(1 week later-November 22, 2010)

The Kohli family gathered in the elegant living room, where the aroma of freshly brewed chai and snacks filled the air. The golden sunlight filtered through the sheer curtains as Mr. Mehta, a trusted matchmaker and close family friend, sat on the plush sofa with a thick album of prospective brides.

Everyone gathered in the living room, including Ranbir, Kartik, Naira, and little Kairav, who was buzzing with excitement, though he didn't fully understand the purpose of the meeting.

Ranbir's POV:

Family meetings at the Kohli mansion are always an event, but today felt... different. The air was charged with a strange excitement as we all gathered in the living room. Mr. Mehta, our trusted matchmaker and close family friend, sat comfortably on the sofa, flipping through a file of prospective brides for me.

Yes, me—Ranbir Kohli. India's most eligible bachelor, as they call me. Frankly, the idea of someone else deciding my future wife should have made me uneasy. But I've always trusted my family to choose what's best for me. After all, I've always believed that the one meant for me is someone God has already chosen—my family just has to find her.

I lounged on the sofa, pretending to be indifferent as Mr. Mehta began his parade of pictures.

First POV Ends

Naira: (excitedly, sitting next to Kartik)"Mehta uncle, bas aap hi hain jo Ranbir ke liye perfect match dhoondh sakte ho. Sab ladkiyan dikhaiye(Mehta uncle, you are the only one who can find the perfect match for Ranbir. Show all girls!)" 

Ranbir: (rolling his eyes, lounging on the armchair)"Bhabhi, jo aapko pasand ho, mujhe wahi chalega. I trust you(Sister-in-law, whatever you like, I will do the same. I trust you)"

Kartik: (teasing)"Arre Ranbir, tu abhi yeh bol raha hai, lekin kisi ladki ko pasand nahi kiya toh mat kehna ki meri galti thi (Hey Ranbir, you are saying this now, but if you did not like any girl, then don't say it was my fault.)" 

Ranbir: (grinning)"Arre bhai, mujhe toh shaadi ka bhi itna shauk nahi hai. Yeh sab Bhabhi aur Kairav ka project hai (Hey brother, I am not even that fond of marriage. This is all sister-in-law and Kairav's project.)" 

As Mr. Mehta opened his briefcase, Kartik leaned over, teasing Ranbir, "Arre bhai, ab toh tu serious ho jaa! Ab shaadi ki umar ho gayi hai (Hey brother, now you become serious! Now it's time to get married!)" 

Ranbir grinned, scratching the back of his neck. "Mujhe koi problem nahi, bhaiya. Bhabhi jo pasand karegi, wahi meri pasand hogi (I don't have any problem, brother. Whatever sister-in-law likes, that will be my choice.)" 

Naira smiled, her eyes gleaming with pride. "Ranbir, tum jitne ache ho, waise hi tumhe ek acchisi ladki bhi milni chahiye. Hai na, Kartik(Ranbir, as good as you are, you should also find a good girl. Right, Kartik?)" 

Kartik nodded, still looking at Ranbir with a smirk. "Haan haan, acchi hi hogi... bas Ranbir ko thoda serious banna padega(Yes yes, it will be good... Ranbir will just have to be a little serious.)" 

Just then, Mr. Mehta started laying out the photos on the coffee table.

Mr. Mehta: (opening the album)

"Toh shuru karein? Yeh rahi pehli ladki(So start? Here is the first girl)" 

The first photo was of a girl who looked very stern, her hair pulled back into a tight bun, and her expression serious.

Esha: Mehta uncle, ye yahaan kya kar raha hai? Hum kisi aise vyakti ko chaahate hain jo muskura raha ho, na ki kisi aise vyakti ko jisne driver license ke liye tasveer lagai ho(what is this one doing here? We want someone who is smiling, not someone who has put a picture for a driver's license)" 

Kartik raised an eyebrow, trying to stifle a laugh. "Mehta ji, yeh toh lagta hai Ranbir ki maa banne ke mood mein hai, wife banne ke nahi(Mehta ji, it seems that she is in the mood to become Ranbir's mother, not his wife.)"

