"dil ke nagar mein
sheher tu basa le piya"

JANHAVI

The atmosphere at Shubman's wedding was far from celebratory. Despite the traditional sounds of dhols, laughter, and chatter filling the air, a tension lay heavy over the proceedings. Ishan and I arrived at the venue just in time for the sangeet, a grand event full of color and exuberance, but I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. The atmosphere was festive, but there was a tension lingering beneath the surface-because this wasn't a typical wedding celebration. This was an unwilling marriage, one forced by circumstances, and everyone could feel the weight of it, especially Shubman. I glanced at Ishan as we stepped out of the car, and he gave me a reassuring smile, squeezing my hand.

As we walked through the entrance, I nudged Ishan, who was looking around, clearly remembering our own wedding day. "Feels like déjà vu, doesn't it?" I teased.

Ishan chuckled, but his eyes were on Shubman, who stood with his groomsmen, looking tense, his brows furrowed.

From what I'd heard, Shubman wasn't exactly thrilled about this marriage with Samaira, and if the rumors were true, Samaira was even more reluctant. It felt like the entire situation was teetering on the edge of something explosive, and there was much more to their story than anyone knows.

The sangeet was in full swing, with loud Bollywood music blasting through the speakers,our Kul-Cha duo as DJ in Bhangra beats. The Punjabi wedding vibes were unmistakable, with men in sherwanis and women in vibrant lehengas dancing on the large lawn. The ICT members were, of course, the life of the party. I spotted Hardik and Surya already breaking into an impromptu bhangra circle, while Rohit bhaiya was sipping on a drink, laughing at Virat bhaiya's enthusiastic dance moves.

But the moment my eyes landed on Shubman, standing near the bar with a stiff drink in his hand, my heart sank. He wasn't even pretending to enjoy himself. His eyes were narrowed, and his lips were set in a grim line. I glanced at Ishan, and he followed my gaze.

"Main usse baat karta hoon," Ishan murmured, already moving towards his janeman.

As I watched Ishan approach Shubman, my attention shifted to the bride-to-be. Samaira was standing a little away from the crowd, looking even more out of place than Shubman. Dressed in a stunning pink lehenga, she looked beautiful, but her expression was distant, almost detached. I knew I had to speak to her.

Taking a deep breath, I made my way over, weaving through the crowd until I stood beside her, "Hi, Samaira," I greeted softly. She looked up, surprised to see me.

"Janhavi, right?" she asked, forcing a small smile.

I nodded and sat down beside her. "Yeah, Ishan's wife. I thought I'd come and check on you. I know weddings can be... overwhelming."

She gave me a small, tight-lipped smile. "Yeah, I guess."

We stood there for a moment, watching the crowd. The laughter and dancing seemed so distant from where we were standing, almost like we were in a completely different world.

"I know it's not my place," I began cautiously, "but I wanted to say that I understand this isn't easy. But I've known Shubman for a long time. He's a good guy, even if he can be a bit... difficult."

Samaira's eyes darkened at the mention of Shubman. "Difficult is putting it lightly," she muttered. "I don't even know why he's going through with this if he doesn't want to marry me. Plus I know Shubman for a long time now... atleast I think I know, and he'll make my life a living hell"

I sighed, understanding her frustration. "It's complicated for him, too. I'm not saying he's perfect, but I think both of you are in a tough spot. He's not as bad as he might seem right now." I couldn't comment much because the way Samaira described him, I've never ever seen that face of Shubi, he's a walking green forest! How can he make someone's life hell?

Samaira's shoulders slumped a little, and for the first time, she looked genuinely vulnerable. "I don't know, Janhavi. I don't think we belong together. This marriage feels like a compromise neither of us wanted. I never ever wanted to get married in this manner and that too with that man!"

I nodded, sensing her pain. "Maybe right now it does. But sometimes, things can change in ways you don't expect. I mean, look at me and Ishan. We've had our share of ups and downs, but in the end, we figured out what matters most. We also had an unwilling marriage"

Samaira looked at me thoughtfully, as if trying to process my words. "Maybe. But I'm not sure Shubman sees it that way. And talking about your marriage Janhavi, atleast Ishan is a very nice guy... unlike that toxic son of a bitch. He's a damn cheater"

Before I could respond, we were interrupted by a loud cheer from the dance floor. It was Shubman, being dragged onto the floor by Hardik and Surya, much to his reluctance. I could see the strain on his face, but Ishan was right there beside him, whispering something in his ear, probably trying to calm him down.

