Chapter 63

Helllooooooo guys….
Kive ho sohneooo….🥀

HAPPY HOLI 🫟 🎨

so a little gift from my side for you guys on holi.

Bhul chuk maaf krna…

Do votes 🧡and lotes of comments.💭
Do tell me which part is your favourite 🎀

Total words :- 7k+

After one month
In Paris

While Nav was working on his laptop at the dining table,
she sat across from him.

Her elbow rested on the table, her palm cupping her cheek, quietly supporting her face. She was watching him—not the screen, not the room—him.

A constant, almost unconscious smile lingered on her lips,
while his fingers moved steadily over the keyboard, focused and precise.

He felt it.

That silent gaze.

He glanced up at her, just for a second, then asked softly,

“Kya soch rahi hai aap mrs brar?”

(“What are you thinking, Mrs. Brar?”)

She didn’t look away. Her smile only softened.

“Kuch nahi… bas sukoon mil raha hai,” she replied honestly,
“aapko aise dekh kar.”

(“Nothing… I just feel a sense of peace,” she replied honestly,
“seeing you like this.”)

He paused.

The typing stopped.

Nav smiled to himself, closed the laptop, and gently slid it aside—as if nothing on that screen mattered more than what was sitting in front of him.

He leaned back slightly, eyes still on her.

“Aur woh kaise?”

(“And how is that?”)

She took a slow breath still smiling

“Tum sukoon ho,” she said quietly.
“Mere un khayalon ka… jo thamte nahi the.”

(You are peace,” she said quietly.
“For those thoughts of mine… that never used to stop.”)

Her voice trembled, just a little.

“ tum sukoon ho woh badhti dhadkan ka, jo pehle ek becheni chord jatti thi,”

(“You are the calm to that rising heartbeat that used to leave behind a restless ache.”)

She swallowed, eyes glistening now.

“Tum sukoon ho un aansuon ka, jo rukna nahi chahte the…”

(“You are the calm for those tears that never wanted to stop.”)

“Tum khushi ho us chehre ki, jo muskurana bhool gai thi.”

(“You are the happiness of a face that had forgotten how to smile.”)

Her gaze stayed on him, unwavering.

“Aur tum… haqeeqat-e-sukoon ho,” she whispered,
“woh zindagi ka jo khatam hone ke kagar par thi. ”

(“And you… are the true peace,” she whispered,
“of a life that was on the verge of ending.”)
Her eyes finally filled up.

Nav didn’t interrupt.
Didn’t joke.

“ tum sukoon nahi, khud zindgi ho meri, aur aap puchte ho, kyu aapse ankhein nahi haatti meri?”

(“You are not just my peace—you are my life itself. And you ask why I can’t take my eyes off you?”)

He simply stood up, slowly, and went ti her side and

He pulled her into his arms—firm, warm, protective.
Not rushing. Not tight. Just… sure.

He kissed her forehead softly, lingering there for a moment longer than necessary.

He tilted his head slightly, a teasing glint in his eyes.

“Aap shayari bhi karne lagei hai?” he asked, pretending to be impressed.

(“So you’ve started doing poetry now?”)

She didn’t miss a beat.

“Aapki khoobsurti ko shayari mein na badlna toh jurm ho jaayega,” She replied, voice calm, eyes amused.

(“Not turning your beauty into poetry would be a crime.”)

he blinked.
Then laughed—soft at first, then openly, the kind that came from comfort.

“Ab aap flirt bhi karne lagi hai?”

(“So now you’ve started flirting too?”)

He shrugged, completely unfazed.

“Ab mere pati ko agar pasand nahi to bahar wale ke sath karlu? ”

(“If my husband doesn’t like it, should I go flirt with someone outside instead?”)

She said it lightly, teasing him.

Before she could pull back, he stepped closer and grab her throat,not pressing, not forceful, just enough to make her feel his presence.

He smirk slowly, leaned down, bringing himself to her eye level, his voice dropping.

He tilted his head, eyes steady on her face.

“Sochna bhi mat,” he said quietly, “zinda gaad dunga.”

(“Don’t even think about it,” he said quietly.
“I’ll bury them alive.”)

He said it like a warning wrapped in affection.

She blinked, then frowned slightly.

“Mujhe?” she asked, clearly fake-offended.

( Me?)

He hummed, unbothered.

“Unhein,” he corrected smoothly. “then i am gonna fuck you at their grave.”

(Them)

Her lips curved despite herself.

“Hmmm… sounds adventurous,” she said, pretending to think it over.

But the moment she looked back at him, her composure slipped.
The teasing faded.
Her gaze lingered a second too long.

Something shifted.

He noticed.

In an instant, his one arm sliding around her waist, firm, decisive.

Before she could say another word, he lifted her effortlessly, as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

She let out a startled laugh, gripping his shoulder.

“Nav—!”

He didn’t stop.

Didn’t slow down.

He carried her straight towards the bedroom,

“ abhi adventure ki jhalak dikhata hu tumhein.” He said undoing her dori
And sucking and biting the crock of her neck

(“Let me show you a glimpse of adventure.”)

“ majak..kar rahi thi mai….” she said getting breathless

(“I was just joking.”)

