"It takes courage to begin again in someone else's world while holding onto the pieces of your own."

Yuvi sneaked out of her home, every step calculated, his heart pounding harder than it should have. His family was inside, blissfully unaware, celebrating his upcoming wedding while he was here—escaping from a moment he never saw coming. Only when he finally slid into the driver's seat of his car did the weight of what had just happened crash down on him.

"Shit, man! What the fuck just happened!?" He muttered, running a frustrated hand over his face. He had kissed her. Not just kissed—devoured her, touched her in ways he hadn't even imagined this soon. But then again, he had never been this jealous before. He wanted to break something, to throw a punch at someone—preferably his fiancée's best friend.

His jaw clenched as the scene replayed in his head. The way she had blushed after that bastard whispered in her ear, forgetting all about her soon-to-be-husband—it had set his blood on fire.

Lowering the interior rearview mirror, he tilted his head to examine the damage. His fingers traced the fresh marks on his neck, the reminders of her lips, her teeth. A deep shiver ran down his spine. He could still hear her breathless whispers, her nails digging into his back, the way she had surrendered yet challenged him at the same time.

"Mat soch itna, Yuvi beta, warna junior fir salute karne lagega..." (Don't think about it too much, Yuvi, or junior will start saluting again.) He exhaled sharply, shaking his head as if to rid himself of the ghost of her touch.

He pulled his phone out and sent a quick text to Rishi: Going home. Then, gripping the steering wheel tighter than necessary, he backed out of the driveway and sped off.

The house was quieter than he expected when he walked in. Most of the guests were either still at the venue or staying at hotels, leaving only a handful of family members around. Good. He wasn't in the mood for prying eyes or forced conversations.

Without a word, he climbed the stairs and made his way to the upstairs sitting area. The small bar attached to it was exactly what he needed right now. Grabbing a bottle of whiskey, he poured himself a strong drink, sinking onto the couch with a heavy sigh.

The first sip burned down his throat, but it wasn't enough to drown out the heat still simmering beneath his skin. He yanked open the top buttons of his kurta, letting the cool air kiss his flushed skin. Leaning back, he closed his eyes, hoping for a moment of silence—but his body had other plans. His mind kept dragging him back to her—her scent, her lips, the way she had moaned his name like a forbidden prayer.

He didn't know how long he sat there, lost in his own torment, before footsteps and familiar voices disrupted the quiet.

"Bhaiya ji, aap to wapas aana hi bhool gaye," Rishi's voice rang through the room, followed by the clinking of glasses. "Aap hi ka sangeet tha aaj, yaad hai ya nahi?" (Brother, you forgot to come back. It was your own sangeet, remember?)

Yuvi cracked one eye open, shooting him a lethargic glare before shutting it again.

Karan, already halfway through his drink, let out a loud chuckle. "Ye toh kahin aur hi naach ke aa rahe hain lag raha hai!" (Looks like he was dancing somewhere else!) He laughed so hard he nearly spilled his drink, fumbling to set it down.

"Kya matlab?" (What do you mean?) Rishi frowned, taking a sip of his drink before leaning forward in curiosity.

"Just look at his neck and chest, dude!" Karan snorted, reaching out and pulling at Yuvi's collar before he could react.

Yuvi's eyes snapped open in horror as the realization struck him. 'Shit. The marks.'

Before they could get a closer look, Yuvraj slapped Karan's hand away and hastily straightened his collar, fumbling to close the buttons he had left undone.

"What the fuck!?" Rishi shouted, his wide eyes darting between his brother and Karan. Without warning, he grabbed Yuvi's collar and yanked him upright. "Where the hell were you? Did you fucking cheat on Bhabhi?" His voice trembled with fury, his fists clenched, ready to knock his elder brother out.

Yuvraj's eyes widened in disbelief as he jerked Rishi's hands away. "Don't be stupid! Why would I do that? And why would you even think that?"

