The morning sun bathed the Diwan farmhouse in a gentle glow, Kasol's breeze mingled with the scent of marigolds and roses. The decor plays with rich, earthy greens and bursts of fuchsia, orange, and mustard yellow. Plush cushions and low seating in these bright shades invite everyone to sit, relax, and celebrate. The backdrop is a living wall of lush greenery, dotted with vertical strings of marigolds and other colorful flowers, framed by hanging florals overhead adorned the sprawling garden. Turquoise seating mixed with pink, orange, and yellow cushions creates a lively palette. The ceiling is a spectacular floral canopy of orange and red blooms that shower the space with festive charm. The low seating and soft pillows make it perfect for mehendi rituals and relaxed chatter, blending modern comfort with cultural vibrancy. 

Elders moved gracefully among arriving guests, their warm smiles matched by gentle inquiries "Are you comfortable? Would you like some chai or breakfast?" Plates of traditional stuffed parathas, fresh fruits, and steaming chai were served to everyone settling in for the festivities. The grandparents, took a leisurely stroll around, their eyes bright with quiet approval as they observed the elegant arrangements and meticulous decorations.

Meanwhile, the younger family members busied themselves with last-minute checks. Some fussed over the final touches on the stage and seating, while others jingled their bangles and adjusted their lehengas in front of mirrors. Diya darted after little Kiara, trying to keep up with the giggling toddler. Raiansh, however, was distracted  searching anxiously for Piyali to help with a last-minute outfit glitch that threatened to disrupt his perfect look.

Jay Riaan and Abhir coordinated with the staff, inspecting security arrangements to ensure the event ran smoothly and safely. Nearby, Samrath, Shivansh, and Yug stood alongside Raghav, Rajeev, and Aman, greeting guests with effortless charm and warmth. Arjun, ever the perfectionist, was deep in discussion with the head chef, finalizing the menu details for the evening's feast.

Tanushri paced with her wedding planner team, eyes sharp and hands full of checklists, making sure every element of the celebration reflected the family's standards. The Gen Z squad Arohi, Alia, Ivaan, Yatharth, Dhruv lounged near the garden's edge, capturing candid photos and soaking in the crisp Kasol air with laughter and shared excitement.

Amidst this lively, warm chaos, Kabir was upstairs in his room, methodically getting ready, Naksh by his side offering teasing commentary and moral support. Below, Kashish prepared quietly in her own space, accompanied by her closest friends, Aryan and Jiya, who had arrived early that morning to help her settle in and calm her nerves before the big event.

Hand in hand, Kabir and Kashish stepped into the lush garden where the Mehendi function was beautifully set. The air was thick with the sweet scent of marigolds and jasmine, colorful drapes fluttered gently in the Kasol breeze, and vibrant rangoli designs decorated the entrance. Kabir leaned close, his voice soft and filled with admiration as he murmured in her ear, "You look truly beautiful among all these colors." Kashish smiled, her cheeks flushed with a shy glow. "Thank you Kabir,"

 Kabir was draped in a pastel green sherwani, embroidered delicately with subtle silver patterns that caught the morning light, paired with crisp churidar pants and traditional mojari shoes that completed his regal yet understated look. Kashish dazzled in a vibrant pink and white lehenga adorned with intricate floral motifs and delicate silver embroidery. Her scalloped dupatta framed her face softly, fluttering in the breeze like a petal in spring. As they made their grand entrance, the garden erupted in cheers. A shower of marigold and rose petals rained down upon them, the colors swirling around like a fragrant, vibrant cloud. The younger generation burst into an energetic dance, their beats filling the air with joy and excitement. Encouraged by their cheers, Kabir and Kashish joined in, their laughter blending seamlessly with the music and the swirling colors. When the dance ended, Kashish gracefully took her place on a beautifully decorated couch at the center of the gathering, the special seat reserved for the bride-to-be during the mehendi ceremony. Surrounded by close family and friends, she looked radiant, ready for the delicate artistry of mehendi to begin.

