💖 Ishita's Perspective

The fire crackled, casting dancing shadows over **Jay’s** face as he suddenly became very interested in the patterns on the terrace stones.

"Nahi... mere baare mein koi baat nahi, please guys!" (No... no talk about me, please!) he stammered, his usual model-like confidence vanishing into the night air.

"Ooohoo! Sharma gaye kya?" (Oh? Are you blushing?) **Drishti** teased, leaning forward with a playful glint in her eyes. The entire "Young Squad" let out a collective "Aww!" that echoed off the palace walls.

I adjusted my hoodie, my **heavy gold jhumkas** catching the light as I looked at my favorite brother-in-law. "Woh chhodo! Jay par mujhe bharosa hai... woh le aayega koi badiya si!" (Leave that! I trust Jay... he’ll bring someone amazing!) I declared, giving him a supportive wink.

Then, I turned my "Boss Bhabhi" gaze toward **Shivay**. "Shivay, tum apni tension lo! Kuch karo... varna Tanya ke papa uski shaadi kahin aur kara denge." (Shivay, you worry about yourself! Do something... or Tanya’s dad will marry her off somewhere else.)

"Bhaga ke le jaunga!" (I'll elope with her!) **Shivay** blurted out, looking desperate enough to actually try it.

**Tanya** didn't even blink. She just crossed her arms, looking at him with a flat, unimpressed stare. "Main nahi bhagungi. Main toh proper shaadi ke saath hi jaungi." (I'm not eloping. I'll only go with a proper wedding.)

"Woh toh bhul jao!" (Forget about that!) **Veer** chipped in, earning a sharp nudge from **Aditi**.

**Chavvi**, sitting calmly beside the ever-intimidating **Krishiv**, tilted her head. "Waise... Uncle ki problem kya hai? Shivay achha hai, aur earning bhi sahi hai." (By the way... what is Uncle's problem? Shivay is good, and his earnings are fine too.)

I felt **Rudra’s** chest rumble as he let out a low, gravelly sigh. His arm tightened around my 30 kg frame, his thumb absentmindedly grazing the **tattoo of my name** on his chest.

"The problem isn't the money, Chavvi," Rudra said, his **ocean-blue eyes** fixing on Shivay. "The problem is that Tanya's father thinks Shivay is still the same guy who once tried to 'kidnap' his own cousin as a prank. He doesn't see a 'stable' husband—he sees a headache."

"Hey! That was one time!" Shivay defended himself, looking at me for support.

I shrugged, my brown eyes twinkling. "Ru is right. You need to show him you've grown up. Maybe stop suggesting eloping as Plan A?"

"So... Plan B is...?" Shivay asked hopefully.

"Plan B is showing him you can handle **Tanya's** mood swings better than he can," I laughed, dodging the cushion Tanya threw at me.

I stood up with a dramatic flair, my *gold jhumkas** catching the firelight as I pointed a determined finger at Shivay.

"Koi baat nahi! I will help. I will personally talk to Uncle," I declared, my brown eyes sparking with the confidence of a woman who had survived a three-year separation and Badi Bua’s "Vecna" glares in one day.

"Yes, yes! I will help too," **Chavvi** added, her voice calm but firm. **Aditi** didn't even wait for an invitation, jumping up to join our little "Matrimonial Task Force."

**Rudra** shifted beside me, his frame looming as he opened his mouth to offer some "Royal Authority." "I could—"

"Nahi, nahi! Aap nahi, please!" (No, no! Not you, please!) **Tanya** shouted, waving her hands frantically. She looked at Rudra’s cold, handsome face and his piercing **ocean-blue eyes**. "Mere Papa aur darr jayenge!" (My Papa will get even more scared!)

The terrace went silent for a heartbeat before I let out a loud, uncontained laugh that echoed off the palace walls. Even **Oscar**, the black panther lurking in the shadows, probably flinched at the sound.

"Not funny, Janna," Rudra muttered, his jaw tightening as he looked at me, though

"Yes! Very funny!" I wheezed, clutching my stomach. **Veer, Shivay, and Jay** joined in, their laughter becoming so loud it probably reached Badi Bua’s room downstairs.

