The train screeched to a halt at the Delhi station, signaling the arrival of Prachi's family in the bustling city. The Shetgiri family stepped out, their luggage in hand. Namrata looked like a modern diva, walking confidently in her trendy outfit. 

Prachi, on the other hand, hesitated as she stepped onto the platform, clutching her bag nervously. She still wasn't used to the transformation Namrata had given her.

"Jiji, relax! Aap bilkul heroine lag rahi ho. Bas confident raho,(Sister, relax! You look just like a movie heroine. Just stay confident)" Namrata whispered, nudging Prachi gently.

Prachi adjusted her jacket nervously. "Par yeh sab mere liye nahi hai, Choti. Yeh bahut ajeeb lag raha hai(But all this isn't for me, little sister. This feels so strange)," she muttered. 

Esha: Relax Prachi 😉

Their father, Rajeshwaran, looked around, taking in the chaos of Delhi station. "Yeh sheher toh alag hi duniya lagta hai. Itni bheed(This city feels like a completely different world. So crowded!)" 

Just then, a sleek black car pulled up near the station's exit. Kartik stepped out first, wearing his usual casual charm, followed by Naira, holding little Kairav's hand. Behind them was Ranbir, dressed impeccably in a black blazer and jeans, looking effortlessly stylish. His eyes scanned the crowd, clearly searching for someone.

"Kaha hai hamari Shetgiri family(Where is our Shetgiri family?)" Kartik called out cheerfully, his voice cutting through the station noise.

Naitik waved, signaling their group's location. As the two families closed the gap, Kartik's eyes landed on Prachi. He stopped mid-step, his mouth falling slightly open.

Esha: Hayee! I completed his line 😅

"Ye kya? Prachi(What is this? Prachi?!)" Kartik exclaimed, blinking rapidly. 

Naira, walking beside him, nudged him sharply. "Kya Prachi? Kya tumhe nahi lagta ki woh bilkul model lag rahi hai(What do you mean, Prachi? Don't you think she looks just like a model?)" she teased. 

Ranbir, standing behind them, had been scanning the crowd absentmindedly until his eyes landed on Prachi. His breath hitched. She looked... different. Gone was the simple girl in sarees. Instead, she was standing there in a pair of perfectly fitted jeans, a crop top, and her long, wavy hair cascading down her back. The subtle makeup added to her natural beauty, making her look elegant yet stunningly modern.

"Prachi ji?" Ranbir managed to whisper to himself, his usual composure faltering.

Prachi noticed his gaze and felt her cheeks turn pink. She quickly looked away, her hands fidgeting nervously with her bag.

Namrata grinned mischievously as she leaned over to her sister. "Dekha? Maine kaha tha na, Ranbir jiju ki nazar aap par se hategi hi nahi (See? I told you Ranbir brother-in-law wouldn't be able to take his eyes off you)," she whispered.

Raj stepped forward, shaking Kartik's hand warmly. "Tumne toh Delhi ka swagat shandar kiya hai, Kartik. Gadi bhi le aaye(You've given us such a grand welcome, Kartik. Even brought a car!)"

Kartik grinned. "Kya karte, Uncle ji. Hamare Sheetgiri ke raja aur rani jo aa rahe the!" he joked, bowing playfully. (What could I do, Uncle? The king and queen of Shetgiri were arriving!)" 

Babita rolled her eyes at Kartik's theatrics, while Namrata and Kairav laughed. Meanwhile, Ranbir couldn't stop sneaking glances at Prachi. She, however, kept her focus firmly on her father and Namrata.

Naira stepped forward and hugged Prachi warmly. "Aap toh aur bhi sundar lag rahi hain, Prachi! Humare Ranbir ke liye perfect(You're looking even more beautiful, Prachi! Perfect for our Ranbir.)" 

Prachi blushed deeply but managed to stammer, "Dhanyawad, Naira ji(Thank you, Naira ji.)" 

Ranbir's heart skipped a beat when he heard her shy voice. He stepped forward, his usual confidence returning. "Aap log Delhi mein pehli baar aaye ho, na? Main aap sab ko guide karunga(This is your first time in Delhi, right? I'll guide all of you)," he offered, his gaze briefly meeting Prachi.

