The morning sun barely peeked through the curtains when Karan woke up, shivering. His chest felt cold, his nose was running, and he was sneezing uncontrollably.

Karan (sniffling, miserable): Hhhh… ahh… choo!

Wrapped in a warm jacket, legs tucked under a thick blanket, he wiped his nose with the sleeve of his shirt.

(A/N: Don’t pretend like you don’t do this!)

Another loud sneeze ripped through the quiet house, startling Suchitra in the next room. She rubbed her own nose and sneezed Softly, the aftermath of their playful rain-soaked romance from last night still lingering.

Suchitra (groaning, half-asleep): Hhhh… ahhh… choo!

Curious, she stepped out to see who was making such a racket—and froze. There stood Karan, bright red nose, hair messy, looking… ridiculous. The two of them could give clowns a run for their money.

Karan (smiling sheepishly, trying to sound cheerful): Good morning, Suchii…

Before Suchitra could respond, Gurleen’s sharp voice boomed from the hallway.

Gurleen (annoyed, amused): Kaye ka khak good morning! Shubha se cheekh rahe ho dono!

At that exact moment, Suchitra sneezed again, tiny and delicate like fairy dust. Karan immediately followed with an exaggerated, loud sneeze that sounded like an old man’s call for attention.

Gurleen (rolling her eyes, muttering): Khud toh bheega hi ye… aur Suchitra ko bhi le bheega…

Karan stood there, pouting, looking down innocently, trying to act like a child caught in mischief.

Saundarya (laughing, teasing): No no aunty, ap machhan ko akele mat daato… ye bhi kam nahi hai. Madam ko barish mein bheegne ka shauk hai!

Both sneezed almost together again.

Gurleen (stern, slightly worried): Tumhe pata hai na, yeh garmiyo ke baad ki barish nahi… thand ki barish hai. Sardi toh hogi hi… par nahi?

Saundarya (grinning, ignoring the lecture): Koi baat nahi aunty, aaiye nashta karte hain.

They all walked toward the dining table. Karan sat down, still wiping his nose with his sleeves.

Gurleen (irritated, handing him a napkin): Hanky le le putar.

Karan (grumbling, frustrated): Yar Mumma, subha se do hanky le chuka hoon… apko pata hai na, sare ghum jaate hain!

Saundarya (smirking, teasing): Idhar na… (points at his clothed chest) attach kar do, nahi ghumega! Jaise bacho ko karte hain.

Karan glared at her, muttering under his breath.

Suchitra picked up her spoon, ready to eat, when Saundarya suddenly began singing, and Suchitra choked mid-bite.

Saundarya (singing mischievously, teasing): Saanson pe teri nazdikiyon ka ittr tu ghol de… ghol de.

Mai hi kyu ishq zahir karu… tu bhi kabhi bol de… bol de.

She performed the same little playful steps with Gurleen which Karan did with Suchitra on the terrace the previous day.

Karan’s eyes widened in shock, trying not to laugh, suchitra stopped eating and look at her with wide eyes. while Gurleen looked at Saundarya weirdly but couldn’t help smiling.

Gurleen (amused, raising an eyebrow): Ye kya tha?

Saundarya (grinning, cheeky): Kuch nahi bas… ye gana yaad aa gaya. Achha na? Step bhi, gana bhi… ispe na choreo karhi lete hain! Kya bolte ho?

Gurleen shook her head, smiling, and finally said: Khana kha putar.

After breakfast, Gurleen brought out two steaming mugs of kadha. The sharp, earthy smell hit them before the mugs even touched the table, curling through the room with the force of medicine more than drink.

Karan leaned sideways, grimacing as he whispered to Suchitra.

Karan (muttering): This looks like poison, Suchii…

Suchitra wrinkled her nose, fighting the urge to laugh.

Suchitra (whispering back): Don’t say poison… it smells worse.

Their eyes met in silent solidarity—two prisoners about to face execution. But Gurleen’s sharp glare, as quick as a knife, snapped them upright.

Without another word, they obediently lifted the mugs. The bitter steam burned their nostrils as they took their first sip.

Karan sputtered, face twisting like he’d swallowed fire.

Karan (coughing, half-choked): Ughhh… yeh toh—

Gurleen (cutting him off, warning tone): Chup!

Suchitra pressed her lips together, cheeks puffing as she tried to swallow without gagging. Tears pricked her eyes from the harsh taste. She bit the inside of her cheek, stifling the laugh that bubbled up at Karan’s misery.

One painful sip after another, they forced the concoction down. By the time the mugs were empty, both looked utterly defeated—like soldiers who had survived a brutal battle but lost their will to fight again.

And yet, moments later, the sneezing that had plagued them all morning subsided. Their throats felt clearer, their chests lighter. Gurleen’s lips curved into a proud, knowing smile.

After sometime, They all stood at the door.

She to Saundarya, her voice softening.

Gurleen (gently): Ye kya, tu abhi aayi aur abhi ja rahi hai? Theek se time bhi nahi mila tere sath baat karne ka. Agli baar ayegi toh ruk ke jayegi ache khase din.

