A few weeks later, after his recovery, Veera stood in front of the bathroom mirror, carefully applying a touch of lip gloss to complete her look. She wore a stunning thigh-high slit, backless dress that hugged her curves in all the right places, accentuating her natural beauty. With a satisfied smile, she admired her reflection, feeling confident and radiant.

As she turned to leave the bathroom, her heart skipped a beat at the sight that greeted her. There, leaning against the wall with a casual grace, was Ishan, dressed in a sharp suit that perfectly complemented his rugged charm.

A soft gasp escaped Veera's lips as she took in Ishan's appearance, her heart fluttering at the sight of him. "Ishan," she breathed, her voice barely above a whisper as she approached him.

Ishan's eyes lit up at the sound of Veera's voice, a warm smile spreading across his lips. "Hey there, beautiful," he greeted her, his voice filled with affection as he reached out to take her hand in his.

Veera felt a blush creeping up her cheeks at Ishan's endearing words, her pulse quickening at the tender expression in his eyes. "What are you doing here?" she asked, her voice tinged with curiosity as she stepped closer to him.

Ishan shrugged nonchalantly, a playful glint in his eye. "Just thought I'd take a break from the festivities and catch some fresh air," he replied, his gaze never leaving Veera's.

A soft chuckle escaped Veera's lips as she reached out to gently tuck a stray strand of hair behind Ishan's ear. "Well, I'm glad you did," she admitted, her heart swelling with affection for the man before her.

Ishan's arms enveloped Veera in a comforting embrace, pulling her close to him as he buried his face in her hair. She melted into his touch, revelling in the warmth and familiarity of his embrace.

"You look absolutely stunning tonight, Veeru," Ishan murmured, his voice soft against her ear as he pressed a gentle kiss to her temple.

Veera smiled at Ishan's words, her heart swelling with love for the man who never failed to make her feel cherished and adored. "Thank you, Ishan," she replied, her voice tinged with gratitude. 

"You're not looking too bad yourself."

Ishan chuckled softly, the sound vibrating against Veera's back as he held her close. "Flattery will get you everywhere," he teased, his lips brushing against her skin in a tender caress.

Veera sighed contentedly, relishing the intimacy of their embrace as they stood together in the dimly lit hallway. In Ishan's arms, she felt safe and loved, her worries melting away in the warmth of his affection.

As they swayed gently to the soft music drifting in from the nearby ballroom, Veera couldn't help but feel a sense of peace wash over her. In moments like these, surrounded by Ishan's love and unwavering support, she knew that she was exactly where she was meant to be. 

Veera and Ishan swayed gently to the rhythm of the music, lost in the moment as they danced together in the quiet hallway. Ishan held Veera close, his arms wrapped around her waist as they moved in perfect harmony.

Lost in their own world, Veera and Ishan were unaware of the curious eyes that watched them from afar. Virat, Shubman, KL Rahul, Hardik, Shreyas, and Rohit stood at the entrance to the hallway, their expressions a mix of surprise and amusement as they observed the intimate scene unfolding before them.

"Would you look at that," Rohit remarked with a grin, nudging Virat playfully as they watched Veera and Ishan dance. "Looks like our boy Ishan has got some moves."

Virat chuckled in agreement, his eyes never leaving the couple on the dance floor. "Seems like it," he replied, a hint of pride in his voice as he watched his sister and his teammate share a tender moment.

Shubman raised an eyebrow in amusement, his gaze flicking between Veera and Ishan with a knowing smile. "I guess love really does make you do crazy things," he remarked, earning a chuckle from the others.

Meanwhile, KL Rahul couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy as he watched the couple dance. "Looks like Ishan's got himself quite the catch," he commented wistfully, his thoughts drifting to his own love life.

Hardik nodded in agreement, a playful grin on his face. "Yeah, he's a lucky guy," he agreed, his eyes twinkling with mischief as he watched Veera and Ishan twirl gracefully across the floor.

As the song came to an end, Veera and Ishan finally noticed the group of onlookers, their cheeks flushing with embarrassment at being caught in such an intimate moment. But as they exchanged sheepish smiles with Virat, Shubman, KL Rahul, Hardik, Shreyas, and Rohit, they couldn't help but feel grateful for the love and support of their friends.

With a shared laugh, the group made their way back to the main hall, the memory of Veera and Ishan's impromptu dance serving as a reminder of the power of love and connection. And as they rejoined the festivities, Veera and Ishan knew that they were surrounded by people who cared for them deeply, their bond stronger than ever in the warm embrace of friendship and camaraderie.

Later that evening, as the festive atmosphere continued and the dinner was in full swing, the group gathered around the long, elegantly set dining table. Veera sat beside Ishan, her hand resting comfortably in his as they laughed and chatted with their friends.

As the meal progressed, the boys exchanged knowing glances, silently communicating their curiosity about a certain small ring box they had noticed in Ishan's pocket earlier. Seizing a moment when Veera was engrossed in conversation with Anushka and Ritika, Rohit leaned over to Ishan.

