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Next morning,
Aditya and Dadi sat at the dining table, sipping tea. Dadi cleared her throat and said firmly, "Adi, I'm going to your Nani’s house for a few days. Take care of the house… and listen carefully don't you dare trouble Meera."
Aditya looked up from his phone and blinked. "Dadi, you're leaving? Just like that? Without warning?"
Dadi smiled while folding her shawl. "Yes, and no drama. I'll be back before you even realize I'm gone."
Aditya let out a sigh and gave a lazy grin. "Okay, Dadi. Go have fun. I'll manage things here."
She glanced at him over her glasses. "Hmm… this grin of yours looks suspicious. What's cooking in that mischievous mind of yours?"
He laughed lightly. "Dadi, you're getting too sharp these days. Now Adi can't even smile in peace?"
She narrowed her eyes playfully. "Oh, you can smile. But this is your 'planning-something-devilish' smile. And if I get even a hint of mischief from you…"
Before she could finish, Aditya reached out, gently held her hand, and said with exaggerated innocence, "Dadi, trust me. I won’t do anything. Baccha will stay in your room, peacefully, as long as she wants. I won’t even knock. promise."
She chuckled. "Good boy."
At that moment, Meera walked into the dining room, dressed in a soft blue kurta, looking fresh and graceful. Aditya instantly sat up straighter, his eyes lighting up. But Meera, ever the ice queen when she wanted to be, didn't even glance his way. Instead, she walked straight to Dadi and hugged her. "Good morning, Dadi."
Aditya smiled and muttered softly, "Good morning, baccha." But she remained silent.
Still, he got up like a gentleman, pulled out a chair for her, and said, "Come, sit. Let's eat something before college. I’ll drop you today."
Dadi raised her hand. "Not so fast. I need to talk to both of you first."
Aditya raised a brow. "About what now, Dadi?"
She looked serious. "Call Vansh. Tell him to bring Amaya home right now."
Aditya frowned. "Dadi… Vansh isn’t home."
Her eyes widened. "Not home? Where did he go in the morning?"
Aditya scratched the back of his head. "Actually… he didn’t even come back last night."
Dadi put her hand on her forehead dramatically. "Uff! I swear I'm going to lose my mind with you two. Tum dono ke liye liye din kam padh jata hai jo raaton mein ghumte ho? Arre apni dadi ke liye to time nikal liya karo!"
Aditya tried to calm her down. "Okay, okay, I'll call him right now."
Dadi muttered under her breath, "I don't care where he is he better be standing in front of me in the next thirty minutes or I’ll go to his office myself."
Aditya glanced at Meera who was quietly sipping juice, pretending not to listen.
Dadi shot him a look. “And don’t think I’m done with you."
Aditya raised both hands in surrender. “I’m as innocent as baccha!"
Meera shot him a deadly glare.
Aditya dialed Vansh’s number again, but it rang unanswered. He exhaled sharply, annoyed. "He's still not picking up."
Dadi narrowed her eyes at him, arms crossed. "You know where he is, don't you?"
Aditya looked genuinely confused or at least pretended to be. "Dadi! Why are you accusing me like this? I'm sitting right in front of you. He’s the one ignoring the call. How is that my fault now?"
Just then, his phone buzzed. Vansh’s message popped up: "I'll call in 10 mins."
Aditya turned the screen to Dadi with a smug expression. "See? He's alive. Breathing. And he’ll call in ten minutes."
Dadi gave him a long stare. "He better. I’m leaving in an hour, and I want him here before that."
At the same moment, Meera, who was sipping her juice quietly, suddenly choked mid-sip. Her eyes widened as she coughed, taken by surprise.
Aditya instantly turned to her, worried. He gently took the glass from her trembling hands and rubbed her back. "Baccha, are you alright?"
She nodded quickly, still catching her breath. "I’m fine," she mumbled, embarrassed.
He didn’t stop fussing. "Why were your hands shaking? Did you drink too fast?"
Then he narrowed his eyes slightly. "Or was it something Dadi said?"
Dadi chuckled. "She's probably shocked I'm leaving the house. Don’t worry, Meera, I'll be back in a few days."
