The entire garden was now a battlefield of laughter and haldi splashes. Even the elders couldn't resist dabbing the couple with turmeric and showering them with blessings.

Seeing that the bowl of haldi was getting empty, Samaira walked towards the table when suddenly someone pulled her behind the vibrantly colored curtains. Her eyes met with Vihaan, who was holding her by her waist, and his hand was over her mouth, preventing her from shouting.

He slowly removed his hand and looked at her intensely. This time she didn't pull away.

Samaira whispered, "You shouldn't be near me."

He looked at her with unbearable softness. "And why is that, Ms. Samaira?"

"Because I hurt you." She continued maintaining eye contact.

His voice was steady. "You didn't. That's what you keep forgetting."

Her eyes watered as she finally looked away, hiding her glossy eyes. "I read your letter. It was... it was beautiful."

He spoke softly. "You were worth every word."

She gulped the knot in her throat as she said, "You waited so long."

"I'd wait again," he said, softly cupping her face and making her look at him. "As long as you want me to wait."

Vihaan's hand reached for hers as he held her hand. The connection between them felt electric, alive. "I never stopped loving you, Samaira. Not for a single moment."

She stood still for a long time, her gaze at their hands, and then she spoke the words that had been buried in her heart for ten years: "What if I don't want to run anymore?"

As the words left her mouth, Vihaan pulled her into a tight but relaxing embrace, and as Vihaan's lips met Samaira's, time stood still.

The world around them melted away, leaving only the two of them, suspended in a moment of pure connection.

The kiss was what brought out all their pent-up emotions of years, a passionate declaration of love that seemed to set their hearts on fire.

Samaira's lips parted, inviting him in, and Vihaan deepened the kiss, his arms enveloping her in a fierce, tender hold. She matched his intensity, her fingers tangling in his hair, drawing him closer as if trying to erase the distance between them.

In this kiss, they both found a sense of homecoming, a realization that they were meant to be together. Their world might have been chaotic and unpredictable, but in each other's arms, they had finally found a sense of peace, a sense of belonging.

As they broke apart for a moment, gasping for air, a peaceful smile grazed their lips as they hugged each other. Vihaan's gaze was filled with adoration, and Samaira's shone with tears of joy - both of them knowing that nothing would ever be the same again.

The haldi, the laughter, the family - as if nothing mattered anymore. For the first time, there were no barriers. There was no fear of rejection, no more waiting. There was only this moment, only them.

Vihaan pulled back. His thumb stroked her cheek gently as he said, "I should've done this a long time ago."

"You were waiting for me," she replied, a slight smirk tugging at her lips. "I'm not going anywhere now."

"Samaira... I... I love you..." Vihaan said nervously as his heart pounded in his chest.

"I love you too, Mr. Oberoi," Samaira said, winking at him, making his nervousness go away.

"Then can I call you jaan... my jaan?" Vihaan said, once again kissing her, but this time it was softer and more peaceful.

"Of course... you better only call me jaan now. Otherwise I will not forgive you," Samaira said, breathing heavily once they pulled back from the kiss.

"As you say... jaan," Vihaan said as they laughed.

Their moment was suddenly disrupted when they heard someone shouting. They sneakily went back to the crowd and saw Nalini shouting, "Now where are these sons of mine? Especially Ahaan, it's his haldi today. And God knows where he is."

"Aunty, not only that, your previous daughter-in-law is also missing," said Ruhi, adding fuel to the fire.

"I can bet those two are somewhere making out," Nitya said in a low voice, which was heard by Ruhi, Samaira, Vihaan, and Reyansh.

"I can bet on it," said Samaira mischievously.

Meanwhile - behind the curtains

Amyra had Ahaan cornered against the old stone wall of the garden, his kurta destroyed with haldi and his expression somewhere between dazed and turned on.

Ahaan was shocked by Amyra's boldness; usually, it was him who was shameless, but today Ahaan was pushed up against the wall while Amyra played with his gun, tracing it from his face to his neck and down, making Ahaan breathless.

Ahaan said in a whisper, trying to control himself, "Sunshine, we're going to get caught-"

But before he could speak further, Amyra tugged on his collar, pulling him closer, kissing him wildly, and Ahaan responded with the same intensity.

"Then stop kissing me like you want me to melt," she murmured against his lips, fingers buried in his hair.

"You grabbed me first," he said, half-laughing, half-amused.

"You looked too edible not to," Amyra said, smirking.

Ahaan groaned as she moved her hands, tracing his whole body. "This is so inappropriate."

