THE RAJHANS SISTERS

PROMISE RINGS

"Nitya's dress."

"Check."

"Sarees."

"Check."

Aarushi was meticulously going through the checklist for the next day, as Nitya's engagement was drawing near. Abhishek sat beside her, lending a helping hand and a supportive presence.

"Gifts for the guests."

"Check."

"Is there something I'm missing?" she asked, her brows furrowed in concentration.

Abhishek leaned closer, his warm breath tickling her cheek. He looked deeply into her eyes, his lips curling into a playful smile.

"Baby's mood."

"Check," she replied, blushing and momentarily forgetting her task.

"Baby's health."

"Check."

"Baby's medicines," he continued, his voice dropping to a whisper as his lips brushed against her ear. Aarushi felt her heart race, and she turned her face away, her cheeks flushing crimson.

"Baby's lips," he murmured, his gaze locking onto hers with an intensity that made her breath catch.

Aarushi gently held his face, intending to close the distance and kiss him. But just as their lips were about to meet, Ruhaan's voice broke the intimate moment.

"Lock your room, guys," he teased from the doorway, his tone lighthearted yet undeniably intrusive.

Aarushi quickly stood up from the bed, her face burning with embarrassment. She walked over to Ruhaan, playfully swatting his arm.

"Ruhaan, you always have the worst timing!" she chided, trying to mask her flustered state with mock annoyance.

Ruhaan laughed, raising his hands in a gesture of surrender. "Hey, just looking out for you two. Don't want to scar anyone who might walk in unexpectedly," he joked, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

Abhishek chuckled and shook his head. "Thanks for the heads up, Ruhaan. We'll be more careful next time," he said, wrapping an arm around Aarushi's waist and pulling her close.

"Ruhaan, we were making a checklist. Can you help us? Just check if I've forgotten anything."

"I think it would be best if you ask Nishi," he suggested.

"Yeah, that's right... I'll go to Nishi."

Aarushi took the list and headed to Nishi's room. Nishi stood by the window, lost in her thoughts.

"Nishi," Aarushi called.

"Yes, Di?" Nishi turned, her voice distant.

"Please look at this and tell me if I missed anything. I don't want anything to be left out for Nitya's wedding. I want to plan it just like she planned mine. Please, tell me."

Nishi glanced at the list, then looked away. "Di, whatever you think is best, just do that," she replied absently.

"You mean, you don't have any excitement for the wedding?" Aarushi asked, her voice tinged with concern.

"Excitement for what, Di? For this wedding? This wedding that's not right in any way? How can I be happy about a wedding that my sister will never be happy in? How can you be happy about it either?" Nishi snapped, her frustration boiling over.

Aarushi's brows furrowed. She couldn't comprehend what Nishi was saying. "What are you talking about, Nishi? Aniket is a big businessman. Nitya herself has praised him so much to us. What are you saying?" Aarushi asked, her confusion evident.