Namrata smirked knowingly. "Lagta hai guide sirf Prachi jiji ke liye hone waala hai," she quipped. (Looks like the guide is only for Prachi sister.)

Kartik snorted with laughter while Raj gave his younger daughter a warning look. "Namrata, zubaan sambhal ke. Aise mazaak mat karo (Namrata, mind your words. Don't joke like that)," he said sternly.

Namrata just shrugged, hiding her giggles.

As the cars pulled up to the grand Kohli mansion, the Sheetgiri family's eyes widened in awe. The sprawling estate was nothing short of magnificent, with manicured gardens, towering gates, and intricate architecture.

"Yeh ghar hai ya mahal(Is this a house or a palace?)" Rajeshwaran muttered under his breath. 

Babita straightened her saree, trying to look unimpressed. "Bade log hain, bade ghar honge. Hum apne ghar mein khush hain(They're rich people, so they'll have big houses. We're happy with our own home)," she said firmly. 

Ranbir stepped out of the car and turned to help Prachi, who was struggling to balance her bag and adjust her top. He held out his hand.

"Aapka bag main le lun(Shall I take your bag?)" he offered politely. 

Prachi hesitated but nodded shyly, handing it to him. "Dhanyawad, Ranbir ji(Thank you, Ranbir)," she whispered. 

Their fingers briefly touched, and Ranbir felt an unexpected jolt, like an electric current. Prachi quickly pulled her hand back, her cheeks flushed.

"Chalo, andar chalte hain(Come on, let's go inside)," Ranbir said, shaking off his thoughts. 

Prachi stepped into the Kohli mansion, her eyes scanning the lavish interiors. The grandeur of the place was intimidating yet beautiful, but what caught her attention wasn't the crystal chandeliers or the sprawling staircase—it was the girl standing confidently in the middle of the room.

She was tall, slender, and dressed in a chic, modern outfit: a blush pink bodycon gown. Her makeup was impeccable, and her hair was styled in effortless waves. She had an air of familiarity with Ranbir, which became evident when she threw her arms around him the moment he approached her.

Esha: Author ji did not invite you here 🤨

"Ranbir!" the girl squealed in excitement. "Tumhe dekhe hue kitne din ho gaye? You look so good(It's been so long since I've seen you! You look so good!)" 

Ranbir chuckled, hugging her back tightly. "Aur tumhari baat karoon? Swetha, tum toh aur bhi sundar lag rahi ho(And what about you? Swetha, you're looking even more beautiful!)" he said warmly, pulling away to look at her. 

He held her shoulders as he added, "Love you so much, yaar! Tumse milna hamesha special lagta hai(Love you so much, yaar! Meeting you always feels special.)"

Esha: Did he just say love you! 😱

Prachi, standing a few steps behind, froze at the scene. She blinked, trying to process what she just saw. Love you so much? Sundar? Special? Her heart sank.

"Yeh kaun ho sakti hain(Who could this be?)" she whispered to Namrata, her voice tinged with worry. 

Namrata, equally confused, leaned closer. "Lagta hai koi bahut hi khaas ladki hai unki(Seems like she's someone very special to him)," she murmured, her own doubts creeping in.

Babita, who had been watching from the corner, whispered to Raj, "Dekha? Maine kaha tha na? Yehi hota hai bade gharon mein. Inka man badalna toh khel hai(See? Didn't I say so? This is what happens in big houses. Changing their mind is just a game for them.)" 

Raj frowned, but before he could respond, Naira burst out laughing.

"Oh, Prachi! Tumhare chehre ka rang toh bilkul safed ho gaya(Oh, Prachi! The color has drained from your face!)" Naira teased, nudging Prachi gently.

Prachi quickly averted her eyes, shaking her head. "Nahi... nahi Naira ji, aisa kuch nahi(No... no Naira ji, it's nothing like that)," she stammered, though her voice betrayed her emotions. 

Naira leaned closer, lowering her voice so only Prachi could hear. "Tumhe sach mein laga ki Ranbir kisi aur ke saath hoga? Haye, kitni pyaari hai tumhari jealousy(Did you really think Ranbir would be with someone else? Oh, your jealousy is so cute.)," she whispered, her eyes twinkling with amusement. 

