Reyansh's face turned an even deeper shade of red as he remembered the scene he had walked in on. He felt his embarrassment and mortification return, and he couldn't bear to stay there any longer.

Without saying a word, Reyansh rushed away from the group, leaving everyone bewildered.

"What's wrong with him?" Rajeev asked everyone else.

Vihaan looked at the others and said, "I have no idea what just happened. Maybe he's just really sleepy?"

After Some Time

The ladies emerged from their rooms, dressed in beautiful sarees.

Amyra looked stunning in a bright red saree, her hair styled perfectly.

Ahaan couldn't help but compliment her sweetly, "Sunshine, you look beautiful. That saree really brings out the color in your eyes." He quickly kissed her, shocking her a little with his bold move in front of everyone, but no one reacted.

Vihaan, on the other hand, was completely awestruck by Samaira's beauty. He was staring at her with an open mouth.

Agastya chuckled, stood behind him, and said in a low voice, "Close your mouth, Vihaan. You're going to embarrass yourself in front of your girl."

Nitya looked at Agastya, but he was busy chatting with Dadaji.

As the ladies joined the group, everyone complimented them. The atmosphere was filled with laughter and joy.

Just then, Reyansh walked back in, looking a bit more composed. But the moment he looked at Ruhi, the image of her in a towel flashed in his mind, making him cough suddenly.

Everyone turned to him, worried. "Reyansh, beta, are you okay?" Nalini asked.

Reyansh nodded, still coughing. "I'm fine, Badi Maa. Just a little... dust in my throat."

Ruhi looked at him with a smirk, making him blush again as Reyansh quickly looked away, his face turning bright red.

Dadiji walked into the aangan, smiling at her family, and said, "Alright, everyone! It's time to leave for the mandir."

Everyone got up and went towards the cars and sat with their respective partners. Vihaan asked Samaira to sit with him, leaving Ruhi, Reyansh, Nitya, and Agastya.

Since Agastya was still injured, Nitya and Reyansh decided to go with him, and Ruhi also joined them because she didn't want to interrupt any couples.

After a drive of 20 minutes, they all arrived at the mandir. Everyone got out of the cars and walked towards the gate of the temple, where they all removed their footwear.

After everyone removed their footwear, Dadi asked them to gather and said, "For the ritual, Ahaan beta, you have to carry Amyra to the top. It's not much, only 700 stairs."

Reyansh asked in shock, "700 is not much?"

"It's not. Your father and chachu both have done this. You and Vihaan will also have to do this ritual before getting married," Dadaji said to Reyansh.

"I have no problem with this ritual," Vihaan said, glancing at Samaira but quickly looking forward only to meet the elder's eyes, who were looking at him teasingly.

Ahaan grinned mischievously as he picked up Amyra in his arms. "I'm more than blessed to carry my future wifey."

Amyra playfully hit Ahaan on the chest. "Put me down, Ahaan! I can walk here at least!"

Ahaan walked with Amyra in front as everyone watched them with a smile.

Dadi informed the rest of them, "We all will be going for the havan at the backside of the mandir, and baccho, if you want, you guys can also go and do darshan."

Nitya looked at Samaira and Ruhi and asked, "Should we go?"

"Why not?" said Ruhi, shrugging.

Samaira said, "Dadiji, I, Ruhi, and Nitya will also go."

"Okay, baccho..." Suddenly, Vihaan said, "I and Bhai will also go."

"What?! Why me?" Reyansh asked, surprised.

"Because you are my big brother," Vihaan said, trying to explain to him as he looked at Samaira.

Reyansh understood and said, "Dadi, we will also be going."

"Okay, after you all are done, come to the havan," Dadi said to the youngsters.

"Okay, Dadi," said Vihaan with a smile.

Meanwhile, with Ahaan and Amyra

As they started to climb the stairs, Ahaan whispered to Amyra, "You know, wifey, I'm really enjoying this tradition."

Amyra smirked at him and said, "I'm enjoying it too, hubby."

Ahaan chuckled, his lips brushing against Amyra's ear. "I'm happy to oblige. Any excuse to hold you close."

Amyra's face turned bright red, but she couldn't help smiling. She loved the way Ahaan made her feel, like she was the only person in the world.

As they continued to climb the stairs, Ahaan and Amyra's flirting became more and more playful, with Ahaan teasing her about her weight and Amyra retaliating by poking him in the ribs.

Their friends watched with amusement, happy to see the loving couple so carefree and happy.

As the youngsters started climbing the stairs, their laughter and chatter echoed through the air. Ahaan, still carrying Amyra, led the way, followed by Vihaan, Samaira, Reyansh, Nitya, and Ruhi.

The elders stayed behind, busying themselves with preparing for the havan as they walked to the backside of the mandir.

Agastya, still not fully recovered, also stayed behind, standing near a tree and watching as the youngsters climbed the stairs.

Reyansh and Ruhi were avoiding any type of eye contact; Ruhi buried herself in talking with Nitya.

