"Ms. Gauri! Your time is ending! Submit your paper quickly!"

the examiner called out.

"Y-yes, sir...!"

Gauri replied, writing as fast as she could. Her hands ached, but she was determined to complete her final answer.

"Time's up! Stop writing, everyone!"

the examiner announced, moving through the rows to collect the papers.

Gauri handed in her answer sheet, her heart sinking slightly. She had to leave one question unanswered—not because she didn't know it, but because she ran out of time. She clenched her fingers. She needed to be faster.

She couldn't afford to miss opportunities. Her mother's dream was to see her independent—and it had become Gauri's dream too.

Stepping out of the university, she waited for the driver. Glancing at her watch, she exhaled softly.

Just then, a sleek limousine pulled up in front of her.

Gauri froze. She had never seen such an expensive car up close.

Other students gathered around, whispering in awe. Some even took pictures.

Her thoughts were interrupted when the driver approached her.

"You are Ms. Gauri, correct?"

She nodded. "Yes."

"Please come. Madam is waiting for you inside."

"Madam?"

"Mrs. Shekhawat."

"Oh... alright."

Still slightly stunned, Gauri walked toward the car. The driver opened the door—and her surprise deepened.

Inside sat familiar faces.

All of them.

"Beta, here," Maithili called warmly.

Gauri stepped in and sat beside her.

"How was your exam, beta?" Maithili asked gently.

"It was good," Gauri replied.

"Gauri, we're going shopping for Mayank bhai and Isha bhabhi's wedding," Kesar said excitedly.

Now she properly noticed—Maithili, Mansi, Kesar, Isha... and herself.

"Isha bhabhi, which lehenga color are you choosing?" Kesar asked eagerly.

"I'm confused between off-white and cream," Isha admitted.

"Off-white will look amazing—it's very aesthetic. You should go for that," Kesar suggested.

"What about red or pink?" Mansi added.

Isha and Kesar exchanged a glance.

"Mummy ji, these days weddings are all about aesthetics. Those colors are a bit too bright," Kesar said.

"I don't know about trends, but it's your wedding. I was just suggesting," Mansi replied softly, a hint of disappointment in her voice.

"No, no, Massi, you're absolutely right," Isha said quickly. "Red and pink are classic bridal colors. But Mayank and I want to match our outfits—and he can't wear red or pink. So I need something that complements his look. And trust me, these shades will still look beautiful."

"But Isha beta—"

"Mansi, let them choose what they like," Maithili intervened gently. "We can't force them."

"I wasn't forcing... just suggesting," Mansi murmured.

"Maasi, Mummy ji—what about jewelry? Gold or diamonds?" Kesar asked, shifting the mood.

"Diamonds would be perfect," Mansi said.

"Yes," Maithili smiled. "Our Isha is no less than a diamond."

Isha blushed.

Soon, they reached the mall.

Isha and Kesar rushed ahead, bubbling with excitement.

"Look at them," Maithili said fondly. "They're so happy."

"They are," Mansi sighed. "We're getting old, Maithili. Look how fast they walk now."

Gauri followed behind them quietly.

"Gauri, go join them," Maithili said.

"No, aunty. I'll stay with you and Massi," Gauri replied, reaching for their handbags.

"Oh no, we can manage," Mansi laughed. "Otherwise we'll start feeling ancient—and we're not that old yet!"

Gauri smiled, and Maithili chuckled.

"Come on, let's shop!"

"What have you chosen?" Mansi asked as they entered the lehenga section.

"I can't choose!" Isha groaned, leaning against a pillar.

A voice spoke from behind—

"I'm here, darling, to help you!"

Mayank appeared, still in his office attire.

Gauri turned—and saw Saksham and Hriday entering.

Saksham offered her a polite smile.

She didn't return it, still embarrassed about the past incident.

Hriday, however, walked straight toward her without hesitation.

Casually, he slipped an arm around his mother.

"Mom, what have you picked for yourself?" he asked.

"Nothing yet," Maithili smiled. "First, the bride and groom."

