As the murmurs of the onlookers grew louder, the staff member's fear became palpable. His body trembling with anxiety as he listened to the whispers and speculations about his fate. His mind was racing with worst-case scenarios, and he couldn't help but think of the severe consequences that might befall him. He envisioned losing his job, facing public humiliation, or even worse, incurring the wrath of the influential families.
Just as the staff member's fear seemed to reach a boiling point, Aryan stood up and took a step towards him. The staff member's eyes widened in terror as Aryan bent down, his hand rising in a gesture that seemed ominous. The staff member's heart sank, and he closed his eyes, bracing himself for the worst. He was convinced that Aryan was about to lash out at him, perhaps even physically reprimand him for his carelessness.
But instead of feeling a blow, the staff member was taken aback by Aryan's gentle voice. "Hey, are you alright?" Aryan asked, his tone soft and concerned. The staff member's eyes snapped open, and he looked up at Aryan in utter disbelief. He couldn't comprehend why Aryan wasn't berating him or demanding punishment. Instead, Aryan's expression was one of genuine concern, his eyes filled with kindness and understanding.
The staff member's gaze locked onto Aryan's face, and for a moment, he forgot about the crowd, the whispers, and the potential consequences. All he saw was Aryan's compassionate expression, which seemed to wash away some of his fear and anxiety. The staff member's lips parted slightly, and he stared at Aryan, unsure of how to respond to this unexpected display of kindness.
"Did you get hurt?" Aryan asked, his voice filled with concern as he scanned the staff member's face and body. The staff member, still shaken but slightly reassured by Aryan's gentle tone, took a deep breath and tried to compose himself. "I'm very sorry, sir," he stammered, his voice barely above a whisper.
Aryan's expression softened further, and he placed a reassuring hand on the staff member's shoulder. "It's okay, buddy," he said. "There is no need to apologize." The staff member's eyes welled up with gratitude as he looked at Aryan, his face relaxing slightly. "Th... thank you so much, sir," he managed to stammer.
Aryan smiled warmly, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Don't worry and get back to your work," he said, his voice gentle but firm. The staff member nodded hastily, still looking a bit shaken but clearly relieved. He took a step back, his eyes never leaving Aryan's face, and then turned to hurry back to his duties.
As the staff member retreated, Aryan's gaze followed him, a thoughtful expression on his face. Siddharth, who had been observing the exchange, couldn't help but notice the kindness and compassion that Aryan had shown to the staff member. It was a small act of kindness, but it spoke volumes about Aryan's character.
"I thought you would get angry," Siddharth said, his voice tinged with surprise. Aryan's calm demeanor had caught him off guard, and he was intrigued by his reaction.
Aryan's expression turned thoughtful, and he replied, "My outburst can make him lose his job. He is working hard for his family." His words were laced with empathy, and Siddharth could sense the genuine concern behind them. Aryan's perspective was refreshing, and Siddharth realized that he had considered the potential consequences of his actions on the staff member's life.
Siddharth's eyes narrowed slightly as he processed Aryan's response. He couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration for Aryan's kindness and understanding. As he looked at Aryan, he thought to himself that maybe Roohi wasn't as immature as he thought. She had chosen this gentleman after all, and it seemed that she had made a wise decision.
Siddharth's perception of Aryan shifted slightly, and he began to see him in a more favorable light. He realized that Aryan's character was more complex and multifaceted than he had initially given him credit for. The incident had provided a glimpse into Aryan's compassionate nature, and Siddharth found himself feeling more hopeful about his sister's future.
"Well, we should head back then. The girls must be waiting for us," Siddharth said, glancing at his watch as he prepared to leave the jewelry shop. Aryan hesitated, his eyes darting around the room before he spoke up. "You go ahead, I'll be there in a minute," he said, his tone casual but laced with a hint of embarrassment.
Siddharth's expression changed from expectation to confusion, and he raised an eyebrow. He wondered what could be causing Aryan's hesitation. But then, as he looked closer at Aryan's face, he noticed a slight flush rising to his cheeks. Siddharth's confusion turned to realization, and he understood the reason behind Aryan's request.
Siddharth walked towards the door, but before exiting the shop, he halted and turned around. A mischievous glint sparkled in his eyes as he asked, "Did Roohi tell you that she has a liking for bracelets?" Aryan's face immediately flushed with embarrassment, and he looked away, trying to hide his expression.
Siddharth chuckled, the sound low and amused. He had guessed correctly that Aryan's hesitation to leave was because he wanted to buy a gift for Roohi, and the bracelet query was just a playful probe to tease him.
