The evening was calm when Karan and Gurleen finally returned home after having dinner at Anjali’s house. Inside, Suchitra and Saundarya had already ordered food for themselves.

As soon as Karan entered his room, he found Suchitra folding a neat stack of clothes on the bed. her long hair loosely tied, and the soft lamplight made her look effortlessly serene. He didn’t waste a second—walking straight to her, he caught her wrist gently and tugged.

Karan (firm but soft): Come. I want to tell you something.

Suchitra (half protesting, still focused on the clothes): Karan, I have work.

Karan (smirking, lowering his head slightly to meet her eyes): I’ll help you with the work later. For now, just listen to me.

Suchitra (giving in, rolling her eyes playfully): Acha acha, okay. I’m listening.

He pulled her a little closer, his tone turning mischievous.

Karan: Do you know what happened at Parth’s house today?

She shook her head, curious.

So he told her everything—about the chaos, about Parth’s poor girlfriend, and about the wild misunderstanding. But, of course, he carefully skipped the detail where they had been teaching him how to kiss. He brushed it off as “practice.”

The more she listened, the harder she tried to contain her laughter—until she burst out, clutching her stomach.

Suchitra (laughing uncontrollably): Ohhh god!!! This scene is hilarious.

Karan also chuckled, shaking his head.

Karan (grinning): I know, right?

She tried to control her laughter, wiping the tears from the corners of her eyes. Then she looked at him, narrowing her eyes suspiciously.

Suchitra (curious): But wait… what practice?

Karan (quickly, almost too quickly): Nahi nahi, Nothing, bas aisi hi practice.

Suchitra (teasing, folding her arms): Acha ji? Tell me properly. What kind of practice?

He smirked at her persistence, then leaned closer.

Karan (challenging, voice low): Acha… you really want to know?

She nodded eagerly.

He made her stand up.

Karan (mischievously): Fine. I’ll show you.

Before she could react, he twirled her into his arms smoothly. Her gasp filled the room as he dipped her back against his arm. His other hand came up to cup her cheek, holding her steady.

Suchitra’s breath hitched. Her eyes widened as her lips parted slightly, her cheeks turning a deep crimson. Her heart pounded against her chest—being held like that, so close to his face, his gaze heavy and unreadable, was enough to set her nerves on fire.

But just as the air between them grew thick with unspoken desire—

A voice interrupted, breaking the moment.

Saundarya (teasing, smirking, Cover her eyes): Ohhh… sorry, sorry! Wrong timing.

Both of them flinched, Karan instantly helping Suchitra stand straight again. She tuck her lose stand of hairs behind her ear, while Karan muttered under his breath.

Karan (grumbling, glaring): agayi kabab mein haddi.

Saundarya smirked mischievously, walking into the room in her fresh clothes after showering.

But before anything more could happen, Gurleen appeared at the door.

Gurleen (calling out): Oyee, tu idhar hai? I was looking for you. Chal, aaja.

Karan frowned in confusion.

Karan (hesitant): Kyun? Kidhar aao?

Gurleen (matter-of-factly): Saundarya will sleep here tonight.

Karan (blinking, shocked): What?! Then where will Suchii and I go?

Gurleen (smiling sweetly): Suchi will stay right here with Saundarya. And you—you’re coming with me.

Karan almost choked.

Karan (thinking, panicked): Arre yeh toh meri biwi ke paas rehne hi nahi de rahe… kuch dimaag laga Karan, kuch toh kar.

He straightened up quickly.

Karan (innocently): But Mumma, I can’t sleep without my bed. It’s impossible. Let Saundarya sleep in the guest room instead. You'll sleep right, Saundarya?

Saundarya, already enjoying the drama, smirked at him.

Saundarya (cheeky, clinging to Suchitra’s arm): Nahi, Machhan. I want to stay with my bestie.

Karan shot her a glare that could burn holes, but she only smiled wider.

Gurleen (calmly): Acha, no problem. Let’s do one thing. I’ll sleep here tonight. Saundarya and Suchitra can come to my room.

Karan (outraged): What?!

Gurleen (teasing, smirking): Beta, I can sleep anywhere. Bed, sofa, doesn’t matter to me.

Karan stood there, completely defeated, pouting like a child. Saundarya grabbed Suchitra’s hand and gleefully dragged her out of the room.

Suchitra kept glancing back at Karan, her eyes soft and apologetic, while he looked back at her like a sulking little boy who’d had his favorite toy taken away.

