Twist of Destiny

Chapter 6

As Diwali approached, the mansion bustled with activity, adorned with vibrant lights and colorful flowers. Gauri and Shivam had returned just a week prior, yet the air still carried a sense of complexity between them. Though subtle changes had occurred, Shivam no longer found himself consumed by thoughts of Priyanka, while Gauri's thoughts of Asim had faded as he had been caught with another girl. Gauri harbored no anger towards him, realizing they had no claim over each other; she found solace in his apparent ease of moving on. Similarly, Shivam's memories of Priyanka had dimmed over time, they no longer held the same depth of emotion they once did.

"Hey beta, take out the new dishes from the cupboard. Your sister and brother-in-law are coming today," 

Shivam's mother exclaimed happily, to which Shivam nodded in agreement. He was excited as his sister, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, and brother were also coming, along with the bundle of joy – his niece and nephew.

"Gauri beti, bring the flowers quickly," she called out to Gauri, who smiled and replied, "Ji, mummyji."

As Gauri plucked flowers, the joyful noise of children filled the air. "Chachi... MAMI!" they shouted, running towards her and enveloping her in hugs. Gauri kissed each of them, her heart swelling with love.

"Aye shaitaano ki toli aa gayi," Shivam remarked playfully, eliciting laughter from everyone. He scooped up the children and began playing with them, adding to the festive atmosphere.

As Diwali celebrations unfolded, Gauri and Shivam found themselves gradually opening up to each other. They progressed from exchanging one-sentence conversations to engaging in longer discussions. It was a subtle yet significant change, and they couldn't help but admire each other a little more each day.

"Shivam ji..." Gauri began tentatively.

"Hmm, bolo," he replied.

"Mummyji was suggesting that we should go somewhere... for an outing," Gauri suggested.

"Yeah... bhaiya and didi were also insisting that we go out together," Shivam admitted.

"I think we should go... otherwise, they'll think..." Gauri trailed off.

"You're right... So, where would you like to go?" Shivam inquired.

"Wherever you want to go," Gauri responded spontaneously, her heart skipping a beat at her own admission.

There was a pregnant pause between them, the weight of Gauri's words hanging in the air.

"Let's sleep... It's late. We can discuss it tomorrow," Shivam suggested, breaking the silence.

Gauri nodded, feeling an unfamiliar blush creep onto her cheeks. As they settled into bed, Gauri interrupted Shivam as he reached for the quilt.

"Shivam ji... there's enough space in this bed. We can lie comfortably together," she offered tentatively.

Shivam looked at her for a moment before nodding in agreement. They both drifted off to sleep, waking up the next morning in the same position. As they greeted each other with smiles, their family bombarded them with questions.

"Where did you decide to plan your honeymoon?" they asked eagerly.

"Nainital," Shivam replied, and everyone nodded in approval.

Two days later, they embarked on their journey to Nainital, marveling at the beauty of the destination.

"How beautiful it is here," Gauri remarked.

"Yeah, it's breathtaking," Shivam agreed.

"Have you been here before?" Gauri inquired.

"No... but bhaiya and bhabhi came here for their honeymoon," Shivam replied.

"Oh... so is it a tradition to come here?" Gauri teased, earning a playful glare from Shivam.

"I was... just joking," Gauri apologized, and Shivam burst into laughter.

"Oh god... hahaha... you should have seen your face," he chuckled, and Gauri joined in, feeling a sense of lightness and joy wash over them.

As they laughed together, Gauri and Shivam realized that this could be the start of something beautiful – a new beginning filled with laughter, understanding, and love.