Who knows when, where, and how love will knock on your door? We’ve all heard countless love stories, but who would have thought we would become characters in one ourselves? When it all began, I don’t know. But the way it unfolded so gradually, I didn’t even realize when and how it started.

The knock of love had been echoing for quite some time, but no one realized it yet. It was a chilly December evening, and Nitti was engrossed in a dilemma. She wanted to buy her first expensive purchase—a laptop. Excitement filled her heart, but confusion clouded her mind. Which model would be the best? Should she buy it from a dealer or online?

Lost in her thoughts, her father entered the room and noticed her worried expression. “What’s wrong?” he asked. Nitti explained her entire predicament. Her father smiled and said, “Is that all? All the laptops in my office are purchased from a trusted dealer. I can arrange one for you from him.”

Hearing this, it felt as if a huge weight was lifted off Nitti’s shoulders. However, another worry soon crept into her mind. While her father was dependable in most areas, he was not very experienced when it came to shopping. She couldn’t visit the dealer herself because it was too far, and she feared her father might select the wrong model.

While she was still caught in this tangle of thoughts, she learned that her father would be visiting the dealer with one of his office colleagues. Strangely, the mention of this colleague’s name instantly brought Nitti a sense of calm and comfort. For reasons she couldn’t understand, the mere thought of him seemed to dissolve all her worries.

Unbeknownst to her, this moment marked the beginning of something that would soon unfold—a story that Nitti never imagined she would be a part of.

After realizing this, Nitti decided to talk to her mother about the situation. She asked her to speak with Kartik, her father’s colleague, and tell him that she had decided on a particular model and wanted to confirm if it was the best choice according to her requirements. Nitti also wanted her mother to ask for his feedback about the model, as she trusted his opinion.

Since Nitti had no direct way to communicate with Kartik, she asked her mother to handle it. Nitti’s mother, who was not very tech-savvy, hesitated at first. She admitted that she didn’t quite understand these technical matters, but then, she took a step forward and gave Nitti Kartik’s phone number so she could talk to him directly.

Nitti had the number, but for some reason, she felt incredibly nervous. Despite her anxiety, she gathered all her courage and dialed Kartik’s number. However, her call went unanswered, and this made her feel strange, as if Kartik had ignored her. Just as she was about to feel disheartened, her phone buzzed with a message. It was from Kartik. The message read, “I’ll call you as soon as I’m free.”

Seeing this, Nitti couldn’t help but smile to herself. Her eyes were now glued to the phone, eagerly waiting for his call. Every time she heard Kartik’s name, a unique excitement filled her, an excitement she couldn’t quite explain, even to herself.

After a while, Nitti finally received a call from Kartik. She quickly explained that she had decided on the new laptop model but didn’t want her father to purchase a different one, so she asked him to keep that in mind. She also sought his suggestion on whether there was any other model that could meet her requirements. After discussing all the details, they wrapped up the conversation.

As the call ended, Nitti realized that the excitement she had felt within herself wasn’t reflected in Kartik’s tone. He had remained very formal throughout the conversation. Nitti thought to herself, perhaps it was because he was her father’s colleague, and that’s why he maintained such a professional approach.

The next day was Nitti’s birthday, and coincidentally, her laptop was also supposed to arrive that day. She was brimming with excitement. Unable to contain herself, she called her father to ask if he had purchased the laptop. Her father assured her that he had indeed bought it. In her excitement, Nitti casually joked, “Today is my laptop’s birthday and mine too!”

Her father’s phone was on speaker mode, and Kartik, who was with him, overheard their conversation. Unaware of this, Nitti hung up the call and eagerly waited for her father to come home with the laptop.

A little while later, her phone buzzed with a notification. It was a message. Surprised, she saw it was from Kartik. Curious, she quickly opened it. The message was simple yet thoughtful—it was a birthday wish from him.

Reading it, Nitti couldn’t help but smile. That one message made her already special day feel even more memorable. It was a small gesture, but it brightened her heart in a way she hadn’t anticipated.

What felt strange to Nitti was that she had been in a relationship for the past three years and was genuinely serious about it. Yet, she couldn’t deny the unusual feelings she experienced whenever she thought about Kartik. She felt a sense of energy and excitement at just hearing his name. Curious to understand why this was happening, she found herself questioning her emotions.

Despite her curiosity, Nitti chose to ignore these feelings, reminding herself of her commitment to her relationship. She was serious about her current partner and focused on preparing for the next step in her life.

The following day, her father was set to meet the boy she had chosen. Nitti felt a mix of nervousness and anticipation, wondering if her father would like him and whether both families would agree to their marriage.

Unbeknownst to Nitti, her life was on the verge of significant change. She had no idea how drastically things were about to shift in the days to come.

Nitti’s parents returned home, and she was eagerly waiting to hear what had happened. As soon as they arrived, she asked, “What happened?” Her parents, teasing her at first, kept her in suspense. Then, with a smile, they finally said, “It’s a yes from our side.”

Hearing this, Nitti was overjoyed. After waiting for so long, the thought that her marriage with Aman was finally going to happen filled her with happiness. But deep inside, there was still an unexplainable void—a slight incompleteness that she couldn’t quite understand.

She reasoned with herself, thinking it might be because of the recent arguments she and Aman had been having. Their fights had been unsettling her for a while, and she felt those unresolved issues might be the cause of her mixed feelings.

Aman was the same boy with whom Nitti had been in a relationship for three years, yet something felt different lately, leaving her in a whirlwind of emotions she couldn’t fully grasp.

The time had come for Aman and Nitti’s official roka ceremony. However, the night before, another argument broke out between them, leaving Nitti emotionally drained. She was tired of the constant conflicts and, for the first time, found herself not feeling happy about the roka.

That night, Nitti cried herself to sleep. The next morning, her mother noticed her swollen eyes and asked her what was wrong. Reluctantly, Nitti shared everything. But despite her feelings, she couldn’t back out of the roka. It was no longer just about her and Aman—it was about her family’s honor.

Nitti felt trapped. How could she tell everyone that the boy she had fought so hard to convince them about was no longer someone she wanted to commit to? With a heavy heart, she decided to leave everything in God’s hands and went ahead with the ceremony.

At the venue, everyone had arrived, but Aman showed up late. Seeing this, Nitti’s frustration grew even more. She was angry, but more than that, she felt she wasn’t able to fully live the special moment she had once dreamed of. Her heart was burdened, and the happiness that should have defined the day seemed like a distant memory.

Nitti was experiencing some strange and unexplainable things that she wasn’t sharing with anyone. Despite all the stress and difficult situations in her life, Kartik kept appearing in her dreams. In every dream, she saw him emotional and crying. Initially, she thought it might just be a random occurrence, but when it kept happening repeatedly, it started troubling her deeply. These dreams became a mystery for her, robbing her of her sleep and peace.

Summoning courage, Nitti sent Kartik a reel on Instagram, hoping he would take it casually. However, Kartik didn’t see the reel for a long time, so she deleted it, fearing he might misunderstand her intentions. Nitti wasn’t trying to form any connection with him; she simply wanted to understand the reason behind her dreams. But a few days later, the same dream occurred again, and this time, Nitti decided she would directly ask Kartik if everything was okay.

