Ishita watched the sleek black SUV disappear around the corner, leaving behind only the distant, muffled sounds of early Holi celebrations from the street. A small sigh escaped her. It was silly to feel disappointed. Of course, Rudra Singh Rathor wouldn't come to a family party. She had just seen proof of his cold logic yesterday.

She smoothed the fabric of her handbag and walked toward the gate, shaking off the lingering shadow of his refusal.The sleek black SUV rolled down the quiet street and disappeared around the corner, leaving Ishita with a strange hollow in her chest she couldn't quite name.

She sighed softly, shaking her head at herself. Of course, Rudra Singh Rathor wouldn't come to a small Holi gathering. The man probably scheduled his emotions like board meetings - efficiently, and never.

Clutching her cream handbag a little tighter, she smiled to no one in particular and stepped through the gate and left for her home

Finally after 2 days the garden of Reet's home was a delightful, vibrant contrast to Rudra's usual stark aesthetic. Laughter mixed with Bollywood music, and the smell of *gujiyas* and *thandai* hung in the air.

Ishita walked in, her simple **white anarkali suit** a canvas against the emerging splashes of color. Her **long curly hair** fell open over her shoulders, catching the sunlight. She wore **oxidized jhumkas**, a soft silver **payal** around one ankle, and matching **bangles**-just enough detail to catch the eye. Her makeup was soft, emphasizing her natural brown skin and eyes.

Ishita paused for a moment, just taking it in. It felt like stepping into a dream - one so warm and alive, it almost made her forget the sharp, distant world she had left behind at Rudra's office.

Ishu!"The familiar, musical voice made her turn. Reet came rushing forward in a sunny yellow saree that glowed like pure joy itself.

My face broke into a genuine smile. "Reet!"

I smiled, warmth returning to her eyes. "Reet! You look so beautiful - this place looks straight out of a festival painting."

Reet laughed, hugging her tightly. "And you - my dear Ishu - are the painting! Look at you in all white. You're literally begging to be ambushed with color."

"Ishu! You made it!"You look gorgeous! Like a dream. I love the white. It's perfect for Holi."

"Thank you," i laughed, adjusting her bangles. "This is lovely. It's so much more... cozy than I expected."

They walked over to the drinks table. Reet handed her a tall glass of the creamy saffron-infused drink.

Reet grinned, handing her a thandai. "Here, drink this. It'll make you forget who you are and start throwing colors at strangers."

Perfect. That's exactly the energy I need," I replied, laughing as she took a sip.

*** (Taking a sip of the *thandai*) "Oh, you are ruthless! I love it. Are you expecting any professional photographers here? Just wondering if I should try to preserve my whiteness for another hour."

**Reet:** "Nope, just phone cameras today! This is strictly our crew Ishu. Relax. But speaking of avoiding color... guess who hasn't shown up yet?"

I didn't need to ask. I kept her eyes on her glass.

**I** (Trying to sound casual) "Rudra, I assume? You mentioned he usually skips these things." **Reet:** "Exactly! The great Rudra Singh Rathor. Honestly, I'm shocked he hasn't sent security to tell us to turn the music down. I did text him, a polite, guilt-trippy message, but..." Reet shrugged. "Nothing. He's probably locked away in his high-rise, reviewing quarterly reports.

**** (A genuine, soft laugh) "That sounds exactly right. He's not one for wasting time on 'frivolities,' as he put it."

**Reet:** (Raising an eyebrow playfully) "He *put it*? Oh, you two are getting awfully familiar with each other's philosophies. Did you try to convince him?" I felt a flush creep up my neck. **** "No! I mean, yes. I just saw him outside the studio yesterday, and I was curious. I asked him if he would come. He made it very clear that he won't be here."

I took another sip of *thandai*, feeling a sense of peace settle over me. I am here, i am enjoying the warmth and the color, and that was enough. I didn't need a cold, heartless prince to validate the joy of the day. I set her glass down, finally ready to get into the spirit. "Alright, Reet. Where are the colors? I think it's time for me to embrace my destiny as a walking rainbow."

**Reet:** (Grinning triumphantly) "That's the spirit! Follow me, my innocent white canvas. Your transformation awaits.

Reet grinned and looped her arm through hers. "Then let's start without him. Come on, my white angel - it's time to ruin that perfect outfit of yours."

Bring it on," I said, laughing, setting her glass down.

They ran toward the color table, giggling like two schoolgirls as the world around them exploded in pinks, greens, and yellows.

"As Reet led Ishita toward the tables stacked with bright powders,

And just as Reet smeared the first streak of gulal across Ishita's cheek,

a powerful, familiar **black SUV** quietly pulled into the driveway hidden from the main garden view The vehicle stopped just short of the gate.

. A man-tall, imposing, and dressed in a perfectly tailored **dark grey linen shirt** and jeans-stepped out, his ocean-blue eyes scanning the unexpected scene of chaos and color with a look of intense, practiced disapproval.

**Rudra Singh Rathor had arrived.**