The night had settled quietly over the house, wrapping everything in a calm stillness.

Gauri stood by the kitchen counter, pouring herself a glass of water, her hair loosely tied, a few strands falling over her face. She hadn't expected anyone to be awake at this hour.

"Couldn't sleep?"

Her breath hitched slightly at the familiar voice behind her.

She turned.

Hriday.

Leaning casually against the doorway, arms crossed, eyes fixed only on her.

"Neither could you?" she replied softly.

He shook his head, taking a slow step toward her. "Not really."

Silence stretched between them—but it wasn't uncomfortable. It was... heavy. Filled with something unspoken.

Gauri placed the glass down, suddenly very aware of how close he was getting.

"Hriday..." she murmured, though she didn't move away.

He stopped just in front of her.

"Hmm?"

"You should sleep. You had a long day."

"And you didn't?" he countered gently.

She looked away. "That's different."

A faint smile tugged at his lips.

"It always is with you."

Before she could respond, he reached out—slowly, giving her time to pull back if she wanted.

She didn't.

His fingers lightly brushed against her wrist, sending a quiet shiver up her spine.

"Why do you always keep yourself busy like this?" he asked, his voice softer now.

Gauri swallowed. "Maybe... because if I don't, I start thinking too much."

"About what?"

She hesitated.

"About... us."

That made him pause.

For a moment, he just looked at her—really looked at her.

Then, gently, he lifted his hand and tucked that loose strand of hair behind her ear.

"Then maybe," he said quietly, "you should think about us a little more."

Her heartbeat quickened.

"Hriday..."

But this time, her voice lacked resistance.

He stepped closer—close enough that she could feel his breath.

"Am I making you uncomfortable?" he asked, his tone unexpectedly careful.

Gauri shook her head.

"No."

That was all he needed.

He slipped his arm around her waist, pulling her just a little closer.

She instinctively placed her hands against his chest but didn't push him away.

Instead... she stayed.

The distance between them disappeared.

His forehead rested lightly against hers.

"See?" he whispered. "Not so scary."

A soft, nervous smile escaped her.

"Maybe not..."

His gaze dropped briefly to her lips before returning to her eyes, searching, asking—

And again, she didn't step back.

Her fingers curled slightly into his shirt.

That small gesture broke whatever restraint he had left.

He pulled her into a warm embrace, tighter this time.

Gauri melted into him, her arms slowly wrapping around him as if they belonged there.

For a moment, the world outside ceased to exist.

It was just them.

Just this.

His hand moved gently up her back, holding her as if he never wanted to let go.

"Gauri..." he murmured, her name softer than a breath.

She tilted her face up slightly—

—and just then—

Clatter.

A loud sound echoed from the kitchen area.

Their eyes widened instantly.

Reality crashed back in.

Hriday stepped back first. "What was that?"

Without wasting a second, he rushed out.

"Wait—Hriday!" Gauri called, hurrying after him.

They reached the kitchen—

"Mom!!" Hriday exclaimed.

Shikar had arrived too.

All three of them turned—

only to see Maithili glaring at Harshvardhan, who stood there... holding an ice cream bowl like he'd been caught committing a crime.

"Dadaji!" Hriday blinked.

" Dadaji seriously you are eating ice-cream at night and that too secretly...!"

Hriday said.

Maithili looked at them.

" I came here to drink water, but seeing Papaji's shadow I felt like I saw ghost!!!"

Maithili spoke. She gulped two glasses of water already by fear

" Mom seriously Ghost!! At this time...!"

Hriday spoke. Gauri is standing there cluelessly she doesn't know what to do or tell.

" So when ghost come out Hriday, they came out at late night and looked at the time!!"

" Maithili please stop and Papa you know doctor told you not to eat sugar!!"

Shikar said.

" S-shikar actually i-"

Harshvardhan tried to say.

" Dadaji how can you do this...!"

Hriday smirked and added more fire, Gauri pinched his arms. He hissed lowly as he don't wanted all attention shift towards him.

" Maithili from tomorrow instructed all the servant no sugar in this house and the sweets will keep locked in fridge and the key will be with you Maithili."

Shikar spoke.

" Ok Shikar."

Maithili said.

Harshvardhan looked unpleasant but he can't do anything. Shikar too felt bad for stopping his father from eating sweets but doctor said no sweet .

" Look how you shout make Gauri too wake up..!"

Shikar said. They all looked at Gauri.

" Sorry beta , I really got scared."