“ far too late Mrs brar. ” he push her toward the wall and started removing her saree, while kissing her,

As soon as her saree hit the floor, he picked her up and she wrapped her legs around his torso.

He sucked her already hard nipples, and took her to the bed and put her down

He started removing his clothes, not breaking eye contact with her.

“ touch yourself love. Show me how wet you are for me.” he said as he sit on the chair infront of the bed.

“ nav…. ” she tilted her head, getting offended, yet embarrassed

“ if you don’t want me to tie you up and use vibrators on you, then do it yourself. ” he said his voice hoarse 

She gulped looking his eyes,

“ why don’t you help me??” she said almost pleading, thinking she’ll get out of this.

“ tsk. We’ll be here all night love. Either you come by yourself, or either not at all. Choice is yours. If you start i might help you. ”

He waited, but she was drowned in his words

“ okay… So i am going if you plan to do nothing.” he said almost getting up.

“NO!!!! ..” “I am … I’ll I’ll do.. don’t go…” she said and he sit back…

She lean to the headboard, and her hand slowly move towards where she wants him the most.

As she enter her finger, her head lean to headboard, before she started moving it, he commanded

“ Two fingers, solnyshka.” he said nonchalantly

She widens her eyes but follow as he said

She enters two fingers in, her head falling back as she closed her eyes

“ eyes on me.” he commanded.

She slowly opened her eyes and maintained eye contact with him, no breaking it as she move her fingers

“ ah..nav!!!!”

“ curl them.” he commanded

“ ahh….”

“ make scissors with them.” he said again

“ ahhhh fuck please.”

The filthy sound increases as well as her speed

“ please nav …..” she pleaded, her eyes glistening.

But he wasn’t moving, his eyes stayed on her, making her more aroused

“ please… Agh….”

Just as she was close to her climax he came towards her and hold her wrist and removed her fingers

She whined, “ nav!!!”

“ enough. It my turn now.”

✧

In the morning

She was curled against him, wrapped in white sheets.
One of her hands rested on his chest, fingers absent-mindedly roaming around his chest. while his arm lay secure around her waist.

She just laid there
admiring him.

The steady rise and fall of his chest.
His relaxed face in sleep.
That rare softness he never showed the world.

She kissed around his nipples then give a peck on his lips.

A small smile tugged at her lips.

Carefully, she tried to move, lifting herself slightly to get out of bed
but her balance betrayed her.

She slipped.

And fell right back onto him.

“Ah—”

Nav opened his eyes,

“Kahan?” he asked, his voice doesn’t seem as just woke up

( Where to?)

She froze for a second, then cleared her throat.

“Office jana hai na,” she said quietly, already bracing herself.

( I have to go to office)

He stared at her for a moment.

Then made a face, properly offended, but understanding

“hmmm,” he sighed dramatically, “rok bhi ni sakta mai to… theek hai jao…”

(“I can’t even stop you… fine, go.”)

She laughed under her breath.

She tapped his chest in acceptance , and trying to pull away.

“Nav—”

But instead of letting her go, he tugged her right back.

Their chests pressed together.

A sharp breath left her lips.

“Ah—”

“Nav!” she whined, caught off guard by the sudden closeness.

He chuckled softly, the sound vibrating against her.

“Achha… sorry, jao,” he said, pretending sincerity.

( Okay sorry, go)

She narrowed her eyes, about to move again.

The moment she tried—

He pulled her back.

Again.

This time, she crashed against his chest with more force.

“Ah, Nav!”

Her palms pressed into his chest, frustrated, breath uneven.

“Jao,” he repeated, but there was amusement dancing in his eyes now.

(Go)

She glared at him, properly this time.

A warning glare.

He only smiled wider.

She understood it then.

His stubborn little tricks.

She knew his plan now.

A small laugh escaped her lips despite herself.

He laughed too, the sound warm, then leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to her head.
They stayed like that for a moment.

Quiet.

After some time, she finally spoke.

“Nav?”

“Hm?”

“Bachon ka kya socha hai?”

(“Have you thought about children?”)

This time, he really looked at her.

One arm moved under his head, propping it up so he could see her properly, every expression.

“Mere paas already ek bachi hai.”

(“I already have a daughter.”)

She froze.

“Kya!!!?” she snapped instantly, eyes widening.

“Haan,bhout payari c, choti c.” he said calmly, without breaking eye contact.
“Abhi koch mahine pehle adopt ki hai.”

(“Yes, she was very sweet… very little,” he said calmly, without breaking eye contact.
“I adopted her just a few months ago.”)

“ vani naam hai uska. ” he said nonchalantly,

(Her name is vani)

“ tumehin mai bachii dikhti hun???!!” she was shocked, then she suddenly slapped his chest softly, as realisation hitting her, being embarrassed and shy all of sudden.

(“Do I look like a child to you?”)

He chuckled seeing her reaction

“ nav!!! I am serious!”

Her voice wasn’t playful this time.

He stopped smiling.

Really looked at her.

“We’ll do it when you are ready,” he said, slowly, honestly.
There was no tease in his voice. Only sincerity.

She didn’t say anything, so he continued.

“Kisi ki baton pai dhayaan maat do bacha.”
“Hamare bache honge, hum pyaar se banayenge.”
“Na kisi pressure mein.”

