More than a month had slipped by since Sanskriti's boutique visit with Mona, the dresses now folded neat in her wardrobe, but still no word from her no whisper of that promised meeting, no sign of Ved's letter or crossing her path.

Nights blurred into days of quiet routine at home, Mother's groom hunt humming like distant thunder,while Sanskriti's thoughts tangled between hope and fading sparks, checking the gate each evening in vain.

In the evening, Saudamini called Sanskriti to her room quietly, laying out a beautiful maroon dress without much fuss.

"Wear this, beta be ready by 8.We are going to a birthday party."

Sanskriti nodded, slipping into the shimmering outfit as her mother gave a quick approving glance before leaving, her mind set on finding the best match for her daughter among the affluent guests.

Saudamini watched her daughter from the doorway,heart swelling with quiet resolve as Sanskriti smoothed the maroon dress's folds its rich hue perfect for tonight's gathering.

"Only the finest for you, beta no storms, just stability."she thought in her head.

After two hours they reached to the Singh Mansion.

The grand birthday bash unfolded in a sprawling marble hall of the Singh mansion, aglow with crystal chandeliers casting golden light over velvet-draped tables laden with silver platters of kebabs, paneer tikka, and steaming biryanis.

The house brimmed with fresh flowers cascades of roses, lilies, and tuberoses in crystal vases and strings of twinkling lights draped elegantly across arches and walls, while a live sitar ensemble wove melodies through the chatter of silk-clad guests from princely lineages mingling amid fountains bubbling rosewater.

Kavita, radiant in a gold-embroidered saree, spotted Saudamini and Sanskriti at the entrance and swept forward with a warm embrace for both.

"Saudamini ji, Sanskriti beta, you've both bloomed like lotuses! Come, meet my son Karthik Singh sharp as a blade, heir to our estates."

Karthik turned, tall and poised in a Three-piece suit of deep navy blue colour, his smile confident yet kind as he extended a hand. "Namaste, Aunty ji and hello Sankriti.

Maa hasn't stopped praising your grace."

Sanskriti smiled politely, extending her hand to meet Karthik's firm grip, her voice soft and composed. "Hello , Karthik ji.Happy birthday and your home is truly enchanting tonight."

As their brief exchange flowed with courteous nods and light words about the festivities, the air hummed with sitar notes and laughter from the affluent crowd.

Saudamini soon got busy chatting with the cluster of ladies near the rosewater fountains, their laughter mingling with clinking glasses as they traded stories of family and jewels.

Kavita turned to her son with a knowing smile. "Karthik beta, take Sanskriti around show her the gardens, introduce her to your friends. Make her feel at home."

Karthik nodded, offering Sanskriti his arm with easy charm."This way, Sanskriti the night's just beginning."

Karthik led Sanskriti through the twinkling lights and fragrant blooms, introducing her to his circle of friends lively young heirs and heiress in flowing outfits, their easy banter welcoming her with smiles and handshakes.

"Meet Rohan, our tennis ace.Arjun the family poet and Priya the sharpest dancer here,"

he said, his voice warm amid their chorus of

"Hello Sanskriti !"

Soon, the group swept toward the central stage where guests swirled in rhythmic dances to the upbeat dhol and flute, colorful dupattas fluttering like butterflies under the chandeliers.

Karthik turned to Sanskriti with a gentle smile amid the swirling dancers, extending his hand. "Sanskriti ji, may I have this dance? The music calls."

She hesitated for a heartbeat, then placed her hand in his, letting him lead her onto the stage where this soft music was being played.

From across the flower-decked hall, Saudamini watched her daughter take Karthik's hand, her face blooming with quiet pride eyes soft yet sharp,noting every graceful step amid the swirling dancers.

As the party wound down with faded music echoes and guests drifting toward farewells.

Saudamini met them near the entrance, her proud gaze now steady and approving as she nodded to Karthik. "Time to head home."

That's how, in the last three months, Sanskriti went almost five times with her mother to different parties each one a careful step in Saudamini's quiet quest for the perfect match amid affluent circles.

From lavish haveli soirees to elegant family gatherings, her daughter shone in embroidered silks, exchanging polite words with heirs like Karthik, while Saudamini's proud eyes scanned every prospect.

She couldn't oppose her mother because Saudamini had finally agreed to her college studies a hard-won compromise after endless pleas while also asking her to learn painting, a refined skill to grace her hands alongside the B.Sc.

Sanskriti had taken admission in B.Sc., the only path open since a medical degree meant living in a distant hostel, a step her mother deemed too risky for an unmarried girl.Grateful yet bound, she accompanied Saudamini to those parties without protest, her dreams of stethoscopes tucked away for now amid the silks and smiles.

After one month,

One fine morning, the sun filtering warm through the house,Mona arrived with a secretive smile and slipped upstairs, knocking sharp on Sanskriti's bedroom door. "Open up, sleepyhead your favorite chaos has landed with news!"

Sanskriti swung the door wide, pulling her inside quick before Mother's ears caught wind, hearts racing with the month's pent-up whispers.