Maithili spoke.

" No no aunty... it's okay."

Gauri said.

Harshvardhan felt bed, because of him everyone have wake up from their sleep.

" Sorry Everyone and Maithili beta I really don't wanted to make you scared."

Harshvardhan said.

" It's okay Papaji, but no more sweets from now on . You should take care of your health Papaji. Otherwise you know how strict your son Shikar is..!"

Maithili spoke. Shikar ignored it as he knows everyone.

" Yes he is indeed, "

Harshvardhan spoke.

After that they went back their own rooms for sleep.

Gauri wake up at early morning until she found empty beside her, maybe Hriday went to gym.

" Should I take shower?"

Gauri walked near shower . She opened the door and went inside

After taking shower she came out wearing a white saree with red border. She adores herself with a chocker. After that she worn a set of jhumka.

" Looking great Mrs. Shekhawat ...!"

Gauri felt presence behind her.

She turned and looked at her back. She felt Hriday behind her just there is few cm gap.

" Happy Holi sweetheart...!"

Hriday said. Gauri smiled and replied to him.

" Happy Holi too my dear husband."

Gauri saw he is already dressed up.

" Hriday when did you get ready...!?"

Gauri asked. Hriday looked at her through mirror.

" At my room. I mean at our room."

Hriday said.

Gauri nodded and continued doing her work.

She put kajal on her eyes. She put lipstick on her lips. Hriday gulped looking at her juicy lips.

They never share a long passionate kiss. He wants to feel how it's feels like.

" S-sweetheart I am going downstairs."

Hriday said and tried to walk away but Gauri turned and hold his wrist. Hriday felt something electronic.

" Wait, your hair is messy."

Gauri said and put comb on his hair. She holds his face into her hands.

Hriday pouted and remembered how his mother used to do this on his childhood.

" Sweetheart !! "

Hriday said.

Gauri completed her task.

After setting his hairs Gauri turned and told him.

" Now you can go."

Gauri said and turned and tried to tie her blouse strings on back.

Hriday smirked.

" Let me help you too sweetheart...!"

Hriday said. Gauri didn't understand his talks.

" What-

Hriday held the string on his fingers.

Gauri's eyes get locked with Hriday.

Hriday asked for permission through eyes. Gauri nodded.

Hriday tied the strings together, his fingers touches her delicate skin.

They made an eye contact through mirror. Hriday put his chin on her shoulder after tying her blouse. Gauri looked at him in questioning gaze.

" Just want be close to you.. "

Hriday said.

" Close to mee...but I am always close to you."

Gauri spoke.

" No I know you are always close to me. But today I am feeling like telling the world that you are only mine...!"

Gauri looked at him.

" We decided Hriday that we will tell them after few days, when my exams will end."

Gauri said.

" Yes ."

Hriday walked out from room. Gauri also left after completing her looks.

At the garden area all loan was decorated with flowers.

Hriday was standing when a man slapped his back. He turned and glared at the person.

" Salee Keya kar raha hai...akele akele...!"

(Bastard what are you doing alone!?)

Mayank asked and laughed at his own.

Hriday glared at him . Mayank doesn't care just laughing and looking at his face making Hriday irritated.

" Salee kuch bol ...!"

( Bastard speak something...!)

Mayank said.

" Kutte..tune mujhe mara kyu!?"

( Dog why did you beat me..!?)

Hriday asked. Mayank just laughed and landed another slap on his back.

Hriday also slapped his back. Mayank made a serious face and glared at Hriday, Hriday also laughed like nothing happened.

Then Maithili called them..

" Hriday, Mayank come here..."

Maithili said. They both walked towards her.

" Yes Mom."

" Yes Aunty.."

" You two go and welcome the guests, I have to look at the food preparation . Shikar is looking at the preparation and you Dadaji is also busy and looking at the puja's preparation."

Maithili spoke.

" Ok Mom."

" Ok aunty."

They both nodded and walked out.

Hriday saw Mayank was calling someone.

" You go I will just come after taking this call."

Mayank said and went few steps far from Hriday.

Hriday attend the guest, it was a very huge Holi party.

" Hello Mr.Jones..come please "

Hriday said as soon as Mr. Jones entered with his assistant.

" Happy Holi Mr. Shekhawat."

Mr.Jones said. Hriday smiled and welcomed them inside.

Within time Mr. Jones sat on a chair which was arranged for the guests.

Hriday called a servant to serve them juice and snacks.