Meera looked genuinely surprised. "You're really going, Dadi?"
"Yes, beta. Just visiting your Nani's house. And listen carefully," she pointed dramatically at Aditya, "if this boy does even one naughty thing anything at all you call me, okay? I'll be back."
Meera just nodded.
Aditya rolled his eyes, holding his chest dramatically. "Seriously, dadi?"
Dadi stood up and tapped his head lightly. "This is called protection."
He grinned. "I call it dictatorship."
Dadi said, "Jaise tu karta hai."
At Amaya's house,
Amaya sat on the edge of her bed, scrolling through pictures of bridal lehengas, but her heart wasn't in it. Her phone buzzed it was her mother-in-law.
"Amaya beta, have you still not chosen your lehenga?" her mother-in-law's voice came with a mix of love and scolding.
Amaya smiled softly. "Maa, I want to wear whatever Rathore ji likes. But he doesn't have time for all this. Aaj main hospital bhi nahi gayi isliye."
There was a short silence. Then came the familiar authoritative tone. "Wait, I'll call him right now."
Amaya's lips curved into a gentle smile as she answered, "Ji maa." She glanced at his photo, excitement and nervousness mixing in her eyes.
"Sorry Rathore ji par mujhe milna hai aapse." She softly talk to herself, and chuckled under her breath. She knew this conversation wasn't over.
They were standing outside in the empty, quiet place. Vansh stood near his car, calm on the outside, but his eyes were full of anger. Apoorv, his most trusted man, had a gun pointed at a scared man who was on his knees.
Apoorv said in a low voice, "Boss, people these days... too eager to bite the hand that feeds them."
Vansh gave a small, cold laugh. "Like this bastard," he said, looking the man with disgust. He walked towards him slowly and sat down on in front of him.
"Let's not waste the time." his voice dangerously calm. "Tell me the truth. Which other gang are you working for? Who gave you money to try and kill my mother?"
The man shaking badly, sweat mixing with tears. "Bhai... please... I've always been loyal. I swear, this is all a misunderstanding. I would never..."
"You know my father is a DCP right?" Vansh interrupted, his voice laced with quite menace.
The man nodded quickly. "Y-Yes... of cause, Bhai..."
"That's why I don't just shoot people," Vansh said, his gaze turning colder. "I think about how it'll affect my parents. They'd be heartbroken to know what I've become."
He paused, staring into the man's terrified eyes. "But then I also think... maybe if I kill you quietly, no one will ever know."
The man broke down, his voice shaking. "I'm telling the truth, Bhai! I didn't betray you... please believe me!"
Apoorv gave Vansh a look, asking if he should shoot him now, but Vansh raised his hand to stop him.
Vansh stood up and walked around slowly, "You have a family, right?"
The man choked out, "Yes... please don't hurt them. I'll do anything."
"I don't hurt them," Vansh replied. "I don't even want to hurt you. But if you lie to me now..." He leaned in, voice like steel, "I will make sure your family suffers for your mistakes."
The man trembled violently, then broke. "I'll tell you everything... I swear! Just don't hurt them... Please... they're innocent."
"Start talking," Vansh ordered, his eyes hard as stone.
The man confessed, voice breaking with each sentence. He named the gang. He told them who had hired him. He revealed the price on Vansh's mother's life. Apoorv listened silently, recording everything.
Just then Vansh's phone vibrated in his coat pocket.
"Mom calling."
He sighed.
Looking at apoorv, he said in a serious tone, "Shoot him quick. My mom's calling. I don't want any noise in the background."
Apoorv nodded and shot the man. And the man's body fell to a ground.
Then he picked up the call.
"Hello, Maa..." he said in a soft, loving voice completely different from the man he had beef a moment ago.
He heard, "Beta, it's your wedding. You have nothing to do with this, yet Amaya is waiting for you to pick your lehenga and you don't have time."
Vansh chuckled lightly and said, "Yes, maa. It's supposed to be nothing to do with me, but still, everything is happening. Strange, isn't it?"