The tension—and the laughter—was broken by the rhythmic *clink-clink* of a silver trolley. A servant appeared from the terrace stairs, looking slightly terrified of the "Young Squad's" chaos, but carrying the most beautiful sight in Rajasthan: **The Dosa Party.**

The aroma of hot sambar and fresh coconut chutney instantly filled the air, drowning out the scent of the woodsmoke.

"Finally!" I cheered, reaching for a crispy, golden-brown dosa before the tray even stopped. "Ru, look!  I gave him a cheeky grin, tearing off a piece and holding it to his lips.

"Eat, my Cold-Hearted Prince. You need the energy if you're going to keep being 'scary' to Tanya's dad."

The moonlight hit the terrace just right, reflecting off the silver trays as I tore off another piece of the crispy ragi dosa. I dipped it generously into the coconut chutney and held it up to **Rudra’s** lips.

He didn’t say a word. The man who made international CEOs tremble, simply leaned down and took the bite, chewing quietly while his **ocean-blue eyes** stayed fixed on me. I didn't even have to ask; I just kept feeding him between my own bites, my ** jhumkas** tinkling with every move.

The silence was broken by a collective, theatrical sigh from across the fire pit. **Shivay, Veer, and Jay** were staring at us, their expressions a mix of disbelief and pure mockery.

"Majnu!" they chorused in perfect, annoying unison.

Rudra’s jaw tightened. He didn't stop chewing, but he shifted his gaze toward them, giving them the kind of lethal glare that usually ended boardroom meetings in thirty seconds.

**Krishiv**, however, didn't flinch. He just leaned back, his arm sliding around **Chavvi’s** waist as a slow, dangerous smirk spread across his face.

"Biwi ka Majnu banne mein koi burai nahi hai..." (There's no harm in being your wife's Majnu...) he mused, his voice smooth as silk. He turned his head slightly toward his wife. "Right, honey?"

Chavvi’s face turned a deep shade of crimson as she looked at her lap, her blush visible even in the dim firelight.

**Tanya** let out a frustrated huff, pointedly looking at **Shivay**, who was currently trying to catch a piece of popcorn in his mouth.

"Ek mera wala hai... iske nakhre alag hain!" (Then there's my guy... his tantrums are something else!) she complained, throwing her hands up. "Usually, girls have the tantrums, but mine is just... *ajeeb* (strange)."

"Hey! I don't have tantrums!" Shivay defended himself, nearly choking on his popcorn. "I have... *standards*."

I let out a loud laugh, leaning my 30 kg frame back against Rudra’s shoulder, right over the **tattoo of my name**. "Standard? Shivay, last week you refused to go into the mall because the valet didn't say 'Good morning' with enough 'enthusiasm.' That's not a standard, that's a Vecna-level mood swing!"

Rudra let out a rare, low-frequency chuckle that I felt more than heard. He reached out and wiped a stray drop of chutney from the corner of my mouth with his thumb, his gaze softening just for me.

"See?" Aditi whispered to the group. "The 'Cold-Hearted Prince' is officially a 'Soft-Hearted Husband.' Who's next for the Majnu transformation?"

The crackling fire and the half-eaten dosas were forgotten as the atmosphere on the terrace suddenly shifted from playful teasing to a full-blown "Relationship Crisis." **Tanya** crossed her arms, her eyes flashing with a mix of hurt and irritation as she looked at **Shivay**.

"Tumhe kabhi mere saath aisa kiya hai? Huhhh!" (Have you ever done this for me?) she snapped, gesturing toward the way **Rudra** was still quietly attentive to me. "Tum mujhe pyaar hi nahi karte actually... Papa is right! Look at everyone else, and here you are in your own world!"

Shivay looked like a deer caught in high-beam headlights. He opened his mouth, but the words wouldn't come. "I love you, Tanya..."

"Dikhta toh nahi hai!" (It doesn't show!) she countered, her voice catching.

"Toh kya karu ab dikhne ke liye?!" (Then what should I do for it to show?!) Shivay cried out, looking around the terrace for a lifeline.

**Jay** suddenly stood up, a mischievous glit in his eyes. "Wait! I have an idea!" He didn't wait for an answer, sprinting downstairs with the speed of a professional football player. Two minutes later, he burst back onto the terrace, breathless, clutching an acoustic guitar.

"Chalo, pyaar ka izhaar ho jaye!" (Come on, let the confession of love begin!) Jay declared, striking a chord that echoed into the Rajasthani night.

