The Kohli family, along with Prachi and her relatives, arrived at the bustling Delhi airport. Everyone was managing their luggage and checking their tickets, while Prachi, with her wide-eyed wonder, observed every detail of the place.

Prachi (looking around, awestruck):

"Yeh jagah toh itni badi aur chamakdar hai! Aap log yahan kaise sambhalte hain(This place is so big and shiny! How do you all manage here?)"

Ranbir (teasing):

"Prachi ji, yeh airport hai, na ki ek bhoot bangla jismein ghoomne se darna pade(Prachi ji, this is an airport, not a haunted mansion to be scared of!)"

Namrata (chuckling):

"Ranbir bhaiya, sambhal lena Prachi jiji ko, warna woh kisi conveyor belt par chadh jaayengi (Ranbir bhaiya, take care of Prachi jiji, or she might climb onto a conveyor belt!)"

As they approached the entrance, Prachi saw the automatic sliding doors that kept turning in a circular motion, letting passengers through. She paused, confused, watching others navigate it smoothly.

Prachi (pointing at the doors):

"Yeh kya hai? Yeh log kaise ghus rahe hain iske andar bina dar ke(What is this? How are these people going inside without fear?)"

Ranbir (grinning):

"Arre Prachi ji, bas andar chalo, darwaza khud samajh jaayega ki aap entry lena chahte ho (Prachi ji, just step in, the door will automatically understand you want to enter.)"

Prachi hesitated as the door kept rotating, and Ranbir couldn't help but chuckle at her expressions.

Prachi (frowning):

"Yeh toh mere peeche hi aa raha hai! Kahin mujhe beech mein na dabaa de(This thing keeps coming behind me! What if it crushes me in the middle?)"

Ranbir (playfully):

"Aapko nahi, Prachi ji, bas un logo ko dabata hai jo dar ke peeche hat jaate hain(Not you, Prachi ji, it only crushes those who step back in fear.)"

With a deep breath, Prachi stepped into the revolving door but froze midway as the glass panels kept turning. Ranbir followed behind her to guide her through.

Ranbir:

"Chaliye chaliye, seedhe chaliye! Stop mat kariye warna sab fans ghoomna band kar denge (Come on, move straight! Don't stop, or all the fans will stop spinning!)"

But Prachi panicked and stopped right in the middle.

Prachi (alarmed):

"Yeh door toh mujhe idhar hi ghooma raha hai! Main kya karoon(This door is spinning me around! What do I do?)"

Ranbir, trying to help her, got stuck behind her.

Esha: Oh, come on! Bas ek second pehle baahar nikalen! Lekin nahi, use apna phone dobara double-check karna pada, aur use apane baal theek karane pade. Classic. Ve do planets ki tarah hain jo ek hi suraj ki parikrama kar rahe hain lekin takrane se inkar kar rahe hain. Haalaanki, yah pyara hai. Dardanaak, lekin pyaara 

(Just step out a second earlier! But no, he had to double-check his phone, and she had to fix her hair. Classic. They're like two planets orbiting the same sun but refusing to collide. It's cute, though. Painful, but cute.)😏🥰

Ranbir:

"Aapko bas move karna tha, Prachi ji! Ab toh hum dono fans ke saamne statue ban gaye hain (You just had to move, Prachi ji! Now both of us have become statues in front of the fans!)"

The door, confused by the obstruction, suddenly jerked forward, causing both of them to lose their balance and stumble out together—falling straight onto each other.

Esha: Timing is everything, kids. And these two? Zero timing skills. At this rate, I'll need popcorn for this slow burn.🙄

https://youtu.be/2drIKUOCZxU

Aankhon mein teri

Ajab si ajab si adayein hai

(In your eyes

There is a special kind of grace)

Ranbir landed on his back, with Prachi sprawled over him. Both were momentarily dazed but forgot their pain as their eyes locked. The noise of the airport faded into the background.

Dil ko banade joh patang

Saansein yeh teri woh hawaein hai

(What makes my heart into a kite

Your breath is that wind)

Ranbir (softly):

"Prachi ji, yeh toh bonus ho gaya—airport ka experience aur ek free hug(Prachi ji, this turned out to be a bonus—an airport experience and a free hug.)"

Prachi (blushing, struggling to get up):

"Ranbir ji! Yeh kya kar rahe hain aap? Log dekh rahe hain(Ranbir ji! What are you doing? People are watching!)"

