The car rolled into the driveway, and Karan's eyes immediately fixed on it. His heartbeat thundered against his chest as if it were announcing her arrival to the world.

First, Saundarya stepped out, adjusting her dupatta. Then Raghav got down, stretching his arms a little. Finally, carefully, they both turned to help Suchitra step out.

Karan's heart skipped a beat.

The moment she stood outside, framed under the evening sky, time seemed to stop for him. His eyes forgot how to blink, his lips parted unconsciously, and for a few seconds, he was frozen.

Suchitra, on the other hand, wasn't any different. The second her eyes landed on Karan-standing there in his black suit, perfectly groomed, looking every bit the man of her dreams-her breath caught in her throat. He wasn't looking any less than a prince.



The world seemed to dissolve around them until Gurleen's voice broke the spell.

Gurleen (warm, smiling): You came? Good, good. Quickly now, we're getting late.

(turning to Suchitra with pride)

And bacha, you're looking beautiful. Very, very beautiful.

She stepped closer, her eyes softening as she looked at her daughter-in-law glowing in golden lehenga and bridal chooda. With motherly instinct, Gurleen touched her own eyes, took a little kajal, and dotted it gently behind Suchitra's ear.

Then she turned to Karan, her gaze proud yet teasing. Karan only smiled faintly-but his smile faltered the moment his eyes fell on Suchitra's ears.

Bare.

Neither the pair of earrings he had given her in the afternoon nor any other set adorned her. For a second, disappointment clouded his face. He covered it quickly with a smile, reasoning silently.

Karan (inwardly, forcing a smile): Of course... the earrings didn't match her outfit. Why wouldn't she wear them? She likes it, maybe She'll wear them some other time. It's okay.

They both bent together, taking blessings first from God. Their hands folded, heads bowed, yet their eyes kept sneaking sideways glances at each other. Then they took blessings from Karan's father bending infront of his photo frame, followed by Ramanathan and Anulaxmi, who blessed them with teary smiles.

With rituals done, everyone started to leave for the reception hall.

Karan and Suchitra lingered behind, tasked with locking the door before following in their car. Just as Karan turned the key, Suchitra tugged at his wrist.

Karan (confused, raising a brow): What are you doing, Suchii? We're getting late.

Suchitra (soft smile, mysterious tone): Just come with me... for a moment.

Before he could protest, she pulled him gently into their room. The familiar warmth of their space surrounded them.

Karan looked at her, puzzled, his brows furrowed but lips twitching in amusement.

Karan (teasing, crossing his arms): Mrs. Dhillon, irade kya h?

Suchitra roll her eyes but couldn't Able to hide her smile, her cheeks tinged pink. She reached into her purse, her fingers brushing delicately against something, and then pulled it out.

Suchitra (handing it forward, softly): Ab laye h toh... pehna bhi dijiye.

Karan's eyes widened in recognition. Nestled in her palm was the pair of earrings he had given her earlier in noon. His lips broke into a smile, warm and tender, spreading all the way to his eyes.

He stepped closer, slowly taking one earring in his hand.

Karan (playful whisper): So... you remembered, hmm?

Suchitra lowered her gaze, her lashes fluttering. She didn't reply, just tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear to give him space.

As Karan leaned in, his breath fanned against her neck. A shiver ran down her spine, her skin heating under his nearness. She closed her eyes instinctively, her hands clutching the edge of her dupatta.

His fingers brushed her earlobe-slow, deliberate, almost caressing-before fastening the first earring. He noticed the way her chest rose and fell a little quicker, the way her lips parted slightly as if she were holding her breath.

Karan smirked, savoring the effect he had on her.

Karan (teasing, low voice): Someone's nervous.

Suchitra (eyes still closed, whispering): I-I'm not...

Karan chuckled under his breath, taking the second earring. He grazed his fingertips lightly behind her ear this time, watching her cheeks flush deeper. When he clipped the second earring in place, he leaned closer, his hand gently holding her shoulder.