She messaged Kartik and asked him if he was fine. Kartik replied, surprised by the sudden question, and asked why she was asking this. Nitti was hesitant and afraid that Kartik might misinterpret her or that this conversation might spread in the office. Her mind was clouded with thoughts of a girl in Kartik’s office who seemed to like him. Despite her fears, Nitti gathered her courage and shared her dreams with Kartik.

When Kartik responded, he revealed that his relationship had ended and that he was struggling to make things right. He mentioned visiting many astrologers and priests to find solutions, as he wanted to fix everything and marry the girl . This revelation left Nitti in a whirlwind of emotions.

Nitti realized that the feelings she had started developing for Kartik were one-sided. Kartik was deeply invested in someone else, someone he cared about so much that he was doing everything possible to repair the situation. This understanding brought clarity to Nitti but also left her confused about the recurring dreams.

She thought that maybe it was Krishna’s will, or perhaps there was some divine connection behind these dreams. However, she also came to terms with the fact that her feelings for Kartik couldn’t go anywhere. She decided to bury those unknown emotions within herself and prayed that Kartik’s problems would be resolved.

Nitti had always had respect and a soft corner for Kartik, and she didn’t want anything bad to happen to him. She left everything to God, trying to console herself that perhaps this was just a part of her life meant to teach her something.

The wedding preparations had begun, but every day seemed to bring new conflicts—sometimes from Aman’s side, and other times from his family. These constant issues left Nitti feeling frustrated and emotionally drained. Her mother, observing her state, was deeply worried. The wedding was supposed to bring Nitti happiness, but instead, it seemed to be robbing her of her peace. However, she felt helpless and unable to intervene.

One day, out of the blue, her mother received a call. It was from Kartik, who asked if she would like to join a bus trip to Govardhan Parikrima as they had an extra seat available. Without much thought, her mother replied, “I won’t be able to go, but Nitti can join you. Please take care of her as she has never traveled alone like this before.”

Nitti’s mother knew how much Nitti revered Lord Krishna and hoped this spiritual journey would help her find some peace and clarity. When she shared the news with Nitti, she explained that Kartik and his mother were also going on the parikrima and that Nitti would be safe in their company.

Hearing this, Nitti was shocked. Her mother, who had never let her travel far alone, was suddenly sending her on this trip. But deep down, Nitti felt a sense of relief and happiness—as though someone had lifted the weight off her chest. She saw this as an opportunity to escape the chaos in her life, if only for a while.

The thought of parikrima brought an unexplainable joy to her heart, and for the first time in days, her tears felt like they might stop. She couldn’t help but smile, leaving behind her worries and focusing on the excitement of the spiritual journey ahead.

Nitti’s mother was hesitant to let her go alone in such a state of mind, so she called Kartik and asked if there could be an extra seat arranged for her as well. Although the bus was fully booked, Kartik assured her that he would make it work. The day for their pilgrimage finally arrived. Nitti was excited, as she had managed to suppress all the mixed emotions swirling in her mind.

At the bus stop, Nitti and her mother waited patiently. During the wait, her mother repeatedly urged her to call or message Kartik to check where he had reached. When the bus finally arrived, they boarded and took their seats. To Nitti’s surprise, Kartik offered his own seat to her mother and chose to sit on the bus’s bonnet instead. This thoughtful gesture deeply increased Nitti’s respect for Kartik. Sitting on the bonnet for such a long and uncomfortable journey was something not everyone would be willing to do.

During the journey, Nitti tried to avoid looking in Kartik’s direction, but somehow, her eyes kept drifting toward him. She attempted to sleep, but her thoughts wouldn’t let her. Whenever their eyes accidentally met, Nitti felt an inexplicable surge of energy throughout her body—perhaps it was those familiar butterflies signaling a positive feeling.

Despite her efforts to focus elsewhere, Nitti couldn’t shake the emotions Kartik evoked in her. It was as if her feelings were trying to surface, despite her attempts to push them away. This journey, though long and tiring, was becoming a whirlwind of emotions for her, marked by respect, admiration, and a newfound energy she didn’t completely understand.

Nitti didn’t want to think about Aman or his family during this journey because she had joined the parikrama solely to get away from all her frustration and problems for a while and to calm her mind. The strange thing was that, despite not being able to go a day without talking to Aman earlier, she didn’t feel his absence at all this time. She even switched off her phone, although she sent Aman a few messages in between to ensure he wouldn’t worry about her.

Now the journey was continuing with some beautiful devotional songs, and Nitti’s restless mind had finally calmed down. At that moment, a bhajan was playing: “Aisa kya kiya maine tera jo mera haath tune tham liya” (What did I do to deserve You holding my hand?). Nitti felt as if this wasn’t just a bhajan but a reflection of reality — as if the divine had truly come forward and held her hand, promising to take care of all her problems. Lost in this thought, the group eventually reached the place where the parikrama was to begin.

All the passengers of the bus began the parikrama together. Initially, everyone walked in a group, but slowly, they spread out at different paces. Soon, only Kartik, Nitti, and their mothers were walking together. Both Nitti and Kartik started their parikrama by silently chanting the name of God in their hearts. Nitti hummed devotional songs for a while, but gradually her attention shifted to the bhajan Kartik was singing. Now, they were both singing the same bhajan as they continued their journey, and this made Nitti feel as if they were no longer two individuals but one.

After walking some distance, Kartik’s mother began to feel tired and decided to continue the parikrama by rickshaw. This left the three of them — Kartik, Nitti, and Nitti’s mother — to walk together. Kartik was focused entirely on his chanting, speaking nothing else but the name of God as he continued along the path. Nitti, too, gave him her full support, although she occasionally responded to necessary conversations.

A little while later, Nitti’s mother also decided to take a rickshaw and asked Nitti to accompany her. However, Nitti had made up her mind — she was determined to complete the parikrama on foot, no matter what. This wasn’t just a physical challenge for her; it was her way of seeking answers to the questions that had been troubling her heart. Her resolve was so strong that she was ready to endure any pain in her feet but not give up.

Understanding her determination, Nitti’s mother entrusted her to Kartik, asking him to take care of her during the rest of the parikrama. And so, Nitti and Kartik continued their journey together, bound by the shared purpose of their spiritual quest.

In moments of weakness, she wished she could hold Kartik’s hand for support. Yet, she restrained herself, knowing how it might be misunderstood by others. Moreover, she wasn’t even sure what Kartik thought of her. From her perspective, Kartik was pouring his heart and soul into the parikrama because of the pain of his broken marriage. Witnessing his determination, Nitti stopped asking for answers to her own questions. Instead, she silently prayed for Kartik to find the happiness he deserved and for him to be reunited with someone he truly loved.

But Nitti chose to ignore all these gestures, convincing herself that they were simply a reflection of Kartik’s kind nature. She believed he was being helpful to everyone, not just her. She didn’t want to entertain the thought that Kartik’s actions were specifically meant for her.

Dismissing these thoughts, she focused solely on completing her parikrama. Despite the emotional whirlwind and physical exhaustion, she successfully finished one round of the sacred journey, her mind set on staying strong and steadfast.