"Hey, Ishan, mind joining us for a minute?" Rohit said casually, nodding towards a quieter corner of the room.

Ishan raised an eyebrow, a hint of confusion on his face, but nodded nonetheless. "Sure, what's up?" he replied, standing up and following Rohit, Virat, Shubman, KL Rahul, Hardik, and Shreyas to the side.

Once they were a bit away from the main table, Hardik grinned and clapped Ishan on the shoulder. "Alright, man, spill the beans," he said with a playful smirk. "When are you planning to pop the question?"

Ishan blinked in surprise, his hand instinctively moving to his pocket where the small ring box was tucked away. "How did you guys—"

"We saw the ring box, bro," Shubman interjected with a grin. "You've been carrying it around all night."

A sheepish smile spread across Ishan's face as he realized he had been caught. "Well, I guess there's no hiding it from you guys," he admitted, chuckling. "I've been planning to propose to Veera for a while now. Tonight seemed like the perfect opportunity."

Virat, his expression a mix of brotherly concern and excitement, stepped forward. "You really 

love her, don't you?" he asked, his voice serious.

Ishan met Virat's gaze, his eyes filled with sincerity. "More than anything," he replied earnestly. 

"Veera means the world to me. I want to spend the rest of my life making her happy."

KL Rahul nodded approvingly, a warm smile on his face. "That's what we like to hear," he said. 

"But have you thought about how you're going to do it? Any grand plans?"

Ishan chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "I've been thinking about it a lot, actually," he admitted. "I wanted to do something special, something that she'll remember forever. I was thinking of doing it here, surrounded by all our friends and family. What do you guys think?"

Rohit grinned, giving Ishan a thumbs up. "Sounds perfect, man," he said. "Veera will love it. And we'll be here to cheer you on."

Hardik leaned in, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Just make sure you don't chicken out at the last minute," he teased, earning a round of laughter from the group.

Ishan laughed along with them, feeling a sense of camaraderie and support from his friends. "Thanks, guys," he said sincerely. "Having you all here means a lot to me."

As they returned to the table, Ishan's heart swelled with anticipation and nervous excitement. 

He glanced at Veera, who was still deep in conversation and felt a surge of love and determination. Tonight would be a night to remember, and he was ready to take the next step in their journey together.

With a deep breath, he reached into his pocket, feeling the reassuring weight of the ring box. The moment was drawing closer, and Ishan knew that with the support of their friends and family, he was ready to make Veera his forever.

As the evening progressed, the atmosphere around the dinner table became increasingly lively and spirited. Plates of delicious food circulated, laughter echoed through the room, and glasses clinked in toasts to friendship and love.

Ishan found himself stealing glances at Veera, his heart racing with anticipation. He knew he had to find the perfect moment to propose, but amidst the chaotic and cheerful banter of their friends, it seemed like a daunting task.

Just then, Shreyas, who had been eyeing Ishan with a mischievous twinkle in his eye, leaned over and loudly asked, "Hey, Ishan, you've been acting awfully secretive tonight. Got something hidden up your sleeve?"

Ishan choked on his drink, his eyes widening in panic as everyone at the table turned to look at him. "Uh, well..." he stammered, feeling his cheeks flush with embarrassment.

Rohit, never one to miss a chance to tease, chimed in with a grin, "Come on, Ishan, spill the beans! We all want to know!"

Veera, sensing Ishan's discomfort, shot him a curious yet amused look. "What's going on, Ishan?" she asked, raising an eyebrow playfully.

Ishan felt like all eyes were on him, and the pressure was mounting. Taking a deep breath, he decided to seize the moment. "Okay, fine!" he exclaimed, his voice slightly louder than he intended. "I was going to propose to Veera tonight!"

A collective gasp filled the room as everyone erupted into excited chatter and applause. Veera's eyes widened in surprise, her hand flying to her mouth in shock. "Ishan!" she exclaimed, her cheeks turning pink.

Hardik whooped loudly, raising his glass in a toast. "About time, bro!" he shouted, earning cheers and laughter from the group.

Virat clapped Ishan on the back, a proud smile on his face. "Well done, mate," he said, his voice filled with brotherly pride. "Veera, you're a lucky woman."

Amidst the chaos and jubilation, Veera could only stare at Ishan in disbelief, her heart pounding with joy and excitement. "Ishan," she murmured, her voice choked with emotion. "I... I don't know what to say."

Ishan grinned, his nerves melting away in the warmth of Veera's gaze. "Say yes?" he suggested, his voice laced with hope.

Veera laughed through happy tears, throwing her arms around Ishan's neck and pulling him into a tight embrace. "Yes, yes, a thousand times yes!" she exclaimed, her voice ringing with happiness.

The room erupted into cheers and applause once more as Veera and Ishan shared a sweet and chaotic moment of celebration amidst their friends and loved ones. Amidst the laughter and teasing, Ishan couldn't help but feel grateful for the support and love that surrounded them.

And as he held Veera close, his heart overflowing with love and joy, Ishan knew that this night would be a memory they would cherish forever—a perfect blend of funny, chaotic, and utterly unforgettable.