Gurleen (clapping her hands): Kya khada kya hai? Come and sleep now.

Karan winced, dragging his feet toward the bed. He flopped down dramatically, pulling the blanket over his head from head to toe.

His muffled thought was clear as day—sab mile hue hain mere against.

---

Gurleen’s room was dimly lit, the soft glow of the lamp throwing warm shadows on the walls. Saundarya was lying on one side of the bed scrolling through her phone while Suchitra sat cross-legged beside her, absently playing with the edge of the bedsheet. They were talking about random things—college memories, old friends—when suddenly a ping broke the flow.

Suchitra’s phone screen lit up.

Saundarya instantly smirked, leaning closer with a mischievous look.

Saundarya: “Hmmm… kisi se raha nahi jaa raha apni biwi ke bina.”

Suchitra’s cheeks turned crimson. She quickly pulled her phone close to her chest.

Suchitra (hiding her smile): “Chup kar, tu bhi na…”

She unlocked the screen and saw the name flashing—Karan ❤️. Her heart gave a little flutter.

Karan:

Suchii

Suchitra:

Haa boliye

A few seconds passed before his reply came.

Karan:

Chhat pe aao na please.

Suchitra’s eyes widened. She instantly looked at Saundarya, who was still watching her with teasing eyes.

Suchitra (typing back):

Abhi kaise? Saundarya jagi h.

Karan didn’t give up.

Karan:

Please?

Suchitra bit her lip, imagining his pouty face and puppy-like eyes. A helpless smile spread on her lips. She could almost hear his voice whispering the word.

Suchitra:

okk

His reply was instant.

Karan:

Yayyy!! 15 minute m aajana

Suchitra:

Okk

She quickly locked her phone, hiding her excitement, but Saundarya caught the soft glow in her eyes.

Saundarya: “Ohooo, Kya baat h, Kya hua? Machhan ne bulaya kya?”

Suchitra threw a pillow at her, giggling nervously.

Suchitra: “Pagal mat ban… tu chup-chap so jaa.”

But her heart was already racing, counting down the minutes.

Saundarya: nahi nahi, Vaise mujhe koi problem nahi h, Tu jaa Romance kar pati ke sath.

She tease her, Suchitra hit her arm.

----

Suchitra stepped onto the terrace, the cool night air brushing against her skin. Before she could even take a proper step, someone suddenly pulled her into the shadows.

Startled, she almost screamed, but a warm palm instantly covered her mouth. Her eyes widened in panic until she looked up—

Karan.

Karan (softly, leaning close, whispering): “Shhh… it’s me.”

His back rested against the wall, chest heaving slightly, as if he had been waiting impatiently for her. He was wearing only a vest and loose lowers, his muscular arms circling around her protectively. Suchitra suddenly became aware of how small she was against him—her head barely reached his neck.

Her heart pounded as she realized how close they were. His chest brushed lightly against hers with every breath, and she could clearly hear the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.

Karan (low voice, teasing): “Why were you about to scream? Don’t recognize your own husband?”

Suchitra (flustered, whispering back): “Then don’t pull me like that! You scared me.”

Karan smirked, his thumb brushing against her cheek before he slowly lowered his hand from her mouth.

Karan (gently, leaning closer): “If I don’t pull you to me… you’ll keep slipping away.”

Her lips parted, but she couldn’t form a reply. His eyes held her still, intense and warm at once. He bent down slightly, closing the distance, trying to match her height. She nervously closed her eyes, breath hitching—

And then, suddenly, the skies opened. Heavy rain poured down, breaking the charged silence.

Startled, Suchitra stepped back, but instead of running for cover, she walked out into the open terrace. The droplets soaked her within seconds, clinging to her skin, her hair, her clothes. She tilted her head back, closing her eyes, stretching her arms wide like a carefree child, letting the rain drench her completely.

Her wet t-shirt clung to her, outlining her figure, her hair stuck in strands around her glowing face. She spun slowly in circles, giggling softly as if she had forgotten the world.

Karan stood frozen under the shed, watching her. His throat went dry, his heart thumping harder than before.

Karan (thinking, mesmerized): How can someone look this beautiful just by existing…?

He couldn’t resist anymore. He walked toward her, his heavy steps echoing softly on the wet floor. Just as she twirled, about to lose her balance, his hand shot out and caught hers, pulling her firmly against his chest.