" Mr .Jones please have some juice."

Hriday said.

" Yeah yeah Mr. Shekhawat I am comfortable here don't bother too much for me.."

Mr. Jones said.

" No no Mr.Jones it's our work to take care of our guests."

Harshvardhan applies there.

" Mr.Jones meet my grandfather Mr. Harshavardhan Singh Shekhawat..!"

Hriday introduce him . Mr.Jones stood up and shook his hand with Harshvardhan.

" Nice to meet you Mr. Shekhawat ."

Mr. Jones spoke.

" I am glad that you came to join us in this Holi festival. And I heard a lot about you."

Harshvardhan said. Mr.Jones gave him polite smile.

" Dadaji you guys talk I am just coming."

Hriday said and walked away.

He saw his Maasi and her family came.

" Arree Hriday beta how are you!?"

His Massi said and pulled Hriday into a hug.

" I am good Massi how are you all..!?"

Hriday said and broke the hug.

" We all are fine Hriday beta. Where is everyone!?"

Said his Mausa ji.

" Mausa ji ... everyone is inside, Dad is at kitchen counter and Mom is in Puja house I think."

Hriday said.

" Bhai you will not play Holi..!"

Saksham said in mischievous tone hiding his hand behind his back. Hriday looked at his posture and understand his motive.

" Saksham don't ever dare to put colour on me..!!"

Saksham looked at him in confusion.

" Why Bhai every year you play Holi like no more then why not today!"

" Yes Bhaiya I heard from Saksham that you guys play Holi like crazy...I also want to see that."

Kesar Saksham's wife asked.

" Saksham and Kesar when did I said I will not play Holi. I said I will play Holi but not now. There are some important persons to come so I need to receive them and then I will play Holi with you guys ."

Hriday said.

" Ok Bhaiya as you say."

Kesar Said in excitement it was her first Holi after marriage with Saksham.

Saksham too excited for Holi.

Hriday excused himself and told them to enjoy.

He looked for his phone then he remembered he forgot his mobile at room. He cursed himself and walked towards inside mansion.

He saw his mother is coming from Puja room.

" Mom what happened you looked paniked."

Hriday asked.

" The bhog is not prepared till now Hriday, Panditji will just come in a minute now what will I dooo....!"

Maithili asked in panicking.

At that time Mansi, Hriday's Mausi came there.

" Maithili don't worry we will find a solution. Where is kitchen , let me help you...!"

Mansi said.

" No no we can't prepare the bhog only people who are newly married can only cook the Bhog."

Maithili said.

" Mom then who was cooking the Bhog."

Hriday asked.

" I told our new chef Mina to cook the Bhog as she just recently got married but she called me few minutes ago and told me she can't come, her mother-in-law is in very critical condition, so she went out of city as she doesn't stay with her in laws."

Maithili said.

" Then do one thing, our Kesar can cook. Wait let me search her."

Mansi said and went to search for Kesar. Maithili is still in Panik.

" Mom Mausi said that Kesar will cook right so now can you stop worrying!"

Hriday said.

" You don't know Hriday things doesn't work like that , the woman who will cook have to took fast for whole day till the Bhog is present to the Bhagwan. And moreover they need to pure."

Maithili said looking away. Hriday didn't understand his mother's words.

" Pure means!?"

Hriday asked. Maithili looked around feeling embarrassment to told her son.

" Hriday you know M-Married couples-

Hriday saw his mother's face and understood what she was trying to say.

" Ok ok Mom I get it . No need to say. But Mom what can we do now... !?".

Hriday asked. Maithili looked around and spotted Gauri coming with flowers for Puja.

" Idea ...!"

Maithili spoke.

" What idea mom-

Hriday was going to ask further until he saw Gauri approach them.

" Aunty where should I put their flowers!?"

Gauri asked.

" Leave them, others will do that you come with me...!"

Maithili said pulling Gauri somewhere inside a room.

Gauri followed her she looked behind and saw Hriday is standing there looking confused.

After few minutes Gauri came out wearing a new saree, she was looking divine in that saree. Seems like she again took shower her hair is open and they are wet. Hriday looked at her.

Maithili came with a small cloth.

" Gauri beta wear it as a mask before preparation the bhog."

Maithili said handling her the clothes.

Gauri took it and she tried to wear it , but failed. Maithili looked at her in struggle.

She wanted to help but she can't as she was holding some plates.