"Haan toh ye hickies ki barsaat aasmaan se ho gayi kya!?" (Yeah, so these hickies just fell from the sky or what!?) Rishi grabbed his chin, tilting his face left and right for a better look, only for Yuvi to slap his hands away again.

Yuvi glared at him. "Mai tere haath tod dunga, bata raha hoon!" (I'll break your hands, I'm warning you!)

Karan, comfortably sipping his drink, was thoroughly enjoying the drama. But Yuvi wasn't done yet. "Aur aasmaan se barsaat kyun hogi jab teri Bhabhi zameen par hai toh?" (And why would they fall from the sky when your sister-in-law is right here on earth?)

Rishi froze, his expression shifting as realization struck him like a thunderbolt. Karan, mid-sip, choked on his drink and spit it all over the center table in shock.

"Kya kar raha hai, chutiye!?" (What the hell are you doing, idiot!?) Yuvi leaped away from the couch, avoiding the mess, while Rishi and Karan still gawked at him, mouths open in disbelief.

"Matlab aap... ye... Bhabhi!?" (You mean you... this... Bhabhi!?) Rishi sputtered, blinking rapidly as if hoping he had misheard.

"Ji haan." (Yes.) Yuvi confirmed, rubbing his temple, already regretting his decision to stay for a drink. He should have just gone to sleep instead of dealing with these morons.

Rishi dramatically shook his head like a petulant child. "Nahi! Mai nahi maanta ye! Meri sundar, susheel aur sanskari Bhabhi jaan aisi ho hi nahi sakti! Kabhi nahi!" (No! I don't believe this! My beautiful, humble, and cultured sister-in-law can't be like this! Never!) His voice grew louder with each word, nearing hysteria.

Yuvi lunged forward, slapping a hand over Rishi's mouth. "Kameene, chillana bandh kar! Pure ghar ko bata dega kya ab?" (Moron, stop screaming! Might as well announce it to the whole house!) He shot nervous glances around, making sure no elders were lurking nearby.

Rishi pulled back and pouted, his betrayal palpable. "Wo meri Bhabhi jaan hain! Wo yeh sab ashleel harkatein kar hi nahi sakti! Zaroor aapne hi unhe behkaya hoga!" (She is my darling sister-in-law! She would never do such indecent things! You must have been the one to lead her astray!)

Yuvi groaned loudly, rubbing his face. 'I'm so tired of this life,' he thought, before gripping Rishi's shoulders firmly.

"Beta Rishi, bas itna jaan le ki kisi ne kisi pe cheat nahi kiya, sab consensual tha, aur kal uske saamne aise bilkul mat act karna jaise tujhe kuch bhi pata hai. Samajh aaya?" (Rishi, just know that no one cheated, everything was consensual, and tomorrow, do not act like you know anything in front of her. Got it?) His warning was clear, his grip on Rishi's shoulders tightening slightly.

Rishi's lips wobbled in protest before he sighed dramatically. "Ye mujhse nahi, apne is bewakoof dost se kaho jo muhh kholte hi sab bak deta hai." (Say this to your idiot friend, who blurts out everything the moment he opens his mouth.) He rolled his eyes at Karan.

Karan raised his hands in surrender, an innocent smile on his face. "Don't worry, I won't."

They sat in silence for a few minutes, each lost in their thoughts, while Karan looked back and forth between the two, wondering what was going through their minds.

Rishi suddenly broke the silence.
"Thank God aapne cheat nahi kiya warna mera to Kavya ke sath koi chance milne ke pehle hi patta kat ho jata." (Thank God you didn't cheat, otherwise I would have lost any chance with Kavya before even pursuing her.)  

Yuvi spit out his drink, coughing violently. Karan just stared, stunned.

Meanwhile, Rishi looked way too calm after dropping a bomb like that. "Aap dono pagal ho gaye ho aaj! Koi ye room itna ganda dekhega to humari aafat ho jaegi." (You both have gone mad today! If anyone sees this room in this condition, we're dead.) He grabbed his phone and requested a house help to come clean up in an hour.