Before Saundarya could answer, Karan jumped in, unable to resist.

Karan (smirking, playful): Haan par mere duty pe jaane ke baad aajana. Filhaal toh tum mil hi sakti ho.

Suchitra’s elbow jabbed his ribs sharply.

Suchitra (whispering angrily): Stop it!

Gurleen shook her head with a sigh.

Gurleen: Pagal ladka…

Saundarya giggled behind her hand, her cheeks warming with shy amusement.

Karan, seizing the chance, brightened, Taking the bag from her hand.

Karan (cheerful): Chalo, mai tumhe chhod deta hoon tumhare new flat tak.

Saundarya (polite, hesitant): It’s okay, Machhan. I’ll manage.

Karan (insisting): Aree koi nahi, aajao.

Gurleen (backing him up): Haan Karan, aur ek kaam kar. Suchitra ko bhi le ja. Tum dono designer ke paas se apne reception ke outfits lete  aana. Ready ho gaye hain.

The plan sealed itself without argument. Saundarya hugged Gurleen tightly one last time, holding on a moment longer than necessary, reluctant to let go. Then she followed Karan and Suchitra out, her steps slow, her eyes still soft from Gurleen’s affection.

In the car, Saundarya slid into the backseat, while Suchitra claimed the passenger side, arms crossed, still mildly annoyed at Karan. He, however, was in high spirits, humming as he drove, sneaking glances at the mirror to catch Saundarya’s reflection, Then looked at Suchitra, he smiled at her which she gave him back gladly.

When they reached Saundarya’s new society, she waved goodbye warmly. Karan lingered just a heartbeat longer than he should have before driving off with Suchitra. They picked up their outfits, and on the way back, Karan’s excitement began bubbling over.

Karan (to himself, grinning ear to ear): Ab toh finally maje hi maje. Meri biwi ab sirf meri. Yesss!

The car rolled into the driveway. Still grinning, he flung open the door.

Gurleen was standing right there at the entrance, arms folded, watching. Behind her, in the living room, sat three figures of authority: his father-in-law Ramanathan, his brother-in-law, and his formidable bua-in-law, Anulaxmi.

The air seemed to thicken. Karan’s jaw went slack, his excitement collapsing into stunned silence.

Karan (barely breathing, stunned): …

A sharp smack to the back of his head snapped him out of it. He turned to see Gurleen glaring, whispering urgently.

Gurleen: Pair chhoo! Tere in-laws pehli baar ghar aaye hain.

His heart hammered as he stumbled forward, quickly bending down to touch the elders’ feet, his earlier grin now replaced by nervous obedience.

Ramanathan and Anulaxmi placed their hands gently on Karan’s head, giving him blessings with warmth in their eyes.

Then he turned to Raghav and without hesitation pulled him into a firm, brotherly hug. Raghav smiled, patting Karan’s back.

Behind Karan, Suchitra stood frozen, her eyes glistening with tears. She couldn’t hold them back anymore. The sight of her family here, after so long, was overwhelming. With trembling steps, she rushed straight to her father and wrapped her arms tightly around him.

Suchitra (voice breaking): Appaaa…!

Ramanathan (chuckling softly, patting her head): Aiyo, my little girl… you’re crying already? You’ll spoil your kajal.

She sobbed against his chest, her shoulders shaking. Ramanathan’s smile softened as he held her a little tighter, as if silently promising her that everything was alright.

After a long moment, she pulled back and turned to her atya, Anulaxmi. Without a word, she hugged her too. Anulaxmi stroked her back warmly.

Anulaxmi (smiling with affection): My little Suchi… still the same emotional one.

Her elder brother, Raghav, stepped forward, folding his arms with mock seriousness.

Raghav (teasing, shaking his head): Hmph. You still look like a monkey when you cry.

Suchitra’s jaw dropped, and she instantly smacked his arm before hugging him tightly.

Suchitra (sniffling, half-laughing): Shut up, Anna! You never change!

Raghav sighed but his eyes softened. He kissed the top of her head and hugged her back, his voice low and affectionate.

Raghav (fondly): And you’ll always be my little sister… monkey face or not.

Suchitra parted from him with wide, tear-bright eyes.

Suchitra (shocked): You all… here? Really?

Before anyone could answer, Gurleen’s cheerful voice filled the room.

Gurleen (beaming, clapping her hands together): Surprise! Your Appa, Bua, and Raghav all came to attend your and Karan’s reception.

Suchitra’s lips curved into a trembling smile as she quickly hugged Gurleen.

Suchitra (softly): Thank you, mumma.

Gurleen (patting her cheek, emotional): Haye… suchii thank you kyu? They are also the part of family.

The atmosphere grew warmer, filled with affectionate laughter and chatter. Soon, everyone moved to the dining area where lunch had been laid out. Gurleen had ordered a grand spread from the hotel—plates filled with North Indian and South Indian delicacies, a true mix of both cultures.

The room buzzed with lively conversation. Ramanathan was asking about Reception, while Anulaxmi and Gurleen laughed over the chaos of planning. Karan and Raghav, surprisingly, had found common ground in teasing Suchitra.

