The hotel's dining area is transformed into a festive wonderland for Christmas Eve morning. A grand buffet table is set with a mix of traditional holiday treats—gingerbread cookies, plum cake, roasted turkey—and local delicacies like Himachali siddu and chana madra. Fairy lights twinkle across the room, and a Christmas tree stands tall in one corner, adorned with shiny ornaments.

Kairav: (running around excitedly) "Merry Christmas Eve, everyone! Maine Santa Claus ko kal raat bola tha ki sabke liye gifts laana. Dekhna, woh zarur layega(Merry Christmas Eve, everyone! I told Santa Claus last night to bring gifts for everyone. Just watch, he'll definitely bring them!)"

Naira: (laughing) "Haan, haan, Kairav. Abhi toh breakfast karo, phir Santa se mil lena(Yes, yes, Kairav. First, have your breakfast, then you can meet Santa.)"

Kairav: "Mujhe toh pehle chocolate pancakes chahiye! Aur cream bhi(I want chocolate pancakes first! And cream too!)"

He rushes to the buffet, pulling Namrata along.

Prachi is delicately serving herself a piece of plum cake when Ranbir sneaks up behind her.

Ranbir: "Toh, Baklu ke liye kya special plate ban rahi hai aaj(So, what special plate is being made for Baklu today?)"

Prachi: (rolling her eyes) "Mujhe apne liye le rahi hoon, Baklu ji. Aap apni plate khud banao(I'm getting it for myself, Mr. Baklu. Make your own plate.)"

Ranbir: "Achha? Lekin tumhe pata hai na, tumhare plate ka cake mere plate mein aa hi jaata hai(Really? But you know, your plate's cake always ends up on mine anyway.)"

Esha: Apani nazaren usake cake par mat rakhen(Don't keep your eyes on her cake!) 😠

Prachi: (blushing) "Main itni selfish hoon nahi, Ranbir ji. Lekin aap itne cute kyun ban jaate ho jab bakwas karte ho(I'm not that selfish, Ranbir ji. But why do you become so cute when you talk nonsense?)"

Ranbir grins, holding up a gingerbread man cookie.

Ranbir: "Lo, yeh tumhare liye. Dekho, iski smile tumhari tarah hai(Here, this is for you. Look, its smile is just like yours.)"

Prachi: (smiling) "Aap bhi na... bas faltu ki baatein karte raho (You're too much... always talking nonsense.)"

Kartik is busy piling waffles on his plate when Naira steals a cherry from his plate.

Kartik: (mock gasping) "Naira! Tumne mere plate se cheery chura li? Yeh toh wafadar partner wali baat nahi hui(Naira! You stole a cherry from my plate? That's not how a loyal partner acts.)"

Naira: (grinning mischievously) "Toh tum kya kar loge, Kartik ji(So, what will you do, Mr. Kartik?)"

Kartik: "Dekho, ab tumhe apne poore Christmas plate se ek waffle sacrifice karna padega(Look, now you'll have to sacrifice a whole waffle from your Christmas plate.)"

Naira rolls her eyes and pretends to hand over a waffle, only to pull it back last minute.

Naira: "Pehle pakdo toh sahi(Catch it first!)"

The two start chasing each other playfully around the buffet area.

Esha: These two no! 🤣

Raj: (teasing Babita as she piles her plate with sweets) "Babita ji, aapne toh sirf mithai li. Baaki breakfast nahi karengi(Babita ji, you've only taken sweets. Won't you have the rest of the breakfast?)"

Babita: "Kya karu? Tumhare saath rahkar mithaas se dil bhar gaya hai(What can I do? Staying with you has filled my heart with sweetness.)"

Raj: (grinning) "Wah, Babita ji. Aaj Christmas par shayari kar rahi ho? Kahin mujhe impress karne ka plan toh nahi(Wow, Babita ji. Are you reciting poetry today on Christmas? Are you planning to impress me?)"

Meanwhile, Kairav is trying to convince Namrata to let him eat only chocolate items for breakfast.

Namrata: "Kairav, itna chocolate khaoge toh tumhe Santa ki nahi, dentist ki zarurat padegi(Kairav, if you eat so much chocolate, you'll need a dentist, not Santa.)"

