But—

Suddenly, the lights go off. For a second, everything is dark— and then the bungalow bursts into loud hooting, whistles, and laughter. Everyone is clearly enjoying the drama.

A spotlight snaps on. A man stands there with a microphone.

Rohan’s face changes instantly. The excitement drains out of him, replaced by panic.

Kabir pushes through the crowd, looks up—and freezes.

Kabir (in his mind): I’m done. This is it.

The Man (smiling confidently): Hello, everybody.

He winks directly at Kabir.

Rohan quickly steps closer to Kabir. Both of them exchange a look filled with shock, fear, and disbelief.

Rohan (whispering, anxious): Why is Vansh bhai here? How does he even know we’re at this party? We’re seriously in trouble now. If this reaches home, we’re finished. Oh God… why did I ever come here with you?

Kabir (whispering, irritated and tense): Oye! Don’t blame me—you’re the one who brought me here. And I know exactly why he’s here. My perfect family must’ve sent him to find me. Their favorite son has been missing for two hours—obviously they panicked.

Rohan falls silent, his fear growing.

Vansh (into the mic, playful): So tell me… why are you all partying in such a boring way, when there’s a rockstar standing right here among you?

The crowd cheers loudly again.

Girl (curious, excited): Who’s the rockstar? And who are you?

Vansh (chuckling calmly): My name is Vansh. That’s all you need to know.

Rohan (relieved, under his breath): Okay… he seems chill. At least I won’t get beaten up tonight.

Kabir notices Rohan smiling and feels annoyed. He turns away, uncomfortable.

But Vansh speaks again, his voice louder and confident.

Vansh: So guys—are you ready for him? He pauses for effect.

Vansh: Because this is your… Kabir Singh Shekhawat.

The moment Kabir’s name echoes through the bungalow, the place explodes. Clapping, shouting, whistles—everyone is cheering.

Kabir looks straight at Vansh, caught between anger and helplessness.

Vansh smirks.

Kabir (in his mind): I really want to punch him right now. But he’d destroy me. God… this man drives me crazy.

Vansh walks up to Kabir and pulls him into a hug—firm, protective.

Vansh (softly): Forget about today, Kabir. Don’t overthink Dad—we’ll talk to him.

He pulls back, placing a reassuring hand on Kabir’s shoulder.

Vansh: And now—no tension. No worries. Tonight is only about having fun.

Kabir exhales, finally smiling a little.

Kabir: I was having fun… until you decided to make a grand entry.

Vansh (raising an eyebrow): What do you mean?

At that moment, Aayesha walks over and gently wraps her arm around Kabir’s. Kabir looks at her, then gives Vansh a playful, challenging wink.

Vansh (half-smiling): Alright, I won’t stop you. I just thought tonight would be a brothers’ night.

Rohan (jumping in, impressed): Vansh bro, honestly—you surprised me. From being so serious to this cool? I’m a fan now.

Kabir rolls his eyes.

Kabir (in his mind): The guy he’s trying so hard to impress is basically his boss. But how do I explain that to this idiot?

Kabir turns to Aayesha.

Kabir: Baby, let’s leave.

But Vansh gently stops him.

Vansh: Alright then. Kabir, Rohan—enjoy yourselves. I’ll head out.

Rohan (quickly): Why, bro? We’re more than enough to have fun. We don’t even need Kabir!

Vansh pauses at the door. For a moment, he looks at Kabir as if he wants to say something—but chooses silence instead. He turns to leave. Kabir suddenly grabs the microphone.

Kabir: Where are you going, big brother? Wasn’t this supposed to be a brothers’ night?

Vansh turns back. There’s a small smile on his face—soft, proud, restrained.

Rohan (relieved, excited): Now that feels right.

Aayesha: But Kabir—

Kabir cuts her off, his voice firm but emotional.

Kabir: He’s my brother. And for my brother, I can do anything—anything at all. You’re still… well—never mind, baby doll.

Aayesha’s face tightens. Hurt flashes across her eyes. She steps away without another word.

Rohan switches off the lights. A spotlight falls on Kabir alone.

Kabir begins singing “Channa Ve.”

“Kyun dikhe mujhe tu sirhaane mere
Soch ke teri baatein hum muskurane lage

Dil se nikal gaya hai lafzon pe aane lage
Kaisi teri khumari hai hum gungunaane lage

Channa ve… Channa ve…
Kuch toh hai tere mere darmiyan kyun lage
Channa ve… Channa ve…
Kuch toh hai tere mere darmiyan kyun lage
Channa ve…”

The music softens the room. The laughter fades into silence. People stop dancing just to listen.