Esha: You spoke my mind Kartik Bhaiya

Ranbir chuckled. "Arre bhaiya! Bas ab yeh photo hata do(Hey brother! Just remove this photo now.)" 

Mr. Mehta sighed, picking up the next picture. "Acha, yeh dekhiye. Yeh ladki bhi kaafi famous family se hai. Padhi-likhi hai, IIT se engineering ki hai(Ok,look at this. This girl is also from a very famous family. She is educated and has done engineering from IIT.)" 

This time, the photo showed a girl who looked intelligent, but also very formal, with glasses perched on her nose and an intense gaze. Ranbir's face fell slightly.

"Yeh toh interview dene aayi hain kya(Has she come to give an interview?)" Ranbir muttered under his breath. "Bhabhi, mujhe toh bas apni family ke saath enjoy karna hai. Yeh kaam ki baatein toh mujhe bilkul darati hain(Sister-in-law, I just want to enjoy with my family. These things about work scare me completely.)" 

Naira laughed, waving her hand. "Mehta ji, thoda relaxed aur lively ladki ho toh hi accha lagega na humare Ranbir ke liye(Mehta ji, if you are a relaxed and lively girl then it would be good for our Ranbir!)"

A girl in a gaudy lehenga, posing stiffly against a flashy backdrop of plastic flowers.

Naira: (grimacing)"Uh... yeh backdrop se zyada ladki ka smile fake lag raha hai(This...this girl's smile looks more fake than a backdrop.)" 

Kartik: (laughing)"Ranbir ke saath toh selfie mein hamesha awkward lagegi(She will always look awkward in a selfie with Ranbir.)" Ranbir: (pretending to faint)"Please agla dikhaiye. Mere sapno ki dulhan aise fake flowers ke saath nahi khadi hoti(Please show next. The bride of my dreams is not standing with fake flowers like this.)" 

The fourth picture showed a girl with overly dramatic makeup, her eyeliner so thick it could cut glass.

Kairav: (bursting into giggles)

"Mumma, iski aankhein mujhe darr rahi hain. Yeh chachi nahi ban sakti(Mumma, his eyes arescaring me. This can't be an aunt)"

Esha: Aise kaise log photo kheenchate hain. Bechaara Kairav dar gaya(What kind of people take photos like this. Poor Kairav got scared!)"

Naira: (trying to be polite)"Umm... Ranbir ke liye kuch... simpler ho toh better hoga(Umm... something for Ranbir... simpler would be better.)" 

Mr. Mehta: (nodding seriously)"Samajh gaya, samajh gaya. Accha, yeh wali dekhiye(Got it, got it. ok, check out this one)" 

[The Picture That Changes Everything]

Mr. Mehta turned to the next page, and before he could even describe it, Kairav's eyes lit up.

Kairav: (jumping up)"Mumma! Yeh wali! Yeh meri chachi banegi(Mumma! This one! she will be my aunt.)" 

Esha: I feel like I need to hire you for the matchmaking business Kairav 😭😜

Naira: (surprised, taking the picture)"Kya? Kairav, dikhana toh do(What? Kairav, please show me.)" 

Kairav rushed to hand the picture to Naira. It was a candid shot of a woman in a simple yellow salwar suit, her smile radiant and genuine. Her hair was slightly windswept, giving her a natural beauty that stood out amidst the other overly styled photos. Her eyes sparkled with warmth, and there was an effortless grace about her.

Naira took the picture from Kairav, her eyes widening as she saw the girl's warm and radiant face. "Are wah, Kairav! Tum toh sach mein chote matchmaker ho. Ranbir ke liye yeh ladki toh bilkul perfect lag rahi hai(Wow, Kairav! You really are a little matchmaker. This girl looks absolutely perfect for Ranbir.)" 

Naira: (awed)"Haye... yeh toh sach mein perfect lag rahi hai. Simple, beautiful... aur kitni sweet smile hai(Wow, this is really looking perfect. Simple, beautiful... and what a sweet smile!)" 