Aai aaisi raat hai joh

Bahut khushnaseeb hai

(A night has come

Which is very lucky)

Ranbir (grinning, still lying down):

"Dekhne dijiye, shaadi hone waali hai, log waise bhi dekhte rahenge(Let them watch. We're getting married anyway; people will keep watching.)"

Chahe jise door se duniya

Woh mere kareeb hai

(The one whom the whole world desires

She is close to me)

Prachi managed to get up and offered her hand to help Ranbir, but he pulled her back down slightly, just for fun.

Kitna kuch kehna hai

Phir bhi hai dil mein saawal kahi

(I have so much to say

But still there are questions in my heart)

Ranbir:

"Bas ek second aur, Prachi ji. Lagta hai aapka chehra frame karne ki aadat ho gayi hai(Just one more second, Prachi ji. I think I've gotten used to framing your face.)"

Sapno mein joh roz kaha hai

Woh phir se kahun ya nahi

(Everyday that I said in my dreams

Should I say that again or not)

Prachi, completely flustered, pulled away and crossed her arms, trying to regain her composure.

Ho o ho ... aankhon mein teri

Ajab si ajab si adayein hai

(In your eyes

There is a special kind of grace)

Prachi (glaring):

"Aapka yeh mazaak ek din mujhe pagal kar dega, Ranbir ji(Your jokes will drive me crazy one day, Ranbir ji!)"

Dil ko banade joh patang

Saansein yeh teri woh hawaein hai

(What makes my heart into a kite

Your breath is that wind)

Ranbir (getting up and dusting himself off):

"Pagal toh aap pehle se hi hain, Prachi ji. Bas ab Delhi ke airport ne bhi prove kar diya(You're already crazy, Prachi ji. Now the Delhi airport has also proven it.)"

Namrata, Babita, and the rest of the family, who had been watching from a distance, couldn't stop laughing.

Namrata:

"Arre wah, Prachi jiji, ab toh aapke airport adventures famous ho jaayenge(Wow, Prachi sister, now your airport adventures will become famous!)"

Babita (shaking her head):

"Shaadi ke baad toh Ranbir ka kaam sirf Prachi ko bachaana reh jayega(After the wedding, Ranbir's job will only be to save Prachi.)"

Meanwhile, Kairav, excited to see his chachi and chacha together, yelled out,

"Chachu aur chachi hero-heroine ban gaye(Uncle and Aunty have become heroes!)"

Ranbir winked at Prachi and whispered,

"Hero-heroine toh hain hi, Prachi ji. Ab toh Manali mein aur blockbuster moments denge(We are heroes anyway, Prachi ji. Now we'll give more blockbuster moments in Manali.)"

Prachi rolled her eyes, but the small smile on her lips gave away her happiness. As they walked toward their flight gate, Ranbir casually leaned over and whispered,

"Waise, agli baar main aapko nahi, door ko samjhaunga(By the way, next time, I'll teach the door, not you.)"

The bustling airport shopping arcade was filled with the chatter of travelers and the shiny displays of high-end brands. Ranbir and Prachi wandered through the shops while waiting for their flight. Prachi was busy admiring the colorful stalls, her face lighting up like a child in a candy store. Ranbir, however, couldn't take his eyes off her slippers—simple, worn-out ones that looked anything but travel-ready.

Ranbir (sternly, pointing at her slippers):

"Prachi ji, yeh kya hai? Aap slippers mein Manali jaane waali hain(Prachi ji, what is this? Are you planning to go to Manali in slippers?)"

Prachi (confused):

"Haan toh? Yeh mere paas sirf ek hi jo pair hai(Yes, so? This is the only pair I have.)"

Ranbir (in disbelief):

"Manali ki thand aur slippers? Prachi ji, aapka sense of planning mujhe shock kar deta hai(The cold in Manali and slippers? Prachi ji, your sense of planning shocks me!)"

Before Prachi could protest, Ranbir grabbed her wrist and dragged her toward a branded shoe store. The moment they entered, Prachi's eyes widened at the luxurious display of boots.

Prachi (nervously):

"Ranbir ji, yeh jagah toh bahut mehngi lag rahi hai. Chhodiye, main manage kar loongi(Ranbir ji, this place looks very expensive. Leave it; I'll manage.)"

Ranbir (determined):

"Manage karne ki zarurat nahi hai, Prachi ji. Aaj main aapko best boots dilaunga jo aap deserve karti hain(There's no need to manage, Prachi ji. Today I'll get you the best boots you deserve.)"

