The room was filled with a soft, golden glow as the evening sun filtered through the lace curtains. Prachi sat on the small wooden stool by the dressing table, her head lowered as Namrata, her beloved Choti, carefully arranged the folds of the yellow and gold saree around her.

The intricate zari work shimmered in the light, and the fabric wrapped around Prachi like liquid sunlight. She looked ethereal, a vision of beauty, but her eyes glistened with unshed tears, betraying her inner turmoil.

(I want to have this saree for real!) 😭

"Jiji(Sister)," Namrata said softly, carefully tucking the pleats into the waistband, "tum itni sundar lag rahi ho... jaise koi devi ho. Par tumhare chehre par itna dukh kyun hai(You look so beautiful...like a goddess. But why is there so much sadness on your face?)" She crouched down to meet her sister's teary eyes.

Prachi sniffled and tried to force a smile, but it faltered. "Choti, main dar rahi hoon... agar... agar kuch galat ho gaya toh? Agar woh log mujhse naraz ho gaye ya phir(Little Sister, I'm scared... what if... what if something goes wrong? If those people get angry with me or...)" Her voice broke, and she cupped her face in her hands.

Esha: Prachi ab please chup raho. Aapko aisa parivaar kabhi nahi milega(Prachi now please be quiet. You won't get a family like this ever!)😊

Namrata stood and placed her hands on Prachi's shoulders firmly. "Jiji, bas! Tumhe kuch galat nahi sochna. Tum jitni achhi ho, jitni pyaari ho, agar koi tumhe nahi samjhe, toh woh tumhare layak hi nahi hai (Sister, that's it! Don't think anything wrong. As good as you are, as lovely as you are, if someone doesn't understand you, then they doesn't deserve you!)" She paused, her voice trembling slightly. "Aur waise bhi... jab tum chale jaogi... toh mere paas kya bachega (And anyway... when you leave... what will I be left with?)" 

Esha: Aww! Our Poor Choti!😢

Prachi looked up at her younger sister, her heart breaking at the sight of Namrata's moist eyes. "Choti, yeh mat bolo. Main yahin hoon tumhare liye... hamesha (Little sister, don't say this. I am here for you...always.)" 

Namrata shook her head, her lips quivering. "Par Jiji, jab tum kisi aur ghar ki ho jaogi, toh yahan kaun meri sunega? Kaun mujhe daantega jab main extra gulab jamun khaungi? Kaun mere naye kapdon ke liye budget banayega (But sister, when you belong to someone else's house, then who will listen to me? Who will scold me when I eat extra gulab jamun? Who will make the budget for my new clothes?)" 

Esha: Yah ladki mujhe ek hi samay mein hasna bhi kyon rahi hai aur rula bhi kyon rahi hai(Why is this girl making me laugh and cry at the same time!)😂

Prachi let out a watery laugh and pulled Namrata into a hug, holding her tightly. "Main hamesha tumhare saath rahungi, Choti. Chahe kuch bhi ho jaaye(I will always be with you, little one. No matter what happen.)"

After a moment, Namrata pulled back and wiped her tears. "Bas Jiji, ab rona band karo. Mujhe tumhari shringar karni hai (Enough sister, stop crying now. I want to do your makeup.)" She opened the small box of jewelry Babita had gifted earlier and gently took out the ancestral bangles.

Namrata knelt again and slid the silver-and-diamond bangles onto Prachi's delicate wrists. "Yeh tumhare haathon mein bilkul perfect lag rahi hain, Jiji. Dekho, tum bilkul dulhan lag rahi ho(It looks absolutely perfect in your hands, sister. Look, you look like a bride.)"

Prachi looked at herself in the mirror as Namrata carefully braided her hair, adding tiny jasmine flowers at the end. Her face was radiant despite the redness in her eyes. Her soft features, framed by the delicate braid and highlighted by the saree's golden hues, made her look like a vision from another time.

Namrata stepped back to admire her work. "Jiji, tum bilkul Madhuri Dixit ki tarah lag rahi ho. Woh 'Hum Aapke Hain Koun' wali dulhan (Sister, you look exactly like Madhuri Dixit. The bride from 'Hum Aapke Hain Koun')" She giggled and added, "Aur thoda Amrita Rao ka innocence bhi hai tumhare chehre par(And there is a little innocence of Amrita Rao on your face too.)" 

