer and whispered, "So, he likes her?"
"More than like. He's in love with her. Arnav confessed to me that Khushi and he had confessed to each other. They are a couple now," Rajveer disclosed in a hushed tone.
Naina nodded thoughtfully. "He seems mature. I want to know the whole story from Khushi. I managed it from Nandini," she shared.
"Good. Find out more from Khushi. I did a background check. Arnav is a good enough guy for Khushi. He established himself through hard work and dedication. I liked that about him. He's a little too serious about life, and Khushi is a little too careless. I think they complete and complement each other perfectly," Rajveer shared his insights.
"I'll let you know later what I think of him. I didn't get to observe him much yet," Naina promised.
"What do you think about Manik?" Rajveer inquired.
"I think Manik needs polishing in the relationship department. As much as I understood, he only understands the relationships between friends properly. But he has potential. He did some stupid things, but he had good intentions. So, I told Nandini to give him a second chance," Naina revealed.
Rajveer nodded. "Hmm... Nandini and Navya told me how they met Fab 5 and about Monster Manik. My background check on him showed that he was a rich spoiled brat, raised by servants, bullied and abused by his own mother, abandoned by his father, and only cherished by his friends. He would need a lot of growing up to do if he wants to marry my sister," he stated firmly.
Naina listened attentively to Rajveer's insights about Arnav and Manik. She appreciated the fact that Rajveer cared deeply about his sister's well-being and was actively involved in understanding the people entering her life. Naina also made a mental note to observe Arnav more closely and have a conversation with Khushi to gather her perspective on the relationship.
The game continued, and one by one, almost everyone had their turns. Laughter and teasing filled the air as secrets were spilled and dares were taken. Only Rajveer and Manik remained, and the anticipation among the group grew.
"Truth or dare, Manik?" Naina asked with a smirk.
"Dare," Manik replied with a shrug.
With a bright smile, Naina gave him the dare. "You have to propose to the love of your life in front of everyone... with a song," she said, wiggling her eyebrows.
The smile on Manik's face fell. He looked at Nandini for help but found her giving him a silent challenge by raising her eyebrow at him. Nandini knew that Manik was not ready to tell his friends about their relationship yet. However, Nandini wanted that confirmation. Because who knew the next time Mukti might fall in love with Nandini, and Manik might decide to sacrifice their love again. That's why Nandini was content with Naina's dare.
Manik sighed but decided to play along. He stood up and cleared his throat. With a dramatic flair, he offered his hand to Nandini. Mukti, Aliya, and Dhruv shared surprised looks at this. While they were suspecting something like this, they didn't know that these two were secretly a couple already. Manik started singing after pulling Nandini to her feet and bringing her to the middle.
"Kudiye ni mere dil vich bass ja
Kudiye ni tere bin main nahiyo jachda..
Kudiye ni mere dil vich bass ja
Kudiye ni tere bin main nahiyo jachda
Kudiye ni, main tera deewana
Kudiye ni, tere bin main nahiyo rehna
Kudiye ni ae chhupi ta tod
Kudiye ni, aana kani vi chhod
Kudiye ni.. kudiye ni...
Kudiye ni.. kudiye ni..."
[Girl, settle into my heart
Girl, without you, I don't fit in...
Girl, settle into my heart
Girl, without you, I don't resonate
Girl, I am your admirer
Girl, without you, I don't want to stay
Girl, remove this hidden veil
Girl, leave aside any excuses
Girl... girl...
Girl... girl...]
Manik sang the song while holding his ear, trying to appease her. Nandini moved away from him and started singing playfully.
"Mundeya ve ho naa mere peechhe lattu
Nazar jo lage kaha se laaungi nazarbattu
Mundeya ve mujhe phone naa kar tu
Publicly yu naa mera hath na pakad tu"
[Boy, don't be crazy about me
From where should I bring a charm to ward off the evil eye?
Boy, don't call me on the phone
Don't publicly hold my hand like this]
With a smile, Manik gently held her hands. As he sang the final line, "Kudiye ni.. kudiye ni..." [Girl... Girl...] he planted kisses on both of her hands, causing Nandini to blush and smile coyly.
"When did this happen? And how come I didn't know this?" Navya wondered out loud.
Nandini and Manik snapped out of their daze, exchanging sheepish looks as Navya's inquiry disrupted the moment. Manik sighed and decided to clear the air. Wrapping his arm around Nandini's waist, he confidently declared, "Nandini and I love each other."
"Since when?" Dhruv asked with curiosity written all over his face.
Caught in a silent debate on whether to reveal the details of their relationship, Nandini and Manik exchanged glances. However, their dilemma was resolved by Rajveer.
"Guys, it doesn't matter when it all started. What matters is that they love each other and are currently dating. Wish them good luck." Rajveer's advice carried a sense of support, and Manik shot him a thankful look for standing by their side. Rajveer nodded understandingly, acknowledging the unspoken gratitude from the younger couple.