(Please listen to this beautiful song for all these scenes! One of my personal favs!💕)

Ranbir, with his trademark charming grin, parked his bike near the cinema hall. He looked at Prachi, who still seemed a little hesitant.

Ranbir (teasing): "Tum sure ho na, water light show drama ke baad aaj mujhe maaroge nahi(You're sure you won't kill me after water light show drama?)"

Esha: Of course not Ranbir! 😂

Prachi (blushing, speaking softly): "Main aapko kyun maarungi, Ranbir ji? Aap toh mujhe hamesha surprise dete rehte ho(Why would I kill you, Ranbir ji? You always keep surprising me.)"

Ranbir chuckled and led her inside the theater. The posters of Kal Ho Na Ho adorned the walls, with Shah Rukh Khan, Preity Zinta, and Saif Ali Khan looking glamorous.

Ranbir (excitedly): "Yaar, Shah Rukh ki movie! Toh confirm mast hogi. Tumhe kaunsa lagta hai? Happy ending ya sad ending(Wow, Shah Rukh's movie! So it'll definitely be great. What do you think? Happy ending or sad ending?)"

Prachi (smiling shyly): "Main toh bas unki muskaan dekhne aayi hoon. Kahani toh dil ko chhu jaaye, wahi kaafi hai(I've just come to see his smile. As long as the story touches the heart, that's enough.)"

They bought tickets and made their way to their seats. The theater was dimly lit, buzzing with anticipation as the crowd settled down. Ranbir glanced at Prachi as she looked around in amazement.

Ranbir (teasing): "Tum pehli baar aayi ho na movie dekhne late-night show mein? Sheetgiri mein toh na sapna hota hoga, na(This is your first time at a late-night show, isn't it? Back in Sheetgiri, even dreaming about this must be rare, right?)"

Prachi (defensively): "Sheetgiri mein bhi logon ke sapne bade hote hain, Ranbir ji. Par hum unhe bas apne logon ke saath share karte hain(Even in Sheetgiri, people have big dreams, Ranbir ji. But we only share them with our loved ones.)"

Ranbir chuckled, impressed by her quick wit.

They found their seats, but as fate would have it, there was a small seat gap between them. Just as Ranbir was about to ask Prachi to move closer, a wailing baby somewhere in the theater caught their attention.

Ranbir (grinning): "Lagta hai yeh baby kal ho na ho ke liye pehle se emotional ho gaya.(Looks like this baby is already emotional about Kal Ho Na Ho.)"

Esha: Bachcha aap logon ko baahar nikalane ka ishaara kar raha hai(The baby is hinting for you guys to get out!)

Prachi giggled, hiding her laughter behind her hand. But before they could settle further, a handsome young man approached and gestured toward the seat next to Prachi.

Young Man: "Excuse me, yeh seat khaali hai(Excuse me, is this seat empty?)"

Prachi hesitated, glancing at Ranbir, who suddenly straightened up in his chair.

Prachi (politely): "Haan, khaali hai(Yes, it's empty.)"

The man smiled and took the seat. Ranbir's eyes narrowed slightly as he watched the stranger settle beside Prachi. He leaned back and crossed his arms, his playful demeanor fading as the young man began casually talking to Prachi.

Esha: Finally jealous Ranbir yahan aa gaya(Finally the jealous Ranbir is here!)😝

Young Man (to Prachi): "Aap Shah Rukh ki fan hain? Main toh sirf Saif ke liye aaya hoon(Are you a Shah Rukh fan? I'm here just for Saif.)"

Prachi (smiling politely): "Haan, Shah Rukh toh sabke dil mein hain. Par Preity Zinta ka innocence bhi mujhe pasand hai(Yes, Shah Rukh is in everyone's heart. But I also like Preity Zinta's innocence.)"

Ranbir couldn't help but interject.

Ranbir (dryly): "Waise toh saare actors acche hain, par yeh movie enjoy karne aaye hain ya discussion karne(All the actors are great, but are we here to enjoy the movie or have a discussion?)"

