The music pulsed, laughter mingled with conversation, and the dance floor was a kaleidoscope of swirling colors. The group were thoroughly enjoying their night, dancing and chatting, completely immersed in the vibrant atmosphere of the Freshers party.

Suddenly, a slick, irritating voice cut through the revelry. "Hey, darling."

Vanshika's smile instantly faltered. Her shoulders stiffened. She knew that voice.

Slowly, she turned to face Ajay Mathur, her expression meticulously neutral, betraying no interest.

Ajay's gaze swept over her, from the intricate drapes of her sapphire blue saree to the subtle curve of her waist, lingering just a little too long, a smug, possessive smirk on his face. He was practically gnawing at her with his eyes, and Vanshika felt a surge of discomfort, quickly followed by a fierce, protective anger. She wanted nothing more than to pluck his eyes out.

"Looking stunning tonight, Vanshika," Ajay purred, stepping closer, ignoring her obvious lack of enthusiasm. "That blue really suits you. You know, you should really ditch these amateurs and hang out with someone who truly appreciates your beauty." He chuckled, a grating sound. He reached out, his hand moving to take hers.

Before his fingers could even brush hers, a strong, firm hand shot out, intercepting his. Raghav stood there, his jaw set, his eyes, usually warm, now cold and unyielding.

Without a word, he pulled Ajay's hand away, a clear message in the action. Then, smoothly, he stepped closer to Vanshika, his hand settling firmly and possessively on her waist.

Vanshika stiffened for a split second, surprised by the sudden contact and the possessive gesture. Then, it clicked. Ajay. Boyfriend. Right. Her expression instantly shifted, a silent agreement passing between her and Raghav.

Ajay's smug grin vanished, replaced by a scowl. His blood visibly boiled as he saw Raghav's hand on Vanshika's waist. "What's your problem, man?" he snapped, his voice tight.

Raghav's grip on Vanshika's waist remained firm, a silent barrier. His voice was calm, almost dangerously so, leaving no room for argument. "The problem, Ajay, is that you're harassing my girlfriend. And that's a big problem for me."

Ajay scoffed, but there was a flicker of uncertainty in his eyes. "Girlfriend? Since when, Raghav? Everyone knows Vanshika's single."

"Well, now you know better," Raghav stated, his voice a low, final warning. His gaze was unwavering, daring Ajay to challenge him further. "She's with me. And she's clearly uncomfortable with you. So, here's my final warning: Get lost. Now."

Ajay's eyes narrowed, a mixture of fury and defeat warring within him. He wanted to argue, but Raghav's stance, his unyielding gaze, and the very visible hand on Vanshika's waist made it clear he wouldn't win this. With one last, resentful glance at Vanshika, he muttered something under his breath and spun on his heel, disappearing into the crowd.

Raghav's hand slowly eased from Vanshika's waist, though he still stood protectively close. He turned to her, his gaze softening considerably. "Are you okay, Vanshika? He didn't... bother you too much?"

Vanshika let out a shaky breath she didn't realize she'd been holding. "Yeah," she replied, her voice a little uneven. "Yeah, I'm fine. Thanks, Raghav. You really... you handled that."

Meanwhile, their friends had witnessed the entire "show" with keen interest, a mixture of surprise and amusement on their faces. As Raghav and Vanshika rejoined them, the teasing began almost immediately.

"Well, well, well!" Ishana chirped, a knowing grin spreading across her face. "Looks like we missed a few chapters in this 'no boyfriend-girlfriend' saga!"

Navya clapped her hands together dramatically. "Raghav, my man! That was quite the hero entry! And that hand on the waist? Classic!"

Vanshika groaned, burying her face in her hands. "You guys are impossible!"

"Impossible, but observant!" Vihaan chuckled.

Laughter erupted among the friends, the tension from Ajay's appearance completely dispelled by their playful banter. The incident, rather than spoiling their night, had added an unexpected, intriguing layer to the friendships within the group.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The night continued its lively rhythm for a few more hours, filled with dancing, laughter, and animated conversations. The incident with Ajay had faded into a teasing memory, adding a new, subtle layer to Raghav and Vanshika's interactions. They danced with their friends, mingled, and enjoyed the freedom of the Freshers party, but there was an undeniable, unspoken awareness between them, a quiet spark beneath the surface of their playful banter.

As the clock edged past midnight, the music began to mellow, and the crowd thinned. Tired smiles replaced energetic grins, and the lingering scent of perfume and fresh flowers filled the air. The friends gathered their belongings, exchanging tired but happy glances.

"Well, that was certainly a night to remember," Ishana yawned, leaning against Abhiman.

"Definitely. My feet are officially protesting," Navya chuckled, wincing as she shifted her weight.

Vihaan stretched, "Good thing we don't have classes early tomorrow. Or ever, if I had my way."

Raghav smiled, feeling a contented exhaustion. He glanced at Vanshika, whose eyes sparkled even as she suppressed a yawn. "Ready to call it a night, Vanshika?"

"More than ready," she replied, her voice soft. "It was quite the party."

With final goodbyes exchanged with other new acquaintances, the six friends stepped out of the hotel ballroom, the cool night air a welcome contrast to the warmth of the party. The city lights twinkled in the distance as they made their way home, the echoes of laughter and music slowly fading, leaving behind only the pleasant memories of a night that marked not just the beginning of their university life, but perhaps, the start of something more.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The echoes of the Freshers Party still hummed in Raghav's ears as he stumbled into his room. Exhaustion hit him like a physical wave. His coat landed on the sofa with a soft thud, a silent testament to the night's revelry, and he practically threw himself onto the bed. The soft mattress welcomed him, but sleep was a distant thought.

As he lay there, staring at the ceiling, the party began to replay in his mind, a vibrant reel of moments. But one image shone brighter than all the rest: Vanshika.