Esha: Isiliye is kahani ka naam Vivaah rakha gaya! Duh(This is why I named the story Vivah! Duh!)

Prachi blushed, her lips curling into a shy smile. "Choti, bas karo. Mujhe itna sharminda mat karo(Little sister, stop it. Don't make me so shy!)"

Namrata grinned mischievously. "Acha theek hai. Par sach mein, tumhari yeh simplicity aur khubsoorati... koi bhi ladka dekh ke fida ho jaayega (Ok, good. But really, this simplicity and beauty of yours... any boy will fall in love after seeing this!)" 

Prachi sighed, looking down at her hands adorned with the bangles. "Choti, agar woh log mujhse kuch galat expect karein toh (Little sister, if those people expect something wrong from me then?)"

Namrata's face turned serious. She took Prachi's hands in hers. "Jiji, tumhare saath main hoon. Agar kisi ne tumhe dukh diya ya galat kiya, toh main sabse pehle usse sambhalungi. Tumhe bas apna dil aur apni himmat sambhalke rakhni hai. Tumhe kabhi kisi se darne ki zarurat nahi hai (Sister, I am with you. If someone has hurt you or wronged you, I am the first one to take care of him. You just have to keep your heart and your courage under control. You never need to be scared of anyone.)" 

Prachi hugged Namrata tightly again, their bond of sisterhood speaking louder than words. As Namrata added the final touches—earrings, a delicate necklace, and a small bindi—she stepped back with pride.

"Ab dekho apne aap ko, Jiji. Tum lag rahi ho... jaise koi devi (Now look at yourself, jiji. You look like a goddess!)" 

Esha: Vah ek devi hai(She is a goddess!)😇

Prachi hesitated, then glanced at the mirror. The woman staring back at her was no longer just Prachi from Sheetgiri; she looked like a bride, someone who carried grace, beauty, and vulnerability all at once.

"Choti(Little sister)," she said softly, a tear slipping down her cheek, "tumne mujhe bahut pyaar diya hai. Mujhe hamesha lagta hai ki main akeli hoon, par tumne kabhi mujhe akela mehsoos nahi hone diya (You have given me a lot of love. I always feel like I'm alone, but you never make me feel alone.)" 

Namrata smiled brightly. "Jiji, tumhare bina toh main kuch bhi nahi hoon (Sister, without you I am nothing.)" 

The sisters shared one last, heartfelt hug before Namrata gently wiped Prachi's face and said, "Ab chalo, Maa bulayengi toh unka daant khana padega(Come on now, if mother calls you will have to get scolded by her.)" 

Prachi chuckled softly, and hand in hand, the two sisters walked towards the living room where the family waited, leaving behind a room full of emotions and memories.

(Now the moment you all have been waiting for! Drumroll please...)

Ranbir's POV

https://youtu.be/tJuivqCGCpI

(Do Anjaane Ajnabi-Vivah)

Just listen to the lyrics aligns perfectly with the story

Do anjaane ajnabi

Chale bandhne bandhan

(Do individuals who are strangers

Are moving forward to tie a knot)

As I sat in the living room, my heart thudded louder than the clock ticking on the wall. I tried to focus on the chatter around me, but all I could think about was her. Prachi. The name that had filled my dreams ever since I first saw her photo during the matchmaking. The anticipation was unbearable, and every sound of movement upstairs made my breath hitch.

Haaye re dil mein hai yeh uljhan

Milkar kya bolein

(Oh my, there's this confusion in the heart

What should we say when we meet)

Esha: Haye! Tumhe pata hai hum tumhaare vichaar padh sakate hain bakalu(Haye! You know we can read your thoughts baklu!)😏

Then I heard the soft patter of footsteps descending the stairs. My eyes instinctively moved to the staircase.

Kya bolein, kya bolein

Re milkar kya bolein

(What should we say

What should we say when we meet)

And there she was. My heart stopped for a moment, and the world seemed to blur around her. Draped in a yellow and gold saree, her elegance was breathtaking. Her steps were hesitant yet graceful, her eyes lowered with shyness but brimming with depth. For a moment, I forgot how to breathe.

Nayi umang, nayi khushi

Mehak utha hai aangan

Haaye re ghar aaye mann bhaavan

(There's a new ambition, there's a new joy

There's a fragrance in the courtyard

Oh my, my beloved has come to my house)

Is this real?

