The family is gathered outside the hotel, the chilly morning air alive with excitement. The sun glints off the snow-covered peaks, a perfect day for a final adventure.

Naitik: (handing a key to Ranbir)

"Beta, yeh lo. Tumhare aur Prachi ke liye surprise plan hai(Son, take this. There's a surprise plan for you and Prachi.)"

Esha: Main ab Pranbirians ke dimag ko padh sakata hoon(I can read the minds of Pranbirians now!)😎

Ranbir: (raising an eyebrow)

"Surprise? Hum sab jaa rahe hain na(Surprise? We're all going, right?)"

Kartik: (shaking his head with a sly grin)

"Nahi, bhai. Dad ne plan banaya hai. Sirf tum dono ke liye. Tum dono ko Kashmir festival pe jaana hai(No, bro. Dad has made a plan. Just for the two of you. You both are going to the Kashmiri festival.)"

Prachi, standing nearby, looks utterly flustered. Her cheeks turn pink as everyone stares at her.

Prachi:

*"N-nahi! Mujhe toh pata bhi nahi tha is plan ka! Main kaise(I-I didn't even know about this plan! How can I—)"

Naira: (interrupting with a wink)

"Bas Prachi, ab sharmaana band karo. Jeep ready hai. Ab jaldi chalo(Enough blushing, Prachi. The jeep is ready. Now hurry up and go.)"

Ranbir smirks, leaning casually against the jeep.

Ranbir:

"Chalein, madam? Ya aur koi excuse hai(Shall we, madam? Or do you have another excuse?)"

Esha: Jab woh use madam kahata hai to main kyon kamp uthati hoon(Why do I get shivers when he calls her madam?)😫

Prachi huffs but nods hesitantly. Just as she's about to climb into the jeep, a tiny voice shouts.

Kairav:

"Ruko! Main bhi aa raha hoon(Wait! I'm coming too!)"

Kairav pops out from behind a tree, grinning mischievously. Everyone bursts into laughter while Prachi looks confused.

Prachi:

"Kairav? Tum yahaan kya kar rahe ho(Kairav? What are you doing here?)"

Kairav: (running to her, holding her hand)

"Main Prachi chachi ke bina nahi reh sakta. Main bhi chalunga(I can't stay without Prachi aunty. I'm coming too!)"

Esha: Durbhagya se is baar tum nahi aa paoge Kairu. Unhe bachchon ke bina kuch akele samay ki zaroorat hai (Unfortunately this time you cannot come Kairu. They need some alone time without kids.)🤔

Naira kneels down, trying to persuade him.

Naira:

"Kairav, agar tum Ranbir chachu aur Prachi chachi ko akela jaane doge, toh main tumhe tumhari favorite ice cream khilaungi(Kairav, if you let Ranbir chachu and Prachi chachi go alone, I'll get you your favorite ice cream.)"

Kairav thinks for a moment, then nods, but not before he runs up to Prachi and kisses her cheek.

Esha: Awww! 😘

Kairav: (innocently)

"Prachi chachi, please apne aur chachu ke photos bhejna. Main dekhunga(Prachi aunty, please send me your and uncle's photos. I'll look at them!)"

Prachi, flustered and giggling, nods. Kairav steps back with Naira, waving happily.

Ranbir: (opening the door for Prachi)

"Aapka highness, chaliye. Humare chhote fan ke liye photos khinchwane hain(Your highness, let's go. We have to click photos for our little fan.)"

Prachi: (rolling her eyes but smiling)

"Aap toh bas mazaak banate rahiye. Mujhe pata hai aapko is surprise plan ka pehle se hi pata tha (You just keep joking. I know you already knew about this surprise plan!)"

Ranbir: (grinning)

"Agar pata hota toh kya khushi nahi hoti? Tumhare saath akela time kaun miss karega(If I knew, wouldn't I be happy? Who'd miss alone time with you?)"