"Who says that?" Mayank chimed in. "I'm here now—you go shop."

He joined Isha, picking up an off-white dupatta and placing it gently over her head.

She blushed.

The others smiled, quietly stepping away to give them space.

"You said you wouldn't come," Kesar said to Saksham.

"I just... felt like it," he replied awkwardly.

"He's lying. Mausa ji forced him," Hriday teased.

"Saksham, don't lie—I know you too well!" Kesar laughed, walking off. Saksham followed her, slightly annoyed.

"Hriday has always loved shopping," Mansi said.

"Yes," Maithili smiled. "He used to carry my bags everywhere."

"Mom, I still do! That's why I'm here," Hriday grinned.

"Where are your father and Mausa ji?" Mansi asked.

"Who knows? They said they were busy."

"I knew it."

"Leave them," Maithili said. "They're always like that."

"Gauri beta, come. Let's look at sarees," Maithili said.

Gauri followed, quietly taking in the luxurious surroundings. Everything felt unfamiliar—almost overwhelming.

Maithili picked up an orange saree and held it against her.

"Mansi, look—doesn't she look beautiful?"

Mansi nodded. "She does."

"Hriday, what do you think?"

Caught off guard, Hriday blinked.

"Mom... she looks good in orange. But I think pink suits her more."

Gauri blushed.

"Oh? Let's see," Maithili said, picking a pink saree.

"Perfect choice," she smiled.

"You know me, Mom," Hriday said.

Gauri shot him a small glare.

"Don't flatter yourself," Maithili teased. "Our Gauri is so beautiful—everything suits her."

Gauri smiled shyly.

From the corner of his eye, Hriday watched her. Her smile brought him an unexpected sense of calm.

"Sweetheart... what's wrong?"

Gauri looked at him.

"I left a one-mark question. I don't feel satisfied."

"It's okay," Hriday said softly. "You'll do even better next time. I don't like seeing you upset."

She glanced at Maithili and Mansi, still busy.

"Excuse me," Hriday said to the salesgirl. "Can you show me that red saree?"

He checked that no one was paying attention.

"Sweetheart," he said quietly, handing it to her. "This is for you."

"Hriday, I don't need—"

"Shh... I want to see my wife in this."

His voice was soft, almost pleading.

"...Okay."

Later, as more outfits were selected for her—

"Aunty, I don't need so many clothes—"

"Gauri."

Maithili's look ended the discussion.

Gauri smiled. She knew Maithili's heart was pure gold.

"What about you, Hriday?" Maithili asked. "What did you buy?"

"I'll shop online, Mom."

"In a mall this big? No chance—come!"

"Mom, I have work—"

"Excuses," she said. "I've told you a thousand times—get married already. Gauri beta, you tell him!"

Gauri lowered her gaze.

"Mom, please..."

Hriday felt a flicker of discomfort.

"Is it wrong to want my son's happiness?" Maithili said.

"I am happy," he replied quietly—his eyes briefly meeting Gauri's.

As Maithili walked ahead, Hriday gently held Gauri's hand.

"I'm sorry," he murmured. "Don't feel bad."

"I don't," she said softly. "I feel bad for her. She just wants your happiness."

She paused.

"After the wedding... we should tell them the truth. I don't want to hide anymore."

For a moment, Hriday just looked at her—then pulled her into a hug.

"Thank you... I'm so happy," he whispered. "They already adore you. When they find out you're their daughter-in-law... they'll love you even more."

Gauri smiled.

"Come on," he said gently. "Mom must be waiting."

Together, they walked toward the men's section.

The living room was filled with family members, all gathered around as Panditji discussed the wedding preparations.

"Panditji, can't you move the dates a little earlier? Our groom can't wait!"

Saksham said, glancing mischievously at Mayank, who was holding Isha's hand.

Mayank shot him a glare, while Isha lowered her gaze, blushing.

"I mean, Mayank bhai—I'm helping you! Stop giving me those looks!"

Saksham added defensively.

"Panditji, could you also check my grandson's kundli? I want to know if I'll live to see his wedding,"

Harshavardhan said.