Esha: Kya vah aapako nakali lagati hai... of course she is real(Does she look fake to you...of course she! )" 🤨

She wasn't just beautiful; she was divine. The kind of beauty that left an ache in your heart. Her braid, adorned with jasmine flowers, swung gently with each step. Her anklets jingled softly, echoing like a melody. And when she finally looked up for a brief second, her eyes met mine. My pulse raced.

Milkar kya bolein

(What should we say when we meet)

Prachi descended the stairs slowly, her fingers nervously clutching the edges of the saree pallu. Namrata followed behind her, encouraging her with a whispered, "Jiji, sab thik hoga." As she reached the bottom, all eyes turned towards her.

Babita, her Chachi, stood and gestured for Prachi to take the tray of tea. "Prachi, yeh chai le jao aur sabko de do. Tumne banayi hai, toh sabko pata chale ki tumhari chai kaise hai(Prachi, take this tea and give it to everyone. Since you have made it, let everyone know how your tea is) ," she said with a small, approving nod.

Esha: Chachi ji...choonki Prachi ne ise banaya tha, hume pahale se hi pata tha ki yah epic hoga(Aunty ji...since Prachi made it we already know it will be epic!)

Prachi gulped but nodded obediently. She picked up the tray, her hands trembling slightly, and walked toward the family sitting in the living room.

Kya bolein, kya bolein

Re milkar kya bolein

(What should we say

What should we say when we meet)

Kartik was the first to notice her fully. "Arre waah! Hamari choti si rani aa gayi! Wah, itni sundar chai leke agar koi aaye toh maza hi aa jaaye (Oh wow! Our little queen has arrived! Wow, it would be fun if someone so beautiful came with tea!)" he teased, nudging Naira, who rolled her eyes.

Prachi blushed deeply and managed a small smile. "Namaste(Hello!)," she said softly, folding her hands before each one of them as they introduced themselves.

(Ignore the sindoor on her forehead)

"This is my husband, Kartik," Naira said, gesturing towards him. "Woh thoda pagal hai, toh usse zyada seriously mat lena. Waise bhi, agar tum samajhdaar ho, toh usse hate karna shuru kar do abhi se(He's a little crazy, so don't take him too seriously. Anyway, if you're smart, start hating him right now.)" 

Esha: Aww! Apane mendhak ko dosh mat do yaar(Don't blame your frog yaar!)😭

"Arre, kya matlab hate karna? Tum kya ho, bhool rahi ho? Ab meri choti behen meri taraf hogi(Hey, what does it mean to hate? What are you, are you forgetting? Now my little sister will be in my side)," Kartik retorted, feigning indignation.

Prachi couldn't help but giggle slightly at their playful banter. "Nahi nahi, main sabke saath hoon(No no, I'm with everyone)," she replied sweetly, lowering her gaze.

Bechaini, betaabi, aaj mujhe yeh kaisi

Aaj hai joh pehle na thi, dil ki haalat aisi

(What's this restlessness in me today

The condition my heart is in, it was never before)

"And this naughty one," Naira continued, pulling Kairav closer, "yeh hamara chhota sher Kairav hai. Kya karoge tum isse, Prachi (This is our little lion Kairav. What will you do with this one, Prachi?)" 

Esha: Aakhir vah sherni ka beta hai(He is the son of a lioness after all!)🦁

Prachi crouched slightly to meet Kairav at eye level. "Toh yeh hai hamara chota sher(So this is our little lion), " she asked, her tone playful yet gentle. "Mujhe toh lagta hai, yeh toh chhota nahi, sabse bada hai(I feel that heis not small, he is the biggest!)" 

Kairav grinned wide. "Main toh sabse bada hoon, aur sabse strong bhi (I am the biggest and also the strongest!)" he declared proudly.

Prachi chuckled, her eyes lighting up. "Accha? Toh ab se main tumhe chote bulaungi, theek hai(Really? So from now on I will call you little one, okay?)" 

Ho aankhon ko ussi ka intezar hai

Unhi ke liye yeh roop yeh shringar ha

(My eyes are waiting for her

I've adorned myself only for him)

Kairav frowned, confused. "Chote kyun(Why small?)" 

