Threads of Fate

A Morning of Mischief

The sun rose quietly over Delhi, casting a gentle light over the two houses that had become so intertwined in recent days. The Raizada mansion was calm, the excitement of the previous evening having given way to a serene morning. The siblings, along with Anjali’s husband Rahul, had gathered on the balcony for a leisurely breakfast, enjoying the rare moment of calm before the upcoming wedding.

Siya leaned back in her chair, a contented sigh escaping her lips as she sipped her tea. “Finally, a chance to breathe,” she remarked, a grin spreading across her face. “It feels like we’ve been running around nonstop for days.”

Anjali, sitting across from her, nodded in agreement. “You’re right, Siya. This break is exactly what we needed before the big day tomorrow.”

The peaceful atmosphere was interrupted when Arjun entered the balcony, his expression sullen. He slumped into an empty chair, his usual energy noticeably absent.

Anjali raised an eyebrow, her tone playful as she asked, “What’s with the long face, Arjun? You’re getting married tomorrow. You should be over the moon!”

Arjun let out a dramatic sigh, running a hand through his hair. “I’m not allowed to see Aditi until the wedding,” he lamented. “I wanted to take her out on a date today, but now I can’t.”

Anjali chuckled, her amusement clear. “Oh, poor Arjun. It’s just one day. You’ll survive.”

Arnav, who had been quietly listening to the conversation, suddenly stood up, a rare mischievous glint in his eyes. Rahul, noticing the unusual expression on his usually serious brother-in-law’s face, asked, “Where are you going, Arnav?”

Arnav smirked, adjusting his casual jacket. “Well, Arjun might be out of luck, but I just got engaged to Khushi yesterday. No one said I can’t see her, so I’m taking her on a date.”

Arjun’s eyes widened in surprise, and he let out a groan. “You’re doing this on purpose, aren’t you?”

Arnav’s smirk widened as he glanced back at his brother. “Of course. Why should I miss out on the fun just because you can’t?”

Siya, always eager to join in on the fun, quickly jumped to her feet. “If you’re going to see Khushi, then I’m coming too! I may not be able to see my brother’s bride, but I can definitely visit my future sister-in-law.”

Arjun shook his head in disbelief, but there was a smile tugging at his lips. “Fine, fine. But if you’re going to meet her, at least send her my regards.”

Siya grinned, grabbing her phone as she headed out with Arnav. “Don’t worry, Arjun bhaiya. I’ll make sure she knows you’re thinking of her.”

Arnav and Siya left the balcony, leaving the others behind in a fit of laughter. The morning that had started off so quietly was now filled with playful energy, the light-hearted banter lifting everyone’s spirits.

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Meanwhile, at the Gupta house, the morning had started off just as quietly. Daadi Maa was sitting in the living room, enjoying her morning tea, when she heard the front door open. She looked up, surprised to see Arnav and Siya entering the house.

“Arnav? Siya? What are you two doing here so early?” Daadi Maa asked, her eyebrows raised in surprise.

Arnav gave her a respectful nod, his tone casual. “I’m here to talk to Khushi, Daadi Maa. Siya can keep you company in the meantime.”

Siya flashed Daadi Maa a bright smile as she joined her on the sofa. “I’m here for some quality time with you, Daadi Maa.”

Daadi Maa chuckled, amused by the siblings’ visit. “Well, I’m happy to have you both here. Khushi is upstairs in her room, Arnav.”

Arnav nodded and headed upstairs, his steps light as he approached Khushi’s room. The door was slightly ajar, and he could hear the soft sound of a brush against canvas. He peeked inside and saw Khushi standing by an easel, focused intently on the painting she was working on.

She was completely absorbed in her work, her brow furrowed in concentration. Arnav watched her for a moment, a small smile tugging at his lips as he took in the peaceful scene. Without making a sound, he walked up behind her and gently tapped her on the shoulder.

Khushi, startled by the sudden touch, turned quickly, her brush still in hand. In her surprise, the brush accidentally swiped across Arnav’s cheek, leaving a streak of paint on his face.

Her eyes widened in shock, and for a moment, she was speechless. But then, the absurdity of the situation hit her, and her shock gave way to a full-blown laugh. “Oh my—Arnav! I’m so sorry!” she managed to say between laughs, her hand covering her mouth.

Arnav, now with a bright streak of paint across his cheek, looked at her with a mix of embarrassment and irritation. “Khushi, why did you do that?” he asked, though there was a hint of amusement in his voice.

Khushi, still laughing, shook her head. “You startled me! What were you thinking, sneaking up on me like that?”

Arnav crossed his arms, trying to maintain a serious expression, but failing miserably. “Well, I wasn’t expecting to be attacked with a paintbrush this early in the morning.”

Khushi grinned, her laughter subsiding into a playful smile. “That’s what you get for sneaking up on someone.”

Arnav wiped the paint from his cheek with a handkerchief, shaking his head in mock exasperation. “You’re impossible, Khushi.”

Khushi’s playful smile softened as she tilted her head, curiosity gleaming in her eyes. “So, what brings you here so early? Did you come just to get paint on your face?”

Arnav smirked, leaning against the doorframe. “Actually, I came to ask you out on a date.”

Khushi blinked, surprised by his sudden proposition. “A date? Now?”

Arnav nodded, his expression serious but with a glimmer of mischief in his eyes. “Yes. Arjun can’t see Aditi today, but no one’s stopping me from taking my fiancée out. So, what do you say? Be ready tonight. We’re going to the movies.”

Khushi’s surprise quickly turned into excitement, and she nodded, a smile spreading across her face. “Alright, it’s a date.”

Arnav gave her a small, satisfied nod before turning to leave. “Good. I’ll pick you up tonight.”

As Arnav left the room, Khushi couldn’t help but feel a flutter of anticipation in her chest. The unexpected visit, the playful banter, and the promise of a date all left her with a sense of excitement that she hadn’t felt in a long time.

Back downstairs, Siya and Daadi Maa were engaged in a lively conversation when Arnav reappeared. Siya looked up, her eyes gleaming with curiosity. “So, how did it go?”

Arnav shrugged nonchalantly. “It went well. We’re going on a date tonight.”

Siya’s grin widened, and Daadi Maa chuckled softly. “Well, isn’t that something? You two better behave yourselves.”

Arnav gave a small smile, his usual seriousness momentarily giving way to a rare glimpse of his more playful side. “Don’t worry, Daadi Maa. We’ll be on our best behavior.”

As they left the Gupta house, Arnav couldn’t help but feel a sense of satisfaction. The morning had turned out to be much more enjoyable than he had anticipated, and he was looking forward to the evening ahead. The playful teasing, the unexpected moments, and the quiet understanding between him and Khushi were all starting to weave together into something deeper, something that made him realize that this arranged marriage might just be the best thing that had ever happened to him.

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