---

Aashvi looked around nervously, her eyes scanning the glamorous venue as Aryan led her inside. She tilted her head slightly, confusion flickering in her gaze before she softly asked, “Where have you brought me, Aryan?” Her voice was laced with curiosity, almost like a child trying to figure out the mystery behind a surprise.

Aryan smirked faintly, his expression calm yet distant. “It’s an award function,” he answered simply, his tone carrying a hint of casualness as though it wasn’t such a big deal.

But for Aashvi, it was more than that. She furrowed her brows, trying to connect the dots, and asked again, “You’re here to meet someone, but who exactly? Why bring me along without telling me anything?”

Aryan turned his sharp gaze toward her, glaring slightly in irritation. His eyes were filled with a mix of frustration and disbelief, as though her endless questions had started to test his patience. “Why? Can’t I meet someone without informing you first?” His voice carried a slight edge, the kind that made her gulp down the words she wanted to say next.

Still, Aashvi couldn’t resist teasing. She giggled softly, lifting her hand to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. “I don’t think so… hehehe. Just kidding. But at least tell me who it is. I should know who’s important enough for you to drag me here for.” Her playful tone made the tension lighten for a moment, though Aryan only shook his head.

“Oh God, you talk too much,” he muttered under his breath, his lips pressing into a tight line as if holding back a sigh.

“Then why don’t you just tell me straight?” Aashvi pressed, her eyes gleaming with mischief.

Aryan finally exhaled and muttered, “My brother…”

“Oh, okay…” Aashvi said, her tone immediately softening, though her curiosity was still evident in her eyes.

Both of them walked forward and entered the grand hall, the chandeliers casting golden light across the polished floor. Inside, Abhayash, Shavni, and several others were already present, chatting among themselves. The air buzzed with excitement, the murmur of guests blending with the clinking of glasses and occasional laughter.

Vihaan noticed them arriving and immediately stepped forward with a grin. “Thank God you two came on time. For a moment, I thought you’d end up being late.”

Aryan shrugged, keeping his composure, but his words carried a hidden sting as he replied, “That may be true, but then again, this is Abhayash we’re talking about…” His eyes flickered sharply in his brother’s direction, his expression betraying his disapproval.

Vihaan tried to intervene, attempting to lighten the mood. “Brother, you shouldn’t—” he began, but Aryan cut him off, his glare silencing him.

“I know, I know. Your endless nagging… bla bla bla,” Aryan muttered dismissively.

Vihaan chuckled at his brother’s reaction before turning his attention to Aashvi, curiosity flashing in his eyes. “By the way, who’s she?”

Aryan opened his mouth to answer, but before he could speak, Aashvi stepped forward confidently. “Hi, I’m Aashvi,” she introduced herself, her voice polite yet warm.

Abhayash, who had been watching silently from the corner, suddenly turned toward her. “Aashvi…” he repeated her name softly as though tasting it for the first time. He walked closer and asked, “What did you say your name was?”

“Aashvi. Aashvi Sharma,” she replied hesitantly, a crease forming between her brows. “Why? Is there a problem?”

Abhayash’s eyes flickered with a strange emotion she couldn’t quite place. “Aashvi Sharma…” he whispered to himself, shaking his head as if trying to dismiss the thoughts crowding his mind. “Not… nothing. Just asking. Come.”

But deep inside, his heart thundered against his chest. For a second, it felt like my endless search for Aashvi was finally over… As if destiny had played its card. If only you were my Aashvi, the one I’ve been waiting for, searching for all these years. I’ve been restless, waiting for this name to echo in my life again. Please… please tell me you’re her… His thoughts swirled with hope and desperation, though he kept his face composed.

Meanwhile, Vihaan glanced back at Aryan with raised brows. “Brother, you still haven’t told us who she is to you.”

Before Aryan could respond, Vihaan added with a playful smirk, “Anyway, welcome, Miss Aashvi. I hope my brother hasn’t bored you too much already.”