Kartik: (leaning over)"Zara mujhe bhi dikhana(Please show me too.)" 

As Naira handed the picture to Kartik, Ranbir perked up, curious.

Ranbir:"Bhabhi, mujhe bhi dikhaiye na. Yeh kaun hai(Sister-in-law, show me too. Who is this?)"

Esha: Wait yaar!

Kartik: (grinning mischievously, holding the picture away) "Arre baba, thoda patience rakho. Main toh pehle check karoon ki meri bhabhi banne layak hai ya nahi(Hey sweetie, have somepatience. Let me first check whether if she is worthy ofbecoming my sister-in-law or not.)" 

Ranbir: (protesting, getting up)"Kartik bhai, stop being a villain. Dikhaiye(Kartik bhai, stop being a villain. Show!)"

Esha: Cut it out Kartik. I am the director here!

Naira: (laughing)"Kartik, mat satao. Ranbir, tu bhi dekh le, baad mein kehna mat ki humne chupaya(Don't bother Kartik. Ranbir, you also see, don't say later that we hid it.)" 

Finally, Kartik handed the picture to Ranbir. As soon as Ranbir's eyes fell on the girl, his playful smirk disappeared.

RK—the playful, charming heartthrob—was stunned. He blinked a few times, his words stumbling out.

Ranbir: (stammering)"Y-yeh... yeh kaun hai? M-matlab, uncle... kya naam hai iska(T-this... who is this? I mean, uncle... what's her name?)"

Kartik raised an eyebrow, amused by his usually playful brother's flustered reaction. "Arrey Ranbir! Ab tu toh hil gaya! Lagta hai humari Ranbir ko sach mein vishesh prabhaav pada hai."

Mr. Mehta: (pleased with the reaction)"Yeh Prachi Aggarwal hai. Ekdam sanskari, intelligent aur apni family ki ladli. Aur haan, ek MBA gold medalist bhi(This is Prachi Aggarwal. Very cultured, intelligent and the darling of her family. And yes, an MBA gold medalist too.)"

Esha: Aapane ise pahale kyon nahi dikhaaya? Hamaara rakshak banane ke liye Kairav ko dhanyavaad(Why on earth did you not show this one before? Thank Kairav for being our saviour.)"

Ranbir tried to act cool, but his ears turned pink. He kept staring at the picture, his heart racing in a way it never had before.

Ranbir: (murmuring to himself)"Prachi... itna perfect smile. Kitni... achhi lag rahi hai(Prachi...such a perfect smile. Looking so...good.)"

Kartik: (smirking)"Haan bhai, kuch bol kyun nahi rahe? Yeh toh wahi hai jo tujhe chahiye, right(Yes brother, why aren't you saying anything? This is exactly what you want, right?)"

Ranbir: (awkwardly, avoiding everyone's gaze)"N-nahi... I mean, haan... matlab... tum log decide karlo, mujhe kuch farak nahi padta(No-no... I, yes... I mean... you guys do it, I don't care.)"

Naira: (teasing)"Farak nahi padta? Ranbir, tumhare gaal toh sab sach bol rahe hain(Does not matter? Ranbir, your cheeks are telling the truth!)"

Kairav: (jumping with excitement)"Maine pehle hi kaha tha, yeh meri chachi banegi! Right, Chachu(I already told you, she will be my aunt! Right, uncle?)"Ranbir smiled sheepishly but didn't deny it, his gaze still fixed on the picture.

Naitik: (walking in, observing the scene)"Kya ho raha hai yahan? Ranbir, tumhare shaadi ke liye ladki pasand aa gayi kya(What is happening here? Ranbir, have you liked the girl for marriage?)"

Naira: (handing the picture to him)"Papa, dekhiye na. Yeh Prachi, sabse best lag rahi hai. Aur Ranbir ki halat dekh ke toh lagta hai, yeh hi hai uski soulmate(Papa, look. This Prachi is looking the best. And looking at Ranbir's condition, it seems that this is his soulmate.)"