Finally, dessert arrived. A big pot of steaming gulab jamuns was placed on the table, their sweet aroma filling the air. Everyone eagerly dug in.

Suchitra had already eaten six,

(Nany: Chalo ab ye mat bolna koi ki six, cavity, diabetes and all, kuch nahi hota)

but when she opened the pot again, her face fell—it was empty. She pouted like a child, her eyes darting around.

Suchitra (mumbling under her breath, disappointed): Aur nahi h kya gulab jamun?

Her little complaint didn’t go unnoticed. Both Gurleen, sitting across from her, and Karan, seated right beside her, caught her words. They exchanged a quick glance and smiled knowingly.

Without hesitation, Gurleen extended her spoon with the last gulab jamun from her plate.

At the same moment, Karan nudged his own bowl toward her, offering his as well.

Karan (teasing, leaning closer): Here, biwi… take mine too. But don’t say I never sacrifice for you.

Suchitra’s face lit up instantly. She grinned, her cheeks turning pink with delight, and in one swift motion, she took both gulab jamuns into her mouth.

Her cheeks puffed out adorably as she tried to chew, making her look exactly like a little squirrel stuffing its cheeks.

Raghav burst into laughter.

Raghav (pointing, amused): Look at you! Same old Suchi—can’t resist sweets.

Gurleen laughed, covering her mouth.

Gurleen (teasing warmly): Haye rabba… this girl will never grow up!

Even Ramanathan and Anulaxmi chuckled fondly.

Karan, meanwhile, simply sat back, his eyes locked on his wife. His smile softened into something tender as he watched her happily munching away.

Karan (placing his hand over his chest dramatically, sighing): Hayeee… kitni pyari hai ye…

Everyone burst out laughing again, while Suchitra’s face turned crimson. She quickly picked up her glass of water to hide her shy smile.

And so, amidst laughter, teasing, and joy, the days passed quickly—woven with love and the warmth of family.

---

That evening, after the long lunch and cheerful banter, the family gathered in the living room. The elders—Ramanathan, Anulaxmi, and Gurleen—sat together, deeply engaged in discussing the reception arrangements, flipping through lists and talking about guest counts. The room was filled with the low hum of their voices, mixed with the occasional burst of laughter.

On the other side of the room, Karan, Suchitra, and Raghav had sunk into the soft couch. Suchitra sat between them, her dupatta loosely draped around her shoulders, looking relaxed but attentive.

Raghav leaned back, folding his arms, and glanced at Karan with a mischievous grin.

Raghav (teasing, casual): Karan, you should take her out, yaar. You both just got married! This is the time to enjoy, not to sit at home like old people. Go on a honeymoon.

Suchitra’s eyes widened a little, her lips curving into the faintest smile at her brother’s words. But before she could even open her mouth, Karan responded immediately, his voice calm and steady.

Karan (shaking his head, firmly): Nah, bhai. Not now. Any time I’ll get my call letter. I don’t want to waste time roaming around. I just want to rest at home while I can.

The spark in Suchitra’s eyes dimmed. Her face fell, though she tried to mask her disappointment. She lowered her gaze, her fingers fiddling with the edge of her dupatta. Raghav noticed instantly. His protective instincts kicked in, and he was about to protest.

Raghav (serious, frowning): But Karan—

Before he could continue, Karan subtly raised his hand under the table, signaling him to stay quiet. His eyes met Raghav’s with a secretive look.

Karan (low voice, quickly): Shhh… don’t.

Raghav blinked, confused for a moment.

Meanwhile, Suchitra stood up, forcing a small smile.

Suchitra (softly, trying to sound normal): I’ll… I’ll be back.

Without waiting for a response, she walked toward the kitchen, her footsteps light but her mood heavy.

As soon as she left, Karan shifted closer to Raghav, lowering his voice so only he could hear.

Karan (grinning, conspiratorial): Yaar bhai, why are you trying to expose me? I’m going to give her a surprise.

Raghav (raising a brow): Surprise?

Karan (smiling, excited whisper): Yes. We are going on a honeymoon. I’ve already planned it. But she doesn’t know. I want to keep it a secret until the right time.

Raghav’s eyes widened in realization.

Raghav (smacking his forehead lightly, amused): Ohhh… achaa! That’s why you stopped me.

Karan nodded with a cheeky grin.

Karan (playful, wagging a finger): Exactly. Don’t you dare spoil it, samjhe?

Raghav chuckled, shaking his head.

Raghav (teasing): Wah, tumlogo ka dimaag bhi kitna filmy ho sakta hai! Okay, okay… I’ll stay quiet. Promise.

Karan gave him side eyes: what do you mean by tum log?

Raghav: You know Soldiers are very disciplined and focused, But you— you're totally different.

Karan leaned back with satisfaction, his gaze briefly flickering toward the kitchen where Suchitra had gone. A small smile tugged at his lips as he imagined her reaction when the surprise would finally be revealed.

And the evening carried on, the elders still busy with their talks, while a secret plan quietly brewed between two brothers-in-law.