Aashvi laughed lightly, shaking her head. “Oh, that much I already know…”

Just then, another voice cut into the conversation. “Hyy…”

Aashvi turned to see a smiling girl approach her warmly. “Hyy…” she greeted back, her own smile growing in return.

“Myself Shavni,” the girl introduced herself cheerfully.

“You all seem like family,” Aashvi commented, observing the closeness between everyone.

Shavni chuckled. “Not just like family—we’re more than that. We are family. All of us together.”

“Wow,” Aashvi said softly, her eyes bright with admiration. “It must feel so nice to have everyone together like this.”

“Yes,” Shavni nodded, her tone light yet teasing. “Though sometimes it gets fiery when Aryan and Abhayash meet. They’re like volcanoes erupting against each other.”

“Of course,” Aryan interjected with a half-smile. “Wherever we’re present together, it will feel like a volcano erupting.” His dry humor made both Aashvi and Shavni laugh heartily.

Shavni nudged Aashvi playfully. “See? Our vibes already match. Friends?”

“Of course, friends,” Aashvi agreed warmly.

On stage, the chief guest’s voice suddenly echoed through the hall, capturing everyone’s attention. “So now, the wait is over. It’s time to announce the Author of the Year award. Any guesses?”

In the corner, Tanvi had her phone raised, recording every precious moment eagerly. She whispered into the camera, her voice brimming with pride, “Of course, my one and only, Vihaan Kohli.”

The chief guest smiled as he opened the envelope. “And the award goes to… Mr. Vihaan Kohli!”

The hall erupted in applause as everyone stood to give a standing ovation. Vihaan walked toward the stage, his smile wide as pride filled his heart.

Tanvi clapped the loudest, her excitement almost childlike. “Yesss! Vihaan! I knew it, I just knew it. My future husband—oops, I mean boyfriend—but soon-to-be husband… no one can stop our wedding now!”

Anu, standing beside her, rolled her eyes with a laugh. “Yeah, yeah. The kids have already decided everything. Work first, romance later, okay?”

Tanvi pouted dramatically. “You always ruin my sweet dreams with your boring reality checks.”

“Kaam kar kaam,” Anu replied firmly, her tone sharp yet affectionate.

Tanvi only sighed and continued recording, her smile never fading as her eyes followed Vihaan proudly standing on stage, award in hand.

The lights in the hall dimmed slightly as Vihaan stepped onto the stage, his heart racing with pride and gratitude. The spotlight followed him, catching the glint of the golden award in his hands. He took a deep breath, his smile soft yet full of meaning, and then spoke into the microphone, his voice carrying across the silent audience.

“Hello everyone… I am very thankful to all of you for this much love and support. The fact that I am standing here today, holding this award and representing all of you, is truly overwhelming. Honestly, I never thought I would reach this point, especially in a country like India where talent is everywhere and competition is fierce. But when I began, I didn’t think about awards or recognition. It was always about passion… about the madness, the fire inside me. Writing gives me peace, and with it, happiness. So… thank you once again for believing in me.”

The crowd erupted into applause, but Tanvi, standing just a little distance away, had her heart beating louder than anyone else in the room. She clutched her phone tightly as she recorded every second of Vihaan’s speech. Her eyes shimmered with emotion as she whispered to herself, “The way he gives so much love… how do I even handle it? If he keeps spoiling me like this, I’ll go completely mad.” She slapped her own forehead lightly, muttering under her breath, “Control yourself, Tanvi… at least have some sense.” Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment, though her heart screamed with pride.

Vihaan, stepping down from the podium, spotted her immediately and smirked warmly. “Hey, kiddo…” he called out.

Tanvi blinked rapidly, taken aback. “Kiddo? Who are you calling kiddo?” she demanded, crossing her arms in fake anger, though her lips threatened to curve into a smile.

“You, of course. Who else?” Vihaan teased lightly, his tone playful and affectionate.

Tanvi’s jaw dropped, her eyes narrowing. “Me? Kiddo? You think I look like a kid?” She spoke in mock outrage, her voice raised slightly as she tried to hide her blush.

