7th july, 2024

the anticipation in the air was palpable as the luxurious cars pulled up to the grand venue of the sangeet ceremony. the sprawling estate was adorned with twinkling lights and vibrant floral arrangements, setting the perfect backdrop for the high-profile event. as the pandya family, along with kasturie, ishan and aarya, arrived, they could feel the eyes of the paparazzi and guests alike turning towards them.

as they stepped out of the car, kasturie and hardik were the first to make their way towards the entrance, where a beautifully decorated backdrop awaited for photos. the bright flashes of the cameras began immediately, capturing every move they made. the two posed together, their smiles genuine but aware of the attention they were garnering.

“yeh kya scene hai? hardik ka divorce abhi hua aur nayi ladki?” one of the paparazzi murmured to another, the comment reaching their ears despite the cacophony.

“aur kasturie aur shubman ke dating rumours ka kya?” another voice added, the confusion evident in the tone.

hardik and masturie exchanged a glance, their expressions unfazed by the murmurs. they had expected some speculation, but it was still a bit jarring to hear it so openly. maintaining their poise, they continued to pose for the cameras, aware that their every move was being scrutinized.

after a few more clicks, krunal and pankhuri stepped up next, posing gracefully for the eager photographers. the contrast between the couples was evident – krunal and pankhuri, with their established relationship, brought a sense of stability to the otherwise buzzing atmosphere.

finally, ishan and aarya made their entrance, the young couple radiating an infectious energy that seemed to uplift the crowd. the photographers couldn’t get enough, their cameras flashing incessantly.

once the photo session was over, the group moved inside to the main venue. the ambiance inside was even more breathtaking, with elegant chandeliers casting a warm glow over the room. guests mingled, laughter and conversations creating a vibrant atmosphere.

as they made their way through the crowd, they spotted mahi, surrounded by well-wishers. today was not only the sangeet but also his birthday, adding an extra layer of celebration to the event.

“mahi bhai!” hardik called out, leading the way. the group gathered around mahi, showering him with birthday wishes. mahi smiled warmly, his presence always exuding a calm and reassuring aura.

“thank you, everyone,” mahi replied, his voice filled with gratitude. “it means a lot to have you all here.”

the pandya family, aarya, kasturie and ishan, found their assigned seats, settling in as the ceremony began. the sangeet performances were a blend of tradition and modernity, each act more captivating than the last. the vibrant dances, soulful songs, and heartfelt speeches kept everyone enthralled.

halfway through the event, nita ambani took the stage. her elegant demeanor commanded attention as she addressed the crowd. “ladies and gentlemen, it’s an honor to have you all here tonight. before we proceed with the celebrations, I’d like to take a moment to recognize some very special guests – our world cup champions.”

the crowd erupted into applause as rohit, surya, hardik, and kasturie were called onto the stage. they hugged each other as they got on stage and stood side by side, their camaraderie evident as they smiled at the audience.

“these incredible athletes have not only brought glory to our nation but have also inspired millions with their dedication and passion,” nita ambani continued, her voice filled with emotion. “we are proud to celebrate their achievements tonight.”

the applause grew louder, the room filled with admiration and respect for the champions. as they stepped down from the stage, the dj announced the start of the dance party, signaling a shift from formal to fun.

ishan, hardik, kasturie, and mahi were among the first to hit the dance floor. the music was infectious, and soon they were all dancing with abandon. kasturie found herself laughing and spinning, the joy of the moment overwhelming any lingering fatigue.

“you’ve got some moves, mahi bhai!” Hardik shouted over the music, grinning widely.

“you’re not too bad yourself, harry!” mahi retorted, his smile just as wide.

as the night progressed, the dance floor became a blur of colors and movements. friends and family danced together, the music uniting them in a shared celebration. jt was a night to remember, filled with laughter, love, and the unbreakable bond of friendship.

by the time the festivities wound down, Kasturie was exhausted. her feet ached, and her energy was spent, but her heart was full. pankhuri noticed her fatigue and insisted she stay at the pandya house for the night.

"yaaar mere pair dukh rhe hai." kasturie groaned, she has 2-3 drinks which made her a bit tipsy.

"tujhe hi heels pehenne the, bola tha maine hamesha jaise pehen le shoes waise bhi lehenge mein kaha dikhne wale hai shoes par nahi hume aaj hi ladkiyo jaise heels pehenne ki chul machi thi." hardik said looking at her tired figure.

"kya yaar ab lecture mat de aur pankhu tumhe 21 tofo ki salami yaar kaise heels mein itni der chal leti ho."

"chal ab heels nikal aur mujhe de car tak mere shoes pehen ke chal." hardik said making her sit on a nearby chair and he bent down to remove her heels. as he was giving his shoes to her, she stopped him.

"rehne de jyada nhi chalna hai idhar hi car hai i can walk aise hi." she said.

"pakka?"

"haa re, pakka."

"chalo ab jaldi ya yahi pe rehna hai?" krunal said ushering them outside.

