It was a Diwali night. The entire Raichand mansion was beautifully decorated with diyas, sparkling lights, and beautiful lamps all around. Nandini was running around the house as the Diwali pooja was about to start.

"Lo yahan pooja hone wali hai aur abhi tak puri taiyyari bhi nahi hui," she complained to the servants.

"Pooja shuru nahi hui lekin Pooja aapki madat karane aa gai hai," she heard a voice say. She turned around and saw Pooja standing at the entrance of the house.

Nandini smiled at her and beckoned her inside. "Arey Pooja beti, tum wahan kyun khadi ho? Andar aao na," she said.

"Happy Diwali, auntie," Pooja wished her.

"Wish you a very happy Diwali, beta," Nandini replied, hugging her warmly.

"Bataiye, Pooja mein kya kya taiyyari karna baaki hai, main aapki help kara deti hun," said Pooja.

Nandini said, "Bas tumne pooch liya mere liye utna hi kaafi hai. Aaj Lakshmi pooja hai aur tum bhi mere liye Lakshmi hi ho. Toh tum jaao, Naman apne kamre mein hai, usay neechay lekar aao. Meri bahot badi madat ho jaegi."

"Achha auntie, main abhi aati hun," Pooja said, heading upstairs.

Naman was standing in front of his wardrobe, unable to decide what to wear for the pooja. Pooja saw him and, smilingly, said, "Brown pehnna, handsome lagoge."

Naman turned around and saw Pooja at the door. He greeted her with a smile. "Pooja, tum!"

"Haan main, aur tumhari is evergreen problem ka solution saath laai hun," she replied.

"Matlab?" he asked, puzzled.

Pooja showed him a bag and said, "Ye main tumhare liye laai hun. Jaao jaake pehen lo."

"Lekin Pooja, kaise pata ki main..."

"Zyada sawal nahi, auntie ne mujhe order diya hai ki main tumhein neeche jaldi se pooja mein lekar aaun," she interrupted.

"Achha toh maa ne tumhe bheja hai," Naman said, understanding now.

"Haan, aur tum bina kisi deri ke isay pehno aur neeche chalo," she insisted.

Naman got into the washroom, leaving Pooja alone in his room. She glanced around, taking in the sight of pictures scattered everywhere. Many of the photos featured Naman and her together, capturing moments of joy and camaraderie. She picked up one of the pictures, her fingers tracing the outline of Naman's face, a soft smile playing on her lips. Pooja had feelings for Naman and she was well aware of it.

"Koi meri baat hi nahi sunta," came a small voice, breaking her reverie. She quickly placed the picture back and turned around to see Golu standing at the door, pouting in complaint. Pooja smiled and walked up to him, bending down to ruffle his hair.

"Kya hua Golu? Aise muh kyu latkaya hua hai?" she asked gently.

"Kyuki Golu ki koi sunta hi nahi hai," he complained cutely.

"Aww, koi baat nahi, main hun na, main sunungi Golu ki. Batao kya hua?" she coaxed.

"Pehle ye batao, Pooja di, Golu kaisa dikh raha hai?" he asked, showing off his new sherwani.

"Golu toh bahot hi dashing dikh raha hai," she admired, and Golu beamed with pride.

Just then, Naman emerged from the washroom, looking striking in the white kurta Pooja had chosen for him. Pooja's eyes widened, and she couldn't help but stare at him from head to toe, gesturing her approval.

"Naman, dekha mere laaye huye suit mein tum kitne achhe lagte ho!" she exclaimed.

"Thank you, Pooja," Naman replied with a smile.

"Hmm, bhaiyya sach mein achhe lag rahe hain," Golu chimed in.

"Thank you, Golu," Naman said, pulling Golu's cheek affectionately.

"Lekin Golu se handsome nahi," Golu declared, causing Pooja to laugh and pull his cheek.

"So to hai, Golu se zyada handsome koi nahi," she agreed with a playful grin.

"Golu ke bachhe, Pooja ke liye chalein?" asked Naman, extending his hand.

Golu nodded with a smile, and together they made their way downstairs for the pooja. The entire family gathered, their faces lit by the warm glow of the diyas. They performed the aarti, their voices blending harmoniously with the chants, as the fragrance of incense filled the air. The Raichand mansion shimmered with light and love, the perfect setting for a memorable Diwali night.