Prachi blushes deeply as she climbs into the jeep, and Ranbir follows. The family waves them off, laughing and cheering.

As the jeep winds its way up the scenic mountain roads, Prachi sneaks glances at Ranbir, who's driving with a confident ease.

Prachi: (murmuring)

"Aapko har cheez itni asaan kyun lagti hai(Why does everything seem so easy for you?)"

Ranbir: (glancing at her)

"Jab saath tumhara ho, toh mushkilein bhi asaan lagti hain(When you're with me, even challenges seem easy.)"

Prachi looks away, hiding her smile, as the jeep climbs higher into the breathtaking beauty of the mountains.

Ranbir is behind the wheel, driving with his usual confidence—but a bit faster than usual, much to Prachi's horror.

Prachi: (clutching the seatbelt tightly)

"Ranbir ji, kya aap dheere nahi chala sakte? Aisa lag raha hai jaise hum kisi race mein hain (Ranbir ji, can't you drive slower? It feels like we're in a race!)"

Esha: Tum use kyon dara rahe ho(Why are you frightening her?)😠

Ranbir: (grinning mischievously)

"Race nahi, Prachi. Yeh toh sirf warm-up hai. Manali ke raaste chhote, par meri gaadi ke speed se match nahi karte(It's not a race, Prachi. This is just a warm-up. Manali's roads are too short to match my speed.)"

Prachi: (glaring at him)

"Warm-up? Aap mujhe heart attack dene ka plan kar rahe ho kya(Warm-up? Are you planning to give me a heart attack?)"

Ranbir chuckles but suddenly hits the brakes as they arrive at the festival site. The jeep jolts to a stop, and Prachi, startled, almost tumbles forward. Ranbir instinctively reaches out to steady her, their eyes locking for a brief moment before she quickly pulls back, flustered.

Prachi: (stepping out of the jeep, adjusting her dupatta)

"Aapke saath safar karna toh ek adventure se kam nahi hai(Traveling with you is nothing less than an adventure!)"

Ranbir: (leaning against the jeep, smirking)

"Adventure pasand nahi hai kya, madam(Don't you like adventure, madam?)"

Prachi: (ignoring his teasing, her gaze shifts to the colorful festival ahead)

"Woh sab chhodiye! Dekhiye, festival kitna sundar hai(Forget all that! Look how beautiful the festival is!)"

The vibrant Kashmiri festival spreads out before them, adorned with colorful canopies, traditional decorations, and people in stunning Kashmiri attire. Prachi's eyes light up as she spots a stall renting traditional outfits.

Prachi: (excitedly pulling Ranbir's arm)

"Ranbir ji, aapko Kashmiri outfit pehnna hi padega. Tabhi toh hum poore festival ka maza le sakte hain(Ranbir ji, you have to wear a Kashmiri outfit. Only then can we truly enjoy the festival!)"

Ranbir: (shaking his head vigorously)

"Bilkul nahi! Main woh heavy sherwani aur topi nahi pehn sakta(No way! I can't wear that heavy sherwani and cap.)"

Prachi: (putting her hands on her hips)

"Aap bas baatein banaiye. Main toh jaa rahi hoon. Aap khud dekhna, main kitni acchi lagungi (You just keep making excuses. I'm going to change. You'll see how good I'll look!)"

She storms off into the dressing area, leaving Ranbir behind, still protesting. A few minutes later, she steps out, leaving him completely speechless.

Prachi heads inside to change into her Kashmiri outfit, leaving Ranbir standing there, his eyes following her every move. As she enters the tent to change, he watches her go, a smile playing on his lips, but something about the thought of other men staring at her doesn't sit well with him. His smile fades as he begins to feel protective, a possessive urge bubbling up within him. He shakes his head to dismiss the thought, but the idea lingers.