Yuvi, still recovering, gasped. "Kaisa chance!?" (What chance!?) 

He gave Rishi a pointed look. "Rishi, mai bata raha hu, dur reh Kavya se! Wo abhi bas 21 ki hai." (Rishi, I'm telling you—stay away from Kavya. She's just 21!)

Rishi simply smiled, unaffected. "So? I'm just three years older than her. Almost like you and bhabhi. Aur mai konsa aapke baad shaadi ke mandap pe baith raha hu uske saath." (And it's not like I'm going to sit on the wedding pavilion after you.) 

He shrugged nonchalantly, but deep down, he had already made up his mind. If he ever gotten married, it would only be to Kavya. It wasn't happening anytime soon, and he knew it would take years before he could even think about pursuing her, but as far as he was concerned, there was no need to worry.

Yuvi exhaled sharply, shaking his head. He knew the Singhania stubbornness all too well—if Rishi had decided on something, he wouldn't back down until Kavya herself said no or there was truly no chance for a future.

In the end, Yuvi just sighed and patted Rishi's shoulder. "Bas khayal rakhna apna, Rishi. Mai sone ja raha hoon." (Just take care of yourself, Rishi. I'm going to sleep.) 

With that, he walked off to his room, hoping to catch at least a few hours of rest before the chaos of his wedding day began.

The next morning...
Mittal's residence

Taani felt a slight ache around her wrists, but the reason behind it made her blush like a schoolgirl. She moved toward the washroom at a leisurely pace, grateful for the absence of the makeup artist.

A knock at the door startled her.

"Di, I brought breakfast for you."

Panic surged through her. She grabbed a scarf and hastily wrapped it around her neck just as Kavya entered, balancing a plate of food.

"The makeup artist is running late, but she'll be here any minute. You should eat something before she arrives," Kavya said, placing the tray on the table.

Then, she turned to look at Taani—standing frozen in place, looking utterly guilty, and wearing a scarf in the most ridiculous way possible.

"Aap theek to ho?" (Are you alright?) Kavya asked, stepping closer with concern.

"Huh? Haan, haan, bilkul. Bas neend poori nahi hui..." (Huh? Yeah, yeah, totally fine. Just didn't sleep well...) Taani mumbled, shaking her head.

"Wedding jitters?" Kavya asked knowingly as she pulled Taani toward the bed. She handed her the cup of tea and, without waiting for a response, started feeding her butter toast.

Taani took a bite, but with each chew, her eyes grew misty until tears finally spilled over.

"Aww, Di, don't cry. I'm gonna miss you too." Kavya wiped her tears, offering a watery smile of her own.

Taani sniffled and reached for a tissue when—disaster struck. The scarf slipped, revealing the unmistakable marks on her neck.

Kavya gasped as she looked at Taani's neck and pulled at the scarf before throwing it aside. "What the hell is this?" She looked wide eyed at the hickies which looked even worse today than what they were looking like yesterday. 

 Taani palmed her face in mortification, refusing to look at her sister. "Who gave you this?" Kavya asked trying to pry her fingers away from her face.

"Woo ee?" Taani said something, her voice muffled. 

Kavya pried her hands away and got close to her face asking "What?" 

"Who else but Yuvraj?" Taani shouted jerking her face away from hers.

Kavya burst out laughing. "My goodness! Did he want to suck the soul out of you or what!?"

 "Tum dahadna band karo pehle!" (First, stop howling!) Taani said keeping her hand on Kavya's mouth to shut her up. 

Kavya clamped a hand over her mouth, still giggling. "When did all this happen!?"

Taani sighed in defeat. "Kal raat, sangeet ke baad." (Last night, after the sangeet.) Then, with a desperate look, she pleaded, "Par ab mujhe batao mai ye chupau kaise!?" (But now tell me, how do I hide this!?)