Kashish's POV

As Kabir and I were warmly welcomed by the bhaiyas, bhabis, and the lively Gen Z clan for the Mehendi ceremony, I couldn't help but feel truly blessed. Their love and warmth made me certain that I had chosen the right partner for life. I wanted to tell Kabir how handsome he looked today, but all I could manage was a shy "Thank you" when he glanced my way. I noticed the elders watching us fondly, their eyes shining with happiness for our wedding. Soon, Piyali bhabhi gently took my hand, smiling, "Come, let's get you seated for your mehendi, the real fun begins now!" Paridhi bhabhi added playfully, "Don't worry, Kashish, we'll make sure your hands look as beautiful as you do today." As I settled on the couch, I saw Kabir heading off with the Mens , perhaps their part in the mehendi festivities. He was laughing and enjoying himself, the effortless joy lighting up his face. From across the garden, our eyes met, and we shared a quiet smile, a simple moment of connection amid the celebration. Just then, I saw Riaan bhaiya lean toward Kabir, whispering something in his ear. To my surprise, Kabir's cheeks flushed a soft pink  I had never seen him blush like that before.

Kabir's POV

Watching Kashish being welcomed so warmly by everyone filled me with a quiet pride and relief. Seeing the smiles on the bhaiyas' and bhabis' faces, and the sparkle in the younger ones' eyes, I knew this was where we belonged together, surrounded by family. I caught her shy "thank you" when I glanced her way, and it made me smile. She looked breathtaking in that lehenga  more beautiful than any bride I'd ever seen. I wanted to tell her that, but somehow, words felt too small. When Piyali bhabhi and Paridhi bhabhi guided her to the mehendi couch, I noticed the lightness in her step, the calm settling over her. It was a moment I wanted to hold on to. As I joined the boys, laughing and joking, my eyes kept drifting back to her. That shared glance we exchanged simple, unspoken said more than a thousand words. Then, when Riaan Bhaiya leaned in and whispered "Kabir, did you see Kashish looking at you just now? She's totally smitten and honestly, bro, you don't even have to try. You're making all of us look bad." And I felt the heat rise to my cheeks, I realized she was watching me. For a moment, I let myself blush. Maybe it was the warmth of the day, or maybe it was her. Either way, I didn't want the moment to end.

Authors POV

The Mehendi function was in full swing under the crisp Kasol morning sky, the garden buzzing with life and laughter. Skilled mehendi artists carefully adorned the women's hands with intricate henna patterns, their gentle hands moving with practiced grace. Kashish sat comfortably on the beautifully decorated couch, her palms being painted by not one, but two artists, making sure every detail was perfect.

Children darted playfully between the guests, their gleeful laughter adding a joyous soundtrack to the festivities. Meanwhile, the men mingled nearby, thoroughly enjoying the games and friendly competitions organized to keep the energy lively. The staff flitted around attentively, ensuring every guest had refreshments and that the needs of everyone were met without a hitch.

Diya, with her signature playful smile, couldn't resist teasing Kashish as she passed by "Be careful, Kashish! With all this henna on your hands, don't let Kabir think you're casting a spell on him!" From the side, Kashish's best friend Jiya chimed in with a cheeky grin, "Girl, you better let those mehendi designs last forever, you're the star of today!"

Piyali leaned in with a warm smile and whispered, "You're glowing today, Kashish. That lehenga suits you perfectly." Paridhi chuckled softly, adding, "Just wait till Kabir sees you in your wedding outfit, He won't know what hit him." Tanushri winked playfully, "Careful, Kashish, don't let all this attention go to your head. You've got a whole lifetime of it now." Kashish smiled shyly but happily, appreciating their kind teasing.