He pictured her exactly as she was, looking absolutely gorgeous in that sapphire blue saree. The way the fabric flowed as she moved, the sparkle in her eyes when she laughed. Then came the vivid memory of her dance, graceful and captivating, and the undeniable thrill of their couple dance, a moment that had felt surprisingly intimate amidst the crowd.

A strange sensation stirred within him, something he couldn't quite name. His mind was utterly captivated by her thoughts. It wasn't just her beauty; it was the way she smiled, a genuine, infectious warmth. It was her attitude, a blend of casual confidence and an intriguing "savageness" that hinted at a sharp wit. Her confidence, too, was something he admired, a quiet strength that drew him in.

He found himself replaying every interaction, every shared glance, every fleeting touch. He was getting utterly captivated by it all, a feeling deeper and more profound than mere attraction. Little did he know, this unfamiliar pull, this constant dwelling on her, was the quiet, undeniable whisper of him falling in love with her.

Eventually, the day's excitement and his profound new thoughts lulled him into a deep, dream-filled sleep.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

On the other side of the city, Abhiman entered his room, feeling equally exhausted. He tossed his coat onto the bed and, instead of joining it, threw himself onto the sofa. The room was quiet, but his mind buzzed with the lingering energy of the Freshers Party.

As he sat there, the vibrant scenes of the evening began to replay, and one face, in particular, dominated his thoughts: Ishana. He found himself utterly captivated by her. He could only think of her, especially the way she looked so beautiful in that red saree, a vision that had stolen his breath away more than once that night. Her laughter, a melodic sound that seemed to dance in the air, echoed in his memory.

He remembered her dance, a captivating display of grace and energy that had held him spellbound. And then came the memory of their couple dance. A wave of excitement had surged through him, mixed with a fleeting fear: had he made her feel uncomfortable? But as they moved together, the music taking over, he had forgotten everything else, completely lost in that moment, just her and him on the dance floor.

Unable to contain the swirl of emotions, Abhiman finally stood up. He walked towards his study table, pulled open a drawer, and took out his diary. Flipping to a fresh page, he began to write:

"Today, you looked so beautiful. That red saree... it was like it was made just for you, accentuating every graceful movement. Your eyes sparkled with such a lively joy, and your smile, pure and bright, truly lights up a room. And your laugh – it's just... infectious. I found myself grinning like an idiot every time I heard it.

Your dance was captivating; I couldn't tear my eyes away. But it was our couple dance that really got to me. I felt such an immediate rush of excitement, a genuine thrill just being so close to you. For a second, I panicked, worried if I was stepping on your toes or making you uncomfortable. But then, as we moved, the world just melted away. I forgot the crowd, the music, everything except being there, lost in that moment with you. It was perfect."

"Aaj tumhe dekha, tum kuch jaani si lagti ho

Jo main ek baar nhi, baar baar padhu uss kahani si lagti ho. Wo laal saree… tum par yun suhani si lagti hai, tumhari wo awaz dil ko mere chetaavni si lagti hai. Tumhari wo ankhein… meri andheri zindagi mein roshani si lagti hain, tumhari har baat, mujhe meri apni si lagti hai."

After carefully closing his diary, Abhiman walked towards the washroom, changed into comfortable clothes, and finally went to sleep, his last waking thoughts, inevitably, still of her.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Across town, Vanshika entered her room, the exhaustion of the night finally catching up to her. She let out a contented sigh and threw herself onto her bed. Just as her eyes fluttered closed for a second, the vibrant memories of the Freshers Party surged forward, causing her to snap them open again. And instantly, her thoughts drew towards him – Raghav.

She pictured him vividly, especially the way he looked in that black suit, an image that had somehow etched itself into her mind. He carried himself with such an easy charm, a quiet confidence that was undeniably attractive.

Unable to shake the image, she reached for her phone, her fingers already knowing their destination. She opened her gallery and tapped on a photo of him. It was a candid shot, a secret capture from the Freshers Party itself. Raghav was caught mid-conversation with his friends, his profile sharp, a casual smile on his face. He looked so incredibly handsome that night, she simply couldn't resist secretly clicking a photo of him.

As she gazed at the screen, a soft blush crept onto her face. A quiet smile played on her lips as she whispered to herself, almost as if speaking to the image, or perhaps to the universe:

"Pata nahi tumne mujpe aesa kya jaadu kar diya hai jo mai har pal bas tumhare baare mai sochti hu. Jab tumse peheli baar milli tab mujhe aesa laga ki it was just attraction aur mai har pal bas is cheez ko attraction ka naam deti rahi . Aur woh cheez ye hai ki....Pyaar ho gaya hai mujhe tumse. Ab mujhe dheere dheere realise ho raha hai ki tum hi ho mere liye, jisko mere Govind ne mere liye banaya hai. Starting main mai wait kar rahi thi ki mujhe koi ek sirf ek ishara mil jaye jiss se mai ye Mann jau ki han tum mere liye Bane ho. Aur ab mujhe woh ishara mill Gaya hai. That you are the one for me."

Her eyes lingered on his face in the photo, a spark of playful determination igniting within her. "Par pata nahi tum mujhse pyaar karoge bhi ya nahi. But, don't worry aapko apne pyaar mai na gira diya na toh mera naam bhi Vanshika Sharma nahi" she continued, her voice firm with a newfound resolve, "So,Mr. Raghav Sharma, be ready for becoming my Piya."

With that declaration, a sense of quiet certainty settling in her heart, she closed her phone, placed it beside her, and finally drifted into a peaceful sleep, dreams of sapphire and black suits filling her mind.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Meanwhile, in another room, Ishana was also unwinding from the party's buzz. She was lying on her bed, scrolling through her gallery, a collection of memories from the eventful night. Just then, a picture of Abhiman came into sight.