Naitik: (nodding thoughtfully)

"Hmmm... achhi lag rahi hai. Mehta ji, iska background check karwana. Baaki, lagta hai Ranbir ke expressions ne sab clear kar diya hai(Hmmm...looking good. Mehta ji, get her background checked. Rest, it seems Ranbir's expressions have made everything clear.)"

As the family teased him, Ranbir clutched the picture, his mind racing.

Ranbir (thinking): "Prachi... kya yeh hi woh hai jo mujhe complete karegi? Agar yeh meri soulmate hai, toh mujhe sab kuch uske liye perfect karna hoga(Prachi...is this the one who will complete me? If she is my soulmate, then I have to make everything perfect for her.)"

His heart, for the first time, wasn't calm—and it wasn't because of work.

The room buzzed with excitement as the family huddled around Mr. Mehta, discussing Prachi Aggarwal's picture. The air was light, but all eyes kept darting back to Ranbir, who sat stiffly on the sofa, clutching the photograph as if it were his most prized possession.

Ranbir, the usual charmer, was suddenly tongue-tied. His ears burned, and he couldn't bring himself to say anything coherent.

Naira: (taking the picture back from Ranbir)

"Haan toh, Mehta uncle, Prachi ke baare mein zyada bataiye. She's so beautiful and sweet-looking(Yes, Mehta uncle, tell me more about Prachi. She's so beautiful and sweet-looking!)"

Mr. Mehta: (adjusting his glasses)

"Bilkul, Prachi ek bahut hi sanskari ladki hai. Padhai mein toh top karti hi hai, lekin family ke saath apni responsibilities bhi perfectly nibhati hai. Uske maa-baap toh nahi hain, lekin uske chacha aur chachi ne use apni beti ki tarah rakha hai(Of course, Prachi is a very cultured girl. She is doing well in studies, but she also fulfills her responsibilities towards family perfectly. Her parents are not there, but her uncle and aunt have raised her as their daughter.)"

Kartik:

"Toh ekdum family-oriented bhi hai? Mujhe lagta hai, Ranbir ke liye perfect hai. Kya bolte ho, Ranbir(So she is completely family-oriented too? I think, perfect for Ranbir. What do you say, Ranbir?)"

Ranbir: (stammering, looking everywhere but at the picture)

"M-main... m-mujhe kya bolna... j-jo aap log ko sahi lage(I-I... I-What should I say... W-Whatever you guys think is right.)"

Naira: (raising her eyebrows, teasing)

"Haan haan, tum toh bas tasveer dekh ke hi hil gaye ho. Bol bhi lo kuch (Yes yes, you are moved just by looking at the picture. Say something!)"

Kairav: (jumping on Ranbir's lap, looking serious)

"Chachu, aap itna ghabra kyun rahe ho? Aapko pasand hai na meri chachi(Uncle, why are you so nervous? Do you like my aunt?)"

Esha: Why are you so cute...I mean already he says my aunty

Ranbir: (fumbling, rubbing the back of his neck)

"Pasand... pasand toh... woh toh... matlab... y-yahi toh(Like...like so...that so...means...t-this so!)"

The family erupted in laughter as Ranbir buried his face in his hands, trying to hide his embarrassment.

Naira:

"Waise Prachi ke baare mein jitna suna, lagta hai she's a very strong and independent girl. Dono qualities toh Ranbir ko sambhalne ke liye zaroori hain(Well, whatever I hear about Prachi, it seems that she is a very strong and independent girl. Both the qualities are necessary to handle Ranbir.)"

Kartik: (chuckling)

"Sahi bola. Ranbir ka mood aur uska kaam dono handle karne ke liye patience aur strength chahiye(Said right. It takes patience and strength to handle both Ranbir's mood and his work!)"

Naira:

"Achha Mehta uncle, Prachi ka family setup kaisa hai(Okay Mehta uncle, how is Prachi's family setup?)"Mr. Mehta:

"Uska ek chota sa parivaar hai. Chacha-chachi aur ek choti cousin Namrata ke saath rehti hai. Namrata bhi school ki padhai kar rahi hai, aur Prachi uski elder sister ki tarah hai. Har cheez mein madad karti hai(She has a small family. Uncle, aunt and a younger cousin Namrata she lives with. Namrata is also studying in school, and Prachi is like her elder sister. She helps in everything.)"