(“Don’t pay attention to what others say, baby.
We’ll have children—when we create them with love.
Not under any pressure.”)

She smiled.

But it didn’t reach her eyes.

He noticed.

That slight pause.
That heaviness she was trying to hide.

So he shifted closer, his tone softer now.

“You’ll be a great mother, Vani.”
“The bestest.”

He said it quietly, as if he already understood the chaos inside her head.

“But what if I can’t?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

He didn’t answer immediately.

Instead, he looked at her

“You will be,” he said calmly.
“Everyone makes mistakes, Vani. And I’ll be here with you.”
“We’ll learn together.”

She swallowed.

“Promise?” she asked, needing something solid to hold on to.

“Promise,” he said, without hesitation, pulling her gently into his arms.

She stayed there for a moment, listening to his heartbeat.

Then, softly.

“I think… I don’t want a child right now.”

He just rested his chin lightly on her head.

“Chalo,” he murmured, brushing her hair back,
“phir bacha baad mein sochenge.”

(“Come on,” he murmured, brushing her hair back,
“we’ll think about the baby later.”)

She stayed silent, in his arms, her overthinking working up,

But a everyone wants a child
What if he wants it, he just said because of me,
Will everyone think i can’t give him a child?

No no no vani…

Take a long breath

She started taking breaths, as nav soothing her arm, as she lay on his chest

But what if I can’t be a mother?

Nav ne sikhaya hai na, ki agar khayaal pareshan kre to us se baat krni hai… Overthink nahi krna…

Bacha saab koch thodi hota hai …

I won’t let my past overshadowed my future, nav loves me, he taught me i should love myself, if he is trusting me that much why can’t i just trust myself

He taught me that, if i don’t believe in myself, i should believe the person who believes in me.

“ nav….” she whispers and he hummed. “ so gye kya??” she asked again

“ nahi…” he replied.

“ mai koch soch rahi thi…”

( I am thinking something)

“ share with me. ” he said caressing her hair.

“ like, after paras started harassing me, i took many pills, daily. And I researched that it can make things complicate, there is a chance…that… i won’t be a mother. So …like ….” she was trying to find the words, but they didn’t come out, she hoped that nav get what she was saying.

“ we can adopt solnyshka….there are many ways we can be parents ” he replied.

“ but don’t you want your own blood? People often prefere there own child, many men cheat too for this.”

“ The thing i want is you. Safe. Nothing more. ”

“ what if you cheat? Mardoon ki mohabbat ka koi bharosa nahi hota, shubha sakila, dupheri fasila, raati jameela.”

(“What if you cheat? You can’t trust a man’s love—morning it’s , afternoon it’s Fasila, and by night it’s Jameela.”)

He laughed whole heartedly at this.

“ tum pakistani drama kam dekha karo…meri mohabbat.” saying this he hold her chin made her look at him

(“You should watch fewer Pakistani dramas… my love.”)

And give her a kiss..

“ There is Glock 19 in my study, i want that you to use that on me, if i ever cheat on you,”

“ mujhe chalani ni atti.” she said innocently.

( I don’t know how to use )

“ chlo tumhein sikhau…” he said getting up.

( Lets go, I’ll teach you)

“ oye oye i was joking. ” she said, getting surprised

“ but i am not. Atleast you should know how to shoot baby girl, bhagwan na kare kabhi mai tumahre pass nahi hu, and you need it? And what if you need to shoot me, Lets learn. ” he said getting up, and picking her up, and taking her to the bathroom

“ but…but i am sore.” she said.

“ thats why the warm bath baby. I’ll give it to you specially, with care.”

“ you are lying, you always tire me more .” she said,

he chuckled and assured her “ I’ll be gentle.”

“liar” she murmers and he just laughs, knowing that she knew him too well.

✧

After some months
In Punjab

“Dad, why Shub hasn’t come?”
Nav asked, glancing around as if he still expected his brother to walk in any second.

“He wanted to, but uske exams hai,”

“ is bar to tu akela. Pad gya beta Holi pai,” his dad tease him.

(Translation: This time you’re alone. Brace yourself, son, it’s Holi.)

Nav rolled his eyes, but a faint smirk tugged at his lips.

“Mai akela hi kafi hu, ap logo ki nak mai dum karne ko.”

(Translation: I alone am enough to trouble all of you.)

He said it with that dangerous confidence everyone in the room recognized — the kind that usually meant chaos was coming.

Watching the excitedness, Vani was smiling but not getting what he mean by that. Watching the confusion on her face, Jasmeet started speaking.

“Vani, tumhein pata hai, Nav aur Shubh sabse pehle uth kar,  sabko holi ke rang me. Bhiga dekh the,”

(Translation: Vani, you know, Nav and Shubh used to wake up first and drench everyone in Holi colors.)

“Itna pareshan karte the na yeh dono, itne pranks inke… koi insaan ab kitna baar nahayee.”

(Translation: These two used to trouble us so much with their pranks… how many times can a person even bathe in one day?)

Remembering this bought smile on everyone’s face. The nostalgia softened the room. Even Nav’s father shook his head, pretending to be annoyed, though the pride was obvious.