Prachi steps into the changing area and slips into the stunning traditional Kashmiri attire. The rich crimson pheran, embroidered with intricate golden patterns, drapes gracefully around her, its long sleeves adorned with delicate gold threadwork. The fabric flows beautifully, and her hair is styled in soft waves, with a maang tikka shimmering on her forehead. She wraps the dupatta around her shoulders and ties it carefully, securing it with silver pins, completing the look with jhumkas and bangles.

Esha: Hayeee! 🥰

She steps out from the changing area, and her appearance immediately captures the attention of several tourists around her. The bright colors of her outfit shine in the sunlight, and the gold embroidery catches the eye. As she walks toward the stage, the men in the crowd can't help but stare, whispering to each other. Prachi notices this and walks with an air of confidence, but a soft blush spreads across her cheeks. She makes her way to the center of the stage where the music is about to begin, and the crowd begins to quiet down, sensing something exciting is about to happen.

Ranbir: (his eyes widen at how beautiful she looks)

"Hayeee meri chikchiki(Wow my chikchiki!)"

(Clutching his heart)

https://youtu.be/dXpG0kavjUo

As the music begins, Prachi smiles and twirls gracefully on the stage. The beat of the song fills the air, and Prachi starts dancing to the lively rhythm of "Yeh Ishq Hai" from Jab We Met, her steps filled with energy and grace.

She starts with a slow, delicate spin, her crimson pheran swishing around her, making the golden threads shimmer with every movement. As she turns, the fabric of her dress flows elegantly behind her, and her steps become more playful and rhythmic. Her hands wave gracefully in the air, accentuating the traditional moves of the Kashmiri dance style.

"Todi maine sare hi bandhan zamane tere

Todongi na main vaada

Aadha hissa mere toh dil ki kahani ka tu

Piya main baaki aadha...

Ranbir: (Clutching his chest, clearly overwhelmed)

"Prachi... tumne mujhe pagal kar diya hai(Prachi... you've made me go crazy!)"

His protective instincts kick in as he watches the tourists around him eye her. His jaw tightens, and he feels a surge of possessiveness. He starts to move towards her but stops midway, watching her glow in the center of the stage.

Prachi twirls once more, her dupatta billowing around her, and then swings it in the air as she moves. Her feet tap rhythmically on the ground, and she executes a traditional Kashmiri step: a hop on one foot followed by a graceful turn, the dupatta flowing in perfect harmony with her movements. Her eyes are sparkling, and there's an undeniable charm in her dance. She doesn't even notice how Ranbir is watching her intently, his every breath taken away by her.

"Dekho na dekho mujhe kya hua hai

Teri yaadon mein kho kar

Poocho na poocho mujhe kya

Hua hai tere baaton mein jeekar...

Ranbir: (under his breath, as he steps closer, almost unable to control his feelings)

"Tum toh poori duniya ki sabse khoobsurat ladki ho, Prachi... ab main tumhare saath kyun yeh sab nahi dekh sakta(You are the most beautiful girl in the world, Prachi... why can't I watch this anymore?)"

As the music reaches a faster tempo, Prachi spins and takes a few steps back before jumping into a playful series of steps. She raises her hands above her head and performs a traditional Kashmiri dance step, moving with the grace of a gazelle. She then sways to the rhythm of the song, her body flowing in perfect synchronization with the music.

Lyrics:

"Yeh ishq haai baithe bithaye

Jannat dikhaye haan

O rama!"

Prachi steps forward confidently, her hand brushing lightly against her waist, swaying in time to the beat. With every step, she becomes more immersed in the performance. The crowd cheers for her, but she only has eyes for Ranbir, knowing he's watching, knowing his heart is with her.

"Yeh ishq haai baithe bithaye

Jannat dikhaye haan" 

Ranbir: (now standing just off the stage, his eyes glued to her)

"Prachi... tumhare har dance step mein meri duniya bas gayi hai(Prachi... with every dance step of yours, my world is within you.)"

He walks towards her, his gaze intense and full of longing. She finishes the final twirl and stands in front of him, her chest rising and falling with exertion, her cheeks flushed from the performance.

