𝐖𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐫'𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐲

Chapter 29: Muffin!

Ishani leaned against a pillar near the refreshments table, her glass of orange juice in hand. Sameer, standing beside her, looked unusually relaxed, his tie slightly loosened and a mischievous grin tugging at his lips.

“Still recovering from the embarrassment of your choice?” Ishani teased, raising her brow.

Sameer chuckled, running a hand through his hair. “I think I’ve redeemed myself by sparing you the agony of meeting him.”

“Oh, you’ve done me a great service,” she replied dryly, taking a sip of her juice. “Next time, let’s aim for someone under fifty, shall we?”

Sameer placed a hand on his chest, feigning hurt. “Ouch. My matchmaking dreams crushed already?”

Ishani smirked, setting her glass down. “Stick to your day job, Mr. Rathore. Matchmaking isn’t your strong suit.”

He leaned closer, a playful glint in his eyes. “Noted, but if I did choose someone, he’d have to be someone who can handle your sarcasm. That’s a rare find.”

“Hmm,” she mused, tapping her chin. “That rules out most of the human population.”

Sameer laughed, the sound genuine and carefree, earning a glance from a nearby guest who smiled at their lighthearted banter. Ishani shook her head, but her lips curved into a small smile. It felt nice to be like this again—to just talk, laugh, and not carry the weight of everything else.

“You know,” he began, leaning slightly closer, “you’ve been a bit snarkier tonight. I’m impressed.”

“Snarky?” Ishani feigned offense, her hand to her chest. “I’ll take that as a compliment. Thank you, sir.”

“It was,” he said softly, his voice laced with sincerity.

Before Ishani could respond, Aarohi’s voice rang out. “Ishani!”

They both turned to see Aarohi weaving through the crowd toward them. “There you are,” she said, slightly out of breath. “I’ve been looking all over for you.”

“Well, you’ve found me,” Ishani replied, smiling. “What’s up?”

Aarohi rolled her eyes playfully. “Priya dii needs you. Something about the dupatta placement on her lehenga.”

Without another word she held Ishani’s hand and pulled her away, Sameer watched them go, a small, content smile lingering on his face.

As the evening stretched into night, the laughter and music began to fade, replaced by the quiet hum of guests departing. The engagement ceremony had been a success, filled with joy, teasing, and heartfelt moments that would be remembered for years to come.

The Guptas were among the first to leave after the guests, with Priya glowing from all the blessings and good wishes showered upon her. Anjali hugged Maya tightly, exchanging smiles and promises to meet soon as the rest of the family gathered their things. Ishani stood by the doorway, waving at them. As the crowd thinned, Rahul volunteered to drop off Sameer’s parents.

As the rest of the families departed, Sameer noticed Vikram standing by a corner, issuing quiet instructions to the workers bustling about to clean up the venue. Despite the evident fatigue etched on his face, he refused to rest.

“Uncle,” Sameer called out, walking over.

Vikram turned, offering a tired smile. “Sameer, beta. You should go home too. It’s been a long day.”

Sameer shook his head. “Not a chance. You’ve done enough, Uncle. Let me take over. Besides, there are enough workers here. You need to rest.”

Vikram hesitated, his brows furrowing. “But—”