"Papa, please don't say things like that,"

Shikar immediately interrupted.

"Then what should I say? Everyone is getting married! Even this Saksham—who's younger than him—is married. Mayank, his best friend, is getting married too. I see no hope left!"

Harshavardhan sighed dramatically.

"Dadaji, don't worry. Panditji, please check my friend's kundli,"

Mayank said.

Panditji adjusted his glasses and studied the kundli carefully. The room fell silent as everyone waited.

He looked at it once... then again. He rubbed his eyes, removed his glasses, wiped them, and put them back on—only to stare at the kundli again with confusion.

Finally, he turned to Harshavardhan.

"Mr. Shekhawat... I think you've given me the wrong kundli."

"What? Maithili beta, isn't this Hriday's kundli?"

Harshavardhan asked.

"Yes, Papaji,"

Maithili confirmed.

"Please check again," Panditji insisted.

Maithili examined it and nodded.
"Yes, this is my son's kundli. I can't be mistaken. Is there something wrong?"

Panditji shook his head slowly.

"I believe something is... unusual. This kundli indicates that the person is already married."

"WHAT?!"

Everyone exclaimed at once, making Panditji flinch.

"Are you sure?" Shikar asked.

"Yes. I've checked it multiple times. That's why I thought it might belong to someone else."

"That's impossible!" Maithili said firmly. "My son is not married. He's never even had a girlfriend! Ask his best friend—he used to run away from dates I arranged for him!"

"I think the kundli is wrong," Mayank added.

"Yes, Mayank bhai is right—bhai can't be married, he—"

Saksham suddenly fell silent, something clicking in his mind.

"Dadaji, you know my best friend. If he's married, I'll shave my head!" Mayank joked.

"Mayank, stop it," Isha said softly.

"Why? You actually believe this?" he scoffed.

Before anyone could respond—

"What's going on here?"

Hriday walked in, just returning from work.

"Hriday beta, you're back! Go freshen up—I'll send your dinner,"

Maithili said.

"No, Mom. I'll eat in my room. Please send it there."

"Alright."

Hriday nodded and went upstairs.

A few minutes later, Saksham quietly slipped into Hriday's room without knocking.

Hriday was in the shower.

When he stepped out in a towel, he froze—Saksham was lying on his bed, scrolling through his phone and laughing at reels.

"Saksham! What are you doing here?!"

Hriday snapped, striding toward him.

Saksham jumped up immediately.

"Sorry, bhai!"

"You know I hate it when someone sits on my bed. Now tell me—what are you doing here?"

"Bhai... I wanted to ask something. It might sound stupid..."

"Then make it quick."

Hriday picked up a glass of water.

"Bhai... are you married?"

Hriday froze mid-sip.

Water stayed in his mouth as he slowly turned toward Saksham.

"Bhai... are you married?" Saksham repeated.

The next second—

Hriday choked.

Water sprayed straight onto Saksham's face.

"Eww! Bhai!"

Saksham wiped his face in disgust.

"Who told you that?!" Hriday demanded.

Before Saksham could answer—

The door burst open.

Mayank stood there.

"Hriday, you idiot!"

He stormed in and punched Hriday hard across the face.

Hriday stumbled but grabbed his wrist.

"Mayank, have you lost your mind?!"

"Lost my mind? You're married—and you hid it from me?!"

Mayank shouted.

"Let me explain first!" Hriday growled.

"Explain what? Who is she?"

"It's Gauri... Gauri bhabhi,"

Saksham blurted out.

"What?!"

Mayank stared in disbelief.

"Gauri... is your wife?"

Hriday nodded.

Mayank let out a bitter laugh.

"Wow. You hid your marriage from all of us. From me. I thought we were best friends."

His voice dropped, hurt evident now.

"When I liked Isha, I told you first. You always knew everything about me... and I knew nothing about this?"

"Mayank, listen—"

"Don't interrupt!"

He snapped, then looked at Hriday again.

"Tell me the reason."

Hriday exhaled.