“ but beta ji is baar to apka sathi apke sath hai hi nai. Is baar hum saab bhari honge tum par.” jasmeet teases him more.

(Translation: But son, this time your partner isn’t here. This time all of us will overpower you.)

“ dekhege…” nav said scoffing, clearing offended by the underestimation.

( We’ll see)

He leaned back slightly, jaw tightening. He didn’t like being underestimated. Not even jokingly.

Vani amusingly look at him, clearly enjoying everything. There was a spark in her eyes now — competitive, playful.

“Pta mummy ji, Ayanshi bhi bhout try karti thi ki mujhe colour laga de, but mai sabse hamesha bach jati thi. Sabko colour laga ke chup jatti thi..”

(Translation: You know, Mummy ji, even Ayanshi used to try a lot to put color on me, but I always escaped. I’d color everyone else and then hide.)

She said it proudly, chin lifting slightly.

“ acha Mrs brar?? Lekin is baar nahi bachegein aap…” nav interrupted.

His tone shifted — lighter, but layered with challenge.

“Are you challenging me Mr brar.?”

She raised an eyebrow, folding her arms, refusing to back down.

“Jesa ap soche, but iss bar to apko mere rang mai rangne se koi nahi  bacha sakta,” he said with a smirk.

(Translation: Think whatever you want, but this time no one can save you from being colored in my colors.)

And that smirk — slow, confident, almost dangerous — made it very clear.

This wasn’t just about Holi anymore.

It was war.

✧

Next day…

Kurti pai teri mallun gulaal,  rang bta blue ya laal, air mai tere udte baal.. aja rangdu donoo gaal…..

In the morning,

Nav set his alarm for 5 o’clock.

The moment it rang, his eyes opened instantly. There wasn’t an ounce of sleep in them. Today wasn’t a normal day. Today was war.

He turned to his right.

Vani was still sleeping peacefully, her hair scattered over the pillow, blanket pulled up to her chin.

For a second, he just looked at her.

meri dulhaniya… Nav kabhi challenge ni harta….

(My bride… Nav never loses a challenge.)

A slow, dangerous grin spread across his face.

He quietly slipped out of bed and walked toward the bathroom, shutting the door without making a sound. From the lower cabinet, he carefully pulled out his hidden stash of colours.

He slowly opened the lid and brought them out, inspecting them like weapons before battle.

He smirked to himself, imagining her reaction.

Will she get angry? Offcourse meri kareli ne maar hi dena hai mujhe….

(Of course, my bitter gourd will kill me.)

He almost chuckled.

But bada majja ayega.. she’ll wake up with my colour on her,

(But it’ll be so much fun… she’ll wake up with my color on her.)

And mai to bach hi jaunga…
(And I’ll escape anyway…)

Chlo akhir mai colour lagane de hi du ga bichari ko… Zada tang ni karuga….

(Fine, in the end I’ll let her put color on me too… won’t trouble her too much.)

Still smiling, he stepped out of the bathroom, tiptoeing toward the bed like a thief.

She had pulled her blanket completely over her head now.

His eyes narrowed.

Bachne ki kosis karlo mrs brar. Par bach nahi sakti.

(Try to escape, Mrs. Brar. But you can’t.)

He grabbed the side of the blanket and pulled it down confidently—

And froze.

Pillows.

Perfectly arranged in place of her body.

His smirk vanished instantly.

He yanked the entire blanket away.

Nothing.

No Vani.

His previous smug smile faded completely.

“Abhi to yahin thi.. kahan gai itni jaldi…
Bathroom?? ”

(She was just here… where did she go so fast? Bathroom?)

He quickly turned toward the bathroom door, then stopped mid-step.

“Par wahan to mai tha..kahan ho sunshine?”

(But I was in there… where are you, sunshine?)

His eyes scanned the room.

Then he noticed it.

A wooden box placed neatly on the bed near the pillows.

His brows furrowed.

Slowly, he put the colour aside and brushed his hands off on his kurta.

He picked up the box cautiously, curiously.

He opened it

Boom.

A burst of colour exploded straight into his face.

Red. Pink. Yellow. Blue.

Everywhere.

He stood there, stunned, frozen like a statue.

He blinked, slowly opening his eyes, brushing off the excess colour from his lashes.

Silence.

Then

“VANNNIIII BRARRR!!!!” he yelled.

And somewhere in the house, a very satisfied wife was probably laughing.

✦

She was hiding behind the half-closed terrace door, one hand pressed against her mouth to stop herself from laughing too loudly.

The moment she heard

“VANNNIIII BRARRR!!!!”

She lost it.

A muffled laugh escaped her anyway.

Worth it.

Absolutely worth it.

She had woken up the second he slipped out of bed. Did he really think she wouldn’t notice? Nav Brar moving quietly? Impossible.

Nav kabhi challenge ni harta… he must have thought.

(“Nav never loses a challenge.”……..))

She almost smiled in her sleep remembering last night.

Mr Brar, aap bhool rahe ho… Mrs Brar hu, haarna nahi janti.

( Mr brar you are forgetting that i am mrs brar, i don’t know how to lose)

She had quietly slipped out the other side of the bed, replaced herself with pillows, and prepared the wooden box trap in record time.

He wanted war?