Naira: (smiling)

"Kitna pyaara hai na? Woh apne chhote parivaar ki jaan lagti hai. Waise bhi, Ranbir ke liye ek aisi ladki hi chahiye jo uski family ko apnaye(How cute isn't it? She seems to be the life of her small family. Anyway, for Ranbir he only needs a girl who will accept his family.)"

Kartik:

"Haan aur jo Ranbir ko sudhar bhi le. Kyun, Ranbir(And who can also improve Ranbir. Why, Ranbir?)"

Ranbir: (muttering, still holding the picture)

"Mujhe koi sudharne ki zarurat nahi hai(I don't need any fixing)"

Esha: Oh hello mister..we will see about that

[Ranbir's Daydream Begins]

As the family continued chatting, Ranbir's mind drifted. He stared at Prachi's picture and slowly got lost in a dreamy haze.

He imagined himself in a sherwani, standing on the mandap, Prachi walking towards him in a beautiful red lehenga. Her dupatta was lightly pinned on her shoulder, and she smiled softly, her eyes sparkling with love and trust.

Prachi (in the dream):

"Ranbir, tum hamesha kehte ho ki tumhe soulmate par bharosa hai. Ab tumhari soulmate yahan hai(Ranbir, you always say that you believe in soulmate. Now your soulmate is here)"

Ranbir: (stammering in the dream, just like real life)

"H-han... woh toh... matlab... soulmate ka sahi matlab toh ab samjha(Y-yes...that...means...now I understand the true meaning of soulmate.)"

Naira smiled, noting Ranbir's dreamy look. "Ranbir, kya soch rahe ho(Ranbir, what are you thinking?)"

Ranbir blinked, coming back to reality, and stumbled over his words, "Nahi... bas... bas aise hi soch raha tha ki... ki agar... agar woh... matlab, Prachi meri(No... I was just thinking that... if... if that... I mean, Prachi my—)" he stammered, his face turning a shade redder.

Kairav, still perched in his chachu's lap, chimed in innocently, "Chachu, aap unko apni wife banane ki soch rahe ho kya(Uncle, are you thinking of making her your wife?)"

Esha: Is this guy oversmart at 7 years? Must have got it from his Mumma!

The entire room burst into laughter as Ranbir turned even redder. "Nahi... woh... kya bol rahe ho tum, Kairav! Aisa kuch nahi soch raha main(No...that...what are you saying, Kairav! I am not thinking anything like that)," he mumbled, though he knew he was lying.

In reality, Ranbir's mind had wandered off to a daydream. He imagined Prachi, dressed in a soft, pastel-colored saree, standing by his side. They were sitting on the terrace together, sipping chai while she laughed at his jokes. He could see her in his home, interacting with his family, helping Naira in the kitchen, laughing with Kairav, and even playfully teasing Kartik, who would undoubtedly grow to be fond of her, just like he was of Naira.

In his mind, he pictured Prachi lighting a diya in their home temple, her face radiant with devotion, her eyes sparkling with the same warmth he could feel radiating from the photograph.

"Ranbir... chai toh pee lo, warna thandi ho jayegi(Ranbir... Drink the tea, otherwise it will get cold)," he imagined her saying softly.

Esha: Haye haye!

Still lost in thought, he whispered, "Haan, Prachi(Yes, Prachi...)"

Kartik: (snapping his fingers)

"Ranbir, earth to Ranbir! Kahan kho gaya(Ranbir, earth to Ranbir! Where did you get lost?)"

Esha: In his lala land

Ranbir: (startled, dropping the picture)

"K-kahin nahi! Main... main bas(No-nowhere! I...I just)"

Naira: (laughing)

"Haan, humne dekha tum kahan the! Shaadi ke mandap ke sapne dekh rahe ho, Ranbir Kohli(Yes, we saw where you were! Are you dreaming of a wedding altar, Ranbir Kohli!)"

