"So you want to have the swimming pool to the left or should I build it in the seven hundred square feet?" Vijay asked Padmanabh and Vrishali.

"What do you suggest?" Vrishali asked Vijay.

"Hmm, I would suggest turning the whole backyard into a swimming pool area with some space leaving for hanging out. There is already a garden and the main hall will be turned into a sitting or common area," Vijay explained.

"Yes, that sounds better but try to divide the pool into two equal parts. Like put a divider kind in the middle, so it looks like side by side pool," Vrishali said.

"Why?" Vijay asked confused. Padmanabh looks at Vrishali. Harika rolls her eyes leaning against the pillar watching the surroundings.

"Some girls aren't comfortable swimming in the same pool as the boys. You don't know what kind of people step into the pool. It would be better if it is divided into two equal parts, that would make the girls have privacy while swimming in the private pool. Do you understand what I'm saying?" Vrishali said.

"I understand, then let's do like this then."

"You see this part, we will convert this whole backyard into two swimming pools. One is on the right, the middle part will be used as hanging out land and the left will be the private pool. These two pools face each other. The backyard is spacious, even with two pools you won't feel congested," Vijay explains Vrishali and Padmanabh.

Vijay draws his vision and plan on the paper to make them understand what he is saying.

"Sounds good, we can add the open bar near the entrance gate," Vrishali says.

"Yes, that's the plan."

"Aye, you should join the architecture department girl. You are good at it," Vijay complimented Vrishali genuinely.

He admired Vrishali's thoughts and how she shows her interest and dedication in the work. They have been planning about the changes and renovations for the last five days. Vrishali truly helped Padmanabh and Vijay.

Padmanabh smiled more to himself seeing the huge proud smile on Vrishali's face.

"Haha, I'm happy in my department," Vrishali replied and Vijay laughed.

"Now everything is settled, my team and I will start with the physical working from tomorrow," Vijay said.

"Are you two leaving now?" Vijay asked Padmanabh and Vrishali.

"Yes, gotta go home and get ready," Vrishali said.

"Why?"

"My cousin's engagement," Vrishali replied pushing her hair back.

"And you are here to discuss this?" Vijay asked amused.

"Yes, the engagement is in the afternoon and it's only seven now," Vrishali said.

Vrishali knowingly didn't go early, Radhika and Simrita tai doesn't like Vrishali. Vrishali would never go or attend the events if she doesn't feel welcome. She has to attend this engagement even if she doesn't want to. Radhika is her cousin, Vrishali parents couldn't attend the engagement. As a responsibility, she has to attend it.

Ajitesh bhaiyya and Om Prakash came over to their home to invite Padmanabh and Vrishali. Even though Radhika, Simrita tai and Om Prakash taya were evil to her. Ajitesh never treated Vrishali badly, he always showed her respect and Vrishali knew Ajitesh loved her as a sister even though he doesn't show it.

"We will be leaving now," Padmanabh said looking at Vijay. He turned around to tell Harika but she is nowhere to be seen.

"Okay, I will inform Harika that you guys left," Vijay said.

Padmanabh and Vrishali successfully and awkwardly ignored each other. They spoke to each other but couldn't look into each other's eyes.

*

"Aren't you wearing poshak?" Vrishali heard Riddi ask. She placed her phone on the floor looking at the collection of sarees.

"No, I'm wearing a saree," Vrishali replied looking at the red and dark green sarees.

"Why? Everyone is wearing a poshak."

"I'm not into poshak, I like sarees and I don't have many poshaks."

"Okay, get ready quick and be here. We are almost done getting ready," Nandhini spoke.

"Okay dokey!"

The call ended, Vrishali pulled the marron saree out. She kept the saree before her looking in the mirror.

"Perfect."

She pulled the jewellery and bangles out which suit her saree. She got ready but it took her lots of time while adjusting the saree.

She then styled her hair into a classy bun. Dressing up is always fun, coming to India she has been dressing like an Indian princess.

She finished her make up then stepped away to look at herself from top to bottom in the mirror. Many people are going to attend the engagement party.

"Beautiful." She complimented herself giving flying kisses to her in the mirror.

Vrishali has a habit of complimenting herself whenever she looks at herself in the mirror.

Even if she is looking like a homeless man. She grabbed her phone, purse and card then putting them in her handbag.

Wearing her low heels Vrishali confidential walked towards the doors. She stepped out after turning off the electricity in her room.

Padmanabh kept his phone on the table before going over to the fridge. He pulled the water jug out and also glass from the cupboard.

