Disha, running frantically, came to a halt when she realized she had distanced herself from Aryan.
Disha, hand on her rapidly beating heart, she smacked her head, unable to shake off the vivid replay of Aryan's face, mere inches from hers, almost kissing her.
As Disha engaged in conversation with her friends, Kunal, who seemed a bit intoxicated, joined the group. His presence made Disha feel uneasy in the midst of the celebration.
She did her best to disregard Kunal's gaze, focusing on her conversation with Kajal and other friends. Suddenly, Disha felt a hand on her waist. Disha, taken aback by the unexpected touch on her waist, turned sharply to see Aryan standing beside her, his intense gaze fixed on her. Aryan intentionally approached there, aware that Disha wouldn't say anything in front of her friends.
Kajal and Aditi began giggling as they observed Disha and Aryan.
Aryan inquired, "Don't you want to introduce your friends to me?"
Disha glared at Aryan and kept silent, not wanting everyone to witness their strained relationship.
Kajal rushed forward and said, "Aryan Jiju (Brother-in-law) , she's always like this. Allow me to introduce you to everyone."
Aryan nodded in acknowledgment and gave her a low smile.
Kajal began introductions, presenting Aditi and Vishal, followed by Vikram, mentioning they all worked together. Then, pointing to Kunal, she said, "He's Disha's best friend." Lastly, she introduced herself, "Hi jiju, I'm Kajal, Disha's childhood friend."
Aryan nodded and exchanged handshakes with everyone as Kajal introduced them. Unnoticed by others, neither Kunal nor Aryan extended their hands, silently harboring grudges against each other.
Vidyut and Sameer, still engaged in conversation at the bar, observed Aryan's behavior. A small smile appeared on Vidyut's face, anticipating the possibility of getting his lively brother back.
Vidyut asserted, "I believe Disha could be the transformative force in Aryan's life, something we've all been anticipating."
Sameer agreed with Vidyut's analysis, stating, "Certainly, Aryan seems to be displaying more emotions lately. Though, it may not always be in a positive manner, the shift is quite evident."
After recognizing their limit, they halted their drinking session and proceeded to the party hall to reunite with the family members during the engagement festivities.
The atmosphere in the Singhania mansion began to wind down as the clock marked past 10 in the night. The guests, having savored a delightful dinner and reveled in the celebration, started to express their good wishes to the engaged couple before making their way out. Smiles, congratulatory words, and warm embraces filled the air as the well-wishers departed, leaving behind a sense of joy and contentment. The Singhania family exchanged grateful smiles, appreciating the support and blessings from those who had shared in their happiness.
As the guests bid their farewells and left, Disha's friends also prepared to depart. Despite Kunal's reluctance to leave, Vishal and Vikram, considering his intoxicated state, managed to guide him towards the exit. Kajal and Aditi accompanied them, ensuring everyone left the Singhania mansion safely.
With only family members remaining, Nita kindly requested everyone to gather in the dining area.
Amidst everyone settling down at the dining table, Disha attempted to avoid sitting next to Aryan and moved towards the opposite side. However, Nita politely requested Disha to sit beside Aryan, and Aarti also encouraged her to take the seat next to him. Reluctantly, Disha had no other choice but to sit beside Aryan.
As the dinner commenced, the conversation flowed along with the clinking of utensils. However, Disha, her mind preoccupied with the events of the engagement party, absentmindedly played with her food, showing no inclination to partake in the meal.
Noticing Disha is not eating, Nita gently asked, "Disha, beta, is everything okay? If you don't feel like having this meal, we can arrange something else for you. Just let me know."
Disha, feeling self-conscious under the silent scrutiny of everyone, replied, "No, aunty, I had a few snacks earlier, so I'm not very hungry right now."
After Disha's response, everyone resumed their conversations. Nita, with a silent gaze, urged Aryan to make sure Disha ate something, a request he comprehended immediately.
Reluctantly, Aryan, driven by his desire not to upset his mother, quietly implored Disha to partake in her meal. In a hushed tone that remained exclusive to her ears, he urged, "Just eat and spare everyone needless concern."
Sensing that Aryan might be encouraging Disha to eat, Nita smiled at the exchange, appreciating his concern for her.
A witty Sameer remarked, "Maybe Disha is so full because of Aryan's love that she's not feeling like eating."
In response to Sameer's comment, Disha, feeling embarrassed, lowered her gaze and reluctantly began eating. Aryan, well-acquainted with Sameer's teasing, remained composed.