Kartik:

"Ranbir, tujhe bas us ladki ki tasveer dekh ke sapne aane lage? Ab toh lagta hai yeh hi teri dulhan banegi(Ranbir, did you start having dreams just by looking at that girl's picture? Now it seems that she will become your bride.)"

Ranbir: (grumbling, picking up the picture again)

"Bas karo, sab log! Main sirf... woh... main bas dekh raha tha ki woh simple hai(Stop it, everyone! I just... she... I just saw that she was simple.)"

Naira:

"Simple? Beta, tumhare chehre pe jo blush hai, woh sab kuch clear kar raha hai. Tum toh lattoo ho gaye ho(Simple? Son, the blush on your face is clearing everything. You have become such a fool!)"

The family continued their playful banter, while Ranbir held Prachi's picture tightly. Every detail of her face was etched into his mind, and his heart couldn't stop racing.

Ranbir (thinking):

"Prachi... yeh naam hi kaafi hai. Lagta hai, sach mein tum meri zindagi ka sabse important hissa banne wali ho(Prachi...this name itself is enough. It seems that you are really going to become the most important part of my life.)"

(Listen to this song-One of my favs for romantic)

https://youtu.be/HJIRktKAahU

The moonlight poured gently through the windows of Ranbir's bedroom. He lay on his bed, eyes closed, his mind adrift in a world where only one person existed. The soft sound of his breath was the only noise filling the room, and soon, that too faded as he slipped into a dream.

Song begins: 

Ranbir: Mujhe tum chupke chupke jab aise dekhti ho achchi lagti ho

Kabhi zulfon se kabhi aanchal se jab khelti ho achchi lagti ho

Ranbir, still lying on the bed, began to smile as the first few notes of the song filled the air. The dream unfolded like a vivid movie in front of him.

Prachi appeared, in a soft, glowing light, her gaze directly upon him. She was wearing a simple white churidar, with her hair flowing around her shoulders, her eyes sparkling with mischief. She glanced at him in silence, a secret smile playing on her lips.

Prachi: Mujhe dekhke jab tum yoon thandi aahein bharte ho achche lagte ho

Mujhko jab lagta hai tum mujhpar hi marte ho achche lagte ho

Scene transition: Prachi in the White Wedding Gown

Suddenly, the scene shifted. Prachi was now wearing a beautiful white wedding gown, the long satin fabric trailing behind her as she gracefully ran down a staircase. The air was thick with romance, the setting opulent, almost like a grand palace.

Ranbir: Tum mein ae meharban sari hai khoobiyan

Bholapan, saadgi, dilkashi, taazgi

Ranbir stood at the bottom of the stairs, his eyes wide as he watched her descend. She was even more stunning than Aishwarya, more captivating than Sonali.

Ranbir (whispers to himself): "Tum har ladki se zyada khoobsurat ho(You are more beautiful than every girl!)"

Prachi looked down at him, the smile still playing on her lips. As she reached the final step, she playfully turned and ran away from him.

Prachi: Dilkashi tumse hai

Taazgi tumse hai

Tum huye hamnasheen

Ho gayi main haseen

Rang tumse mile hai saare

Ranbir: Tareef joh sunke tum aise sharma jaati ho achchi lagti ho

Kabhi hans deti ho aur kabhi itra jaati ho achchi lagti ho

Prachi: Mujhe dekhke jab tum yoon thandi aahein bharte ho achche lagte ho

Scene transition: Prachi Playing in the Hills

The setting shifted once again. This time, they were atop a beautiful mountain peak, the sky painted with the colors of dawn. Prachi, in a red traditional outfit, was running across the hill, the wind catching her hair and making her look even more radiant.

Prachi: Khoye se tum ho kyun

Soch mein gum ho kyun

Baat joh dil mein ho keh bhi do, keh bhi do

Ranbir chased after her, his heart racing as the soft green grass tickled his feet.

Prachi (looking over her shoulder with a teasing smile): "Aaj toh tum pakad nahi paoge!"