Fine.

War it is.

She peeked from the terrace again, imagining his face covered in colour.

Her chest swelled with pride.

“Ab bolo… bachu, bade aye the navver brar se bachogi nahi…” she mimicked him

(“Now say it… kid. You thought you could escape Navveer Brar…” she mimicked him.)

She crossed her arms confidently.

But then, she heard,

Footsteps.

Coming closer.

Her smile slowly faded.

Oh no.
✧

Nav wiped the colour from his face slowly.

Too slowly.

His expression wasn’t playful anymore.

It was calm.

Dangerously calm.

He looked at the wooden box again.

Then around the room.

A slow smirk returned.

“smart ho gyi ho, Mrs Brar.”

(“You’ve gotten smart, Mrs. Brar.”?

He stepped out of the room quietly this time , not rushing

Just knowing his wife’s tactics

He walked toward the terrace and suddenly stopped.

Silence.

He leaned casually against the wall.

“Sunshine…” he said softly.

Too softly.

Vani stiffened behind the door.

She held her breath.

Three.

Two.

One

He suddenly pulled the door open.

Empty.

( That pigeon wing sound 🐦. Totte udh gaye bichare ke)

” Vanni.. bacha koi fayeda nahi.. come outside .”

(“Vani… there’s no point hiding. Come here.”)

No effect.

No seen movement

He stood stunned.

“Yahan nahi? To fir kahan?”

(Not here? Then where?)

He looked around the terrace again.

Empty.

But she was not there.

He walked a few steps forward when suddenly he noticed faint colour marks on the floor near the door.

A trail.

Very light.

Almost invisible.

“Bach gayi…” he smiled under his breath.

(“she’s saved.”?

She was close.

He knew it.

He was this close to catching her.

And yet

She had outsmarted him.

Again.

Downstairs – 20 Minutes Later

The entire house was in chaos.

Colours everywhere.

Relatives arriving.

The smell of sweets in the air.
Music blasting loudly.

Children running across the courtyard.

And in the middle of it all—

There stood Navveer Brar.

Still in white.

Spotless.

Uncoloured.

Rangoon ke tohaar mai beraang

He didn’t let anyone touch him.

Nor did he put colour on anyone.

He had made a silent oath.

Until he put colour on his wife…

No one would colour him.

And he wouldn’t colour anyone.

Everyone had noticed.

They were chuckling.

The prankster…

Was getting pranked.

And that too

By his own wife.

“Are Nav, biwi ko rang nahi laga paye abhi tak? Agar tumhein nahi mil rahi to hum dhoondhwa dein?” Jasmeet teased him, barely controlling her laughter.

(“Hey Nav, you still haven’t colored your wife yet? If you can’t find her, should we help you look?”)

Nav shot her a look.

Before he could respond—

“Tsk tsk tsk… bechara mera bhai,” Abhiansh ( his cousin) added dramatically.

“Kya halat kar di bhabhi ne. Sukha sukha ghoom raha hai. Main rang laga du?”

(Oh poor brother… what condition bhabhi has put you in. Roaming around dry. Should I put colour on you?)

Nav glared at him.

“Teri company ki Diwali mana du?”

(Should I celebrate Diwali with your company instead?)

Abhiansh immediately raised his hands in surrender.

“Btw, mene to bhabhi ko dekha, Tumhein hi nahi dikh rahi kya?”

(I had looked at bhabhi earlier.  Can’t you see her?)

Nav’s jaw tightened.

“Beta tujhe to main Holi khatam hone se pehle Diwali dikhaungi,” someone laughed while walking past.

Nav ignored the comments.

He scanned the entire courtyard slowly.

He couldn’t see her.

But every time—

He could feel her.

Somewhere close.

Watching him.

Smiling.

Thinking she was winning.

Suddenly, his kurta was tugged.

He looked down.

A small child was holding the edge of his kurta.

Nav bent down to his level.

The child handed him a folded chit.

And ran away before he could ask anything.

Nav stared at the paper.

Opened it.

“Tumhare ass pass hu.
Par tum pakad nahi paoge.”

(I’m around you.
But you won’t be able to catch me.)

Nav’s lips slowly curved.

Challenge accepted.

Then a small paper ball hit his shoulder.

He caught it mid-air.

Unfolded it.

“Dundh sakte ho to dhund lo. Holi ke baad nai rang lagane dungi…”

(If you can find me, then find me. After Holi I won’t let you colour me.)

His eyes instantly scanned the courtyard, searching for even a glimpse of her dupatta, her shadow, anything.

Nothing.

A slow inhale.

He turned slightly.

Calm.

Too calm.

Nav folded the note carefully.

His eyes darkened.

“Bachu, I promise rang to mai laga ke rahu ga tumhein, aur woh bhi aj ka din khatam hone se pehle.”

(Princess, I promise I will colour you… and that too before today ends.)

He wasn’t smiling anymore.

Store Room

Vani was hiding inside the dim store room, back pressed against the wall, trying not to laugh.

She had escaped six times already.

Their room.

Terrace.

Kitchen.

Guest room.

Dadi’s room.

Study.

Every single time

He reached seconds later.

Like he could sense her presence.

And yet—

Every single time she slipped away.

Almost caught.