Kavya folded her arms, smirking. "Mujhse kyun puch rahi ho? Aap hi jano ab. Itna kuch ho raha hai aur ek lauti behen ko pata bhi nahi." (Why are you asking me? Figure it out yourself. So much is happening, and your only sister is completely clueless.)

"Kavya, wait!" Taani clutched her arm before she could walk away. "I swear we'll gossip later, but right now, you need to keep Maa and Chachi out of this room until the makeup artist conceals these spots, okay?"

Kavya raised a brow. "And what do I get in return?"

Taani smirked. "Rishi's number."

"What!?" Kavya spluttered, nearly dropping the tray. "I mean... why would I need your brother-in-law's number?"

Taani folded her arms, enjoying her sister's flustered expression. "Haan, jaise maine nahi dekha ki nawab kitne chakkar kaat raha hai tumhare charo taraf." (Yeah, like I haven't noticed how he's been circling around you.)

Kavya's face turned beet red. "It's nothing, don't worry about it."

Taani shrugged. "If you say so. I mean, I wouldn't have minded helping you sail this ship."

Kavya huffed, looking between the door and her sister before finally caving. "Fine! But next time, don't hide things from me, or I swear I'll stop talking to you." She pushed Taani toward the washroom. "Now go hide while I figure out where the goddamn makeup artist is."

Taani sighed in relief as Kavya left, but she couldn't help the small, giddy smile that crept onto her lips.

As Kavya stepped out, she nearly bumped into Siya, who was just about to knock on Taani's door.

"Oh, Taai ji, aap yahan?" (Oh, Aunty, you're here?) Kavya asked, quickly blocking the doorway.

"Haan, bas Taani ko dekhne aayi thi. Kuch der mein toh itni busy ho jaayegi ki vidaai tak theek se baat bhi nahi ho paayegi." (Yes, I just came to see Taani. In a little while, she'll be so busy that I won't even get a proper chance to talk to her before the farewell.) Siya wiped a few tears from her eyes.

"Aree, Taai ji, roiye mat please." (Oh, Aunty, please don't cry.) Kavya quickly hugged her. "Didi khush rahegi. Aur agar nahi rahi toh chinta mat karo, wahan jaake ek ek ka band baja dungi mai!" (Sister will be happy. And if she isn't, don't worry—I'll personally go there and set everyone straight!)

Siya let out a small laugh, shaking her head. "Tumhare muh mein ghee shakkar, meri bachchi. Taani hamesha khush rahe, bas hum aur kya hi chaahte hain." (May your words come true, my child. I just want Taani to always be happy—that's all.)

Just then, the makeup artist arrived, rushing toward them with two assistants trailing behind her.

"I'm so sorry I'm late! I'll get to work immediately."

Kavya folded her arms, unimpressed. "On her wedding day, of all days? How could you be so careless?"

Siya placed a hand on Kavya's shoulder, calming her. "It's alright, beta. Taani still has enough time to get ready." She turned to the artist. "Aap jaiye, apna kaam kijiye. Koi disturb nahi karega." (Go ahead and do your work. No one will disturb you.)

With that, the team rushed inside.

Kavya exhaled, relieved. Turning to Siya, she said, "Mai bhi thodi der didi ki help kar deti hoon, fir aati hoon, Badi Maa." (I'll stay for a bit to help Didi, then I'll come back, Aunty.)

Siya nodded and walked away while Kavya stepped into the room, where the team was already setting up their products. Taani was still inside the bathroom.

She knocked. "Didi, makeup artist aa gayi hain. Bahar aao." (Didi, the makeup artist is here. Come out.)

There was a moment of hesitation before the door creaked open.

As soon as Taani stepped out, the artist turned toward her, only to freeze in place. Her eyes went wide as she took in the marks on Taani's neck.

"Ye kya kiya!?" (What have you done!?) she gasped.

The assistants exchanged glances, looking just as stunned.

"We are already running late, and it's going to take almost an hour to cover those up!" the artist scolded.

Kavya narrowed her eyes. "It's not our fault you're late. Shouldn't you be prepared for situations like these? Stop talking and start working."