Prachi shot him a confused glance, noticing his slightly annoyed tone, but before she could say anything, the lights dimmed, and the movie began.

Throughout the first half, Ranbir kept stealing glances at Prachi, who was completely engrossed in the film. She laughed at Shah Rukh's jokes, her face lighting up, and even teared up at the emotional scenes. Meanwhile, the young man beside her occasionally made small comments, and Ranbir grew increasingly agitated.

When the interval arrived, Prachi turned to Ranbir with wide, emotional eyes.

Prachi (excitedly): "Ranbir ji, ab tak toh movie bahut hi khoobsurat lag rahi hai. Aapko kaisi lag rahi hai(Ranbir ji, so far, the movie seems so beautiful. What do you think?)"

Ranbir (grumbling, avoiding her gaze): "Haan, movie achhi hai. Par kuch log zyada hi interactive hain(Yeah, the movie's good. But some people are a little too interactive.)"

Esha: Now you can clearly see the definition of jealousy 😎

Prachi frowned, unsure of what he meant. Meanwhile, the young man leaned over with a cheeky grin.

Young Man: "Aur main dekh raha hoon ki tum dono kaafi close lagte ho. Honeymoon pe kaunsa movie dekhoge(And I see you two look pretty close. What movie will you watch on your honeymoon?)"

Ranbir's patience snapped.

Ranbir (coldly): "Honeymoon pe toh main Star Wars dikhane waala hoon, aur tumhe invite nahi kiya jaayega(I'm planning to watch Star Wars on my honeymoon, and you won't be invited.)"

Prachi stifled a laugh, but her cheeks flushed. She could sense Ranbir's irritation and found it oddly endearing. As the second half began, she leaned slightly toward Ranbir, whispering.

Prachi (softly): "Aap naraz hain kya, Ranbir ji? Main toh bas normal baat kar rahi thi(Are you upset, Ranbir ji? I was just talking normally.)"

Ranbir (glancing at her, voice softer now): "Naraz? Tumhare saath main kabhi naraz nahi ho sakta, Prachi(Upset? I can never be upset with you, Prachi.)" 

As the movie reached its heart-wrenching climax, Prachi was glued to the screen, tears rolling down her cheeks. Ranbir glanced at her, noticing how deeply moved she was. His own emotions were a mix of surprise and heartbreak; he hadn't expected such a tragic turn.

Aman (on screen): "Main tumhe bhool nahin sakta Naina. Main tumhe bhoolna hi nahin chahta. Tum meri ho, main tumhe zindagi bhar pyar karoonga. Marte dam tak pyar karoonga aur uske baad bhi(I cannot forget you Naina. I don't want to forget you. You are mine, I will love you all my life. I will love you till I die and even after that.)"

Prachi sniffled, her hand subconsciously clutching the seat's armrest tightly.

Esha: Are you kidding me? Yah aap logon ki galati hai ki aap ise dekhne aate hain(It is your guys fault you come to watch this!)😭

Prachi (whispering): "Ranbir ji... yeh toh bilkul alag hi hai. Aman toh hero hai, phir kyun woh apna pyaar chhupa raha hai(Ranbir ji... this is completely unexpected. Aman is the hero, so why is he hiding his love?)"

Ranbir leaned closer, his voice low.

Ranbir: "Prachi, har hero ki story khush nahi hoti. Shayad woh Naina ke liye kar raha hai, uski khushi ke liye(Prachi, not every hero's story is happy. Maybe he's doing it for Naina, for her happiness.)"

On screen, Aman's final moments played out, and the theater was filled with the sound of sniffles and soft sobs.

Aman (weakly to Rohit): "Mujhse vaada karo, Rohit. Tum Naina se hamesha pyaar karoge(Promise me, Rohit. You will always love Naina.)"

Esha: I can't bear this anymore! 😭😢

Prachi couldn't hold back her tears any longer.

Prachi (murmuring): "Yeh toh galat hai... Aman toh sach mein usse pyaar karta hai(This is so unfair... Aman truly loves her.)"