Kairav: "Lekin mujhe chocolate breakfast bahut pasand hai! Aapko Santa se complain nahi karne dunga(But I love a chocolate breakfast! I won't let you complain to Santa.)"

Namrata laughs and helps him make a balanced plate, sneaking a few chocolate items in as a compromise.

As everyone sits at their table, Ranbir starts humming "Jingle Bells" to tease Prachi, and soon the whole family joins in.

Raj: "Arre, Antakshari shuru karte hain! Christmas songs ya romantic gaane(Let's start Antakshari! Christmas songs or romantic songs?)"

Naira: "Don't worry, hum jeetenge(Don't worry, we'll win!)"

Ranbir: (smirking at Prachi) "Mujhe pata hai, tumhari team ko zyada chance nahi hai. Tumhare Baklu ka team jeetega(I know your team doesn't have much of a chance. Your Baklu's team will win.)"

Prachi: (mock glaring) "Dekhte hain, Ranbir ji. Mujhe underestimate mat kariye(We'll see, Ranbir ji. Don't underestimate me.)"

The family arrives at a beautifully set-up ice-skating rink surrounded by snow-covered trees. Fairy lights are strung along the borders of the rink, and soft Christmas carols play in the background. Everyone is bundled up in warm jackets, scarves, and gloves, their breaths visible in the chilly air.

Kartik pulls Naira towards the rink confidently, holding her hand.

Naira: (nervously) "Kartik, mujhe skating ka bilkul experience nahi hai! Agar gir gayi toh(Kartik, I have no experience with skating! What if I fall?)"

Kartik: (teasing) "Agar giri toh main hoon na tumhe pakadne ke liye. Waise bhi, tumhare girne ke chances ussi din khatam ho gaye the jab tum meri life mein aa gayi thi(If you fall, I'm here to catch you. Anyway, your chances of falling ended the day you entered my life.)"

Esha: I want a husband like him too...I think Pranbir will be the same 😍

Naira blushes but lets him guide her onto the rink. Kartik holds her waist firmly as she struggles to find her balance.

Naira: (giggling) "Kartik ji, yeh toh aapke saath roller coaster ride jaise lag raha hai(Kartik ji, this feels like a roller coaster ride with you!)"

Kartik: "Aur tumhe toh pata hi hai, roller coasters mere saath aur bhi special ban jaate hain(And you know, roller coasters become even more special with me.)"

They glide together, slowly gaining confidence, and eventually skate in sync, laughing and teasing each other.

Ranbir watches as Prachi ties her skates, struggling with the laces.

Ranbir: "Chikchiki, tumse ek simple lace toh bandhti nahi. Tumhare bas ka hai bhi skating(Chikchiki, you can't even tie a simple lace. Are you even capable of skating?)"

Prachi: (glaring) "Aapka kaam hai bas taana maarna, Ranbir ji. Main sab kuch kar sakti hoon(Your job is just to taunt me, Ranbir ji. I can do everything!)"

Ranbir: "Achha? Phir toh dekho main tumhe kaise madad nahi karta(Oh really? Then watch how I won't help you.)"

Prachi attempts to stand but wobbles instantly. She grabs Ranbir's arm for support, nearly pulling him down.

Prachi: (flustered) "Dekha? Aapka taana maarna meri balance kharab kar deta hai(See? Your taunting ruins my balance.)"

Ranbir: (laughing) "Tumhare balance ki zarurat tumhe hai, mujhe nahi(You're the one who needs balance, not me.)"

He takes her hands and gently pulls her onto the rink. As they skate, Prachi slips, and Ranbir catches her around the waist.

Esha: Hayeee! 🥰

Ranbir: "Dekha? Tumhare Baklu ka kaam hai tumhe girne se bachana(See? Your Baklu's job is to keep you from falling.)"

Prachi: (blushing) "Aapko Baklu kyun lagta hai main hamesha girti hoon(Why do you always think I'm falling, Baklu?)"

They start skating again, and Ranbir hums softly, making Prachi's heart flutter.

Kairav: (shouting) "Namrata maasi! Dekho, main toh skating champion ban gaya(Namrata Aunty! Look, I've become a skating champion!)"

Namrata claps for him, trying to stay upright on the rink herself.

Namrata: "Kairav, agar gir gaya toh tere Santa se complain kar dungi(Kairav, if you fall, I'll complain to your Santa.)"