The artist sighed in frustration. "Fine. Quickly take a seat so I can start."

A reclining chair was arranged, and one of the assistants began washing Taani's hair while another worked on her manicure and pedicure. The artist herself focused on concealing the hickeys, her brows furrowed in concentration.

True to her words, it took over an hour to properly cover them up. But by the end, Taani was satisfied with the result.

With her hair freshly washed and nails perfectly groomed, it was finally time to start the actual makeup.

Kavya glanced at the time. "Didi, I'll go help with a few chores and get ready myself. You'll be okay, right?"

Taani nodded, adjusting her seat.

As the artist began, she kept asking for Taani's preferences, but Taani already had a clear vision of how she wanted to look in her wedding attire.

She couldn't wait to wear it.

After nearly 6 hours they were done with the make up and everything else. Now she was waiting (quite impatiently) in her room for the baraat to arrive.

Just then her phone chimed with a text from Yuvraj. It was a photo of him sitting on the horse, on the way to the marriage hall. He was looking so handsome wearing the groom's turban and had the biggest smile on his face. She just liked the photo, not knowing how else to compliment him.

Then he sent another one of Rishi, Karan and a few of his friends dancing like crazy on dhol and DJ. She liked this one as well before sending a mirror selfie of herself, obviously hiding her face from him.

He sent a series of heart emojis before typing. "Why can't I see you!?" Was his response.

She thought about what she should reply with and just said. "Because I want it to be a surprise."

"That's not fair you saw me but anyways, I can't wait to see you there!" He replied. She blushed at this simple text.

The door to Taani's room creaked open, and in walked her family, their eyes glistening with emotions they weren't ready to voice.

"Haye Raam! Kisi ki nazar na lage meri gudiya ko," (Oh lord! Protect her from evil eyes.) her grandma murmured, her voice thick with affection as she took some kohl from her own eyes and placed it behind Taani's ear, a silent prayer for her protection. Her frail hands trembled, and Taani felt a lump rise in her throat. She placed her hands over her grandma's, holding them gently.

"Amma, please don't cry," she whispered. "You have to stay happy, otherwise I'll worry about you."

Sumitra sniffled, nodding as she cupped Taani's face one last time. Just then, Kavya burst into the room, her face lighting up the moment she saw her sister.

"Oh my God, Di! Aap kitni sundar lag rahi ho!" (You're looking so beautiful!) She squealed, running to embrace Taani. She herself looked beautiful in a baby pink lehenga, her eyes shining with mischief even in this bittersweet moment.

Taani let out a small laugh, trying to mask the turmoil brewing in her heart. "Tu bhi kuch kam nahi lag rahi hai, meri chhipkali," (You're looking no less than me, my lizard.) she teased, pinching Kavya's cheeks.

Kavya tossed her hair dramatically. "Main toh paida hi hot hui thi." (I was born with this hotness.) She declared, making the whole room erupt into laughter. Even in moments like this, Kavya had a way of making everyone smile.

Rajveer and Vanika shook their heads at her antics. "Yeh ladki kabhi nahi badlegi," (This girl would never change.) they muttered fondly before stepping forward to give Taani their blessings.

Then came Siya. Her mother. The woman who had been her anchor, her safe haven. The moment their eyes met, Siya broke down, her composure crumbling as she reached for Taani's face.

"Mujhe abhi bhi samajh nahi aa raha kaise tumhe vida karungi kal," (I still don't know how I'm supposed to bid you farewell tomorrow,) she whispered, her voice shaking. "Meri toh jaan hi chali jaayegi tumhare saath." (I feel like my life will go away with you.)

And just like that, Taani lost the battle against her own tears. A sob broke free from her chest as she clung to her mother. "Please, Maa... aise mat bolo." (Please don't say things like that maa.) She pleaded, feeling as if her heart was being ripped apart.