"Mona,why didn't you visit sooner? It's been months"

Mona laughed soft from the bed,waving off the scold with a playful hand. "Sorry, dear days turned to a month with boutique rushes and college, but delays just built the thrill, didn't they? Now, hush and listen I've got a good news."

Sanskriti's eyes widened,heart skipping as she perched beside her friend.

Mona leaned in close on the bed,her voice a thrilled whisper bursting with news. "Sanskriti, I talked to Ved myself he's already reached Rajgarh, eager as you are.The meeting's set for this afternoon near the old library cafeteria; discreet, tucked away, perfect for hearts to speak."

Sanskriti's pulse raced wild, a bloom of joy mixing with nerves at the nearness of it all.

Sanskriti flung her arms around Mona in a tight hug, squeezing with breathless thanks,laughter bubbling up as joy chased away the month's ache.

"You're a miracle, Mona,thank you, thank you! But tell me, how did Ved truly sound? Eager like me, or shy whispers?"

Mona hugged back fierce, then pulled away grinning."Voice warm as his smile, Sanskriti go win him this afternoon."

Sanskriti jumped up from the bed in a whirl of excitement, smoothing her dupatta quick before dashing downstairs to her mother in the kitchen, mind racing for the perfect excuse.

"Ma, Mona's here says the boutique needs me for a quick fabric check this afternoon.Can I go with her? Won't be long, promise."

Mother shook her head firm at first, eyes narrowing wary.

"No, beta you can't go since your Painting teacher will be here in the afternoon."

But Sanskriti insisted soft and earnest, pleading with folded hands until Mother sighed and relented.

"Fine, go but straight there and back before dusk, no dawdling."

Sanskriti hurried upstairs where Mona was already waiting for her, eyes sparkling with mischief under the soft room light.She quickly changed into a beautiful green dress that hugged her figure with elegant simplicity, the fabric whispering as she smoothed it down."Ready, Mona? Let's go," she said with a quick smile, grabbing her friend's hand as they slipped out together.

Mona quickly signaled her driver with a wave, her voice urgent yet hushed. "Driver uncle , old library cafeteria fast, please!"

The car hummed to life, weaving through evening streets lit by flickering lamps, carrying them to where Ved was already waiting for Sanskriti, leaning against a shadowed pillar with his familiar quiet intensity, eyes lighting up as she stepped out.

As they stepped outside the car carefully in the warm afternoon light, Sanskriti, Ved, and Mona slipped inside the old library cafeteria its worn wooden tables buzzing softly with chatter and the aroma of spiced chai.

Ved pulled out a chair for Sanskriti with his usual quiet smile.

Mona caught Sanskriti's eye with a sly wink, her teasing grin wide as she gathered her bag. "You two talk.I'll be at the boutique, it's just 20 minutes away.Ved you can drop her there carefully after your date?"

With a playful wave, she slipped out of the cafeteria, leaving them in the cozy corner amid chai steam and afternoon murmurs.

Sanskriti blushed deeply, her cheeks warming under Ved's steady gaze as Mona's footsteps faded.She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, a shy smile breaking through. "She's impossible," she murmured, leaning closer across the small table, heart quickening in the quiet intimacy.

Ved leaned in closer across the rickety cafeteria table, his voice gentle amid the clink of chai glasses and distant chatter, starting simple. "So, how's college treating you?"

She smiled softly, still blushing, opening up about B.Sc. lectures that sparked her mind and first awkward strokes of color on canvas, that brought quiet joy,from her painting classes.

Sanskriti looked at Ved seriously, her blush fading into earnest concern as she set down her chai cup."Why didn't you try to meet me since you promised at the engagement ceremony? Days turned to weeks i've been waiting."

Ved's gaze held hers tenderly amid the cafeteria's fading afternoon chatter, a soft smile tugging at his lips as he leaned closer. "Sanvi..., did you miss me?"

Her serious expression softened, cheeks warming again as she nodded, voice barely above a whisper. "Every single day."

Ved had been holding back for months, burying himself in the group's secretive missions and his father's sprawling business demands late nights poring over ledgers, dawn patrols that left no room for stolen thoughts.He restricted himself fiercely, vowing not to dwell on Sanskriti or risk a meeting, knowing her mother Saudamini was a strict lady whose watchful eyes missed nothing.But the pull proved too strong; he couldn't stop himself any longer. Reaching out discreetly to Mona, he asked her to fix this meeting, trusting her as the safe bridge in their hidden world.

Ved's heart pounded fast as he sat so near Sanskriti in the cafeteria's cozy corner, her breathtaking beauty in the green dress stealing his breath herb eyes deep as monsoon pools.

He had decide to keep the talk simple, but the words slipped out anyway. "Did you miss me?" To his surprise, she whispered yes, her gaze holding his with quiet fire.

He could not hold back anymore. Leaning close, he said softly,

"Sanvi, I tried to keep myself busy with work, studies, and missions but I thought of you all the time.I missed you every day."

Sanskriti's eyes turned teary, a mix of happiness and surprise shining through as she heard Ved's words,her heart swelling in the quiet cafeteria corner.

She whispered softly, voice trembling with emotion, "Ved...Ap mujhe bahut pasand hai."

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