The vidai ceremony unfolded with bittersweet tears as Nandini bid farewell to her family,her lehenga trailing like a river of gold.

Vikrant stood steady beside her, holding her hand while she touched elders' feet one last time rice and flower petals raining down amid sobs and hugs.

Her mother clung longest, whispering blessings through choked words,"Be happy, beta.This is your new home now." Nandini broke free with a final embrace, eyes glistening as she walked toward the car, the traditional farewell song swelling marking the end of her maiden life.

Atharva and his three friends slipping away from the emotional vidai amid Nandini's tearful farewells bid quick goodbyes to the family with hugs and waves.

Yuvansh yawned dramatically, slinging an arm around Devika."Mission wedding survived! Time to crash before tomorrow's baraat recovery."

Shaurya nodded, grabbing the drink from the  table. "Yeah, elders are onto us let's bolt before aunties start the rishta talks."They piled into the car, laughter echoing as they headed home through the quiet night streets, the wedding's magic still buzzing in their veins.

_____________________

Sanskriti told her mother she wasn't feeling well and wanted to go back home before the pheras started.

Her mother nodded worriedly, sending her off with the driver right away.

Safely in the car, she leaned back, the stranger's smirk still lingering in her mind but now just a thrilling memory, fading with the city lights.

Sanskriti woke the next morning to sunlight filtering through her curtains, the wedding's thrill now a hazy dream.

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The next day,

Atharva woke up on his royal bed in the palace. Sunlight came through silk curtains. Servants moved quietly outside.

He thought back to his brother Vikrant's wedding.That girl's sharp words cut deep.Her walk away stayed in his mind like a secret.

His friends Yuvansh and Shaurya had teased him. But he could not forget her words "not some easy prey." He smiled over strong tea.

As prince, he would find he no matter the rules.

With brother Vikrant's wedding now complete, Atharva hoped his father the king would forget or ignore the order for military training in another city, too caught up in the celebrations.

Lost in those thoughts, his grandmother Rajeshwari Devi entered his room, her silver anklets chiming softly against the stone floor.

Rajeshwari Devi's eyes softened with affection as she sat beside Atharva, gently patting his hand.

"My dear son,I see those dreams in your eyes. The wedding brought joy,but even I can't sway your father this time.The king stands firm on your training."She sighed warmly, squeezing his fingers.

"Go to the camp, my prince.This training will forge you stronger, teach you power beyond the throne.One day, you'll thank it when you rule wisely and fiercely.

"Atharva nodded reluctantly, her loving words sinking in like a royal decree wrapped in care.

Atharva nodded slowly, her words wrapping around him like a warm shawl despite the looming duty. He pulled her into a quick hug, murmuring, "You're right, badi maa.I'll go".

As she left with a proud smile, his thoughts drifted to the mystery girl from the wedding,her fire a spark he refused to let the training camp extinguish.

Atharva walked into The Paradise.His friends Yuvansh, Shaurya, and Devika spotted him right away and jumped up with big grins.

Yuvansh threw a cushion at him first. "There you are! Come play cards before Shaurya cheats again!"

Devika laughed and pulled Atharva down to sit. Shaurya shuffled the deck fast.They teased each other, high-fived wins, and shared laughs over silly bets all afternoon.

It was almost evening at The Paradise. Atharva looked at his friends and said, "After two days, Shaurya and I go for training camp."Yuvansh sighed and leaned back.

Devika frowned, stirring her drink slowly.Shaurya just nodded quietly,the mood turning heavy.

Then Yuvansh perked up."One last adventure before you two vanish?River spot at dawn?"

They wrapped up and headed out.First they dropped Devika at her place with quick hugs. Then everyone went home, set alarms early, and picked a meeting spot by the old banyan tree for the morning adventure.

They gathered at dawn under the old banyan tree, bags packed with ropes, snacks, and lanterns.

Excitement buzzed as Yuvansh checked his watch, Devika yawned but grinned wide, and Shaurya passed around hot chai from a thermos.Atharva clapped hands together. "River awaits last splash before camp calls."

Atharva grinned at Shaurya."Jump in anyway!" They stripped to shorts and leaped into the rushing river, splashing wild.

Yuvansh made a big scene, crossing arms and shaking his head."No way! These clothes? Ruined for nothing!"Atharva called out laughing, "Come on, hero!One splash won't kill your style!" Shaurya cupped hands yelling,

"Devika won't mind wet hair—jump!"

Devika giggled, "Yeah, Yuvansh, join or stay chicken!"

Yuvansh gave in laughing, tossing his shirt aside and leaping in with a dramatic yell, soaking everyone as they all cheered.

After clambering out of the river, dripping wet and bursting with laughter, they all trekked back home,exhausted yet electric from the thrill.

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At Sanskriti's Place,

Sanskriti packed her bags after the wedding, glancing at her parents' cozy home. Staying here means more match-making talks from Maa, endless questions about studies and boys. Hostel means freedom friends, late-night laughs, no prying eyes.

She chose to head back right away, craving that independence.

Her mother didn't say much, just a quiet nod. One more year, and she'd return home for good after finishing 12th boards.

On the bumpy ride back,Sanskriti thought about Ved a lot.He saved her from that scary riot, holding her arm tight through all the pushing crowd, then walked her safe to the hostel.

They met again soon, sitting under a tree and talking about their dreams.He wanted to help poor people, she dreamed of doctor life.

Those chats showed his warm heart, so kind and proper, like a real gentleman.

He's different, makes me feel safe and understood.Unlike that flirty guy Atharva at the wedding, all dominant stares and cocky waves, Ved felt way better, real and gentle.

Sanskriti reached her hostel, lost in all these thoughts about Ved's kindness versus Atharva's flirty vibe.

The driver glanced back kindly. "Reached safe, Miss."Her train of thoughts snapped, and she grabbed her bags with a quick thanks.

______________________

At Ved's Residence,

Ved reached Pratapgarh station,where a driver waited right there to pick him up. His father made sure no patriotic friends crossed his path. Ved played along smoothly, settled into the car, and headed straight home.

Ved rode home lost in thoughts of Sanskriti.Her sweet gesture lingered that soft smile when he walked her safe, her gentle nature shining through the riot chaos, and her quiet beauty that caught his heart.

He recalled her sweet ambition too, dreaming of becoming a doctor to help the needy, her eyes lighting up with fire as she spoke of healing the poor.The journey blurred by as he replayed it all.

"I have to meet her again,"he thought,heart racing at the idea.

Ved reached home safely, still smiling from thoughts of Sanskriti.

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