Nitti felt deeply relaxed after completing her first parikrama. It was a significant achievement for her, and she was proud of herself. Following the ritual, devotees were to pour water from the holy kund as an offering to the sun. Nitti began descending the steps to perform the offering, but her legs ached from the strain, and the slippery, wet stairs made the descent challenging.

As she carefully made her way down, she suddenly noticed a hand extended toward her. It was Kartik’s. He was offering to help her descend safely. This was the first time Kartik had physically touched her, and the brief moment of contact sent a wave of inexplicable energy through her, like butterflies fluttering within her.

But before Nitti could let her thoughts wander, she noticed that Kartik was extending the same help to others, assisting everyone equally. With a soft smile, Nitti dismissed her fleeting feelings once again. She silently told herself to keep such thoughts locked away, knowing it was better not to overthink the moment.

The second parikrama had begun, and this one was even longer and more challenging than the first. The sun had risen by now, making the heat even more intense. For Nitti, it was becoming increasingly difficult to continue walking. Her once loud chants of God’s name had now turned quieter, but she was still drawing motivation from Kartik and the others around her. Though she was walking slowly, she was determined not to stop.

However, as they continued, Nitti began to lose her strength. She couldn’t even take a single step forward. The others had already moved ahead, leaving her behind. She called out to Kartik, saying, “I’ll sit here for a while. You all continue, I can’t keep going.”

Upon hearing her, Kartik decided to stop and stay with her. He didn’t want to leave her alone. The two of them sat in silence, neither of them speaking. Yet, in that quiet moment, Nitti felt a strange connection between them. But just as quickly, she pushed those thoughts aside, focusing instead on encouraging herself to keep going.

Without saying anything, Nitti urged herself to move forward. The journey wasn’t over, and she still had to continue.

As the parikrama was nearing its completion, Nitti heard someone from the group behind her say, “Oh shit, this girl’s feet have become so swollen.” Upon hearing this, Nitti felt embarrassed. She had never experienced this kind of pain before, but she knew that if she focused on the pain now, she wouldn’t be able to continue. So, she pushed through it and kept walking, slowly but steadily.

Meanwhile, Kartik’s mother was waiting anxiously, wondering why they hadn’t arrived yet. Just then, she saw Kartik and Nitti approaching. They walked towards her, and Kartik, in a light-hearted tone, jokingly informed her about Nitti’s sore feet. His tone was playful, but it hurt Nitti because the person she had been thinking so much about was now making light of her pain.

After the parikrima, Nitti was supposed to go to the temple for darshan, but her feet were in severe pain, and she had to take painkillers. She felt like she might not be able to walk anymore and thought she should rest. She told her mother that she wouldn’t be going to the temple. Her mother informed Kartik, who immediately replied that the distance wasn’t too far and that if she wanted to, she could still go.

Nitti gathered her courage, thinking she had already come so far, and decided to keep going. Though walking was becoming difficult, she didn’t want to give up. She was ready to continue, even though it seemed like such a long journey. As she entered the temple, the crowd was overwhelming, and she ended up getting separated from her mother. She was alone when, out of nowhere, Kartik appeared and seemed to protect her from behind, making sure she felt secure. There was no need for her to feel anxious.

Nitti couldn’t understand what she was feeling, but whenever Kartik was near her, she felt a strange sense of comfort. It was as if someone who had been broken had finally found support. The moments she spent near Kartik, standing together in front of the deities she worshipped, were incredibly special. Even though she had always believed in these gods, this was the first time she felt a new kind of connection—one that was unspoken but very real.

After visiting all the temples, it was time for the four of them to return to the bus. Night had already fallen, and they needed to find a way back quickly since the rest of the group had already reached the bus. However, no rickshaw was available, and the situation was getting a bit tense.

Nitti’s mother, being adventurous by nature, spotted a rickshaw used for transporting goods. It wasn’t meant for passengers but was the only option available at that hour. The rickshaw driver was ready to take them to the bus, and they all climbed aboard. The ride was both funny and memorable—an unexpected adventure under the open sky.

As the rickshaw moved forward, Nitti found herself lost in her thoughts. She looked up at the sky and noticed the moon shining brighter than usual. Its glow seemed to reflect her feelings, bringing a gentle smile to her face. Sitting beside her was Kartik, making the moment even more special.

The ride was simple yet magical for Nitti. She silently cherished the beauty of the night and the closeness of someone who unknowingly made her heart flutter. It was a memory she knew she would hold onto forever—a moment where the laughter, the moonlight, and his presence all blended into something unforgettable.

Everyone had finally reached the bus, and the moment had arrived when Nitti had to leave behind all the beautiful memories she had created during the trip. A sense of sadness washed over her, but she knew she had no choice—she had to return to her everyday life.

Despite the countless questions she carried within herself, none of them had found an answer. Instead, new questions began to surface in her mind, especially about the unfamiliar feelings she had experienced. These feelings were confusing yet special, and they left her yearning to understand them better.

In those few hours, it felt as though Nitti had momentarily forgotten about Aman and the complexities of her existing relationships. Everything seemed to fade into the background, allowing her to simply exist in the moment.

The bus started its journey back home, and Nitti leaned against the window, watching the night sky pass by. She was returning to her routine, yet a part of her heart lingered in the memories she had made—moments filled with laughter, self-discovery, and an unspoken connection. Though unsure of what lay ahead, she silently cherished the journey that had unexpectedly touched her in ways she hadn’t anticipated.

Nitti was still lost in her thoughts, reminiscing about the moments from the trip, when Kartik started playing loud songs on the bus. Kartik had a knack for old Bollywood classics, and one of the tracks he chose was “Tu Mere Samne, Main Tere Samne, Chup Baithun Ya Pyaar Karoon.”

The lyrics struck a chord with Nitti, and despite herself, she couldn’t suppress the faint smile that formed on her face. It felt as though the song was speaking directly to her, as if Kartik had intentionally played it for her.

For a brief moment, she allowed herself to indulge in the thought, her heart skipping a beat. But soon, she shook her head, mentally brushing off the idea.

“No, no,” she told herself. “Kartik is just a song lover. This is probably just part of his playlist and has nothing to do with me.”

Even as she tried to convince herself, the lyrics of the song lingered in her mind, creating a sweet yet confusing ache in her heart. The bus journey continued, but Nitti’s inner world was now filled with a mix of emotions she couldn’t quite name—a blend of joy, curiosity, and uncertainty.

Kartik kept playing songs, and Nitti, while trying to suppress the storm of questions within her, remained silent. The bus suddenly came to a halt—it was time for dinner. Everyone settled in the restaurant, and as fate would have it, Kartik and his mother chose to sit with Nitti and her mother.

Nitti noticed her father at the table, but her focus was elsewhere. Throughout the journey, he had been silent and withdrawn, but Nitti hadn’t paid much attention to him. Her mind and heart were consumed entirely by Kartik—his presence, his gestures, and now, even his casual actions.

As dinner began, the conversations flowed effortlessly, with laughter and anecdotes filling the air. Nitti found herself blushing uncontrollably, sitting right across from Kartik. Her attempts to hide her flushed cheeks were futile, and her mother even gave her a curious glance once or twice.