Kairav: "Mujhe mat darao, maasi! Santa ka dost ban kar dikhao (Don't scare me, Aunty! Be Santa's friend instead.)"

Namrata tries to chase Kairav, who zigzags across the rink, making everyone laugh.

Raj confidently skates backward, showing off his skills.

Babita: (rolling her eyes) "Rajeshwaran ji, yeh rink hai ya aapka dance floor(Rajeshwaran ji, is this a rink or your dance floor?)"

Raj: (grinning) "Dance ho ya rink, Babita ji, bas aap mere partner ban jao, phir toh duniya humari hai(Be it dance or rink, Babita ji, just become my partner, and the world is ours.)"

He twirls Babita dramatically, making her laugh uncontrollably.

As the family enjoys themselves, Ranbir pulls Prachi aside to a quieter part of the rink. He takes her hands in his and skates backward, guiding her.

Ranbir: "Tumhe pata hai, Chikchiki, yeh moment mere liye kitna perfect hai(Do you know, Chikchiki, how perfect this moment is for me?)"

Prachi: (smiling shyly) "Aap hamesha faltu ki baatein kyun karte hain(Why do you always talk nonsense?)"

Ranbir: (leaning closer) "Kyunki tumhare saath faltu baatein karna bhi special lagta hai(Because even talking nonsense with you feels special.)"

Just then, snowflakes start to fall, and Ranbir brushes a flake off Prachi's cheek, his touch lingering.

Ranbir: "Tumhare gaal pe yeh snowflake bhi itna lucky hai ki tumhe chhune mila(Even this snowflake on your cheek is lucky to have touched you.)"

Prachi looks away, her cheeks flushed. Ranbir pulls her closer, spinning her lightly.

The family strolls through the lively Christmas market, illuminated by strings of warm yellow fairy lights. The air is crisp, carrying the scent of roasted chestnuts, cinnamon, and hot cocoa. Stalls are decked with vibrant decorations, selling everything from handmade crafts to cozy winterwear. Children laugh as they chase each other, and carolers sing festive tunes in a corner.

Prachi stops at a small wooden stall displaying delicate jewelry. Her eyes are drawn to a beautiful silver anklet with tiny snowflake charms. She picks it up, admiring the intricate craftsmanship, but when she glances at the price tag, her smile falters.

Prachi: (to herself, softly) "Yeh toh bahut mehenga hai. Rehne do, zarurat toh nahi hai(This is too expensive. Let it be, it's not necessary.)"

She reluctantly puts the anklet back, but her hesitation doesn't escape Ranbir's sharp eyes as he lingers nearby.

Ranbir: (approaching casually) "Kya dekh rahi ho, Chikchiki (What are you looking at, Chikchiki?)"

Prachi: (quickly turning away) "Kuch nahi, bas waise hi dekh rahi thi(Nothing, I was just looking around.)"

Ranbir glances at the anklet she was holding moments ago and raises an eyebrow.

Ranbir: "Tumhe yeh pasand hai(Do you like this?)"

Prachi: (shaking her head) "Pasand toh hai, par zarurat nahi hai. Chhodiye(I like it, but it's not necessary. Leave it.)"

Without another word, Ranbir picks up the anklet and hands it to the vendor.

Prachi: (alarmed) "Ranbir ji, kya kar rahe hain? Main nahi le rahi yeh(Ranbir ji, what are you doing? I'm not buying this!)"

Ranbir: (firmly) "Tumhare pasand ki cheez main khud se door jaane nahi de sakta, Chikchiki(I can't let something you like slip away from you, Chikchiki.)"

Prachi: "Par yeh toh bahut mehenga hai(But this is too expensive!)"

Ranbir: (smirking) "Mujhe tumhari pasand ke aage price tag ki koi fikar nahi hai(Your likes matter more to me than any price tag.)"

Prachi: (softly) "Aap hamesha aise hi sab kuch karte hain. Kyun (You always do things like this. Why?)'

Ranbir takes her hand gently and looks her in the eyes.

Ranbir: "Kyunki tum meri future wife ho, aur tumhare liye kuch bhi karna mera haq hai(Because you're my future wife, and it's my right to do anything for you.)"