Suchitra gasped, her palm pressed flat on his vest, his heartbeat wild under her touch. Droplets rolled down his face, falling onto hers as their foreheads almost brushed. He slowly pushed her wet hair to the side, tucking it behind her ear. His fingers lingered, tracing the line of her cheek.

Their eyes locked. The world seemed to fall silent except for the rhythm of the rain.

Karan (soft, tender): “Suchii…”

Suchitra (whisper, breathless): “Hmm?”

Karan extended his hand slowly, his gaze never leaving hers.

Karan (gentle, almost a plea): “Will you dance with me?”

Her lips curved into a shy smile. She nodded faintly, placing her trembling hand in his large one.

Suchitra (softly, blushing): “Yes.”

Karan’s lips twitched into the faintest smile, his grip tightening around her hand as if she had just given him the world.

(you can play Zaalima song in background for better experience.)

(Jo teri khatir tadpe pehle se hi

Kya usse tadpana o zaalima,

o zaalima

Jo tere ishq mein behka pehle se hi

Kya usse behkana o zaalima,

o zaalima.)

He held her hand gently, pulling her a little away, only to bring her back against him with a playful tug. A big smile tugged at both their lips. He moved behind her, letting her back rest softly against his chest.

Karan (smiling, whispering against her ear as he sang the word): “Zaalima…”

He nudged her lightly, making her laugh and push him playfully, her cheeks burning with blush.

(Aankhen marhaba, baatein marhaba

Main sau martaba deewana hua

Mera na raha jab se dil mera

Tere husn ka nishana hua.)

From behind, he leaned in closer, his lips only inches away from her wet skin. His eyes traced her profile—the curve of her cheek, the glint in her eyelashes, the trembling softness of her lips. For a moment, his gaze flickered upwards at the dark rainy sky, before settling back on her face with an intensity that made her shiver.

(Jiski har dhadkan tu ho aise

Dil ko kya dhadkana.)

He stretched his hand out, spinning her gently in the rain. Her wet hair fanned out as she twirled, landing back into his arms. Her face tilted down, blushing furiously, unable to meet his eyes. He made her look at him, their eyes locked, melting into one another.

(O zaalima o zalima

Jo teri khatir tadpe pehle se hi

Kya usse tadpana o zaalima,

o zaalima…)

He raised his brows teasingly at the lyric, making her laugh. She stepped back mischievously, escaping his hold, and went to sit on the old swing placed on the terrace. Her smile was radiant, her eyes glinting with challenge.

(Saanson mein teri nazdeekiyon ka

Ittr tu ghol de.. ghol de

Main hi kyun ishq zahir karun

Tu bhi kabhi bol de.. bol de.)

Karan followed, sitting beside her on the swing, close enough that their shoulders brushed. He sang the line like a question, his voice low, coaxing her, his eyes searching hers.

Karan (playful but sincere): “Why should I always confess, hmm? Say it too… once.”

Suchitra bit her lip, cheeks glowing crimson. She shook her head, stood up, and moved to the railing, pretending to avoid his gaze.

(Saanson mein teri nazdeekiyon ka

Ittr tu ghol de.. ghol de

Main hi kyun ishq zahir karun

Tu bhi kabhi bol de.. bol de.)

Leaning against the railing, rain dripping from her hair, she repeated the line softly as if questioning him back. Her eyes sparkled, half-teasing, half-shy. She turned away again before he could catch her.

(Leke jaan hi jaayega meri

Kaatil har tera bahaana hua.)

Karan stood still for a moment, not turning back to her. His eyes gazed far ahead at the blurred city lights shimmering through the rain. Then, slowly, he turned his head, his expression softening into something deeper.

(Tujhse hi shuru tujhpe hi khatam

Mere pyaar ka fasaana hua.)

She stepped closer, wrapping her arms around his neck, resting her cheek against him. Her eyes lifted to the sky, while his stayed on her face, memorizing every detail.

(Tu shama hai toh yaad rakhna

Main bhi hoon parwana

Ohh Zaalima, Zaalima.)

He leaned down, brushing the tip of his nose against hers, making her giggle softly before her breath caught at his closeness.

(Deedaar tera milne ke baad hi

Chhute meri angdaayi

Tu hi bata de kyu zaalima main keh layi.

Kyun iss tarah se duniya jahaan mein

Karta hai meri ruswayi

Tera kasoor aur zalima main keh layi.)

He took her hand, twirling her gracefully under the rain. She spun around him, her laughter mixing with the music of the storm.