Ranbir: Sochta hoon ke main kya pukarun tumhe

Dilnasheen, naazneen, maahru, mahjabeen

Yeh sab hai naam tumhare

As Prachi paused for a moment, looking over at Ranbir, she sighed lightly and looked away. The scene around her turned blue and soft—like a cool breeze. Prachi seemed lost in thought, her expression distant, almost melancholy, as if she were a part of the world yet not fully there. She took a deep breath, releasing a sigh of longing.

Prachi: Mere itne sare naam hai jab tum yeh kehte ho achche lagte ho

Mere pyar mein jab tum khoye khoye se rehte ho achche lagte ho

Scene transition: Fire and Intensity

Suddenly, a fire ignited between them—lit torches flickered in the air around them. The warmth of the flames contrasted with the cool mountain air. They were surrounded by an intense orange glow, the fire reflecting in their eyes. Prachi, now in a black and gold lehenga, danced near the flames, her laughter filling the air.

Ranbir: Mujhe tum chupke chupke jab aise dekhti ho achchi lagti ho

Kabhi zulfon se kabhi aanchal se jab khelti ho achchi lagti ho

Prachi is now dressed in a dark blue saree. Ranbir approached her, his gaze locked on hers, his eyes full of passion. He reached out for her hand, and as she turned to run once again, he caught her in the air, spinning her around in a playful twirl. The fire flickered higher as they danced together.

Prachi: Achche lagte ho

Ranbir: Achchi lagti ho

Prachi: Achche lagte ho

Ranbir: Achchi lagti ho

Prachi: Achche lagte ho

Prachi stopped running, and the scene began to change again, her smile now faded, the joy replaced with a hint of sadness in her eyes. She looked away, deep in thought, as if torn between her feelings for him and some unknown burden she carried.

But before he could reach her, she turned and ran again, disappearing into the distance.

"Prachi!"

As he called out her name, the dream reached its crescendo. Ranbir ran after her, but she vanished again into the night. He stood there, breathless, his heart racing.

And with that, the dream ended—Ranbir was left standing alone, his hands stretched out as if reaching for something he couldn't quite grasp. The echoes of Prachi's laugh lingered in the air as the world around him faded into a soft, misty glow.

Ranbir (to himself):

"Prachi, don't leave me... I need you..."

Suddenly, a deep voice echoed through the dream, shattering his thoughts.

Deep Voice (real-world, beside his bed):

"Ranbir...!"

Ranbir snapped out of his dream, blinking rapidly as his eyes refocused. In his half-conscious state, he turned to the source of the voice. Without thinking, he reached out, grabbing the person's hand, convinced it was Prachi's.

Ranbir (mumbling, still in his dreamlike state):

"I like you, Prachi... I really do..."

The words slipped from his lips before he even realized what he was saying. But in his mind, it was her. It had to be. He pulled the figure closer, his heart racing as he thought about her—dreaming about her.

But as he pulled the hand closer, his senses started to clear, and that's when he realized something wasn't right. The hand in his grip was rough, and the voice he heard wasn't hers—it was... Kartik's?

Ranbir (startled, blinking in confusion):

"Wait... Kartik?!"

Kartik, standing beside his bed with a smirk on his face, could hardly contain his laughter. He'd caught Ranbir in the middle of his very romantic, very embarrassing moment.

Kartik (laughing under his breath):

"Yaar, Ranbir! What's happening to you? Prachi ki tasveer dekhte dekhte sapne mein hi chale gaye(Man, Ranbir! What's happening to you? Did you go into a dream while looking at Prachi's picture?)"

Ranbir, still disoriented, looked at Kartik with wide eyes. He had mistakenly pulled his brother, thinking he was still in his dream world with Prachi.

Ranbir (stammering, embarrassed):

"Y-you... I thought you were... I was dreaming about..."

Kartik (teasing):

"Of course, I know. You were calling out Prachi's name and confessing your feelings to me."

Ranbir's face turned bright red as he tried to explain himself. But Kartik was having too much fun with the situation.