Girl: Oh my God… he sings too?

Another girl: As if boxing wasn’t enough—now he’s stealing hearts with his voice.

The night doesn’t end loudly. It ends quietly—wrapped in music, unresolved feelings, and family ties that refuse to loosen.

⸻

Next Morning — 6:00 a.m.

Malhotra House

The house is calm.

Naina and Alisha stand side by side in the temple, hands folded, eyes closed. The soft sound of prayers fills the room. Alisha’s parents join them, completing the circle.

After the puja, Naina bends respectfully for blessings.

Naina: Good morning, Bade Papa. Good morning, Badi Maa.

Alisha follows.

Suman (smiling with affection): Our girls are so lovely. May you always stay happy like this.

Her voice carries more than words—care, pride, prayer.

Kapil: That’s true. A home with daughters always feels alive. They bring warmth with them.

Alisha and Naina exchange a quiet smile.

Kapil: Alright, I’m leaving now. I have an urgent meeting with Mr. Mehra.

Suman: But breakfast?

Kapil: I’ll eat there.

He leaves.

Suman: Come on, let’s all have breakfast.

Naina (playful): Yes, Badi Maa. You go ahead. I’ll come later—Di won’t be joining.

Suman: Why? Alisha, aren’t you hungry?

Alisha: No, Mom… actually—

Naina (teasing, light): Tell her, Di. Why aren’t you eating? She’s fasting today—Monday fast. So she gets a good, handsome husband from Shivji. What is it…Hot, handsome, and romantic… right?

Alisha glares.

Alisha: Naina, you little troublemaker—wait!

Naina laughs and runs. Alisha chases her. They stop in the hall, breathless.

Suman (laughing softly): They’ve grown up, but they still feel like children.

The doorbell rings.

Both girls freeze.

Suman: Jhumri, please see who it is.

Jhumri is house servant.

As the door opens, Naina and Alisha rush forward, giggling—life, joy, family, all intact.

⸻

Shekhawat House — Morning

Kabir and Vansh slip in quietly through the back door. The house is still asleep. Vansh sinks onto the sofa. Kabir collapses onto his bed. They eat curd in silence—half habit, half guilt.

A knock.

They freeze.

Dadi walks in, eyes sharp, heart sharper.

Kabir (softening): Gulabo… you could’ve just called. I would’ve come.

Vansh: Yes, Dadi… you’re up early.

Dadi: First tell me—what are you doing in his room? And who eats curd early in the morning?

Kabir (trying to joke): Gulabo, you notice everything except our tired faces.

Vansh: Dadi, I should go—I need to get ready for office.

He turns to leave, but Dadi stops him.

Dadi (stern, hurt): Both of you tell me where you were all night. You drank, didn’t you? I’m your grandmother. I know when something’s wrong.

Kabir and Vansh look at each other. Kabir shakes his head. Dadi pulls Kabir’s ear.

Kabir winces. Vansh laughs—then stops when he sees Dadi’s face.

Kabir: See, Gulabo? He’s laughing. He was partying all night too!

Vansh: Enough. How much will you lie? Should I tell her what you were doing?

Kabir: Dadi, you know him. He never even talks at parties. Yesterday, he was partying—with me. And there was a girl—

Dadi(eagerly): Which girl? Meri bahu?(My daughter-in-law?)

She looks at Vansh. Vansh shakes his head firmly.

Vansh: No, Dadi. There was no one. And there isn’t anyone.

There’s honesty there—but also distance.

Dadi (gentler now): Alright. But a proposal has come for you. My college friend’s granddaughter. You’ll at least talk to her, won’t you?

Vansh (serious, respectful): Not now, Dadi. Please. I need to focus on myself. It’s not that your choice wouldn’t be good—

Nandini enters.

Nandini: Good morning, beta. Where is Kabir? What’s happening here?

Vansh: Kabir is home. I’m leaving for office now. Tomorrow I go to Delhi—four-day seminar. Dad asked me to go.

Dadi (brightening): Delhi? Then you’ll stay at my friend’s house. I’ll call him today.

Vansh (firm but calm): No, Dadi. I already have a hotel booked.

Nandini (confused, concerned): What’s going on between you two?

Dadi (soft, emotional): Nothing… just a grandmother trying to hold on to her grandsons.

Other Side — Malhotra House

Naina (happily): Dadaji, you’re here!

She and Alisha both rush forward and hug him tightly.

Mohan (Dadaji): Yes, my child.

As Naina steps back, her eyes fill with tears. She tries to smile, but the emotions give her away.