Their hands were still interlocked, and with one swift motion, Karan bent down and lifted her into his arms. She gasped, clutching onto his shoulders, her head falling back as raindrops kissed her face. Her eyes closed, surrendering to the moment, while his never left her, a big smile breaking across his face.

(Deedaar tera milne ke baad hi

Chhute meri angdaayi

Tu hi bata de kyu zaalima main keh layi

Tu hi bata de Kyu zaalima main keh layi.)

He gently placed her back on the ground. Their bodies leaned in, foreheads touching, breaths mingling as their eyes met in silent confession.

Karan (breathless, whispering): “Suchii…”

He tilted his head, lips slowly descending toward hers. The world felt like it had stopped, every heartbeat echoing between them.

But just as his lips hovered an inch away—

Karan’s phone rang in the distance.

Both flinched, snapping out of their trance, reality crashing into the magical silence.

Karan and Suchitra hurried into the shed area, both of them still catching their breath. Karan’s phone suddenly buzzed again, He took his phone, Which was on window, Prevent from get drenched. He pulled it out and froze when he saw the caller ID.

Karan (muttering under his breath, panicked): ohh teri, mar gaye

He quickly swiped to return the call. Just as he opened his mouth to say “Hello,” Gurleen’s sharp voice burst through the speaker.

Gurleen (stern, suspicious): Where are you? I got up to drink water and you weren’t there. Where did you go?

Karan (stammering nervously): N-nowhere… I-I just… came to drink water.

Gurleen (calm, but with hidden sharpness): Hmm, I see…

For a moment, her voice sounded soft, but then it turned commanding.

Gurleen (firm, leaving no room to argue): Come downstairs. And bring Suchitra with you.

Before Karan could even respond, she hung up. He lowered the phone slowly, sighing in dread.

Suchitra (curious, worried): Who was it?

Karan (grimacing, scratching the back of his neck): Mumma.

Both of them froze, eyes wide in shock.

---

Downstairs – Living Room

Within minutes, they walked down the stairs. Their clothes were soaked, droplets of water dripping onto the floor, leaving a faint trail behind them.

On the sofa sat Gurleen, arms folded across her chest, eyes narrowed like a hawk. Her gaze was sharp, but the corners of her lips hinted at restraint—she was holding back her true temper.

Just beside her, Saundarya was biting her lip, struggling not to laugh at the sight of Karan and Suchitra dripping like drenched cats.

Gurleen’s eyes shifted toward Suchitra.

Suchitra (hesitant, fumbling for words): Uhm… Mumma, actually… I just went upstairs to take my clothes.

Gurleen (raising an eyebrow, voice laced with sarcasm): Clothes? Or did you go there just to get wet?

Suchitra’s face flushed crimson as she immediately lowered her gaze to the floor, too embarrassed to meet Gurleen’s eyes.

Gurleen (sighing, softening slightly): Go and change your clothes before you catch a cold.

Suchitra quickly nodded and walked toward the room where she and Saundarya were staying.

Karan, however, stood frozen, awkwardly scratching his head. His eyes were still on Gurleen.

Gurleen (snapping): What are you staring at my face for? Go! Change your clothes too.

Karan instantly turned to follow Suchitra, but just as he reached the hallway, Saundarya stopped him.

Saundarya (teasing, smirking): Machhan, did you forget? That’s aunty’s room. Suchii and I are staying there. Your room is on the other side.

Karan blinked, caught red-handed, and cleared his throat awkwardly.

Karan (nervous, fumbling for an excuse): Y-yeah, right. I… I forgot. I was just… following her without thinking. Didn’t pay attention.

Saundarya crossed her arms, grinning mischievously. Gurleen, watching the whole exchange, shook her head in exasperation.

Gurleen (muttering, half-annoyed, half-amused): ye ladke ki toh jaan ataki hue h suchitra pe.

Saundarya burst into laughter, clutching her stomach. Karan, red with embarrassment, stormed off toward his room without another word.

Gurleen (firm, turning to Saundarya): Alright, that’s enough. You go to sleep too.

Saundarya (still giggling, wiping tears from her eyes): Okay, okay, aunty. Goodnight.

Gurleen shook her head one last tie, Smiled at how her son love her daughter, before walking to her own room.

The living room fell silent again, except for the faint sound of water dripping from the staircase where Karan and Suchitra had stood just moments ago.

(Are you all expecting a kiss?

Not so soon. I've a well planned things for kiss. If you all quickly complete the target you all will get the chapter.)