Kartik: (playfully)

"Yeh koi time hai, Ranbir? Tujhe toh sapne mein bhi pata chal gaya ki kis se pyaar karna hai(Is this the time, Ranbir? Even in your dreams you came to know whom to love!)"

But Kartik wasn't done yet. He took a step forward, his eyes glinting with mischief.

Kartik (grinning):

"Chal, ab thoda reality check mil jaaye(Come on, let's get a little reality check!)"

Before Ranbir could react, Kartik grabbed a glass of water from the bedside table and splashed it directly onto Ranbir's face.

Esha: Perfect Kittu! What timing!

Ranbir (shocked, wiping his face):

"What the—"

Kartik: (laughing, pushing Ranbir's shoulder playfully)

"Yeh koi time hai apni dilruba ko sapno mein dhoondne ka(Is this the time to search for your beloved in your dreams?)"

Ranbir lost his balance from the sudden push and rolled right off the bed, landing with a loud thud on the floor.

Ranbir (groaning, still half asleep):

"Kartik, tu deewana ho gaya hai kya(Kartik, have you gone crazy?)"

Kartik (standing above him, laughing):

"Agar abhi bhi Prachi ka sapna dekh raha hai, toh main tumhe thoda hosh mein laane ka kaam kar raha hoon(If you are still dreaming of Prachi, then I am trying to bring you to your senses a little!)"

 Ranbir groaned and sat up, rubbing his head. He could feel the remnants of his dream slipping away, his heart still racing, but now it was mixed with a strange embarrassment.

Ranbir (mumbling under his breath):

"Yeh kya kar diya, yaar...(What have you done, man)"

Kartik, now satisfied with his prank, sat on the edge of the bed, looking down at his younger brother. His voice softened just slightly as he looked at Ranbir with a teasing but understanding expression.

Kartik:

"Arre yaar, mazaak kar raha hoon. Par seriously, yeh jo tumne bola na, ki tum Prachi ko pasand karte ho, woh sach hai(Hey man, just kidding. But seriously, what you said that you like Prachi is true.)"

Ranbir (flustered, wiping water off his face):

"Shut up, Kartik. It was just a stupid mistake, okay?"

Esha: Oh really a mistake?

But deep inside, Ranbir couldn't deny it. He had confessed his feelings for Prachi in a half-dream, half-wake state. There was something about her, something about the way she had looked in that picture, that made him feel like she was the one for him.

Kartik: (teasing)

"Ab main samajh gaya. Tujhe toh sach mein lagta hai woh ladki hai... Toh kab milne ka plan hai(Now I understand. You really think she is the girl... So when are you planning to meet?)"

 Ranbir: (standing up, rubbing his face)

"Shut up. I don't even know if she'll like me back. Toh kuch aur mat bol(Shut up. I don't even know if she'll like me back. So don't say anything else.)"

But deep down, Ranbir's heart couldn't help but race. He wasn't ready for the reality of meeting Prachi just yet—but he knew, without a doubt, that he was ready to try. He just had to figure out how to turn his dreams into reality.

As Kartik laughed and made his way out of the room, Ranbir sat back down on the bed, lost in thought. Would he be able to make his feelings for Prachi clear to her, without making another fool of himself? He didn't know, but he had a feeling that his heart had already made up its mind.

And now, he just needed the courage to tell her.

To Be Continued: Will Ranbir's dream finally come true?

🌟 Hey Wattpad Fam! 🌟

Okay, okay, the moment we've all been waiting for... Ranbir's first sight of Prachi! 😱✨ How cute was that moment when he saw her picture for the first time? 💖 His reactions, his stammering, and that instant connection! 😍

I'm dying to know what you all think! How did you feel about their first interaction through that picture? Wasn't it just magical? 😳

👉 Drop your thoughts below! What did you think of Ranbir's reaction to seeing Prachi for the first time? Do you think they're meant to be, or do you have a different take? How did you like the chapter overall? 💬

Also, don't forget to share this with your friends—the best is yet to come as we get closer to their first real-life meeting! 😍🔥