The entire family is gathered around the dining table, the atmosphere tense yet formal. Suraj, Dhavani's father, stands at the head of the table, a smug look on his face. The food is served, but no one is really in the mood to eat. Prachi is seated beside Ranbir, who looks distant, lost in thought. Kunal is still lingering around, trying to insert himself into the family dynamics, making everyone uneasy, especially Prachi.

Suraj clinks his glass to grab everyone's attention.

Suraj (with a proud smile, addressing the family): "Shabash, sab ko aaj yeh batane ka waqt aa gaya hai. Ranbir aur Dhavani ki engagement ab fix ho gayi hai! Haan, tum dono ke beech jo rishta tha, usko phir se ek naye mod pe le jaane ka waqt aa gaya hai(Great, the time has come to tell everyone this. Ranbir and Dhavani's engagement is now fixed! Yes, the time has come to take the relationship between you two to a new turn.)"

Esha: Apne ek hi baat kitni baar kaise kahi(How many times how you said the same thing?)🙄

He looks directly at Ranbir, expecting an immediate response. Prachi feels her heart sink. She knows this moment is coming, but hearing it out loud still stabs her.

Suraj (to Ranbir): "Ranbir beta, yeh rishta tumhe manzoor hai ya nahi? Tum dono ka shaadi ka faisla lene ka waqt hai(Ranbir son, do you approve of this relationship or not? It's time for both of you to take the decision of marriage.)" 

The room goes silent for a few moments. All eyes are on Ranbir. He can feel the weight of Prachi's gaze, the tension in the air. He swallows hard, his mind a whirlpool of conflicting emotions.

Ranbir, trying to suppress the turmoil in his heart, looks at Dhavani, who's sitting there with a hopeful expression. He knows what he has to do, at least for now. He's playing this game, not for love, but for revenge. His hatred for Suraj and Kunal burns hotter than anything else, and if this engagement can help him destroy them both, he'll go through with it.

Ranbir (with a forced calmness, trying to sound neutral): "Ji, Uncle... agar yeh faisla family ki khushi ke liye hai, toh... main haan keh raha hoon(Yes, uncle... if this decision is for the happiness of the family, then... I am saying yes.)" 

Esha: What! 💔

A collective sigh fills the room. Everyone is in shock, but no one dares to speak up, especially after Ranbir's confirmation. Dhavani's face lights up, her eyes gleaming with happiness, but Ranbir's expression remains stone-cold.

Dhavani (excitedly, with a bright smile): "Really? Tumne haan kaha? Tumne sach mein haan kaha, Ranbir(Really? Did you say yes? You really said yes, Ranbir?)"

She stands up, rushing over to him, her face glowing with happiness. Ranbir forces a small smile, not wanting to reveal his true feelings just yet.

Ranbir (softly, almost mechanically): "Ji... haan(Yes.)"

The others are still processing the situation. Prachi, her heart shattering inside, feels a storm of emotions brewing. She wants to scream, to run away, but instead, she clenches her fists under the table, fighting to keep herself composed.

Suraj (with a smug smile): "Toh, yeh toh final ho gaya. Ranbir aur Dhavani ka engagement fix ho gaya hai! Humari family ki izzat, sab kuch apni jagah hai. Is naye shuruat ke liye tayyar ho jao (So, it is finalized. Ranbir and Dhavani's engagement is fixed! Respect for our family, everything has its place. Get ready for new beginnings!)" 

Kunal, sensing the opportunity to further his own plans, watches the entire scene unfold, a smug grin forming on his lips. He knows that this engagement will cause more turmoil, and that's exactly what he's waiting for.

Kunal (whispering to Prachi): "Ab toh sab kuch aise hi hoga, Prachi. Tum dekho(Now everything will happen like this, Prachi. You see.)" 

Esha: You zip it before we punch! 👊

Prachi glares at him, trying to keep her composure, but her heart is breaking. She looks at Ranbir, whose eyes avoid hers, focusing solely on the arrangement before them.

Ranbir (muttering, more to himself than anyone else): "This is the plan... just a little longer... then I'll destroy him."

The rest of the family, including Naitik and Kartik, seem to try to hold back their thoughts, not wanting to ruin the moment. However, Prachi feels the gravity of the situation, unable to hold back the tears. As Suraj congratulates everyone on the "happy occasion," Prachi stands up abruptly, excusing herself from the table.

Prachi (with a trembling voice, barely holding it together): "Mujhe... thoda air chahiye(I... need some air.)" 

https://youtu.be/P8PWN1OmZOA

Kaise batayein kyun tujhko chahein

Yaara bata na paayein

(How should I tell you as to why I love you

My friend, I'm not able to say that)

She walks out quickly, her heart shattered. Ranbir doesn't stop her. He doesn't even look up.