The firelight danced as Jay began to play a rhythmic, soulful beat. Shivay took a deep breath, looked Tanya straight in the eyes, and started to sing with a raw, desperate passion that silenced the entire terrace.

> *Ikk tere naal asi dil jo lagayi baithe*

> *Tere bina kisi da na hona*

> *Akhiyon mein meri bas tu rehta hai*

> *Yaara, neendraan ne pher kithe auna?*

>

> *Chahidi ae cheez kehdi?*

> *Dil mera? Jaan meri?*

> *Keh te sahi, de jaavaan*

> *Jindadi malook saadi*

> *Pyaar waali hook saadi*

> *Sun te sahi, main bulavaan...*

>

> *Iktara vajjda ae*

> *Sohniye, noor mahal di mohri*

> *Aa, vyaah karva layiye*

> *Sohniye, main kaala, tu gori!*

The terrace transformed into a concert. **Akshat, Vardaan, Reet, Drishti, Aditi, and Chavvi** all started clapping in perfect synchronization with the beat. **Veer** joined in, whistling, while **Jay** shredded the guitar strings with a grin.

I couldn't help it—I was up on my feet, my **jhumkas** dancing as I whistled and clapped along. I looked over at **Rudra and Krishiv**. remained seated, their arms crossed, looking entirely too cool for the situation—but I saw Rudra’s foot tapping a tiny, secret beat against the stone floor.

"Aa, vyaah karva layiye!" Shivay sang the last line, pointing directly at Tanya, his face glowing with a mix of sweat and love.

Tanya’s icy resolve melted instantly. A slow, beautiful smile spread across her face as she looked at her "Ajeeb" boyfriend.

👑 Rudra's Perspective

The atmosphere on the terrace had shifted from a royal dinner to a scene straight out of a romance novel. I leaned back against the cool stone, watching the chaos with a detached amusement that only my wife could break.

Tanya finally looked at Shivay, her eyes shimmering in the firelight, and gave a firm, tearful "Yes" that had been a long time coming.

The "Young Squad" erupted. **Akshat, Veer, and Jay** were whistling like they were at a football match. I felt a small, warm hand slide into mine. **Ishita** didn't just hold my hand; she grabbed it with a determined grip and began moving my arm up and down.

"Ru! Clap! It's a celebration!" she hissed, her *jhumkas** brushing my shoulder as she forced  to join the standing ovation. I let out a low, gravelly sigh and complied, my **eyes** catching her triumphant brown ones.

"Ab Krishiv Bhai ki baari!" (Now it's Krishiv Brother's turn!) **Akshat** shouted, pointing toward the shadows where the Mafia King sat.

"No, no... I don't—" Krishiv started, his voice cold and final. But he stopped dead. Beside him, **Chavvi** had her lower lip tucked out in a perfect, heartbreaking pout. He closed his eyes, let out a resigned breath, and signaled Jay for a softer, more melodic beat.

The firelight dimmed as the mood turned soulful. Krishiv’s voice, usually reserved for orders and threats, turned into a velvet caress as he looked only at Chavvi.

> *Tum aankhon se batana, hum samajh jaayenge*

> *Tum halki si sharmana, hum tere ho jaayenge...*

> *Hum raah taake baithe hai koi ijaazat do*

> *Tum haath thaam lena, hum sawar jaayenge.*

>

> *Tumhari mehendi mein, chhupe hum rahe*

> *Baatein karna humse, bin kuch tum kahe...*

> *Hum khaamoshi padhlenge, agar chup tum raho*

> *Tum aadat bano humari, hum bigad jaayenge.*

>

> *Yaar mere pyaar ka matlab, samajhta nahi zamaana*

> *Zamaane ki fikar nahi, main chaahun tumhein samajhna...*

> *Ho ik meri khwaish yahin, ke tum mein hai bas jaana*

> *Ho jitni bhi muradein teri, main poore sab kar jaana.*

>

> *Kaagazon par sabne apne lafz likhe*

> *Humne apne jazbaat bhi saza ke hai rakhe...*

> *Tum aankhon mein dekho humari, sab samajh jaaoge*

> *Tum aankhon se batana, hum samajh jaayenge.*

The silence that followed was heavy with emotion. **Chavvi** was blushing so hard it was visible even in the dark, her hand clutched in Krishiv’s. Even **Aditi and Tanya** were dabbing at their eyes.

