The Second Chance

Soulful Glances

Karan and Preeta stood together, their faces serene as they led the aarti. The soft glow of the diyas illuminated the room, casting a warm and holy light on everyone present. As the hymns filled the air, Palki subtly glanced at Shaurya, signaling him to join the aarti. Shaurya, however, shook his head, refusing with a gentle smile.

Beside Palki, Anjali, her mother, and her brother Aditya were engaged in the aarti. One by one, other guests stepped forward to perform the aarti as well. Palki's disappointment was evident as she hesitated to take the aarti herself. Shaurya noticed her sadness, and his heart softened. Without hesitation, he approached a guest, took the aarti from them, and walked towards Palki.

“Come, Palki,” Shaurya whispered, holding out the diya.

A smile broke on Palki's face as she accepted the diya from Shaurya, joining him in the aarti. Preeta watched the scene unfold, a look of surprise on her face, while Karishma’s eyes widened in shock. The room filled with a quiet joy as everyone observed the couple. Anika then stepped forward, taking the aarti in her hand, and Raajveer joined her. Together, they performed the aarti, much to Karishma’s chagrin.

Meanwhile, Kavya and Karishma took turns with the diya, completing the aarti ritual. The atmosphere was charged with the serene energy of the prayers.

After the aarti, Pandit Ji instructed Palki to place all the diyas throughout the house, spreading the divine light. Preeta turned to Mukesh, asking him to check the arrangements and announcing that everyone would soon head to the garden for the shagun crackers.

As the guests began to disperse, Aditya approached Shaurya. “How are you, Shaurya?” he asked with a smile.

Shaurya returned the smile, “I’m doing well. And you?”

Meanwhile, Preeta asked someone to call Palki's mother to the party. As the preparations for the next part of the evening were underway, Karishma took the opportunity to speak with Preeta. “Did you notice Shaurya's behavior? Isn’t it odd that he came forward to do the puja?”

Preeta, with a calm smile, replied, “This is Palki’s effect, and I like it. This change is good.”

Karan, who overheard the conversation, silently agreed, thinking to himself that Palki's values were indeed influencing even Preeta. Karishma, however, wasn’t convinced. “You can’t be good with Palki, Preeta. I know you’re acting and saying something else.”

After the rituals, Shaurya began searching for Palki. He finally found her outside, placing the diya plate carefully. “You…” Palki whispered, noticing him.

Shaurya smirked. “I stay with you in the same room.”

Palki smiled back. “Why didn’t you join the aarti when I asked you to?”

Shaurya hesitated for a moment before admitting, “I don’t usually do puja, but I believe in it.”

“Then why did you come?” Palki asked, her curiosity piqued.

Shaurya looked at her earnestly. “I saw how upset you were when I refused. I couldn’t bear to see that.”

Palki tried to hide her emotions, “It was fine.”

“Really?” Shaurya questioned with a teasing smile.

Palki tried to lie, but her smile gave her away. “Well… maybe I was a little upset.”

Shaurya chuckled and reached into his pocket, pulling out some kajal. “Again?” Palki asked, amused.

"You won’t get any bad sight Today you look very beautiful today.”