He waited for Vrishali filling his glass and putting the jar back in the fridge. He was halfway finishing his glass when Vrishali walked in. His eyes widen watching her, he coughed out removing the glass away.

Vrishali who entered the kitchen saw Padmanabh coughing out the water after seeing her.

"You okay?" she asked in concern going over to him.

"Yes...Yes.." Padmanabh placed the glass down going over to the cabin island to get the tissues.

"You spiled the water on your phone screen," Vrishali said looking at his phone. She took the tissue paper from him to clean the water on his phone.

Padmanabh kept looking at Vrishali, he couldn't take his eyes off her. She is wearing a marron red banarasi saree with her hair combed into a bun.

Vrishali glanced at Padmanabh who is wearing his signature white kurtha. He is looking hot, Vrishali can feel the butterflies flying in her stomach.

"Shall we go?" Padmanabh asked.

"Yes." Padmanabh took his phone and keys from the cabinet island. Vrishali is the first one to step out, as usual, Padmanabh followed Vrishali.

His gaze shifted to her back, he did a quick check before looking straight. He pulled his lower lip into his mouth shaking his head.

Vrishali checked her phone after getting into the car, Hailey posted stories of the music festival happening in her college. She would be lying if she said she didn't miss her college.

Padmanabh glanced at Vrishali to see the sad look on her face watching her phone. He can hear the sounds of the videos she is watching.

"Are you okay?" Padmanabh asked.

"Ugh, not really. I miss my college. I actually planned so much and had expectations you know as it is going to be my final year. Now I guess I just need to watch the videos and photos posted by my friends," Vrishali explained.

Vrishali truly planned so many things, they were actually excited to participate in all the events and festivals conducted in her college. Last year she had so much fun and this year she hoped for the same or for more.

All her expectations and dreams flew away and she can't do anything about it. There were times where she couldn't hold her tears back and cried silently.

Padmanabh looked at Vrishali as she signed with a sad pout with her gaze shifting to the window. Padmanabh really felt guilty and helpless,

He feels bad, he tried his best to make her feel good but he can understnd what she is feeling. College life is one of the important phases of life, he doesn't want her to miss that.

They reached the venue, Vrishali doesn't want to be sad but she can't help it. She misses her life back in New York. She suddenly missed her parents, her friends, her home, college, parties, her car and everything. Homesickness hit her like a hurricane.

Padmanabh observed Vrishali as she hugged her dada ji(grandpa) and dadi ji(grandma). The smile on her face is fake, he can see the sadness growing in her eyes but she tried to smile seeing her family.

"Kamma gani."

"Gani Kamma." Padmanabh took the blessings from the elders and greeted everyone.

"You are beautiful gudiya(doll)," Kalyan Mewar complimented his granddaughter kissing her forehead.

"Thank you dadu," Vrishali said hugging him.

"Is everything okay dear?" Deepa Mewar asked.

"Yes, everything is okay."

Padmanabh excused himself to go and greet his grandparents and parents. Vrishali turned around and excused herself to greet her in-laws.

Padmanabh stopped and waited for Vrishali. Together they walked towards the other side where the family sat. Vrishali observed that people took a double-take as they walked.

Some even muttered something to the other person standing beside them.

"Aren't they the best looking couple?" Riddi muttered seeing Vrishali and Padmanabh.

"Yeah, they look hot together," Nandhini spoke.

"True," Manav agreed.

"Kamma gani nanaji," Vrishali said bending down touching the feet of Sawai Bhawani Singh.

"Gani kamma, god bless you, dear," Sawai Bhawani Singh said patting Vrishali's head. Vrishali did the same thing to Rajmatha Falguni Singh. Then she greeted Narender Singh and Diya Kumari.

Diya Kumari ignored Vrishali and looked at the entrance, Vrishali is already feeling low and seeing Diya Kumari ignoring her dropped her mood.

Padmanabh spoke with his grandparents and didn't see his mother behaviour towards Vrishali.

"Go and be with your cousins dear," Rajmatha Falguni Singh said.

"Okay, naniji(grandma)" Vrishali spoke going over to where her cousins stood.

They all smiled seeing Vrishali, Vrishali returned the smile but that didn't reach her eyes.

"Wow babe, you look like a princess," Riddi said hugging Vrishali.

"You too."

"Lol, she looks like a pumpkin," Manav commented. Riddi hit Manav.

"You seem down, is everything okay?" Nandhini asked as Vrishali sat beside Nandhini.

"I miss my parents and friends," Vrishali said pouting her lips.

"Awe, I can understand," Nandhini said patting Vrishali's hand.