During the conversation, Kartik’s mother started sharing a story from his office. She mentioned a girl who liked Kartik and would constantly try to get his attention, despite Kartik not reciprocating her feelings. “That girl would keep calling him unnecessarily,” Kartik’s mother explained, “and one day, I got so irritated that I scolded her over the phone and told her to leave him alone.”

Hearing this, Nitti felt a pang of fear. A subtle smile that had been playing on her lips disappeared, replaced by a quiet resolve. She realized that if Kartik and his family misunderstood even a simple expression of her feelings, they might think she was like that persistent girl.

That evening, amidst all the chatter and Kartik’s laughter, Nitti silently decided: “I won’t say anything—neither about these emotions nor even about a friendship. I can’t let them think I’m chasing Kartik.”

Her heart was heavy with the weight of unspoken feelings, but she buried them deep, masking them with the same smile she had worn all through the trip. For now, she decided it was better to protect her dignity than risk any misinterpretation of her emotions.

Nitti’s stop was approaching, and Kartik continued to play songs, ones that seemed to reflect a sense of reluctance, as if he, too, was not ready for this journey to end. But Nitti had resolved not to dwell on these thoughts anymore. She reminded herself that overthinking wouldn’t lead anywhere.

The bus came to a halt at her stop. As Nitti stepped down, a strange feeling washed over her—like she was leaving something precious behind. She tried to ignore this tug at her heart and focused on helping her mother as they made their way home.

The night had grown quiet, and the streets were dimly lit. Once at home, Nitti prepared for bed, hoping sleep would offer her some respite. However, her mind was a whirlwind of emotions and memories—Kartik’s laughter, the moments they shared, and her own unspoken feelings.

As she lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, she found herself turning over again and again, unable to find peace. Her thoughts wouldn’t let her rest. “Why am I feeling this way? It’s over now. I need to let it go,” she told herself repeatedly.

But the more she tried to silence her mind, the louder her emotions became. The entire night, Nitti tossed and turned, battling an internal storm she couldn’t quite understand or escape.

The next day, Nitti’s feet were severely swollen, and the sores made it difficult for her to walk properly. Aman called her, and she told him about her condition. Concerned, Aman came over to her house and gave her some medicine to help her recover quickly. However, Nitti remained indifferent to Aman’s care. Her mind was preoccupied, waiting for an unknown message on her phone—one she hoped would come from Kartik. But no message arrived.

Unable to stop herself, Nitti sent Kartik a message, asking him to share the pictures from the trip. Deep down, she just wanted a reason to communicate with him. Kartik, however, wasn’t very interested and responded formally. Seeing this, Nitti wanted to escape her thoughts. Yet, when Kartik eventually asked about her feet, albeit quite late, Nitti felt a strange happiness. For her, it was as though her feet had miraculously healed just because Kartik had shown a small sign of concern.

Nitti knew Kartik’s concern was minimal and didn’t mean much, but her emotions made it feel significant. She also realized that these feelings could ruin her relationship with Aman, which is why she was trying to run away from them.

Her daily routine had resumed, but everything felt incomplete. Nitti couldn’t focus on anything; it felt like she had left something behind in Vrindavan. But what could she do? She had no answers to her questions, nor did she know how to find them.

Wedding preparations were in full swing at Nitti’s house, but she didn’t seem very interested. Once again, the old issues between her and Aman’s families had started resurfacing, leaving her stressed. Sometimes it was her family, sometimes Aman’s, and sometimes Aman himself—there was always something troubling her. These constant issues were stealing the joy she had hoped to experience before her wedding. Seeing this, Nitti’s mother was deeply worried for her.

Meanwhile, Nitti and Kartik had started exchanging daily “Good Morning” and “Good Night” messages. For Nitti, those messages became her way of knowing that Kartik was okay. If there was ever a day Kartik didn’t message, Nitti would start worrying, wondering why he hadn’t sent a message and if everything was alright.

For her, those two simple messages from Kartik each day were enough to bring her some happiness amidst the chaos.

One day, Kartik didn’t message Nitti until evening, and she was getting anxious. It wasn’t a working day, so she couldn’t console herself by thinking he might be busy with work. She wanted to ask if everything was okay but held herself back.

In the evening, Kartik finally messaged her, and Nitti asked if everything was fine. Kartik replied that he was okay and had been out with his friends since morning, so he couldn’t message earlier. He also sent her some pictures and videos with his friends. Even though Nitti hadn’t asked for them, Kartik sharing those moments made her feel like he was genuinely interested in sharing his life with her. It reassured her that he wasn’t always formal with her.

Kartik and his friends had gone to a fair, and he showed Nitti pictures from there. Knowing her love for rides, Nitti told him how much she enjoyed going on swings but couldn’t do so anymore. Their conversation flowed for a while until, suddenly, Kartik’s tone changed. He started responding in a way that seemed like he was trying to end the conversation.

Nitti couldn’t understand Kartik’s behavior. She wondered why he was acting distant and if she had misunderstood his interest in her. Once again, she found herself questioning whether Kartik truly cared or if she was just overthinking everything.

Ignoring all her emotions, Nitti was trying to move forward with her life. One day, she talked to Kartik about the girl who liked him. It turned out to be the first long and meaningful conversation between them. Nitti found herself so engrossed in talking to Kartik that she even ignored Aman during this time.

Kartik shared that he had told the girl clearly that he didn’t like her, yet she continued trying to get closer to him, sometimes using one excuse or another. As Kartik explained the situation, Nitti found herself relating to that girl. She could understand the feelings of someone who loved without getting anything in return.

This realization made her reflect on her own emotions for Kartik. She couldn’t help but wonder: if she ever confessed her unknown feelings to him, would he reject her the same way? Would she become just another person trying to hold on to something that wasn’t meant to be?

Nitti kept suppressing all her emotions because she knew there was no point in expressing them. Her marriage was already approaching, and even if Kartik knew, nothing could change.

Caught in her own turmoil, Nitti was sinking deeper into confusion and anxiety. The more she tried to untangle her thoughts, the more entangled she became, leaving her restless and worried with each passing day.

Nitti had started noticing something peculiar—whenever she posted a sad story on Instagram, Kartik would send her a funny video. Kartik might not have realized it, but Nitti’s smile wasn’t because of the video itself; it was because of his small effort to cheer her up, an effort he wasn’t even aware of.

Seeing Nitti so troubled and restless, her mother decided to take her somewhere to lift her mood. Nitti’s mom was quite close to Kartik and often chatted with him. One day, during one of their conversations, she mentioned how Nitti seemed really upset and asked Kartik if he could suggest a place to take her for a change of atmosphere.

Kartik suggested taking her to a fair, saying it might make her happy. He also mentioned that since it was Navratri, they could join a dandiya night event as well, which could be a fun experience. Nitti’s mom liked the idea and asked Kartik if he would join them. Kartik readily agreed.

When Nitti learned about the plan, she was thrilled. She loved going to fairs, especially because she enjoyed rides so much. The thought of Kartik being part of the outing made her even more excited, although she tried to hide her true feelings.

This plan seemed like the perfect opportunity for Nitti to escape her worries for a while, and deep down, she was eager for the moments she would get to spend around Kartik.