"She didn't want to reveal it. The marriage happened suddenly... and she was already going through a lot after her mother's death. She wasn't ready. I just... wanted to give her time."

Silence filled the room.

"Bhai... you're in love,"

Saksham said softly.

Mayank shook his head, then smirked slightly.

"Fine. But I still want a grand wedding. You promised we'd dance in your baraat together."

"You'll get that chance at your wedding," Hriday replied calmly.

Saksham blinked.

A minute ago, they were fighting—and now this?

"By the way," Mayank added, "when are you telling everyone?"

"After your wedding."

"Why wait?"

"Because Gauri doesn't want to overshadow your happiness."

Mayank nodded slowly.

"Alright... but I want to talk to her."

"We'll see," Hriday said.

"Look at him," Saksham grinned. "Bhai has become a love-sick puppy."

Hriday ignored him.

"Not a puppy," Mayank smirked. "More like a dog."

A knock interrupted them.

Mayank opened the door.

Gauri stood there, holding a tray.

"Come in," he said warmly, stepping aside.

She hesitated, then walked in.

"Hriday, look who's here," Mayank teased.

Hriday turned—and his gaze softened instantly.

"Gauri..."

Saksham smirked.
"Bhabhi—oh, I mean, Gauri ji—please sit."

Gauri lowered her eyes, clearly embarrassed.

"Aunty sent your dinner," she said softly.

"I'll eat. You two had important work, right?" Hriday said pointedly.

"Very important," Saksham nodded dramatically.

Both he and Mayank walked out, grinning.

Hriday closed the door.

"Why did you close it?" Gauri asked nervously.

"Because they'll eavesdrop," he said casually, pulling her to sit beside him.

"I'm starving," he added.

"Then eat. I brought your favorite food."

"Feed me."

"What? No!"

He pouted.

Gauri stared at him—a 29-year-old man acting like a child.

"...Fine."

She picked up a bite and fed him.

As he ate, he lightly brushed his teeth against her fingers.

"H-Hriday!" she gasped.

"Continue," he said calmly, checking his phone.

His phone rang.

"Hello?"

"Sir, sorry to disturb you. Mr. Jones wants to change some clauses in the contract," his secretary said.

Hriday straightened instantly.

"What changes?"

As he spoke, he signaled Gauri to stop feeding him—but his fingers absently held the edge of her dupatta.

"Sir, he wants to increase your share and reduce Mayank sir's and Mr. Jindal's."

"What? That's not possible. We already signed the agreement."

"Should I inform the others?"

"No. I'll handle it in the next meeting. Set up a meeting with him."

"Yes, sir."

After a pause, Hriday asked,
"How's your wife?"

Gauri looked at him, surprised.

"She's fine, sir... delivery is in a few months. I'm just a bit stressed."

"Take care. And if needed, I'll connect you with our family doctor."

"Thank you, sir."

After ending the call, Hriday turned back instantly—

"Sweetheart, feed me. I'm hungry."

Gauri blinked... then smiled faintly and continued.

Later, as Hriday opened the door—

Isha and Kesar stood outside.

Both looked between him and Gauri.

"Gauri... what are you doing here?" Kesar asked.

"She brought dinner," Hriday replied smoothly. "And had some doubts about her work—I was helping her."

They nodded.

"Anyway, the wedding date is fixed!" Kesar said excitedly. "Tomorrow we're going to the temple."

"And you have to be there for every ritual this time," Isha added.

"Of course," Hriday smiled.

Kesar turned to Gauri.
"You'll come too, right?"

Gauri hesitated, glancing at Hriday.

"She'll come," Hriday answered for her. "Her exams are over."

Gauri nodded softly.

"Great! Pack warm clothes—we're going to Dehradun," Kesar added.

"Dehradun?" Gauri asked.

"It's Mayank's hometown," Isha explained.

"Oh..."

They left.

Hriday turned to Gauri, who was already packing.

"Sweetheart... what are you doing?"

"Packing clothes."

He sighed dramatically.

Someone clearly wasn't getting enough attention tonight.