The Diwali preparations were in full swing, and Palki and Shaurya had just finished arranging the mirchi lights together. Palki turned to Shaurya, her eyes reflecting gratitude and affection.
“Thank you for helping me, Shaurya,” she said softly, her voice filled with warmth.
Shaurya, always the charmer, grinned and replied, “Thanks for helping me too. I couldn’t have done it without you.”
Palki’s smile deepened as she shook her head. “I understood why you did this, Shaurya. You didn’t need to, but it means a lot to me.”
Not wanting to dwell on the emotional moment, Palki decided to focus on her next task. She moved towards the front door, where she began making a beautiful rangoli. The intricate patterns and vibrant colors began to take shape, adding to the festive atmosphere of the house.
As Palki was absorbed in her work, Shaurya, lost in thought, unknowingly stepped on the freshly made rangoli. The colors scattered, and the intricate design was ruined.
Karan, who had been observing from a distance, quickly intervened. “Shaurya! What have you done?” he exclaimed, a mix of mock seriousness and teasing in his voice. “You’ve ruined her hard work!”
Shaurya looked down, realizing his mistake, and felt a pang of guilt. “I didn’t mean to, it was an accident,” he said apologetically.
Karan, not letting him off the hook so easily, added with a playful smirk, “Well, now you’ll have to make up for it. You should help her redo the rangoli. And Palki,” he said, turning to her, “you need to learn from Preeta how to control your husband.”
Shaurya chuckled at the remark, but then quickly responded, “Why don’t you scold her like you scold me, Dad?”
Palki, trying to diffuse the situation with her usual calmness, said, “It’s okay. I’ll make it again.” But Karan was insistent.
“No, Shaurya will help you. He made the mess, so he should help fix it,” Karan declared, with a wink to Rajveer who stood beside him, both men enjoying the light-hearted moment.
Shaurya nodded in agreement. “I’ll do it. Let’s make it together,” he said, his tone sincere.
Together, Shaurya and Palki began to gather the scattered colored powder. Their hands brushed against each other’s as they picked up the remnants of the previous design, and both felt a spark of something deeper than just the physical contact. They worked side by side, quietly, their movements in perfect harmony.
Karan and Rajveer, watching from a distance, exchanged happy glances. There was an unspoken understanding between the two as they saw the bond between Shaurya and Palki growing stronger.
As the new rangoli started taking shape, Shaurya noticed a small smudge of color on Palki’s nose. Smiling to himself, he gestured to her that the color was there. “You’ve got some color here,” he said, reaching out to wipe it away. But instead of removing it, he accidentally added more color to her nose.
Palki looked at him with a mix of surprise and amusement, raising her eyebrows as if to ask, “Is it better now?”
Shaurya laughed softly, shaking his head. “I think I made it worse,” he admitted, and gently wiped her nose again, this time succeeding in removing the excess color. Palki smiled back, the playful moment easing any lingering tension between them.
Later, as they both admired their work, a soft song played in the background, adding to the romantic ambiance. They shared a quiet moment, content in each other’s company, their eyes speaking volumes of the unspoken feelings growing between them.
The day continued with more preparations. Palki, ever attentive, noticed the servant working on the decorations and took a moment to compliment him. “You’ve done a great job,” she said kindly. “You’re very cute.”
The servant blushed and thanked her, clearly pleased with the compliment. But as Palki walked away, she noticed Shaurya standing nearby, a thoughtful expression on his face.
“What are you thinking about?” she asked, sensing his worry.
Shaurya sighed. “I’m thinking about the deal. I don’t know what to do. It’s been on my mind constantly.”
Palki placed a reassuring hand on his arm. “You should leave everything in God’s hands. If you keep worrying, it’ll only make things worse. Just stay near the lights, for the happiness they bring.”
Shaurya looked at her, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. “You’re right. I feel better already.”
Palki smiled at him, her eyes full of encouragement. “You’re not thinking about the deal anymore?”
Shaurya nodded. “Yes, I’m not.”
At that moment, Kiran entered the room, her sharp gaze taking in the scene. “ kriti was right about you two,” she remarked with a hint of something darker in her tone. “You make a good pair.”
Before Palki could respond, Preeta arrived, warmly greeting Kiran. “You’re here early, Kiran,” she said with a welcoming smile. “What a beautiful rangoli! Did you make this, Palki?”
Palki nodded, her modesty preventing her from taking full credit. Preeta, always proud of Palki’s efforts, introduced her to Kiran. “Palki has done all the decorations and arrangements. She’s been such a big help.”
Kiran gave a tight smile, her mind already scheming as she took her leave.
As the preparations continued, Palki found herself moving around the bustling house. At one point, she collided with someone in the hallway, and before she could react, she stumbled into Shaurya’s arms. He caught her effortlessly, holding her steady.
“Careful,” Shaurya said with a gentle smile. “I’ve got you.”
Palki, her heart racing from the close call, managed a nervous laugh. “I’m saved.”
Shaurya chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “No, I saved you,” he teased.
The servant passing by couldn’t help but laugh at their playful exchange. Shaurya noticed and, with a wink, said, “He’s laughing because this is pretty common between married people.”
Palki blushed at his words but quickly composed herself. “Don’t forget to take your clothes from the side table,” she reminded him, changing the subject.
Shaurya smiled at her, his gaze lingering for just a moment longer than usual, before heading to their room. As he walked away, the song "Safar Shuru Hogaya" played softly in the background, a fitting accompaniment to the journey they were on—together.
That's it for today's update
Signing off
Diksha
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The Second Chance
FanfictionThis touching story follows Shaurya, a single father who struggles to fully love his daughter, Roohi, because she reminds him of his late wife. Roohi becomes attached to Palki, a kind woman who brings warmth and love into their lives.As Shaurya face...