Vihaan chuckled at her reaction, his laughter deep and genuine. “Alright, alright… if not kiddo, then maybe Miss Matured. Will that do?” He tilted his head with mischief in his eyes. “And anyway, I know you were busy recording me. Hope you captured everything nicely?”

Tanvi’s lips curved proudly as she raised her phone, showing him the screen. “Yes, of course. I captured every second of your moment on stage. Don’t worry, Mr. Author. Every smile, every word of yours is safe in my camera.”

Vihaan’s heart softened, and he gave her a grateful nod. “Thanks…” he said simply, his voice carrying sincerity.

But before the moment could linger, Aryan’s voice sliced through the atmosphere. “Vihaan…” His tone was sharp, warning, as his eyes scanned the growing closeness between his brother and Tanvi.

Vihaan glanced at him briefly, then sighed. “Coming, brother. I’ll meet you later, Tanvi. Bye.” His eyes lingered on her for a second longer than necessary before he finally turned away.

Tanvi watched him go, her lips forming a small pout. “Bye…” she whispered softly, her voice filled with a bittersweet note.

Aryan stepped forward, his expression dark. “Vihaan, I think I should go now.” His tone was clipped, almost as though he couldn’t wait to leave.

But Vihaan quickly placed a hand on his brother’s arm. “Brother, please, don’t go yet. Stay for a while longer.”

Before Aryan could answer, Abhayash let out a short laugh, shaking his head. “Let him go, Vihaan. You don’t know, do you? Wherever this volcano erupts, chaos follows.” His mocking tone was deliberate, a jab aimed directly at Aryan.

Aryan’s jaw tightened, his voice cold as he replied, “Vihaan, you better explain this to him. Otherwise, I might just lose my patience. If I get angry, I don’t know what I’ll end up doing.”

Abhayash stepped forward, his eyes glinting with challenge. “Oh? And what exactly will you do?” His voice was taunting, his posture straight and unyielding.

Aryan met his gaze without flinching. “Do you really want me to spell it out?” His tone was calm, but his eyes burned with restrained fury.

Abhayash smirked faintly. “Of course. I’m waiting.”

The tension thickened between the two brothers like a storm brewing on the horizon, each waiting for the other to make the first move. But Vihaan quickly stepped between them, raising both hands in frustration. “Enough, both of you! Please, just calm down. This isn’t the place.” His voice trembled with desperation, as though he was tired of playing peacemaker between them.

Aryan turned away sharply, muttering under his breath, “Understand your brother, Vihaan… don’t ever cross me again.” His voice carried a finality that silenced the room.

But Abhayash wasn’t finished. His words came out sharp, edged with hidden pain. “Huh… don’t worry. I won’t cross you unless I want to. But remember this, Aryan—I’m not afraid of you.” His tone lingered like a threat.

“Enough!” Vihaan insisted again. “Please, let it go. Aryan bhai isn’t going anywhere right now, so let’s not create a scene.”

Aryan opened his mouth to argue again, but Vihaan’s pleading eyes forced him to stop. Instead, Aryan exhaled, turning slightly away.

In the meantime, Aashvi and Shavni had drifted to one corner, talking animatedly like they’d been friends forever. They laughed, whispered, and shared small secrets, their bond strengthening with every passing second. Abhayash, watching them, raised a brow. “Wow… you two became friends very quickly.”

Shavni nodded eagerly. “Yes, Aashvi is so friendly, it’s easy to get close to her.”

Aashvi laughed, her eyes sparkling as she replied, “And you’re the same! But still, I’ll stay far from that Hitler of yours. He’s too strict and scary.” She shuddered playfully, her eyes darting briefly towards Aryan.

Abhayash chuckled under his breath, his lips curling into a small smile. “So, you even gave him a nickname? Hitler? Well… I also gave you one.”

“Really?” Aashvi’s brows shot up in surprise. “What nickname did you give me?”