Esha: I am sure you guys have made history ✨

Prachi blushes furiously, unable to argue. Ranbir pays for the anklet and carefully places it in her hand.

Ranbir: "Ab yeh tumhare paas hi rahega, samjhi(Now, this will stay with you, understood?)"

Meanwhile, the rest of the family is scattered across the market, picking out surprises for their loved ones.

Kartik secretly buys a delicate glass snow globe with a couple dancing inside, reminiscent of their romantic journey.

Namrata spots a soft red scarf and thinks it would look perfect on Prachi.

Raj purchases a handcrafted wooden jewelry box, envisioning Babita's delighted smile.

Kairav buys a tiny bell to prank everyone later, pretending it's Santa's gift.

The family gathers at a hot cocoa stand to warm up, arms full of their purchases.

Kartik: "Toh sab ne kya kharida? Ya sab sirf window shopping karte rahe(So, what did everyone buy? Or was it just window shopping?)"

Raj: (laughing) "Meri window shopping tum sab se zyada mehengi hoti hai, beta(My window shopping ends up being the most expensive, son.)"

Naira: (teasing) "Babita chachi toh hamesha budget shopping karti hain. Dekhein, iss baar kya laaye Raj chacha ke liye(Babita Aunty always shops on a budget. Let's see what she got for Raj Uncle this time.)"

Babita: "Mujhe tumse seekhne ki zarurat nahi hai, Naira(I don't need to learn from you, Naira!)"

Everyone laughs and sips their hot cocoa, surrounded by the cozy glow of the market. Ranbir, standing close to Prachi, quietly adjusts her scarf to keep her warm. She looks up at him with a mixture of gratitude and unspoken affection, her cheeks flushed from more than just the cold.

The hotel's ballroom is aglow with festive cheer. A grand Christmas tree stands tall in one corner, while the soft melody of a piano fills the room. Families and couples dine, laugh, and enjoy the evening. Suddenly, the hotel manager walks onto the stage.

Manager: "Ladies and gentlemen, I hope you're enjoying the evening! To make this Christmas Eve even more magical, we have a special guest among us—Mr. Ranbir Kohli. We've heard he has a beautiful voice. Sir, would you do us the honor of singing a song for everyone?"

Ranbir, caught off guard, looks around. His eyes land on Prachi, who is sitting at the family table, looking both surprised and amused.

Prachi: (teasingly) "Ranbir ji, aapke fans wait kar rahe hain (Ranbir ji, your fans are waiting.)"

Kartik: (laughing) "Chal beta Ranbir, spotlight tera intezaar kar raha hai(Come on, Ranbir, the spotlight is waiting for you.)"

Babita: "Nahin gaya toh Christmas kharaab ho jayegi(If you don't sing, Christmas will be ruined!)"

Ranbir sighs dramatically but stands up with a charming grin. He picks up the mic and walks to the piano. Sitting down, he adjusts the mic, his eyes briefly locking with Prachi's.

Ranbir: "Yeh gaana mere life ke ek khaas insaan ke liye hai. Naam mat puchhna... kyunki iss pyaar ko kya naam doon(This song is for someone very special in my life. Don't ask their name... because what should I call this love?)"

Esha: This is probably my favourite dialogue! 💘

The room falls silent as he begins to play the piano and sing.

(This my song and lyrics are from the heart)

(Iss pyaar ko kya naam doon-Dil Ke Vivah)

Iss pyaar ko kya naam doon,

Tu hi toh hai mere sukoon.

Iss pyaar ko kya naam doon, kya naam doon,

Kya naam doon... kya naam doon...

(What name should I give to this love?

You are my peace.

What name should I give to this love, what name should I give to it,

What name should I give... What name should I give...)

Verse 1:

Teri pehli nazar ka asar,

Meri dhadkan ka safar.

Dil ko samajhaya hazaar baar,

Par tu hai har dua ke paar.

Jahan se khud ko bhool gaya,

Tujhmein jeene ka raag mila

(The effect of your first glance,

The journey of my heartbeat.

I understood my heart a thousand times,

But you are beyond every prayer.

From where I forgot myself,

In you I got the passion to live)

Chorus:

Iss pyaar ko kya naam doon,

Tu hi toh hai mere sukoon.

Iss pyaar ko kya naam doon, kya naam doon,

Kya naam doon... kya naam doon...