“and you’re not going home in this state,” pankhuri said firmly. “we have plenty of room, and you need to rest.”

hardik nodded in agreement. “im with pankhu on this. besides, we can all continue the fun tomorrow.”

with little resistance, kasturie agreed. as they made their way back to the pandya house, she couldn’t help but feel grateful for the people around her. their support and friendship meant everything, especially during such high-pressure times.

as they arrived at the pandya house, pankhuri immediately took charge, making sure everyone was comfortable. the house was a haven of warmth and familiarity, a perfect end to a perfect night.

🕸️

9th july, 2024.

9:03 am.

the morning of the haldi ceremony at the ambani residence was filled with a buzz of excitement and anticipation. kasturie, ishan, hardik, krunal, and pankhuri were all getting ready together at the pandya house, making sure they were dressed to perfection for the big day.

“jaldi uth jao, guys!” pankhuri called out, her voice echoing through the house. “we need to be at the ambani's in a few hours, and everyone still needs to get ready!”

kasturie, still groggy from sleep, rolled over in bed and groaned. “this is why i hate early morning functions,” she muttered, rubbing her eyes. ishan, who was sprawled out on the other side of the bed, wasn’t faring much better. last night, kasturie, ishan and aarya crashed into the guest room together and had a movie night, aarya being an early riser, woke up and went to the kitchen to help pankhuri, leaving kasturie and ishan on thee bed, sprawled in a very weird way. “we could have just skipped the morning rituals and gone straight to the party,” he joked, his voice thick with sleep.

hardik, already awake and scrolling through his phone, looked up and grinned. “aur phir tum dono ke bina hum sab kitne incomplete lagte? no chance, tum log uthne hi padenge,” he said, getting up and pulling the covers off them.

“bhai, aise nahi uthana tha yaar!” kasturie protested, shivering slightly as the cool air hit her. but hardik just laughed, walking out of the room to get ready himself.

soon enough, the entire house was bustling with activity. pankhuri, ever the organized one, had already laid out all their outfits for the day. today, she had chosen to wear a minimal yellow lehenga, which complemented the theme of the ceremony perfectly. the lehenga was light, with delicate floral embroidery that gave it an elegant touch and perfect for the haldi ceremony.

“pankhu, yeh lehenga jyada heavy nhi lag raha?” kasturie said, holding it up with a skeptical look. “you know i hate wearing these.”

“i know, i know,” pankhuri said with a smile. “but trust me, it’s not as heavy as it looks. plus, you’ll look stunning in it.”

kasturie sighed, knowing there was no arguing with pankhuri when it came to fashion. “okay, okay. i’ll wear it. but only because it’s the ambani’s wedding.”

as they began getting ready, the atmosphere was filled with laughter and playful banter. the stylists worked their magic on pankhuri and kasturie, while the boys were in another room with their own team, getting dressed and styled for the event.

“aaj hum log sabki aankhon ka nishana banenge,” pankhuri said with a grin as she watched the stylist finish kasturie’s hair. “especially you, kasturie. you’re going to look like a total knockout.”

“bas bas, itna mat chadhaiyo mujhe,” kasturie said with a blush, but she couldn’t help the smile that spread across her face.

as she got ready, kasturie couldn’t help but feel a flutter of excitement. the haldi ceremony was one of her favorite traditions – the simplicity, the fun, and the significance of the ritual always resonated with her.

when she stepped out into the living room, she was greeted with cheers and whistles. hardik, krunal, and ishan were already in their traditional matching kurtas, each donning a different shade of yellow. the camaraderie between them was evident as they teased each other, their laughter filling the air.

“yeh lo, kasturie aa gayi!” krunal announced, clapping his hands together. “ab nikle?”

pankhuri and aarya were equally radiant in their yellow outfits, both of them rushing over to kasturie as she joined the group. “you look beautiful,” aarya said, adjusting the dupatta of kasturie’s lehenga slightly.

“thanks! you two look stunning as well,” kasturie replied, genuinely touched by the compliments.

as they gathered together, pankhuri and krunal led the way to the car. “chalo, let’s get going before we’re late,” pankhuri said, ushering everyone out the door. “we don’t want to keep the ambanis waiting.”

(kasturie's outfit)

the drive to the venue was filled with light-hearted conversation and excitement. kasturie found herself checking her phone, debating whether or not to send a picture of herself in the lehenga to shubman. after a moment of hesitation, she snapped a quick photo and sent it to him with a simple message: 'how do i look?'.

within seconds, her phone buzzed with a reply. 'you look beautiful, just like always.' shubman had texted back, along with a heart emoji. his words made her heart flutter, and she couldn’t help the smile that spread across her face.

the haldi ceremony at the ambani residence was nothing short of a vibrant and joyous celebration. the grand venue was adorned with marigold flowers and colorful drapes, setting the perfect backdrop for the festivities. the boys—hardik, krunal, and ishan—arrived together with kasturie, pankhuri and aarya, the women adding a touch of elegance to the occasion. the bond between kasturie and the pandya brothers was evident as they joked and teased her, making sure she felt like a part of their family.

kasturie, dressed in her simple yet stunning yellow lehenga, was the center of attention. her outfit was a reflection of her personality—graceful, yet understated.

the ceremony began with the traditional application of haldi to the groom. the pandya's on the other hand, began with their own haldi.