Kashish's mother Avni's eyes softened with pride. "This is exactly how I imagined my princess," she whispered, admiring Kashish against the stunning backdrop. Gently holding her daughter's hand, careful of the fresh mehendi, she said, "You look every bit the bride of your dreams, my child." Natasha chachi, ever lively, clasped her hands dramatically. "Oh wow, Kashish! Forget the mehendi, you're the light of the Day!" she teased, circling her. With a playful wink, she added, "Now the groom will have to be extra careful, beauty like this isn't easy to handle."

Nearby, Kashish's bhabis gathered, sharing their own remarks. Soumya nudged Nurvi, "Look at her our sister-in-law is going to steal the show today." Nurvi nodded, "Absolutely. Kabir's a lucky man. But we have to make sure she doesn't get overwhelmed with all the fuss." Prisha grinned, "Don't worry. We'll be right here to keep her grounded."

Meanwhile, a little apart, Samrath and Shivansh stood watching their sister with quiet pride. Samrath said softly, "She looks so peaceful today. It's hard to believe our little sister is all grown up." Shivansh smiled, "Yeah. I just hope Kabir knows what he's getting himself into." Samrath laughed, "Kabir's a good man. He'll take care of her. But yeah, marriage is a big step for both." Shivansh nodded thoughtfully, "True. But seeing her like this... I'm confident she's ready."

Akriti, Nandini, Sandhya, and Jeevika came forward to bless Kashish warmly. Akriti gently performed a small arti, the soft flame flickering in her palm, Akriti then leaned down to kiss Kashish's forehead. "You're looking so pretty today, Kashish," Akriti said with a smile. "Thank you, Aunty," Kashish replied shyly. Akriti chuckled softly, "Now start calling me Maa." From a distance, Kabir watched this tender moment between his mother and Kashish, a quiet warmth settling in his chest. Just then, Shivangi Dadi approached, playfully rolling a bundle of notes around Kashish's head, A traditional blessing for prosperity and happiness. With the blessings done, everyone settled to begin applying mehendi. As the women's hands were adorned with intricate designs, the men pulled Kabir from the garden area and sat him down next to Kashish. Naksh nudged Kabir teasingly, "Take a good look at your bride's mehendi." Sanaya smirked, "Bhai, you'll have to find your name hidden in there later." Ishika grinned, "Don't ruin the surprise! You have to actually search for it." Sayoni added with a sly smile, "And remember, the color of the mehendi will tell you how much you love her." Kabir and Kashish exchanged a knowing smile, their eyes meeting in a moment of quiet affection. With the teasing done, the men took their seats beside their wives, who were still getting their mehendi applied.

Jay sat beside his wife Diya, admiring the intricate mehendi designs on her hands. Then he  looked up into her eyes with a mischievous smile "You know, Diya, this mehendi only makes you more radiant. I'm lucky to be the one marrying you again and again." Ishita blushed, a soft smile playing on her lips. "Flatterer! You're just saying that because you're scared I'll steal all the attention today." Jay leaned closer, lowering his voice to a playful whisper, "If anyone tries, I'll remind them who's the real catch here." She laughed softly, shaking her head, "You always know how to make me smile, Jay." Their little daughter Kiara ran up excitedly, tugging at Jay's sleeve. "Papa, I want to get married too!" Kiara exclaimed, eyes sparkling with innocent excitement. Just then, their son Avir joined them, grinning. "Me too, Papa! I want a big wedding like Kabir Chachu's" Diya laughed softly, brushing a strand of hair behind Kiara's ear. "Oh, Kiara, you have plenty of time before that. But it's sweet to hear you say that." Jay smiled warmly, ruffling Avir's hair. "You both will find your special someone when the time is right. For now, enjoy the celebrations and your childhood." Kiara looked determined, "But Papa, I want to look like Mummy on my wedding" Jay chuckled, "Well, that's a high bar, sweetheart!"