Padmanabh's eyes scanned the hall to spot Vrishali. He is listening to the men who came over to talk with him.

He stopped scanning when he saw her sitting with her cousins. She is listening to her cousin Nandhini with her arms crossed.

She is across the hall quite far away from where Padmanabh stood but he can see her properly.

She gave a sad smile before saying something to her cousin. Padmanabh looked at the men when they asked him a question.

"Hmm, yes. I agree," Padmanabh spoke not even remembering what the person said. The other young man who stood before Padmanabh gave a sly smile knowing Padmanabh didn't listen to them.

"Is Mr Padmanabh's attention is stolen?" The young man joked. Padmanabh blankly looked at the young man.

"Sathish recently shifted to Jaipur. He is working with our company," Ashish spoke.

Padmanabh nodded his head before excusing himself. He went to grab a glass of water.

"Kamma gani..." Another young man greeted Padmanabh.

"Gani kamma," Padmanabh replied. Another man joined talking with Padmanabh.

The thing continued, Padmanabh stayed quiet most of the time. Listening and half-listening to the men.

His eyes again searched for Vrishali, she is now standing with her grandparents on the stage. The ceremony started and will be done in an hour.

Padmanabh kept his gaze fixed on Vrishali who is looking at the floor with deep thoughts.

He observed her, no one ever grabbed his attention like this. He couldn't look away from Vrishali. She is the magnet and he is getting attracted to the pull.

He can't help as the growing feelings on Vrishali are turning serious. He wonders if Vrishali feels the same about him.

If she can feel the attraction and pull between them. Padmanabh needs to keep his distance and let her enjoy her youth.

All he can see is the sad smile and sad eyes of Vrishali. He doesn't like that on her face and he would do anything possible to make her happy.

Vrishali looked around but she didn't find Padmanabh. Her eyes scanned the hall going from left to right and right to left.

Finally, she stopped looking when she found him standing in the back with men surrounding him.

She can't help but fangirl over him as he stood tall among them with a serious look on his face. He is listening to them without opening his mouth.

She couldn't take her eyes away from him, for comfort reasons she wants to stand beside him. These days without her knowing she started finding comfort and homely feeling being with Padmanabh.

It doesn't matter how much time she is spending with him. It may thirty minutes or ten minutes. Those minutes being with him brings a different level of comfort to her.

She is missing her parents and home. All she wants to feel better is standing or talking with Padmanabh. He is her guilty comfort in India. She is too shy to admit it but she loves the small interactions with Padmanabh.

Padmanabh looked up meeting Vrishali's gaze. She is looking at him, he couldn't read the thoughts but something in him told him to go near here.

Padmanabh excused himself from the group and started walking towards the stage.

Vrishali smiled to herself feeling the rush of excitement in her body when she saw Padmanabh walking towards her way after their eye contact.

Padmanabh watched the smile growing on Vrishali's face. She looks so beautiful standing there looking at him. He was about to smile back when someone stepped into his line of vision.

"Hi Padmanabh, where were you? I didn't see you," Harika spoke.

Padmanabh's eyebrows frowned in confusion seeing Harika. He looked back at Vrishali to see her turning around.

The smile on Vrishali's face dropped when she saw Harika stopping Padmanabh.

"Why the hell is she here?" Vrishali asked herself turning around.

"Who?" Riddi asked confused.

"No one."

"Ah?"

"Vrishali, Riddi come here," Janaki called.

"Yes tai(aunt)"

"Yes ma(mom)"

"Hello, what are you doing here?" Padmanabh asked Harika.

"Radhika is my friend, I'm here to attend her engagement," Harika said smiling at Padmanabh. She knew he isn't pleased that she stopped him when he was going towards his wife Vrishali.

"Radhika? You are friends with her?" Padmanabh asked not believing it. He knew that Harika and Radhika never met each other.

Harika was in London, Radhika never know about his friends. He hardly met Radhika or spoke to her, how would she be friends with Harika.

He shifted his gaze towards where his family sat. True to his thinking his mother is looking at him and Harika.

"Did my mom asked you to befriend Radhika or did she tell Radhika to invite you?" Padmanabh asked bluntly.

Harika wore a shocked expression then quickly changing the expression she frowned at Padmanabh.

"No, Radhika and I know each other. Why would your mum ask me to befriend Radhika?" Harika asked.

Padmanabh shook his head, "excuse me."

Padmanabh was about to move when Harika stopped him by placing her hand on his arm. He knew that the aunts and uncles present are watching everything.

He doesn't want to make a scene and things like this irritate him. He gently removed Harika's hand.