Namrata perked up. "Jealousy? Matlab... jiji ko sach mein kuch kuch hota hai(Jealousy? Does that mean... sister really feels something for him?)" she teased, smirking at her sister.

Prachi glared at her sister, whispering sharply, "Chup raho, Choti(Be quiet, little sister!)" 

Meanwhile, Babita was still eyeing the interaction between Ranbir and Swetha, her anxiety growing. "Raj, yeh toh ulta hi ho gaya. Yeh ladka toh kisi aur se hi laga hua hai(Raj, this is the opposite of what we wanted. This boy is already attached to someone else)," she muttered, looking disapproving. 

Raj looked troubled but chose not to jump to conclusions.

Finally, Naira spoke up, loud enough for everyone to hear. "Relax, sab log. Prachi, Namrata, Babita aunty... Swetha humari family hai! She's Ranbir ki second cousin(Relax, everyone. Prachi, Namrata, Babita aunty... Sweta is our family! She's Ranbir's second cousin.)"

Esha: Thank God! I got a heart attack just now! 😌

Ranbir, realizing everyone was staring, finally turned to explain. "Oh god, mujhe laga tha tum sab samajh jaoge. Swetha Dad ki cousin ki beti hai. She's like my younger sister(Oh god, I thought you all would understand. Swetha is father's cousin's daughter. She's like my younger sister)," he said, stepping back from Swetha and gesturing toward her. 

Swetha, picking up on the tension, smiled and added, "Haan, Ranbir mere liye ek bade bhai jaisa hai. Hum dono ka rishta bas yeh hai(Yes, Ranbir is like an elder brother to me. That's the only relationship we have)," she explained sweetly, trying to ease the atmosphere. 

Namrata sighed in relief, dramatically clutching her chest. "Haye, mujhe laga tha ki ab Prachi jiji ka dil toot jayega(Oh, I thought Prachi sister's heart was about to break!)" she exclaimed, earning a glare from Prachi. 

Naira laughed again, enjoying the chaos. "Prachi, tumhare chehre pe itna tension dekh kar toh maza aa gaya(Prachi, it was so fun seeing all that tension on your face)," she said, winking. 

Prachi, still embarrassed, quickly turned away. "Mujhe koi farak nahi padta. Aap log bas mazaak karte rahiye(It doesn't matter to me. You all just keep joking around)," she muttered shyly. 

Ranbir's eyes softened as he watched Prachi. He could see the relief in her eyes, even though she was trying to hide it. A small smile tugged at his lips.

"Prachi ji, kya hua? Aap itni chup kyun hain? Mujhe laga aap... kuch bolengi(Prachi, what happened? Why are you so quiet? I thought you would say something)," he teased gently. 

Prachi fumbled with her dupatta, refusing to meet his gaze. "Main chup nahi hoon... bas... bas kuch kehne ka mann nahi hai(I'm not quiet... just... just don't feel like saying anything)," she stammered. 

Swetha giggled. "Lagta hai aapki dulhan aapki family se thoda darr rahi hai, Ranbir(Looks like your bride is a little scared of your family, Ranbir)," she teased, winking at him. 

"Swetha, bas karo(Swetha, stop it)," Ranbir said quickly, though his ears turned pink. 

Ranbir led Prachi through the long corridors of the Kohli mansion, stopping at a large oak door. With a gentle push, he opened it to reveal a beautifully decorated bedroom. The soft hues of cream and gold gave the room a warm and inviting glow. A large window overlooked the garden, and there was a cozy nook by the corner with bookshelves and a loveseat.

"This will be our room," Ranbir said with a soft smile, stepping aside to let her in.

Prachi hesitated at the threshold, her heart pounding. "H-hum dono ka kamra(O-our room?)" she asked, her voice trembling slightly. 

"Haan, hum dono ka(Yes, ours)," Ranbir said, stepping closer to her. His tone was teasing but gentle. "Lekin tumhara mann toh lagta hai kisi aur mein hai. Mujhe lagta hai ki tum jealous thi jab tumne Swetha ko dekha(But it seems like your heart is somewhere else. I think you were jealous when you saw Swetha.)