Nearby, Riaan lounged beside his wife Paridhi, a mischievous sparkle in his eyes. Riaan teased, grinning, "Paridhi, you better save some of that energy for the sangeet dance later, or I might have to drag you on stage myself!" Paridhi laughed, flicking a playful glance at him. "Oh please, you're the one who'll be begging me to teach you the steps." Their laughter added to the festive hum around them just as a nanny approached, carrying their giggling two-year-old son Krish, who wiggled excitedly in her arms. Paridhi cooed, "Looks like someone's ready to steal the spotlight already!" Riaan ruffled Krish's hair, smiling fondly. "Our little star." Kashish's hands paused momentarily, and she glanced toward the sweet family moment. Kabir caught her eyes, sharing a soft smile before looking away shyly

Shourya glanced at Tanushri, his lips curving into a gentle smile. "You know, you look even more beautiful with all this mehendi on your hands." Tanushri's cheeks flushed a delicate pink as she looked down at her henna-adorned palms. "Stop it, you're making me shy." He chuckled softly, reaching out to tuck a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "I mean it. You're glowing."

Raiansh sat quietly beside Piyali, his calm demeanor a perfect contrast to her lively energy. He watched intently as the mehendi artist delicately traced intricate patterns on her hands, the vibrant orange paste highlighting her graceful fingers. Piyali glanced at him with a playful smile. "Look at you, all serious and composed. You make sitting next to me look like a full-time job." Raiansh chuckled softly, his eyes never leaving her mehendi. "I'm just admiring the masterpiece. But I have to say, you're the star of this ceremony no competition." Piyali feigned a dramatic gasp, clutching her chest. "Oh, Raiansh! Flattery will get you everywhere. But don't forget, this mehendi has to last till the wedding, so you better keep admiring it carefully." He smiled, reaching over to gently hold her hand. "Don't worry, I'll make sure it stays perfect. Just like you."

Kabir smiled, watching the couples laughing. "Our Singhanias truly make this ceremony warm." Kashish agreed, "Diya bhabhi is so graceful, Paridhi bhabhi is  witty, Tanushri bhabhi is calming, and Piyali bhabhi is the perfect blend of energy and elegance. They're the secret to holding this family together." Kabir teased, "Sounds like you've been paying close attention.." Kashish laughed, "I can't help it." Kabir smiled warmly. "We're lucky to have them; they're always there for us." Kashish replied, "Indeed."

Jiya cheerfully announced, "Now it's time for Kabir Jiju to find his name on Kashish's hands!" As Kashish's mehendi gently darkened on her palms, Kabir leaned in with a curious smile. With teasing eyes, he held her hand delicately, scanning the intricate patterns. "Alright, where exactly should I be looking?" he asked, fingers tracing the swirls and floral designs. Kashish chuckled softly, "Somewhere in all this beautiful mess is your name if you can find it, you're lucky."

"Look at him so serious! Like it's brain surgery," teased Tanushri with a grin, nudging Diya beside her. Diya laughed softly, "He's got to find his name, or else no ladoos for him tonight!" Aryan, smirking, added, "Kabir , don't stress. It's not an operation, just mehendi!" Kashish's brothers, Samrath and Shivansh, watched amused. Samrath remarked, "If Kabir can handle the OR, he can find his name on mehendi. No doubt."Shivansh chimed in, "But knowing Kabir, he'll make it a competition, Bet he finds it before anyone else." Kabir, undeterred, squinted at the palm, tracing the delicate swirls with his finger. 

Kabir, smirking, leaned in. "Oh, I'll find it... and if I don't, you'll have to give me a hint." Riaan replied dramatically, "No hints allowed, rules are rules!" The family—Rajeev chachu, Nandini chachi, Aman chachu, Sandhya chachi, Abhimanyu, Akriti, Arjun, and Jeevika— and the Diwans egged Kabir on. Rajeev chuckled, "Beta, we've all done this... just be quick, or the bride will get bored." Kashish mock-gasped, "I am already bored of him staring at my hands for five minutes!" Laughter rippled through the group as Kabir examined Kashish's hennaed hands, studying every detail. Sanaya smirked at Ahaan, "Look at him! Concentration level 200%." Ahaan added, "He's searching for his life's biggest treasure." Finally, Kabir paused, a victorious spark in his eyes. "Got it. Right here," he declared, pointing to a tiny curve near her wrist vein, Kabir is written. Kashish, feigning disinterest, said, "Hmph... only took you ten years." The youngsters erupted in whistles and applause. Kashish finally smiled, shaking her head as cheers erupted. Akriti called out, "Well done, beta! Now you truly belong!" Vaidehi Dadi smiled, adding, "A good sign indeed. The stars are shining on this match."