Ishaan, in a light-hearted tone, quipped, "Bhabhi, grab a bite; otherwise, Bhai's dinner enjoyment is at stake."
As the word "bhabhi" reached Disha's ears, she suddenly choked on her food, coughing uncontrollably. She hastily reached for the water glass on the table, attempting to drink and discreetly diverting attention from the sudden coughing fit.
Laughter echoed through the room as Abhi, unable to contain himself, exclaimed, "Mom, see, Disha bhabhi has an impact similar to bhai upon hearing 'bhabhi.'"
Disha, upon hearing about Aryan, swiftly moved towards him. Their eyes met briefly, but Aryan withdrew his gaze immediately, focusing on his food without looking up.
The laughter that ensued revealed the couple's discomfort, yet they persevered through the rest of the dinner.
As dinner concluded, Disha and her parents took their leave. Aryan and his family joined them outside to see them off.
Nita, with a subtle intention, orchestrated a scenario where Aryan was encouraged to bid farewell to Disha. As Aryan approached her near the car, the apparent conversations among the family members served as a camouflage, concealing the fact that everyone was keenly observing the dynamics between the couple.
Perceiving the collective scrutiny, Aryan, in a hushed tone, suggested to Disha that they engage in some conversation to divert attention, given the curious gazes from those around them.
Aryan, discreetly to Disha: "Let's say something; everyone's eyes are fixated on us."
Realizing everyone's gaze on them, Disha awkwardly smiled and whispered to Aryan, "Just say goodbye and go; let's not make it more awkward than it already is."
Aryan muttered with frustration, "I'm not eager to engage in a conversation with you. Just put on a show and avoid arousing suspicion from them."
Disha smiled and responded with a low voice, "Whatever." Uncertain of how to proceed, she moved forward and lightly hugged Aryan. The onlookers, who had been observing them, now averted their gaze to other surroundings.
Observing the positive development in Disha and Aryan's relationship, Nita and everyone who cared for the couple were delighted.
Aryan, on the other hand, was utterly taken aback by Disha's sudden hug. Before he could fully process it, Disha broke the hug, feeling embarrassed about her impulsive act. She quickly sat inside the car, ignoring the curious glances from everyone around.
Aarti and Vijay bid farewell, moving towards their car. Vijay hugged Aryan before they departed for their house. The Singhania family went inside the mansion, but Aryan remained standing there, visibly stunned by Disha's unexpected hug.
As Aarti and Vijay discussed the engagement ceremony in the car, Disha, seated in the back seat, gazed out of the window, lost in her own thoughts.
Aryan, experiencing a myriad of emotions after that unexpected hug, finally snapped out of his shock. A subtle smile adorned his face as he entered the mansion, heading straight to his room.
With the success and joy of the engagement celebration, Nita bid everyone goodnight, and in turn, everyone retired to their respective rooms.
In his room, Aryan emerged in his night clothes after a quick shower. Lying down on the bed, his mind replayed all the scenes from the engagement, especially the unexpected hug. Eventually, he drifted into a deep sleep.
Upon reaching home, Disha wished her parents good night and headed straight to her room, feeling the burden of the heavy lehenga weighing on her.
After a speedy shower, shedding the layers of makeup, Disha switched into comfortable pyjamas. Seated on her bed, gazing at her engagement ring, Disha's heart became a canvas of myriad emotions, the realization of belonging to someone resonating through her thoughts.
Exhaustion settling in, Disha sprawled on her bed, succumbing to weariness as she drifted into a peaceful slumber.
With the morning sun casting its glow, Aryan commenced his routine, engaging in some exercise. After freshening up, he adorned himself in his customary formal suit and proceeded to the living room.
Grandpa declared during breakfast, "Vidyut will be heading to London this afternoon for pending work, and he'll be back well before the wedding."
Aishwarya, who had maintained her silence, erupted with frustration, "Dad, why this urgency? Vidyut could easily wrap up his work after this wedding. You're simply making him shuttle back and forth without any consideration for his well-being."
Grandpa was about to respond when Vidyut interjected, "Mom, I'll be fine. You don't need to worry. Once I complete my work, I'll be back. I insisted on finishing it quickly, and that's why I asked Grandpa for permission."
Aryan, least interested in the conversation, finished his coffee and stood up to leave for work.
Nita approached Aryan, and said, "Aryan, dear, could you please help me by taking these gifts to Disha's parents? They forgot them here, and it would be kind of you to deliver them on your way to work."
Aryan firmly conveyed, "No, mom. I have important meetings lined up, and I'm already running late. Please have it sent with the driver."