I felt Ishita lean her frame into my side, her head resting on my shoulder . I didn't say it aloud, but as I looked at her curly hair catching the golden light, the lyrics hit home. I didn't need a song to tell her—I had already promised to fulfill every *murad* (wish) she ever had, even the ones involving late-night dosas.

AUTHOR POV

The energy on the terrace shifted from the soulful intensity of Krishiv’s confession to a high-octane, Bollywood-style celebration. **Aditi** nudged **Veer**, her eyes dancing with mischief. "Come on!" she challenged.

Veer didn't hesitate for a second. He stood up, adjusting his casual jacket with a confident smirk. "Of course, baby," he replied, his voice brimming with a playful charm that matched the upbeat strumming of Jay’s guitar.

The rhythm picked up, a fast-paced beat that had everyone’s feet tapping against the ancient stones of the Raj Mahal. Veer began to sing, his eyes locked on Aditi as he moved with an effortless grace that even the rudra watched with a flicker of amusement.

> *Yoon tera muskurana aur aake chale jaana*

> *Yoon tera muskurana aur aake chale jaana*

> *Qismat ka hai khul jaana...*

> *Tera deedar hua, pehla sa pyaar hua*

> *Pehli hi baar hua is dil ko*

> *Na toh inkaar hua, na hi iqraar hua*

> *Jaane kya, yaar, hua is dil ko!*

>

> *Tujhse mila toh jaagi duayein*

> *Aur nazar ne sajda kiya*

> *Jannat zameen pe aayi utar ke*

> *Khushiyon ne jaise chun sa liya...*

> *Har manzar dil-nasheen hai (oho, aaha!)*

> *Tu hi tu har kahin hai (oho, aaha!)*

> *Ho, teri ye adayein toh hain saari qaatilaana!*

**Akshat, Vardaan, and Jay** provided the backing vocals, their "oho, aaha!" echoing across the terrace and likely drifting down to the ears of a very confused family members**Chavvi and Tanya** were clapping in perfect unison, their faces glowing with the warmth of the fire and the joy of the moment.

Veer lowered his voice for the final, more intimate verses, leaning closer to Aditi until their foreheads almost touched.

> *Tere bina main tanha tha har pal*

> *Honthon pe har-dam thi tishnagi...*

> *Maqsad nahi tha, sapne nahi the*

> *Thi zindagi mein aawaargi...*

> *Tu mera rehnuma hai! Manzil hai, raasta hai!*

> *Ho, mere liye tu toh jaise Rab ka hai nazrana!*

As the final chords of the guitar faded into the desert night, the "Young Squad" let out a deafening cheer. Even **Rudra**, usually the epitome of silence, gave Veer a respectful nod of approval, his **ocean-blue eyes** reflecting a rare softness as he looked back down at his "Janna."

The melody had barely settled when a deep, resonant vibration began to hum through the floorboards—not from the music, but from the garden below.

The atmosphere on the terrace softened instantly as Veer leaned down, his hand resting with mountain-like gentleness against Aditi’s two-month baby bump. He pressed a lingering kiss to her forehead, a silent promise of protection that had every girl in the "Young Squad" letting out a synchronized, sentimental "Awwwww!"

**Ahana** wiped a stray tear and turned her attention to the co-CEO of The Rathor Company. "Okay, Akshat Bhaiya... ab aap!" (Now it's your turn!)

**Akshat** looked at **Drishti**, his usually sharp business mind melting into the gaze of a man deeply in love. He took the guitar from Jay, his fingers finding the chords with a slow, haunting melody that resonated through the Raj Mahal’s ancient stones.

> *Hmm...*

> *Chhooteya na chhoote mose*

> *Rang tera dolna*

> *Ik tere baajo dooja*

> *Mera koi mol na*

> *Bolna maahi bol na*

> *Bolna maahi bol na*

The crackling fire seemed to dim as Akshat’s voice rose, filled with a raw sincerity that even made **Rudra** stop his restless tapping.  pulled her closer, his **ocean-blue eyes** reflecting the flickering orange flames as we listened to the words that felt like they were written for every couple under the desert stars.