Prachi reluctantly followed him, feeling out of place. She glanced at a pair of stunning tan leather boots with fur lining and snow grips.

 They were perfect for the trip, but the hefty price tag made her hesitate.

Prachi (stepping back):

"Yeh toh bahut mehngi hain, Ranbir ji. Chhodiye na, main dekh rahi thi bas(This is very expensive, Ranbir ji. Leave it, I was just looking.)"

Esha: Ah, love at first argument. Nothing says soulmates like fighting over footwear. And would you look at that? They're wearing the same brand. Fate is screaming in their faces, but they're too busy playing Cinderella and the Grumpy Prince. 😂😍

She tried to put the boots back on the shelf, but Ranbir was quicker. He grabbed her wrist gently but firmly, his eyes narrowing.

Ranbir (scolding):

"Prachi ji, yeh aap kya kar rahi hain? Agar yeh aapko pasand hai, toh aapko lena chahiye(Prachi ji, what are you doing? If you like these, you should take them!)"

Prachi (stammering):

"Lekin Ranbir ji, yeh price... main kaise(But Ranbir ji, the price... how can I?)"

Ranbir (cutting her off):

"Main kaise nahi, hum kaise. Aap meri future wife hain, Prachi ji. Aur mujhe pura haq hai ki main aapke liye best choose karoon(Not 'how can I,' but 'how can we.' You are my future wife, Prachi ji. And I have every right to choose the best for you.)"

As Prachi stared at him in disbelief, the store's speakers played "Bahara" from I Hate Luv Storys, perfectly syncing with the moment.

Soyi soyi palkon pe chal ke

Meri sapno ki khidki pe aa gaya

(Walking on my sleepy eyes

He came to the window of my dreams)

https://youtu.be/_VOXxKDNCuM

Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears, but before she could respond, Ranbir knelt down and slid the boots onto her feet.

Aate jaate phir mere dil ke

In haathon mein woh khat pakda gaya

(While coming and going he dropped

A letter in the hands of my heart)

Ranbir (teasing):

"Perfect fit. Aapko aur boots ko lagta hai, mujhe sabse zyada achi choices pata hai(Perfect fit. You and the boots—seems like I know the best choices.)"

Pyar ka, lafzon mein rang hai pyar ka

(There is a colour of love in the words)

Esha: Yep, there it is. That's the look. Confusion, mild irritation, and... wait for it... oh, there's the spark. Give them two minutes, and they'll either be best friends or mortal enemies.

Prachi (blushing, looking away):

"Ranbir ji, aap hamesha mujhe aise sharminda kyun karte hain(Ranbir ji, why do you always embarrass me like this?)"

Bahara bahara

Hua dil pehli baar ve

(It's spring, it's spring

Inside the heart for the first time)

Ranbir (standing up, smirking):

"Sharminda nahi, Prachi ji, special feel karwa raha hoon. Yeh meri duty hai(Not embarrass, Prachi ji, I'm making you feel special. It's my duty.)"

Bahara bahara

Ki chain toh hua faraar ve

(It's spring, it's spring

My peace has gone away)

Prachi (still flustered):

"Lekin Ranbir ji, aap aise mat kiya kariye. Log kya sochenge(But Ranbir ji, please don't do this. What will people think?)"

Bahara bahara

Hua dil pehli pehli baar ve

(It's spring, it's spring

Inside the heart for the very first time)

Ranbir (grinning):

"Logon ki chhodiye, Prachi ji. Waise bhi, shaadi ke baad toh yeh sab roz hoga(Forget the people, Prachi ji. Anyway, after marriage, this will be an everyday thing!)"

Ho tora saajan

Aayo tore desh

(Hey your beloved

Has come to your country)

Prachi tried to argue, but her smile betrayed her. As they walked back to their family, she couldn't help but feel a little closer to Ranbir, her heart fluttering with each step.

Badli badra, badla saavan

Badla jag ne bhes re

(The clouds and the rains have changed

The world has changed its guise)

Prachi (thinking):

"Ranbir ji ka yeh side mujhe hamesha yaad rahega... shayad, mera dil unka ban chuka hai(This side of Ranbir ji will always stay with me... perhaps, my heart already belongs to him.)"