Prachi: (out of breath, teasing him playfully)

"Toh kaisa laga mera performance(So how did you like my performance?)"

Ranbir: (his voice low and intense, his eyes not leaving hers)

"Itna accha tha, ki tumne mujhe pagal kar diya (It was so good, you've made me lose my mind!)"

Prachi: (giggling, looking away, shy now)

"Aapko kya lagta hai, Ranbir ji, aap toh bas(What do you think, Ranbir ji, you are just...)"

Ranbir: (grabbing her wrist gently, pulling her towards him, his voice filled with a mix of possessiveness and affection)

"Bas, kuch nahi... Tum meri ho, Prachi(Enough, nothing... you are mine, Prachi.)"

They stand there, holding each other's gaze, the world around them fading into the background. The festival music plays on, but it feels like it's just the two of them, lost in each other's eyes, the growing warmth between them undeniable. Prachi feels her heart flutter, knowing in that moment that her feelings for him are deeper than she ever imagined.

Prachi: (softly, almost a whisper)

"Ranbir ji, kuch zyada hi possessive ho gaye ho(Ranbir ji, you've become a little too possessive.)"

Ranbir: (with a grin, his hands resting on her waist now)

"Haan, main possessive hoon. Tum meri ho, aur koi tumhe dekhne ka haq nahi rakhta(Yes, I am possessive. You are mine, and no one has the right to look at you.)"

Esha: Yaar! Ab tum uski kamar pakad rahe ho(Yo! Your are holding her waist now!)😳

They stand there for a moment, their hearts aligned, the world around them disappearing as they get lost in each other's company. The festival goes on, but the connection they share is undeniable, and it's clear to them both that this journey is leading to something more, something neither of them can ignore.

Ranbir, his protective nature still on high alert, notices Prachi standing quietly near a wooden stall at the festival, her eyes wandering over the crowd. Her earlier confidence seems to have melted into a quiet, thoughtful demeanor. Without saying a word, he slips away to get her something special, leaving Prachi momentarily alone.

Prachi: (muttering to herself as she looks around)

"Yeh Ranbir kaha chala gaya? Pehle mujhe possessive banate hain, phir khud gayab ho jaate hain(Where did Ranbir go? First, he acts possessive, and then he disappears...)"

Her eyes scan the festival grounds, but she can't spot him anywhere. She folds her arms across her chest, frowning, but her heart skips a beat as she recalls the way Ranbir had pulled her close during the dance.

Ranbir, meanwhile, is at a food stall, chatting animatedly with the vendor.

Ranbir:

"Bhaiya, yeh Kashmiri snacks aur ekdum asli chai dena. Kuch zyada masaledar ho toh aur accha hoga(Brother, give me some authentic Kashmiri snacks and tea. If it's extra spicy, even better!)"

He grabs the plate of Dum Aloo and the steaming noon chai (pink Kashmiri tea), balancing them carefully as he makes his way back to her.

As she waits, she rests her hands on the wooden railing of a nearby booth and looks out at the snow-capped mountains in the distance. Her eyes close briefly, and suddenly, a vivid dream begins to unfold.

In her mind, she's in a serene Kashmiri meadow, surrounded by blooming saffron flowers and gentle streams. The sky is golden with the setting sun, and there's a soft chill in the air. She sees herself standing there, barefoot, wearing a delicate Kashmiri lehenga in pastel blue with silver embroidery, her hair cascading over her shoulders. Ranbir approaches her from behind, wearing a regal sherwani, his smile warm and inviting.

Ranbir (Dream): (softly, his voice like a whisper in the wind)

"Prachi, tumhare bina yeh zindagi adhoori hai(Prachi, without you, my life is incomplete.)"

He wraps his arms around her waist from behind, pulling her close. She feels his breath on her neck, sending a shiver down her spine. She turns to face him, their eyes locking as the golden light bathes them in warmth. Ranbir cups her face gently, his thumb brushing against her cheek.