(What name should I give to this love?

You are my peace.

What name should I give to this love, what name should I give to it,

What name should I give... What name should I give...)

Prachi sits transfixed, her eyes wide as Ranbir's words hit her heart. Namrata nudges her with a grin.

Namrata: (whispering) "Jiji, lagta hai Ranbir ji ka dil aapke liye ga raha hai(Sister, it seems Ranbir ji's heart is singing for you.)"

Prachi: (flustered) "Aise mat bolo, Namrata(Don't say that, Namrata.)"

Verse 2:

Barf mein haathon ka milna,

Chupke se saath chalna.

Sapno mein tum thi, mujhe kya pata,

Waqt ne likh diya yeh fasana.

Har mod pe tu saath hai,

Dil maanta yeh baat hai.

(Hands meeting in the snow,

To walk together secretly.

You were in my dreams, how did I know?

Time has written this story.

You are with me at every turn,

My heart believes this.)

Chorus:

Iss pyaar ko kya naam doon,

Tu hi toh hai mere sukoon.

Iss pyaar ko kya naam doon, kya naam doon,

Kya naam doon... kya naam doon...

(What name should I give to this love?

You are my peace.

What name should I give to this love, what name should I give to it,

What name should I give... What name should I give...)

The family exchanges amused glances. Kartik whispers to Naira.

Kartik: "Agar yeh Bollywood hota toh abhi tak Prachi ke aankhon mein aansoon aate aur Ranbir ka confession ho jata(If this were Bollywood, Prachi would've had tears in her eyes, and Ranbir would've confessed by now.)"

Naira: "Reality bhi zyada door nahi lagti(Reality doesn't seem far off either.)"

Esha: I feel that too 💝

Ranbir's voice lowers for the next verse, and the crowd listens in silence.

Verse 3:

Dil ki baat kehne se darta hoon,

Par har baat mein tujhe chunta hoon.

Aankhon se baat ho jati hai,

Meri duniya tu ban jati hai.

Jo bhi ho, tu meri rahegi,

Yeh zindagi bas tere liye jiye gi.

(I am afraid to speak my heart,

But I choose you in everything.

Eyes talk,

You become my world.

Whatever happens, you will be mine,

This life will live only for you.)

Chorus:

Iss pyaar ko kya naam doon,

Tu hi toh hai mere sukoon.

Iss pyaar ko kya naam doon, kya naam doon,

Kya naam doon... kya naam doon...

(What name should I give to this love?

You are my peace.

What name should I give to this love, what name should I give to it,

What name should I give... What name should I give...)

As Ranbir finishes the song, the crowd erupts in applause. Prachi's eyes glisten with emotion, her heart racing. Ranbir steps away from the mic and walks toward the family table.

Babita: "Wah, Ranbir beta! Tum toh chhupay rustam nikle(Wow, Ranbir! You turned out to be a hidden gem.)"

Raj: "Lagta hai humare ghar ka gaana superhit hone wala hai(It seems our house's song will be a superhit.)"

Ranbir leans down to whisper to Prachi.

Ranbir: (softly) "Yeh gaana kisi ke liye tha, Chikchiki. Samajh aaya(This song was for someone, Chikchiki. Did you understand?)"

Prachi's cheeks turn crimson, and she looks away, unable to respond. 

The lively Christmas music fills the ballroom, couples swaying to the rhythm of a romantic melody. The room is aglow with twinkling fairy lights, a festive crowd, and the warmth of the season. Ranbir sees Prachi standing by the dessert table, fiddling nervously with her bracelet, looking stunning in her elegant red gown.

Ranbir: (walking up to her with a playful smirk) "Chikchiki, yeh dessert toh baad mein kha lena. Pehle ek dance toh banta hai, hmm(Chikchiki, you can eat dessert later. First, a dance is a must, hmm?)"

Prachi: (blushing but trying to act indifferent) "Ranbir ji, mujhe dance nahin aata(Ranbir ji, I don't know how to dance.)"

Ranbir: "Arre, toh mujhe bhi nahin aata, bas tumhare saath steps mila lunga(Oh, I don't know either. I'll just match my steps with yours.)"

Before she can protest further, Ranbir gently holds her hand and leads her to the dance floor. The family notices and starts cheering.

