𝓛𝓸𝓼𝓽 𝓒𝓸𝓷𝓷𝓮𝓬𝓽𝓲𝓸𝓷𝓼 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓕𝓸𝓾𝓷𝓭 𝓑𝓸𝓷𝓭𝓼 [*Complete*]

Ch. 09 ⭐

As Naina concluded her dance, applause erupted from both the Gupta and Murthy families. She responded with a shy smile, delicately tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. Glancing at Rajveer through her eyelashes, she sought his reaction with a mix of bashfulness and anticipation. 

Naina couldn't help but stifle a giggle as she observed Rajveer's stunned expression. His gaze traveled from the top to the bottom, revealing a mesmerized look on his face. It became apparent that he was captivated by her appearance in the saree. The realization made Naina blush.

As Rajveer approached her with a slow, deliberate pace, a smile adorned his lips. After giving her another thorough glance, he uttered her name, "Naina." It sounded like a prayer.

"Sir... oh... aunty said... that... you would like it... That's why I wore... this," Naina hurriedly explained, stumbling over her words in nervousness.

To her surprise, Rajveer responded with a touch of humor, "I should get Chachi something expensive."

Perplexed, Naina questioned, "Why?"

"Because I got to see such a beautiful sight due to her persistence," he replied boldly.

Naina blushed even deeper and cast her eyes down at her hands. Recognizing the effect of his words, Rajveer attempted to clarify, "I... ah.. I mean... you look... I mean, this saree looks... no.. you both together... ah..." He then chuckled, "Actually, you're looking really beautiful in this saree. I never saw you like this... it's the first time.. so..." Even Rajveer found himself blushing, his words faltering.

"Thanks... for the compliment," Naina responded with a smile.

"Of course... it's a compliment," he said, scratching his neck, an embarrassed expression coloring his features.

Rajveer and Naina, lost in their own world, were jolted back to reality by the sound of someone clearing their throat. Turning their attention towards the front of the house, they discovered the rest of the family watching the entire scene with amused smiles.

"Hi, Bhaiya! We're still here... in case you forgot," Khushi cheekily informed, waving at Rajveer.

Rajveer stared at his family, wide-eyed in shock. The realization hit him that he had completely forgotten about their presence, his whole family standing just a few feet away while he complimented Naina.

"Rajveer beta, you didn't answer if we should look for another girl or would Naina do?" Kishori Murthy asked, her eyes twinkling with mischief and a teasing smile playing on her lips. The rest of the family looked on, eager for his response.

Rajveer wished for the earth to open up and spare him from having to respond.

"Boliye na, Rajveer sir?" Naina poked his arm, encouraging a reply.

Rajveer shot her a bewildered look before his gaze shifted to himself. The astute strategist within him quickly connected the dots, taking only moments to realize that his entire family was in on this scheme. How they managed to rope Naina into it remained a mystery until he glanced at his younger siblings, noticing the proud smiles on their faces. Rajveer felt a mix of amusement and exasperation. The conspiratorial smiles on Khushi, Nandini, and Rishav's faces indicated that they had orchestrated this scenario. His eyes moved from one sibling to another, acknowledging their hand in the playful conspiracy.

Rajveer couldn't help but shake his head at their clever scheme, albeit with a hint of a smile, as he prepared himself to answer the teasing question. Feeling cornered and slightly amused by the situation, he let out a sigh, deciding to play along with the teasing. He turned his attention back to Kishori Murthy and replied, "Dadi ji, I think this one is enough trouble for me as I'm used to her. I don't think I can handle a new one."