She paused, looking at him, and the flashback of their couple dance immediately swept over her. She remembered the way he had looked in his white suit, so distinguished and, surprisingly, a little nervous. What truly stood out in her memory was how careful he had been during the whole dance, constantly aware of her, making sure not to make her feel uncomfortable. His gentle demeanor and focused attention during their dance had genuinely touched her. She found herself silently admiring him for his consideration and the quiet strength he exuded.

A soft sigh escaped her lips as she whispered, "What are you doing to me, Abhiman?" She wasn't sure if it was a question directed at him or at her own heart. With a mixture of newfound warmth and a hint of perplexity, she gently kept her phone aside and soon drifted into a peaceful sleep, her mind replaying the thoughtful eyes of the boy in the white suit.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The first rays of sunlight filtered into Raghav's room in the grand Sharma mansion. He rose with the same disciplined vigor he applied to everything, heading straight to the gym for a rigorous two-hour workout. Feeling refreshed and energized, he then got freshened up and made his way downstairs, where the aroma of breakfast already filled the air. His family was seated at the sprawling dining table, ready for their morning meal.

Raghav's face softened into a warm smile as he approached his mother, Parvati. He gently back-hugged her, leaning in to whisper, "Good morning, Mom. You're looking lovely as always."

Parvati chuckled, patting his arm. "Good morning, baccha"

He then moved to his Chachi, Sanjana, repeating the gesture. "Good morning, Chachi," he said warmly.

Sanjana smiled. "Morning, mera baccha!"

Next, he approached his grandparents, Madhav and Ragini. With deep respect, he touched their feet. "Good morning, Dadi, Dadu," he said, his voice softer.

Ragini patted his head affectionately. "Khush raho mere laal!"

His younger siblings—Shaurya, Aditya, Darsh, and Sakshi—were already at the table. They chorused, "Good morning, Bhaiyya!" and he returned their greetings with a smile.

Raghav took his seat, looking around. "Maa,papa aur chachu kaha hai?"

Parvati sighed lightly. "Oh! Woh company mai kuch emergency aa gayi toh dono jaldi chale gaye."

Sanjana, ever curious, then turned to Raghav. "So, Raghav," she began, a twinkle in her eye, "Party kesi thi? Did you have a good time?"

Raghav took a bite of his toast, chewing thoughtfully. "It was good, Chachi. Quite lively."

Shaurya, ever the instigator, immediately jumped in, a mischievous grin on his face. "Bhaiyya, don't just say 'good'! Tell us, how was Vanshika Didi looking?"

Aditya, Darsh, and Sakshi exchanged knowing glances, silently supporting Shaurya with grins that bordered on smirks.

Raghav knew exactly where this conversation was heading. He shot a warning look at his siblings.

"School nahi jana kya tum logo ko?" he asked, trying to change the subject.

Aditya scoffed playfully. "Jayenge bhaiya,pehele ye toh baato ki woh kesi lag rahi thi?"

Seeing there was no escape, Raghav pulled his phone from his pocket. He opened his gallery, found a group picture of them from the party, and held it out.

"Loo,apne aap dekhlo aur jaldi kha ke school jao!" he said, trying to sound firm but a hint of amusement playing on his lips.

Parvati, quick as a flash, took the phone first. Her eyes immediately found Vanshika in the picture. "Oh, my! She is so beautiful, Raghav!" she exclaimed, genuinely impressed. She then showed the phone to Sanjana.

Sanjana's eyes widened. "Sacch mai bhabhi,kitna pyaari hai ye and that smile is just radiant."

The phone then made its way to Madhav and Ragini. Madhav peered at it. "Hmm, a very graceful young lady," he commented, while Ragini nodded, "Yes, a truly charming girl. Very elegant."

Darsh, barely containing his impatience, piped up, "Hume bhi dekhna hai!!!"

The phone quickly circulated among the younger siblings. They all exclaimed their compliments, but it was Sakshi who was most vocal.

"Wow! She's absolutely stunning! Her beauty, her body shape, her confidence – everything is just perfect! I love her saree!" Everyone chuckled at her enthusiastic outburst.

Raghav gently retrieved his phone from Sakshi. "Chalo bahut ho gaya,ab jaldi se nashta Karo aur bhago school"

Ragini, however, had an idea. She looked at Raghav. "Raghav,aaj toh tumlogo ki chhutti hai,toh ek kaam karo unhe aaj ghar pe bula lo,hum bhi mill lenge ussse,aur Abhiman aur Navya ko bhi bula lo unke bhai behen ke saath!!"

Parvati and Sanjana's faces lit up, and Madhav nodded in agreement. "Han ye sahi hai, Raghav bula le unhe aaj"

Raghav, a pleasant surprise coloring his face, agreed. He was just about to pull out his phone to call Vanshika when his siblings, who had been listening intently, cried out in unison,

"Nahii!! Agar wo log aa rahe hai,toh hum bhi school nahi jayenge!!"

Raghav rolled his eyes good-naturedly. "Tumlog baad mai mil Lena unse.Abhi ke liye school jaao"

Darsh, with a devilish twinkle in his eye, said, "Kyu bhaiya? Aap nahi chahte ho ki hum apni bhabhii...matlab didi se mille?"

At the word "Bhabhi," Raghav nearly choked on his drink, sputtering and coughing. Parvati immediately rushed to his side, gently rubbing his back. "Beta tu theek hai?" she asked, concerned, while the rest of the family burst into laughter at his mortified reaction.

Madhav, still chuckling, intervened. "Accha theek hai aaj baache school nahi jayenge. Tum log mill Lena unse"

Sakshi, thrilled, immediately piped up, "Yayyyyy!! Khub maze karenge!!"

Sanjana, remembering what Raghav had told her about Ishana, added, "Raghav,Ishana ke bhi bhai hai na unhe bhi bula le!"