Namrata: "Waah, Ranbir jiju! Prachi jiji ko dance karwana toh aapke bas ki baat thi(Wow, Ranbir brother-in-law! Getting Prachi sister to dance was something only you could do.)"

Raj: (chuckling) "Mujhe lagta hai yeh unka pehla aur sabse yaadgaar dance hone wala hai(I think this is going to be their first and most memorable dance.)"

As Ranbir and Prachi begin swaying to the music, Ranbir's hand rests lightly on her waist, and her hand trembles slightly in his. 

The crowd suddenly erupts into cheers.

Kartik: (pointing above them) "Oye, dekho! Mistletoe(Hey, look! Mistletoe!)"

The entire room echoes the chant.

Crowd: "Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!"

Esha: I can hear the Pranbir fans too! 😉

Prachi freezes, her eyes widening as she looks up and spots the mistletoe hanging above them. Her cheeks flush deep red, and she starts to step back, but Ranbir tightens his hold gently.

Ranbir: (leaning closer to her ear) "Relax, Chikchiki. Humare family ko laga hai ki yeh Christmas tradition ka part hai. Agar uncomfortable ho, toh main sambhal loonga(Relax, Chikchiki. Our family thinks this is part of the Christmas tradition. If you're uncomfortable, I'll handle it.)"

He pulls back slightly and looks into her eyes, a small smile on his lips. The crowd continues cheering, but Ranbir slowly starts to lean in. Prachi's heart races as their faces draw closer. Just as he's about to kiss her, Ranbir suddenly stops and turns his face away.

Ranbir: (whispering) "Main nahi chahata tum uncomfortable feel karo. Tumhara comfort mere liye sabse zaroori hai(I don't want you to feel uncomfortable. Your comfort matters the most to me.)"

Esha: Why are you so thoughtful! 😭

The cheers grow louder, some of the family groaning in mock disappointment. But just as Ranbir steps back, Prachi grabs his wrist, pulling him slightly closer.

Prachi: (blushing furiously) "Aapka sochna galat tha, Ranbir ji(You thought wrong, Ranbir ji.)"

Before he can react, she rises on her toes and presses a soft kiss to his cheek. 

The room erupts into loud applause and cheers, while Ranbir stands frozen for a second, his hand slowly moving to touch his cheek where she kissed him.

Esha: Was I dreaming?! 😱

Namrata: (teasing) "Prachi jiji, ab toh aap Ranbir jiju ko officially Christmas ka best gift de chuki hain(Prachi sister, now you've officially given Ranbir brother-in-law the best Christmas gift!)"

Kartik: "Ranbir, tera toh Christmas ban gaya, yaar(Ranbir, your Christmas is made, buddy!)"

Ranbir: (grinning like an idiot, looking at Prachi) "Kartik, ab Christmas ke baad naye saal ka intezaar hai. Shayad tab kuch aur surprises milen(Kartik, now I'm waiting for New Year. Maybe I'll get more surprises then.)"

Prachi, flustered, tries to leave the dance floor, but Ranbir holds her hand.

Ranbir: (softly) "Shukriya, Chikchiki. Tumhare iss chhote se moment ne mera din bana diya.(Thank you, Chikchiki. This small moment made my day.)"

Prachi smiles shyly but doesn't say anything, letting herself get lost in the warmth of the moment as the festive spirit fills the room.

The family gathers in the hotel's courtyard, where snowflakes gently fall, adding a magical touch to the evening. Despite being a Hindu family, they've decided to embrace the spirit of Christmas fully, and everyone is enthusiastic about building a crib. A small wooden framework has been set up, and everyone is bustling with activity.

Naitik: (clapping his hands) "Sab sun lo! Yeh crib banana ek team effort hoga. Toh jo kaam mile, woh mann lagake karo(Everyone listen! Building this crib will be a team effort. So whatever work you get, do it wholeheartedly.)"

Namrata: "Haan haan, mujhe sabse creative kaam chahiye. Main crib ke design ki in-charge hoon(Yes, yes, I need the most creative task. I'm in charge of the crib design!)"

Kartik: "Creative? Crib hai ya art exhibition(Creative? Is this a crib or an art exhibition?)"