"So is your hand on my thigh right now," Amyra smirked.

Ahaan blinked. "Touché."

And then-WHOOSH! The curtain flew back dramatically.

"AHAAN!"

They both froze.

Nalini, Vandana, Ruhi, Samaira, Nitya, Reyansh, and Vihaan stood there, eyes wide at the scene in front of them, especially looking at the gun in Amyra's hand.

Amyra quickly backed away, hiding the gun behind her, and fake-coughed. "Hi, aunty?"

She gave a sheepish smile and ran to hide behind Ruhi and Samaira, who gave her a not-so-innocent look.

Once Amyra and Ahaan settled again, the rituals continued, and then the guests and relatives started applying haldi to Ahaan and Amyra.

Even though it was the ritual, except for family members and close friends, no one was allowed to put haldi on Amyra - and it was Ahaan's clear instruction.

One mistake, and he would shoot that person. Not only him, but even Vihaan, Agastya, and Reyansh were also keeping an eye on this.

After some time

Ruhi walked away from the crowd for some time.

Even though she was enjoying it, suddenly she felt like taking a little breather. Standing there meant anyone could pour water or haldi on her, and she really needed a few minutes to relax.

She walked towards the water fountain and stood near it for a few seconds, when suddenly Reyansh emerged from somewhere, his little cousin brother chasing him - but of course Reyansh was way stronger and faster in comparison to the kid. Ruhi smiled seeing the kid's sulky face when Reyansh easily stopped him before he could apply haldi.

Suddenly, the kid pushed Reyansh with all his might. Ruhi, who was standing there, quickly held him before he could fall - but of course, Reyansh was way heavier in comparison to Ruhi, and they both fell in the fountain, making a huge splash sound and turning every face towards them.

"Ahh!" Ruhi shrieked.

Reyansh grabbed her waist instinctively to steady her.

Their bodies collided, making them freeze.

Suddenly, Reyansh muttered, holding her tightly, "You are getting married?"

Ruhi gave him a murderous glare and elbowed him, making him loosen his hold on her.

"Yes, I am... so what!" Ruhi was angry not because of Reyansh but more because everyone was looking at them like a drama was going on, and she disliked this the most - especially when there were strangers present. Her face was turning red from embarrassment as she tried to come out of the fountain, which was now yellow because of haldi, but of course, she had to stumble.

The fountain's boundary was high, and her dress was making it hard for her to get out. Samaira and Jeevika moved to help her, but before they could reach her, Ruhi shouted, "YAHHH, Reyansh Oberoi, what are you doing? Put me down, you idiot."

Seeing Ruhi stumble and try to get out, he waited for a few seconds until he couldn't. Why was this girl so stubborn? Finally, he came behind her and picked her up in his arms and got out of the fountain as she shouted at him, but he gave no reaction and just put her down.

The entire garden, still buzzing with haldi and color, suddenly seemed to zoom in on the dripping duo standing in front of the now-yellow fountain.

Ruhi, completely soaked now, her hair clinging to her face, looked like she was about to either scream or combust. She quickly turned toward Reyansh, water dripping off her chin. "You idiot! I told you not to pick me up! You-"

But before she could continue scolding Reyansh, Nitya burst out laughing. "I swear, this haldi is giving me more entertainment than binge-watching any series!"

Reyansh just blinked calmly, brushing water off his kurta, unfazed. "Would you rather I leave you drowning in turmeric water?"

"I wasn't drowning! I was managing!" Ruhi huffed, trying to remove haldi from her face.

Reyansh casually tossed his wet hair back and looked at Ruhi, smirking. "Don't worry, your highness. Next time you fall for me, I'll give you a softer landing."

"Fall for you?!" Ruhi's eyes flared as she turned crimson, part fury, part embarrassment.

Everyone laughed silently, seeing Ruhi throwing daggers at Reyansh. If looks could kill, Reyansh would be dead by now. She tried to control herself before she beat Reyansh and walked towards Amyra and Samaira.

Amyra, who had a mischievous smile on her face, nudged Ruhi and whispered, "Sooo... You and Reyansh, huh?"

Ruhi turned toward her, narrowing her eyes. "Shut up, idiot."

After an hour, everyone was busy resting after the chaos.

Amyra was sitting on the couch cross-legged, resting, her face still glowing from haldi and more than a few stolen moments. Ahaan was sprawled beside her with his head on her lap.

They were looking at each other, giving flirtatious looks, smirking, and smiling.

But then-

Ahem.