Vihaan and Samaira were walking behind them, chatting easily like before.

As they finally reached the top, they all greeted Pandit ji, "Namaste."

"Namaste, baccho! Ahaan and Amyra beta, please come forward and take your places."

Ahaan, still carrying Amyra, walked forward, followed by the others.

The pandit asked Ahaan and Amyra to do the offerings to Devi Maa. Then he asked Nitya to tie Amyra's saree pallu with Ahaan's gamcha.

"Now, Ahaan and Amyra, you will take 7 rounds around the mandir, symbolizing your commitment to each other. And the rest of you, please take 3 rounds and wish for your partners."

Vihaan's eyes met Samaira's, and he smiled as they began to walk around the mandir.

After everyone finished the ritual, Pandit ji handed all of them a few flowers and prasad. "You all can walk down the back stairs where the havan is happening."

As they walked down the back stairs, Ahaan looked at Amyra and said, "We're one step closer to being married, Sunshine."

Amyra nodded and said, "I couldn't be happier, Ahaan."

They all walked down the stairs, talking among themselves until they reached the place where the havan was taking place. The sound of chanting mantras and the smell of incense filled the air.

The pandit ji was sitting near the fire, chanting and throwing offerings into the flames. The group sat down around the havan, joining their hands and watching the ceremony. The fire from the havan spread warmth around them.

After half an hour, the havan was complete, and the pandit ji asked everyone to take a dip in the Ganga River.

Everyone got up, and they all walked towards the Ganga ghat. The sun was shining brightly now.

They saw the sparkling waters of the Ganga, which had a soft reflection of glow from the morning sun.

One by one, the elders started getting down the ghat, their feet touching the cool water. They took 3 dips in the river and came out. Everyone was shivering, as it was not really the season for taking a dip in the cool waters of the river.

As the youngsters got into the river, the elders sat down at the ghat, watching them with warm smiles.

Dadi looked at the youngsters who were taking dips in the Ganga River and said, "You know, Nalini beta, I'm so happy to see the kids taking part in these rituals with so much enthusiasm and respect."

Nalini nodded in agreement. "Truly, Maa. It's wonderful to see them following all family traditions, unlike most of the kids nowadays."

Dadaji spoke up, "And it's not just about the rituals; it's about the values and principles that they represent. Values like love, respect, and commitment. You and Vandana beta have really given very good upbringing to all four of them."

As everyone finished the 3 dips, they started coming out, shivering because of the cold. Dadi warned them, "Be careful, baccho! The stairs are slippery because of the water and algae. Hold hands and come out slowly."

Everyone nodded, and Ahaan held Amyra's hand tightly as they quickly came out and sat down near the elders.

Nitya and Ruhi held hands, with Reyansh walking behind them, as they came out. Vihaan and Samaira were the last ones

As they were climbing the stairs, Vihaan's foot slipped, and he lost his balance. Everyone gasped in shock, but Samaira quickly held his hand tightly, steadying him.

Vihaan looked at their joined hands and thanked her. She nodded with a smile and held his hand tightly until they came out and sat down near the elders.

The elders, who were watching the scene unfold, looked at each other and smiled. Dadi spoke up, "You know, this reminds me of the first time Nalini and Vikram met."

Vandana's eyes widened in surprise. "Really, Maa? What happened? I don't know anything about Nalini Bhabhi and Vikram Bhaiya's first meeting."

Dadi smiled and said, "On that day also we came to do darshan here, and at that time Vikram had just accomplished his first business deal. While Vikram was coming out, he slipped and almost fell, but soon a young and beautiful girl held his hand tightly, steadying him, and Vikram decided to hold her hand forever. Just like Samaira held Vihaan's hand today."

Vikram and Nalini looked at each other and smiled, holding hands quietly.

After sitting at the ghats for a few minutes more, they all got up and decided to head back to the haveli.

They all sat back in their respective cars as they drove back to the haveli.

After a ride of 20 minutes, they all reached. They quickly stepped out of the cars, rushed to their rooms to get changed out of their wet clothes, and came back to the garden.

Dadi spoke, "Let's have food in the back garden; it's beautiful there."

"Okay, Maa," Vandana instructed the maids to bring their food to the back garden only.

After half an hour, they all reached the garden to see a beautiful sitting area arranged, with a variety of Indian food set up on the table. They all sat down to have food.

Soon they were all done with lunch, and everyone decided to go back to their rooms and take some rest now, as they had all been busy for the past few days regularly.

Meanwhile, Samaira and Ruhi decided to tell Amyra about the stalker.

They walked to Amyra and Ahaan's room. Those two-no one knew how they convinced the elders to let them stay in the same room, or was it because their rooms were on the second floor, so no elder actually knew? And even if they did... no one would really bother with it because, after all, they were getting married.

Samaira knocked on the door, and Ahaan's voice came, "Come in."

Ruhi and Samaira walked in to see Ahaan doing some work on his laptop while Amyra was checking some patient files online.

