The jeep pulls into the parking area of the hotel, the final stop of their journey. The sun is beginning to set, casting a warm orange glow over the mountain range in the distance. As the vehicle comes to a halt, Prachi unbuckles her seatbelt slowly, feeling the weight of the past few moments still hanging heavy in the air. Ranbir, who had been so patient with her, is now the first to step out of the jeep, but as he walks around to open the door for her, Prachi's thoughts are still distant.

She steps out of the jeep, looking around at the familiar surroundings of the hotel. The air is crisp, but there's something comforting about being back. Just as she takes a breath, she hears a loud and excited voice from behind her.

Kairav (yelling in excitement):

"Chachi(Aunty!!!)"

Before Prachi can react, Kairav comes running toward her at full speed, his small arms wide open. He jumps into her arms, and Prachi instinctively catches him, her heart immediately lightening at the sight of his innocence and love. Kairav's excitement is contagious as he wraps his arms around her neck, giving her a tight hug.

Kairav (with a huge grin on his face):

"I missed you soooo much, Chachi(Aunty)!! I got the biggest ice cream ever, but I still missed you!"

Prachi laughs, her heart melting at his adorable energy. She lifts him up slightly, spinning him around as if she was never apart from him. It's a moment of pure joy, and for a second, she forgets all the complications in her heart. Kairav is always her happy place.

Prachi (smiling, holding Kairav tightly):

"Mujhe bhi tumhari yaad aati thi, Kairav! Aur mujhe khushi hai ki tumhe apani ice cream mil gaye. Lekin mujhe lagata hai ki tum ise bahut zyaada kha rahe hain, hai na(I missed you too, Kairav! And I'm glad you got your ice cream. But I think you've been eating too much of it, huh?)"

Esha: Kabhi bhi bahut jyada ice-cream nahi hoti(There is never too much ice-cream!)😋

Kairav sticks his tongue out, playfully mocking her.

Kairav:

"No way! You know I can eat way more than that!"

They both laugh together, the innocent connection between them soothing the lingering tension that had been building in Prachi. Ranbir watches the moment, his heart softening at the sight. He can't help but smile as he sees Prachi and Kairav share such a beautiful bond, a bond that is full of warmth and love. He moves closer to them, but Prachi is still caught up in her own whirlwind of emotions.

As Kairav pulls away from the hug, he looks up at Prachi with those big, innocent eyes.

Kairav (excitedly):

"Chachi,hum kab aur adhik anand lene ja rahe hain jaisa humane Manali mein kiya tha(When are we going to have more fun like we did in Manali?)"

Esha: Pata nahi kab mera bacha(I am not sure when my child!)😔

Prachi's heart stirs, and her mind immediately drifts back to all the fun they had in Manali, the moments of pure happiness with the entire family, and even those stolen glances with Ranbir. But with the thought of Kunal, the complications, and the unresolved feelings, Prachi suddenly feels a weight in her chest. She forces a smile, trying to mask her inner turmoil.

Prachi (lightly, trying to sound playful):

"Hum jald hi aur adhik maza karenge, main wada karata hoon. Lekin abhei mujhe thoda aaram karane ki jaroorat hai. Yah ek sahasik yatra rahi hai, Kairav(We'll have more fun soon, I promise. But right now, I need to rest a little. It's been an adventurous trip, Kairav!)"

Kairav pouts for a moment, clearly wanting more fun, but he nods with understanding. Just as he's about to say something else, Ranbir steps in, his presence almost grounding her, his gaze locking with hers for a brief second. The weight of his gaze makes Prachi feel both comforted and unsettled, but she's not ready to confront those feelings just yet.

Ranbir (smiling, teasing slightly):

"Theek hai, Kairav, kya rahega agar hum andar jaen aur tumhaare liye kuch taaza juice lekar aaen? Itani saari ice cream ke baad, mujhe lagata hai ki aapako iski zaroorat hai(Alright, Kairav, how about we go inside and get you some fresh juice? After all that ice cream, I think you need it.)"

Kairav enthusiastically nods, then hugs Prachi one more time, looking up at her with an expression that's too cute to resist.

Kairav:

"Chachi(Aunty), I love you! Can we go to the park tomorrow?"