The Raichands had orchestrated a grand Diwali party, and soon the venue began to buzz with the arrival of guests. It was a lavish affair, with elegant decorations reflecting the Diwali theme. The air was filled with the melodies of light music, complemented by the graceful movements of fancy foreign dancers.

As the evening progressed, Pooja found herself growing slightly bored amidst the glamorous yet somewhat predictable atmosphere of the party. She walked up to Naman and gently nudged him to get his attention.

"Kya, Pooja?" Naman inquired, turning to face her.

"Tumhein dekhkar koi kahega nahi ki tum young Raichand ho," she remarked teasingly.

"Kya matlab?" Naman asked with a hint of curiosity.

"Matlab, Naman, tumhare saare guests ek ek karke party chhod ke jaa rahe hain aur tum kuchh nahi karoge?" she pointed out.

"Arey toh kya, charno mein jaake lot jaun? Vinti karun ki mat jaiye," Naman replied sarcastically, raising an eyebrow.

Golu overheard their conversation and burst into laughter. "Pooja di, aap galat aadmi se ye baat keh rahi hain," he interjected playfully.

"Kya matlab, Golu ke bachhe?" Pooja turned to him, amused.

"Matlab, aapko ye party boring lag rahi hai na Pooja di. Ab dekho, Golu kya karta hai," he said mischievously, then ran up to his father, Yashwardhan, and whispered something into his ear.

"Aisi baat hai? Ab bas dekhte jao," Yashwardhan replied to Golu with a smile, nodding in agreement.

Pooja watched curiously as Golu's plan unfolded, intrigued by what he had in store to spice up the evening.

A while later, as the party continued in full swing, the lights dimmed suddenly, focusing a spotlight on Mr. Yashwardhan Raichand in the center of the room. The music started to play, and guests watched in awe as Mr. Raichand began to dance with effortless grace and charm.

Say shava shava say shava shava
Say shava shava say shava shava
Roop hai tera sona sona
Soni teri payal payal
Roop hai tera sona sona
Soni teri payal
Chanchana chhan aise chhanke
Karde sab ko ghayal
Hey keh raha aankhon ka kaajal
Ishq mein jeena marna
Say shava shava
Mahiya say shava shava
Mahiya say shava shava
Mahiya say shava shava

Naman stood with Pooja, both equally amazed by Yashwardhan's unexpected display of talent. Pooja couldn't help but tease Naman lightly, "Dekha, tumse zyada toh tumhare Dad entertaining hai."

Naman took her teasing in stride, meeting her challenging gaze with a grin. He joined his father on the dance floor, matching his steps with enthusiasm. Seeing Naman's invitation, he pulled Pooja into the dance, adding to the joyful atmosphere.

[There should be a GIF or video here. Update the app now to see it.]

Roop hai mera sona sona
Soni meri payal payal
Roop hai mera sona sona
Soni meri payal
Chanchana chhan aise chhanke
Karde sab ko ghayal
Hey keh raha aankhon ka kaajal
Ishq mein jeena marna
Every buddy say shava shava
Mahiya say shava shava
Mahiya say shava shava
Mahiya say shava shava

Nandini, catching the infectious spirit, also joined them, dancing with elegance and happiness that left everyone present in awe.

Just then, Ishika entered the party with her friends. Mesmerized by the lively ambiance and great music, she couldn't resist the urge to dance. Her friend Pallavi tried to hold her back, whispering, "Kya kar rahi hai Ishi? Bade logon ki party hai."

"Arey toh kya hua, tujhe toh pata hai dance karne se mujhe koi nahi rok sakta," Ishika replied defiantly, stepping onto the dance floor and letting herself go. Her spontaneous display of enthusiasm drew stares from the guests, who watched her with curiosity.

Naman, noticing Ishika's innocence and infectious energy, smiled warmly. Without hesitation, he joined her on the dance floor, matching her steps and encouraging her in the impromptu dance.

Dekha tenu pehli pehli baar we
Hone laga dil bekaraar we
Raba mainu ki ho gaya
Dil jaaniye haay mainu ki ho gaya

As Ishika danced freely, she suddenly realized the attention she had garnered and felt a rush of self-consciousness. Quickly retreating behind a nearby pillar, she hoped to avoid further notice. However, Naman, sensing her discomfort, followed her and gently caught her by the hand.