" Hriday help her tying the cloth on her face. "

Maithili said. Hriday looked at Gauri. Their eyes meet. Maithili again spoke something breaking their eye contacts.

" Hriday hurry we are already late!!"

Hriday went behind her and first her help her tying her hair then he carefully make her wear the mask.

". Gauri beta you will cook right!?"

" Yes aunty."

" Ok then go inside and before cooking do puja hmm. "

Maithili said. Gauri nodded and walked inside.

Hriday looked at her back. The blouse seems different size. It's seems too loose for her.

" Mom you gave her these clothes!"

Hriday asked.

" Yes beta . It was for the one who was going to cook today's bhog. "

Maithili said.

Hriday nodded and walked out . Maithili too busy with her work.

Hriday was going to enter inside kitchen, but his mother caught him.

" Hriday what are doing Infront of kitchen...!"

Maithili asked suspiciously. Hriday looked at her and smile nervously.

" Mom actually I - I was came here to drink water."

Hriday gave the foolishness reply. Maithili glared at him.

" In garden there is water, juice , tea, coffee and every essential food items are present and you came here into kitchen to drink water...! Seriously Hriday, did you forget that Gauri is cooking Bhog inside and no one is allowed to enter kitchen during the bhog preparation....!"

Maithili spoke. Hriday nodded and walked out . He went in Garden area where the music was playing. Few people already playing Holi.

He looked around and saw Mayank approaching him with Isha.

Isha's dress are bit unmatched. He understood that she directly came from the airport. So that's why his stupid friend was busy with mobile calls .

" Happy Holi Hriday!!!"

Isha said. Hriday smiled.

" Happy Holi too Isha, this time don't leave your lover boy alone...!"

Hriday said. Isha blushed and that stupid Mayank too.

" No Hriday actually this time I am staying long in India."

Isha said.

" Happy to hear Isha, come inside and meet Mom , Dad and Dadaji. They will be very happy."

Hriday said. Isha nodded.

" Yes Isha let's go inside to meet them."

Mayank said and they both walked inside.

Hriday looked around and some business man greeted him.

He talked with everyone until his father came and called him that the puja is going to start.

Hriday walked inside. He saw his family is there .

Panditji is chanting mantra . His eyes roam around to find a particular woman.

" Where is sweetheart!"

He said to himself and , Mayank heard him. Mayank looked at him in confusion then he smiled.

" Bro you didn't tell me that your secret girlfriend is coming too ..!"

Mayank said loudly. Everyone looked at them. Hriday glared at his stupid friend and Walked out to avoid everyone's stare.

Mayank laughed and Isha slapped his arms.

" Mayank don't tease him, at last he got a girlfriend I am happy for him. At least now he can marry someone, and Maithili aunty will be the happiest."

Isha spoke.

" No Isha , didn't you remember how much he teased me when he got to know about our relationship and now too even after so many days."

Mayank spoke.

Hriday asked a servant if she saw Gauri.

" Did you saw Gauri!?"

Hriday asked.

" Yes sir I saw her went to her room."

A servent replied.

Hriday want towards his room.

Hriday walked inside room with a mischievous smirk. He hissed the colour behind his back .

He knocked the door, it's open . He entered and saw her standing there in only in blouse and peticoat.

His eyes rooted at her. She is unaware of his presence. Gauri keep on dieing her hair.

" Sweetheart"

Hriday called her. Gauri's eyes get wide. She hurriedly turned and saw Hriday is standing there and looking at her.

" Ahhhh!!!"

Gauri shouted.

Hriday marched towards her and cupped her face in his palm.

Gauri looked at him in wide eyes. She tried to push him but he didn't let her.

" Sweetheart please."

Hriday said in his puppy eyes.

Gauri glared at him. But she can't talk as Hriday is holding her mouth.

" Sweetheart I want to say this for so long , but never got courage to say, I am madly in love with you ...."

Hriday paused and looked at Gauri's chest.

" And your cherries....!"

Gauri frowned but seeing his gaze on her breast she felt her cheeks turned red .

She finally pushed him away.

" Hriday!!! You are so shameless, please leave right now...!!"

Gauri said and took the saree and tried to cover her chest. Hriday smirked seeing her blushing.

" Sweetheart today is Holi and our first Holi after marriage so I wanted my wife to put colour on me first."

Hriday said forwarding his palm towards her. Gauri looked at the colour, it's red.

" Like our love it's red... sweetheart I want you paint me on your love's colour...!"

Hriday said.