His mother scolded softly, "Chup raho, Vansh! You need to go shopping with Amaya. End of discussion."
He sighed playfully, "Okay maa, anything else?"
"Just one more thing pick Amaya up from her house. Don't keep her waiting."
"From her house?" Vansh repeated, amusement clear in his voice.
"Yes, from her house," she confirmed firmly.
"Alright, I'm going." He ended the call, a small smile playing on his lips.
Then Vansh finally called back and said casually, "Oye, tune call ki thi?"
Aditya, pacing by the window, snapped, "Where the hell are you?"
Vansh smirked on the other end, "Relax, I'm coming, I'll tell you everything."
Aditya exhaled slowly, trying to stay calm. "You better. And listen, Dadi's calling you. And she specifically asked for Amaya bhabhi too."
Vansh paused for a second. "Wait... why does Dadi want to see doctor? What's going on?"
Aditya walked back toward the table. "No clue. You know what that means get here fast."
Vansh chuckled, "Damn. I'm already on the way to pick Amaya from her place."
Then Vansh dialed Amaya's number immediately. She answered shyly, "Ji Rathore ji, boliye."
He teased, "Doctor, agar tumhe shopping par jana tha to mujhe nahi bta sakti thi. Why did you have to complain to maa?"
Amaya laughed softly, "Aap meri kaha sunte hain, Rathore ji ?"
He replied, "Yeah, I wasn't listening. But still, this marriage is happening. Funny, isn't it?"
Without waiting for a response, Vansh added, "Come outside. I'm waiting."
Amaya took a deep breath, her heart fluttering with anticipation. She grabbed her purse and headed out, feeling the mix of excitement and nervousness.
She replied softly, "Okay, I'm coming."
Vansh stepped out of the car, he was dressed casually, wearing sunglasses, looking effortlessly handsome. The moment he leaned back on the car door with his arms crossed, Amaya paused mid-step. Her breath caught for a second. For someone who barely made time, he sure knew how to steal moments.
She grinned, her voice playfully dramatic, "Rathore ji, you're getting dangerously handsome day by day. I might need to tie a black thread around you or I'll lose sleep."
He gave her a slow, knowing smirk. "To be very honest meri hone wali biwi ki hi nazar sabse pahle lagegi wahi ghoorti hai mujhe sabse jyada."
She rolled her eyes, biting her cheek to hide her smile, but before she could reply, her parents stepped out of the house.
Vansh removed his sunglasses, immediately bent down respectfully touched their feet. Her father smiled warmly. "Beta, come inside."
He shook his head gently. "Maa asked me to take Amaya shopping, so can I... take her..."
Her mother smiled fondly. "Yes, beta. Why ask? Take her."
Her brother, standing in the doorway with folded arms, grinned. "Yes, take her jiju. Bahut ziddi hai aapki hone wali biwi. We could use some silence here. She's been driving us mad with her lehenga."
Vansh chuckled. "Just a few more days please. Then, she's mine to handle."
Amaya's cheeks turned pink, and she looked away with a soft smile. While her family laughed heartily.
Vansh walked over to the passenger side and opened the door for her like a perfect gentleman. "Please, Dr. Amaya."
As she walked past him, close enough for their arms to touche, she looked at him suspiciously. "You're behaving too nicely, Rathore ji kya baat hai?"
He smirked. "Trying to impress your mom. It's working, I think."
She sat down with a giggle, and he shut the door gently, walking over to his side and getting in. They pulled away from the house slowly, and from behind, her mother watched them leave, her eyes filled with contentment.
"What a kind, understanding and mature son-in-law I have, he'll keep our daughter very happy," she murmured.
As the car glided through the city roads, Amaya leaned her head slightly toward him and asked, "So, Rathore ji... which lehenga have you chosen for me?"
Still looking at the road, he replied, "My friend's a designer. We'll go to her. Tell her what you want. She'll make it perfect by the wedding."
She gasped in fake disbelief. "You're so unromantic! My friend's husband gave her the lehenga as a surprise gift. So thoughtful and dreamy!"
