Arvi's pov:

I woke up with sunlight streaming softly through the curtains, painting golden streaks across the floor. The weight on my chest from last night was still there… but lighter. Because Rayaan had listened. Because he had said okay.

I lay there for a few seconds longer, soaking in the quiet. The storm had passed maybe not completely, but enough to breathe.

I got out of bed and headed to the bathroom, taking my time as I got ready. I chose a light lavender kurti.

I was brushing the ends of my hair, looking at my reflection, when I heard the soft sound of footsteps behind me. A second later, a warm arm wrapped around my waist.

I startled slightly but relaxed as soon as I felt him.

Rayaan.

He was shirtless, slightly sweaty from his home gym session, and his breath was still a little uneven. His skin was warm against mine as he leaned in and placed a soft kiss on my cheek.

“Good morning, bacha,” he whispered, his voice raspy and low.

My lips curled into a smile as I met his eyes in the mirror. “Good morning.”

He rested his chin on my shoulder for a moment. “You look beautiful.”

“And sweaty,” I teased gently, raising an eyebrow.

He laughed quietly. “Give me ten minutes. I’ll be down soon.”

He stepped back, giving me a final squeeze before heading to the bathroom, a towel slung over his shoulder. I caught the faint grin still on his face as he disappeared.

My heart felt full.

I headed downstairs, where the breakfast table was already set. The family was gathered, laughter and conversation swirling around like the scent of fresh parathas. I greeted everyone with a light smile, my eyes automatically finding Aleesha.

She looked at me, smiling. I just winked.

“Where’s Rayaan?” Chote papa asked, noticing the empty seat beside me.

“Freshening up,” I said lightly.

He didn’t come down for another half an hour.

By the time he did, people were halfway through their food. But when he entered fresh, crisp shirt, sleeves rolled up, hair slightly damp the energy at the table shifted subtly. It always did when he walked in

He took the seat beside me, and I watched him quietly his jaw was tight, eyes thoughtful. Something was coming.

Bade Papa cleared his throat, folding his newspaper. “Rayaan, we need to talk. I was thinking we should finalize the Rathore rishta today. The engagement should happen next week.”

Rayaan looked up, setting down his fork. “Vivaan’s not marrying the Rathore girl.”

Everyone stilled. I felt Aleesha beside me freeze.

Bade Papa narrowed his eyes. “Excuse me?”

Rayaan leaned forward, steady. “Vivaan loves someone else.”

A ripple went around the table. Chote Papa looked at Vivaan, confused. “Someone else? Who?”

My heart beat faster. I already knew. I looked at Vivaan, then turned back to the table.

“It’s Nia,” I said quietly. “My best friend.”

Vivaan’s head snapped up to me, shock and something close to panic in his eyes.

Chote Papa blinked. “Vivaan… is that true?”

Vivaan looked down, swallowing hard. “Yes,” he whispered. “I love Nia.”

Silence fell like a heavy curtain. My gaze flickered to Maa, who looked stunned, then softened.

“Then why didn’t you tell us, beta?” she asked gently. “We would’ve gone for her rishta instead.”

Vivaan’s lips trembled slightly. “Because… she doesn’t love me back.”

And just like that, the heartbreak in his voice cracked something in me.

I reached for his hand across the table and squeezed it gently. “She thinks she doesn’t,” I said carefully. “But I have an idea.”

Everyone looked at me.

I glanced at Rayaan, who gave me the smallest nod.

Then I smiled. “Let me handle this.”

—

Later that evening, the sun dipped low, casting a golden glow through the large Oberoi Mansion windows. We all gathered in the living room Vivaan, Aleesha, Arekha, Vanisha… and Rayaan, who leaned against the wall with his arms crossed, watching quietly.

I stood in the middle, heart racing a little from excitement, nerves, and the slight madness of what I was about to propose.

“Okay,” I started, clasping my hands together, “we're going to tell Nia that Vivaan is getting married.”

Aleesha’s jaw dropped. “Wait what?!”

Arekha frowned. “To who?”

“To a mystery girl,” I said, winking. “We don’t need a name. The idea is to shake her up a little. Wake her up.”

Vivaan looked like he’d just forgotten how to breathe. “You want me to… pretend I’m getting married?”

“Yes,” I said, nodding. “You love her, right?”

He nodded silently.

“She thinks she doesn’t love you. But love isn’t always loud. Sometimes it hides behind fear. Doubt. The moment she hears you're getting married… we’ll know the truth.”

Vanisha leaned forward. “But what if it backfires?”

Rayaan’s voice finally broke the silence from his corner. “It won’t.”

We all looked at him.

He pushed off the wall and walked over to stand beside me. “Nia’s eyes follow Vivaan whenever he walks into the room. She just doesn’t know she loves him yet.”

Vivaan blinked. “She does that?”

“Like a lovesick puppy,” Arekha muttered.

A soft laugh escaped me, but I quickly sobered. “We’ll keep it simple. I’ll message her tomorrow. Tell her Vivaan’s roka is being held in three days. She’s invited. All of us will play along.”

Aleesha grinned. “She’ll lose her mind.”

“Exactly the goal,” I said with a smile.

Vivaan still looked unsure. “And if she really… doesn’t care?”

“Then at least you’ll know,” I said softly. “You’ll have your answer. And maybe closure.”

He nodded, slowly, like someone bracing for impact.

Rayaan slipped his fingers into mine.

And just like that, our crazy little plan was in motion.

Because if love needed a nudge well, we were ready to shake it awake.

My wife is so intelligent,” he said, his tone full of quiet authority and admiration.

Everyone went quiet for a beat. I blinked, heart skipping.

Wife

It still made my stomach flip every time he said it. And with that dominant edge in his voice?

I could feel the heat crawl up my neck.

Aleesha let out a teasing “Oooooh!” while Vanisha grinned wide.

I rolled my eyes and looked away, trying to hide my smile completely failing.

Rayaan leaned in closer, his voice low near my ear. “Blushing suits you, bacha.”

I turned to lightly swat his arm, whispering, “Behave.”

He only smirked, absolutely not planning to.

And somewhere in that laughter, that teasing, that warmth I realized this home, this chaos, this him it was everything I had never known I needed.

A/N

Pretty readers dont forget to vote and comment!!♡