Prachi tapped his nose playfully. "Kyunki tum meri choti khushi ban gaye ho (Because you have become my little happiness.)"

The entire room burst into laughter, and Kairav, though puzzled, smiled shyly.

Dekhi hai tasveer hi

Aaj milenge darshan

(I've only seen her picture

Today I'll get to see her in person)

Babita observed Prachi silently, her stern demeanor softening as she watched her niece interact so gracefully with their guests. She couldn't help but feel a small flicker of pride as she saw Prachi fit seamlessly into the lively conversation.

Haaye re badhne lagi hai uljhan

Milkar kya bolein

(Oh my, the confusion is growing

What should we say when we meet)

"Ab yeh lo, chai ka glass sabko do(Now take this, give everyone a glass of tea)," Babita instructed, handing Prachi the tray.

Prachi nodded and started offering cups to each person. She handed Naitik his cup first, greeting him with a soft "Namaste, Chacha ji(Hello, uncle.)" 

Kya bolein, kya bolein

Re milkar kya bolein

(What should we say

What should we say when we meet)

Naitik smiled warmly. "Main sure ho ki tum toh bilkul apni Maa ki tarah lag rahi ho, beta. Itni shanti aur itna pyaar (I'm sure you look exactly like your mother, daughter. So peaceful and so much love.)"

Prachi's smile faltered slightly, but she quickly recovered, murmuring, "Aap logon ka pyar hai (It is your love.)" 

When she offered Kartik the cup, he joked, "Choti behen ki chai zarur superhit hone wali hai (Younger sister's tea is definitely going to be a super hit!)" 

Naira rolled her eyes. "Kartik, bas karo. Tumhe chai mil gayi, toh chup raho (Kartik, stop it. You got tea, so shut up!)" 

"Arre, ab tumhare saath meri ladai mein meri choti Prachi hogi (Hey, now my little Prachi will be in my fight with you!)" Kartik said dramatically, looking at Prachi for backup.

Prachi bit her lip to suppress her smile and said quietly, "Main dono ki saath hoon (I am with both of them.)" 

Kartik mock-gasped. "Betrayal!"

Everyone laughed, and the air lightened as the room filled with warmth and camaraderie.

(Now the moment you all have been waiting for....drumroll please...)😎🥁🥁🥁

Prachi's POV

My hands trembled as I held the tray. It wasn't just the weight of the cups; it was the weight of the moment. I had met everyone—Uncle ji, Naira bhabhi, Kartik ji, and little Kairav, who was already my favorite. But there was still one cup left on the tray. My gaze remained fixed on the floor as I walked toward him. Ranbir Kohli.

Pranbir Fans: Yessss! Poori raat jaagane ke un athak dinon ke baad (After those tireless days of staying up all night! )🤧

I had heard his name so many times on TV, seen his face plastered on billboards and magazine covers, but now he was sitting right here, in my Chacha ji's living room. The superstar. My supposed... match. My fingers tightened around the cup as I approached him. I could feel his eyes on me, intense, burning through the space between us.

"Yeh lijiye (Take this)," I said softly, keeping my voice steady as I held the cup out to him. I dared not look up. I could hear my heartbeat in my ears, loud and insistent. Would he say something? Would he refuse? My palms felt clammy, and I prayed he wouldn't notice how nervous I was.

Ranbir's POV

She's walking toward me. My heart had been thudding since the moment she descended the stairs, but now it was like a drumroll in my chest. She was a vision, a literal dream in yellow and gold. But what struck me most wasn't just her beauty—it was the softness in her eyes, the shyness in her movements, as if she wasn't aware of the sheer magic she carried.

Roop ki rani aayi hai jaise gagan se utar ke

Mere liye kya mere liye aise saj ke sanvar ke

Ho sabse chupa ke idhar udhar se

Mujhko hi dekhe chor nazar se

(It's like a beauty queen has come from the sky

Has she adorned herself just for me

Secretly from here and there

He's looking at me hiding his face)

When she stopped in front of me, holding out the cup, my mind blanked. Completely.

"Y-y-yeh... chai(T-t-this... tea)," I stuttered like an idiot, my hand hovering in the air awkwardly before finally grabbing the cup. The warmth of the tea seeped through the porcelain, but all I could feel was the heat rushing to my face. Why can't I speak like a normal person?