The golden afternoon light slowly shifted to a soft evening glow, but the laughter in the Diwan Farmhouse  only grew louder. The dholak beats quickened, echoing through the courtyard. The mehendi artists had packed their cones, and the teasing about "name finding" had finally settled well, almost. The dholak beat turned into the familiar rhythm of the traditional "Mehendi hai rachnewali" tune. Elder aunts began the song, their voices filled with nostalgia. The younger girls joined in, adding playful ad-libs between the verses. The ladies formed a circle, clapping in unison, while the men and youngsters watched from the sides, cheering. Kashish laughed freely, her cheeks flushed, dancing beside Tanushree and Sanaya, their synchronized spins earning whistles from the cousins. By the time the song ended, the entire haveli echoed with claps, laughter, and the lingering beats of the dhol. The mehendi function had officially turned into a full-blown dance celebration like Singhania and Diwan style.

The music and Dhol from the mehendi downstairs faded, but the terrace was quiet, the cool breeze carrying the faint scent of marigolds. Kashish stepped up, one hand holding the heavy lehenga, eyes on her intricate mehendi, not the path ahead. Thud! She bumped straight into someone tall and firm. For a second, her balance wavered. "You know," Kabir said, steadying her elbow, a teasing lilt in his voice, "I'm starting to think you're doing this on purpose." Kashish blinked, startled, then laughed. "Oh, I'm sorry... again. I swear, I wasn't looking. And—on purpose? This is just bad luck or your bad timing." Kabir looked at her and said "First time, AIIMS. Second, the Doctor's Award night . And now the terrace. That's three strikes, Miss Diwan." Kashish replied "Or maybe you just have a habit of being exactly where I'm walking." Kabir half-smiled Replied to her saying "Or maybe the universe is just making sure we keep meeting till we actually talk." Her smile softened. Kashish replied "We are supposed to talk, I guess. Arranged marriages don't come with an instruction manual." Kabir said "True. And you don't get to know a person by just smiling across rooms at family functions." A comfortable silence fell. "So," Kashish said, glancing away playfully, "are you always this good at teasing someone you barely know?" Kabir replied "Only when that someone keeps literally bumping into me." They chuckled. Kabir leaned against the railing, gazing at the city lights. "I hope, collisions aside we figure each other out in time. Without rushing." Kabir chuckled, "You have a talent for finding me...or avoiding the crowd with me." Kashish glanced around. "You're always where I least expect." A brief pause hung in the air, the kind that marks the beginning of understanding. "So," Kabir teased softly, "accidental meetings until we get the 'married people' manual?" Kashish half-smiled. "Probably. We're still strangers with a wedding date. No manual yet." They shared a comfortable silence, watching the city lights. Kabir checked his watch. "We should go. Get some rest, tomorrow's the haldi and sangeet. You'll need energy for Singhania chaos." Kashish smirked. "I'm a Diwan, Kabir. I can handle a little chaos, even Singhania-sized." They walked down together, a faint, awkward warmth between them as they began to navigate each other's worlds.

Diya, Tanushri, Paridhi, Piyali

Kabir and Kashish

The Diwans

Aryan, Kabir, JIya

Samrath Kashish Shivansh

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I'll pick up the story once I see more love in the form of likes and comments. Until then, happy reading and keep the love coming.

Image Credit: Respectfully belongs to the rightful owner

-[Pristi Scrolls]