Almost trapped.

Her heart was racing.

Excitement.

Anticipation.

And maybe—

A little thrill.

A little secret want…

That he finds her soon.

Footsteps outside.

Heavy.

Purposeful.

Coming closer.

Her smile slowly faded.

Her heartbeat accelerated.

Her chest rose and fell rapidly.

Oh no.

“Vaniii… I am gonna catch you soon love… fir dekhta hu tumhein kon bachata hai mujhse…”

(Then I’ll see who saves you from me.)

Her fingers tightened around the edge of the shelf.

“Chup ke to koi bhi bach jayega…”

“…mere samne reh ke bacho.”

(Anyone can escape by hiding… try surviving in front of me.)

“Samne ao…”

(Come in front of me.)

He stood in front of the store room door.

Still.

Puzzled.

Thinking.

The handle moved slightly.

She froze.

Closed her eyes.

Don’t open it.

Don’t open it.

Silence.

He didn’t open it.

But before he could

“Nav! Idhar aa jaldi!” Randeep shouted from outside.

( Nav come here)

Nav glanced at the door.

Then walked away.

Vani exhaled.

Safe.

For now.

She moved toward a chair and sat down, pulling out her phone.

“Kamaal hai meri tuffan mail ka reply ni aya… Wish bhi ni kiya… kahan busy hai yeh ladki…”

(Surprising, my storm girl hasn’t replied… didn’t even wish me… where is she busy?)

For a second, her mind drifted to Ayanshi.

Ten Minutes Later

A loud crash echoed from outside.

Then—

“Nav!”

Her heart dropped.

“Ese kese gir gye Nav!!! Jaldi hospital ko call karo!”

(How did he fall like this? Call the hospital quickly!)

The panic in the voices was real.

Too real.

Without thinking, Vani ran out of the store room.

She pushed through the crowd.

And saw him.

On the ground.

Near the stairs.

Hand clutching his side.

Something red visible beneath his head.

Her world went silent.

Face tense.

Abhiansh beside him.

“Bhabhi jaldi aao!”

( Bhabhi come fast)

Her throat dried instantly.

“Nav…?”

She knelt beside him.

“ese kese gir gya??? Nav!!!!! Baby are you listening????? call the ambulance, jaldi!!!!?? Khoon aa rhaa hai… Navvv….”

(“How did he fall like this??? Nav!!!!! Baby, are you listening???? Call the ambulance, quickly!!!! There’s blood… Navvv….”)

Her hands trembled as she reached for his forehead.

His eyes opened fully.

Before she could process

His coloured hand grabbed her wrist.

Pulled her forward.

And in one swift motion

He smeared colour across her cheek.

Slow.

Deliberate.

The courtyard fell silent.

Then

Cheers exploded.

Whistles.

Claps.

Some elders awkwardly turned away.

Nav leaned close to her ear.

“Told you. Tumhein apne rang mai rang dunga…”

(I told you. I will colour you in my colour.)

His smirk stayed

For two seconds.

Then faded.

Because she wasn’t smiling.

Tears had filled her eyes.

Not playful tears.

Real ones.

“Hey hey hey… why are you crying…” he cupped her cheeks.

She pushed his hands away.

“Majakk hai!! Tumhare liye yeh majak hai kya!!!! Yeh ese natak karna… meri jaan nikal gai thi… Aur yeh khoon….”

(Is this a joke to you? Acting like this? My life almost left my body… And this blood…)

“Nakli… nakli hai… yeh dekho…” he wiped the red from his head and showed her his hand.

( Fake..its fake… See)

“Ketchup, paint colour or pani hai…”

(Ketchup, paint colour and water.)

His confidence cracked.

He hadn’t expected this.

Her tears kept falling.

“Agar sach mai koch ho jata!!! Yeh majak hota hai kya!!!! Mujhe bilkul baat nahi karni… Mana lo tum tumhari holi…!!”

(What if something had really happened? Is that a joke? I don’t want to talk to you at all. Celebrate your Holi alone.)

She stood up, and Walked away.

He didn’t follow her immediately,
Realisation hitting him, that for winning some meaningless challenge, he had hurted something precious .

✧

She walked straight to their room.

Didn’t look back.

Didn’t wipe her tears.

Didn’t care who was watching her or making comments.

The door slam the door shut behind her.

Outside, the cheers slowly died down.

Nav stood there.

Colour still on his fingers.

Smile gone.

Completely.

Abhiansh muttered quietly, “Bhai… thoda zyada ho gaya sayd. She is hurt.”

(“Bro… maybe it went a bit too far. She’s hurt.”)

Nav didn’t respond.

He just looked at his own hands.

Red.

Fake blood.

Ketchup.

Without saying a word, he walked upstairs.

Their Room

Vani was sitting on the edge of the bed.

Hands clenched in her lap.

Tears still falling silently.

Nav entered quietly.

Closed the door behind him. And slowly started moving towards the bed.

He removed the colour packet from his kurta and Kept it on the table.

Took one step forward.

“Vani…”

No response.

She wiped her cheek aggressively.
The tears mixing with the colour on her cheeks.

He swallowed.

“I’m sorry bacha..”

“I thought… I thought it would be just a funny prank.”