“Jwalamukhi,” Abhayash said without hesitation, his voice firm yet teasing.

Aashvi gasped dramatically, then burst out laughing. “Oh my God, volcano? That’s… actually perfect. You don’t know how much you irritated me in Mussoorie. It was unbearable! But fine… I’ll accept this one.” She grinned, lifting her hand up.

Abhayash laughed too, their laughter colliding as they shared a high-five.

Shavni watched them both curiously, her lips tugging into a knowing smile. “What’s going on between you two? Looks like you share some secret understanding.”

Abhayash ignored her comment and instead turned toward Aashvi, his voice lowering slightly. “Aashvi, it’s not just your name that matches someone I knew… even your vibes match with hers.”

Aashvi blinked in confusion. “Her? Who?”

Abhayash’s face darkened, his voice softer now, almost fragile. “My sister… her name was also Aashvi.”

Aashvi’s smile faded slowly, her heart tightening. “So, that’s why… all this time, you were staring at me like that.” She looked down, whispering almost guiltily. “I… I’m sorry. I didn’t know.”

Abhayash remained silent for a long moment, the memories of his sister clouding his thoughts, tightening his chest. His silence spoke volumes more than words ever could.

Sensing the heaviness in the air, Shavni quickly tried to lighten the moment. “Actually, she’s still with us, Aashvi… just not here right now. But her presence is still felt, isn’t it, Abhayash?”

Abhayash’s lips curved faintly, his voice barely audible. “Yes… of course.”

Wanting to ease the pain she saw in his eyes, Aashvi smiled softly. “Okay then. For now, why don’t you consider me your sister? My name is Aashvi too, right? Let me fill that small part of her place for you, even if just for tonight.” Her voice was gentle, her words sincere, almost like a balm to a hidden wound.

Abhayash’s eyes glistened, though he quickly blinked away the emotion. His heart whispered what his lips didn’t dare say: Maybe destiny really did bring her here tonight…

Abhayash’s voice softened as he looked directly at Shavni, the weight of his words carrying both warmth and sincerity. “No one can ever take her place,” he said slowly, his eyes lowering for a brief second as though he was lost in memories. “But you… I already accepted you as a sister. In my heart, I made that decision long ago. After all, our thinking is the same when it comes to Aryan. We both understand him in ways others may not.” His words weren’t just casual—there was honesty layered inside them, a quiet acceptance that turned the air gentler. For a moment, the tension that had been lingering dissolved into something lighter, something softer.

Aashvi, who had been watching both of them closely, couldn’t help but laugh at the sudden sweetness of the moment. She glanced at Shavni, and soon enough, both girls broke into soft laughter together, their voices carrying the kind of ease that only true comfort brings. Their laughter wasn’t mocking or loud—it was delicate, like a release of all the unspoken heaviness that had been hanging between conversations. Abhayash, seeing them both smile like that, allowed himself to chuckle under his breath, his eyes softening in relief.

Then, with a little nod, Abhayash straightened his posture. “You guys carry on,” he said in his calm, brotherly tone, brushing his hand casually against his jacket as though preparing to step away for a while. “I’ll come back.” His voice carried both reassurance and space, a subtle way of letting them know that he trusted their bond enough to leave them for a moment.

Shavni, still smiling faintly from the laughter she shared with Aashvi, looked at him and simply nodded. “Okay,” she replied in her soft voice, her tone carrying both acknowledgment and gratitude. The way she said it made it clear that she respected his words and understood his presence wasn’t leaving, just pausing.

And with that, the moment settled gently between them. No raised voices, no arguments—only quiet bonds of trust, laughter, and unspoken promises that stitched their small group even closer.

Tanvi walked into the room with her usual playful confidence, her eyes scanning the surroundings until they landed on the two girls chatting together. She tilted her head slightly and smiled, her voice carrying that teasing lilt she often had whenever she wanted to grab someone’s attention. “Hello, ladies,” she greeted warmly before pausing dramatically, her brows arching. “Where is Mr. Kohli?”