His lips hovered dangerously near her ear as he whispered, his voice husky:

Karan: Shall we go now?

Suchitra's eyes fluttered open, meeting his mischievous, sparkling ones. She huffed softly, her lips twitching into a shy smile.

Suchitra (pretending to be stern): You enjoy troubling me, don't you?

Karan (grinning, leaning back with satisfaction): Always.

With that, she turned away quickly, grabbing her purse to hide her blush. He followed her with an amused grin as they both finally left the room, hand in hand, ready for their big evening.

The car moved smoothly along the road, headlights slicing through the night. It had been ten minutes since they left home. Neither spoke, only the soft hum of the engine filled the silence.

Karan kept stealing glances at her while driving. His sharp eyes didn't miss the way her hands trembled on her lap, fingers twisting into each other nervously. A thin layer of sweat glistened on her forehead, betraying the calm front she was trying to keep.

Finally, he couldn't stay quiet any longer.

Karan (concerned, softly): Suchii...

Suchitra (snapping out of her thoughts, startled): Huh? Haa... boliye.

Karan (watching her closely, voice steady): What happened?

Suchitra (shaking her head quickly, forcing a small smile): N-nothing...

Karan (sighing, a little stern but gentle): Now you'll lie to me also? Tell me, na... what happened?

Suchitra (avoiding his gaze, fidgeting with her dupatta): It's nothing serious, Karan.

Karan (more firmly, never raising his voice, but insistent): Suchii... what happened? Just tell me already. Why are your hands shivering?

For a moment, she remained quiet. Her lips pressed together tightly, eyes staring at the window as if the moving scenery would give her courage. Then finally, her voice broke out, low and unsure.

Suchitra (nervously): It's our reception, Karan. Tonight, I'll meet your extended family... all your relatives. What if I don't fit in their criteria? What if... I'm not perfect for you in their eyes? People will judge me.

Karan blinked, then chuckled softly, though his eyes were serious.

Karan (calm but firm): Velle logon ko aur kaam hi kya hai, Suchii? Judge karna aur faltu baatein bolke nikal jaana-that's all they know. But tell me one thing... did you marry me, or did you marry my relatives?

His words made her chest tighten, but her insecurity didn't vanish. She turned to him, voice shaky but honest.

Suchitra (insecure, hesitating): Karan, fir bhi na... you don't understand. There are culture differences. Your family... they're so open-minded, so modern. My family is traditional, strict about rituals. Sometimes I feel like our cultures won't blend completely. What if they think I'm... too different? Too simple? Not good enough for you?

Karan's jaw tightened, his eyes softening with emotion. He gave her a side glance, then returned his focus to the road, speaking with absolute certainty.

Karan (firm, clearing her doubts): Samajh gaya, Suchii. But listen to me carefully. I don't care where you come from. I don't care if you're South Indian or North Indian, Tamil or Punjabi. You speak Hindi beautifully-there's no language barrier between us. And if you're worried about cultural differences... then just tell me once. I'll happily wear a dhoti-kurta, I'll celebrate your rituals, I'll bend a thousand times.

He paused, his voice turning softer, filled with affection.

Karan (emotional, heartfelt): You already made the biggest sacrifice-you left the place where you grew up, left your Appa and Anna, everything familiar to you, just to build a life with me. The least I can do is meet you halfway. Suchii, I don't give a damn about where you're from. What matters is... now you're mine. And this life we'll spend together... it's just us. Not the whole world.

His words hit her like a warm embrace. She turned her head slowly, eyes locked on him. The sincerity in his voice, the ease with which he spoke-it melted something inside her. A small smile tugged at her lips without her realizing.

But the nervousness in her chest wasn't completely gone. She exhaled shakily.

Suchitra (admitting softly): Par fir bhi... I'm nervous, Karan. Facing so many new people at once... I don't know how I'll manage.