> *Tere liye aaya main toh tere sang jaana*

> *Dholna ve tere naal jeendadi bitawaan*

> *Kadi naiyo chhodna ishq di door na*

> *Saare chhadd jaayein maahi tu na chhodna*

> *Bolna maahi bolna*

> *Bolna maahi bolna...*

Drishti reached out, her hand resting on Akshat’s shoulder as he sang the final, most intimate verses. Ishita felt **Rudra’s** grip on her waist tighten, as the song echoed the 5 years of love, separation, and destiny that had brought us back together.

> *Tere sang hansna main*

> *Tere sang rona*

> *Tujhmein hi rehna main*

> *Tujhmein hi khona*

> *Dil mein chhupa ke tujhe*

> *Dil naiyo kholna*

> *Marke bhi maahi tose*

> *Munh na modna*

> *Chhooteya na chhoote mose*

> *Rang tera dolna*

> *Ik tere baajo dooja*

> *Mera koi mol na...*

As the final "Hmm..." faded into the night air, the entire group was silent, lost in the gravity of the lyrics. **Krishiv and Chavvi** were holding hands tightly, and **Vardaan and Reet** were leaning into each other.

The fire crackled softly in the center of the terrace as the guitar changed hands once more. **Veer** adjusted his seat, his eyes finding **Reet** and a warm, playful smile broke across his face. He struck a gentle chord, and the air filled with the rhythmic soul of Punjab.

Veer’s voice was clear and full of emotion as he began to sing, the lyrics echoing against the marble walls of the Raj Mahal.

> *Haaye Oh Mere Beliya Ve*

> *Tere Te Marde Aa*

> *Ho Assi Tainu Pyaar Nahi Karde*

> *Mohabbat Karde Aa...*

> *Oh Sajde Tainu Hi Kariye*

> *Tere Ton Darde Aa*

He looked at Reet, emphasizing the difference between simple "pyaar" and the deep, soul-binding "mohabbat."

The rhythm picked up, and **Jay** started clapping along, adding a light beat to the melody.

> *Tere Naal Gallan Karke*

> *Saare Rab Nu Mann Gaye*

> *Teri Gali De Bacche Vi*

> *Shayar Ban Gaye...*

> *Tu Chori Chori Ban Gaya Ae*

> *Tu Kamzori Ban Gaya Ae*

> *Tu Te Rab Ton Vi Utte*

> *Tu Te Kujh Hor Hi Ban Gaya Ae*

Veer’s voice dropped to a more intimate whisper as he sang the verses about care and worry—a sentiment that resonated deeply with every man in the circle

> *Main Har Din Ehe Socha*

> *Kihdi Jaan Khawange*

> *Ve Jeh Tainu Kujh Ho Gaya*

> *Assi Kitthe Jawange...*

> *Ve Tu Har Haal Rakheya Kar*

> *Tu Apna Khyaal Rakheya Kar*

> *Ve Main Tere Dard Aa Di Dawa*

> *Tu Mainu Naal Rakheya Kar*

As he reached the final lines, Veer’s gaze was unwavering, a vow of loyalty that transcended the music.

> *Jitthe Koi Nahi Khad’da*

> *Tere Layi Othe Khad’de Aa...*

> *Assi Tainu Pyaar Nahi Karde*

> *Mohabbat Karde Aa.*

The song faded, leaving a beautiful silence on the terrace. Reet was blushing, her eyes shining with tears of joy. **Aditi, Chavvi, and Tanya** were all visibly moved, leaning into their respective partners.

She looked up at **Rudra**. His **ocean-blue eyes** were fixed on me, and though he hadn't sung a single note, the intensity in his gaze told her he felt every word of that song for his "Janna."

👑 Rudra's Perspective

The laughter and the cheering died down, replaced by a heavy, expectant silence. **Ishita** cleared her throat—loudly, pointedly—and fixed her brown eyes on me with a challenge.

I let out a low, gravelly chuckle. **Krishiv** smirked from across the fire, leaning back. "Hanji, hanji... aapki baari," (Yes, yes... your turn,) he echoed, his voice full of a rare, brotherly mischief.

**Jay** stepped forward and handed me the acoustic guitar. As my fingers brushed the strings, I looked at Ishita. In that one look, three years of separation, the pain of I almost lost, and the five years of pure love flashed between us. It took me back to the nights in my penthouse, before the world tore us apart.

"Join me," I murmured, my voice a deep vibration.

She nodded, her  swaying gently as she took a breath.

I struck the first cord, the sound echoing into the vast Rajasthani night.