Prachi (Dream): (barely able to speak, her heart racing)

"Ranbir... tum kyun itne special lagte ho(Ranbir... why do you feel so special to me?)"

Ranbir (Dream): (leaning closer, his voice deep and filled with emotion)

"Kyunki tum meri ho, Prachi. Hamesha se(Because you are mine, Prachi. Always have been.)"

In the dream, Ranbir lifts her chin, his lips almost brushing hers. 

But before anything more happens, Prachi wakes from her daydream with a gasp, her cheeks flushed and her heart pounding.

Esha: Author ji itni jaldi aisa nahi hone denge(Author ji won't let that happen this fast)😏😉

Prachi's eyes snap open as Ranbir appears in front of her, holding the plate of snacks and the tea. His wide smile immediately melts any nervousness she feels.

Ranbir: (teasingly, noticing her pink cheeks)

"Kya hua, Chikchiki? Sapne mein mujhe dekh rahi thi kya(What happened, Chikchiki? Were you dreaming about me?)"

Prachi: (startled, trying to compose herself, but failing miserably)

"N-nahi toh! Tum kyun mujhe sapne mein aoge(N-no! Why would you be in my dream?)"

Esha: Yeah right! 🙄

Ranbir: (raising an eyebrow, smirking knowingly)

"Acha? Phir yeh blush kyun kar rahi ho? Waise, tumhare sapne ka asli Ranbir yahan hai. Snacks lo(Oh? Then why are you blushing? By the way, the real Ranbir from your dream is here. Take these snacks.)"

He places the plate and tea on a nearby table, motioning for her to sit. As she picks up a Dum Aloo, she glances at him through her lashes, still feeling the lingering warmth of her dream.

Prachi (thinking to herself):

"Yeh kya ho raha hai mujhe? Ranbir... tumhare saath har moment itna khaas kyun lagta hai? Mujhe samajh nahi aa raha ki main khud ko kaise rokun(What's happening to me? Why does every moment with Ranbir feel so special? I don't understand how to stop myself...)"

Ranbir: (leaning forward, grinning mischievously as she sips the tea)

"Vaise, Chikchiki, agar tumhari chai itni meethi lag rahi hai, toh iska matlab tum mujhse pyaar karne lagi ho, hai na(By the way, Chikchiki, if your tea tastes this sweet, it means you're falling in love with me, right?)"

Prachi: (choking slightly on her tea, glaring at him)

"Ranbir! Tum bas khayali pulav pakaate rehna. Chup raho aur chai piyo(Ranbir! You just keep dreaming. Be quiet and drink your tea!)"

But despite her protest, her heart flutters again as her eyes meet his. She's not ready to admit it yet, but deep down, she knows that Ranbir is slowly becoming the most important part of her life.

As the evening light softens, the two continue to share snacks and banter, but Prachi's mind keeps replaying that dream, and with every glance at Ranbir, she finds herself falling just a little harder.

Prachi's laughter gradually dies down as she sips her Kashmiri chai, her thoughts suddenly clouded by memories of Kunal. Her once vibrant expression turns guarded, and her eyes dart away from Ranbir's as if trying to hide something. Ranbir, ever observant, notices the subtle shift in her demeanor.

Ranbir: (softly, leaning closer)

"Prachi, tum theek toh ho? Abhi kuch der pehle toh tum itni khush lag rahi thi... kya baat hai (Prachi, are you okay? Just a while ago, you seemed so happy... what's wrong?)"

Prachi: (quickly plastering a faint smile)

"Main? Main toh bilkul theek hoon! Bas... thoda thak gayi hoon shayad(Me? I'm perfectly fine! Just... a little tired, maybe.)"

Ranbir: (narrowing his eyes, not convinced)

"Chikchiki, mujhe jhoot mat bolo. Tumhare chehre par likha hai ki tumhare mann mein kuch chal raha hai(Chikchiki, don't lie to me. It's written all over your face that something is on your mind.)"