Karan smirked a little, eyes glinting with mischief.

Karan (teasing gently): Acha, ok... I have a solution.

Suchitra (curious, tilting her head): What?

Without another word, Karan's right hand-which had been resting lazily on the gear-shifted slightly. In one smooth motion, he reached over and intertwined his fingers with hers.

Her breath hitched. Her small, delicate palm was completely swallowed in his larger one, fitting as if it was carved to stay there forever.

Karan (warmly, looking at her): There. Now I won't leave you. I'll hold your hand in the party.

Suchitra's eyes widened. She stared at their joined hands, her heart pounding against her ribs. Butterflies swarmed her stomach-it wasn't the first time he had held her hand, yet every time it felt new, electric, overwhelming.

Suchitra (shy, trying to protest): Karan... at some point, you'll have to let go, na? You can't hold my hand forever.

Karan grinned, squeezing her hand tighter.

Karan (smiling, determined): Nah. I won't. That's my promise.

Her cheeks flushed crimson. She quickly turned her face towards the window, hiding her expression, but a shy smile crept onto her lips. The cool night air brushed against her skin, yet all she could feel was the warmth of his hand around hers... steady, firm, reassuring.

Karan was still stealing glances at her, his gaze unwavering. Caught by his stare, Suchitra gave him a shy smile before quickly urging him.

Suchitra (flustered, softly): Look in front, Mr. Karanvir...

Karan (smirking, voice low and warm): What can I do... when the most beautiful distraction is sitting right beside me?

Her cheeks instantly heated, and she turned her face slightly away, trying to hide the blush. But he didn't stop.

Karan (affectionate, sincere): You look so beautiful... so unreal. Sometimes I wonder if you're really my wife or if I'm still dreaming. You're perfect, my beautiful, understanding, gentle girl... my baby.

Suchitra's blush deepened, spreading from her cheeks to the tips of her ears.

Suchitra (embarrassed, smiling shyly): Bas bhi kariye, Karan...

She quickly turned back to the window, her lips curling into a helpless smile, while Karan chuckled softly, the sound filling the car with warmth.

They finally arrived at the reception venue, the wide open hall lit up beautifully with warm golden lights and flowers adorning every corner. Suchitra reached for the car door to step out, but Karan quickly stopped her.

Karan (shaking his head with a smile): Wait, wait!

He stepped out first, walked to the back seat, and pulled out his coat. Slipping it on neatly, he adjusted the buttons and his cuffs before coming around to her side. Opening the door with a small bow, he extended his hand.

Karan (softly): Come, Mrs. Dhillon.

Suchitra smiled faintly, placing her delicate hand in his, and he helped her step out gracefully.

As they moved forward, they noticed Gurleen and Samksh coming toward them. Gurleen's eyes sparkled with pride seeing her Karan And Suchitra together. She glanced at Samksh and then spoke firmly.

Gurleen: Samksh, take out some cash.

Samksh immediately patted his pocket and pulled out a single ten-rupee note, holding it up proudly.

Samksh (grinning): Here you go, Mummy ji.

Gurleen narrowed her eyes at the note, unimpressed.

Gurleen (snapping): Fatichar! Give me a five-hundred one, not this.

Samksh's smile fell. He quickly opened his wallet, fumbling as a small stack of six or seven five-hundred-rupee notes peeked out. He was still taking time to sort one when Gurleen grew impatient and simply snatched them out of his hand.

Gurleen (muttering): I'm taking all.

She circled the cash over Karan and Suchitra's heads in a traditional gesture, warding off any evil eye, before handing the money to a nearby servant standing with folded hands.

Then, placing both palms gently against Karan and Suchitra's cheeks, Gurleen smiled warmly.

Gurleen (with emotion): You both look so lovely. Truly. Come inside now.

With that blessing, she led them in, and together they stepped into the open hall where guests had already begun to gather, all waiting for the couple of the evening.