Raghav nodded, "Ok chachi"

Parvati then chimed in, "Abhiman aur Navya ke bhai behen ko bhi bula le. The more, the merrier!"

Raghav, now fully on board with the plan, agreed to all the additions. "Theek hai maa bula dunga"

With the new plan enthusiastically approved, the Sharma family continued their breakfast, the mansion abuzz with anticipation for the day ahead.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

After finishing breakfast downstairs, Raghav returned to his room, a new energy buzzing within him. He settled onto his sofa and pulled out his phone, his thumb hovering over a familiar contact. He dialled Vanshika's number.

Meanwhile, in the Joshi mansion, Vanshika was still deep in sleep. Her peaceful slumber was disturbed by the insistent ringing of her phone. Without bothering to check the caller ID, she reached out blindly and picked up.

"Hello...?" she mumbled, her voice low and thick with sleep, making it obvious to anyone that she had just been woken up.

On the other end, a small smile crept onto Raghav's face as he heard her drowsy voice.

"Hello," he replied, a hint of amusement in his tone.

At the sound of his voice, Vanshika's eyes snapped open. She instantly sat bolt upright in bed, shaking off the last vestiges of sleep.

"Raghav? Oh! Um... hi."

Raghav chuckled. "Abhi tak soo Rahi thi?"

Vanshika sighed dramatically. "Yeah, mai kafi thak gayi thi toh isliye abhi tak soo Rahi thi."

"Well, get ready for more excitement," Raghav said, then explained, "Meri family ne tumhe mere ghar pe invite kiya hai. Aaj chhutti hai aur woh sab tumse mill na chahte hai. Aur Ishana ke bhaiyo ko bhi leke aana."

Vanshika's tiredness seemed to vanish completely. "Oh, sacch mai? That sounds great! We'd love to come."

"Perfect. I'll see you then," Raghav said, a warmth in his voice. "Bye."

"Bye," Vanshika replied, and he disconnected the call.

Vanshika placed her phone on her bedside table and, with a newfound spring in her step, headed straight for the washroom to get freshened up. After emerging in her bathrobe, she opened her wardrobe, selected a comfortable yet stylish outfit, and quickly got dressed. Phone in hand, she then went downstairs.

In the dining area, Amrita, Vanshika's aunt, was already arranging the table for breakfast. Vanshika went straight to her, wrapping her arms around her from behind. "Good morning, Aunty!" she said with a warm hug.

Amrita smiled, turning slightly to ruffle Vanshika's hair. "Good morning, mera baccha"

Just then, Anand, Vanshika's uncle, entered the dining area. He gave both of them a hug, saying, "Good morning,baccha," to Vanshika.

"Good morning, Uncle," Vanshika replied, smiling warmly. Anand settled into a chair with his newspaper, and Vanshika went into the kitchen to help Amrita with the last-minute preparations.

Soon, all the youngsters gathered in the dining area. Vihaan was engaged in a playful banter with Ishana's younger siblings, Abhimanyu and Akash, who were clearly enjoying the attention. Meanwhile, Ishana was showing Anand some of the exciting pictures from the party on her phone.

Vanshika and Amrita emerged from the kitchen, carrying the last dishes, and settled themselves at the table. Anand looked up from his paper.

"So, party kesi thi? Did you all have fun?"

Vihaan chimed in enthusiastically, "Oh, it was so good, Uncle! We all enjoyed it a lot!"

Abhimanyu then whined playfully at Ishana, "Didi hume bhi photos dikhao na,aap sirf papa ko hi dikhaye ja rahi ho!"

Akash quickly agreed with his brother. "Han,hume bhi humare jiju....mera matlab bhaiya ko dekhna hai!"

At the sudden mention of "Jiju," Vanshika instantly choked on her drink, coughing violently. Amrita immediately stood up and went to her side, gently rubbing her back.

"Beta tu theek hai ?" she asked, Vanshika then looked pointedly at Akash, raising one eyebrow.

"Kya kaha Akash?"

Akash, seeing the trouble he'd caused, flashed a toothy grin. "Kuch nahi didi!" he mumbled, feigning innocence.

Ishana, trying to diffuse the situation, handed her phone to Abhimanyu and Akash, showing them the photos. Everyone chuckled at Vanshika's reaction. As they scrolled, Amrita's eyes fell on a particular picture. "Oh, my! Raghav is looking so handsome! He's too good!"

Anand, Abhimanyu, and Akash all nodded in agreement, complimenting Raghav as well.

Vanshika, remembering the call, cleared her throat.

"Areey ha! Yaad aaya! Actually Raghav ne mujhe subha call kiya tha aur usne Hume aaj uske ghar pe aane ke liye invite Kiya hai aur kaha hai ki Ayu aur akii ko sath leke aaye."

Upon hearing this, Akash and Abhimanyu's eyes lit up with pure excitement, realizing they wouldn't have to go to school!

"Yayyyy!" they chorused together.

Ishana, a teasing smile playing on her lips, nudged Vanshika. "Subha subha call, huh?"

Vihaan joined in, waggling his eyebrows. "Ha, a morning call? What's going on?"

Vanshika shot them both a deadpan look. "Oh, shut up, you two," she said, though a faint blush was creeping up her neck.

Anand, seeing the children's excitement, smiled. "Well, that sounds like a wonderful idea! You can all go and enjoy yourselves. Abhimanyu, Akash, you don't have to go to school today."

"Yayyyy!" Abhimanyu and Akash cheered again, ecstatic at the unexpected holiday.

The Joshi family then continued their breakfast, the mansion now buzzing with plans for the day ahead.

After breakfast, the Joshi household quickly transformed into a flurry of activity as everyone got ready for their visit to the Sharma mansion. Soon enough, a well-dressed and excited group emerged from the elegant doors of the Joshi residence.