Amyra and Ahaan looked up as Amyra asked, "What happened, guys?"

"Yeah, it's been long since we talked to you, so I just wanted to spend some time with you," Ruhi said with a smile.

Amyra got up to come out when Ahaan said, "Oh, don't worry, girls; you guys talk here, and I will ask someone to send some snacks just in case. I also have to talk with Agastya regarding some work."

"Okay, and thank you, Jiju," Samaira said politely.

"No problem, baccha," Ahaan said to Samaira and Ruhi, gave a quick kiss to Amyra, and left the room, closing the door behind him.

Amyra kept her laptop on the side table, got up, dragged Samaira and Ruhi, making them sit, and asked, "So what's going on, guys? I know something is wrong. I didn't want to ask in front of everyone, but I am sure you both want to tell me what is happening."

Samaira said in a not-so-lively voice, "It's nothing serious, just a little problem."

"Little problem! Are you sure about that? I don't know why both of you are holding back from telling me everything. Just because I am getting married doesn't mean that you have to hide things from me. And secondly, who are you both trying to fool? We have been best friends for almost our whole lives. Your expression may fool everyone but not me. I know you both like the back of my hand, so it's actually useless to lie to me," Amyra said in a stern tone.

Ruhi and Samaira looked at each other a little scared; yes, Amyra was the most immature or unexpected, but sometimes she was just scary.

Samaira asked Amyra, "You remember about the stalker?"

"Yeah, the one who calls you! What happened? I thought it was not that serious," Amyra said, confused.

"Well, it was not as serious until he murdered someone. Here, read this: it came when you and Ahaan Jiju went to the garden. Everyone in the family knows about it and the murder," Ruhi said in a serious voice.

Amyra took the letter from Samaira and started reading it, and her hands gripped the letter harshly as she read the letter written in blood.

"Dear love,

You should've never ignored me. How can you ignore your one and only to-be husband? You are only mine, and I will make sure of it that I am the only one who is able to touch you, kiss you... f..."

She didn't say anything and opened the next letter and read it also.

"You know, I am so in love with you that I will make sure that whoever comes near you is killed. That man who tried to come near you is also dead. Wanna see? Check the news."

Amyra looked at Ruhi and said in a monotone, "What about the news? Who is it about?"

"Mihir," Samaira said as she handed her an iPad.

"Do you mean Mihir Singh, who was in the hospital after you beat him black and blue? I thought he was going to get arrested after his treatment. Shouldn't he be behind bars right now, considering it has already been months since that incident?" Amyra said as she put the password in the iPad and opened the recorded news.

"A man named Mihir Singh, who is the owner of a club, was found dead at 4 a.m. in his cabin, where he used to keep small underage girls who were forced to be bar dancers in his club."

"So he's dead now," Amyra said, shrugging, and kept the iPad down.

Ruhi said, "Yeah, but now the thing is, what are we going to do? I mean, as long as we are inside the Oberoi Palace or this haveli, we are safe, but we can't say when we are outside of here."

"I don't think it's anything that serious," Samaira said, shrugging off the matter.

"It is serious, Sam; he murdered someone, and not to mention those letters. Those are not some cute love letters or something," said Ruhi in a serious tone.

"You really need to take things a little more seriously, Sam," Amyra said in the same tone and folded the letters back.

"But you also know that death threats are a common thing in my field, and yours too, Ruhi. And now Amyra is also in danger. We can't forget that we have chosen this life ourselves, and such threats are pretty common," Samaira said stubbornly.

"Yeah, but those threats were always because of our profession. But now someone has targeted you specifically, and I don't know why. For the first time, I feel like something is wrong and serious, and you know my instincts are never wrong," Ruhi said in a serious tone.

"Okay, okay, I will take it seriously now. So what to do now? It's no use appointing our own security because we are already surrounded by security right now," Samaira said to Ruhi and Amyra, who said nothing.

But then Amyra said, "Just make sure you are always with someone; inside the haveli it's not really important, but when you are outside, be careful."

"Fine, I will," Samaira said, and they sat down silently for some time. Then Ruhi said teasingly, "It's already late, and we disturbed you and Jiju; we also need to rest a little bit. We will leave now."

Amyra nodded and said, "You guys should also go and rest right now; I am sure none of us had a good sleep for long."

Ruhi and Samaira agreed with her. As they got up and walked out of the room, Ruhi's phone rang. She looked at the screen and said, "Mummy."

Samaira said, "You go ahead and talk to her; I'll go back now."

Ruhi nodded and headed to her room to talk to her mother.

Samaira walked into her room and locked the door after getting inside. She changed into comfortable clothes and lay on her bed. She checked her phone for a few minutes and then closed her eyes, thinking about the talk she had with Ruhi and Amyra.

Honestly speaking, she was kind of creeped out by the stalker. Though she didn't say this to anyone, she knew that both Amyra and Ruhi knew what she was feeling.

She was relaxed for now, considering that everything was going well. Tired from her thoughts, finally sleep took over her.