Her sudden question made both Aashvi and Shavni glance at each other in confusion. Almost instinctively, they echoed in perfect unison, their voices overlapping as they asked, “Which one…?” Their synchronized question sent both of them into a brief moment of amusement, but their faces still held a puzzled expression.

Tanvi, catching their shared reaction, gave them a mock-annoyed look and rolled her eyes with exaggerated impatience. “How many Kohlis do you think are around here?” she retorted lightly, tapping her finger against her chin as though she were already thinking ahead. “Of course, I meant Vihaan Kohli.” She said his name with a certain spark in her tone, one that didn’t go unnoticed.

Aashvi chuckled softly, shaking her head. “Oh, so you must be talking about the ‘Author Saab,’” she said, her voice dipped in teasing respect. “Yes, he must be around here somewhere. But there’s another one too… the one we like to call Hitler, a.k.a. Jwalamukhi.” She smirked as she added the nickname, clearly enjoying the way it rolled off her tongue.

Shavni’s eyes widened in mock horror, and she instantly placed a hand on her forehead with dramatic flair. “Oh, God! Until now, I had only heard that name from Abhayash’s mouth, and now here comes another one using it,” she said with exasperation. Her words, though exaggerated, carried genuine amusement, making both Tanvi and Aashvi laugh.

Tanvi blinked rapidly, genuinely curious now. “Wait a minute—this Hitler, this Jwalamukhi—who exactly is he?” she asked, her brows furrowed slightly as she leaned forward, her interest piqued.

Aashvi leaned back casually, enjoying the opportunity to explain. “He’s Vihaan’s brother,” she said matter-of-factly, before adding with a grin, “but trust me, he’s nothing like Vihaan. The complete opposite, actually.” Her words were playful but honest, the kind of comment that made the listener curious about meeting this so-called brother.

Tanvi’s lips curved into a soft smile, and without hesitation, she replied, “Well, of course, no one can be like Vihaan. He’s the best.” Her voice carried an admiration that wasn’t hidden—it was out in the open, and she didn’t even try to cover it up.

Both Aashvi and Shavni immediately caught the tone in Tanvi’s words, and at once, they turned to each other with mock-dramatic expressions, dragging out the word together, “Ohhhhhhh… BESTTTTTTTT!” Their voices rose, emphasizing the last word in a way that was teasing yet playful, as though they were deliberately trying to catch Tanvi off guard.

Shavni was the first to raise her brow at her, smirking mischievously. “What’s this? Calling him ‘the best’ already in your very first meeting?” she teased, her tone filled with exaggerated suspicion.

Tanvi let out a small laugh, brushing back a strand of her hair that had fallen across her face. “Haha, no, no, it’s not like that,” she said quickly, her cheeks tinting slightly pink though she tried to mask it with humor. “It’s just that… he’s gentle, you know? And that makes him different. That’s why I said it.” Her words were soft, almost defensive, but they carried a sincerity that her friends noticed immediately.

The conversation between the three of them flowed on easily, laughter and light teasing echoing around them. They talked like this for almost half an hour, maybe even longer—about Vihaan, about his brother, about little things that came to mind. Their laughter would rise and fall, sometimes filling the air with unrestrained joy, sometimes settling into quiet chuckles that carried comfort and familiarity. Time slipped by unnoticed, stitched together by their words and the effortless ease of their companionship.

Just when they were immersed in yet another round of chatter, a familiar voice interrupted them. “Hello, ladies,” Vihaan said, his tone polite yet curious, his tall frame appearing near them as he glanced around the group. “Aren’t you all supposed to be heading out?” His words were lighthearted, but his gaze lingered on them as though amused by how comfortable they all looked together.

Shavni immediately perked up, her face breaking into a wide grin as she gestured towards him dramatically. “Ah, here you are, Author Saab!” she exclaimed in mock relief, her voice playful. “We were just searching for you.” Her words, though meant as a joke, carried an undercurrent of truth—Vihaan had a way of drawing people’s attention effortlessly.