Ranbir, despite his usual composure, felt his chest tighten. He cleared his throat, trying to mask his own emotion.

Ranbir (trying to comfort her): "Prachi, yeh Aman ki choice thi. Woh unke beech ki duniya ko khushi de kar gaya hai. Isi liye woh hero hai(Prachi, this was Aman's choice. He left their world with happiness. That's why he's a hero.)"

As the credits rolled, the theater lights came back on. Prachi was still wiping her eyes, her expression conflicted.

Prachi: "Ranbir ji, main toh soch rahi thi ki yeh ek khushiyon se bhari kahani hogi. Par... yeh toh bilkul alag nikli(Ranbir ji, I thought this would be a story full of happiness. But... it turned out so different.)"

Ranbir: "Waise zindagi bhi toh aisi hi hoti hai, Prachi. Kabhi khushi, kabhi gham(Life is just like this, Prachi. Sometimes happiness, sometimes sorrow.)"

As they exited the theater, Ranbir noticed how lost in thought Prachi seemed.

Ranbir: "Prachi, tum theek ho(Prachi, are you okay?)"

Prachi (softly): "Haan, Ranbir ji. Bas soch rahi hoon ki... pyaar ka matlab kya hota hai(Yes, Ranbir ji. I'm just thinking... what is the meaning of love?)"

Ranbir paused, his usual cheeky demeanor replaced by a rare seriousness.

Ranbir: "Pyaar... matlab dusre ki khushi ke liye khud ko bhool jaana. Jaise Aman ne kiya(Love means forgetting yourself for someone else's happiness. Like Aman did.)"

Prachi looked at him, her eyes searching for something in his.

Prachi (gently): "Toh aap yeh kar paoge? Kisi aur ke liye apne pyaar ka tyag karoge(So, can you do this? Sacrifice your love for someone else?)"

Ranbir smirked but avoided her gaze.

Ranbir: "Shaayad main Aman jitna mahaan nahi hoon, Prachi(Maybe I'm not as noble as Aman, Prachi.)"

Esha: Are you sure about that! 😏

The sun was up, and the Kohli mansion was buzzing with activity. Breakfast was already being laid out, but the absence of Ranbir and Prachi hadn't gone unnoticed. Babita was the first to voice her concern.

Babita (frowning): "Yeh dono kaha hai? Subah ke 8:30 baj gaye, aur dono ka koi pata hi nahi hai (Where are these two? It's already 8:30 in the morning, and there's no sign of them.)"

Raj (checking his watch): "Prachi toh apne room mein honi chahiye thi. Aur Ranbir(Prachi should've been in her room. And Ranbir?)"

Namrata, who was just coming downstairs, paused mid-step. She plastered a fake smile on her face.

Namrata: "Woh... Ranbir bhaiya toh gym gaye hain. Subah jaldi chale gaye the(Ranbir bhaiya went to the gym. He left early in the morning.)"

Naitik (confused): "Gym? Kohli sahab ke ghar ke andar gym toh hai, na? Phir bahar kyun gaye (There's a gym inside the Kohli house, right? Then why go outside?)"

Namrata blinked, realizing her mistake, and quickly recovered.

Namrata: "Haan, haan! Lekin woh keh rahe the ki fresh air mein jog karna hai. Aur phir ek friend ke gym ka trial karna tha(Yes, yes! But he said he wanted to jog in fresh air. And then try out a friend's gym.)"

Esha: Seriously Choti! 🤣

Naira, sipping her tea, raised an eyebrow. Her lips curled into a knowing smile but she said nothing.

Kartik (curious): "Aur Prachi? Woh toh Namrata ke saath hi thi, na(And Prachi? She was with Namrata, wasn't she?)"

Namrata started sweating a little but quickly came up with an excuse.

Namrata (nervously): "Haan, woh... Prachi jiji toh baahar mandir gayi hai. Subah ki pooja karne ke liye(Yes, she... Prachi jiji went to the temple. For morning prayers.)"