> **Rudra:** *O jaana...*

> **Ishita:** *O jaana...*

I kept my **eyes** locked on hers, my voice dropping into that soulful, rhythmic baritone.

> **Rudra:** > *Khoya khoya rehta hai*

> *Dil tadap ye kehta hai*

> *Tu hai mere jeene ki wajah*

> *O jaana.. O jaana..*

Then, she took over, her voice like silk, carrying the weight of the years she spent waiting for me.

> **Ishita:** > *Ishq hai aansu, ishq hai naghma*

> *Ishq sukoon hai, raahat hai*

> *Ishq hai sehra, ishq hai dariya*

> *Ishq junoon hai, zahmat hai...*

The "Young Squad" sat mesmerized. I felt the **tattoo of her name** over my heartbeat thrumming in time with the guitar. I sang the next verses just for her, reminding her of the silence I lived in during our time apart.

> **Rudra:** > *Tanha adhoora sa, khaamosh lamha sa*

> *Tehra hua hai dil yahaan*

> *Mehsoos kar le tu, jazbaat ki khushbu*

> *Khud se karun kya mai bayaan...*

> *Dard hai jo halka sa, khaab khaab chalka sa*

> *Tu muskuraaye har jagah*

> *O jaana..*

Ishita’s eyes shimmered with unshed tears as she leaned toward me, the flames reflecting in her gaze.

> **Ishita:** > *Khoya khoya rehta hai*

> *Dil tadap ye kehta hai*

> *Tu hai mere jeene ki wajah*

> *O jaana..*

> *Kis pe karun zaahir, hain dard kya aakhir*

> *Kyon sukoon mujh se khafa...*

I picked up the tempo, my voice blending with hers as the pain of the past met the promise of our future.

> **Rudra:** > *Betaab lamhon mein, benaam aashqon mein*

> *Yeh aaks kis ka ban gaya...*

> *Ghum ko aazmaane de, dil ko chot khaane de*

> *Kya hai chale kuch toh pata!*

Then, we sang the final lines together, our voices intertwining like the fate that had finally brought us home.

> **Together:** > *O jaana...*

> *Khoya khoya rehta hai*

> *Dil tadap ye kehta hai*

> *Tu hai mere jeene ki wajah*

> *O jaana.. O jaana.. O jaana..*

As the last note faded, I reached out and pulled her into my lap, my arms acting as a shield against the rest of the world. She hid her face in my neck, right over my pulse, as the terrace erupted in a standing ovation.

The standing ovation from the "Young Squad" felt like a warm embrace against the cool night air. I didn't care about the cold-hearted prince persona anymore; I only cared about the powerhouse in my arms.

As the last notes of *O Jaana* drifted toward the Aravalli hills, I saw the tiny, pearl-like tears escaping her brown eyes. I didn't wait for her to ask. I reached out, my thumb brushing her cheek with a tenderness that made the whole group let out a collective, sentimental **"Awwwwww!"** Ishita let out a watery laugh, burying her face in the crook of my neck to hide her blush, her I leaned down and pressed a firm, lingering kiss to her forehead—a silent vow that the "separation" part of our story was over forever.

The emotional moment was abruptly punctured by **Jay**, who snatched the guitar back with the energy of a man who had reached his sentimental limit.

"Ab meri baari, guys!" (Now it's my turn!) Jay declared, striking a chord that was much louder and more chaotic than mine.

"Nahi, nahi! Sab saath mein, okay?" (No, no! Everyone together!) **Ahana** argued, trying to grab the headstock of the guitar.

But Jay was already in his own world. He stood up on the stone bench, pointing the guitar neck toward Ishita like a serenading hero from an old 90s comedy.

> *"Pyar ki naiya hai Ram ke bharose... apni bhi naiya ko paar tu lagayi de!"*

> (The boat of love is in God's hands... and you've finally brought our boat to the shore!)

Ishita exploded into a fit of giggles, her frame shaking against my chest. Even **Krishiv** cracked a genuine smile, and **Shivay** started whistling along to Jay’s off-key but hilarious rendition.

"Chalo, chup kar!" (Come on, shut up!) Ahana laughed, finally succeeding in hitting Jay’s arm with a cushion. "You're ruining the 'Royal' vibe, Jay!"