Tora saajan

Aayo tore desh

(Your beloved

Has come to your country)

Ranbir: (softly, leaning closer) "Prachi, tumhe pata hai? Tumhare saath waqt guzarta hai, toh lagta hai ki duniya thodi si slow ho gayi hai(Prachi, do you know? When I spend time with you, it feels like the world slows down a bit.)"

Prachi: (nervously brushing her hair behind her ear) "Ranbir ji, aap aise kyun bolte hain? Mujhe sharam aati hai(Ranbir, why do you talk like this? It makes me shy.)"

Ranbir chuckled, running a hand through his hair. He stepped back slightly, sensing her nervousness but unable to stop himself from gazing at her.

Ranbir: "Achha theek hai, ab sharmao mat. Par sach batao, tum mujhse yeh durr durr kyun rehti ho? Kya main itna bura hoon(Alright, fine, don't be shy. But tell me honestly, why do you keep a distance from me? Am I that bad?)"

Prachi: (averting her gaze) "Nahi Ranbir ji, aap bilkul ache hain. Par... kuch baatein hoti hain jo hum keh nahi sakte(No, Ranbir, you are very nice. But... there are some things we can't say.)"

Ranbir: (playfully) "Aise kahan hota hai? Ek toh tum mujhe Ranbir ji bula kar distance banati ho, aur phir baat chhupati ho. Kuch toh batao, Prachi(How is this fair? First, you call me Ranbir ji and keep a distance, and now you're hiding things. Tell me something, Prachi.)"

Prachi's heart raced. She wanted to confide in him, to tell him about Kunal Agnihotri's lingering shadow in her life, but the fear of dragging Ranbir into her messy past held her back.

Esha: Kunal: the human embodiment of a thunderstorm. ⚡People either fear him, respect him, or, like this poor soul here, forget how to form sentences. It's honestly impressive. He doesn't even try to be scary; he just exists.

Ranbir: (softly, leaning against the wall) "Dekho, Prachi. Main kuch nahi poochunga, bas yeh jaanna chahta hoon ki tum khush ho. Tumhare chehre ki muskaan meri duniya hai(Look, Prachi. I won't ask anything. I just want to know that you're happy. Your smile is my world.)"

Prachi: (tears brimming in her eyes, but quickly looking away) "Ranbir ji, main theek hoon. Bas... kuch purani baatein hain jo mujhe pareshan karti hain(Ranbir, I'm fine. It's just... some old things bother me.)"

Ranbir noticed her wiping away a tear discreetly. He moved closer but stopped, giving her space. Instead, he picked up a marigold flower from a nearby kiosk and offered it to her.

Ranbir: (smiling) "Tumhare liye. Tumhe dekh kar hamesha lagta hai ki tumhare aas paas kuch sundar hona chahiye(This is for you. Looking at you always makes me feel there should be something beautiful around you.)"

Prachi: (smiling faintly) "Aap itne ache kyun hain? Mujhe samajh nahi aata(Why are you so nice? I don't understand.)"

Ranbir: (grinning) "Ho sakta hai kyunki mujhe lagta hai ki tum meri zindagi ka sabse sundar hissa banne wali ho(Maybe because I feel you're going to be the most beautiful part of my life.)"

As they walked toward the shopping section of the airport, Prachi's mind was flooded with memories of Kunal Agnihotri's threats.

Inner Monologue: "Ranbir ji itne pyaar se baat karte hain, par kya woh samajh paayenge agar Kunal phir se unki zindagi mein dakhal de? Main unki zindagi kharaab nahi kar sakti(Ranbir speaks so lovingly, but will he understand if Kunal interferes again? I can't ruin his life.)"

Prachi slowed her pace.

Ranbir: (noticing her change in demeanor) "Prachi, kya hua? Tumhara chehra phir udas lag raha hai(Prachi, what happened? Your face looks sad again.)"

Esha: Oh, bless their heart. They're about to confess a crime they didn't commit. Someone should really hand them a glass of water—or a parachute.🤣

Prachi forced a smile, shaking her head. "Kuch nahi Ranbir ji, bas thoda thak gayi hoon(Nothing, Ranbir. I'm just a little tired.)"

As they reached the boarding gate, an announcement for their flight echoed through the terminal. Ranbir leaned against a pillar, watching Prachi adjust her dupatta.

Ranbir: (teasingly) "Tumhe pata hai? Tumhare saath reh kar ek ajeeb sa sukoon milta hai

(Do you know? Being with you gives me a strange sense of peace.)"