Kairav: (excitedly) "Main baby Jesus ka statue decorate karunga. Mujhe glitter aur ribbons chahiye(I'll decorate Baby Jesus' statue. I need glitter and ribbons!)"

Esha: My favourite job! 😘

Raj: (teasing) "Kairav, woh Christmas tree ke liye hota hai. Baby Jesus ko simple aur cute rakhte hain(Kairav, that's for the Christmas tree. Let's keep Baby Jesus simple and cute.)"

Babita: "Raj, tumhare bas ki baat nahin hai decoration. Bas baitha rehna aur order dena(Raj, decoration is not your cup of tea. Just sit and give orders!)"

The family splits into teams to handle different parts of the crib. Kartik and Ranbir handle the structure, Prachi and Namrata arrange the hay, and Babita supervises, occasionally scolding Raj for doing little.

Ranbir: (hammering a nail) "Kartik, zyada zor mat maar. Agar tod diya toh crib gira jayega(Kartik, don't hit it too hard. If you break it, the crib will fall apart.)"

Kartik: (grinning) "Tension mat le, yaar. Mujhe toh lagta hai ki tu crib banane ke naam pe Prachi ke paas zyada time spend kar raha hai(Don't worry, buddy. I think you're using crib-building as an excuse to spend more time near Prachi.)"

Ranbir glances at Prachi, who is carefully arranging hay and placing small figurines of animals.

Ranbir: (playfully) "Aur tum kya kar rahe ho, Kartik? Naira ke saath glue stick ke bahane lagge ho(And what are you doing, Kartik? Sticking to Naira under the pretext of a glue stick?)"

Prachi: (noticing Ranbir staring) "Ranbir ji, agar kaam karne ka mann nahin hai toh bata dijiye. Main khud kar loongi(Ranbir ji, if you don't feel like working, just let me know. I'll do it myself.)"

Ranbir: (smirking) "Chikchiki, main toh bas tumhare kaam dekh raha tha. Tumhare haathon se hay lagta hai crib divine banega(Chikchiki, I was just admiring your work. With your hands, the crib is bound to look divine.)"

Prachi blushes slightly but focuses back on her work.

As the crib nears completion, the family gathers to admire their work. Kairav places Baby Jesus in the crib with extra care, and Namrata adds a small star above it.

Babita: "Wow, yeh crib toh professional lag raha hai! Poora Christmas ka mazaa aa gaya(Wow, this crib looks professional! It feels like Christmas now.)"

Raj: "Woh toh tab lagega jab Ranbir aur Prachi crib ke saamne ek romantic pose mein photo kheench lein(It'll truly feel like Christmas when Ranbir and Prachi pose romantically in front of the crib.)"

Ranbir stands beside Prachi as everyone gathers around to click pictures. He leans slightly toward her.

Ranbir: (whispering) "Yeh crib toh perfect hai, par tumhare bina incomplete lagta(This crib is perfect, but without you, it feels incomplete.)"

Prachi: (trying to hide her smile) "Ranbir ji, bas crib ki tareef kariye. Mujhe involve karne ki zarurat nahi(Ranbir ji, just praise the crib. There's no need to involve me.)"

The family gathers for a group picture in front of the crib. Raj insists on taking several shots, Kartik pretends to be a photographer, and Kairav sneaks into different corners of the picture each time.

The room is dimly lit, and a cozy silence fills the air. Snow gently falls outside the window, and the warmth from the heater contrasts with the chilly air. The moonlight shines softly through the curtains, casting a romantic glow.

Prachi enters the room to tuck Ranbir in after the exciting day filled with Christmas celebrations, laughter, and love. She smiles as she watches him get ready for bed, his usual charm now softened by the tiredness from the day's adventures.

Prachi: (softly, smiling) "Ranbir ji, aaj ka din bahut mazedaar tha... aur tumhara saath toh aur bhi khaas bana(Ranbir ji, today was so much fun... and your company made it even more special.)"

Ranbir: (looking at her, a warm smile on his face) "Mujhe toh laga tum thodi thak gayi ho, but tum toh apni chirpiness mein poore din chal rahi ho(I thought you must be tired, but you've been full of energy the entire day!)"

Prachi: (playfully) "Aur aap toh... hamesha jahan ho, wahaan se bas apna charm bhi saath le aate ho(And you... wherever you are, you bring your charm with you.)"