As they stepped outside, Vihaan, ever the dramatic one, let out a theatrical groan. "Ugh, I'm absolutely wiped out," he declared, then, with a casual flick, tossed the car keys towards Vanshika. "You drive, captain. My brain's still in sleep mode."

Vanshika caught the keys with an amused sigh, shaking her head at his antics. "Always finding an excuse, aren't we?" she teased, but a smile played on her lips. She walked to the driver's side and settled into the car, securing her seatbelt with a practiced click.

"Shotgun!" Ishana called out, quickly sliding into the passenger seat beside Vanshika.

"Hey, no fair!" Abhimanyu protested from the back. "You always get the front!"

Akash, already clambering into the backseat, grinned. "That's because she's faster, Bhai. Deal with it."

Vihaan, still feigning exhaustion, slowly made his way to the back. "Alright, alright, settle down, you two. Don't make Vanshika more tired before we even leave." He squeezed in between Akash and Abhimanyu. "So, Didi, ready to impress the in-laws?" he whispered loudly, just for Vanshika to hear.

Vanshika glanced in the rearview mirror, a blush creeping up her neck. "Ayu, I swear to god, if you don't behave, I'm pulling over and making you walk."

Ishana giggled. "He's just excited, Vanshika. We all are!"

"Yeah, especially about seeing a certain 'Bhaiya'," Abhimanyu sang out from the back, nudging Akash.

Akash nodded vigorously. "Definitely the 'Bhaiya'!"

Vanshika let out an exasperated laugh. "Oh, you two are relentless! Just wait till I tell your parents how you behave."

"You wouldn't dare!" Abhimanyu and Akash chorused.

"Try me," Vanshika retorted, a playful glint in her eyes. She started the engine, the car purring to life.

"Seriously though, Vanshika," Ishana said, turning to her, a genuine smile on her face. "It's so nice of them to invite us. Are you... are you excited?"

Vanshika took a deep breath, her gaze fixed on the road ahead as she pulled out of the driveway. "Yeah," she admitted, a little more softly this time. "I am. It'll be nice to meet Raghav's family." She stole a quick glance at Ishana, a knowing look passing between them.

"Just drive safely, Vanshii," Vihaan said, suddenly serious, before adding, "We don't want you crashing before you get to see Mr. Sharma again!"

"Funny, Vihaan. Very funny," Vanshika muttered, but she couldn't hide the small smile that touched her lips.

With the teasing and laughter echoing in the car, the group headed towards the Sharma mansion, the anticipation for the day ahead growing with every mile.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The car pulled up to the grand entrance of the Sharma mansion, its impressive facade bathed in the morning light. At the same moment, another car arrived, and out stepped Abhiman, accompanied by Navya and their siblings Preeti and Divya.

"We're here!" Vihaan exclaimed, already unbuckling.

Ishana, Vihaan, Abhimanyu, and Akash quickly got out of Vanshika's car, their eyes wide with anticipation at the sight of the elegant house. Vanshika, after finding a suitable spot, deftly parked the car.

Abhiman, Navya, and Divya had already greeted Ishana and the others.

"Hello bhailog!" Abhiman called out.

"Hi!" Navya responded, smiling. Divya and Preeti waved shyly.

"Wow, ye jagha kitni badi hai!" Akash whispered to Abhimanyu, who nodded in awe.

Vanshika soon joined them, a relaxed smile on her face. "Alright, everyone ready for the grand tour?" she joked.

They were all exchanging excited chatter when Vanshika's phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen, seeing her parents' names.

"Oh, excuse me, guys," she said, stepping a few feet away to a quieter corner to take the call.

Just then, the front door of the mansion opened, and Raghav stepped out, a welcoming smile on his face. He quickly made his way over to the group.

"Hey everyone! Accha laga ki tumlog aaye!"

"Hey Raghav!" Ishana, Abhiman,Vihaan and Navya greeted him.

Raghav's eyes, however, immediately found Vanshika, who was standing a little distance away, her profile serene as she spoke on the phone.

"Abhii," he said, turning back to the group, "tu insab ko andar leke ja,andar sab wait kar rahe hai. Mai Vanshika ka wait karta hu."

Abhiman, Ishana, Vihaan, and Navya exchanged knowing glances, a collective smirk playing on their lips.

"Ha ha bhai,kyu na," Abhiman said, a hint of playful mischief in his voice.

"Zada der mat lagana, Bhai!" Vihaan called out cheekily as the group started towards the entrance, Abhimanyu and Akash excitedly leading the way.

Once they were gone, Raghav turned fully to face Vanshika. She was wearing a simple yet stunning pink kurti, and it seemed to cling to her in all the right ways, emphasizing her natural grace. The soft color represented her natural beauty so well that he felt his breath hitch for a moment. He was completely captivated by her beauty, lost in simply observing her.

He was jolted back to reality when a gentle breeze rustled through the leaves of a nearby tree.

At the same moment, Vanshika disconnected her call and turned around, her eyes widening slightly as she saw Raghav standing there, his hands casually tucked into his pockets, a quiet smile on his face.

Vanshika felt her heart skip a beat. He looked incredibly handsome and stunning in his casual attire, the morning light highlighting his features. Her gaze inadvertently drifted down to his hands. The veins of his hands... Uff ( a/n:-bas karja tharki kahiki). A sudden rush of surprisingly "dirty thoughts" flooded her mind, making her quickly shake her head to clear those 'dirty thoughts'.

"Chale?" Raghav asked, his voice soft, a hint of amusement in his eyes as if he'd caught her in a moment.

Vanshika nodded, feeling a blush creep up her neck. "Yeah," she managed, and began walking beside him towards the house.