"Come on, let's join them," I said to Samaira, offering her my hand. "If nothing else, let's just have some fun tonight. You deserve to enjoy your own wedding, even if it's not perfect."

Samaira hesitated for a moment but then nodded, placing her hand in mine. Together, we walked towards the dance floor, where the rest of the ICT gang was already in full celebration mode. As soon as they saw us, they pulled us into the circle, and I found myself laughing, twirling, and dancing with Samaira and all other ICT wags by my side.

The music thumped louder, and the vibrant lights danced across the lawn as the sangeet continued in full swing. The laughter and cheers around me were almost infectious, but I couldn't shake the odd feeling settling in my stomach. One moment, I was spinning in circles with Samaira, trying to lighten her mood, and the next, the world tilted, and a wave of nausea washed over me.

I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. Maybe it's just the heat, I thought, though deep down, something told me it wasn't that simple.

"I'll be right back," I murmured to Samaira, who nodded distractedly, still focused on the dancing crowd. I turned and slipped away from the group, making my way toward the garden area, away from the noise. The fresh air hit me, but instead of making me feel better, the churning in my stomach intensified.

Just as I reached a secluded spot near the entrance, I felt my knees buckle slightly.

Oh no...

"Janhavi?" Ishan's voice broke through the haze. He was suddenly by my side, his face filled with concern. "Are you okay? What's wrong?"

"I...I don't feel so good," I whispered, clutching my stomach as another wave of nausea threatened to overwhelm me.

"Come on, let's get you to the washroom." Without hesitation, Ishan gently guided me, his arm firmly around my waist for support. His usual playful demeanor had vanished, replaced by pure worry. "It's probably just something you ate," he said, trying to reassure himself as much as me, though his furrowed brow told a different story.

As we reached the washroom, I could barely hold it together. The second I stepped inside, I lunged toward the sink, and everything I'd eaten that evening came back up. Ishan stood beside me, rubbing my back in soothing circles, whispering calming words as I heaved.

"It's okay, I'm here," he said softly, handing me a towel once I was done. "Just breathe, Janhavi. It'll pass."

I leaned against the cool marble counter, feeling drained and embarrassed. "I'm so sorry," I mumbled, wiping my face with the towel.

"Sorry? Don't be ridiculous," Ishan said, his voice full of concern. "You're clearly unwell. Let's get you checked out, okay?"

Just as I opened my mouth to protest, a loud knock came from the door, followed by a familiar voice. "Oi, what's going on in there? Janhavi, tum theek ho?"

It was Shubman. He sounded worried, which only added to my embarrassment.

Ishan opened the door slightly, just enough to talk. "She's not feeling well, Shubi. Just give us a minute."

But Shubman, never one to back down, pushed his way inside, eyes wide with panic. "Are you serious? Janhavi looks awful, bhai. Why didn't you say something earlier? Wait, let me call someone."

Before Ishan or I could protest, Shubman was already shouting for help, causing a small commotion outside. Within moments, a crowd had gathered near the washroom, and I could hear several voices-concerned murmurs, and some whispering about what was happening.

Komal Sharma, Abhishek's younger sister, and a doctor, rushed through the throng of guests. Her face was calm but focused as she approached. "What's going on here? I heard someone's unwell."

Ishan sighed in relief. "Komal, thank God you're here. Janhavi isn't feeling well. She threw up a few minutes ago."

Komal immediately went into professional mode. She knelt beside me, her eyes scanning my face. "Janhavi, how are you feeling? Have you eaten anything unusual?"

I shook my head, feeling awkward about all the attention. "No, I don't think so. It just came out of nowhere."

Komal frowned, checking my basic parameters before asking, "When was the last time you had your period?"