Strong arms wrapped around them both, and Taani looked up to see her father, his own eyes suspiciously glassy as he held them close. He pressed a kiss to her forehead, his touch warm and reassuring.

"Yeh mat samajhna ki yahan se ja rahi ho toh yeh ghar tumhara nahi raha," (Don't think this won't be your home anymore now that you are going to your in-laws') he said, his voice thick with emotion. "Tumhare liye is ghar ke darwaze kabhi band nahi honge. Humesha khush reh, meri bachchi." (The doors of this house will never be closed for you, understood? Always stay happy, my child.)

Taani nodded, her throat too tight to speak. "Ji, Papa," (Yes dad) she managed, her voice barely above a whisper.

Then came her brother. The one who had always treated her like his baby sister, no matter how much she had grown. Aveer's face was unreadable, his jaw clenched as he took in the sight of her in her bridal attire.

"Agar kabhi bhi wo tujhe udaas ya pareshaan kare, toh bina jhijhak mujhe batana," (Tell me without hesitation if he ever upsets you alright?) he said, his voice firm, yet thick with unshed tears. "Usko uski aukaat dikhane ke baad tera talaak main khud karwaunga. Kisi se bhi darna mat, samajh aaya? Main hamesha hoon yahan tere liye." (After showing him his place, I myself will initiate your divorce. Don't ever be scared of anyone, understood? I'm always here for you.)

Taani let out a wet laugh, shaking her head as she pulled him into a hug. "I know, Bhai," she whispered, clutching onto him for just a second longer.

Then came Dhriti, her sister-in-law but more like a sister. Dhriti wasted no time in pulling her into a bone-crushing hug, squishing Kiara between them, who was wiggling in an attempt to get to Taani.

"Kabhi nanad nahi, humesha behen maana hai tumhe," (I've always considered you my sister and not a sister-in-law.) Dhriti whispered fiercely. "Apne sasural jaake hume paraya mat kar dena, warna humse bura koi nahi hoga, samjhi?" (Don't become a stranger after going there or there will be no one worse than me, understood?)

Taani smiled through her tears. "Kabhi nahi, Dhriti Bhabhi," (Never!) she promised.

And then, the moment she had been dreading. Kiara finally wriggled free and reached for Taani, her tiny arms wrapping around her neck. "Bua! Sundar!" (Aunt! Beautiful!) She giggled in her sweet voice, clapping her hands.

Taani's heart shattered. All the strength she had been holding onto evaporated, and she broke down, sobbing as she held Kiara close. Leaving her... how was she supposed to survive without her? A month away had been torture enough, but a lifetime? How could she even fathom it?

"I'll miss you, my Kiki," she whispered, kissing the little girl's face over and over, trying to engrave every bit of her into memory.

Time seemed to stop for those few moments. It was just her and her family, the people who had loved her first, who had shaped her into the woman she was today. And now, she was expected to leave them behind, to step into a new life, a new home, with a man who still felt like a stranger.

A soft knock on the door pulled her out of her thoughts. It was time.

Her heart pounded as her family slowly filed out, leaving just Kavya behind to help with the final touches. The makeup artist stepped in, dusting away the stray tears, fixing what had been ruined. But nothing could fix the ache inside her.

Taani stared at herself in the mirror, a bride dressed in crimson and gold. But in that moment, she wasn't sure who she was.

A daughter about to leave her home or a wife about to step into the unknown?

All she knew was that she was a woman who wasn't sure if she was ready to let go.

Hello my lovely readers!!!🎀

I hope you felt every ounce of chaos, love, and emotion in this chapter — from the hilariously dramatic brotherly showdown to Taani's emotional moments at home with her family.

Writing this was a whirlwind — sinful on one end and tender on the other.

Let me know your thoughts! Your VOTES and especially your COMMENTS truly mean the world — they make this journey feel shared, not just written. 

P.S. Get ready — the next chapter is all about the wedding vibes!

Shukriya for the endless love and patience.✨

Until next time...

– Your Author

Exquisite🕊️