With a knowing smile, Siddharth turned and left the shop, leaving Aryan to his secret gift-buying mission. Aryan watched him go, a mixture of relief and embarrassment on his face, his eyes still fixed on the door as Siddharth disappeared from view.
Meanwhile, Shruti and Roohi were at the boutique, immersed in the excitement of shopping for the wedding. Their primary mission was to find the perfect bridal lehenga, a task that required careful consideration and deliberation. As they browsed through the racks, the staff girl approached them, her eyes shining with enthusiasm.
"These are the latest collections, ma'am," she said, pointing elegantly towards a section of the boutique where several exquisite dresses were showcased on mannequins. The dresses sparkled with intricate embroidery, delicate patterns, and vibrant colors, each one a masterpiece that seemed to whisper tales of tradition and elegance.
Shruti's hands gently explored the delicate fabric of a potential bridal lehenga, her fingers tracing the intricate patterns and embroidery. As she examined the dress, she turned to Roohi and asked, "What do you think, Roohi?" She expected Roohi's opinion, hoping to gauge her reaction to the dress.
However, even after a few seconds, when Roohi's reply didn't come, Shruti looked at her with a mixture of curiosity and concern. To her surprise, Roohi was lost in thought, her eyes gazing into the distance, her mind clearly elsewhere. "Roohi?" Shruti said, her voice gentle, trying to snap Roohi back to reality.
Roohi's eyes refocused, and she looked at Shruti with a hint of confusion. "Huh? Oh, sorry," she said, her voice trailing off. Shruti's expression softened, and she put a reassuring hand on Roohi's shoulder. "What happened? Is it too tiring?" she asked, her tone filled with concern, wondering if the shopping trip had overwhelmed Roohi.
"No, no! I like shopping," Roohi said, her voice filled with a hint of distraction. Shruti's eyes narrowed slightly, sensing that something was bothering Roohi. "Then what happened?" she asked, her tone gentle but inquiring.
Roohi's gaze drifted away, and she hesitated before speaking. "Actually, I'm worried about Aryan and Bhaiya," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm wondering what they'll talk about." Her brow furrowed slightly, concern etched on her face.
Shruti gave Roohi's shoulder a light squeeze, offering reassurance. "Don't worry, Aryan is a good guy," she said with a smile. "He'll definitely impress him." Her words were meant to calm Roohi's nerves. With a gentle smile, Shruti tried to dispel Roohi's doubts, hoping that Aryan would indeed make a good impression on Siddharth.
"And if he still doesn't accept Aryan?" Roohi asked, her voice laced with a hint of anxiety. She looked at Shruti with a mixture of concern and curiosity, wondering what would happen if Siddharth didn't approve of Aryan.
Shruti's expression turned mischievous, and she winked at Roohi. "Then we'll make him accept," she said, her voice filled with confidence and a hint of playfulness. Roohi couldn't help but chuckle at Shruti's words, feeling a bit more at ease.
Shruti's face softened, and she placed a reassuring hand on Roohi's arm. "Don't worry too much," she said, her voice gentle and soothing. Roohi nodded, taking a deep breath as she let Shruti's words sink in. With renewed determination, they continued their shopping, browsing through the racks and examining the dresses with renewed enthusiasm. The tension in Roohi's shoulders eased, and she smiled, feeling grateful for Shruti's support and encouragement.
In the evening, at the Rai estate, Siddharth was seated in his room, engrossed in going through some papers on his desk. The soft glow of the table lamp cast a warm light on his face, illuminating his features as he concentrated on the documents. Roohi, who had been quietly observing him from a distance, decided to approach him. She walked over to the bed and sat down, her eyes fixed on Siddharth's profile.
As Siddharth sensed her presence, he looked up, and their eyes met briefly. Roohi's curiosity got the better of her, and she asked hesitantly, "So? What did you two talk about?" Her voice was soft, and her eyes sparkled with interest.
Siddharth's expression remained neutral as he replied, "A lot of things." He didn't elaborate, leaving Roohi to wonder what exactly had been discussed.
Undeterred, Roohi pressed on, her curiosity piqued. "Like?" she asked, her eyes locked onto Siddharth's face, trying to read his expression.
Siddharth turned towards her, his eyebrow raised in amusement. "What do you want to know?" he asked, his tone hinting that he knew exactly what she was getting at.
Roohi's face scrunched up slightly as she scratched her head hesitantly. "That if Aryan passed your approval test," she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. Her eyes sparkled with anticipation, waiting for Siddharth's response.
"What do you think?" Siddharth teased, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes. Roohi's face contorted in a pout, her eyebrows furrowed in concern. "Come on, bhaiya, just tell me. I'm so worried!" she exclaimed, her voice laced with anxiety.
