The backyard of the Raghuvanshi farmhouse was bathed in warm golden light, fairy lights twinkling like stars against the darkening sky. Flowers adorned every corner, their fragrance mingling with the crisp evening air. Tables were neatly arranged, covered with pristine white tablecloths, while waiters moved gracefully between the guests, serving an array of drinks and delicacies. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement, laughter, and hushed whispers as the engagement ceremony unfolded.

All eyes turned toward the stage as Yunay made his entrance. Clad in a pastel green sherwani, its intricate silver embroidery shimmering under the fairy lights. The regal fabric drapes over his broad shoulders, the tailored fit emphasizing his poised stance. A matching stole cascades down one side, adding to the richness of the ensemble. His white churidar pants taper neatly at the ankles, he exuded effortless charm. His strong physique and regal presence made him the undeniable center of attention, causing a few admirers to swoon silently in admiration.

But soon, their gazes shifted.

A hush fell over the crowd as Aira stepped forward, her movements graceful despite the weight of the intricately embroidered blush pink lehenga adorned with intricate gold embroidery and shimmering mirror work that caught the light with every movement. The fitted blouse featured a deep neckline with delicate scalloped edges, perfectly complementing the elaborate patterns woven into the fabric. A sheer, matching dupatta draped over her shoulder, its soft folds adding a touch of ethereal grace. Every detail of her appearance was mesmerizing—her long hair cascaded down her back in soft waves, catching the light as if spun from silk. Jewelry adorned her neck, hands, and ears, complementing the subtle makeup that enhanced her natural beauty. She looked nothing short of breathtaking.

Yunay extended his hand toward her, a silent offer of assistance. Understanding the gesture, Aira accepted, placing her delicate fingers in his firm grip. He helped her ascend the stairs carefully, aware that the heavy fabric of her lehenga made movement challenging.

Some guests watched the interaction with adoration, appreciating the silent chemistry between them. Others, however, were filled with envy. Among them was her own sister, who masked her jealousy behind a neutral expression.

As soon as they reached the stage, they let go of each other’s hands, withdrawing almost instinctively.

“Manna padega, Yunay ki pasand hai toh badi achi” Sarasvati commented warmly, caressing Aira’s hair with a tender smile “Kitni pyari bachi hai”

A waiter dressed in a crisp white shirt and black pants approached them, balancing a silver tray in his hands. On it lay a bed of rose petals and two elegantly crafted ring boxes. The man halted before them, bowing slightly as he presented the plate.

Yunay reached for one of the boxes, retrieving a delicate ring from within. Aira followed suit, mirroring his actions. Their eyes met for the briefest moment before Yunay stretched out his hand, silently asking for hers. Without hesitation, she complied.

As the rings slid onto their respective fingers, a wave of applause erupted from the crowd, echoing through the air in celebration.

---

Near the food counter, a young woman’s eyes glistened with anticipation as she eyed the platters in front of her.

“Ameero ke events ka ek hi toh maza hota hai—unka khana,” she murmured, her voice filled with longing. Her eyes remained fixated on the dishes, lips parting slightly as she gulped down her own saliva.

Nearby her, Yunay regarded her with an unimpressed expression, arms crossed over his chest.

“I can't believe you're Mrs. Arora's daughter,” he said, his voice laced with judgment.

Aira, standing beside him, didn’t miss the remark. Her sharp gaze snapped toward him, her expression shifting to one of mild irritation.

“Aira, dekho na,” the girl, whined, pouting as she rushed to Aira’s side and locked her arm with hers like a child seeking protection.

Aira’s response was immediate. Her voice, though calm, carried an edge of protectiveness. “Listen, Yunay ji, don't say anything bad about my best friend. I won’t tolerate it.”

A smirk curled at the corners of Yunay’s lips as he took a step closer, leaning in slightly. “Oh really? And what will you do, soon-to-be Mrs. Yunay Singh Raghuvanshi?” His voice was teasing, yet laced with challenge, attempting to intimidate her.

But before he could press further, a sudden jolt of pain shot through his foot. He hissed, eyes widening in disbelief as he looked down to see Aira’s bestfriend's sharp heels digging mercilessly into his booted foot.

“Uska toh pata nahi, but main bohot kuch kar sakti hoon,” she quipped, pressing down even harder before finally stepping away.

Yunay let out a sharp exhale, glaring at her before storming off, his gait slightly limping from the assault.

Aira turned to her, grabbing her ear in reprimand. “Saranya,” she raised her eyebrows.

Saranya twisted in her grip, attempting to free herself. “Pehle usne shuru kiya tha!” she defended, her voice filled with indignation.

Aira wasn’t convinced, her glare unwavering. But before she could say anything else, a voice called out for her.

