Pratap Singh Mansion – Engagement Evening
The lights around the hall glowed warm and festive, soft golden bulbs reflecting off the marigold garlands. The music had faded, guests were settling into their seats, and laughter filled the air.
Across the hall, Angad noticed Mishka standing near the beverage counter, adjusting her dupatta.
He hesitated for a heartbeat… then walked over.
Mishka sensed someone approaching and turned slightly.
Her expression stayed neutral. "Hi."
Angad offered a small, genuine smile. "Hey… hi. Look, I've been wanting to say this for a while now."
Mishka raised an eyebrow. "Say what?"
Angad exhaled, rubbing the back of his neck. "Thank you. For helping my family a few days ago. You didn't have to, but you did."
Mishka's face remained calm, but her tone softened.
"I did it for Kiara. She's my cousin. That's all."
"Even so," Angad insisted gently, "I'm still grateful."
Mishka nodded politely. "You're welcome."
There was a brief pause — not awkward, just quiet — before they both turned as a sudden announcement echoed across the hall.
---
Priest's Announcement
The priest stepped forward, folding his hands.
"It is now the auspicious time," he declared, his voice ringing through the hall, "for the engagement rituals to begin. Please bring the couple forward."
A wave of excitement rippled through the guests.
Chairs shifted.
Elders straightened.
Smiles brightened.
---
At the Stage
Yuvaan and Kiara rose together, hands brushing subtly — that little spark always there between them — and walked toward the stage where the priest stood.
Chandrika adjusted her glasses, proudly watching.
Bhoomi pressed her palms together, eyes shimmering with motherly joy.
Varun stood behind Kiara, protective as ever. Mishka joined him.
As Kiara sat, she glanced sideways at her brother.
"Varun… Dad still isn't here."
Varun placed a steady hand on her shoulder.
"He must be caught up in something important, Kiara. Don't worry — you know Dad. He'll join soon."
Kiara sighed softly. "Hmm. Okay."
Yuvaan caught the hint of sadness on her face and nudged her elbow lightly, giving a warm, reassuring half-smile. She met his eyes… and smiled back.
The priest began chanting softly, performing the small ceremonial steps —
the tilak, the blessings, the tray of sacred items carried by Susheela and Aakash.
Then came the rings.
Bhoomi held out the tray, her hands trembling just a little with emotion.
"Go on," she whispered.
Kiara lifted Yuvaan's ring first.
Her fingers brushed his, slow and delicate — the world around them fading for a moment.
She slid the ring onto his finger.
A soft cheer rose.
Then Yuvaan took her hand — gently, reverently — and slipped her ring into place.
His thumb lingered for a heartbeat longer than necessary…
and Kiara's breath hitched, just a little.
The hall erupted into applause.
Claps, cheers, whistles — joy filling every corner of the mansion.
Bhoomi wiped a tear.
Chandrika blessed them.
Varun pulled Kiara into a one-armed hug.
Aakash and Riddhi whooped loudly.
And Yuvaan…
Yuvaan looked at his fiancée as if the entire world had narrowed to one truth:
She was his.
And this time, nothing would take her away.
The engagement rings had barely settled on their fingers when the photographers swarmed in.
Flash.
Flash.
Flash.
Kiara and Yuvaan stood in the center, smiling shyly, holding hands as family members crowded around them for photos.
Aakash cracked jokes.
Riddhi kept fixing Kiara's dupatta.
Angad nudged Yuvaan every two minutes.
Chandrika kept telling everyone to stand straight.
Bhoomi kept wiping tears.
Laughter echoed.
Joy filled every corner.
And then—
The main door of the mansion creaked open.
The hall quieted instinctively.
Every head turned.
Standing at the entrance…
Vikram Shetty.
He walked in with a calm, warm smile — hands folded in blessing, eyes gentle.
Kiara's face lit up. "Dad!"
Yuvaan stepped aside as Kiara hurried forward, touching Vikram's feet.
Vikram placed his hand lovingly on her head, then on Yuvaan's.
"Bless you both," he said, voice soft but steady. "May you walk every path together… with strength."
Everyone smiled, relieved that the father of the bride had finally arrived.
But Vikram…
Vikram's eyes held something else.
A spark.
A secret.
A weight.
He looked at Kiara with a mysterious smile. "Kiara… I brought a gift for you."
Kiara straightened, curious. "A gift? Now? What gift, Dad?"
Vikram stepped slightly to the side and lifted his hand, pointing toward the door.
"Something," he said quietly, "you will never forget."
The hall held its breath.
Kiara turned.
And froze.
A woman stood in the doorway.
Soft silk saree.
Eyes full of tears.
Hands trembling.
A familiar softness in her face…
Kajal.
Kiara's mother.
Alive.
Her voice cracked, barely a whisper.
"Kiara… my baby…"
Kiara's lips parted, a silent gasp escaping her.
Her world spun — disbelief, shock, hope, grief, everything at once.
"Mom?"
It came out like a broken prayer.
Varun took a step forward, eyes wide, stunned.
"Mom…?"
The hall erupted in whispers.
Bhoomi leaned toward Varun, stunned.
"Varun… who… who is that woman?"
Varun swallowed hard, his voice barely steady.
"She's… she's my mother. Mine and Kiara's mom."
Bhoomi's hand flew to her mouth.
Chandrika's eyes widened.
Susheela stumbled back a step, whispering, "But… she… she was… gone…"
Everyone stared, shocked to the core.
But Kiara…
Kiara could not move.
Her heart pounded in her ears.
Her fingers trembled.
Her breath shook.
The woman she had cried for, prayed for, dreamed about…
the mother she had mourned since she was six…
Was standing right in front of her.
Alive.
Breathing.
Reaching for her.
And Kiara finally whispered—
"Mom…"
Her knees weakened.
Her vision blurred.
And the hall stood in stunned, breathless silence…
watching a miracle unfold.