Raj (suspicious): "Subah 8:30 baje? Aur mandir kaunsa(At 8:30 in the morning? Which temple?)

Babita: "Sahi keh rahe ho, Raj. Prachi toh kabhi bina bataye nahi jaati(You're right, Raj. Prachi never leaves without telling us.)"

Namrata's cheeks reddened as she scrambled for another lie. Meanwhile, Naira couldn't help herself and finally spoke.

Naira (teasingly): "Waise mujhe lagta hai ki yeh dono ek saath honge. Lekin chhodo, mujhe kya pata(By the way, I think the two of them might be together. But what do I know?)"

Everyone's heads snapped to Naira, including Namrata, who widened her eyes in panic.

Naitik (serious): "Kya matlab hai tumhara, Naira? Tumhe kuch pata hai(What do you mean, Naira? Do you know something?)"

Naira (innocently): "Nahi, nahi! Maine toh bas aise hi kaha. Waise, Ranbir aur Prachi ko lagta hai ki zyada waqt ek saath bitana chahiye. Aakhir shaadi hone wali hai(No, no! I just said it casually. Anyway, I think Ranbir and Prachi feel they should spend more time together. After all, they're getting married.)"

Esha: Oho! Naira is ahead of the game! 🤭

Namrata seized the opportunity to steer the conversation away.

Namrata (laughing nervously): "Haan! Isi liye toh jiji mandir gayi hongi. Ranbir bhaiya gym gaye honge. Bhaiya toh aise hi disciplined hai(Yes! That's why sister must've gone to the temple. And Ranbir bhaiya to the gym. He's always so disciplined!)"

Kartik (suspicious): "Aur Namrata, tum kyun itni nervous ho? Kya chhupa rahi ho(And Namrata, why are you so nervous? What are you hiding?)"

Namrata gulped but managed to keep her composure.

Namrata: "Main? Nervous? Arre, Kartik bhaiya, aap bhi na! Mujhe toh bas yeh lag raha hai ki sab unhe zyada judge kar rahe hain(Me? Nervous? Oh, Kartik bhaiya, you're too much! I just feel like everyone's judging them too much.)"

At that moment, Babita crossed her arms.

Babita: "Mujhe lagta hai ki kuch toh gadbad hai. Namrata, sach batao(I feel like something is fishy. Namrata, tell the truth.)"

Namrata faked a yawn and clapped her hands.

Namrata: "Oh, waise bhi woh dono aa jayenge. Mujhe kya pata, Babita aunty? Aap chinta mat kijiye(Oh, they'll show up anyway. What do I know, Babita aunty? Don't worry.)"

Prachi and Ranbir arrived at Hanuman Mandir surrounded by tall trees, its bells ringing melodiously with the morning breeze. 

The fragrance of incense sticks filled the air, and a faint chant of prayers added to the divine ambiance. Prachi's face glowed in the soft sunlight, her traditional churidar fluttering gently in the wind. She held a small aarti plate with a diya, flowers, and kumkum as she made her way to the deity.

Prachi (to Ranbir): "Aap yahin ruk jaiye, Ranbir ji. Main bhagwan se dil ki baat karna chahti hoon(You stay here, Ranbir ji. I want to share my heart with God.)"

Ranbir nodded, stepping aside, but his gaze stayed on her. Prachi walked forward, folded her hands, and closed her eyes.

Prachi (whispering in prayer): "Hey Prabhu, mujhe raasta dikhaiye. Yeh nayi zindagi, naya rishta... kya main iske layak hoon? Ranbir ji ek acche insaan lagte hain, lekin kya main unki zindagi mein khushi laa paungi? Mujhe shakti dijiye, aur unke saath samajhne ka samarthya (Oh Lord, show me the way. This new life, this new relationship... am I worthy of it? Ranbir ji seems like a good person, but will I be able to bring happiness into his life? Please give me strength and understanding to walk this journey with him.)"

She bit her lip, her eyes still closed, as a wave of vulnerability washed over her. Her inner thoughts spilled out.