Esha: Maine kabhi kisi ko itna nervous hua nahi dekha! Yeh kya hai yaar (I have never seen anyone this nervous! What is this man!)😣

She nodded slightly, still looking down. Her lashes cast shadows on her cheeks, and for some reason, my throat tightened. I wanted to say something, anything. Compliment her. Thank her. Make her laugh. But instead, I said the stupidest thing possible.

Baat labon par hai ruki

Tezz dilon ki dhadkan

(The words have stopped on the lips

The heartbeats have gotten faster)

"Yeh chai... bohot... garam hai (This tea... is... very... hot.)" Really, Ranbir?

Esha: This boy is so stupid!👊

She glanced up at me for the briefest moment, her lips twitching like she wanted to smile but held back. "Chai toh garam hi hoti hai(The tea is always hot)," she replied softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Haaye re kal ke sajni saajan

Milkar kya bolein

(Oh my, we'll be husband and wife tomorrow

What should we say when we meet)

I chuckled nervously, scratching the back of my neck. "Haan... woh toh hai... I mean, sahi baat hai (Yes... that is so... I mean, that's right.)"

Pranbir Fans: What a way to start your first meeting Ranbir! 😠

Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Kartik smirking. "Lagta hai hamare Ranbir babu ka system overheat ho gaya hai (Looks like our Ranbir's system is overloaded)," he teased, earning laughter from everyone in the room except me.

"Shut up, Kartik bhai!" I muttered, my face burning with embarrassment.

Prachi's hands trembled as she placed the cup of tea in Ranbir's hands. Their fingers brushed slightly, and she quickly withdrew hers, lowering her gaze once again. Ranbir, however, was frozen, staring at her as if he'd seen a goddess.

"Thank you," he managed to mumble, his voice barely audible.

Babita rolled her eyes from her spot on the sofa. "Ranbir ji, chai ke liye thank you ke saath peena bhi padta hai(Ranbir, for tea one has to drink it along with saying thank you)," she said, breaking the awkward silence.

"Ji, haan... peeta hoon(Yes, I will drink)," Ranbir replied hastily, bringing the cup to his lips, though his gaze never left Prachi.

Namrata leaned closer to Naira and whispered, "Jiji ne Ranbir jiju ko speechless kar diya(Sister made Ranbir brother-in-law speechless)" 

Esha: This is quite literal Namrata!🤣

Naira grinned. "Aur Ranbir ji ka yeh awkward moment toh hum kabhi bhoolenge nahi (And we will never forget this awkward moment of Ranbir)," she whispered back.

Meanwhile, Prachi hurried back to Namrata's side, her heart hammering in her chest. She clutched her saree pallu tightly, feeling the weight of everyone's teasing glances. Namrata squeezed her hand reassuringly and whispered, "Jiji, usne tumhe ek baar bhi aankhein jhapkake nahi dekha. Yeh toh bohot serious lagte hain (Sister, he didn't even blink his eyes at you. This seems very serious.)" 

Prachi's cheeks flushed crimson, but she shook her head. "Aise mat bolo, Choti(Don't talk like that, little one)," she whispered back, though a tiny smile tugged at her lips.

On the other side of the room, Ranbir sat clutching his cup of tea like it was his lifeline, his thoughts racing. This is it. I have to talk to her. Say something meaningful. Don't mess this up, Ranbir. But all he could do was steal glances at her, wondering how someone could look so effortlessly perfect.

Prachi walked over to where Naitik sat, a gentle smile playing on her lips. Her movements were graceful, and her eyes held a soft shyness as she addressed him. "Aap... yeh sab theek se chal raha hai, na? Aap thake hue toh nahi lag rahe, Papa ji (You... it's all going well, right? Don't you look tired, Papa?)"

The room went silent for a moment. Everyone, including Naitik, seemed to freeze. The term Papa ji had slipped so naturally from her lips, but it carried a weight of affection and respect that touched everyone deeply.

Naitik's eyes moistened, and a tender smile spread across his face. "Prachi beta...(Prachi daughter)" He paused, his voice thick with emotion. "Tumne mujhe Papa ji kaha(You called me Papa?)" 