( I thought you would laugh. )

She let out a broken laugh.

“funny prank? Should i laugh.?”

She stood up suddenly.

“say something. ?? Tum zameen pe the… there was blood… ” he tried to interrupt but she showed him her palm silencing him “ fake blood i know. You involved everyone with you. Hospital lejane ki baat ho rahi thi…”

Her voice trembled.

“Meri saanse ruk gai thi. I didn’t know what i would do. In that very minute kitne bure khayaal aye mere dimag mai…. i was blaming myself for this childish challenge. ”

(“My breath had stopped. I didn’t know what I would do. In that very moment, so many terrible thoughts ran through my mind… I was blaming myself for this childish challenge.”)

That hit him.

Hard.

He moved closer slowly.

“I know, and i am really sorry..”

“No, you don’t know.”

She shook her head.

“You don’t know kaisa lagta hai jab ek second ke liye laga ki tum…”

(“You don’t know what it felt like when, for a second, it seemed like you…”)

Her voice broke.

“ I felt my whole world collapse, mar jatti mai agar tumhein koch ho jata to. ”

(“I felt my whole world collapse. I would have died if anything had happened to you.”)

Silence.

That sentence destroyed him, he stood stunned.

Completely.

His eyes glistening watching her like this, even hearing the words that she would have die made her heart clenched.

He couldn’t live without her, even her sayings gives him the pain

He stepped closer again.

Carefully.

This time she didn’t step back.

He didn’t touch her yet.

“I  am so so sooo sorry… i am really sorry vani… I didn’t realise that, I just took that as joke, but i am so sorry i failed to understand your feelings, ”

“I shouldn’t have done that prank, but now i understand that what you are feeling, i would have felt the same, even the fear of losing you make my heartbeat stop, but you saw me there… And i can’t even imagine what emotions you had gone through.”

He looked at the floor briefly.

Then back at her.

“I was trying to win a challenge to boast my ego, but in very way, i hurted my pride, i am really sorry sunshine. I am really sorry.”

She looked at him.

Anger still there.

But softer now.

He raised his hand slowly.

Just to wipe the tear near her jaw.

She didn’t stop him this time.

“I swear… not to do something like this again.”

His voice lowered.

“ please mujhe maaf krdo.”

( Please forgive me)!

She just looked at him, not speaking

“ dad ki ak47 leke au? I promise chu tak nahi kruga. Silencer bhi laga ke dedu ha” he said pointing at the door.

(“Should I bring Dad’s AK-47? I promise I won’t even touch it. I’ll even attach the silencer for you.”)

That made her chuckle

“Pagal ho?” saying this she wiped a tear from her cheek

(Are you an Idiot?)

“haan..bhout bada. Befkuf bhi.. jo itni payari c biwi ko rula diya.”

(“Yes… very big. And a fool too—for making such a lovely wife cry.”)

A pause.

Then softer

“Colour lagane ka challenge tha…”

(“It was a challenge to apply color…”)

“ rulaane ka nahi.”

(Not to make you cry.)

“ you won. Fair and square.”
He said without any hesitation

“ holi abhi bakki hai na… ” saying this she get up and pick up the packet from the table

(“Holi isn’t over yet, right?”)

Took the gulal in her hand, and forward towards him

He stood up and step towards her, saying something with his eyes.

She rub her hand, taking the equal amount of gulal in her both hands

She gently applied color to his cheek.

“ tum ni lagao ge?” she asked him

( You won’t apply it on me?)

He pulled her towards him by her waist

And slowly move his check to hers, smearing the colour in same way as him, she closes her eyes, as she move slowly.

He joined his forehead with hers. Relaxed but still guilty.

“ I am really sorry solnyshka. I really didn’t mean in, that way ”

“ its okay. Jo hua so hua. Don’t do this in future.” she replied caressing his cheek

(“What’s done is done.”)

“ i swear on my life. I won’t do these kind of pranks again.”

(A/n:- mene tumahri life dekhi hai, kisi aur chiz ke upar kasam khao.)

They stayed like that for a moment before he suggested

“ now we have 2 options , first sabke sath neeche ja ke holi manate hai.”

(“Now we have two options. First—we go downstairs and celebrate Holi with everyone.”)

“ acha..? Aur dusra option?” she asked

( Oh really? What’s the second option?)!

“ we can stay in the room and do more fun things, which we both love, kisi ko awazw bhi sunai ni degi, and i can apologise better.” he said and she widens her eyes as she slapped his chest lightly

( No one can hear us,….)

“ shameless. Lets go downstairs ”

✧

In the courtyard

Music blasted through the speakers.

The entire courtyard was colourful, people dancing, throwing colours

Water splashing everywhere.

After a few minutes later, Nav and Vani finally came downstairs together.

Jasmeet noticed immediately.
She walked up to Vani first.

“Beta, theek ho?” she asked softly.
Vani nodded politely.

( Child are you okay?)

Randeep gave Nav a look.
“Tu harkaton to baaz aja, changa lagge ga hun kutt khanda? Meri kuddi rovati c.”

(“Stop your antics. Do you want to get beaten up now? You made my girl cry.”)

Nav lowered his eyes slightly.
“Sorry, Papa.”