Divya Raghuvanshi stood at a distance, beckoning Aira toward her. Aira sighed, releasing Saranya’s ear but not before landing a playful slap on her arm. Saranya dramatically widened her eyes, lips curving into an exaggerated pout as she watched Aira leave.

---

At the far end of the backyard, Nirvigh swirled the drink in his glass absentmindedly, his mind elsewhere. But then, his eyes landed on a figure—a familiar one.

His brow furrowed in confusion. For a moment, he couldn’t place the person. But then, as the individual turned around and their gazes locked for a split second, recognition hit him like a shockwave.

His heart rate spiked. Shit.

Nirvigh turned away abruptly, his mind scrambling for a plan. His hands worked on autopilot—loosening his tie, stuffing it into his pocket, slipping off his blazer. Spotting a waiter passing by, he grabbed a tray from his hands and strode away with hurried steps.

On the other side of the backyard, Saranya was making her way toward the food stalls when she caught sight of a pair of familiar grey eyes.

She halted mid-step.

Before she could approach, a waiter blocked her path, offering her a tray of snacks. She barely glanced at it, her focus fixed on where she had seen the man. But in that brief moment of distraction, he was gone.

Her eyes scanned the area frantically. And then—there.

He stood in a corner, a tray of drinks in his hands, his back facing her. He appeared lost in thought, completely unaware of her presence.

A sly smile formed on her lips.

Moving soundlessly, she approached him and, without warning, placed a hand on his arm.

Nirvigh flinched violently.

“Woah! Tum toh bina boo kare hi dar gaye,” Saranya teased, her hand lifting into a playful cat paw as she whispered, ‘Boo’.

Nirvigh exhaled sharply, trying to calm his racing heart. He hadn’t even noticed the way Saranya’s gaze lingered on him, a silent admiration flickering in her eyes.

“Btw, what are you doing here?” she asked, her brows arching in curiosity.

“Huh? I—I, umm… I’m here as a waiter.” His voice was hesitant, eyes avoiding hers. His fingers twitched at his sides—a telltale sign that he was lying.

Saranya folded her arms, giving him a pointed look. “Seriously?”

“Um… yeah.”

She sighed, unimpressed. “Didn’t I give you your salary yesterday? And now you’re here? Is the salary I give you not enough?” Her tone carried a hint of irritation.

She stepped forward, closing the gap between them, her gaze sharp as it bore into him. “Tell me—how much do you need? I’ll pay you whatever amount you want.”

Then, with a sudden tug, she grabbed his collar, pulling him down to her level. Nirvigh widened his eyes.

“But I can’t tolerate you working for someone else except for me.”

She yanked him, pulling him dangerously close. His breath hitched at their sudden proximity, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he gulped.

“Sorry, ma’am, but I had my reasons.” His eyes stayed glued to the floor, avoiding her piercing gaze.

“Oh really?” She let go, stepping back just enough to create distance—but not enough to ease the pressure. “And what were these so-called reasons? Also, where did you spend fifty thousand?”

Nirvigh straightened his posture, his lips twitching into a small smile.

“Woah, main jis mohalle mein rehta hoon, waha ek ghar mein chori ho gayi thi aur unhe bacho ki school ki fees bharni thi. Toh maine apni sari salary unhe de di.” His voice held sincerity, and when he finally looked up, his expression was innocent.

Saranya narrowed her eyes, not buying it so easily. “Itni fees hai unke bacche ki?”

“Nahi,” he shook his head. “Vo unke chhe bache hai, toh unhone sabki fees bhari.”

Her eyes widened. “Ch- chhe bache?” She covered her mouth with her palm in disbelief. “Yeh log itne bache kaise kar lete hain?” She shot him a judgy look, her nose scrunching up in disgust.

Nirvigh barely managed to suppress a smirk. “Ek baar humari shaadi ho jaye, phir main tumhe detail mein sab kuch karke dikhaunga,” he mumbled under his breath.

“Huh? Kya kaha tumne?”

“Ji, Kuch suna aapne?” He feigned innocence forgetting what he was for her

“Jaanu!!” his heart skipped a beat as he heard the word spell out of her lips

“Nhi to, kuch nhi” he stuttered

She eyed him suspiciously before shaking her head. “Btw, was that amount enough? I mean, they have six kids. Was fifty thousand enough for all their fees?” Her voice softened slightly, showing a flicker of concern.

“Yeah, they pay it in installments,” he assured, easing her worry.

Her gaze drifted down to the blazer in his hand. “What’s this? Whose blazer is this?”

“Oh, this?” He casually glanced at the expensive-looking fabric. “Nirvigh Raghuvanshi gave it to me to hold for a while. He went to the washroom.”