Prachi's eyes widened. "Main... jealous? Aap aisa kyun keh rahe hain? Main bilkul bhi jealous nahi thi(Me... jealous? Why are you saying that? I wasn't jealous at all!)" she said hurriedly, her cheeks turning a deep red. 

Ranbir smirked, leaning slightly closer. "Achha? Toh fir tumhare chehre ka rang us waqt safed kyun pad gaya tha? Tum toh bilkul chup ho gayi thi. Mujhe laga ki tumhare dil pe chot lag gayi (Oh really? Then why did the color drain from your face? You went completely silent. I thought your heart was broken)," he teased, his voice playful. 

Prachi fumbled, stepping further into the room to avoid his gaze. "Woh toh... bas mujhe laga ki aap busy ho gaye hain apne parivaar ke saath(That was... I just thought you were busy with your family)," she stammered. 

Ranbir chuckled softly, walking up to her. "Sach batao, Prachi ji. Tum jealous thi, kyunki tumhe laga ki Swetha aur main ek couple hain, right(Tell me the truth, Prachi. You were jealous because you thought Swetha and I were a couple, right?)" he asked, his eyes sparkling with mischief. 

Prachi turned to him, her eyes wide and flustered. "Main kyun jealous hongi? Main bas... bas (Why would I be jealous? I just... just...)" she trailed off, her words failing her. 

Esha: Love you 😘

Ranbir tilted his head, his smile softening. "Bas kya, Prachi ji(Just what, Prachi)" he asked, his voice gentle now. 

Prachi took a deep breath, her heart hammering in her chest. "Bas kyunki... kyunki mujhe laga ki aapko mere jaisi ladki pasand nahi aayegi(Just because... because I thought you wouldn't like a girl like me)," she blurted out, then quickly tried to recover. 

Ranbir frowned slightly, stepping closer. "Mujhe kyun pasand nahi aayegi tum jaisi ladki? Tum toh meri family ko itni pasand ho. Tumhara dyaan, tumhari baatein, sab kuch alag aur khaas hai(Why wouldn't I like a girl like you? My family likes you so much. Your care, your words, everything about you is unique and special)," he said sincerely. 

Prachi looked up at him, her voice faltering as she said, "Kyunki main aapke jaise nahi hoon... main toh bilkul alag hoon(Because I'm not like you... I'm so different.)" 

Ranbir smiled gently. "Aur wahi toh mujhe sabse zyada pasand hai, Prachi ji(And that's what I like the most about you, Prachi)," he said softly. 

Prachi felt her cheeks grow warm, and before she could stop herself, the words slipped out. "Isliye main jealous thi... kyunki main aapko pasand karti hoon... bahut zyada(That's why I was jealous... because I like you... a lot)," she said, her voice shaky. 

Esha: 😲

Ranbir's eyes widened in surprise, his heart skipping a beat. "Prachi ji... tum(Prachi...you)" he started, but before he could complete the sentence, Prachi quickly corrected herself.

"Matlab... main aapko pasand karti hoon... ek dost ki tarah(I mean... I like you... as a friend)," she added hastily, looking away in embarrassment. 

Esha: Yeh ladki bhi na(This girl no!) 🙄

Ranbir couldn't help but smile at her nervousness. "Dost ki tarah, huh? Theek hai, main iss dost ke liye yeh jaan kar khush hoon ki tumhe pasand aata hoon(As a friend, huh? Alright, I'm happy to know you like me, even as a friend)," he teased lightly. 

Prachi turned to him, her eyes narrowing. "Aap mazaak kyun uda rahe hain(Why are you making fun of me?)" she asked, trying to sound stern but failing miserably. 

Ranbir raised his hands in mock surrender. "Mazaak nahi udata, Prachi ji. Bas tumhare saath thoda waqt bitaane ka maza le raha hoon(I'm not making fun, Prachi. I'm just enjoying spending some time with you)," he said, his tone sincere. 

Prachi looked at him for a moment, her heart still racing. "Theek hai... ab main chalti hoon(Alright... I'll leave now)," she said quickly, turning to leave before he could see the redness creeping up her neck. 

Ranbir watched her go, a soft smile on his face. "Pasand, huh(Like me, huh?)" he murmured to himself, his heart feeling lighter than it had in days. 

Esha: Awww! 🥰