Days passed, and today was the day of the engagement — the day everyone had been eagerly waiting for, especially Ekaksh. He was so impatient that he saw Mishti everywhere, and staying away from her was becoming unbearable. But what could he do other than wait? This helplessness was making him restless and irritable all morning. Meanwhile, his family was enjoying his state, teasing and laughing at him. To make matters worse, they all sang in unison to pull his leg:
"Hue bechain pehli baar
humne raaz ye jaana
mohabbat mein koi aashiq
kyon ban jata hai deewana
agar iqraar ho jaaye
kisi se pyaar ho jaaye
baRa mushkil hota hai
dil ko samjhaana"
Hearing them, Ekaksh gave them a deadly stare and stormed off, muttering to himself. Poor guy — already losing his mind over his bride-to-be, and on top of that, being teased mercilessly.
Argh! These people... Oh god! he thought
7 PM | The Blue Ocean Hotel
Everything was ready. The venue looked royal yet intimate, with only close family, friends, and a few business partners. No media was invited — not because Ekaksh didn’t want to show Mishti to the world, but because he wanted her to step into the spotlight only when she was ready. Her comfort meant more to him than society's attention.
Everyone was gathered in the living room waiting for Ekaksh. When he finally descended the stairs, wearing a lavender traditional kurta with a white pajama and an overcoat, he looked stunning — so regal, so effortlessly striking.
Sumitra ji ran to him with a lemon and chili in hand and circled him thrice to ward off evil, then placed a black dot behind his ear.
“Oh my handsome son, may no one’s evil eyes fall on you! Oh Lord Shiva, protect my precious son from all these cheap witches out there. Only my Mishti has the right to admire him in public!”
Everyone rolled their eyes at her drama. Shivank took out ₹50 from his pocket and handed it to her.
“Mom, here’s ₹50 for your award-winning overacting.”
Everyone burst into laughter, while Sumitra ji playfully smacked him on the head.
“Useless child!”
“Okay, enough teasing. Mom, Bhai, if you’re done, let’s go now or we’ll be late,” Ruhi said excitedly, and everyone agreed.
✩⋆｡˚ ⋆｡°✩
In the hotel suite
Mishti sat in front of the mirror, wearing a stunning lavender floral saree with a delicate net blouse. Her makeup was light, hair curled softly — she looked like a vision, a fairy.
When the makeup artist asked her to open her eyes, Mishti looked into the mirror and was stunned to see herself. She smiled and thanked the artist.
But then — a knock.
“The door’s open, please come in.”
The door creaked open, revealing Sneha with a wicked smirk. Mishti’s smile faded.
Sneha dismissed the makeup artist and stood in front of Mishti, scanning her with disdain.
“Little sister, you must be thrilled, huh? About to become the Queen of Rajasthan. How did you do it? Tell me, how many nights did you trade to go from his bed to his throne?”
Her venomous words pierced Mishti’s heart. She stayed silent, not wanting to cry on such a happy day.
Sneha grew more furious at Mishti’s calmness. She grabbed her chin and forced her to look up.
“How dare you ignore me! No matter what they say — those so-called in-laws of yours — the truth won’t change. Today or tomorrow, they’ll use you and throw you on the streets. You’ll always be dirty. Some queen you’ll make!”
Suddenly, a hand caught Mishti — Shivank was there, having come to escort her with Akshat.
He helped Mishti up, then turned to Akshat with a silent nod. Akshat stepped beside her.
Sneha stood frozen, caught off guard.
“Chot-te Hu–hukum sa... I—”
But Shivank cut her off.
“ENOUGH. WHAT. THE. HELL. ARE. YOU. DOING? How dare you insult my Bhabhi Maa!”
His voice thundered across the room.
“You're accusing her of something she never even dreamed of — calling her impure? She is as sacred as the Ganga, while you are the filthiest soul here. You are the real disgrace. Don’t you dare think this will be forgotten.”
He turned to Mishti, wiping her tears.
“Let’s go, Bhabhi Maa. Bhai is waiting for you.”
Mishti felt overwhelmed. No one had ever stood up for her like this. For the first time, she felt what "family" really meant. The way he said Bhabhi Maa made her heart feel warm and safe.
Sneha remained rooted in fear, realizing she had crossed a line. Shivank was not one to give hollow threats — and she had just made herself his target.
Back in the hall, Ekaksh stood on stage, scanning the door impatiently.
“Bhai, you know patience always pays off,” Ruhi teased.
Before Ekaksh could retort, he heard it — the gentle sound of anklets.
His eyes shot to the door.
There she was.
Mishti stepped into the hall, eyes lowered, looking like a vision in lavender. His breath hitched. For a moment, his world froze.
“She’s really a fairy,” he whispered to himself.
Ruhi nudged him, breaking his trance. He walked to Mishti and extended his hand. She looked up into his warm, honey-brown eyes — filled with sincerity and love. Slowly, she placed her hand in his and went on stage.
Her eyes lowered with shyness.
His eyes filled with love and warmth.
On the stage
Dadi turned to Sumitra ji.
“Sumitra, let’s begin the engagement ceremony.”
Sumitra smiled and handed the ring box to Ekaksh.
“Beta, put the ring on Mishti and make her yours.”
Mishti blushed while Ekaksh gave a soft smile. He picked up the ring and, before placing it, whispered:
“May I?”
Mishti nodded, and he gently slipped the ring onto her finger.
Now it was Mishti’s turn.
She looked up at him with misty eyes. while holding a ring, not very expensive.
“Hukum sa, I know this ring is not expensive, but my father had it made for my wedding. I’ve kept it safe all these years. It’s the last memory I have of him. And today, I want to give it to you — as a symbol of our bond. Do you accept it?”
Her voice trembled.
Ekaksh stepped closer, wiping her tears.
“Rani sa, like I’ve said before — you only need to command me. Price doesn’t matter to me. You are my Aardhagini — my other half. What matters is your trust. Whatever you give me with love, I will always cherish it.”
Mishti smiled through her tears and gently placed the ring on his finger.
“Congratulations, soon-to-be Mrs. Mishti Ekaksh Singh Rathore,” he whispered, "From today, I am yours.”
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