As they walked, Raghav turned to her. "You know," he began, his voice sincere, "Tum aaj bahut Sundar lag rahi ho"

A deeper blush bloomed on her cheeks, but she met his gaze, a shy smile gracing her lips. "Thank you," she said, her voice a little softer than usual. "Tum bhi acche lag rahe ho."

They continued towards the mansion, a comfortable silence settling between them, each lost in the quiet thrill of the other's presence.

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Raghav and Vanshika stepped into the grand living room of the Sharma mansion, and the sight that greeted them was a picture of instant camaraderie. Their friends were already completely engrossed in conversation with Raghav's family.

Vihaan, Abhimanyu, and Akash, surprisingly respectful, were gracefully touching the feet of the elders and taking their blessings.

"Thank you, Uncle, Aunty," Abhimanyu said politely as Ragini blessed him.

Ishana, with a serene smile, was joining her hands in a respectful Namaste to each of the elder Sharmas. "Namaste, Aunty Ji, Uncle Ji," she greeted them. Navya,Preeti and Divya followed suit, offering their own polite greetings.

The room buzzed with casual chatter. "Kafi accha laga ki tumlog aaye," Parvati said warmly. "Kese ho sab?"

"Hum sab theek hai, Aunty! Aur thankyou hume invite karne ke liye," Ishana replied.

Parvati then looked around, her eyes searching. "Ishana, beta, Vanshika kaha hai? Woh nahi aai?"

"Yaha hai maa," Raghav announced, stepping forward with Vanshika beside him.

All eyes in the room instantly turned to her.

Vanshika offered a warm, polite smile. She gracefully moved towards Raghav's grandparents, Madhav and Ragini, and joined her hands in respect.

"Namaste, Aunty Ji, Uncle Ji," she said, her voice soft but clear.

Ragini's face lit up. She reached out and gently took Vanshika's hands, her eyes twinkling. "Kush raho beta. Aur please,mujhe dadi bulao mujhe accha lagega." She then enveloped Vanshika in a warm hug.

Vanshika hugged her back, a genuine smile forming. "Thank you, Dadi," she replied, feeling an immediate connection.

Meanwhile, Madhav, a kind smile on his face, gently blessed her and patted her head. "Ha baccha,aur tum mujhe dada bulao."

Vanshika then turned to Sanjana. "Namaste, Aunty," she said. Sanjana pulled her into a hug.

"Aunty nahi beta! Mujhe chachi bulao theek hai? Tum ab iss family ka hissa ho."

Vanshika smiled, appreciating the warmth.

Finally, she moved towards Parvati, offering her a Namaste. Parvati's smile was radiant as she embraced Vanshika tightly.

"Oh,mera baccha kitni pyaari aur sunda lag rahi hai!."

Vanshika returned her smile. "Thank you so much, Aunty. Aap bhi kafi pyaari lag rahi ho You."

Just then, Raghav's siblings — Shaurya, Aditya, Darsh, and Sakshi — excitedly called out, "Welcome to our home, Didi!"

Vanshika looked at them, her smile widening. Shaurya, ever confident, strode forward.

"Hello, Di! Mai Shaurya, the one and only handsome and charming man in this family!"

Aditya immediately nudged him. "Galat, Bhaiyya!" He turned to Vanshika.

"Hello, Di! Mai Aditya, and I am the most charming and handsome guy in the family!"

Darsh, not to be outdone, gently pushed Aditya.

"Aap bhi galat bol rahe ho, Bhaiyya! Hello, Di! Mai Darsh, and I am the one, the most charming and handsome guy in the family!"

Shaurya stepped forward again. "Nahi nahi mai hu tum dono nahi!!" The trio began to playfully argue about who was truly the most charming and handsome.

Vanshika watched their antics, a soft chuckle escaping her lips. Then, with a playful glint in her eye, she said,

"Accha accha,lado mat! You know what?" She paused for dramatic effect. "Tum teeno hi kafi handsome aur charming ho!"

The three brothers stopped arguing instantly, looking at Vanshika with wide eyes. A collective blush crept onto their faces, clearly flattered by her diplomacy.

Then, Sakshi pushed her way past them. "Chalo hato aap log! Mujhe Milne do unse!"

She stepped forward, her eyes wide with open admiration for Vanshika.

"Hello, Di! Mai Sakshi, the one and only daughter of the family!"

Vanshika immediately bent down to Sakshi's level, her expression soft. She gently ruffled Sakshi's hair. "Nice to meet you, bacche," she said warmly. Sakshi giggled, absolutely delighted.

But then, a stunned silence fell over the Sharma family, including Abhiman, Navya,Preeti and Divya, Sidharth, who were all watching. They witnessed something that, under any other circumstance, would have brought utter chaos to the house. The fierce, independent Sakshi Sharma, the one and only cherished daughter of the Sharma family, was letting Vanshika ruffle her hair – and smiling! It was a scene so unusual, so unexpected, it was like they were witnessing a minor miracle.

Vanshika looked up at their shocked faces, a puzzled frown creasing her brow. "Aap sab log aese kyu dekh rahe hai?" she asked, genuinely confused.

Shaurya, still a bit stunned, managed to articulate the reason behind their shock. "Di... Sakshi kabhi kisi ko apne baal chhune nahi deti or, let alone ruffle it. Not even us, her own brothers, except Raghav bhai!"

Vanshika looked back at Sakshi, who just gave her a sweet, innocent smile. "Bhaiya ke baad sirf aapko allowed hai di," Sakshi said softly, still giggling.

Vanshika's smile widened, a quiet warmth spreading through her. "Oh," she simply said, before returning Sakshi's smile.

With the initial shock wearing off and a new, unexpected bond forming, the two families and their friends continued to talk casually, the room now filled with comfortable chatter and laughter.

"Alright everyone, come on now, let's eat something!" Parvati announced warmly, ushering the group towards the dining area.

