The entire Rajput family stood still in the timing room, their eyes transfixed on a woman whose presence seemed to still time itself.
Laksha stood tall in a stunning traditional silk saree that exuded regal elegance. The saree featured a rich maroon pallu adorned with intricate golden zari work and delicate red tassels, gracefully draped over her shoulder. The body of the saree transitioned into a soft cream base woven with detailed floral brocade patterns in gold, adding a classic contrast. She paired it with a deep maroon, sleeveless blouse that brought a modern edge to her otherwise traditional look. Her ensemble was completed with statement gold jewelry-a heavy choker necklace, ornate jhumkas, and a matching hair accessory-that amplified the grandeur of her appearance. With her soft curls pinned back and a confident smile on her lips, Laksha looked every bit the fierce, graceful woman who could command any room with just her presence.
For the first time ever, they were witnessing a sight they'd never imagined-the mafia queen who once commanded boardrooms in the sleekest suits was now draped in a saree... and slaying it.
"Didu..." Shashi whispered, her voice laced with astonishment and awe. "She's wearing a saree..."
"Shubh Dhanteras," Laksha greeted with a confident grin. Had the board members seen her like this, they'd have fainted or dropped dead from sheer shock.
"Shubh Dhanteras," Shashi replied, finally managing to pull herself out of her surprise.
"Sabhi ko Dhanteras ki shubhkamnayein," Laksha said cheerfully. [Wishing everyone a prosperous Dhanteras.]
"Why are the mighty Rajputs staring at me like this?" she teased. "I'm sorry, but I already informed Sarthak that I'm coming."
"Y-yes, Ms. Oberoi, you informed me," Sarthak stammered. "And I told everyone as well. Anyway, please join us for the pooja now-the mahurat is about to begin."
Laksha nodded, and Sarthak gently led her and the family to the pooja space.
"Chiku and Shoshi, sit here," Dadi Saa instructed lovingly.
They both sat together, hearts full, hands folded, performing the Dhanvantari pooja as a couple. Each ritual, each chant was done in perfect unison. Once the pooja ended, everyone took turns seeking blessings from the idols.
Soon after, they gathered near the grand entrance of the mansion-right in front of the magnificent rangoli, the same one Shashi and Dhritu had poured their efforts into.
It was time to light the biggest diya, the traditional Rajasthani ritual to mark prosperity and light.
Shashi and Aakash stood close, both holding a smaller diya. Her delicate fingers steadied the flame while Aakash's hands enveloped hers, guiding her as they bent together to light the large diya in the center of the rangoli. His eyes, however, were fixed only on her hands.
"Sundar hai na?" she said, admiring the vibrant colors. [It's beautiful, isn't it?]
"Bohot," he replied softly, but he wasn't looking at the rangoli. [Very much.]
"Chiku, now both of you come inside. Let's see what you've brought for my daughter!" Dadi Saa's voice called them back, full of affection.
The family assembled in the living room, all eyes on the couple as they settled on the couch. Two boxes wrapped in rich blue velvet lay before them-one slightly smaller than the other.
Aakash handed her the first one. She looked at him, then at the box, curiosity shining in her eyes.
"Aakash, you're supposed to make her wear that," Sarthak reminded him with a smirk.
"mrs . Rajput-sit down," Aakash said, as he himself got down on one knee before her.
She gasped. "Aakash, what are you doing?" she whispered in disbelief.
"Aapko tohfa de raha hoon, or please ek minute chup rehna , baki puri zindagi aapki baatein sununga " he replied, his voice steady and filled with warmth. [I'm giving you a gift.]
The entire family watched in awe.
Carefully, he lifted the hem of her saree, just enough to reveal her feet. Gently, he placed one of them on his knee and tied the delicate silver payal (anklet) around her ankle, then did the same with the other.
He opened the second box and took out a pair of intricately crafted toe rings, sliding one onto each toe, his hands soft, almost reverent.
And then-he did something that left everyone speechless.
He kissed both her feet.
"That's like a true Rajput," Sarthak murmured, visibly impressed.
