Karan and Suchitra finally made their way through the hall, the soft golden lights reflecting off her lehenga and his suit. A group of familiar faces stood waiting-friends, batchmates, and loved ones. Arjun Chadda was there with his wife Meghna, Parth with his fiancée Anvi, Samksh already grinning wide, Saundarya glowing with excitement, Priyalaxmi beside Raghav, and a couple of other close mates from Karan's army circle.

Samksh (teasing, grinning wide): Ohhh, look who finally decided to grace us-the couple of the night!

Everyone chuckled as Karan and Suchitra reached them. Anvi stepped forward warmly.

Anvi (smiling): Hello, Suchitra bhabhi. I'm Anvi, Parth's fiancée.

Suchitra (soft, polite smile): Hello, Anvi. Nice to meet you.

Right after, Meghna walked up with a bright smile.

Meghna: Hello, Suchitra. I'm Meghna, Arjun's wife.

Suchitra (smiling more openly now): Ohh, hello Meghna Di. Lovely to meet you.

She greeted everyone with soft words, her shyness still visible in her eyes. Karan, on the other hand, was casual and confident-shaking hands, patting shoulders, even hugging his closest mates. But through it all, his hand never once left hers. Their fingers were interlaced tightly, like an unspoken claim.

Suchitra tried once or twice to gently tug her hand away-out of nervousness, out of shyness-but Karan only tightened his grip. He was careful though, holding her hand in a way that was firm but never painful.

Arjun couldn't resist commenting.

Arjun (teasing, with a laugh): Aree bhai, leave her hand at least now. We're not kidnapping your wife.

The group burst into laughter. Saundarya was already covering her mouth, giggling.

Karan turned his head toward Arjun, his expression calm but his voice steady.

Karan (confident, eyes flicking to Suchitra): Actually, I made her a promise. Tonight, I'm not going to leave her hand. Not even for a second. And you know me-Karan never breaks his promises.

His gaze lingered on Suchitra as he said the last line. The words carried more weight than just a joke; they felt like a vow.

Suchitra's cheeks flamed instantly. She looked down, trying to hide her blush, but it was too late. Everyone had already noticed.

Samksh (hooting): Wooohooo! Hear that, guys? This is what true romance sounds like!

The others joined in, hooting and clapping.

Meghna, half-joking but half-serious, nudged her husband's arm.

Meghna (mock-complaining): Arjun, learn something from him! This is how you love your wife in public.

Arjun raised his brows in mock defense, but before he could retort, Karan moved. He gently lifted their still-intertwined hands, his movements slow and deliberate. Everyone's eyes followed.

Suchitra's breath caught as he brought her hand closer. And then-right in front of all their friends-he leaned down and pressed his lips against the back of her hand.

It wasn't just a light kiss. It was soft, lingering, filled with affection that left Suchitra's knees weak.

Her face turned crimson, her lips parting in surprise. The warmth of his lips, the intensity in his eyes when he straightened and looked at her-it felt like the world around her had blurred.

Karan (low, teasing but tender): How can I let go... when this hand feels like it was made only for mine.

The group erupted.

Everyone (hooting, clapping, cheering): OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!

Samksh whistled, Parth laughed, Saundarya squealed, and Meghna covered her mouth in delight.

Suchitra's blush deepened until her ears turned red. She quickly turned her face away, hiding against her shoulder, while Karan smirked at her reaction-completely unbothered by the noise around them.

The hooting and laughter were still echoing when suddenly, a shrill, excited voice cut through the crowd.

Girl (shrieking): Karan!!!

Everyone's heads turned in the same direction. Before Karan could even register who it was, a girl rushed forward and threw herself into his arms, wrapping her hands tightly around his neck.

Karan stiffened. His hands never went around her; instead, with his free hand-the one that wasn't holding Suchitra's-he gently but firmly pried her away.

Girl (dramatic, fake accent): Karan! I missed you sooo, sooo much!

The crowd around them fell silent for a moment. All eyes darted between the unexpected girl and Karan.

Arjun (Chadda): what is she doing here?

Samksh: Who called her here?

Parth: Maybe Aunty, called his batchmate so she's also one them. So yeahh. It can be.

Karan (surprised, controlled): Tanya? You here?

The girl-Tanya-nodded brightly, flashing a wide smile, her manicured fingers still resting possessively on his bicep.

Tanya (beaming): Yaar, so happy to see you again!

Karan forced a polite smile. Meanwhile, Suchitra's hand tightened unconsciously in his. She stayed close to him, her heart sinking at the sight of another woman clinging to her husband so freely. She didn't speak, but her eyes gave away her discomfort.

Karan noticed. Without hesitation, he cleared his throat and proudly pulled his wife slightly forward.

Karan (firm, proud): Tanya, meet her-Suchitra Karanvir Singh Dhillon. My wife.

The way he emphasized my wife made Suchitra's cheeks flush. She forced a polite smile.