My cheeks flushed at the question, and I glanced around at the crowd. There were so many people-Shubman, Abhishek, Hardik, and a few other cricketers standing nearby, watching with concerned faces. I felt mortified. It wasn't something I was used to discussing, especially not in front of so many people.

Ishan, sensing my hesitation, nudged me gently. "Janhavi, just answer her."

Reluctantly, I cleared my throat. "I... I don't remember. It's pretty late, I guess."

Komal's eyes widened slightly, and she stood up, looking more serious now. "Janhavi, I think you should take a pregnancy test."

A collective gasp rippled through the group, and I heard Abhishek mutter, "Oye hoye," while Shubman looked completely flabbergasted.

"Pregnancy?" I stammered, my mind racing.

That can't be it... can it? I mean.... We had sex without a condom but....

Ishan, on the other hand, seemed frozen in place, his eyes wide as if trying to process the words. Then, slowly, a grin spread across his face, though he looked like he was trying to contain it. "Wait, are you saying...?"

Komal smiled softly, nodding. "It's just a guess based on the symptoms, but I'd suggest taking a test as soon as possible to confirm. The nausea, fatigue... it all points that way."

Before I could even react, the guys from the Indian cricket team burst into teasing mode.

"Arey wah, Ishan! Already starting your own cricket team, huh?" Shreyas bhai teased, clapping Ishan on the back.

"I told you, Shubman, married life changes a man!" Virat added with a wink.

Ishan's grin only widened as the teasing continued, while I, on the other hand, was still trying to wrap my head around the situation. I felt like my entire world had just been turned upside down.

"Ab kya hoga?" I muttered under my breath, feeling a mix of shock, embarrassment, and excitement.

Rohit bhaiya stepped forward, his usual calm and fatherly demeanor present. "Arre, don't worry, Janhavi. If you're pregnant, it's the best news ever. Trust me, it's all part of the journey."

Shubman, who had been standing off to the side, still looked a little stunned. "Wait... so, this means you guys are...?" he trailed off, his expression a mix of disbelief and amusement.

I nodded slowly, feeling a smile tug at my lips despite my nerves. "I guess so..."

And that was it. The room erupted in cheers, and before I knew it, I was being congratulated from all sides. The whole team had gathered, some laughing, some making jokes about the future baby being the next star cricketer, while others offered genuine words of happiness.

Abhishek, always the mischievous one, said, "Yaar, iski pehli gift toh bat aur ball honi chahiye!"

Everyone laughed, and even I couldn't help but chuckle at the ridiculousness of it all. Despite the chaos, there was something heartwarming about the way everyone had rallied around us.

"Alright, alright," Komal interrupted, raising her hands to quiet the group. "As happy as we all are, Janhavi still needs to take it easy. Don't overwhelm her."

Ishan wrapped his arm around me, his eyes soft and full of affection. "You okay?" he whispered, and I nodded, leaning into him.

"I'm more than okay," I whispered back, feeling a sense of calm wash over me. "I'm... excited."

Ishan's face broke into another wide grin, and he kissed my forehead softly. "We're going to be parents."

The teasing continued for a while longer, with everyone throwing in jokes about baby names and future cricket matches. But amid all the chaos, I couldn't stop smiling. It was overwhelming, yes, but it was also beautiful. The joy, the excitement, the unexpectedness of it all-it felt perfect, even in its imperfection.

As we made our way back to the wedding festivities, the crowd slowly dispersed, but not without a few more playful jabs from the team.

"Oye, Ishan, ab toh tu gym mein double time karega!" Hardik bhaiya called out, making everyone laugh.

I shook my head, laughing along with them, feeling lighter than I had in days. Despite the earlier nausea and the shock of it all, there was a growing excitement inside me-a flutter of anticipation for what was to come.

As we returned to the sangeet, I glanced at Ishan, who was still grinning like a fool. He leaned down and whispered in my ear, "I can't wait to meet our little one."

Neither could I.

YESSS! THE ISHAN And JANHAVI DUO IS BACK!! 

I hope you guys liked the chapter.... And to know more about Shubman And Samaira, don't forget to check out KALANK, a book written by your very own pyaari author (me ofc)

Ik the chapter is hella long, so please comment and lmk how it was!