"Aakash, get up," Shashi said in a hushed, shaken voice.
He stood and sat beside her, but Shashi-still in shock-couldn't meet anyone's eyes. To distract herself, she subconsciously started fiddling with the ring on her pinky finger.
"Shoshi," Laksha called. Shashi looked up at her elder sister.
"I have a gift for all of you," Laksha announced. One by one, she handed each of them an envelope.
"What's this?" Shashi asked.
"Open it," Laksha smiled.
They tore open the envelopes-voices rising together.
"Invitation!"
"Yes," Laksha confirmed. "You all are invited to the banquet organized by our company. And I won't hear a single excuse. You're all coming-it's final!"
"But-" Shashi began.
"No buts this year. You don't have any exam excuses anymore. And you have a partner now," she said with a teasing glance. "So the whole family is invited. Don't you dare miss it."
Everyone nodded with laughter and excitement.
"Now, come. Let's have dinner," said Dadi Saa, her smile warm and comforting.
The family moved to the grand dining table, where a feast of royal Rajasthani delicacies awaited. The food, specially prepared for the occasion, was rich, colorful, and brimming with tradition. The first plate, as per custom, was offered to the idols as naivedya.
Dinner was a mix of flavors and laughter, old memories and new beginnings. Afterward, they all gathered on the lawn outside the mansion, the night breeze soft and comforting.
Shashi sat between Aadarsh and Aakash, comfortably chatting.
"Bro, tujhe saree pehnani aati hai?" Aadarsh asked teasingly. [Bro, do you know how to drape a saree?]
"Nahi," Shashi replied quickly. [No.]
"Toh pehni kaise?" [Then how did you wear it?]
"Aakash ne help ki," she said with a shy smile. [Aakash helped me.]
"Mujhe toh bharosa hi nahi tum dono ke is so-called contract pe," he grinned. [I don't trust this so-called contract of yours.]
"Kya matlab?" she asked. [What do you mean?]
"Kuch nahi," he said casually. [Nothing.]
She sighed and rested her head on Aakash's shoulder.
"Nind aa rahi hai?" he asked. [Feeling sleepy?]
"Hmm," she hummed.
"Chalo phir, room chalte hain," he said. [Come on then, let's go to the room.]
"Main thak gayi hoon Aakash... mann kar raha hai yahi so jaoon," she murmured. [I'm tired, Aakash... I feel like sleeping right here.]
And in the next moment, she was in his arms.
"Good night everyone," he said, walking inside the mansion, holding her gently.
"Pehle bata dete agar itni neend aa rahi thi," someone teased. [You could've told us earlier if you were this sleepy.]
"Tum pehle mujhe neeche utaaro... dono girenge saath mein!" she protested. [First, put me down... we'll both fall together!]
"Maana nafrat karti hain aap mujhse, par girne toh dunga nahi," he said with a soft smile. [You may say you hate me, but I'll never let you fall.]
"Tum sunte kyun nahi ho?" she huffed. [Why don't you ever listen?]
"Sirf aapki hi sununga, praan priye," he whispered. [I will only ever listen to you, my beloved.]
"Toh neeche utaaro mujhe," she insisted. [Then put me down.]
"Bilkul nahi baby... aap thak gayi ho," he said, walking steadily to their room. [Not at all, baby... you're tired.]
"Open the door please," he said. She did.
He walked inside, gently shutting the door behind him with his leg, and carried her to the bed.
"Closet mein chalo, change bhi karna hai," she said sleepily. [Let's go to the closet, I need to change too.]
He walked them inside the closet.
"Ab neeche utaaro mujhe," she said firmly. [Now put me down.]
He slowly lowered her to the floor. But the moment her feet touched the ground, she pulled him by the collar.
"Meri baat suna karo na," she said softly. [Please listen to me.]
He wrapped his arms tightly around her waist-one hand gently caressing the bare skin just above her saree, the other playing flirtatiously with the edge of her blouse.
"Sununga sirf aapki... agar aap aise sunao," he murmured, his voice husky, sending a shiver down her spine. [I'll only ever listen to you... if you speak to me like this.]
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