The Pratap Singh mansion shimmered in the late afternoon sunlight, its halls and verandas alive with a golden glow that reflected off silk and sequins. Everyone had changed into their golden outfits — a mix of deep gold, muted amber, and hints of bronze — the colors catching the light with every movement.
Chandrika adjusted her saree meticulously, her hands steady but her eyes soft with pride as she watched the younger generation. "You all look magnificent," she said, her voice warm, carrying just a hint of maternal teasing.
Bhoomi, radiant in her golden embroidered lehenga, smiled at her son, Yuvaan, who had tailored the folds of his sherwani to perfection. "Careful, dear. The lights will be unforgiving tonight," she said lightly, brushing a stray lock of hair from his forehead.
Yuvaan smirked, leaning slightly closer to his mother. "Don't worry, Mom… I've got it under control. Golden lights or not, I still shine brighter." His casual charm earned him a quiet laugh from Bhoomi.
Kiara twirled in her lehenga, the fabric catching the sun and scattering light like tiny stars. Her laughter was soft, musical, and it made Yuvaan's chest tighten pleasantly. "I swear, every time I wear gold, I feel like the princess who runs the world," she said, eyes sparkling.
Varun appeared in his tailored golden kurta, the sharp lines of his outfit accentuating his tall frame. He adjusted his cufflinks and scanned the hall. "Looks like everyone's ready," he said, voice calm but alert, his gaze flicking briefly toward the corners of the room — ever watchful, as if expecting trouble to emerge at any moment.
Susheela and Angad moved toward the veranda, arranging themselves near the musicians, their own golden attire reflecting the soft chandeliers above. Riddhi, playful as ever, did a mock spin, her laughter echoing down the corridor.
Vikram and Kajal, resplendent in golds and bronzes, watched the younger generation with fond, almost protective eyes. "Everything looks perfect," Kajal murmured, her tone low and affectionate. "The night is just beginning."
Yuvaan caught Kiara's hand in his, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "Ready to steal the show?" he whispered, his voice playful yet tinged with quiet anticipation.
Kiara met his gaze and smirked. "You first, superstar. Let's see if your moves are as golden as your outfit."
Unnoticed by all, the faint shimmer of golden scales moved along the window ledge, the serpent watching patiently, silent and calculating, as the family's laughter and chatter filled the mansion. The sangeet ceremony was about to begin — and with it, joy and danger were poised to intertwine.
The grand hall of the Pratap Singh mansion was alive with music, glittering lights reflecting off golden outfits and twirling lehengas. The family, friends, and guests formed a circle, clapping rhythmically, the air vibrating with energy.
The first notes hit, and instantly everyone joined in, moving in sync to the beat.
Munda thoda offbeat hai
Par kudiyan de naal bahut sweet hai
Munda thoda offbeat hai
Par kudiyan de naal bahut sweet hai
Hands were raised, feet tapped, and laughter mingled with the music. The younger cousins spun in pairs, golden skirts flaring, while the elders swayed in harmony, their smiles wide and eyes sparkling with joy.
Dhongi sa yeh bada dheeth hai
Viral ho gaya yeh Tweet
Par fool wool karne mein cool
Tu badi tezz kataari hai
Shagan teri ki, lagan teri ki
Humne kardi tayaari hai
The music built up, drums pounding, claps echoing off the high ceilings. Yuvaan grabbed Kiara's hand, leading her into a swift spin. Her laughter rang out, blending perfectly with the beat, her lehenga swirling like liquid gold.
Nachde ne saare ral milke
Aaj hil dulke le saare ke saare nazare
Nachde ne saare ral milke
Aaj hil dulke le saare ke saare nazare
Khasma nu khaane!
Hands joined, the circle expanded, friends and family laughing, moving as one. The children jumped in with abandon, mimicking the moves of the adults with over-the-top enthusiasm.
Hadipa ... hadipa ... hadipa ... hadipa
Alu bade karaare
Karam na Laalu bade karaare ... aa ha
Chadh chadhke chaubaare
Karam naal Sweetu aaja maare ... aa ha
Golden bangles chimed, matching the rhythm of the song, as everyone hopped, twirled, and shook in perfect coordination. Yuvaan and Kiara moved effortlessly together, their eyes only on each other as the crowd cheered around them.
Chak De!
The energy surged again as the next verse began. Feet stomped, hands clapped, voices sang in unison, filling the entire mansion with a vibrant, joyful chaos.
Munde plenty mere lai ho gaye senti
O tere lai ho gaye senti, tere lai ho gaye senti
Tere liye main set hoon, is baat ki guarantee
Par fool-wool karne mein cool, tu badi tezz kataari hai
Sehra baandh ke, kood faand, tujhe le jaana is baari hai
As the chorus returned, the whole hall was a blur of movement and golden shimmer. The music pulsed through everyone's veins, laughter and cheers punctuating each beat.
Nachde ne saare ral milke
Aaj hil dulke le saare ke saare nazare
Nachde ne saare ral milke
Aaj hil dulke le saare ke saare nazare
Khasma nu khaane!
The song carried on, the dancers twirling, hopping, clapping in perfect unison, their energy unbroken. The mansion seemed alive, each corner filled with motion, rhythm, and the shared joy of family.
Nachde ne saare, nachde ne saare
Nachde ne saare ral milke
Aaj hil dulke le saare ke saare nazare
Nachde ne saare ral milke
Aaj hil dulke le saare ke saare nazare
Nachde ne saare, nachde ne saare
Khasma nu khaane
As the final beats rang out, the crowd erupted into cheers, clapping and laughing, breathless but elated. Yuvaan spun Kiara one last time, their smiles wide and eyes sparkling, golden light cascading over them, marking a moment of unadulterated celebration.