He scoffed, eyes flicking to her. "Look, doctor, mere itne bure din nahi aaye ki main meri hone wali biwi ko dusro ki style se impress karu samjhi aap. I'll give something my way. Want it, keep it. Don't want it, toss it."
She blinked at him, taken aback for a moment, then said softly, "I was just teasing. Why so serious? You got mad so quickly."
His jaw tightened for a second, then he sighed. "Just don't say stuff like that. If you want something, tell me directly. I'll make sure you get it."
The sincerity in his voice made her heart skip a beat. She reached out and touched his arm gently. "Okay... I'll only tell you. And I'll keep everything you give me."
A small smile touched his lips. "Good."
Then Vansh said with a relaxed smile, "Okay, first things first we'll to meet Dadi."
Amaya blinked. "But... I don't even know your Dadi."
Vansh leaned in slightly, teasing, "Mujhe janti hain aap?"
She narrowed her eyes at him, then fell silent.
He chuckled. "Agar aap mujhe jaan sakti hain toh unhe bhi jaan jayengi. She's sweet and savage. Just like me."
She gave him a look. "Rathore ji phir dadi aapse achi hongi."
He laughed. "Okay fine. And one more thing please try to be friends with Meera. She's really pure-hearted."
Amaya softened. "Really?"
Vansh nodded, his expression turning genuine. "Yes. She's so sweet. But panje bhi marti hai."
She shook her head with a smile. "Seriously! You guys are the worst! Don't you ever stop teasing?"
"Iss janam mein possible nahi hai, Doctor," he winked. "And since you're meeting Meera, casually complain about me and Adi. Just three or four minor things. She'll love you instantly."
"You're unbelievable, Rathore ji."
They entered Aditya's home. Dadi was already seated in the living room. Aditya and Meera were sitting nearby, calmly engaged in their own silence.
The moment dadi spotted them, she smiled brightly. "Aa gaye tum dono?"
Vansh replied, grinning, "You called us, Dadi. How could we say no?"
Amaya stood awkwardly behind him, unsure of what to do.
Dadi noticed and gestured. "Amaya beta, why are you hiding back there? Come here, beta."
Amaya glanced at Vansh, her steps slow and graceful. He gave her a small nudge and whispered, "Go. Dadi’s waiting, don't worry. She already likes you."
Amaya smiled shyly, walked to Dadi, touched her feet, and hugged her lovingly. Dadi kissed her forehead. "You're very pretty, Amaya beta. And polite too."
Amaya flushed pink as Vansh chuckled behind her.
Amaya turned to Meera, and for a moment, there was silence. Then, with warm smiles, the two girls stood and hugged gently. The beginning of a new bond uncertain yet warm.
"Hi Meera. How are you?"
Meera smiled softly. "I'm good. Welcome."
Dadi clapped her hands. "Okay now, come with me."
In Dadi's room,
Dadi opened her old jewelry. Inside lay rows of glittering ornaments heavy gold necklaces, delicate bangles, and heirloom earrings passed down through generations. Meera leaned in, her eyes widening with wonder.
"Wow Dadi... these are so beautiful," she whispered in awe, as her fingers hovered just above the velvet-lined tray.
Dadi smiled, "You like them, beta?"
Meera nodded eagerly. "Yes, Dadi, they're absolutely stunning... so royal."
Amaya standing behind her, claimed in, "Dadi, these designs are amazing. I've never seen such artistry."
Dadi gave them both a fond smile. "These are for the two of you. My daughters deserves the best."
Both girls looked at each other, stunned, touched by her love. Meera gently touched the bangles. "But Dadi, these must be so precious..."
"They are," Dadi said with a nod. "And now, so are you two."
"Both of you sit here," Dadi instructed, gesturing to the side where the jewelry sets were laid out. "Pick anything you like."
Vansh raised a playful brow. "Dadi, you better choose something for them. Otherwise, these two will turn into wild tigresses fighting over your treasures."
Meera and Amaya shot daggers at him with their eyes, and Dadi burst into laughter.
"I swear, Dadi," Vansh said dramatically, "ek din ye dono mujhe kaccha chaba jayegi. Mark my words."