Baatein dilon ki dekho joh baaki

Aankhen tujhe samjhayein

(The talks of the heart that are still remaining

My eyes will explain them to you)

She walks over to the bar counter, her hands shaking as she eyes the array of drinks on the shelf. The world feels like it's crashing down, and her mind is racing with emotions she can't control. She needs something to numb the pain, even if just for a moment. With trembling hands, she picks up a glass of whiskey.

Tu jaane na aa aa, tu jaane na

Tu jaane na aa aa, tu jaane na

(You don't know, you don't know

You don't know, you don't know)

Prachi (mumbling to herself, trying to gather courage): "Bas ek glass... just to forget everything for a while(Just one glass... Just to forget everything for a while...)" 

Milke bhi hum na mile tumse na jaane kyun

Meelon ke hai faasle tumse na jaane kyun

(Why is it that we didn't meet even after meeting

Why is it that there are miles of distance)

Esha: No don't Prachi! 😲

She takes a sip, the strong taste burning her throat. Her eyes widen at the sensation, but she doesn't stop. She's feeling lightheaded now, the alcohol beginning to take effect. She smiles to herself, feeling strangely carefree, as if all the worries of the world were momentarily forgotten.

Anjaane hai silsile tumse na jaane kyun

Sapne hai palkon taale tumse na jaane kyun

(Why is it that our stories are like strangers

Why is it that the dreams are on the eyelids)

Prachi (giggles softly to herself, a little tipsy): "Yeh kisne socha tha... Prachi Aggarwal, jo kabhi drink nahi karti thi... aaj yeh(Who would have thought this... Prachi Aggarwal, who never used to drink... today this...)" 

Kaise batayein kyun tujhko chahein

Yaara bata na paayein

(How should I tell you as to why I love you

My friend, I'm not able to say that)

As the warmth of the drink spreads through her, she leans back on the couch, letting the alcohol relax her muscles. But suddenly, she hears footsteps approaching. Her heart skips a beat, and before she knows it, Ranbir steps into the room. His gaze falls on her immediately, and he pauses.

Baatein dilon ki dekho joh baaki

Aankhen tujhe samjhayein

(The talks of the heart that are still remaining

My eyes will explain them to you)

Ranbir (surprised, concerned): "Prachi? Tum... tum kya kar rahi ho(Prachi? You... what are you doing?)" 

Tu jaane na aa aa, tu jaane na

Tu jaane na aa aa, tu jaane na

(You don't know, you don't know

You don't know, you don't know)

Prachi, a little tipsy now, looks at him with a soft, almost innocent smile. She's not fully aware of her surroundings or how much she's had.

Nigahon mein dehko meri joh hai bas gaya

Woh hai milta tumse hubahu

(Look, the one who is settled in my eyes

That person looks just like you)

Prachi (playfully): "Pehli baar drink kar rahi hoon... samajh nahi aa raha... kaise feel ho raha hai(I am drinking for the first time... I don't understand... how I feel...)" 

Jaane teri aankhen thi ya baatein thi vajah

Huye tum joh dil ki aarzoo

(Was it due to your eyes or due to your talks

That you became a desire of my heart)

She giggles again, clearly not thinking straight. But Ranbir's face darkens with concern. He strides toward her quickly, his eyes locking onto the glass in her hand.

Tum paas hoke bhi

Tum aas hoke bhi

(You being near to me

You being my desire)

Ranbir (sternly): "Prachi, yeh kya kar rahi ho tum? Tumhe pata hai na yeh sab tumhare liye theek nahi hai(Prachi, what are you doing? You know this isn't good for you!)" 

Ehsaas hoke bhi

Apne nahi aise hai

(You being my feeling

But still you're not mine)

She pouts, swaying slightly, still unaware of the seriousness of the situation.

Humko gile tumse na jaane kyun

Meelon ke hai faasle tumse na jaane kyun

(Why is it that I have complaints against you

Why is it that there are miles of distance)

Prachi (half-whining, half-laughing): "Bohut tension ho gayi thi... Ranbir, yeh engagement, Dhavani, Suraj... sab... sab kuch itna complicated ho gaya hai(There was a lot of tension... Ranbir, this engagement, Dhavani, Suraj... everything... everything has become so complicated.)" 

Tu jaane na aa aa, tu jaane na

Tu jaane na aa aa, tu jaane na

(You don't know, you don't know

You don't know, you don't know)

She pauses, staring into her glass as if searching for answers at the bottom. Ranbir watches her carefully, his chest tightening with concern and something else — a deep, almost painful need to protect her.

Jaane na, jaane na, jaane na ... tu jaane na

(You don't know ... you don't know)

Ranbir (softly, stepping closer): "Prachi... tumhe kuch nahi dikh raha hai? Tumhare liye yeh theek nahi hai. Tum khud ko nuqsan mat do(Prachi... can't you see anything? This is not good for you. Don't hurt yourself.)"