Esha: Awww! Unhone yah pehle hi kaha hai...main ab Ranbir ke yah khene ka intezaar kar raha hoon(He said this already...I am just waiting for Ranbir to say this now!)😍😫

Prachi laughs softly, her heart swelling with affection as she ruffles his hair.

Prachi (with a smile):

"I love you too, Kairav. Hum kal park ke baare mein dekhenge, theek hai(We'll see about the park tomorrow, okay?)"

Kairav nods happily and dashes off toward Ranbir, calling back over his shoulder as they head inside.

Kairav (shouting back):

"Mujhe intezar rahega! Mat bhoolana, Chachi(I'll be waiting! Don't forget, Aunty!)"

Prachi watches them walk into the hotel, her heart a mix of warmth from Kairav's love and unease from everything else still left unspoken between her and Ranbir. Ranbir pauses for a moment before glancing back at her, his eyes softening as if waiting for something—waiting for her to open up, or at least to let him in.

But Prachi just smiles faintly, silently acknowledging the love she feels for him, even if she's not ready to say it aloud just yet. She takes a deep breath and follows them inside, ready to face the rest of the evening, but knowing that her heart is still tangled in a web of emotions.

Ranbir (softly to himself, as Prachi enters the hotel):

"Main tumhaara intezaar karoonga, Prachi... jab bhi tum taiyaar hooge(I'll wait for you, Prachi... whenever you're ready.)"

The door closes softly behind them, and the family begins to settle in, each of them knowing that there's more to come—but the next step is in Prachi's hands.

The family gathers in the cozy hotel lobby, its fireplace crackling warmly, illuminating the space with a soft orange glow. Naitik, Raj, and Babita sit comfortably on the plush sofas, chatting about their day while sipping on Kashmiri Kahwa. As Prachi, Ranbir, and Kairav step into the lobby, everyone's attention shifts to them. Kairav immediately runs to Naira, proudly recounting his little "adventure." But the elders' focus remains on Prachi and Ranbir, especially noticing Prachi's slightly flushed face and Ranbir's protective stance next to her.

Babita (excitedly):

"Arre waah, tum log aa gaye! Toh bolo, tumhara din kaisa tha(Oh wow, you guys are here! So tell me, how was your day?)"

Raj (teasing tone):

"Haan haan, batao! Lagta hai Manali ke romantic mausam ka poora maza le rahe ho tum dono (Yes yes, tell me! Looks like you both are enjoying the romantic weather of Manali!)"

Prachi's face immediately turns red as she looks down, nervously tucking her hair behind her ear. Ranbir grins but clears his throat, trying to act composed.

Naitik (chuckling, with a knowing look):

"Tumhare chehre sab kuch bata rahe hain. Batao ab, kya kya kiya tum log(Your faces are telling everything. Now tell me, what did you guys do?)"

Ranbir (teasing):

"Aap log kya samajhte hain? Hum dono toh bas duty par the, hai na Prachi? Mujhe toh lagta hai aap log zyada maze kar rahe the(What do you guys think? We both are just on duty, right Prachi? I think you guys are having too much fun.)" 

Babita (mocking disbelief):

"Duty? Kya Ranbir, tumhe ab jhoot bolna bhi nahi aata. Yeh Prachi toh aise sharma rahi hai jaise koi film ki heroine ho(Duty? Ranbir, you don't even know how to lie anymore. This Prachi is blushing as if she is a movie heroine!)" 

Everyone laughs as Prachi's cheeks grow warmer. She stammers, trying to change the topic.

Prachi (nervously):

"Aap log apna din bataiye na, humne toh kuch khaas nahi kiya(You guys tell us about your day, we didn't do anything special.)"

Raj (grinning):

"Achha? Tumhare 'kuch khaas nahi' ki wajah se Ranbir ki smile aur badh gayi hai! Batao bittu, tumne Prachi ko aur kaun se adventure mein phasaya(Really? Ranbir's smile has increased because of your 'nothing special'! Tell me bittu, what other adventures did you involve Prachi in?)" 