Vihaan looked genuinely confused, his brows furrowing slightly as he tilted his head. “Searching for me? But why? And who exactly was searching for me?” he asked, his voice carrying genuine curiosity.

Before Shavni could reply, Aashvi jumped in, her lips curving into a mischievous smile. “Your fan, of course. Or maybe…,” she trailed off deliberately, letting her words hang in the air as her eyes flicked teasingly towards Tanvi.

Tanvi felt a rush of warmth creep up her neck at Aashvi’s implication, but she quickly composed herself and cleared her throat. “Actually,” she began, her tone calm though her fingers fidgeted slightly, “I just wanted to ask you something. That’s all.” Her words were simple, but the way she glanced at him betrayed a mix of nervousness and determination.

Catching the shift in Tanvi’s tone, Aashvi quickly smiled and stood up. “Alright then, you two talk,” she said warmly. “We’ll leave now.”

Shavni followed her lead, adding with a grin, “Yes, yes, finish your little chat. You can join us later.” The two girls exchanged knowing looks with each other before walking away, leaving Tanvi and Vihaan standing together.

As soon as they left, Vihaan turned to her with a playful smile tugging at his lips. “So… Kiddo, were you searching for me?” he teased, his tone laced with amusement.

Tanvi instantly narrowed her eyes at him, her lips forming a tight line. “First of all,” she said firmly, crossing her arms over her chest, “stop calling me Kiddo. Otherwise…” She let the word hang there, her glare sharp but her voice carrying a hidden hint of softness.

Vihaan’s grin widened, clearly amused by her reaction. He leaned forward slightly, his eyes glinting with mischief. “Otherwise, what?” he asked lightly, dragging out the words to tease her further.

Tanvi exhaled slowly, clearly trying to keep her composure. “Otherwise nothing,” she muttered finally, though her voice betrayed her frustration. Then, straightening her shoulders, she continued more seriously. “Actually, I just wanted to tell you that for the news headlines, we’ll need a few of your solo pictures. So whenever you’re free, please come by the studio.” Her tone was professional now, her earlier nervousness hidden behind responsibility.

Vihaan’s expression softened. “Ah, I see,” he said thoughtfully, nodding. “That should be fine. But… can I ask you something first?” His tone was curious, but there was something gentle about the way he spoke, as though he was careful not to cross a line.

Tanvi’s brows furrowed slightly as she tilted her head. “What?” she asked, curiosity lacing her tone.

Vihaan’s lips curved into a half-smile as he studied her. “Why don’t you like being called Kiddo? Honestly, it suits you. I think it fits perfectly.” His eyes twinkled with amusement, his words carrying a teasing affection that made Tanvi’s heart skip for a second.

Tanvi’s mouth fell open slightly in disbelief, her frustration clear as she struggled to find words. “You… I… I don’t even know what to say to you!” she finally blurted, her voice filled with exasperation.

Vihaan chuckled softly at her reaction, raising his hands slightly in surrender. “Alright, alright, I’m sorry. I’ll stop,” he said with a playful grin. “Peace?”

Tanvi let out a small huff, clearly unconvinced but choosing not to argue further. “Huh,” she muttered, her expression still stubborn.

Wanting to lighten the mood, Vihaan shifted the conversation. “By the way,” he said casually, his voice carrying a warmth that instantly drew her attention back to him, “my brother’s wedding preparations are about to begin. And I’m specially inviting you. So… make sure you come, okay? Kiddo.” He deliberately added the last word with a mischievous glint in his eyes, knowing full well she would react.

Tanvi’s eyes widened in disbelief, her lips parting as though she was about to argue again. But instead of snapping back, she found herself staring at him, caught between irritation and something she couldn’t quite name. Her heart thudded against her chest, the mix of his invitation and his teasing leaving her flustered in a way she hadn’t expected.

And just like that, the air between them shifted again—half playful, half charged, carrying an unspoken thread of something deeper that neither of them was ready to name yet.

To be continued-

Happy reading lilies 💗