Siddharth chuckled, seeming to enjoy Roohi's distress. "Okay, okay," he said, relenting. "I think he is a nice guy." His words were like a balm to Roohi's worried soul, and her face lit up with excitement.
Roohi's eyes sparkled with anticipation as she asked, "So? Are you approving of our relationship?" Her voice trembled slightly, betraying her nervousness.
Siddharth's expression softened, and he nodded slightly. "You can say that," he said, his tone measured.
Roohi's face broke into a wide smile, and she launched herself at Siddharth, hugging him tightly. "Oh, bhaiya, thank you so much!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with gratitude.
As she pulled back, Siddharth's expression turned serious. "But no more sneaking around the garden, got it?" he said, his eyes narrowing slightly.
Roohi nodded vigorously, her face still alight with happiness. She knew she had gotten away with something, and she was determined to behave from now on – or at least, to be more careful.
The days flew by in a whirlwind of activity as the wedding preparations reached their climax. Before anyone knew it, the special day had finally arrived. The Singh estate was abuzz with excitement, as servants and maids scurried about, busily putting the finishing touches on every detail. The air was electric with anticipation, and the atmosphere was charged with joy and expectation.
The estate's lush gardens and opulent halls were transformed into a veritable fairy tale setting, with intricate decorations, vibrant flowers, and sparkling lights adding to the festive ambiance. The sound of laughter, music, and gentle chatter filled the air, as the wedding party and their guests began to assemble, each one dressed in their finest attire.
As the morning sun shone brightly overhead, the excitement reached a fever pitch. The staff moved with precision, ensuring that every aspect of the wedding celebration was perfectly in place. From the exquisite flower arrangements to the delectable culinary delights, every detail was meticulously attended to, creating an atmosphere of elegance and refinement that would make the wedding day truly unforgettable.
Both the Rai and Singh families had decided to hold the engagement ceremony in the morning, followed by a grand wedding celebration at night. The excitement was palpable as the families prepared for the big day.
In the meantime, Shruti was in her room, sitting in front of the mirror, getting ready for her own wedding day. Isha, her trusted helper, was busy styling her hair, expertly weaving intricate braids and adornments into her locks. Shruti's eyes sparkled with happiness and nervousness as she watched Isha work her magic, her hair transforming into a stunning work of art.
As Isha worked on the final touches, Shruti couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions - excitement, love, and anticipation. She was about to marry the love of her life, and she couldn't wait to start their new journey together. With a gentle smile, Isha finished the last braid, and Shruti gazed at her reflection, feeling like a radiant bride, ready to take on the day's festivities.
"Here, it's done," Isha said, her hands moving deftly as she gave Shruti's makeup the final touches. With a flourish, she stepped back, and Shruti stood up, admiring herself in the mirror. Her eyes widened in appreciation as she took in her reflection.
First, she gazed at the hairstyle Isha had created - a perfect hairdo with loose, effortless flicks framing her face. The styling accentuated her features, adding a touch of elegance to her overall look. Her eyes then moved to her makeup, which was elegantly done, enhancing her natural beauty without overpowering it.
Next, her gaze drifted to her jewelry, which sparkled and shone, adding a touch of sophistication to her overall appearance. The intricate designs and sparkling gemstones caught the light, making her feel like a true princess.
Finally, she looked at her outfit, and her eyes lit up with delight. She was wearing a stunning lavender-colored lehenga, intricately embroidered with delicate patterns and designs. The lehenga was paired with a flowing net dupatta, which added a touch of ethereal beauty to her overall look. The outfit was a perfect blend of tradition and elegance, making Shruti feel like a radiant bride. She smiled, feeling confident and beautiful.
Meanwhile, downstairs in the grand hall, the guests' attention was drawn towards the entrance as the Man of the Moment, Siddharth, arrived. The atmosphere was electric, and the room fell silent for a moment as all eyes turned towards the gate. Mr. Singh, beaming with pride and warmth, rushed to welcome Siddharth and Mr. Rai.
The two patriarchs, Mr. Singh and Mr. Rai, shared a warm and hearty hug, congratulating each other on the upcoming union of their children. "Congratulations,Mr.Rai." Mr. Singh exclaimed, his voice filled with genuine warmth. Mr. Rai smiled, reciprocating the sentiment, "The pleasure is all mine. Our children are going to make a wonderful couple."
As the two men exchanged pleasantries, Aryan, who had been watching the scene unfold, approached Siddharth. He nodded formally, his expression respectful, and said, "Congratulations."
Siddharth, looking dashing in his formal attire, smiled warmly and nodded back, acknowledging Aryan's good wishes.