Suchitra (calm, polite): Hello, Tanya.

Tanya (fake smile, sing-song): Hello, Suchitra. Nice to meet you.

Though the words sounded friendly, Suchitra could feel the hollowness. The smile didn't reach Tanya's eyes.

And then Tanya dropped her little bomb, her tone playful but her intention sharp.

Tanya (teasing, but sly): You're really lucky, you know? Agar tum thoda late ho jaati... toh main Karan ko bhaga le jaati.

The group gasped softly. It was clear she wanted to establish some kind of "claim."

Suchitra, however, didn't flinch. Instead, she tilted her head slightly, her eyes calm but her voice firm, laced with sweetness that carried steel beneath it.

Suchitra (smiling, mooh-tod reply): But isn't it a good thing I came early? That's how I met Karan first-and married him.

The fake smile on Tanya's lips faltered. Her eyes narrowed slightly before she laughed it off.

Tanya (clinging back to Karan, ignoring Suchitra): Anyway, Karan... I still can't believe it's you. Feels just like old times.

Karan gave her the bare minimum of responses-short nods, polite monosyllables. But Tanya kept touching his arm, brushing his sleeve, acting far too comfortable.

Suchitra's jaw tightened. Her anger wasn't directed at Karan-she trusted him-but at Tanya's complete disregard. How can she not understand? A married man has boundaries. And he's already shown he doesn't want her clinging, yet she keeps touching him.

Just then, Parth leaned toward Samksh, whispering with a smirk.

Parth (teasing, low): Look at Karan's face...

Samksh grinned mischievously, watching Suchitra's shifting expressions.

Samksh (snickering): leave him... bhabhi ko dekh. Kya faces bana rahi hai.

Parth almost choked on his laughter.

Parth: Ohh teri... ab toh gayi ye Tanya.

Anvi, who had been quietly observing, joined them with an amused smile.

Anvi (grinning): And tum dono ne dekha nahi? How bhabhi gave her a savage reply just now. That was smooth.

Saundarya leaned in too, eyes sparkling.

Saundarya (giggling): Aur Tanya ka face dekha tha? Priceless!

They all broke into suppressed chuckles. Along with Arjun and Meghna

Meanwhile, Tanya wasn't done with her little performance. She turned directly to Suchitra now, her tone casual but with a smirk hidden behind her words.

Tanya (nostalgic, smug): You know, Suchitra... back in college, Karan and I were always together. Everyone thought we were dating. Humari jodi hi aisi thi.

She gave a sweet smile, but her eyes flicked with challenge.

Suchitra, however, didn't blink. She answered smoothly, her tone honeyed yet pointed.

Suchitra (confident, smiling sweetly): Date? Oh Tanya, my husband is such a wonderful man, he'd look perfect with any girl. The problem is, most girls just can't match up to him.

(pausing, with soft pride)

And you know, when our marriage was finalized, Karan and I went to the temple together. Everyone there said we looked like the perfect couple. A real pair made in heaven. You understand what I mean, right?

The subtle sting in her words hit Tanya directly. Tanya's fake smile faltered again before she forced a laugh.

Tanya (nervous chuckle): Come on, Suchitra, I was just kidding. Why are you getting offended.

Before Suchitra could reply, Samksh piped up loud enough for everyone nearby to hear.

Samksh (mock serious, shaking his head): Such a disgusting sense of humor you have.

The group erupted, trying hard to stifle their laughter. Tanya's head snapped towards him, her eyes flashing.

Tanya (furious, glaring): You!!! Tumhe toh main dekh loongi.

She spun on her heel and stalked away.

For a beat, the group stayed silent-until Samksh broke it with perfect comic timing.

Samksh (grinning wide): Abhi bolti hai dekh loongi... aur khud chali gayi.

That was it. Everyone burst into uncontrollable laughter. Parth doubled over, Anvi giggled behind her hand, Saundarya clapped like a child, and even Suchitra finally broke into soft laughter, her tension melting away.

Karan glanced at her, smiling quietly to himself. His eyes said what his lips didn't-that no matter who came or what they said, she was the only one who mattered to him.

The friends' group was laughing and teasing when someone tapped on Karan's shoulder.

He saw his mother, Gurleen, standing there. Her face looked a little tense, as though something had unsettled her.

Suchitra (concerned, stepping closer): What happened, Mumma? You look worried.

Gurleen (soft but firm): You both... come with me, quickly.

Karan's brows furrowed slightly, but he didn't ask any further questions. He simply nodded, and with a gentle tug at Suchitra's hand, the couple followed Gurleen. They walked a little away from the buzzing crowd until they stopped in front of a woman dressed in a richly embroidered suit, gold bangles clinking on her wrists. Her eyes immediately softened when they fell on Karan.

Woman (emotional, stepping closer): Hayyee, mera Kannu puttar... you've grown so big.