Esha: Kam se kam aap to samajhdaar hain Uncle(At least you are wise Uncle!)🤗

Prachi looked down shyly, fidgeting with the edge of her saree. "Agar aapko bura laga ho toh (If you feel bad—)"

"Bura(Bad)?" Naitik interrupted, shaking his head fervently. "Bura kaisa lag sakta hai? Yeh toh mere liye sabse badi baat hai(How can it feel bad? This is the biggest thing for me.)" His voice softened, and he reached out to place a hand gently on her head. "Mujhe bahut khushi hai, beta. Tum yeh keh rahi ho... matlab... tum mujhe apna maan rahi ho (I'm very happy, daughter. You saying this... means... you are considering me as yours.)" 

Raj, sitting nearby, beamed with pride. He clasped his hands together and said, "Naitik, tumhari kismat hai. Prachi toh waise bhi sabka dil jeet leti hai. Ab dekho, tumhe bhi apne Papa bana liya (Naitik, your luck. Anyway, Prachi wins everyone's heart. Now look, she has made you her father too.)" 

Babita, despite her usual reserve, let a small smile escape. "Prachi, tumne yeh keh kar mere Raj ke saath mujhe bhi khush kar diya (Prachi, by saying this you made me happy along with my Raj.)"

Prachi blushed under everyone's gaze but kept her focus on Naitik. "Aap bilkul mere Papa jaise hain... aur agar aapko yeh theek lage toh main hamesha aapko Papa ji bula sakti hoon (You're just like my dad... and I can always call you dad if it's okay with you.)" 

Naitik leaned back, his heart swelling with warmth. "Tum hamesha mujhe yeh keh sakti ho, beta. Mujhe is baat se sirf khushi milegi (You can always call me that, daughter. This will only make me happy.)" 

Esha: Ab tum hamen rulaoge(Now you will make us cry!)😢

From his spot, Raj gave Naitik a playful nudge. "Naitik, tujhe toh jackpot mil gaya. Prachi ne tujhe Papa maan liya. Lagta hai ab tujhe sabse special father-in-law ka title milna chahiye (Naitik, you have got the jackpot. Prachi accepted you as her father. Looks like now you should get the title of most special father-in-law.)" 

The room filled with gentle laughter, and Prachi felt herself relaxing amidst the warmth. For a girl who had always lived in the shadow of fears and insecurities, this moment felt like a small victory, a bridge she had crossed toward trust and belonging.

Namrata grinned mischievously, looking at both Ranbir and Prachi. "Ranbir jiju, Prachi jiji, ab dono upar jaake baithiye aur aapas mein baat kariye. First conversation toh hona hi chahiye na(Ranbir brother-in-law, Prachi sister, now both of you go and sit upstairs and talk to each other. First conversation must happen, right?)" 

Kya bolein, kya bolein

Re milkar kya bolein

(What should we say

What should we say when we meet)

(Song Ends)

Prachi hesitated, her hands twisting the edge of her saree, but Namrata nudged her gently. "Jiji, ab toh jaana hi padega. Main yahan sambhaal loongi sabko(Sister, now you will have to go. I will take care of the rest here)" 

Ranbir stood, his heart pounding a little harder than he'd like to admit. "Chalein, Prachi(Let's go, Prachi?)" he asked softly.

She nodded, her eyes gazing at him, and they made their way upstairs.

Hey my lovely Wattpad fam! 💖

What did you think about this chapter? I poured my heart into capturing the emotions, connections, and subtle sparks that make moments like these unforgettable. ✨ Ranbir's nervousness, Prachi's quiet strength, and the warmth of a family coming together—these are the threads weaving their story, and I hope it resonated with you! 🥰

Ranbir and Prachi's journey is just beginning, and this chapter was all about those small but significant steps—shy glances, hesitant words, and bonds that form without needing to be named. Did their interaction give you butterflies? Because writing it gave me a ton! 🦋

Let me know your thoughts—did Prachi calling Naitik "Papa ji" touch your heart as much as it did mine? And Ranbir's awkward moment? 😂 Classic, right? Drop a comment about your favorite part or any predictions you have for their story! I love reading your theories. 💌

Thank you for your constant love and support—it's your feedback and encouragement that keep me going. Don't forget to vote, share, and comment. Let's keep this story growing together! 🌟

Until next time, stay dreamy and keep shipping #PRANBIR!!! 💕

Much love,

Your favorite Author ji✍️