“ chlo jo hua so hua, ao holi khelte hai sab milkar.”

(“Alright, what’s done is done. Come on, let’s all play Holi together.”?)

Jasmeet and vani put colour on each her gently, vani put coloured tika on randeep’s head and he did the same and patted her head.

Music volume went up.
And suddenly,

Khelan kyun na jaaye
Tu Hori re rasiya

Puche hai tohe saari kuiyan
Kahan hai Badri ki dulhania
Dulhania…

The crowd started screaming.

Nav looked at Vani.

She raised her eyebrows

Lets go?

He replied through his eyes

Lets go.

He hold her her hand and both went to the centre

Kurti pe teri malun gulaal
Rang bata blue ya laal
Air mein tere udte baal
Aaja rang doon dono gaal

Colours flew in the air.

Nav grabbed a fistful of gulal and gently smeared it across Vani’s cheek.

She didn’t pull away.
Instead, she grabbed colour from a nearby plate and attacked him back.
Straight across his jaw.

Crowd cheered.

Arey sara rara..
Arey sara rara..
Kabira sara rara..

Baby ke dekhe jhumke
Laga de chaar thumke
Chichore naache jamke, re!

Someone sprayed water from a pipe ,
Someone throws colour bombs.

Nav pulled her toward the center.
They moved with the rhythm.

Not professional dancers.
But comfortable.
No one judging or nor caring

Aye aye…

UP mein din dahaade
Window aur chat pe taade
Hum dekhen aankhen faade re!

Arey arey…
Tujhpe tiki hai meri naughty najariya..
Tujhko bana kar ke
Tujhko bana kar ke
Tujhko bana kar ke
Le jayenge Badri ki dulhania
Tujhko bana kar ke
Le jayenge Badri ki dulhania
Rani bana kar ke
Le jayenge Badri ki dulhania

He twirled her.
She almost slipped because of water—
He caught her and  lifted her in his arms and spun her around happily.

The crowd hooted.

She sign him to put down, he did understanding her but not going away from her.

Baby badi bholi hai
Baby ki rang di choli hai
Angreji mein khit pit madam ri
Bura na maano holi hai

Saying this he throw colour on her, while she tried to Dodge but couldn’t

Rama rama gazab hogaya
Tere se nazariya lad gayi
Aayi jawani julm hoyi gawa
Kis aafat mein pad gayi
Are sara rara..
Kabira sara rara..

She pushed him playfully.
He stepped back dramatically.

Haaye main mar gayi
Sooli pe chadh gayi

Both maded faces according to the Chorus,

Na na na kehna tha
Lekin haan kar gayi

He smiled as these lines came, he tried to pull her but she doge and pick more colours to throw at him

Dil tujhko send main to kar gayi re
Main Badri ki dulhania,

Tujhko bana kar ke
Le jayenge ho Badri ki dulhania
Rani bana kar ke
Le jayenge ho Badri ki dulhania

Then he pulled her back by the waist.
Colour smeared again.

Forehead to cheek.
Cheek to neck.
She splashed water at him, picking the nearby pichkaari.

He instantly picked the pichari from the other side.

Baby ke dekhe jhumke
Laga de chaar thumke
Chhichhore nache jamke, re!

Aye..

Soon both were completely drenched.
White clothes no longer white.
Red.
Pink.
Blue.
Yellow.
Everything mixed.

UP mein din dahaade
Window aur chat pe taade
Hum dekhen aankhen faade re!

Ayey.. arey re re..
Tujhpe tiki hai meri naughty najariya..
Haaye!

The song neared its ending.
Everyone joined in.
But nav and vani didn’t care, they were dancing with each other not caring for the world

At that moment, World seems to fade around them,

Tujhko bana kar ke
Tujhko bana kar ke
Tujhko bana kar ke
Le jayenge Badri ki dulhania
Tujhko bana kar ke
Le jayenge Badri ki dulhania
Rani bana kar ke
Le jayenge Badri ki dulhania

Muniya re muniya
Badri ki Dulhania (x2)

as the last chorus played
Colours flew in the air like smoke.
Someone splashed a full bucket.
Vani laughed carefree

Then suddenly stopped laughing.

Vani’s breathing changed.

Her vision blurred slightly.
She blinked.
The ground tilted slightly.

She tried to steady herself.
Nav was mid-step when he noticed her grip tightening on his kurta.

“Vani?”
She blinked.

“Nav…”she said barely a whisper.
And then

Her knees gave way.

“Vani!”He yelled, but her eyes were closed.

Nav caught her instantly.
The music stopped.
The courtyard froze.

Her head fell against his shoulder.

He tapped her cheek gently.

“ vani!!! Vani!!!!….” “ doctor!!!!  Where’s the doctor?? Call him right now. !!!”  he barked.

Nav’s heartbeat pounded loudly.

He picked her up and went inside,

Not again.

Not another shock.

He was mentally praying, that she should be alright.

______________________________________

Don’t forget me to tell your favourite part…

And what do you think is going to happen…

Ese hi ni khtm karugi mai tangled.. dukh dard dungi thode se… 🤣🤣🤣

Happy ending pakka…
Ek aur bonus ayega.. and I’ll try to post it in one or two days ..

Bakii happy holi again…