Kartik’s mom was also supposed to be involved in the plan, but for Nitti, Kartik’s presence alone was enough to lift her spirits. As the preparations progressed, Nitti and Kartik decided to book tickets for a dandiya night. However, by the time they started looking, all the bookings had already closed.

This left Nitti feeling a little upset. She tried her best, searching everywhere for an open slot, but despite her efforts, she couldn’t find anything. When she shared her disappointment with Kartik, he stepped in and went the extra mile, even meeting an event manager personally to see if they could make an exception. Unfortunately, that too didn’t work out.

Realizing that the dandiya night wasn’t an option anymore, they decided to keep things simple and just go to the fair for the rides. Amidst all this planning and effort, the bond between Nitti and Kartik had started to grow. Their conversations had become more frequent and extended beyond the good morning and good night messages they used to exchange earlier.

The much-anticipated day had finally arrived. Nitti and her mom were filled with excitement as they reached the fair. As soon as they got there, Nitti caught sight of Kartik. He was wearing a black kurta, and for a moment, she found herself unable to take her eyes off him. Realizing this, she quickly composed herself, redirecting her attention to the surroundings.

They decided to start with the giant wheel ride. Nitti and her mom sat together, while Kartik sat with his mom in a separate seat. The ride was exhilarating, and Nitti thoroughly enjoyed it, the breeze and view adding to her happiness. Once the ride was over, they moved on to another attraction, one that looked simple but promised a lot of fun.

This ride required everyone to sit individually. As everyone was settling in, the ride operator playfully suggested that Kartik sit next to Nitti. Kartik, hesitant and a bit shy, declined the suggestion at first. Nitti secretly hoped he would agree, but even just having him near was enough to make her happy.

After some teasing and nudging from the ride operator, Kartik finally agreed. As he approached Nitti’s side, the operator mischievously directed him to sit on the opposite side instead. Watching this, Nitti couldn’t help but smile to herself. She found the whole situation amusing and endearing, especially the small effort Kartik had made, even if things hadn’t gone as expected.

Despite these little moments, Nitti felt an overwhelming joy in just being there, enjoying the rides and Kartik’s quiet presence. It was turning out to be a day she wouldn’t forget anytime soon.

The much-anticipated day had finally arrived. Nitti and her mom were filled with excitement as they reached the fair. As soon as they got there, Nitti caught sight of Kartik. He was wearing a black kurta, and for a moment, she found herself unable to take her eyes off him. Realizing this, she quickly composed herself, redirecting her attention to the surroundings.

They decided to start with the giant wheel ride. Nitti and her mom sat together, while Kartik sat with his mom in a separate seat. The ride was exhilarating, and Nitti thoroughly enjoyed it, the breeze and view adding to her happiness. Once the ride was over, they moved on to another attraction, one that looked simple but promised a lot of fun.

This ride required everyone to sit individually. As everyone was settling in, the ride operator playfully suggested that Kartik sit next to Nitti. Kartik, hesitant and a bit shy, declined the suggestion at first. Nitti secretly hoped he would agree, but even just having him near was enough to make her happy.

After some teasing and nudging from the ride operator, Kartik finally agreed. As he approached Nitti’s side, the operator mischievously directed him to sit on the opposite side instead. Watching this, Nitti couldn’t help but smile to herself. She found the whole situation amusing and endearing, especially the small effort Kartik had made, even if things hadn’t gone as expected.

Despite these little moments, Nitti felt an overwhelming joy in just being there, enjoying the rides and Kartik’s quiet presence. It was turning out to be a day she wouldn’t forget anytime soon.

Finally, it was time for the last ride of the evening: the dragon boat ride. Everyone was buzzing with excitement. The most thrilling part of this ride was sitting on the last topmost seat, where the adrenaline rush was unmatched. Naturally, everyone rushed for the coveted spot.

Kartik and Nitti’s mom managed to claim their seats first, leaving just two seats on the last row. Now, only Nitti and Kartik were left to sit together. As they settled in, Nitti’s heartbeat quickened—not because of the thrill of the ride, but because Kartik was sitting so close to her.

Kartik held onto the right-side bar tightly, while Nitti grabbed the back of her seat for support. When she realized there wasn’t much else to hold onto, she clutched the seat underneath her, her grip firm but her mind completely distracted by Kartik’s presence.

The ride began, slowly at first, but soon it soared higher and higher into the air. The wind rushed past them, and the boat swung dramatically, creating a mix of thrill and joy. Nitti was overwhelmed by the experience—not just the ride, but the fact that Kartik was next to her during this moment.

While Kartik and others screamed in excitement, all Nitti could hear was his voice. It was as if the entire world had muted itself, leaving only the sound of Kartik’s laughter echoing in her ears. A part of her wished she could reach out and hold onto him for support, but she held back, content with the closeness they already shared.

As the ride began to slow, Nitti silently wished it would never end. She wanted to remain in this moment a little longer, cherishing the excitement, the wind, and Kartik’s unintentional but significant presence beside her.

When the ride finally stopped, everyone got off laughing and sharing their thrilling experiences. Nitti, too, smiled along, her heart feeling lighter and fuller. It was now time to head back home. The night had grown late, and even though Nitti didn’t want to leave, she knew they had to.

As they walked back, Nitti held onto a memory that she knew would stay with her forever. This ride, this night, and this unspoken connection with Kartik were now a precious chapter in her story.

One day, Nitti’s mother told her that she had noticed how Kartik seemed to focus on her more than anyone else throughout their trip. Nitti, who had been silently feeling these emotions, was now surprised to learn that her mother had observed the same. This shifted Nitti’s thoughts. Until now, it was just a feeling she was grappling with, but her mother’s words added weight to it.

Nitti tried to ignore these thoughts, but they refused to leave her mind. She decided to confront Kartik about it, no matter what he might think of her. However, she was also afraid—what if Kartik showed her messages to her family? To ease her anxiety, she wrote down her questions, converted them into an image format, and sent it to Kartik on WhatsApp as a one-time view message.

Sending the message gave her some relief, but her heartbeat raced as she waited anxiously for his reply. She kept checking her phone to see if Kartik had viewed the message. After some time, a notification popped up—it was Kartik’s reply. Taking a deep breath, Nitti opened the message. Kartik had sent a simple smile emoji.

Her heart wanted to interpret the emoji as a “yes,” but she reminded herself not to jump to conclusions. Gathering her courage, she asked Kartik what the emoji meant. His response took her by surprise: he explained that there was nothing like that between them. He said he had a close bond with her family, which might be why she felt this way.

Kartik added that they both shared a devotion to Lord Krishna, which could also explain their connection. He reassured her that it was purely due to these factors that their bond felt special.

Nitti felt a pang in her heart—this was not the answer she had hoped for. But at the same time, she was relieved that the questions in her mind were finally resolved. She decided to accept whatever the truth was. Even as Kartik explained his perspective, Nitti couldn’t shake the feeling that he might have feelings for her. However, she reminded herself to trust her logical side over her emotions and chose to believe that their bond was indeed just about family and faith in Krishna.

Nitti decided to move forward by naming all her emotions as just friendship. She stopped overthinking and chose to focus on the bond they already shared. It wasn’t easy at first, but she convinced herself that some relationships are meant to be cherished without complicating them.