The entire gathering was just about to move when a sudden, loud commotion erupted from the younger members. Akash, Darsh, Sakshi, and Divya were caught in a passionate, escalating argument.

"Captain America is totally lame!" Akash declared, his voice high-pitched with conviction. "Iron Man is the best! He's got all the cool tech, he's smart, he flies!"

Darsh instantly retorted, "What?! Are you serious, Akash? Iron Man is just a rich guy in a suit! Captain America is a super soldier, a true leader! He's got super strength, a shield, and he's loyal!"

Sakshi stomped her foot. "Exactly! Cap always does the right thing! Iron Man is too arrogant!"

Divya chimed in, "But Iron Man saved the world so many times with his genius! Captain America is just... muscles."

The debate was growing increasingly heated when Vanshika, hearing the rising voices, walked over. "Hey! Hey, what's all this fuss about?" she asked, a curious smile on her face.

"They're arguing about who's better: Captain America or Iron Man!" Abhimanyu explained from the side, rolling his eyes.

Akash, seeing an opportunity, pointed at Vanshika. "Vanshika Didi, tell them! Iron Man is the best!"

Vanshika's eyes widened, a playful glint appearing in them. "What did you say, Akash? Iron Man is the best?!" she gasped, pretending to be utterly offended. "Well, for your kind information, my dear, Captain America is the best!"

Akash's jaw dropped. "No way, Didi! Iron Man has missiles and lasers!"

"And Captain America has integrity and a vibranium shield!" Vanshika shot back, hands on her hips. "He can take a hit and keep going! He's a symbol!"

"A symbol of old-fashioned boringness!" Divya teased from his team's side.

The Sharma family, watching this unfold, exchanged amused glances. Parvati, Ragini, Madhav, and Sanjana were clearly admiring Vanshika's charmingly childish behavior, a delightful contrast to her earlier composed demeanor.

Suddenly, Shaurya, Aditya, and Sakshi joined Vanshika's side, rallying to her defense.

"Vanshika Didi is right!" Shaurya declared. "Cap is the original Avenger!"

"Yeah! He can even lift Thor's hammer!" Aditya added triumphantly.

Sakshi crossed her arms. "And he's not always making sarcastic remarks!"

Raghav, who had been observing the escalating debate with a growing smile, decided to step in. He walked right into the middle of the warring factions.

"Alright, alright, everyone, let's calm down," he said, trying to mediate. "There's no need for-"

Vanshika, however, was in full debate mode. She turned to Raghav, completely missing his attempt to diffuse the situation.

"Exactly, Raghav! Captain America represents true heroism! He doesn't rely on gadgets; he relies on his spirit and his values!"

This comment, directly defending Captain America's reliance on spirit over gadgets, seemed to offend Raghav's inner tech-lover. A competitive glint appeared in his eyes.

"Values are great, Vanshika, but Iron Man built his way out of a cave! He's the genius, the visionary! Without his tech, half the Avengers wouldn't even exist!"

The younger combatants — Akash, Darsh, Sakshi, and Divya — fell silent, their eyes wide as the main event began. Only Vanshika and Raghav were left, locked in their unexpected, passionate argument.

"But Captain America leads! He makes the tough calls when Iron Man is busy being a playboy billionaire!" Vanshika argued, pointing a finger playfully at Raghav.

"Playboy billionaire with the most advanced suit on the planet! He invented everything, Vanshika! He funded the Avengers! Captain America is just a good soldier!" Raghav retorted, leaning in slightly, his voice full of mock indignation.

"Just a good soldier?! He literally took on Thanos alone! He said 'Avengers Assemble'! He defined the whole team!"

"And Iron Man snapped his fingers to save everyone! He made the ultimate sacrifice! That's true heroism!"

They were arguing so intensely, their faces animated and their voices rising with competitive energy, that it was clear they had forgotten anyone else was in the room.

Finally, Parvati, a fond smile on her face, gently stepped between them.

"Alright, alright, you two!" she said, a calming authority in her voice. "That's enough superhero debate for one morning. It's clear both of them are heroes in their own right, and both are equally appreciated in this house." She gently put a hand on Raghav's arm and another on Vanshika's.

"Now, how about we table this discussion and actually eat something before the food gets cold? We have plenty of snacks that are waiting to be demolished, regardless of their superhero allegiance!"

Raghav and Vanshika, still buzzing from their impromptu superhero debate, looked at each other, a playful challenge in their eyes, and then, in unison, said, "Yes!"

Parvati smiled, a warm glow on her face. "Perfect! Come on, everyone, the food's ready!"

They all moved towards the grand dining area, a large, ornate space that promised a feast. Everyone settled into their seats around the expansive table, a lively hum filling the room. Parvati and Sanjana began serving the various dishes, their movements efficient and welcoming.

Just as they were about to serve Vanshika, Ishana, and Navya, the three young women stood up. "Aunty, please, let us help you!" Vanshika offered, reaching for a serving spoon.

Parvati chuckled, gently pushing her hand away. "Oh, no, dear, you're our guests! Please, sit and enjoy."

Sanjana added, "Yes, we have everything under control."

But Vanshika insisted, a determined yet polite smile on her face. "No, Aunty! It's no fun just sitting around. Please, let us lend a hand!" Ishana and Navya nodded in agreement, already picking up plates.

Seeing their genuine eagerness, Parvati and Sanjana relented with good-natured smiles. "Alright, alright, if you insist!" Parvati said.

Raghav, watching from his seat, couldn't help but feel a warmth spread through him. He noticed every single move Vanshika made. The effortless way she helped his mother, the easy laughter she shared with his Chachi. It was as if she had seamlessly become part of his family, treating his siblings with the playful affection of an elder sister and showing genuine respect to his elders. She fit in, perfectly.

Across the table, the same thing happened with Abhiman. His gaze was fixed on Ishana, admiring the way she effortlessly blended in, assisting Parvati and Sanjana with grace and a helping hand, truly engaging with everyone.