Before Karan could react, she pulled him into a warm hug. Karan stood stiffly, not returning it, though he didn't push her away either.

Woman (pulling back, searching his face): Do you recognize me?

Karan glanced at Gurleen in confusion, his jaw tightening slightly.

Woman (huffing, then smiling with self-importance): Aree Gurleen, you didn't tell him? Fine, let me say it myself. Karan, I am your bua... your Dimple bua.

The name dropped like a weight. Karan's eyes sharpened for a moment, a flicker of old bitterness flashing through them, but he calmed himself quickly. He masked his emotions with a polite expression.

Beside him, Suchitra immediately joined her hands politely.

Suchitra (respectful): Namaste, Bua ji.

Dimple's eyes darted toward her, assessing her from head to toe.

Dimple (smiling but with a hint of critique): Gurleen, is She... Karan's wife?

Karan (steady, curt): Yes. She's my wife.

Dimple (tilting her head, forcing a sweet tone): Hayee, the girl is indeed pretty... but don't you think the lehenga and jewelry are a little plain? Brides should sparkle more, no?

Before Gurleen could even open her mouth, Karan stepped in. His voice was calm but carried a protective edge.

Karan (firm, with a small smile): You see, Bua... even if she had worn heavy jewelry and the grandest lehenga, it would still fade in comparison to the glow on her face. That shine, that beauty... nothing can match it. Not even Kohinoor.

He turned his head slightly, smiling warmly at Suchitra, who blushed at his words. She lowered her gaze, hiding her smile, but the pink on her cheeks betrayed her feelings. Karan's grip on her hand tightened just a little, reassuringly.

Dimple's smile faltered. She pursed her lips, clearly displeased at not being able to poke deeper.

Dimple (changing the topic, pretending to be offended): And you, Gurleen... you never remembered me, did you? Didn't call me, didn't invite me to the wedding, not even to the reception. If it weren't for Bade Bhaishab telling me, I wouldn't even have known!

Her tone was laced with accusation. Gurleen lowered her gaze to the floor, her lips pressed together. She didn't want to answer-perhaps couldn't. The weight of the past pressed heavily on her shoulders.

Karan's fists curled slightly at his sides. His mind flashed back... back to the days after his father's death. He remembered every word, every insult his bua had thrown at his grieving mother. The hurt. The humiliation.

His jaw tightened, but he remained silent, watching his mother's discomfort, his heart clenching in pain and anger.

Karan's fists clenched at his sides as he listened to Dimple's taunts, every word dragging out the old poison she had once spilled on his mother. His jaw flexed, the muscles tight, but when he finally spoke, his voice was calm-laced with mocking sweetness that cut sharper than anger.

Karan (mocking calm, with a cold smile): The thing is, Bua... she's alone. How could she possibly manage to remember everything all by herself? And anyway-you are family. Do you really need an invitation? Look, you're here now, aren't you? You've met Suchitra, you've met me. That's enough, isn't it?

His words were dipped in sarcasm, his smile unwavering as his sharp eyes locked with hers. The subtle mockery wasn't lost on anyone.

Suchitra glanced at him, surprised at how composed yet cutting he sounded. Her lips curved into a faint smile, pride glimmering in her eyes.

Dimple's face stiffened. The sweetness in her smile faltered, but she quickly rearranged it, unwilling to show her defeat.

Dimple (forcing a smile, voice tight): Hmm. You've grown up, Kannu. Learned to answer back too. Fine... I'll leave. Clearly, I'm not needed here.

Karan didn't flinch. Instead, he folded his hands together in exaggerated politeness, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

Karan (mock respect): Thank you so much for gracing us with your presence, Bua ji. Have a safe journey.

The sarcasm in his voice was sharp enough to sting.

Dimple's smile froze. Without another word, she turned on her heel and walked away, her pride more bruised than she'd admit.

As soon as she was gone, Gurleen exhaled softly, her eyes moist but glowing with pride. She placed a gentle hand on Karan's shoulder.

Gurleen (emotional, proud): You don't know, Karan... how much strength it gives me to see you standing for me like this. Today... you gave me more happiness than words can say.

Karan (soft, steady): Mumma, I'll never let anyone point a finger at you again. Not now. Not ever.

Suchitra, who had been silent until now, looked between the two of them, her heart swelling at the bond they shared. She slipped her hand into Karan's, giving it a gentle squeeze.

Suchitra (smiling warmly): And I'll always stand with both of you. Whatever comes, we'll face it together.

Karan looked at her, his expression softening instantly. The tension in his face eased, and for a moment, the heaviness lifted.

Gurleen (cheerful, regaining herself): Enough of this... come on, I'll take you both to meet Bade Bhaisaab. He's been waiting.

Her tone brightened, eager to shift them away from the bitter moment.

Karan and Suchitra exchanged a quick smile, then followed her happily. Their steps were lighter now, hand in hand, as they moved behind Gurleen-ready to meet the one family member who had always been their silent support.