Diwali night was filled with the gentle hum of conversations and the warmth of family gatherings. Some youngsters were partying out on the lawn while the rest were together inside, preparing for the evening puja. The living room was adorned with flowers and lit with the soft glow of oil lamps, creating an atmosphere of peace and devotion.

As the time for the puja approached, the pandit ji looked at Aarti and asked, "Who will perform the puja?"

Aarti stepped forward with a warm smile. "Pandit ji, I would like Khushi to do it," she said, gesturing to Khushi. "She is just like my own daughter."

Khushi, taken aback by the honor, moved to the front, her heart pounding in her chest. She felt the weight of everyone's eyes on her, especially Arnav's. Standing beside Sonia, Arnav couldn't help but smile at Khushi's nervous excitement. As she walked past him, he leaned in and whispered, "Only the daughter-in-law has all rights to perform the puja."

Khushi's face turned crimson, and she quickly averted her eyes. Arnav's wink and smirk only made her blush harder. She could feel his gaze on her as she approached the altar, her hands slightly trembling as she took the puja thali from Aarti.

Sonia, standing nearby, noticed the exchange and frowned. She couldn't quite put her finger on it, but something about Arnav and Khushi's interaction bothered her.

The pandit ji began reciting the mantras, and Khushi followed his instructions, offering the flowers, lighting the incense, and waving the aarti plate with practiced grace.

Despite her initial nervousness, she felt a sense of calm wash over her as she performed the rituals. The blessings from Aarti and the pandit ji filled her heart with warmth and gratitude.

"Amazing beta, tumhe Supatra Var Prapti Ho (May you get a suitable good husband)," Panditji blessed Khushi, making her blush.

Arnav didn't miss the chance to wink at her.

"Yes, Panditji, by your blessing, we may soon get a prospective groom," Garima teased, looking at Khushi.

"Maa, I won't marry soon and leave you, papa, or Aru," Khushi complained.

Arnav raised his eyebrows at her, as if saying, "Really?"

"Yes, our Khushi won't go anywhere. If I could do something, I'd keep her forever with me," Aarti said, making Arnav tease Khushi with his expression.

Everyone shared a laugh, unaware of the secret love budding around them. As the puja concluded, everyone gathered around to receive the prasad.

Arnav made his way over to Khushi, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Wow, Khush, you did great," he said softly, just loud enough for her to hear. "My future wife performs puja so beautifully."

Khushi's heart skipped a beat, and she looked up at him, trying to hide her smile. "Arnie, stop it," she whispered back, her cheeks still flushed.

Sonia, watching from a distance, felt a pang of jealousy. She couldn't help but notice how comfortable and close Arnav and Khushi seemed, even in a crowded room. She tried to brush off the feeling, reminding herself of their friendship.

Khushi went towards Sonia to give her the prasad, but Sonia walked past her without taking it, leaving Khushi confused.

The pandit finished the initial rituals and turned to Khushi, his eyes twinkling with wisdom. "Beta, since you have performed the puja, you should also keep the puja diyas all over the home. It will bring light and blessings to every corner."

Khushi brushed off her thoughts, focusing on the task at hand. She approached the idol, gently taking the colorful diya tray from its feet. The flickering flames danced in the small earthen lamps, casting a warm glow.

Aarti stepped forward, smiling warmly. "Khushi, let me explain where to keep the diyas. They need to be placed in a few specific corners of the house, on the balcony, and especially around the rangoli."

Khushi nodded attentively, balancing the tray carefully. She started with the corners of the room, placing the diyas meticulously, ensuring each one was lit and stable. The soft glow began to spread, filling the house with a sense of warmth and peace.

She approached the rangoli in the center of the living room. The intricate patterns of colored powder were already beautiful, but the addition of the diyas made them come to life. She placed each diya with care, the light enhancing the vibrant colors of the rangoli.

"Need any help?" Arnav appeared out of nowhere, taking a diya and placing it with her, his hand covering hers.

Khushi gasped, looking around to see if anyone was watching. Fortunately, there was no one around. "Arnie, why are you behaving like this? What's happened to you?" All this was new for Khushi.

"Love," he said, a naughty glint in his eyes.

"Really? Just now love happened? In one day?" she asked, pushing his hand away.

"No, but today we confessed. Before, I didn't get a chance. But now, I've got to show you how much I love you, right?" Arnav said innocently.

"Arnie, please, can we be normal?" she asked with hesitation.