Sun ke teri baatein sone yaar we
Mahi mainu tere naal pyaar we
Haay main mar jaawa
Dil jaaniye haay main mar jaawa

Say shava shava
Mahiya say shava shava
Mahiya say shava shava
Bhangda say shava shava

When the music finally stopped, Ishika withdrew her hand from Naman's grasp abruptly, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. She turned and hurried out of the bungalow, overcome with anxiety as if she had committed a grave mistake. Hearing Naman's footsteps following her, she closed her eyes tightly and clutched her fingers nervously, unsure of what to expect next.

" Ishika ji, aap yahan?" Naman's voice cut through Ishika's turmoil as she stood, contemplating her abrupt departure.

"Hey Bhagwan! Jiska dar tha wahi hua, pata nahi kya kahenge ye," she murmured to herself, her nerves on edge.

" Ishika ji," he gently called her name again, standing in front of her with a reassuring smile.

"Vo main..." Ishika bit her lip, gathering her courage. She took a deep breath and finally confessed, "Vo Naman ji, I am so sorry. Main toh mithai leke aayi thi lekin khud ko dance karne se rok nahi paayi, toh bas... I am really sorry. Mujhe pata hai maine bahut badi galti ki hai. Achha, ab main chalti hun," she said hurriedly, turning around to leave, her face flushed with embarrassment.

"Lekin aapse kisne kaha ki aapne koi galati ki hai? Balki mujhe toh bahut achha laga," Naman's warm voice stopped her in her tracks. Ishika halted, stunned by his unexpected words.

She turned around, facing him with wide eyes. "Ye aap kya keh rahe hain?" she asked, still uncertain.

"Yahi ki mujhe bahut achha laga. Aapne khud ko mehmaan nahi, balki kisi apne ki tarah us jashn mein shaamil hui. Mujhe bahut achha laga," he replied sincerely, his smile gentle and reassuring.

"Sach?" Ishika's voice quivered with disbelief and relief.

"Jee, ab dekhiye na, party enjoy karne wale toh bahut the wahan, par kisi apne ki tarah jaan daalne wali toh aap hi thi na," Naman affirmed warmly.

Ishika felt a wave of relief wash over her. A sweet smile slowly crept onto her face, and she looked down shyly. "Aap aisa sochte hain? Hum toh abhi abhi mile hain," she said softly.

"Toh kya hua, apna toh koi ek hi mulakat mein ho sakta hai. Aur vaise bhi, aap bhool rahi hain, ek rishta hai mera aapke saath," Naman reminded her gently.

"Kaisa rishta?" Ishika inquired curiously.

"Meri ek chhoti si dost aapke saath rehti hai, toh uss naate aap meri bhi dost hui hain," he explained, referring to Meethi. Ishika smiled warmly, understanding his perspective, and nodded in agreement.

Just then, Golu came running over, his eyes bright with mischief. Spotting Ishika, whom he had seen dancing with Naman earlier, he couldn't resist his playful curiosity.

"Bhaiya, ye kaun hai? Ye aapke saath party mein dance bhi kar rahi thi na, aur ye wahan mithai ki dukaan mein bhi toh thi, ye aapki nayi girlfriend hai kya?" he asked mischievously.

Naman heard Golu's question and shot him a sharp glare, while Ishika looked around, feeling a bit embarrassed by the attention.

"Chup kar Golu ke bachhe, kuchh bhi bolte rehta hai," Naman scolded him lightly.

"Toh fir ye hai kaun?" Golu persisted, eyeing Ishika with curiosity.

"Ye wo..." Naman began to explain, but Ishika stepped in gracefully.

"Main aapke bhaiya ki toh koi nahi, lekin aap humse dosti karenge?" Ishika asked, extending her hand towards Golu.

"Mujhe laddu milenge na?" Golu sweetly bargained.

"Aapko ek nahi, do laddu milenge," Ishika agreed with a smile.

"Toh phir milao haath," Golu said eagerly, and they shook hands warmly.

"Arey lekin Golu, aapko kya bulayega?" Naman asked, joining in the playful banter.

"Ikka," Golu replied with a mischievous grin.

Ishika chuckled and nodded. "Mera naam Ishika hai, Golu."

"Thik hai, lekin Golu, aapko 'Ikka' bulaega, okay?" Golu proposed sweetly.

"Done," Ishika agreed, amused by Golu's innocence and enthusiasm.

Just then, Pallavi approached them. "Chalein Ishi?" she asked.

"Haan haan, chal," Ishika replied, smiling at Golu.

"Bye Ikka," Golu sweetly bid her farewell, waving as Ishika walked away with Pallavi.