As the excitement and cheers gradually subsided, Ishan and Veera found themselves caught in a whirlwind of congratulations and well-wishes from their friends. The atmosphere around the dinner table remained jubilant, with everyone eager to hear the details of Ishan's proposal plan.

Rohit, still grinning ear to ear, leaned in with a teasing glint in his eye. "So, Ishan, spill the beans. How did you plan to pop the question?" he asked, nudging Ishan playfully.

Ishan chuckled nervously, glancing at Veera who was beaming beside him. "Well, I had it all figured out," he began, his voice filled with affection as he looked at Veera. "I was going to wait 

for the perfect moment, maybe during a slow dance or a quiet walk outside..."

"But then you guys couldn't stop prying!" Shubman interrupted with a laugh, earning a round of playful shoves from the others.

Hardik raised his glass again, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Hey, we had to make sure you didn't chicken out, buddy!" he teased, earning laughs and nods of agreement from around the table.

Veera, still overwhelmed with joy and emotion, leaned into Ishan's side. "I can't believe this is happening," she murmured, her voice filled with happy disbelief.

Ishan wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "Believe it, Veeru," he whispered, his heart swelling with love for the woman who had captured his heart five years ago.

Amidst the laughter and teasing, Virat raised a hand for attention. "To Ishan and Veera," he announced his voice firm with pride. "May your love grow stronger with each passing day."

The group raised their glasses in a toast, clinking them together in celebration. "To Ishan and Veera!" they chorused, their voices ringing out with happiness and camaraderie.

Vamika, who had been playing with Agastya and Sammy in a corner of the room, suddenly jumped up with excitement. Her little voice rang out clearly above the din of conversation and laughter.

"Now Ishan is officially my uncle!" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with joy as she ran towards Ishan and Veera.

Ishan knelt down with a wide smile, his heart swelling at Vamika's enthusiastic proclamation. 

"That's right, Vamika," he replied warmly, opening his arms to scoop her up. "I'm so happy to officially be your uncle."

Veera chuckled softly, watching the tender exchange between Ishan and her niece. "Looks like you're stuck with us now," she teased playfully, her eyes twinkling with affection.

Vamika nodded eagerly, her tiny arms wrapping around Ishan's neck in a tight hug. "Good!" she declared with all the seriousness of a child, making everyone at the table laugh.

Virat, her father, grinned proudly from across the room, his heart swelling with love for his daughter and happiness for his sister. "I think she approves," he remarked with a wink at Ishan, who nodded in agreement.

As the evening continued, Vamika stayed close to Ishan and Veera, eager to share in their joy and excitement. She chattered animatedly about how she would help plan the wedding and be the best flower girl ever.

As the night wore on and the celebrations continued, Ishan and Veera found themselves swept up in a whirlwind of joy and camaraderie. Vamika, now officially declaring Ishan as her uncle, stuck close to them, her infectious energy adding a youthful vibrancy to the gathering.

Throughout the evening, Ishan couldn't help but steal glances at Veera, his heart swelling with love and anticipation for their future together. He had planned to propose in a more private moment, but now that their friends knew, he felt a sense of relief mingled with excitement.

Virat, ever the proud older brother, caught Ishan's eye across the room and gave him a knowing smile and a thumbs-up, silently conveying his approval and support. It meant the world to Ishan to have Virat's blessing in this journey with Veera.

As the dinner wound down, the group began to disperse, some heading home while others lingered to chat and share more laughter. Ishan found himself deep in conversation with Virat and Rohit, discussing plans for the upcoming cricket season and the latest developments in their lives.

Meanwhile, Veera sat with Anushka and Ritika, reminiscing about old times and sharing stories from their childhood. Vamika, never far from her aunt and soon-to-be uncle, regaled them with her ideas for the wedding, which ranged from fairy-tale castles to unicorns and rainbows.

At one point, amidst the chatter and laughter, Vamika tugged at Ishan's sleeve. "Uncle Ishan," she began earnestly, her eyes wide with curiosity, "when are you going to marry Aunt Veera?"

Ishan chuckled, his heart melting at Vamika's innocent question. "Well, sweetheart," he replied gently, ruffling her hair affectionately, "I'm going to marry her very soon."

Vamika's face lit up with excitement. "Yay!" she cheered, clapping her hands in delight. "I can't wait for the wedding!"

Veera, who had been listening to their conversation with a fond smile, leaned over to Ishan and kissed his cheek softly. "Looks like we have a wedding planner in the making," she teased lovingly.

Ishan grinned, feeling a surge of happiness as he looked around at their friends and family. Tonight had been more than he could have hoped for—it was a celebration of love, friendship, and the promise of a future together with Veera.

As they prepared to leave, Ishan took Veera's hand in his, squeezing it gently. "Ready for the next chapter?" he whispered, his eyes shining with love.

Veera nodded, her heart full with love for Ishan and excitement for the journey ahead. "More than ready," she replied softly, leaning into his embrace.