Upon their arrival in Chandigarh, the city's warm embrace greeted Shubman and Kiara on the auspicious day of the housewarming ceremony. The air was filled with a sense of new beginnings and the promise of memories to be made. Shahneel, with arms wide open, welcomed Kiara with a heartfelt hug, her voice tinged with excitement, "Kiki, do you have a lehenga for the occasion?"

Kiara's response was a gentle shake of the head, her eyes reflecting a quiet anticipation. Shahneel's eyes sparkled with a sisterly affection as she declared, "I have just the perfect lehenga for you. Come, let's get you adorned for the day." With a nod of agreement, Kiara followed Shahneel to her room, where the transformation would take place.

In the sanctuary of Shahneel's room, Kiara slipped into a two-piece ensemble that seemed to capture the very essence of the sky. The blouse, a cropped masterpiece with delicate straps, was a canvas for the silver embellishments that danced across the fabric in elaborate patterns. The skirt, a voluminous creation, whispered tales of grandeur with each layer, its complex floral designs and motifs in silver a testament to the artisan's craft. Around her neck, a sophisticated choker necklace of pearls lay, a silent ode to elegance. Her wrists were adorned with matching blue bangles, each one a perfect complement to her attire. The earrings, mirroring the choker, completed the ensemble with a harmonious grace.

With her hair cascading freely down her shoulders, Kiara placed a bindi upon her forehead, a singular point of beauty amidst the canvas of her face. Her makeup, minimal yet impactful, accentuated her natural allure. As she adjusted her dupatta, the mirror reflected back an image of sheer beauty, a vision in blue that would leave an indelible mark on the hearts of all who beheld her.

Descending the stairs, Kiara's presence drew the gaze of many, including Shubman, who was engaged in conversation with relatives. Upon seeing her, he turned, his attire a bright blue kurta with vertical stripes that complemented Kiara's dress, paired with pristine white pants. His left wrist was graced with a gold-colored wristwatch, a subtle nod to the sophistication that lay in the details of tradition.

"Looking beautiful, Kiki," Shubman remarked, his words simple yet laden with admiration. A blush crept upon Kiara's cheeks, a silent acknowledgment of his compliment.

As the pooja commenced, the sacred chants filled the air, weaving a tapestry of devotion and blessings. Shubman stood beside Shahneel, their laughter a melody amidst the solemnity of the ritual. Kiara, drawn by their mirth, approached, only to be met with Shahneel's playful whisper, "Your boyfriend has gone mad."

The word 'boyfriend' caught in Kiara's throat, a choked "B-boyfriend" escaping her lips. Shubman, ever the confidant, reassured her with a calm, "Chill, I told her. I can never hide anything from Di."

Shahneel's joy was palpable as she expressed her happiness for the couple. Yet, amidst the celebration, she pulled Kiara aside, her voice carrying a note of earnest concern, "Kiki, you are the best choice for Shub, but please don't hurt him. He had lost hope in love. He is literally smiling after years."

Kiara's response was heartfelt, "I would never do that, Di. I really like him." The sincerity in her words brought a smile to Shahneel's face, a silent blessing as they rejoined the others.

Shubman, engrossed in his phone, was oblivious to the exchange. Kiara, curious, peered over his shoulder, inquiring, "What are you reading?"

"Some article about Ishan," Shubman replied, his focus still on the screen. Kiara nodded, her attention returning to the ongoing pooja.

Time passed, and Shubman suggested a breath of fresh air, "Let's sit outside, come on." Together, they stepped out, engaging in light conversation under the open sky. Their peaceful moment was interrupted by a shrill voice, "Hi Shubman."

Looking up, they were met with the sight of Malini, a girl in her mid-twenties. Shubman's greeting, "Hi, Malini," was tinged with discomfort. Sensing this, Kiara discreetly dialed Shubman's number, providing him an escape from the awkward encounter. "Please excuse me, it's an important phone call," Shubman said, seizing the opportunity to step away.

Left alone with Malini, Kiara faced the unexpected claim, "Well, I am his girlfriend." Shock rippled through Kiara; the audacity of the lie was almost too much to bear. Yet, she maintained her composure, her response measured, "Oh, he never mentioned you. Anyway, see you around." With that, she retreated indoors, her emotions a whirlwind of confusion and anger.

Inside, Shubman's smile greeted Kiara, but she could only look away, the sting of Malini's words still fresh. Shubman, puzzled by her cold demeanor, asked, "What happened? What did I do?" Kiara remained silent, her thoughts a tumultuous sea.

The pooja concluded, and the gathering settled for lunch, the air filled with the clinking of cutlery and the murmur of conversation. Shubman, still in the dark about Kiara's mood, sat beside Keart, while Kiara found solace next to Shahneel. The meal was a welcome distraction, but the tension lingered, an unspoken question hanging between them.

As they retired to their rooms, weariness weighing on their shoulders, Shubman reached for Kiara's hand, his touch gentle, his voice laced with concern, "What did I do?"

Kiara, on the verge of leaving, was pulled into a hug, Shubman's plea for understanding echoing in her ears, "Did I do anything wrong? I am sorry, Kiki. Please talk to me."

The regret in Shubman's voice was enough to soften Kiara's resolve. She confessed, "You did nothing, that chota packet, Malini, she said that she is your girlfriend, right in front of me!"

Shubman's laughter was a balm to her wounded heart, "Arre, let the dogs bark; it's their job, why do you worry? First of all, I don't even like her. Second, she is my cousin."

Relief washed over Kiara, and with a nod, she suggested, "You go to your room, I will change and come." Shubman agreed, and soon they found themselves in the comfort of their rooms, changed into attire that promised relaxation.

Shubman lay on the bed, lost in the digital world, as Kiara joined him, her pyjamas a soft embrace against the fatigue of their journey. Together, they nestled into the bed, the warmth of their closeness a haven against the jet lag that tugged at their consciousness. And in the quiet of the room, they drifted into sleep, their hearts entwined in the silent language of love.