But Aryan, it won't look good if it is sent with the driver, remarked Nita.
With a sense of defeat, Aryan responded, "Fine, instruct the butler to place it in the backseat of the car."
Aryan took the passenger seat as the back seat was fully loaded with gifts. He muttered, "Few gifts, huh."
The morning sun cast its rays, and Disha stirred from her slumber later than her usual waking hour. The realization of her resigned status left her with a void of tasks. She lay on her bed, contemplating the day ahead. After a while, she roused herself, making her way towards the bathroom to commence her day.
Disha, having taken a refreshing shower, opted for comfort in a T-shirt and shorts, forsaking the need to step out. Her damp hair, instead of undergoing the typical blow-drying routine, cascaded naturally. Venturing into the living room, she discovered it vacant.
Disha dialed her mother, who conveyed that her father had already departed for work. Aarti mentioned that she was on the way to the temple and anticipated returning shortly.
After ending the call, Disha proceeded to the kitchen, preparing her favorite masala chai and enjoying breakfast her mother had prepared. Settling down in front of the TV, she immersed herself in the moment. The doorbell interrupted her solitude, prompting Disha to quickly head towards the door, assuming her mother had returned.
Disha swung the door open, her eyes widening in astonishment at the sight of Aryan clad in his meticulously tailored black suit. The custom-made attire accentuated his features, and she found herself captivated by the allure of his handsome countenance and the depth within his oceanic eyes.
Aryan, noticing Disha in casual attire, retrieved the gifts from his driver and he gestured for the driver to leave and wait by the car.
Disha, regaining her composure, stammered, "You... You're here? What are you doing here?"
Aryan gestured her to step aside, and she hastily made way as he entered, placing the gifts on the table beside the sofa.
As Aryan finished placing the gifts in the living room, Disha, following him, bluntly remarked, "You've delivered the gifts, now leave."
Aryan retorted in an icy tone, "I was about to leave, but since it seems you lack manners, let me teach you before I go." His words sent shivers down her spine.
Disha, taken aback, replied defiantly, "I don't need any lessons from you. Just leave, Mr. Singhania."
Aryan advanced, and Disha retreated, hitting the wall. Unfazed, she stood her ground, unafraid within the confines of her home.
Aryan, noting the fierceness in Disha's eyes, let out a low chuckle as he placed both hands on the wall, effectively trapping Disha in between.
Aryan approached Disha's ear and, in a husky tone, remarked, "I can see a wild cat can roar like a tigress."
Aryan's husky words resonated in Disha's ears, causing a noticeable reaction in her body. As he moved closer, she felt his warm breath on her ear, sending involuntary shivers through her. The unexpected proximity left her cheeks flushed, rendering her silent.
Disha, despite her efforts to appear unaffected, began pushing against Aryan with her small hands. However, he remained unmoved.
In a dominating stance, Aryan pressed Disha against the wall, restraining her hands with one of his own. The forceful pull brought their chests together, intensifying her breath. Gradually, he shifted his focus to her neck, placing his lips delicately on her collarbone. This intimate act stirred a flutter in her stomach, and her eyes closed in response.
Aryan observed her evident flustered state, then abruptly released her hands, stepping back. Nonchalantly adjusting his suit, he seated himself on the sofa, adopting an air of indifference, as if the previous intense encounter had never occurred.
Disha, disheveled and in disarray, slowly opened her eyes, realizing her hands were now free. Her gaze immediately landed on Aryan, who was casually seated on the sofa. The atmosphere in the room shifted from intense to awkward as a tense silence hung between them. Disha, struggling to compose herself, cleared her throat before mustering the courage to speak.
"What was that?" she questioned, her voice a mix of confusion and frustration. Aryan, seemingly unfazed, looked at her with a smirk, his eyes betraying a hint of amusement.
"Just a demonstration," he replied, his tone nonchalant. "Consider it a lesson in manners."
Disha angrily stomped her feet and pointed towards Aryan, saying, "You—" but she couldn't complete her sentence as the sound of the door opening abruptly interrupted her. The sudden intrusion shifted their attention to the entrance, creating a momentary pause in the charged atmosphere.
Upon Aarti's entrance into the house and her warm smile upon seeing Aryan, she extended an offer to prepare something for him to eat. However, Aryan graciously refused, explaining that he needed to leave promptly due to time constraints. Aryan left after bidding farewell.
Disha, already frustrated with Aryan's actions, just pout in response to Aarti's question about not offering anything for Aryan to eat.