Ranbir smirks, leaning casually against the arm of the sofa, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

Ranbir:

"Adventure toh nahi, lekin haan, maine ek Kashmiri snack aur chai zarur khilayi thi jo aap sab log miss kar gaye(Not an adventure, but yes, I did serve a Kashmiri snack and tea which you all missed!)" 

Babita (dramatic gasp):

"Kya baat hai! Tumhare saath Kashmiri chai aur snacks bhi romantic lagte hain! Waise, Prachi beta, tumhara din sach mein kaise tha(Wow! Kashmiri tea and snacks also look romantic with you! By the way, Prachi daughter, how was your day really?)" 

Prachi fidgets slightly, her gaze flicking to Ranbir before she replies softly.

Prachi:

"Achha tha, Chachi ji. Kashmiri festival dekhna bahut sundar tha. Aur... umm... bas, adventure-filled tha(It was good, Aunty. It was very beautiful to see the Kashmiri festival. And... umm... it was absolutely adventure-filled.)" 

Her words are simple, but her tone and her shy smile reveal more than she realizes. Babita notices this and exchanges a sly glance with Naitik and Raj.

Naitik (seriously, but with warmth):

"Prachi beta, yeh toh achhi baat hai ki tum dono ek doosre ka saath enjoy kar rahe ho. Relationships wahi hote hain jo pyar aur samajh ke saath bane(Prachi daughter, it is good that both of you are enjoying each other's company. Relationships are those which are built with love and understanding.)" 

Esha: Uncle is right. Uske paas kaafi anubhav hai(He has so much experience)😭

Babita (jumping in):

"Aur tum dono ki chemistry toh dikh hi rahi hai. Hai na, Raj(And the chemistry between you both is clearly visible. Isn't it, Raj?)"

Raj (nodding):

"Haan bilkul. Waise, Ranbir, tum dono abhi tak officially kuch batate kyun nahi? Kab hogi shaadi ki planning(Yes absolutely. By the way, Ranbir, why don't you two tell anything officially yet? When will the wedding be planned?)"

Ranbir's ears turn red, but he plays it cool, looking straight at Prachi, who is now avoiding everyone's gaze.

Ranbir (mock-serious):

"Shaadi ki planning toh tab hogi jab madam maanengi. Abhi toh yeh mujhe 'sochne ke liye time chahiye' bolti hain(Wedding planning will happen only when madam agrees. Right now she tells me 'I need time to think'.)" 

The family bursts into laughter while Prachi looks at Ranbir wide-eyed, nudging him lightly in protest.

Prachi (murmuring):

"Ranbir, aap... kuch bhi bolte hain(Ranbir, you... say anything!)"

Babita (giggling):

"Arre waah, abhi se hi nok-jhok shuru? Yeh toh asli pati-patni wali baatein ho gayi(Oh wow, the bickering has already started? This is real husband-wife talk!)"

Raj claps his hands, thoroughly entertained.

Raj:

"Tum dono ko dekh kar lagta hai ki adventure aur romance ek hi saath chal raha hai(Looking at both of you, it seems that adventure and romance are going on together!)"

Naitik (teasingly):

"Haan, aur hum sabko bhi tum dono ke maze lene ka mauka mil raha hai. Waise Ranbir, Kashmiri festival ke ilawa aur kya kiya(Yes, and we all are also getting a chance to enjoy you two. By the way Ranbir, what else did you do apart from Kashmiri Festival?)" 

Ranbir (pretending to think):

"Aur kuch khaas nahi... bas Prachi ka dupatta choose karne mein madad ki thi aur usko Bollywood heroine banate dekha. Mujhe toh lagta hai, yeh trip ki highlight thi(And nothing special... just helped me choose Prachi's dupatta and saw her making a Bollywood heroine. I think this was the highlight of the trip.)" 

Prachi glares at him, though her face betrays a small smile. Babita and Raj hoot in approval.

Babita:

"Kya baat hai, Prachi! Tum toh Ranbir ko chhodkar Bollywood me chale jao(Wow, Prachi! You leave Ranbir and go to Bollywood!)" 

Esha: Aunty ji rocked this time! 🤣

Prachi (awkwardly):

"Chachi ji, aap log bas mazaak banate ho(Aunty, you guys just make fun!)"