Khayalo mein lakhon baatein yoon toh keh gaya

Bola kuch na tere samne

(In my thoughts I say a million things

But I couldn't say a word in front of you)

Esha: Now I am kind of glad she did! 😍

Prachi looks up at him, and for a moment, she sees something in his eyes — a mix of care, frustration, and tenderness. She sways as she stands up, almost losing her balance.

Huye na begaane bhi tum hoke aur ke

Dekho tum na mere hi bane

(You won't be a stranger even if you're not mine

Look, you just couldn't be mine)

Prachi (mumbling): "Tumhe pata hai... Ranbir, tumne kabhi... kabhi kaha tha na... ki main sabse khoobsurat hoon... ab... ab main kaise lag rahi hoon(You know...Ranbir, you had sometimes said...that I am the most beautiful...now...how am I looking now?)" 

Afsoos hota hai

Dil bhi yeh rota hai

(I feel remorsed

Even my heart cries)

Her words are slurred, but there's an ache in her voice, a pain she's been hiding. Ranbir steps forward immediately, grabbing her arm to steady her. He's never seen her this vulnerable before.

Sapne sanjota hai

Pagla hua soche yeh

(It weaves dreams

It has gone crazy)

Ranbir (gently but firmly): "Prachi... yeh tumhara jawab nahi hai. Tum jo ho, woh tumhare dil ki khoobsurati hai... Tumhare chehre par jo roshni hai, woh tumhari jaan hai. Tumhe apne aap ko samajhna hoga(Prachi...this is not your answer. Whoever you are, that is the beauty of your heart... The light on your face, that is your life. You have to understand yourself.)" 

Hum the mile tumse na jaane kyun

Meelon ke hai faasle tumse na jaane kyun

(Why is it that I met with you

Why is it that there are miles of distance)

He pulls her close to him, his arms around her for support, feeling her warmth seeping into him. Prachi's head rests against his chest, and she closes her eyes, almost as if she's finally letting go of all the tension she's been carrying.

Anjaane hai silsile tumse na jaane kyun

Sapne hai palkon taale tumse na jaane kyun

(Why is it that our stories are like strangers

Why is it that the dreams are on the eyelids)

Prachi (softly, almost as if in a daze): "Tum mujhse... waise hi pyaar karoge... na(You will love me just like that... right?)" 

Ranbir (whispering, his voice breaking slightly): "Of course, I will. Tumhara har ek hisaab... har ek paheli mere liye sabse zaroori hai, Prachi(of course I will. Every answer of yours...every puzzle is most important to me, Prachi.)"

Kaise batayein kyun tujhko chahein

Yaara bata na paayein

(How should I tell you as to why I love you

My friend, I'm not able to say that)

He gently pulls her back, his hand resting on her cheek as he looks into her eyes. There's a moment of silence, and for the first time in a long while, Prachi allows herself to lean into him.

Baatein dilon ki dekho joh baaki

Aankhen tujhe samjhayein

(The talks of the heart that are still remaining

My eyes will explain them to you)

But before she can answer, she cups his face, brushing her thumb over his cheek. Her soft drunkenness turns into unintentional seduction as she leans in closer.

Esha: She is going to kiss?! 😏😱

Just as Ranbir begins to lose himself in the moment, about to close the distance between them, Prachi passes out in his arms, mumbling something incoherent. Ranbir sighs, shaking his head with a soft chuckle.

Tu jaane na aa aa, tu jaane na

Tu jaane na aa aa, tu jaane na

(You don't know, you don't know

You don't know, you don't know)

Ranbir (to himself): "Tum... sach mein pagal ho, Prachi(You... are really crazy, Prachi.)" 

Esha: Only for you!😉

Ranbir, his emotions a whirlpool, decides it's best to take her to his room, away from everyone else, where she can rest and recover from the alcohol.

Ranbir (softly, with a mix of care and control): "Chalo, Prachi. Tumhe thoda aaram chahiye. Main tumhe apne kamre tak le jaata hoon(Come on, Prachi. You need some rest. I'll take you to my room.)" 

Tu jaane na aa aa, tu jaane na

Tu jaane na aa aa, tu jaane na

(You don't know, you don't know

You don't know, you don't know)

As he gently helps her walk toward his room, Prachi clings to him, her steps unsteady but her heart finding solace in the familiarity of his presence. She doesn't want to think, doesn't want to feel the weight of the world on her shoulders anymore.

He gently lays her down on the bed, covering her with a blanket and sitting beside her. For a moment, he watches her sleep, her face serene despite the chaos in their lives. Ranbir's heart fills with love, guilt, and a renewed determination to make things right.

Tu jaane na aa aa, tu jaane na

Tu jaane na aa aa, tu jaane na

(You don't know, you don't know

You don't know, you don't know)