"Ruining it? I'm the life of this palace!" Jay winked, jumping down and bowing to us.

AUTHOR POV

The night air over the Raj Mahal transformed into a literal symphony of souls. **Ishita**, looking radiant with her **long curly hair** catching the light of the dying embers, reached out and took the guitar from Jay. There was a quiet confidence in the way her slender fingers gripped the neck—a testament to the hours **Rudra** had spent teaching her in the quiet sanctuary of his penthouse.

As she struck the opening chords, the "Young Squad" gathered closer, forming a circle of warmth and melody that seemed to push back the shadows of the palace.

The entire group began in a powerful, unified chorus that resonated through the stone pillars:

> **Together:**

> *Roshni hi roshni hai*

> *Char-su, jo char-su*

> *Ishq hai yeh, ishq hai*

> *Ishq hai yeh, ishq hai...*

>

> *Jo chhupa hai har nazar mein*

> *Har taraf jo ru-ba-ru*

> *Ishq hai yeh, ishq hai*

> *Ishq hai yeh, ishq hai...*

The song shifted into a playful back-and-forth. The men leaned in with their deep voices, while the girls answered with melodic chirps.

> **the Men:** *Tumse mile toh kuch gunguni-si, hone lagi hain sardiyan...*

> **the Girls:** *(Ishq-ishq, ishq-ishq!)*

> ** the Men:** *Tumse mile toh dekho, shehar mein khilne lagi hain vaadiyan...*

> ** the Girls:** *(Ishq-ishq, ishq-ishq!)*

**Rudra’s ocean-blue eyes** never left Ishita’s face his voice a low, gravelly vibration that felt like a private confession amidst the crowd.

> **The Men:**

> *Saaya mera hai tu aur main tera*

> *Tu dikhe ya na dikhe tu*

> *Teri khushbu ku-ba-ku*

> *Ishq hai yeh, ishq hai...*

The tempo slowed as **Ishita, Aditi, Chavvi, tanya Dhristi , Reet ,Ahana** took over, their voices rising like a prayer. As they sing with the depth of there heart

> **The Girls:**

> *Mope yeh karam bhi keeje*

> *Laage naahin tum bin jiyara*

> *Aisi bekhudi hi deeje...*

> *Mope yeh karam bhi keeje*

> *Laage naahin tum bin jiyara*

> *Aisi bekhudi hi deeje.*

The energy surged once more as the song reached its peak. **Jay and Veer** were clapping rhythmically, and **Akshat and Vardaan** were singing with a joy that only comes from being home.

> **The Men:** *Barsi hai mujhpe mehar aasmani!*

> **The Girls:** *Mohabbat ka, dekho, asar aasmani!*

> **The Men:** *Pairon ke neeche zameen ud rahi hai!*

> **The Girls:** *Hai ishq mein har safar aasmani!*

The final chorus was a deafening, beautiful declaration that seemed to reach the very stars above Rajasthan.

Tumse Mile Toh Baithe Bithaye

Chhoone Lage Hain Aasmaan ( mens )

[ Ishq Ishq

Ishq Ishq

Tumse Miley ..Tohh Chhhota Sa Kissa..

Banne Ko Hai Ekk Dastaan.. ] girls

( Ishq Ishq

Ishq Ishq ) mens

> **Together:**

> *Haan, saaya mera hai tu aur main tera*

> *Tu dikhe ya, tu dikhe ya na dikhe tu*

> *Teri khushbu ku-ba-ku!*

>

> *Ishq hai yeh, ishq hai (Ishq hai!)*

> *Ishq hai yeh, ishq hai...*

> *Ishq hai yeh, ishq hai...*

As the last vibration of the guitar strings died out, Ishita let out a breathless laugh, leaning her head against Rudra’s shoulder. The "Young Squad" stood in a comfortable silence, the bond between them stronger than ever.

👑 Rudra's Perspective

The sentimental melody of the guitar was suddenly replaced by the sound of rhythmic clapping and joyful cheers. **Ahana**, unable to contain her excitement any longer, sprang up and grabbed **Ishita’s** hands, pulling her into a rapid, dizzying twirl.