Kairav (suddenly chiming in):

"Prachi Chachi toh sabse best hai! Ab mujhe goodnight kiss chahiye(Prachi aunty is the best! Now I want a goodnight kiss!)"

Prachi immediately softens and bends down to hug and kiss Kairav on the forehead.

Prachi (lovingly):

"Tumhare liye toh hamesha(Always for you!)"

Esha: Awww! Best moment!😘

The entire family gathers in the cozy hotel lounge for one last time before their departure. Cups of steaming chai and hot chocolate are passed around, and laughter echoes in the air as everyone reflects on their unforgettable trip. Babita and Raj sit side by side, looking delighted as they watch the younger generation enjoy themselves. Kairav is on Kartik's lap, and Naira is whispering something teasing into her husband's ear. Meanwhile, Naitik looks thoughtful, clearly with a question brewing in his mind.

Raj (grinning):

"Toh, sabse important sawal toh ab tak baaki hai(So, the most important question still remains!)"

Babita (joining in with mock seriousness):

"Haan, bilkul. Yeh trip toh ek bahana tha asli baat karne ka. Prachi, Ranbir—tum dono ne decide kiya ya nahi(Yes, absolutely. This trip was just an excuse to talk real time. Prachi, Ranbir – did you both do decide or not?)"

The room grows quieter, all eyes turning towards Prachi and Ranbir, who are sitting on opposite ends of the couch. Ranbir is leaning back, arms crossed casually, but his eyes dart nervously to Prachi. Prachi, on the other hand, sits stiffly, her hands clasped in her lap, trying hard not to meet anyone's gaze.

Naira (leaning forward with a playful smirk):

"Dekho, humein details chahiye! Tum dono toh poore trip ka center of attention the, ab bolo—haan ya na(Look, we need details! You both were the center of attention of the entire trip, now tell me – yes or no?)"

Kairav, not fully understanding the weight of the question, pipes up in his sweet voice.

Kairav:

"Chachi, kya aap meri Chacha ki bride banoge? Aap dono toh best ho ek saath(Aunty, will you be my uncle's bride? You two are the best together!)" 

Esha: Kairav ko ye pehle se hi pata hai...ye dono kab samajhenge(Kairav already knows this...when these two will understand?)🤔🙄

The adults chuckle at his innocent outburst, but the tension in the room is palpable. Prachi looks at Ranbir nervously, unsure of what to say. Ranbir, sensing her hesitation, decides to take the lead.

Ranbir (sitting up, his tone light but meaningful):

"Sab itna jaldi kyun kar rahe ho? Prachi aur main toh bas ek doosre ko samajhne ki koshish kar rahe hain. Right, Prachi(Why are you all in such a hurry? Prachi and I are just trying to understand each other. Right, Prachi?)" 

He looks at her, his eyes searching hers for any clue to what she's feeling. Prachi takes a deep breath, realizing she can't avoid this forever. She clears her throat and speaks, her voice steady but soft.

Prachi:

"Haan, main aur Ranbir(Yes, Ranbir and I...)(pauses, gathering her thoughts) abhi bas time le rahe hain. Yeh trip bohot special tha, aur maine bohot kuch seekha. Lekin... shayad abhi jawab dena thoda jaldi hai(are just taking time. This trip was very special, and I learned a lot. But... perhaps it is a little early to answer.)"

The room erupts in collective groans and protests, with Naira and Babita being the loudest.

Babita:

"Abhi bhi time chahiye? Yeh kya baat hui? Prachi, beta, ek mahina ho gaya tumhare shaadi ke baare mein baat karte hue(Still need time? What is this matter? Prachi, daughter, it's been a month since we talked about your marriage!)"

Esha: Literally!😒

Naira (nudging Ranbir):

"Aur tum? Tum toh bas maze le rahe ho is suspense ka(And you? You are just enjoying this suspense!)"

Ranbir (grinning):

"Maze toh le raha hoon, lekin sach mein, Prachi ki baat sahi hai. Yeh decision dil se hona chahiye, aur main bas uska intezaar kar raha hoon. Koi pressure nahi hai(I may be having fun, but in reality, Prachi is right. This decision should be taken from the heart, and I am just waiting for it. There is no pressure.)"