Gauri looked at him and took a pinch of colour and bent to touch his feet.

Hriday looked at her, he quickly catch her before she can touch his feet.

" Sweetheart I will surely scold you if you put this types of stunts again. I said put colour on me ...my face my chest my hair but not on my feet...!"

Hriday said. Gauri nodded and put tilka like colour on his face.

" Now my turn to colour my wife ..!"

Hriday said and colour her face and cheeks.

" Now can I wear my saree!?"

Gauri asked. Hriday nodded.

Hriday on bed and looked at her. She is dapping the saree professionally. He smiled and keep looking at her.

He just loves every single things about her.

Gauri saw his gaze at her. She blushed and looked down and concentrate on her work.

She tried to adjust her plates when Hriday bent down and hold them together. Gauri looked at him in surprised.

Hriday gesture her to do the work. She smoothly dapped the saree and tugged it into her waist.

After completing her work she turned at mirror to apply her kajal and lipstick. She then wear her Jhumka.

Hriday wrapped her arms around her waist softly. Gauri looked at him through mirror.

" Sweetheart you are beautiful."

Hriday whispered near her ear and bit it. Gauri hissed.

" Sweetheart don't make sounds, this will make me turn on...!"

He said. Gauri gulped.

" Let go outside everyone must be waiting."

Gauri said breaking the hug. Hriday followed her outside.

Hriday walked behind her and saw her hids are Swing. He gulped and looked around to see if anyone is seeing him like this.

He loves to admit he is crazy for this woman his sweetheart.

They reached at living room and saw the puja is completed.

Maithili looked at Hriday and told him to come near.

" Beta here is Prasad and where were you during puja. You should remember this Puja was for our house's prosperity. You should be present there."

Hriday heard her but didn't replied.

" Why you are quite and why you are looking at Gauri."

Hriday diverted her eyes from Gauri who was talking with a his mother.

" Mom actually I was attending the guests."

Hriday said.

" Which type of Guests? Are Guests are more important than puja... Hriday!"

Mayank pocked inside.

" Mayank you don't interfere in between this ...!!"

Hriday said shutting him down.

" Look aunty how is your son is treating me!!"

Hriday asked.

" Hriday don't trouble Mayank."

Maithili said.

Mayank smirked. Hriday knows this.

" Oh come on why you guys keep on fighting from morning and Hriday behave well I am looking at your behaviour since morning you are lost in your own thoughts and now you were not present at puja . I am really angry on you ."

Maithili said. Hriday looked around in embarrassment, not because of her words but because of the way his family members looked at him.

" Excuse me Mom I have some work."

Hriday said and walked out .

Everyone laughed seeing his behaviour. Mayank too left seeing Isha's glare at him.

Isha chuckled seeing him ran away. She can't help but their friendship.

" Isha beta when is weeding hmm..!?"

Mansi asked. Isha blushed at her words.

" Actually aunty when papa talked with Panditji, they said they will look for a date soon."

Isha replied. She came india to fix their marriage date only Mayank and her family knows.

But now all of them know.

Maithili heard the news and got too excited.

" Isha you didn't told me you guys are getting married soon I am very disappointed you know you are my daughter and I have to go for shopping for you and Mayank. You guys are my children and you didn't ever informed me...!"

Maithili spoke.

Isha felt she did bad with them , but she was going to tell them tomorrow, she thought today a party is going on so everyone will busy on their own works.

" Maithili Isha was scard that she will ruin our party by telling about her weeding."

Shikar said. Isha's eyes widen hearing him, how does Shikar knows.

" Uncle how!?"

" Did you forget your father is my friend too.!"

Shikar said.

" Isha beta you think like this about us...hm...you are our family. We will be happiest to hear about your marriage."

Harshvardhan said.

Isha nodded.

" Dadaji I and Mayank decided to tell you tomorrow with surprise but now you all know. "

Isha said.

" Then we don't have much time..!"

Maithili said in excitement.

" Yes Maithili we are Boy's side Isha , remember we have some demands...like mithai should be bengali, kachori should be Rajasthani and dress should be sabyasachi and music should be Punjabi"

Mansi said .

" Aunty how can you guys switch in a second, you guys call me daughter and now you guys just switched your team..!"

Isha said .

" Beta we call you daughter cause you are our daughter but , we have to look for our son too.. Mayank is our son first."

Maithili said.

" That's true aunty."

Isha said. She felt overwhelmed by their talks. Mayank doesn't have parents but all these people never let him felt that.