She gently adjusts the covers around him as she sits beside the bed. The atmosphere is intimate, and there's a soft tension hanging in the air between them.

Ranbir: (smiling) "Aaj raat, tum mere liye kuch gaana gaogi(Tonight, will you sing something for me?)"

Prachi: (a little hesitant but not wanting to disappoint him) "Agar aap keh rahe hain, toh... kuch toh gaa hi dungi(If you say so, then... I'll sing something for you.)"

She takes a deep breath, as if gathering her courage. She's not used to showing such vulnerable sides of herself. But for Ranbir, she feels she can.

https://youtu.be/kHYYfKAQdHA

Prachi: (singing softly, her voice trembling slightly)

Bahon ke darmiyan, do pyar mil rahe hain,

Jaane kya bole mann,

Dole sunke badan,

Dhadkan bani zuban

Ranbir's POV:

As Prachi sings, something inside me stirs, something I've never felt before. There's an intensity in her eyes, a vulnerability in her voice that calls to me. I know I'm drawn to her, but... there's something I'm not ready to admit. I've kept myself distanced, pretending this is all just a game, just a plan. But when she sings, when she smiles that soft, innocent smile, I can't help but wonder if I'm already too far gone...

Bahon ke darmiyan,

Khulte band hote labon ki yeh ankahi,

Khulte band hote labon ki yeh ankahi,

Mujhse keh rahi hai ke badhne de bekhudi,

Mil yoon ke daud jaaye nas nas mein bijliyan

I know she has a past. I've heard the rumors. I've seen the way she reacts when her past comes up. There's a secret there, something she's hiding from me. And I don't want to push her, but it makes me want to protect her, keep her safe from whatever pain she's carrying. If only I could tell her the truth—about my own secrets. The ones I've buried deep inside... about my own fears of being too close, of getting hurt...

Esha: You are her bodyguard 🤭

Bahon ke darmiyan, do pyar mil rahe hain,

Jaane kya bole mann,

Dole sunke badan,

Dhadkan bani zuban,

Bahon ke darmiyan...

Third POV:

Ranbir is completely entranced by her voice. As she sings, his heart races, and his thoughts swirl in confusion. There's something about her voice, her presence, that stirs something deep within him. But he doesn't yet know what it is.

Prachi's POV:

 As I sing, I feel the weight of the moment—the intimacy of it. His gaze on me is so intense, so full of something I can't quite place. I want to pull away, to hide, but I can't. I'm here with him, in this moment, in this small, fragile space between us. And yet, my heart races. I'm scared. I've never let anyone in like this before. I've always been so careful... because I've learned the hard way that opening up can lead to heartbreak.

But what about him? What about Ranbir? Is he just another person I'll have to keep at a distance? Or... could I let him in? But then there's Kunal. My past with him... the fear I carry. The secret I've kept hidden from everyone, including Ranbir. If he finds out, it'll ruin everything. I can't tell him. I can't risk it. Not now. Not when things are starting to feel... too real.

Ranbir: (softly, after the song ends) "Prachi... tumhari awaaz mein kuch hai jo... kuch aur hi keh raha hai. I've never heard anything like it(Prachi... there's something in your voice that... says something more. I've never heard anything like it.)"

Prachi's heart skips a beat. She's unsure whether to let her feelings show, but the way Ranbir looks at her makes her feel like maybe, just maybe, it's okay to let her guard down.

Prachi: (whispering) "Shukriya, Ranbir ji. Par... kuch cheezein... hamesha andar se hi chalti hain. Zindagi mein, sab kuch zyada bolna zaroori nahi hota(Thank you, Ranbir ji. But... some things... always happen from within. In life, not everything needs to be spoken.)"

Ranbir: (softly, almost to himself) "I understand."

They sit in silence for a moment, the weight of their unspoken thoughts filling the room. Ranbir looks at Prachi, his feelings more complicated than ever before. Prachi, on the other hand, hides her fears and uncertainties, not yet ready to share the heavy burden of her past.

Prachi leaves the bedroom and settles in her own bed beside Namrata. The lights were already off and Namrata was deep asleep after the entire day's chaos.

And with that, they both slowly drift off to sleep, their minds racing with thoughts that they can't quite share... just yet.