After a few minutes of shared serving, Parvati gently urged them. "Alright, my dears, now it's time for you to take your seats and enjoy the meal. You've helped enough!"

Vanshika, Ishana, and Navya finally sat down, settling in for breakfast. Parvati, with a loving smile, served Vanshika a generous portion of aloo ka paratha.

Vanshika took a bite, her eyes closing for a fleeting moment. Her chewing slowed, and her expression became distant, as if lost in thought. There was no immediate reaction, no "mmm" or "yum," just a quiet stillness.

Parvati, noticing her lack of expression, looked concerned. "Kya hua, beta? Pasand nahi aaya?"

Vanshika's eyes fluttered open, a look of profound pleasant surprise on her face. "Aisa nahi hai, Aunty!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine emotion. "This tastes exactly like my mom's! My mom makes the exact same paratha. I was just... stunned. It brought back so many memories."

Parvati's smile widened, a wave of maternal warmth washing over her. "Oh, really? I'm so glad, beta! Here, have some more then!" she urged, offering the plate again.

The dining area soon became a hub of cheerful activity. They were all having their meal, interspersed with lively conversation, playful arguments (though thankfully not about superheroes this time), and good-natured teasing. The younger siblings continued their antics, while the elders shared stories and laughter.

And in between all of it, Raghav was looking at her, a soft, private smile playing on his lips, completely captivated by Vanshika, who had so effortlessly charmed his entire family and now, unexpectedly, reminded him so much of home.

The warm family breakfast continued, filled with laughter and easy conversation, when Sakshi, brimming with youthful energy, suddenly piped up.

"Hey, guys, let's go somewhere! What say?"

Divya immediately agreed, her eyes lighting up. "Yeah, let's go! But where?"

Before anyone else could suggest anything, Siddharth—Abhiman's brother, who had arrived earlier and joined the group—interjected. "Anywhere except shopping!" he declared, earning a round of chuckles from everyone.

Preeti, who was close to Sakshi and Divya, playfully countered, "Bhaiya, what?! Shopping is our jaan! We can't possibly refuse it."

Siddharth just shook his head firmly. "Nope. A clear no from me on shopping."

Just then, Shaurya, always looking for excitement, got an idea. "I know! How about car racing?"

A spark ignited in Vanshika's eyes. "Yes! Absolutely!" she exclaimed, her face lighting up with unbridled enthusiasm. She was the first to agree, her excitement palpable.

Raghav, taking a bite of his paratha, noticed her immediate and intense reaction. "Whoa," he said, slightly surprised. "You're getting that excited? Like you're actually going to do a race?"

Before Vanshika could reply, Ishana, Vihaan, Abhimanyu, and Akash all chimed in, perfectly in unison, their voices ringing out: "YES!"

Everyone at the table, from the elders to the other young adults, looked at them in stunned silence. Madhav, Raghav's grandfather, cleared his throat.

"Vanshika, dear, do you... do car racing?" he asked, a hint of disbelief in his tone.

Vanshika simply nodded, a confident smile playing on her lips.

Raghav, completely taken aback, looked at her, then back at the others. "You... you do race?" he asked again, his eyes wide. He repeated, "Seriously? You race?"

Vanshika chuckled. "Yes, Raghav. I do."

Vihaan, unable to contain himself, leaned forward. "Oh, Dadi, Dada Ji, you have no idea! Vanshika isn't just 'racing'; she's like, a legend!"

Ishana quickly jumped in, eager to share their friend's prowess. "Yeah! She's won almost every race she's ever entered! She's got this insane focus, and her turns are just... chef's kiss!"

"She once won a race with a flat tire for half a lap!" Akash exaggerated, his eyes wide.

"No, that was a slightly deflated tire, not flat," Abhimanyu corrected him, "but still, she won!"

The entire Sharma family, along with Abhiman, Navya, and Divya, were stunned yet again, looking at Vanshika with newfound awe and curiosity.

Shaurya, always one for a challenge, suddenly blurted out, "Well, you probably can't defeat Raghav Bhaiyya! He's also really good!"

Abhimanyu immediately countered, "No way! No one can defeat Vanshika Didi! She's the best!"

The two boys started to bicker good-naturedly about who was better. Seeing the argument brewing, Akash, with a stroke of genius, suggested,

"Hey! Let's not fight, but actually do a car racing? What say?"

His suggestion hung in the air for a moment, then a collective buzz of excitement erupted.

"Yes!"

"That's a brilliant idea!"

"Let's do it!"

Everyone looked at Raghav and Vanshika, their faces alight with anticipation. The challenge was set.

After a shared glance, a silent communication passing between them, Raghav and Vanshika both agreed.

"Alright!" Abhimanyu cheered, thrilled. "Nice! So, after lunch, we'll go and do the car racing!"

A chorus of excited agreements filled the dining room. "Yes!" "Perfect!" "This is going to be epic!"

The youngsters quickly dissolved into animated chatter, buzzing with anticipation for the upcoming race. In the midst of the excited planning, Raghav subtly leaned closer to Vanshika, his voice dropping to a low, confident whisper.

"Get ready to lose, Miss Sharma," he teased, a playful glint in his eyes.

Vanshika met his gaze, a smirk playing on her lips as she whispered back, "Same to you, Mr. Sharma."

With the challenge formally accepted and the friendly rivalry clearly established, everyone soon finished their meal. After heartfelt goodbyes to Raghav's family, filled with promises of future gatherings, they all headed outside the mansion. They settled into their respective cars, the engines purring to life, and drove off, their destination not just a race track, but the next thrilling chapter of their unfolding story.

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So here is the chapter. I hope you guys will like it. Please do vote and comments. Also follow me on INSTAGRAM for more updates.

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