Suman comes in and greets him warmly.

Alisha (noticing): Hey, Naina…

She hugs her again, gently comforting her, and whispers in her ear:

Alisha: Now be happy. Dadaji is going to help you go on your trip.

Naina (sniffing, smiling): Yes, enough crying now. It’s time to party.

Suman: Papa, we were planning to come receive you. Why did you come so early?

Alisha: Yes, Dadaji!

Mohan (smiling): I wanted to meet all of you quickly. And now, I won’t be leaving until after Alisha’s wedding.

Naina (excited): Wedding? Oh wow! Dadaji, you’re amazing!

Suman: Come on, let’s go inside and talk properly.

The day passes just like that—filled with conversation, laughter, and warmth.

⸻

Evening

Mohan (seriously): Everyone, be prepared. Tomorrow, a friend’s grandson from Udaipur is coming to Delhi for some work. They have a proposal for our Alisha. If he likes Alisha—and if Alisha likes him too—then the match will be finalized.

Alisha blushes. Naina giggles quietly.

Kapil: That sounds good, Papa. But what kind of family does the boy belong to?

Mohan: His name is Vansh Singh Shekhawat. The eldest son of the Shekhawat family.

Suman (shocked): Singh Shekhawat?That means Nandini’s son? Papa, she’s my college friend! I can’t believe this. I’ll call her right away.

Naina (whispering to Alisha): See? Look how your wedding connections are coming from everywhere. I can’t wait for tomorrow—to see Jijaji. And after that, watching your expression will be a different kind of fun.

Alisha (whispering back): Forget about my wedding for a moment. Tell me—what about your trip?

Naina (loudly): We’ll see about that too!

Suman: Kya dekh lenge?

Naina suddenly realizes what she said.

Naina (quickly): Vo , mai bol rahi thi ki dekh lenge ‘The Vansh Singh Shekhawat ko bhi’! Aane do usse, hmari Dii bhi koi kam nhi hai usse! Aur unki pyari c ye saali(sister-in-law) bhi kam nhi hai kisi se..

Saying this, Naina runs to her room.

Alisha, Suman, and Kapil laugh.

Mohan (softly, emotional): If her parents were alive today, they would be so happy seeing her like this.

Suman: Papa, Naina is our daughter now.

Kapil: Yes—and we love her just as much as Alisha. In fact, even more.

Alisha: Mom, Dad, Dadaji—I have some work to do. You all continue talking. I’ll be back.

⸻

Other Side — Shekhawat House (Vansh’s Room)

Kabir (teasing): Oh wow, packing already? And I hear you’re being sacrificed— with full support from our Gulabo.

Vansh (annoyed): Kabir!

Kabir: I know talking to a girl is a big task for you, but please don’t embarrass me there. I’ve heard my future sister-in-law is very beautiful.

Vansh smiles without realizing it.

Kabir notices.

Kabir: Ohhh… someone’s smiling. Then why all the drama earlier, if you’re this ready for marriage?

Vansh throws a pillow at his face.

Vansh (in his mind): So, Ms. Alisha Malhotra… we’ll see about you too.

Kabir: Bro, by the way—if you really want to make me happy, keep one secret for me. Don’t tell anyone.

Vansh: What trouble are you planning now? And listen—about your career, I’ll talk to Dad. You don’t say anything.

Kabir: No one can come between me and my career.I know everyone will agree eventually. But until then… I cannot stay here. Not even for a second.

Vansh: Then where do you plan to go?

Kabir smirks mischievously.

Vansh: Don’t tell me you’re running off again with your useless friends!

Kabir: Bro, please manage things here. I’m leaving tonight.

Vansh: Hey—listen!

Kabir: If anyone asks, just say I went with you for the business deal in Delhi.

Vansh: No way. What if the Malhotras find out?

Kabir (grinning): So what? Won’t your in-laws listen if it’s about such a handsome son-in-law?

Kabir pulls Vansh’s cheeks playfully and walks out.

Sweet!

Vansh sits down on the bed, shaking his head.

Vansh (in his mind): One day, this boy will get me killed.

⸻

Other Side

Naina (on the phone): No, yaar, we still haven’t talked. But now I’ll have to wait four more days. Someone from the Shekhawat family is coming from Udaipur.

Voice on the call: We can’t wait four days. Please make some excuse. I’ll come to pick you up tonight at 12. Everything is ready—just come to the back gate.

Naina: But yaar—

She hears footsteps approaching her room.

Naina (whispering urgently): Okay, fine. Done. Someone’s coming. 12 o’clock—plan confirmed.

~end of chapter 2~

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