Prachi (thinking):

"Kya woh sach mein mere pati banenge? Unka aur mera rishta kya hamesha ke liye ho sakta hai? Mujhe itna lagav kyun mehsoos hota hai? Woh kya sochte honge mere baare mein (Will he truly become my husband? Can our relationship last forever? Why do I feel so drawn to him? What does he think about me?)" 

Standing a few steps behind, Ranbir couldn't take his eyes off Prachi. Her devotion, her innocence, and the simplicity with which she prayed mesmerized him. He noticed a garland of marigolds lying nearby. Smiling to himself, he picked it up and began twirling it idly. But as his eyes lingered on Prachi's face, an idea struck him.

Ranbir (to himself, grinning): "Yeh ladki toh sach mein alag hai. Itni simple, itni pyaari... kya yeh sach mein meri hone wali patni hai? Prachi, tumhe pata bhi nahi chalta, par tum meri har soch par chha gayi ho(This girl is truly one of a kind. So simple, so adorable... is she really going to be my wife? Prachi, you don't even realize it, but you've taken over all my thoughts.)"

Esha: Awww! Baklu is admiring hs Chikchiki! 😘

He gently held the garland and tilted his head, framing her face as if trying to picture her as his bride.

Ranbir (softly): "Tumhare bina yeh zindagi kaise sochi jaa sakti hai? Tumhari muskaan, tumhara suddh Hindi bolna, sab kuch bas perfect hai(How can I imagine life without you? Your smile, the way you speak in pure Hindi, everything is just perfect.)"

Just then, a strong gust of wind swept through the temple. The marigold garland slipped from Ranbir's hands and flew through the air, landing softly around Prachi's neck. She gasped and opened her eyes, startled, her hands instinctively catching the garland.

Prachi (wide-eyed): "Yeh... yeh mala(This... this garland?)"

Ranbir's lips curved into a sheepish smile, and he stepped closer.

Ranbir (teasing): "Shayad bhagwan ne faisla kar liya, Prachi ji(Maybe God has already made a decision, Prachi.)"

Before Prachi could respond, the temple priest rang the large bell, and rose petals showered down from above, as if blessing the moment. Prachi looked up, her face glowing under the cascade of petals. 

Esha: I know guys...I am filmy too! 🤣😍

Her heart raced as she glanced at Ranbir, who was gazing at her with a mix of admiration and affection.

Ranbir (teasing): "Hawa ka khel ho ya Bhagwan ka irada, baat toh ek hi hai. Tum mere saath badi acchi lagti ho(Be it the play of wind or God's intention, it is the same thing. You look great with me.)"

Prachi's cheeks turned crimson, and she looked away, trying to hide her emotions. The priest, who had been observing the scene, approached with a knowing smile.

Priest:

"Beta, jo bhi hota hai, woh Bhagwan ki ichha se hota hai. Aaj mandir ki hawaon ne apna faisla suna diya hai(Daughter, whatever happens, happens by the will of God. Today the winds of the temple have given their verdict.)"

Prachi glanced at the priest in shock, her blush deepening as Ranbir chuckled.

Ranbir (playfully):

"Suna, Prachi? Ab toh Pandit ji bhi confirm kar rahe hain(Hear that, Prachi? Now Pandit is also confirming.)"

Prachi (blushing and flustered): "Ranbir ji, yeh kya mazaak hai? Aap... aapne yeh mala kyun uthai thi(Ranbir ji, what kind of joke is this? Why did you pick up this garland?)"

Ranbir (smirking): "Maine toh bas tumhare liye picture-perfect moment create kiya. Par jo hua, woh kismat thi, hai na(I was just creating a picture-perfect moment for you. But what happened was destiny, right?)"

Prachi (huffing, trying to hide her smile): "Aap humesha aise khelte rahte hain. Yeh mandir ka mahaul hai, Ranbir ji. Thoda toh shishtachar rakhiye(You're always playing around like this. This is a temple, Ranbir ji. Have some decorum.)"