Prachi: (blushing) "Aap bas mazaak karte hain(You're just joking.)"

Ranbir: (seriously, stepping closer) "Mazaak nahi kar raha. Tumhare saath meri zindagi perfect lagti hai(I'm not joking. My life feels perfect with you.)"

The moment hung in the air, charged with unsaid emotions. The world around them seemed to fade, leaving just the two of them locked in each other's gaze, unsure of the next step, yet deeply connected.

As Prachi and Ranbir stood near the boarding gate, lost in their quiet moment, the soft hum of the bustling airport felt like it was miles away. It was just the two of them — the world had faded into the background, leaving only their emotions hanging in the air. Prachi's heart fluttered with an unspoken connection, but before she could find the courage to say anything more, a loud, cheerful voice broke through the calm.

Naira: "Kahan ho yaar, Ranbir, Prachi? Tum dono toh lag rahe ho bilkul filmy(Where are you two, Ranbir, Prachi? You both look like you're in a movie!)"

Naira and the rest of the family walked over, their bright smiles lighting up the moment. Prachi quickly pulled herself together, her cheeks flushed, trying to hide the emotions she was feeling inside. Ranbir, too, cleared his throat, awkwardly straightening up.

Naitik: (laughing) "Aaj kal toh yeh dono badi jaldi romance karte hain, lagta hai flight se pehle wedding ki plan bhi ho gayi(Lately, these two are falling in love so quickly, looks like they've already planned their wedding before the flight!)"

Everyone laughed, but Ranbir and Prachi exchanged a glance, their hearts still racing from the moment.

Kartik: (smiling) "Chalo, chalo, koi shaadi ka drama nahi. Flight ki time ho gayi hai(Come on, come on, no wedding drama. It's time for the flight.)"

Raj: (teasing) "Ranbir, Prachi, tum dono jaise sab kuch bhool gaye ho. Flight ke liye ready ho ya hum sabko miss karne wale ho(Ranbir, Prachi, looks like you both forgot everything. Are you ready for the flight or are you planning to miss it?)"

Prachi and Ranbir both turned toward the group, their faces slightly flushed with embarrassment. Naira, ever the teasing older sister, gave them a knowing smile.

Naira: (smirking) "Mujhe lagta hai in dono ke beech kuch toh chal raha hai, haan(I think something's going on between these two, don't you think?)"

Prachi quickly looked away, trying to avoid further teasing, but inside she felt a soft warmth.

Ranbir: (grinning) "Kuch nahi, Naira, bas thoda time pass kar rahe the(Nothing, Naira, just passing time.)"

Babita: (smiling softly) "Aap dono chhup jaoge ya hum sabko flight mein bhi wait karna padega(Will you two hide or will we have to wait for you on the flight as well?)"

Everyone chuckled again, and Prachi and Ranbir couldn't help but smile at the family's playful dynamics. They had to board, and as they all moved toward the gate, Ranbir made sure to walk beside Prachi.

Ranbir: (softly, just for Prachi) "Chalo, shaayad flight ke baad thoda time mil jaaye(Let's go, maybe after the flight we'll have some time.)"

Prachi, though hesitant, nodded softly. There was a spark in her eyes that was hard to miss.

Prachi: (whispering) "Haan, par bahut zyada thoda time mat hona(Yes, but not too much time.)"

The teasing, laughter, and warmth of their family filled the air as everyone moved towards the boarding gate. But for a brief moment, Prachi and Ranbir's gazes locked once more — a silent promise lingering in the air, neither of them saying a word, but both knowing deep down that something beautiful was just beginning between them.

The screen flashed with the announcement for their flight to board. Prachi stepped forward, but as she did, Ranbir gently placed his hand on her shoulder, his voice barely above a whisper.

Ranbir: "Tumhara saath hona, meri zindagi ka sabse khoobsurat hissa ban gaya hai(Having you by my side has become the most beautiful part of my life.)"

Prachi's heart skipped a beat. She turned back to look at him, her eyes softening. For the first time, she allowed herself to believe that maybe, just maybe, they were on the verge of something that would last forever.

Prachi: "Ranbir ji, bas yeh sach rahe(Ranbir, just let this be true.)"

They both boarded the flight together, their hearts racing with excitement for the future, filled with a little uncertainty, but ready for whatever was to come.

As the plane took off, the family settled in, ready to start their next adventure, but for Ranbir and Prachi, this flight was just the beginning of a journey neither of them would ever forget.