She began to embrace her feelings in a lighter way, choosing to treasure the friendship she had with Kartik rather than dwell on unspoken emotions. This decision gave her a sense of clarity and peace, allowing her to carry on with her life while preserving the special connection they shared as friends.

Nitti and Kartik’s conversations had grown a little more frequent now, and both had discovered a mutual love for music. One day, during their chat, they started sharing audio recordings of songs. Kartik sent a clip where he was singing, and as Nitti listened, she felt as if every lyric was meant just for her. However, she chose to see it as nothing more than a sweet moment of friendship.

Nitti was truly taken aback when Kartik sent her recordings of songs that she had once sung and recorded herself. These were songs she had never shared with him but had sung long ago. Her mind raced with thoughts—how could their tastes and choices be so similar? But she quickly dismissed the idea as mere coincidence and decided not to overthink it.

Still, Kartik’s gesture left a deep impact on her. Now, whenever Nitti listened to any song, her mind would automatically wander to thoughts of Kartik. It was as if the music was weaving invisible strings between them. Aman, who once dominated her thoughts, now seemed to fade into the background, replaced by Kartik’s growing presence in her heart and mind.

Each melody brought Kartik closer, and every lyric felt like a reflection of her unspoken emotions. Yet, Nitti kept all of this to herself, determined to see their bond as nothing more than a beautiful friendship. For now, she allowed the music to speak what her words could not.

The day of Nitti’s ring ceremony had arrived. She was trying to calm her nerves, silently praying to God to guide her through the next chapter of her life. Amidst the whirlwind of emotions, she grappled with the unknown feelings that had begun to cloud her mind and heart. She wondered if these emotions were somehow responsible for weakening her bond with Aman. Yet, with no answers or clarity, she chose to bury her thoughts and focus on the preparations.

As her family was busy with the arrangements at another house, Nitti found herself alone when Kartik called. He inquired about the family’s whereabouts, and she told him they were at the other house, handling the preparations. She casually mentioned that she was home alone and suggested he head over there if he wanted to meet someone. After hanging up the call, she returned to her tasks, trying to keep her mind calm.

A knock at the door startled her. Opening it, she found Kartik standing there. For a moment, her heart seemed to stop, and the world around her faded. Gathering herself quickly, she invited him inside, offering him snacks before retreating to another room under the pretense of being busy. She couldn’t trust herself to stay composed in his presence.

Kartik, unaware of her turmoil, had come to assist with the ring ceremony preparations. He busied himself with decorations and logistics while Nitti peeked at him from afar, wanting to talk to him yet hesitant. Her emotions were at war—she wanted to stay close to Kartik but was scared of what that might lead to.

Before she could make a move, her brother arrived, and Kartik became occupied with him. Nitti, realizing she had to leave for the salon to get ready for the ceremony, reluctantly left the house with her mother. Her heart was heavy, not wanting to leave Kartik behind, but she knew she had to move forward. This was her life now, and these “unknown feelings” had no place in it—or so she told herself.

Every step toward the future felt like a battle between her heart and her mind, but she was determined to keep going, no matter how difficult it was.

Nitti, dressed elegantly for her ring ceremony, had left for the banquet hall with her family. Despite the grandeur around her, she felt no joy. The moment she entered the hall, all eyes turned to her, and she became the center of attraction. However, she felt detached, her thoughts tangled in a web of emotions. Wearing a fake smile, she acknowledged the guests, but her eyes were secretly scanning the crowd, searching for Kartik.

As she looked around, her gaze finally landed on him. Dressed in a red kurta, Kartik stood at a distance, his tall frame unmistakable amidst the crowd. For a moment, everything else faded—the noise, the people, even the presence of Aman. Her heart skipped a beat, her breath caught in her throat. But there was something different about Kartik today. His usual cheerful expression was missing. He looked… solemn, almost distant.

Before Nitti could fully process what she saw, Aman appeared in front of her, his hand outstretched to guide her to the stage. She instinctively took his hand, but her mind was elsewhere. As Aman spoke to her, she nodded absentmindedly, her attention still fixed on Kartik. It was as if her heart was trying to reach out to him, but her circumstances were pulling her in another direction.

Kartik noticed her glances but remained composed, his face betraying no emotion. He clapped politely when Aman led her to the stage, but his heart ached in ways he couldn’t explain. Meanwhile, Nitti felt an unspoken connection pulling her toward him, a connection that seemed impossible yet undeniable.

As the ceremony proceeded, Nitti played her part, but her thoughts kept drifting to Kartik. She couldn’t help but wonder what he was thinking, why he seemed so distant, and why her heart was aching even amidst the celebration of her own engagement.

After the ring ceremony, Nitti was lost in her thoughts. She kept wondering if what she felt was true. Kartik had denied liking her, but his expressions and actions seemed to tell a different story. Her questions resurfaced, and the emotions she had tried to suppress were now back in full force. Despite the crowd of people congratulating her, Nitti felt no joy from her ring ceremony. Instead, she was tangled in a web of unanswered questions.

To distract herself, she opened Instagram and noticed that Kartik had posted a story. The song he chose made her feel as though he was trying to say something he couldn’t express in words. This wasn’t the first time—earlier, whenever Nitti posted something on WhatsApp, Kartik would respond indirectly by posting something similar on his story.

The confusion became overwhelming for Nitti. She decided she needed clarity. Replying to his story, she wrote, “Just say it, Kartik.”

Kartik saw the message and replied, “What do you want me to say?”

With her emotions pouring out, Nitti typed, “Enough of this. Tell me the truth.”

This time, Kartik didn’t hold back. He confessed, “Yes, I like you.”

Nitti’s eyes filled with tears. For a moment, it felt like time had stopped. She couldn’t believe that all the emotions she had felt weren’t just overthinking—they were real, and they were mutual.

Nitti also expresses her feelings to Kartik, unsure of what exactly these feelings are because she has always loved Aman. But at the same time, she feels something for Kartik as well. She doesn’t fully understand it, but she acknowledges that there’s something between them. She agrees to open up, realizing she has a lot to share with him.

As they talk, Nitti struggles to hold back her tears. She can’t figure out if she’s crying because she’s happy or because she’s sad—both emotions are overwhelming her at the same time. It feels as though she’s torn between two different bonds: one with Aman, which had always been there, and the other with Kartik, which now feels just as strong, like a heart connection.

The conversation between them lasts the entire night. Neither of them wants to sleep; it feels like their last night to share everything, to express all their feelings. Both of them want to say everything they’ve been holding inside.

Nitti’s wedding was just a few days away, and both she and Kartik knew that the situation had changed. There was no turning back now, so they decided to spend the next few days together, making the most of the time they had left. They didn’t want to be apart during these precious last days. As soon as either of them had free time, they would spend it together, doing everything they had missed out on.

Nitti had been wanting to meet Kartik before the wedding, to talk face to face about everything they hadn’t been able to discuss. They knew that this would be their only chance. Kartik agreed, and Nitti felt conflicted because, according to her family’s customs, a girl couldn’t go out alone before marriage. She didn’t know how they could meet, but love doesn’t follow rules, and she found a way. Nitti had to go to the salon for a pre-bridal session, and her family dropped her off there. After they left, she slipped away to meet Kartik, letting him know beforehand that she’d only be able to meet him at that time.