Ranbir (teasing): "Mandir ka mahaul ho ya kahi aur, tumhara chehra dekhte hi sab kuch divine lagta hai(Be it the temple's atmosphere or anywhere else, everything feels divine when I see your face.)"

As Prachi adjusted the garland around her neck, she felt an inexplicable warmth in her chest.

Prachi (thinking): "Kya yeh sach mein ek ishara hai, Prabhu? Ranbir ji ka mere liye itna lagav... kya yeh pyar hai(Is this truly a sign, Lord? Ranbir's feelings for me... is this love?)"

Esha: Bhagawan kabhi jhooth nahi bol sakate! Yah ek ishara hai(God can never lie! This is a sign!)🙏

Ranbir, on the other hand, felt a sense of completion, as if the garland had sealed a promise between them.

Ranbir (thinking):

"Prachi, tum meri ho, aur yeh mandir bhi yeh hi keh raha hai. Ab tumhe yeh baat samajhne mein kitna waqt lagega(Prachi, you're mine, and even this temple is saying the same. How long will it take for you to realize this?)

With their hearts full of unspoken feelings, the two shared a silent moment, the temple bells echoing their emotions.

By now, Ranbir and Prachi were making their way back, the electric bike parked discreetly at the side. Ranbir looked at Prachi, her cheeks pink from the early morning breeze.

Ranbir (whispering): "Lagta hai andar kuch logon ka interrogation start ho gaya hoga(Looks like the interrogation inside must have already started.)"

Prachi (panicking): "Aapko idea bhi hai woh log kya kahenge? Namrata ne zarur kuch cover-up kiya hoga(Do you even know what they'll say? Namrata must have covered for us.)"

Ranbir (grinning): "Acha? Tumhara itna trust hai Namrata pe(Oh? You trust Namrata that much?)"

Esha: What! You don't trust your sister-in-law! 

As they entered through the backdoor, Namrata spotted them and immediately waved them upstairs.

Namrata (whispering): "Kya kar rahe ho? Seedha room mein jao! Abhi sab aap logon ke baare mein pooch rahe hain(What are you doing? Go straight to your room! Everyone's asking about you right now.)"

Prachi: "Ranbir ji... yeh galat ho raha hai (Ranbir ji... this is wrong.)"

Ranbir (smirking): "Galat toh unka interrogation hoga jab humein pakad lenge. Upar chalo (Wrong will be their interrogation if they catch us. Go upstairs.)"

Namrata sighed, shaking her head as she went back to calm the family. Meanwhile, Naira caught a glimpse of the two sneaking upstairs and smirked to herself, deciding to let it slide—for now.

Esha: Thank you Naira bhabhi! 😘

Author's Note:

And that's a wrap for this chapter! 🌟

I hope you all enjoyed this rollercoaster of emotions as much as I loved weaving it together for you. From Ranbir's playful teasing to his quiet jealousy, and Prachi's innocent vulnerability to her heartfelt prayers, this chapter was all about peeling back their layers and showing the depth of their connection.

The late-night movie drama, Ranbir's fiery jealousy, and the tender moments at the temple were meant to highlight the growing bond between Ranbir and Prachi. They're both navigating uncharted waters—her with her apprehensions, and him with emotions he doesn't fully understand yet.

Special mention to Esha's hilarious commentary—it's a little sprinkle of what many of us think during moments like these! 😉

I'd love to know your thoughts:

Did Ranbir's jealousy make you laugh or melt your heart? 🥰😂

What are your theories about the significance of Prachi's prayers? 🙏

And who's eagerly waiting for Ranbir to confess his growing feelings outright? 😏

Also, what did you think about the addition of Kal Ho Na Ho? That iconic movie felt like the perfect backdrop to amplify the emotions of this chapter. Let me know if it tugged at your heartstrings as much as it did mine!

Until next time, keep dreaming, loving, and believing in the magic of storytelling. ❤️

Stay tuned for the next chapter—it promises to be just as exciting (maybe more!).

Much love,

Esha