Arnav's expression softened. "Am I overwhelming you, Khush?"

"No, no, it's not like that. I mean, I want to focus on Aru now," she confessed, feeling guilty for being happy.

"I understand, Khush, and I'm also worried for him, but don't worry, we will not let anything happen to Aru. Okay?" Arnav held her shoulder, asking with hope.

"Okay," she nodded, hugging him with tears.

"Well, now who's romancing?" Arnav teased her again to bring a smile to her face.

Khushi hit his chest, coming out of the hug. Both of them laughed, looking at each other. "Now go away, I need to complete the task given to me," she pushed him away.

"Haan, now you will only listen to your mother-in-law," Arnav teased, making Khushi glare at him.

"Arnie," she said sternly.

"Okay, okay, I'm going," he quickly pecked her cheek and ran away.

Khushi was shocked at the sudden kiss. She touched her cheek, blushing, then focused on her task.

The house was filled with a gentle glow, a symbol of the blessings and love that surrounded them. The atmosphere was serene yet joyous, as the flickering lights of the diyas brought a sense of unity and peace to the household.

Finally, moving to the balcony, Khushi arranged the diyas along the railing after removing a few flower garlands from there. The small flames flickered in the gentle evening breeze. She paused for a moment, taking in the serene view, before continuing.

She felt someone's presence, like someone was watching her. It must be Arnie, she thought, smiling without turning back and carrying on with her work.

When she turned back, expecting Arnav to be there, she saw Sonia standing there, looking at her intently. Khushi stood rooted to her spot, looking at the way Sonia's gaze pierced through her.

"Wow Khushi, very nice," Sonia complimented her, which Khushi thought was for the diyas.

"Yes, indeed, it's amazing," Khushi looked back at the diyas she had placed.

"I don't understand if you are really innocent or acting like one?" Sonia asked mockingly.

"What do you mean?" Khushi asked, scrunching her eyebrows.

"Look Khushi, Arnav is not your type. He is different. His likes and choices are different," Sonia said eagerly.

"What? Why are you saying all this to me? No one knows Arnie better than me," Khushi said with finality.

"But you know he is my boyfriend, right?" Sonia raised her eyebrows.

"I'm confused, Sonia. Why are you acting in front of me? I know you love someone else. What's his name? Yeah, Rohan. Isn't he the one who met us outside the pub? He was also here at the party but I suppose he left now. There's no more need to act," Khushi revealed to Sonia that she knew the truth.

Sonia was flabbergasted. So, Arnav told her about the deal they had, she thought, sighing.

"Relax, Khushi. I was just teasing you. I could see something brewing between you and Arnav, and that's why I wanted to know if something was up," Sonia cleared the air.

"Oh, you'll know when the time comes," Khushi smiled at her and went away.

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"Arnav" Sonia called him, seeing him lost watching khushi

"Hey Sonia, where did you disappear? I thought you went with Rohan" Arnav asked genuinely

"I was here only Arnav. May be your eyes were not on me" She said with a hidden meaning

"Ya.. I was with you until Rohan was here, later I thought.. There's no need to act..!" Arnav told as a matter of fact

"Was it all just act for you?" She asked with low voice

"What?" Arnav asked because he didn't hear her properly

"Nothing.. I'm just leaving" Sonia informed him

"Stay for dinner" He said for formality, again his eyes wandering towards khushi while sipping his juice

"No, thanks.. Bye" She told noticing his gaze somewhere else

"Hmm.. Ok.. Bye" Arnav was not even looking at her, he just made a silly face while sipping the juice

Sonia just sighed and went from there

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The families then settled down for dinner, with Khushi and Arnav sneaking glances at each other across the table. Every time their eyes met, Khushi's heart fluttered, and she could see the affection in Arnav's gaze.

After dinner, as everyone was enjoying dessert and chatting, Arnav found a moment to tease Khushi again. "You know, Khush, if you keep blushing like that, everyone will figure out our secret," he said with a playful grin.

Khushi shot him a mock glare. "You're the one who keeps saying things to make me blush," she retorted, trying to keep her voice down.

"Maybe I just like seeing you blush," he replied, leaning in closer.

"Arnie, please, not again," she said, feeling the heat rise to her cheeks once more.

Their playful banter continued, unnoticed by the rest of the family, who were engrossed in their own conversations. The night was filled with laughter, blessings, and the unspoken bond between Arnav and Khushi, their secret love glowing brightly amidst the festivities.

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Love, ❤
Uzma.