"Harika, I don't like this behaviour. You know about it clearly so stop doing it and please don't touch me, I hope you remember that."

"Padmanabh why are you behaving like this? We are best friends, you don't have to be rude to me."

"Understand, we are best friends. You know the line, you never crossed it in the past. I hope you continue to not cross the line before I lose it." Padmanabh spoke darkly.

Harika stepped away nodding her head. Padmanabh glanced around to see a few are looking at them intensely. He hates attention and drama. Padmanabh searched for Vrishali but he couldn't find her.

"Are you searching for someone?" Narendra Singh asked his son Padmanabh.

"No."

"Okay, your ma(mum) is calling you. She wants to talk with you," Narendra Singh said.

Padmanabh signed, "papa (dad) I will talk with ma(mum) later at the home."

"Just come for a minute and talk to her. If she says something offended just leave."

Padmanabh needs to meet Vrishali before she thinks something. Vrishali gets uncomfortable when she sees Harika.

Padmanabh follows Narendra Singh to where his mother Diya Kumari stood with a few important members who are present for the engagement.

"Haan Padmanabh come here. Everyone meet my son Padmanabh, you all met him years ago," Diya Kumari spoke with a smile.

"Yeah...yeah... We have met the young master long back when he returned India." One man said.

"He grew up into a fine man."

"Have to say ma'am, your son is handsome."

Padmanabh awkwardly stood there with his face blank. As the members of Diya Kumari's party spoke.

"I need to meet others, I will leave now," Padmanabh whispered to his mother. Diya Kumari glared at him.

Padmanabh didn't wait for her response, he excused himself from the men and walked over to another side in search of Vrishali.

Vrishali looked for Padmanabh, she doesn't want to meet him right now after seeing Harika. She is successfully hiding behind her grandparents who are sitting on the stage.

She saw him talking with his mother before nodding his head and leaving.

"I don't understand why you are hiding here?" Nandhini asked.

"We are not hiding," Vrishali replied.

"We are, tell me from whom you are hiding? You don't know anyone except us and your in-laws."

"Wait a minute, are you hiding from your husband?" Nandhini asked amusedly.

"What! No!"

"You are. Why babe? You guys fought while coming here? Is that the reason why you missed your parents and home?" Nandhini asked seriously.

"No, I missed my parents and home because I saw the posts of my friends. I just became emotional you know," Vrishali said.

"Vrishali! Jiju ji (brother-in-law) was asking about you," Manav said.

"Oh hey Vrishali you are here, jiju ji (brother-in-law) was searching for you," Riddi said.

Nandhini laughed shaking her head but Vrishali blushed hiding her face with her hands.

"Get ready for the photo session, then we will go to the food section," Hardik said walking over to where they stood with Aadi.

Vrishali turned her head to see Radhika and the groom smiling at the photographer. The rings are engaged while she was busy hiding her face.

"Hmm, she looks happy. Simrita tai(aunt) can't stop smiling, she is on cloud nine," Riddi said.

"Agreed."

"Come on, let's go and wish them before Simrita tai(aunt) complain," Aadi said.

"Where are you coming girl? Go and get your husband first," Riddi said to Vrishali.

"Ugh."

"Go."

Vrishali turned around to search for Padmanabh.

"Uhh." Vrishali hit someone as they were standing directly behind her.

"Yarr Aadi bhaiyya, why are you standing so close-" Vrishali stopped saying when she saw Padmanabh looking down at her.

"Oh, he found you."

"You don't have to search for jija ji (brother-in-law)" Nandhini said.

"Hide and seek is over," Manav joked but everyone heard him.

The cameraman highlighted Padmanabh and Vrishali. Everyone is watching Padmanabh and Vrishali on the screen.

"Bhawani, look there," Falguni Singh told her husband. Sawai Bhawani Singh looked at the screen.

"Ohoh Padmanabh and Vrishali are on the screen," Narendra Singh said looking at the screen.

The couple caught the attention of everyone, a few awed, some laughed and some stayed neutral.

"Hey, you guys are on the screen," Riddi said. Vrishali took a step back snapping out of the bubble. She looked at the huge LCD screen to see herself with Padmanabh and her cousins.

They placed an LCD screen to the left so that everyone can watch the ceremony happening on the stage. Mainly for the people who are sitting in the back as they can't see the bride and groom. Now Padmanabh and Vrishali stole the limelight.

"I guess Padmanabh ji and Vrishali stole the limelight," Nandhini joked.

Padmanabh and Vrishali stood side by side with flushed cheeks. Everyone can see Padmanabh's ears turning pink.