Kartik raises an eyebrow at Ranbir's composed response, smirking knowingly.

Kartik:

"Bhai, tum Ranbir Kohli ho. Mujhe nahi lagta tumhare paas patience ka itna stock hai jitna tum dikhate ho(Brother, you are Ranbir Kohli. I don't think you have as much patience as you seem.)" 

Ranbir (winking):

"Kya karein, tumhara chhota saali sahab dil ke mamle mein mujhe sab kuch sikhane waali hai(What to do, your younger sister-in-law is going to teach me everything about matters of the heart.)" 

The family laughs, but Prachi feels her cheeks heat up at his words. She glances at Namrata, who gives her a reassuring smile, and then at Ranbir, who's now joking with Kartik. Somewhere deep inside, she feels a flicker of guilt for hiding the truth about Kunal, but also a growing warmth that she can't quite name.

Raj (with mock disappointment):

"Toh iska matlab abhi humein aur wait karna padega? Yeh toh bilkul unfair hai(So does this mean we will have to wait longer? This is absolutely unfair.)" 

Esha: This is unfair for us too!😢

Naitik (laughing):

"Arre Raj, patience ka phal meetha hota hai. Hum sab ko bas thoda aur time dena padega(Hey Raj, the fruit of patience is sweet. We all just have to give it a little more time.)" 

Kairav, however, looks up at Prachi with his big, innocent eyes.

Kairav:

"Par mujhe toh Chachi abhi hi chahiye. Chachu ko bolo ki jaldi karein(But I want aunty right now. Tell uncle to hurry up!)" 

Everyone bursts out laughing at Kairav's declaration, and Ranbir gets up to ruffle his nephew's hair.

Ranbir (playfully):

"Kya karein, Kairav? Tumhari Chachi ke paas bohot demands hain. Mujhe aur wait karna padega (What to do, Kairav? Your aunt has a lot of demands. I will have to wait more.)"

Prachi (finally smiling, shaking her head):

"Aap sab log toh bas mazaak udate hain. Mujhe lagta hai yeh sawaal Manali ki jagah Delhi mein decide hoga(You all just make fun of me. I think this question will be asked in Delhi instead of Manali.)" 

The family lets it go for the moment, but the teasing continues sporadically throughout the evening. Prachi, meanwhile, can't help but feel a mix of emotions—guilt, hesitation, but also the faint stirrings of hope.

Later, as they retire for the night, Namrata corners Prachi in their shared room.

Namrata (whispering):

"Jiji, kab tak sabse chhupao gi? Tumhare mann mein kya chal raha hai woh tumhare chehre pe likha hai. Ekamatra karan yah hai ki main abhi tak use sach nahi bata raha hoon kyunki yeh sab se achchha hai yadi aap keval use bataen(Sister, for how long did you hide it from everyone? What is going on in your mind is written on your face. The only reason I am not telling the truth to him yet is because it is best if you only tell him.)"

Esha: Yahi karan tha...ab humein apna uttar mil gaya(This was why...now we got our answer...)😯

Prachi (sighing):

"Mujhe samajh nahi aa raha, Namrata. Ranbir ke saath... kuch alag sa mehsoos hota hai, lekin Kunal... woh ek saaya ki tarah hamesha mere peeche hai(I don't understand, Namrata. With Ranbir... I feel something different, but Kunal... he is always behind me like a shadow.)" 

Namrata (gently):

"Jiji, Ranbir sach mein tumhare liye perfect hai. Woh tumhare liye kuch bhi karega. Par tumhe apne dil ki sunni hogi. Kab tak tum apne past ke dar ke wajah se apne present aur future se bhaagogi(Sister, Ranbir is really perfect for you. He will do even anything for you. But you must listen to your heart. Till when will you run from your present and future in the face of your past?)"

Esha: This is like the entire Pranbir fandom! 😞

Prachi:

"Mujhe time chahiye, Namrata. Bas thoda aur time(I need time, Namrata. Just a little more time.)"

Namrata nods, hugging her sister tightly, silently praying that Prachi will find the courage to face her fears and embrace her feelings for Ranbir.