Prachi looks down, her fingers nervously twisting the end of her dupatta. Her silence only deepens Ranbir's concern.

Ranbir: (placing a comforting hand on hers)

"Prachi, main bas itna kehna chahta hoon ki agar kuch baat tumhe pareshan kar rahi hai, toh mujhe bata sakti ho. Shayad main madad kar saku(Prachi, I just want to say that if something is troubling you, you can tell me. Maybe I can help.)"

His voice is gentle, but his words hit a nerve. Prachi instinctively pulls her hand away and looks at him with a forced smile.

Prachi: (avoiding his gaze)

"Ranbir, tum kyun mere chhoti-chhoti baaton pe itna dhyan dete ho? Yeh sab kuch nahi hai. Chhodo na, festival enjoy karte hain(Ranbir, why do you pay so much attention to my little things? This is nothing. Let it go, let's enjoy the festival!)"

Esha: When is she ever going to tell him? 😢

Ranbir: (leaning back slightly, studying her carefully)

"Tumhare jhoot ke peeche sach kya hai, Prachi? Tumhara past? Kya tumhare saath kuch aisa hua hai jo tum share nahi karna chahti(What truth are you hiding behind your lies, Prachi? Is it about your past? Has something happened that you don't want to share?)"

His direct question catches Prachi off guard. Her breath hitches, and she clenches her fists to steady herself. For a moment, she looks like she might say something, but then she shakes her head and puts on a brave face.

Prachi: (firmly, changing the topic)

"Ranbir, tum kitna sochte ho, seriously! Yeh past aur future ki baatein chhodo... abhi sirf present mein jeene ka waqt hai, aur abhi hum ek festival mein hain. So... tum kya lene gaye the? Koi snack aur chai sirf, ya kuch aur bhi surprise plan kiya(Ranbir, you think too much, seriously! Forget about the past and future... it's time to live in the present, and right now we're at a festival. So... what did you go to get? Just snacks and tea, or do you have another surprise planned?)"

Ranbir: (watching her carefully, sensing her evasion but deciding not to press further)

"Hmm... ek surprise tha, par ab lagta hai tumhare answers mujhe kabhi milenge hi nahi. Tumhe pareshan nahi karunga abhi, par yaad rakhna Prachi, main hamesha yahan hoon(Hmm... there was a surprise, but now it seems I'll never get my answers. I won't trouble you now, but remember, Prachi, I'm always here.)"

Prachi's heart squeezes at his words, but she quickly masks her emotions and gestures towards the bustling market stalls.

Prachi: (with a light laugh, trying to sound carefree)

"Theek hai, Ranbir Kohli! Toh mujhe woh Kashmiri shawl ka stall dikhana hai jo humne pehle miss kar diya tha(Alright, Ranbir Kohli! So now show me that Kashmiri shawl stall we missed earlier.)"

Ranbir: (giving her a half-smile)

"Chalo, tumhare command par. Lekin ek baat yaad rakhna—jo bhi tum chhupa rahi ho, kabhi na kabhi mujhe bataogi(Let's go, as you command. But remember one thing—whatever you're hiding, someday you'll tell me.)"

Prachi nods but avoids his eyes. As they walk towards the stalls, she sneaks a glance at him and feels a pang of guilt mixed with fear. In her mind, Kunal's shadow looms large, and she silently prays for strength to keep her secrets hidden just a little longer.

Prachi (thinking):

"Ranbir, tum jaise ho, waisa koi nahi ho sakta... lekin agar tumhe sach pata chale toh shayad tum yeh care karna chhodo. Mujhe waqt chahiye... aur shayad himmat bhi(Ranbir, there's no one like you... but if you find out the truth, maybe you'll stop caring. I need time... and maybe courage too.)"

Esha: He will never stop caring!🤭

The festival continues, but both of their hearts carry unspoken emotions and questions, making their bond all the more complicated and intense.