Every head turned as Dadi appeared at the center of the garden and said, "I have something important to say, and you all better pay attention, especially my shameless grandson."

Everyone got alert and quickly sat up, giving their full attention to what Dadi was going to say.

Dadi looked around, hands clasped behind her back like a headmistress about to ruin recess.

"This wedding," she began, "is not a joke."

Everyone nodded, especially Ahaan and Amyra. She turned to Ahaan and Amyra, who now looked like guilty students.

Dadi looked at Ahaan and Amyra strictly. "And you two-"

Ahaan gulped. Amyra smiled nervously. "Yes, Dadi?"

Dadi's eyes narrowed, and looking at the two acting as obedient students suddenly, Dadi rolled her eyes and said, "From now until the wedding, you two are not allowed to meet."

"What?!" Ahaan almost fell off the couch as Amyra shouted in panic. "Dadi-what?! Why?!"

Ruhi muttered, "Oh, this just got interesting."

Vandana nodded and gave a high-five to Ruhi and said, "Let Dadi speak! This is just going to be more fun."

Ruhi nodded.

Dadi raised an eyebrow at the dramatic bride and groom and said, "This is our family tradition. Once the haldi is done, the bride and groom do not meet until the wedding. No secret meetings. No stolen glances. And no curtain dramas!"

Everyone laughed as Samaira and Ruhi gave an innocent smile to Amyra, which screamed, We are with you, Dadi.

Ahaan groaned. "Dadi, please. We already live in the same house!"

"Then you will learn patience," Dadi said, smirking. "Like your grandfather did. He didn't see me for one whole month before our wedding."

"But Dadi, you married Dadu at gunpoint; that doesn't count," Ahaan said, shocking everyone.

"Dadi," Amyra said slowly, "the wedding is tomorrow."

Dadi looked at Ahaan and said, "Exactly. Just one day. You'll survive. And also, I didn't keep your dadu at gunpoint; I kept the whole village at gunpoint and married your dadu."

Everyone looked at the oldest couple, amused. They had heard once or twice about Dadi and Dadu's love story, but listening to it from Dadi herself was so fun.

Ahaan looked personally betrayed this time. "One day of exile? But that's like twelve hours of torture!"

Nalini stepped in with a wicked grin. "Rules are rules, Ahaan beta. And you clearly need boundaries."

Ahaan stood up. "Okay, wait. So you're telling me I can't talk to my fiancée for less than 24 hours? No texts? No calls?"

"Nope," Samaira said, sipping her thandai. "That's what Dadi and Nalini Aunty said, Jiju and my lovely best friend."

"This is absurd," Ahaan muttered. "Sunshine, back me up-"

But Amyra stood and turned to him, arms crossed, eyes wide. "Oh, so now you want to talk to me? Earlier you were ready to risk being disowned for a kiss!"

"That was before Dadi betrayed me!" Ahaan said, looking shocked when Amyra started scolding him.

"Oh, so now it's Dadi's fault?" Amyra snapped, mock-offended.

"I'm the victim here!" Ahaan said in disbelief.

"You're the one who grabbed my waist!" Amyra said, making everyone amused.

"You started it!" Ahaan said, smirking.

"You liked it!" Amyra said mockingly and smirked back.

Everyone oohed.

Vihaan coughed. "I feel like we should all leave the garden, or what?"

"Too late, we live here," Samaira added with a grin.

Jeevika pulled out her phone. "Recording this to show to our future niece or nephew."

Nitya laughed. "This is the best haldi ever."

Amyra placed her hands on her hips. "Fine. If we're banned, we're banned."

Ahaan folded his arms. "Fine."

Amyra looked him up and down. "And don't you dare sneak into my room tonight."

"Who said I was going to?" Ahaan said, knowing very well he was lying.

"Oh, please," she said. "You literally climbed a balcony on Valentine's Day."

"Not my fault. Uncle threatened me to not meet you!" Ahaan said suddenly, and that's when he realized he was doomed. He looked at Amyra's father, who was looking at him with his strict gaze. He quickly shut up and sat down.

Dadi, still calm and collected, raised her hand, stopping anyone from speaking anymore, and said, "Any more drama, and I'll ask the pandit to delay the wedding."

Dead silence.

Ahaan looked horrified. Amyra gasped.

"You wouldn't," Ahaan said, shocked.

"Try me," Dadi said seriously.

Everyone quieted down, and then they all burst into laughter, and amid all the teasing, Amyra and Ahaan looked at each other. No touching. No secret kisses. Just soft glances and maddening distance.