When they met, everything around them felt quiet. They didn’t know what to say; it was the first time they were alone together. Both of them were nervous and happy at the same time. Nitti could feel that Kartik was experiencing the same emotions. Looking at Kartik in his red checked Shirt, Nitti couldn’t take her eyes off him. He looked so good. His eyes had a softness, and she could see all the emotions he couldn’t say out loud. She felt as if she had known Kartik for a long time, and they both wanted to say so much, but the words didn’t come out.

Suddenly, the sound of a waiter approaching broke their silence. Kartik had to go take the order, and when he returned with the drinks, they started drinking. Then, unexpectedly, Kartik did something Nitti hadn’t anticipated. He took a sip from her drink, and she was surprised. She had always seen Kartik as a mature person, and now he was doing something small but romantic that she hadn’t expected.

Time was running out, and neither of them wanted to leave, but they had to. Kartik asked, “Can we take a picture?” He wanted to capture the memory. Nitti agreed, and after taking the photo, they both parted ways. Nitti went back to the salon, feeling happy, but also realizing how much she missed Kartik. Even though it had only been a few minutes, she already missed his presence, his eyes, and everything he couldn’t say.

Today was Nitti’s DJ night and mehendi ceremony. She wanted Kartik to be with her during these moments. She knew how difficult it would be for Kartik, but she wanted to spend these four days with him. Kartik told her that he couldn’t come because it would be too hard for him to see her in this situation. He couldn’t say much else. Nitti’s mother also invited Kartik to the DJ night. Nitti asked her mother if Kartik would come, and her mother replied, “Yes, he will come, but he might be late.”

Nitti’s mehendi had started, and now she couldn’t even message Kartik. She was simply waiting for him, hoping he would arrive soon. Her mehendi was already applied to her hands when she suddenly heard Kartik’s voice. She got excited; she had thought she wouldn’t get to see him today. Kartik, Nitti, and her dad were sitting together in a room while mehendi was being applied to Nitti’s feet. Everyone was waiting for her DJ night to begin, but the mehendi artist mentioned that her mehendi would get ruined if it didn’t dry properly first. So, her sister came up with the idea of drying it quickly with a hairdryer. They started drying the mehendi with the hairdryer.

Nitti, meanwhile, kept smiling to herself as she looked at Kartik. At that moment, her mother came in and asked if she wanted tea; she was also making some for Kartik. Nitti said yes because it was very cold. A little later, someone called her sister, and she had to leave the room. She asked who would continue drying the mehendi. Kartik immediately volunteered and said he would do it, allowing her to go. Nitti couldn’t stop herself from blushing. This moment was very special to her, and strangely, her dad didn’t seem to mind it either.

Kartik suddenly extended his hand toward Nitti. Her mehendi was already applied, and now it was just Kartik, Nitti, and her dad in the room. Kartik had a pair of earbuds in his hand. He offered one to Nitti while he kept the other. He played some songs, creating a romantic atmosphere. Nitti was completely lost in the moment, cherishing how special it felt.

After a while, Nitti’s mother entered with tea for everyone and then left. Since Nitti couldn’t move due to her mehendi, she couldn’t put her cup down after finishing her tea. Kartik told her not to worry and offered to keep the cup for her. These small gestures meant the world to her and made her feel incredibly special.

Today is Nitti’s DJ night and mehndi ceremony, and she wanted Kartik to be with her during these moments. She knew how difficult this was for Kartik, but in these four days, she just wanted to be with him because she didn’t know if she would ever see him again after this. Kartik told her that he couldn’t bear to see all this and wouldn’t be able to come. But after thinking for a while, he said he couldn’t promise anything but would try. Perhaps Kartik also knew they wouldn’t meet again, so he was ready to face this pain because he wanted to be close to Nitti too.

Even Nitti’s mother asked Kartik to come to the DJ night. She assured Nitti that Kartik would come, though he might be late.

Nitti’s mehndi ceremony had started, and now she couldn’t even message Kartik. All she could do was wait for him to arrive. It felt as though the mehndi being applied to her hands wasn’t for Aman, but for Kartik. All the emotions she should have felt for Aman regarding this wedding were actually for Kartik.

Nitti’s mehndi was being applied to her hands, but she didn’t have Aman’s name written anywhere in it. At that moment, a relative came and told the mehndi artist to write Aman’s name. The artist said he could only add it after the mehndi dried.

Just then, Nitti heard Kartik’s voice. She became excited as she hadn’t expected to see him today. Kartik was sitting in the same room as Nitti and her father while her mehndi was being applied to her feet. Everyone was waiting for Nitti to join the DJ night, but the mehndi artist insisted that her mehndi needed to dry first; otherwise, it would get ruined.

Her sister had an idea to dry the mehndi quickly using a hairdryer, and they started drying it that way. While this was happening, Nitti kept looking at Kartik and smiling to herself.

At that moment, Nitti’s mom came in and asked if she wanted tea, as she was also making tea for Kartik. Nitti agreed because it was very cold. Shortly after, someone called Nitti’s sister, and she had to leave. She asked who would continue drying the mehndi. Kartik volunteered, saying he could handle it. Nitti couldn’t stop herself from blushing. This moment felt incredibly special to her.

What was even more surprising was that Nitti’s father didn’t seem to mind any of this, as if the entire world was giving them a chance to be close. Nitti had never felt this way with Aman, but with Kartik, everything felt different.

Just being near Kartik made her feel emotions she couldn’t even comprehend. She wished this moment could last forever.

While her father was asleep, Kartik suddenly extended his hand toward her. Nitti’s mehndi had already been applied. Kartik was holding a pair of earbuds and asked her to wear one. He had one earbud, and she had the other. Kartik played some songs, and for Nitti, this was incredibly romantic. She wanted to lose herself in the moment.

At that moment, Nitti’s mother walked in with tea for everyone and quietly left. Nitti and Kartik continued exchanging unspoken words through their eyes. As the tea was finished, Nitti realized she couldn’t get up to place her cup aside due to the mehndi on her hands. Noticing her hesitation, Kartik gently reassured her, “Don’t worry, I’ll take care of it,” and picked up the cups, heading to the kitchen.

Nitti, meanwhile, was lost in her thoughts. Everything felt like a dream to her. She had never imagined that Kartik’s feelings for her would be this deep.

Nitti’s mehndi had dried, and she was being called to join the DJ night. When she arrived, most of the guests had already left, leaving only a few family members behind. It was quite late, and the cold weather had drained everyone’s energy. People danced to a song or two before sitting down again. Eventually, everyone gathered in a circle.

Nitti’s brother brought out a hookah, which he placed in the center. Though neither Nitti nor her family usually smoked hookah, her brother was fond of it and wanted everyone to try it at least once. The group sat in a lively atmosphere, with songs playing in the background. Kartik was curating the playlist, and every song seemed to reflect his emotions, something only Nitti could sense. She tried to hide her smile as her thoughts swirled.