“halka haath, bhai! yeh pura jism yellow na ho jaye,” hardik protested, laughing as krunal smeared the turmeric paste generously across his face.

ishan, never one to miss a chance to make things more fun, took a handful of haldi and sneakily applied it to hardik’s hair, causing an uproar of laughter from everyone.

pankhuri walked towards kasturie with hands full of haldi “yeh lagao aur glow karo,” pankhuri teased as she smeared the paste on kasturie’s cheeks. the turmeric paste was cool against her skin, and the scent of sandalwood was calming, making the whole experience feel like a rejuvenating ritual rather than just a ceremony.

but the calm didn’t last long. hardik, with a mischievous grin, grabbed a handful of haldi and approached kasturie. “ab tumhari baari,” he said, his voice playful.

“hardik dada nahii!” kasturie warned, trying to dodge him, but it was too late. with a swift move, hardik smeared the haldi on her face, much to the amusement of everyone around.

“yeh lo, tum bhi yellow ho gayi,” he said, laughing as she tried to wipe some of it off.

“tumse yeh umeed thi, hardik bhai!” kasturie laughed, playfully slapping his arm before grabbing some haldi and retaliating, smearing it across his face and neck.

the ceremony quickly turned into a playful battle of haldi, with everyone getting involved. by the end of it, both hardik and kasturie, along with most of the guests, were covered in haldi, their clothes and faces a bright shade of yellow. the courtyard echoed with laughter and joy, the essence of the ceremony captured in the camaraderie and fun.

after a while of basically playing holi with haldi they sat down for a while, her phone buzzed with a message from shubman. she smiled, knowing he was miles away but still very much a part of this special day. she quickly snapped a selfie, capturing the playful smudge of turmeric on her cheek, and sent it to him.

"missing you," she typed, her heart aching a little.

almost immediately, her phone buzzed with his reply. "meri swarg se utri hui kokil kanthi apsara😍. i wish i was there to see you in person."

she could almost hear the sincerity in his words, and it made her miss him even more. before she could reply, hardik leaned over her shoulder and saw the message.

"oh, someone’s blushing," he teased, ruffling her hair, which was already slightly messy from all the playful smearing of haldi.

"shut up, hardik," she replied, swatting his hand away with a grin. "tumhe haldi pe concentrate karni chahiye."

krunal joined in, "acha hai shubman ko message karke bol de ki woh jaldi se wapas aayega. humari behen is very akeli without him. ab tum logo ki shaadi bhi toh karwani hai"

pankhuri and aarya exchanged knowing glances, giggling at the light-hearted banter. "aww, our little kuku is all grown up," pankhuri said, pretending to wipe away a tear.

ishan, never one to miss out on a chance to tease, added, "lekin abhi toh bhaut kuch baaki hai. shubman ko humse permission leni padegi."

the group erupted in laughter, the teasing serving to mask the small twinge of sadness kasturie felt with shubman not being there. but she knew he was just a call away, and that made everything better.

as the ceremony went on, kasturie found herself thinking about how lucky she was to have this second family in the pandyas. they had welcomed her with open arms, treating her like their own sister. hardik, especially, had been protective of her ever since they first met, and now, seeing him happy despite everything he had been through, made her feel a deep sense of gratitude.

"yeh toh hota hi hai," hardik said as if reading her thoughts. "family sabse zaroori hoti hai, aur tum toh humare family ka hissa ho."

"aur tum bhi," she shot back playfully, nudging him with her elbow.

after the ceremony, they all sat together for lunch. the atmosphere was relaxed, filled with chatter and laughter. as they ate, kasturie kept her phone close, occasionally checking for messages from shubman. even though he wasn't there physically, his presence was felt in every moment of her day.

later, as they all prepared to leave, pankhuri pulled kasturie aside. "tumhe pata hai na, sabse important baat yeh hai ki tum khush raho," she said softly, her eyes filled with understanding.

kasturie nodded, her eyes misting up slightly. "i am, pankhuri. thanks to all of you."

as they drove back home, kasturie felt a mix of emotions. she was surrounded by people who loved her, yet there was a part of her that longed for shubman’s presence. she knew they would be together soon, but for now, she had the pandya brothers, pankhuri, and aarya to keep her spirits high. and that was more than enough.

back home, she couldn’t resist sending one more message to shubman. "can’t wait to see you.ab merese raha nhi jaa rha."

his reply was instantaneous. "soon, love. i promise. and when i do, we’ll make up for all the lost time."

with that, kasturie felt a warmth spread through her. despite the distance, they were connected in a way that made everything else fade into the background. and as she drifted off to sleep that night, surrounded by the love of her extended family, she knew she had everything she needed—both here and in her heart.

🕸️

a/n : so sorry guys I went underground for some time.

i had a writer's block and my health wasn't at its best for the last few weeks.

but now I'm back better than ever.

sorry for the delay, hope you understand.

peace out.
~k.