Ishita’s head fell back as she let out a bright, melodic laugh, her **long curly hair** fanning out like a dark halo and her **heavy gold jhumkas** ringing like temple bells with every rotation. Not wanting to be the only one dancing, Ishita reached out mid-spin and caught **Chavvi’s** hand, pulling the shy mafia queen into the center of the terrace.

come on!" Ishita giggled, lunging for **Drishti**, who joined the circle with a wide, glowing smile. The three of them spun in a chaotic, beautiful blur of hoodies and pajamas, their laughter echoing off the ancient marble pillars.

"Careful, careful!" I called out, my **eyes** tracking Ishita’s every move with a mix of adoration and protective instinct.

Ishita stopped for a second, breathless and glowing, and looked toward **Aditi and Reet**. She started to reach for them, her hand outstretched, but then she froze. A look of realization crossed her face, and she immediately pulled her hands back, shaking her head with a protective "No, no!"

"Aap dono nahi!" (Not you two!) Ishita declared, pointing a finger at Aditi’s two-month bump and Reet’s three-month bump. "You two stay seated. We are the 'Moms-to-be' Security Detail tonight!"

**Aditi** let out a mock pout, resting her hands on her stomach. "Oh, come on, Ishu! I can still do a little *thumka*!"

"Not on my watch," **Veer** interjected, sliding an arm around Aditi’s waist to keep her firmly planted on the cushions. Beside them, **Vardaan** did the same for Reet, his expression a mirror of my own—watchful and deeply devoted.

I stood up, my frame towering over the group, and walked over to where Ishita was still hopping around with Ahana. I caught her by the waist, steadying as she stumbled slightly from the dizziness.

"Easy, Janna,"

"Ru, did you see?" she whispered, her eyes bright. "Everyone is so happy."

"I see," I replied, my gaze lingering on the family we had fought so hard to keep together.

The crackling fire had reduced to a soft, orange glow, and the energetic "Noor Mahal" concert had faded into a peaceful, rhythmic silence. One by one, the girls had succumbed to the exhaustion of the day’s emotional rollercoaster, leaning into the strongest shoulders they knew.

**Ishita** was the first to drift off, her frame curled perfectly against my side, her head on my chest*Aditi** was tucked under **Veer’s** arm, her hand protectively over her two-month bump, while **Reet** had fallen asleep mid-sentence against **Vardaan**. **Chavvi** and **Drishti** followed suit, leaving only the men awake under the vast Rajasthani sky.

The only one not looking "peaceful" was **Jay**. **Ahana** had slumped onto his shoulder, her head lolling back as she fell into a deep sleep.

"Bhai... help," Jay whispered, his face twisted in a grimace as he tried to shift his weight without waking her. "Ahana is heavy! My arm is going numb. How do you guys make this look so comfortable?"

"It’s called 'Husband Training,' Jay," **Akshat** chuckled softly, adjusting the shawl around a sleeping Drishti. "You’re just a brother. You haven't developed the necessary muscle endurance yet."

I leaned back, my **eyes** scanning the circle of men who had become the pillars of this family. **Krishiv** was staring into the fire, his expression uncharacteristically soft as he watched Chavvi sleep.

"Seriously though," **Shivay** murmured, looking at **Tanya** who was snoring lightly against his arm. "How do we do it? One minute we’re the cold businessman or the 'Mafia Kings,' and the next, we’re ordering Ragi Dosas and being human pillows."

"It’s the 'wife' effect," I said, my voice a low, gravelly vibration. I looked down at Ishita, her curly hair messy and her **jhumkas** finally still. "They take the heartless parts of us and... they just don't acknowledge them. To them, we’re just husband who are there servents You can't be ruthless when someone is drooling on your favorite t-shirt."

"I was thinking about what Bua said earlier," **Vardaan** added, his lawyer brain never truly turning off. "About 'Maaiyke' vs 'Sasural.' I think Papa ended that debate for good tonight. We aren't just 'husbands'—we're their safe harbor."

"Exactly," **Veer** whispered, kissing the top of Aditi’s head. If anyone tries to hurt them again, they'll have to go through all six of us."

I nodded, my grip tightening slightly on Ishita. I thought about **Oscar and King** patrolling the gardens below. They were the guardians of the palace, but we were the guardians of these women.

"Jay," I said, looking at my younger brother who was still struggling with Ahana. "Just let her sleep. It’s the only time she’s not teasing you about being single."

Jay let out a resigned sigh and finally relaxed, leaning his head back against the stone. "Fine. But if my arm falls off by morning, I'm charging her rent."