“And you’re serving drinks while holding this blazer?” Her brows shot up. “Do you even know its price?”

He shook his head.

“That alone costs one lakh.”

Nirvigh let out a dramatic gasp. “Ek lakh?!” He clutched his chest, pretending to be scandalized.

She rolled her eyes. “If this blazer gets even a single stain, that so-called NSR who gave it to you will kick your ass. You have no idea what kind of bastard that asshole is.”

Nirvigh nodded, placing the blazer on a nearby chair. “How do you know its price? And how do you know that Mr. NSR is a bad person?”

She crossed her arms. “First of all, the Raghuvanshi's and their soon-to-be daughter-in-law’s outfits are designed by my mother. So, I know exactly how much each piece costs.” She tilted her head. “And as for NSR, everyone who knows the Raghuvanshi's knows what kind of person he is. Listen to me, jaanu, stay away from him. He’s a crackhead. If he does anything, just tell me, hmm?”

Her voice carried assurance, and for a second, her hand rested lightly on his arm, as if silently promising him protection. Nirvigh nodded, but inside, his annoyance simmered.

“Bas ek baar vo insan mil jaye jisne yeh saare rumors failaye hai. Uski zubaan kaat ke usse hi khila dunga” he thought to himself, hiding his annoyance with a smile

“Are you just here because your mother designed their outfits?”

“You know Raghuvanshi’s soon-to-be daughter-in-law?” she questioned him to which he nodded his head vigorously “she is my bestfriend, that's why I'm here”

His heart nearly stopped.

“Shit, what if Aira bhabhi saw me with Saranya and told her who really I am” just the thought sent a shiver down his spine

“No, no. This can’t happen. I have to be careful. If Saranya finds out who I really am, she’ll burn my hands. Maybe even shave my head. And what if she cuts my d-” his eyes flickered downward toward his crotch. The very thought made him gulp.

“No, I can’t let this happen. If she cuts it off, how will she become a mother? But does she even want to be a mother?”

He frowned. “Even if she doesn’t, if she cuts it, who will pleasure her? but does she find all that pleasurable, obviously she would but what if she doesn-”

His thoughts spiraled until—

Saranya’s fingers snapped in front of his face.

“What are you stressing your tiny brain over?” She raised a brow.

“I was wondering…” He looked her up and down. “Why are you wearing this to an engagement? That too, your best friend’s engagement?”

His gaze lingered on her form-fitting, she was dressed in a blue and white checkered peplum top, its puffed sleeves adding a touch of vintage elegance while the square neckline frames her collarbones delicately. The fabric flares slightly at the waist, accentuating her figure before meeting the high-waisted white jeans that hug her form just right. With every step, her white ballet flats tap softly against the pavement, completing the effortlessly stylish ensemble. Her short hair catches the breeze, embodying the perfect balance of youthful charm and casual sophistication.

No matter what she wore, she was the most stunning woman in the room.

“It’s my body. I’ll wear whatever I want. Besides, traditional clothes suffocate me.”

“But sarees are almost open.”

“Huh?”

“I mean…” He hesitated. “It’s just one long cloth. Shouldn’t it be comfortable?”

Her lips curled into a slow, devious smile.

“Oh. Then okay. Tomorrow, you’ll do all the house chores wearing a saree.”

Nirvigh’s eyes widened.

“Let’s see how comfortable it is.” She smirked and turned to leave.

“Ma’am! Wait! Listen to me—” He rushed after her, but before he could take another step, a hand grabbed his wrist.

He turned.

His stomach dropped.

It was his sister, Dhitya.

“Bhai, seriously? You know Mr. Sharma’s daughter is here, right? If she sees you with another girl, she’ll create a huge scene. No one will appreciate that—especially Papa and Yunay bhai.”

Nirvigh sighed, clearly not interested in her warnings. He pulled his hand away, about to chase after Saranya when—

“Fine.” Dhitya’s voice turned smug. “Then I’ll just tell Yunay bhai what you were up to.”

His entire body went still.

Dhitya smirked, turning to leave, making her way toward Yunay.

Nirvigh stood frozen for a second, torn between two options.

Do I stop Saranya, who’s about to strip away my dignity? Or stop Dhitya, who’s about to hand my death contract to Yunay bhai?

But being a wise person he chose his Life over dignity.

Without another thought, he spun around and ran after Dhitya.

(A/N: Wise person according to him only)

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I know the first few chapters may have been a bit slow and confusing, but from here on out, the story will get exciting. Things are about to get more intriguing, and I can't wait for you to experience what's coming next!

Thank you for your patience and for sticking with the story—I truly appreciate it!

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