Dadi lightly slapped his arm. "Then stop saying such nonsense!"
She picked up a beautiful emerald-studded choker and turned to Amaya. "Even if Aditya's wedding happened first, Vansh is the eldest, which makes you the elder daughter-in-law. So, this is for you."
Amaya looked hesitant. "Dadi, I don't know if I should..."
Vansh leaned in, whispering with a mischievous smile, "Dadi's giving you treasure. If you miss this, I'm not helping you later."
Amaya giggled quietly, still unsure. "But Dadi…"
Dadi held her hand. "Beta, the world may call Aditya and Vansh just friends, but for us, they’re no less than brothers. And this home… it belongs to you both. Equally."
Amaya's eyes softened, and she slowly took the choker, her voice barely above a whisper. "Thank you, Dadi."
Meera smiled at her, gently brushing her shoulder. "And this would look gorgeous on you, Amaya."
Vansh leaned over to Meera and teased, "Oh ho… junglee billi can talk sweet too. I’m impressed."
Meera shot him a glare.
Then Dadi picked up another royal piece an intricate set of pearls and rubies and turned to Meera. "This one is for you, Meera beta."
Meera's eyes widened. She immediately shook her head. "No, Dadi. I can't… it's too precious. I won’t be able to take care of something like this."
Dadi took her hand firmly but lovingly. "I wouldn't give it to you if I didn't believe you could."
Meera looked up, and her gaze met Aditya's but he didn't say anything. He knew she wouldn't take it, yet deep down, he wished she would. For a few moments, the two simply looked at each other in silence with unspoken words and emotions.
Then suddenly, Vansh clapped loudly. "Romance alert! Hello? Dadi's room, remember?"
Amaya mumbled to herself, "Khud se hota nahi hai dusro karne nahi dete."
Finally, she accepted the set from Dadi, carefully cradling the box in her hands. "Thank you, Dadi. I’ll treasure this."
Dadi patted her hand. "That's all I want, beta. That you understand the value not just of the set, but of your place in this family."
Then Dadi glanced around. "Where's Kabir?"
Aditya, sitting nearby, spoke casually, "He's gone out for some work. Why, Dadi?"
Dadi's eyes sparkled mischievously. "Nothing important. I'll be back in a moment you all keep talking."
With that, she left the room and headed downstairs. In the kitchen, Roop was sitting on a chair, munching on buttered toast and humming to herself. She quickly stood up as Dadi entered.
"Sit down, Roop," Dadi said with a soft authority. "I need to talk to you."
Roop sat again, instantly nervous. "Yes, Dadi? Is everything okay?"
Dadi gave her a knowing smile. "Tell me something honestly… do you like my Kabir?"
Roop's eyes widened and her toast nearly fell from her hand. She blushed instantly. "Dadi… please… don’t say that… mujhe sharam aati hai."
Dadi chuckled and tapped her lightly on the forehead. "Jab mere bete ke sath pura din flirt karti hai tab tujhe sharam nahi aati and now you feel shy when I ask?"
Roop giggled and looked down, trying to hide her grin. "He's… sweet. A little too serious. I like teasing him."
"Well," Dadi said, settling herself on the kitchen chair with a dramatic sigh, "I've given jewelry sets to Meera and Amaya today. If things move ahead with you and my Kabir, I'll make sure you get too."
Roop covered her face with her hands. "Dadi! Ab mujhe aur jyada sharam aa rahi hai."
Dadi leaned forward and whispered with a wink, "Don't worry, I have one set that will suit you perfectly… big, bold."
Roop laughed out loud. "Dadi! You're too much!"
Just then, Kabir walked into the kitchen, looking at his phone. "Dadi, Boss said you..." He stopped when he saw Roop and narrowed his eyes suspiciously. "Dadi aap mujhe aise kyo dekh rahe hain?"
Roop immediately straightened and gave him a sugary smile. "Nothing, Kabir ji. Just talking about your future."
Kabir looked at Dadi, alarmed. "Dadi… what are you saying to her?!"
Dadi stood up with a mischievous grin. "Only good things, beta. Only good things…"
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