Naina's hiccups had finally subsided, but her eyes remained teary. Reyansh sat beside her, gently rubbing her back. The room was dimly lit, the soft glow of a nearby lamp casting shadows on the walls. Naina's vulnerability tugged at his heartstrings.
And then, as if orchestrated by fate, Reyansh heard the sweetest sound: Naina's soft snores. She lay on the couch, her lips forming an adorable pout. He couldn't resist. Bending down, he kissed that pout—the very essence of her—before carefully lifting her and placing her head on a cushion.
Andrew appeared with Reyansh's coffee. "Sir," he said, "your sister is here."
Reyansh's attention shifted. Riya stood at the threshold. "Di," he greeted her, "Ajaanak New York?"
Riya nodded, her eyes revealing a mix of exhaustion and determination. "Haan chotte," she replied, "I had some work with the client."
As Riya settled into a chair, her gaze fell on Naina. "What happened to Naina's mangalsutra?" she asked, her voice gentle yet probing.
Reyansh recounted the story—the missing mangalsutra, the unexpected marriage, and his plan to surprise Naina with their mother's heirloom. Riya listened, understanding dawning in her eyes.
Meanwhile, Stacy, the unwelcome intruder, continued her noisy protest downstairs. Reyansh glanced at Naina, still sleeping peacefully. "Send her here," he instructed Andrew.
Stacy entered, her eyes widening at the sight of Naina nestled against Reyansh. "What do you want?" Reyansh's patience was wearing thin.
Stacy's confession spilled out: "Reyansh, I love you. I love you more than my life."
Reyansh's response was swift. "SECURITY?" he called. The lady security officer arrived promptly. "Take her away," he ordered, his resolve unyielding.
With Stacy removed, Reyansh gently woke Naina. "We need to go home," he whispered, "and tie another mangalsutra, baby."
Naina blinked, still half-asleep. "Are there any mandirs in New York?" she asked.
"Yes," Reyansh assured her, "there's a Ganesh Mandir nearby. Di and Aakash Jiju are waiting."
At home, Riya enveloped Naina in a warm hug. "Hi Naina," she said. Naina's response was equally heartfelt.
In her room, Naina chose a saree—a delicate pastel creation adorned with intricate embroidery. She left her hair loose, applied minimal makeup, and slipped into matching heels. When she descended the stairs, Reyansh's smile spoke volumes.
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"You look beautiful." he murmured, and Naina blushed.
The car ride to the mandir was filled with anticipation. Inside, the pandit welcomed them as "Mr. and Mrs. Singhaniya." But when Riya placed the mangalsutra on the pooja plate, Naina frowned.
