Aashiqui Aa Gayi🧡🍁🧡 ✓

||2||

The evening at the Jaiswal house was warm, with a soft breeze rustling through the beautifully decorated garden. 

Twinkling lights hung overhead, casting a soft glow over the gathering. 

Family and friends were seated around, the sound of chatter and laughter filling the air. 

It was Samaksh's birthday, and while everyone was in a celebratory mood, Samaksh himself was slightly off. 

He had hoped to spend a quiet evening with his wife, Yuvika, but she had enthusiastically planned a grand celebration with family and friends, much to his dismay.

Yuvika, oblivious to her husband's disappointment, was playing with Ishaan, while Mokshita and Ishani had joined Kamakshi in the kitchen to help her with the preparations. 

Kamakshi, the culinary genius, had not only decided the entire menu but was also baking the cake for the birthday boy—a special touch that reflected her love for cooking.

Meanwhile, Vyom, who had been looking forward to this evening for an entirely different reason, sat at the edge of the gathering, barely participating in the conversation.

His brothers and Samaksh were chatting animatedly with friends, but Vyom's mind was elsewhere. 

He had known Kamakshi would be here, and the thought of seeing her was the only thing keeping him rooted in his seat.

Restless, he kept glancing toward the kitchen, eagerly anticipating the moment she would step out. 

His heart thudded in his chest as he tried to appear casual, though his focus was entirely on one person. 

His thoughts were interrupted when Dhanush, casually walked over and threw his arm around Vyom's neck.

"Dude, what are you doing here all alone? Why aren't you joining the conversation?" Dhanush asked, his voice light but laced with curiosity.

Vyom looked at him, forcing a smile. "Nothing, just enjoying myself... alone."

Dhanush raised an eyebrow, sensing something was off. "Toh teri nazarein kise dhoond rahi hai?" he asked, his tone teasing yet probing.

Vyom wanted to laugh at the irony. 

What could he say? 

That he was desperately waiting for Dhanush's sister to come out of the kitchen so he could get a glimpse of her? 

The mere thought of confessing that would spell disaster, especially with Dhanush right beside him. 

If Dhanush ever found out about the feelings he harbored for Kamakshi, he'd likely be dead meat.

Just as Vyom was about to mumble a response, he heard footsteps. 

His breath caught, and his eyes darted to the entrance of the garden. 

There she was.

Kamakshi stepped out of the kitchen, her arms carefully balancing a beautifully decorated cake. 

She wore a simple floral kurti paired with palazzos, her hair cascading down her shoulders in soft waves. 

Silver earrings dangled delicately from her ears, catching the light as they swayed with each movement. 

Her smile—bright, warm, and utterly enchanting—took Vyom's breath away. 

She looked ethereal, a vision of simplicity and grace that stirred something deep within him.