Nitti’s brother encouraged her to try the hookah, but she declined since she didn’t like it. He then turned to everyone else, convincing them one by one. To Nitti’s surprise, Kartik took a puff. She was shocked, unable to imagine Kartik doing something like this. It seemed these four days were going to be full of surprises from him.

Lost in her thoughts, Nitti noticed Kartik passing the hookah to her. Despite her initial hesitation, she couldn’t bring herself to refuse. Everything touched by Kartik seemed special to her, and this moment felt straight out of a movie. Reluctantly, Nitti took her first puff of hookah—it was an experience she had never imagined.

The evening turned into a musical exchange, with everyone singing songs one by one, filling the terrace with laughter under the open sky. Kartik and Nitti seemed to be singing for each other, their unspoken emotions flowing through the melodies. Kartik even recited a few lines of poetry he had written especially for Nitti. No one else on the terrace understood the love blooming between them—it was their little world, a secret only they shared.

Amid the joy, Nitti’s mother began sharing a story from her youth, a tale of her first love that had remained incomplete. Listening to her, Nitti found herself reflecting on her own emotions, drawing parallels to her story with Kartik.

As the singing slowed, devotional songs began playing, and some family members leaned against each other, lost in the calming atmosphere. However, sleep was the last thing on Nitti and Kartik’s minds—they were lost in the magic of the moment, wanting it to last forever. Everyone huddled close under the warmth of shawls to keep out the night’s chill. At one point, Kartik’s foot brushed against Nitti’s. For a moment, Nitti froze, her heartbeat racing. That brief touch stirred a whirlwind of emotions in her, ones she couldn’t fully understand.

As the night deepened, people slowly drifted into quiet conversations or closed their eyes under the starry sky. Nitti, however, didn’t want the moment to end. She wanted to hold on to this—Kartik, the terrace, the shared warmth, and everything she was feeling. She wished she could hug Kartik and stay like that forever, but she held back, knowing she couldn’t. Gradually, she felt a hand move closer to hers—it was Kartik’s. She couldn’t resist and held his hand tightly, as if he was her entire world in that moment.

Time ticked by, and the moment they both dreaded was approaching: Kartik’s departure. Nitti knew that after this, she might never get the chance to say or do everything she wanted. Gathering courage, she texted Kartik, asking if she could kiss him. Kartik replied with a simple “yes.” Mustering all her strength, she kissed his hand, tears welling up in her eyes. She was heartbroken at the thought of letting him go but also overwhelmed by the new emotions she was experiencing.

Kartik couldn’t hold back either. He leaned down and kissed Nitti’s hand, mirroring her emotions. Nitti struggled to contain the storm of feelings within her—joy, sorrow, love, and longing all at once.

Finally, the moment arrived. Kartik had to leave. It was a crushing reality for Nitti, knowing that from tomorrow onward, she might never get to express everything she felt or live these moments again. This phase, filled with love and heartbreak, became one of the most difficult yet cherished times of her life. Nitti didn’t have the courage to express her feelings to Kartik, so she went to her room. However, her ears were constantly straining to hear if Kartik was still around. She couldn’t stop crying. The thought of being separated from Kartik was unbearable for her. It was only after so long that she had come to understand her feelings for him, and now she couldn’t imagine staying away from him. She wanted to compose herself, but she couldn’t. She cried all night.

Today was her wedding day, and she didn’t want this marriage to happen. Her mind was filled with questions—why did she feel so much for Kartik even though she loved Aman deeply? She was caught in a whirlwind of emotions, unable to find answers. Time had come for her bridal makeup, and though she tried to keep herself together, she couldn’t stop the tears. Everyone assumed she was crying because of the wedding, but only she knew the real reason—her heartache over Kartik’s absence.

Nitti got ready as a bride and wanted Kartik to see her first. She video-called him. Kartik didn’t say anything, but his eyes spoke volumes. They showed admiration, and Nitti could see the love in them. Seeing this, she couldn’t help but blush. She wished desperately for the wedding to be called off, but her parents’ honor was at stake, and she couldn’t do anything about it. It felt like her hands were tied.

When she arrived at the wedding banquet, her heart was still waiting for Kartik instead of Aman. She wanted Kartik to see her in her bridal look and couldn’t wait for that moment. Finally, Kartik entered the bridal room. The room was full of relatives, but Nitti’s eyes were fixed on him. Kartik looked especially handsome that day, and for a moment, she forgot that she was marrying Aman and not him. Kartik, wanting to create a memory of this moment, took a selfie with her. Nitti didn’t care about when Aman would arrive or what he would think—her mind was consumed with Kartik.

Nitti had expressed her wish to take Lord Laddu Gopal with her after the wedding. As the time for her bridal entry approached, her mother asked Kartik to hand over Laddu Gopal to Nitti. She didn’t want to go downstairs, but she couldn’t refuse. As she descended, everyone was waiting for her. There was joy and celebration in the air, but Nitti felt none of it. She tried her best to control her tears but remained deeply upset.

When Nitti and Aman reached the stage, her eyes searched only for Kartik. She spotted him sitting right in front of the stage. In his eyes, she could see the fear of losing her, and she couldn’t hold back her tears anymore. Despite her best efforts to stop them, the tears flowed uncontrollably. Everyone thought she was crying because of the pain of leaving her family, but her reality was far different.

Nitti felt trapped in a situation she couldn’t escape. She wanted to run away but felt as though someone was holding her back, forcing her to endure this pain. Even as she stood by Aman, her heart was with Kartik. She silently cried, mourning the loss of the love she couldn’t hold on to.

Nitti and Aman’s wedding photoshoot was happening, but Nitti’s eyes were searching for Kartik everywhere. He was nowhere to be seen, and she started to feel that he might have gone home. All she wanted was for someone to take care of Kartik—she wanted to ask her mother to look after him, knowing how alone he would feel after all this. But she didn’t get a chance to say anything.

It was time for the family dinner, and Aman and Nitti were seated at the dining table, surrounded by relatives from both families. Even then, Nitti’s eyes kept searching for Kartik. Suddenly, she saw him seated across the table from her. The tears that she had been holding back for so long now started flowing uncontrollably, like a dam breaking. She wanted to run to Kartik, hug him tightly, and cry her heart out. The pain she was feeling was unbearable. She couldn’t even bring herself to eat anything.

After dinner, Nitti was taken to the mandap for the wedding rituals. She sat there with her family around her. In front of her were Aman and Kartik—Aman sitting near the sacred fire and Kartik on a guest chair behind him. She couldn’t stop her tears. Trying to distract herself, she looked at her phone and messaged Kartik: “I can’t do this wedding.”

Nitti kept hoping that something would happen—maybe Aman’s family would say or do something to stop the wedding. She was sure her gut feeling was right, that the marriage wouldn’t happen. But all her instincts proved false. Everything was proceeding normally.

Nitti desperately wanted to meet Kartik alone, just once. She thought of running away, but she knew she couldn’t. She came up with a plan—she remembered the washroom was on the upper floor. She thought she could go there and call Kartik since everyone else was downstairs. But just as she was about to act on her plan, her mother took her to the washroom on the same floor.

Even though she tried so hard, Nitti couldn’t meet Kartik. The distance between them felt heavier than ever, and she couldn’t find a way to bridge it.