Ahaan whispered teasingly, "This is your fault."

Amyra winked. "You love it."

And even though they weren't allowed to meet anymore, everyone sitting there could see that the eldest prince of Rajasthan was so much in love with his sunshine.

The Night Before the Wedding

Amyra's Room

Amyra was lying on her bed, comfortably taking some rest. The last few days had been very busy for her. Though it was fun and entertaining.

Samaira sat beside her, packing and getting the things ready for tomorrow. Ruhi lay sprawled on her stomach at the foot of the bed as she scribbled down the to-do list of everything-from makeup to dressing up and all the tasks.

Jeevika was arranging Amyra's accessories and gifts, sitting on the bed comfortably.

Amrita, Amyra's mother, was perched at the dressing table, carefully setting out a velvet box. Her father, Manish, stood leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed, silent but watching his daughter like he was memorizing her.

After some time, Samaira gave a look to Ruhi and Jeevika, who quietly got up and went towards Samaira. They stood closely and took out a big gift box and kept it down, then turned around and looked at Amyra, who was laughing comfortably with her eyes closed.

"Okay, here it is," Samaira announced dramatically, keeping the large gift box on the bed.

Amyra blinked. "What... is that?"

Ruhi grinned. "Your life. In hardcover."

Amyra quickly opened the box and took out all the things one by one. There were 14 albums-one for each year of their friendship; a beautiful handmade painting of them by Samaira; and a lot of beautiful handmade crafts from years of their friendship. Very amazing gift sets and handwritten notes from Jeevika.

"You made me a... library?" Amyra said, feeling a lot of emotions all of a sudden.

"Correction. We did," Samaira said. "Each album is a year of our friendship. Every year. Every selfie, every weird text convo, every time we FaceTimed from opposite ends of the earth."

"There's even a page of just your dramatic food cravings," Ruhi added. "And a whole folder titled 'Boys Amyra Almost Dated But Ghosted Instead.'"

Amyra gasped. "You didn't."

"Page 42, babe. It's golden," Samaira smirked.

They all burst into laughter, and as Amyra started flipping through the first album-tiny doodles, ticket stubs, scribbled letters, and Polaroids fell into her lap-her smile turned softer. Nostalgic.

There were pictures of her and Ruhi too-laughing during college, crying over breakups, dancing at midnight, and lying on the floor of their dorm with takeout containers and broken hearts. Tiny notes in Ruhi's handwriting were taped beside the pictures.

Amyra looked over at them with tears in her eyes now.

"Open the last page," Samaira whispered.

Amyra did. And there-tucked between their oldest group photo and a tiny origami heart-was a simple letter.

"To the girl who never needed anyone to light up a room-

We still wanted to be your stars.

Tomorrow, when you walk into a new chapter, know this: your past isn't behind you. It's holding your hand.

Every dumb, messy, perfect memory. Every friend. Every fight. Every fall.

We love you. Always.

- S, R, J"

Amyra closed the book and then sprang up, taking her friends in a very tight hug.

Samaira suddenly said, teary-eyed, "Now who will annoy us daily?"

"Who is going to eat my food without asking?" Ruhi said as a tear fell from her eyes.

"Who is going to make me do fun activities?" Jeevika said, sobbing.

All this suddenly made Amyra very emotional as she started crying and said, "I will miss you guys. I wish we could stay together forever."

They all nodded. Finally, Samaira pulled away and said, "Now stop crying, everyone. It should be memorable, not emotional. And it's not like we are never going to meet, right?"

They all nodded as Ruhi said, "Now, look there-"

Amyra looked towards her parents, who were looking at her with adoring eyes.

Amrita came forward slowly, taking Amyra's hands into hers-the same hands she used to paint with henna, scold for chipped nail polish, and hold through heartbreak.

"I know everyone says a wedding is the happiest day of your life," Amrita began, her voice gentle but firm. "But for me, it was the day you were born. I remember the first time I held you... you had this angry little frown, like you were already judging the world."

Amyra laughed through her tears.

"You were ours before you were anyone's. Mine to scold. Mine to hold. And now... tomorrow, I give you away." Amrita's voice cracked. "And I know you're not leaving me. But still, something changes. The door you run to first... might not always be mine. And that's okay. That's how it should be. But just promise me one thing."

Amyra nodded, teary-eyed. "Anything."

"Don't stop being you. Loud, dramatic, impossible, full-of-heart you. Ahaan is lucky. But he doesn't own you. You are yours, first."

Amyra hugged her mother tightly. They didn't speak. They didn't need to.