Varun straightened, his expression turning firm. "Listen… don't even think about doing anything evil. One wrong move, and I'll hunt you down. You hear me?"
Dilruba tilted her head, a mischievous glint in her eyes, but there was a hint of respect in her posture. "Oh, I heard you loud and clear," she said, voice playful.
Varun gave a short nod, then turned and walked to his car. He paused, looking back once at her, the weight of his words hanging in the air, before sliding into the driver's seat. The engine roared softly, and he drove off, the morning sun glinting off the polished metal.
Dilruba watched him go, her grin widening. She spun on her heel, tossing her hair with flair, and whispered to herself, a gleeful sparkle in her eyes, "Don't worry… I'll definitely get my Prince Charming."
The breeze tugged lightly at her clothes, and for a moment, she laughed quietly, the sound light and free, almost like a spell in itself, before vanishing into the busy streets with a plan forming in her mind.
The Pratap Singh mansion was alive with colors, laughter, and the soft aroma of turmeric and marigold petals. The morning sunlight streamed through the open windows, casting a warm golden glow over the courtyard, where the turmeric ceremony was to take place.
The family gathered in a semi-circle, baskets of turmeric paste in hand. Bhoomi and Chandrika, with graceful movements, dipped their fingers and approached Yuvaan first.
"Here goes the first touch," Bhoomi said softly, smiling at her son, as she gently dabbed a streak of turmeric on his forehead.
Yuvaan chuckled, tilting his head slightly. "Careful, Mom… not too much," he teased, though there was a warmth in his eyes that betrayed how much he cherished the ritual.
Chandrika followed, pressing a delicate smear onto his cheek, her eyes twinkling with quiet amusement. "There, now you're truly blessed."
Yuvaan leaned slightly toward her, his smile faint but genuine. "Thanks, Baa… feels good."
Meanwhile, Kiara stood patiently, her hands cupped as Susheela and Kajal joined in. Each touch of turmeric carried with it the weight of tradition, love, and the joy of a family united.
Kiara giggled softly as Yuvaan's younger cousins, Angad, Aakash, and Riddhi, approached. "Promise not to overdo it!" she warned, though her eyes sparkled with mischief.
"Too late for promises," Aakash said, grinning, gently smearing turmeric across her cheek.
Riddhi added a dab to her nose. "It's tradition, and traditions must be followed!" she declared, laughing as Kiara's laughter mingled with hers.
Yuvaan, unable to resist, dipped his fingers and smudged a small streak onto Kiara's hand. Their fingers brushed, and for a moment, the world fell away. The family's laughter and chatter faded into a soft backdrop, leaving only the warmth of connection between them.
As the elders continued their ceremonial dabbing, the younger ones followed, smearing turmeric with playful exaggeration, yet with reverence for the ritual. The courtyard buzzed with joyous energy, a perfect blend of tradition, love, and celebration.
Through an open window, unnoticed by anyone, golden scales flickered briefly in the sunlight. A silent watcher, the golden serpent observed the proceedings, its eyes glinting with patient calculation, blending with the shadows of the vibrant courtyard.
The family paused momentarily to admire the couple, turmeric-streaked but glowing, laughing and holding hands. This was not just a ritual — it was a moment of unity, of blessings, and of love that would be remembered long after the colors faded.
The golden glow of the morning had faded slightly as the couple washed off the turmeric, the warm yellow paste slipping down the drain along with laughter and chatter. Water splashed softly, filling the courtyard with a quiet rhythm.
Kiara wrung out her dupatta, smiling at Yuvaan who was carefully rinsing his hands, the corners of his mouth twitching in amusement. "You know," she said, teasing lightly, "I think you secretly enjoy all this chaos."
Yuvaan raised an eyebrow, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "Maybe… but only if you're part of it." His eyes met hers, and for a moment, there was a silence heavy with unspoken words.
Just then, Vikram's voice called from the driveway, calm but measured. "Varun, there you are. What kept you?"
Varun pulled his jacket straight, offering a polite smile, hiding any trace of the tension from the earlier road encounter. "Ah… some paperwork, Dad. Office matters ran a bit long. Nothing serious, promise."
Vikram's gaze lingered on his son, unspoken understanding flickering in his eyes. He chose not to press further, knowing there were layers to Varun's delay that didn't need announcing. "Alright, then. Let's not waste any more time. Everyone, get ready — there's a lot to prepare before the festivities continue."
Kiara adjusted her sleeves, Yuvaan straightened his collar, and the energy in the mansion shifted — from playful laughter to purposeful anticipation.
Outside, unnoticed, a subtle ripple of golden scales slid across the window ledge, the serpent watching patiently, its presence a silent reminder that the celebrations were far from over.