𝐈𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭'𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 , 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐈 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐧'𝐭 𝐬𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐢𝐭 𝐲𝐞𝐭?

𝐀𝐚𝐫𝐯𝐢'𝐬 𝐏𝐎𝐕

Aarvi woke up to the soft morning light streaming through her window. The events of the previous day still lingered in her mind—Aakash’s sudden departure, the missing document, and the mystery that kept pulling her deeper. As she got ready, she couldn’t help but recall Reyansh’s words. Why is he so concerned? She shook off the thought, grabbing her bag before heading to work. She got ready and glanced at the framed photo of her parents on the table. A soft smile played on her lips as she whispered, "Bye, Maa... Papa... See you soon." With that, she grabbed her bag and stepped out.

𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝟐𝟒/𝟕

Inside Vikram Khanna’s cabin, he and his wife, Meera, sit across from each other, discussing something serious yet lighthearted. Meera: "Vikram, you never take breaks. Holi is around the corner, at least let’s celebrate this time."

Vikram (sighing): "Celebration is fine, but I don't want chaos. And you know how our staff is—half of them will make excuses."

Meera (teasingly): "Then make it mandatory! Say something like, ‘Attendance is compulsory, or salary will be deducted!’"

Vikram chuckles but then smirks: "Not a bad idea." Just then, Aarvi knocks and enters. Aarvi: "Sir, I needed to discuss something important—"

Vikram (cutting her off): "Perfect timing, Aarvi! Tell everyone to assemble in the meeting area. I have something important to say." Aarvi, slightly surprised but nodding, leaves to inform the others.

Soon, all employees gather, whispering about what could be so urgent. Vikram stands before them, arms crossed.

Meera watches with a knowing smile. Vikram: "So, I have some ‘very important’ news for you all."

Sameer (whispering to Aarvi): "Bonus? Promotion? Early leave?"

Vikram (raising an eyebrow): "No. Holi celebrations. And guess what? It's at my house. Tomorrow evening. Everyone is invited."

One employee hesitantly asks, "Uh...sir, but what if someone has other plans?"

Vikram smirks: "Cancel them. Or consider it a holiday deduction." The staff chuckles nervously, realizing they have no choice.

Meera (grinning): "There will be a grand pooja, followed by dinner. So, no excuses!"

Aarvi listens quietly, but Sameer nudges her: "Looks like even you have to celebrate Holi now."

Aarvi sighs, giving a small smile. As the workday ends, everyone prepares to leave, knowing that the next day will be different.

𝐀𝐚𝐫𝐯𝐢'𝐬 𝐏𝐎𝐕

As the day ends, Aarvi heads back home, her mind still occupied with the events of the day. She gets ready for the evening, taking a shower and changing into comfortable clothes. She then heads to the kitchen to make herself a cup of tea.

As she's making tea, Aarvi's phone rings. It's Kritika.

Kritika: "Hey, Aarvi! Happy Holi!"

Aarvi: "Happy Holi, Kritika! How are you?"

Kritika: "I'm good. But I have some bad news. I have to go to a client's place for a Holi party. They're really important clients, and I couldn't say no."

Aarvi: "That's okay, Kritika. I understand. My boss is also having a pooja at his place, and I have to go."

Kritika: "Yeah, I figured as much. You have to go, right?"

Aarvi: "Yeah, I do. But we'll catch up tomorrow, okay? Kal milte hai Holi ke liye!"

Kritika: "Definitely, Aarvi! Kal milte hai! Have fun at the pooja, and I'll talk to you tomorrow!"

𝐀𝐭 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠

As the evening approaches, Aarvi starts getting ready for the pooja. She takes a shower, dresses up in a beautiful red anarkali, and does her hair. Aarvi checks herself in the mirror one last time before heading out. She looks beautiful in her red anarkali, and her hair is styled perfectly. She feels a bit more confident now, but still can't shake off the feeling of unease. She grabs her bag and heads out of her apartment, locking the door behind her.As Aarvi reaches the ground floor, she sees Saanvi waiting for her near the entrance. Saanvi is dressed in a beautiful yellow salwar kameez, and her hair is tied up in a neat bun. Aarvi smiles as she approaches Saanvi.

Saanvi: "Hey, Aarvi! You look stunning!"

Aarvi: "Thanks, Saanvi! You look beautiful too!"

They get into a cab. Saanvi: "You look stunning, Aarvi! I'm so glad we could finally take some time off and celebrate Holi."

Aarvi smiles, feeling a bit more relaxed. Aarvi: "I know, right? It feels like ages since we've had a break. And I'm so sorry, but I completely forgot Holi was coming up."

Saanvi laughs: "I know, me too! We've been so caught up in work, I'm surprised we even remembered to buy colors."

As they are a cab .As they approach a traffic signal, Aarvi notices a little boy selling flowers by the roadside. Without a second thought, she steps out.

Saanvi (frowning): "Where are you going?"

Aarvi (smiling): "Just a second."

She kneels down in front of the boy.

Little Boy (cheerfully): "Didi, these flowers are just as beautiful as you!"

Aarvi chuckles and takes a bunch, handing him extra money. Then, she gently returns the flowers to him.

Aarvi: "Keep these. They suit you more."

The boy beams with joy and unexpectedly hugs her. Aarvi smiles, ruffling his hair before heading back to the cab.

𝐀𝐭 𝐑𝐕 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬

Vidyut (frowning): "Tell me the truth Reyansh, why are you so lost these days?"

Reyansh (scoffing): "Am I lost? You too Vidyut, there is just too much work."

Vidyut (smirking): "Yes yes, work or any other reason?"

Reyansh shakes his head, ignoring Vidyut’s teasing. They both leave the office together, each heading their own way.

As Reyansh drives, he hits a traffic jam. He sighs in frustration, drumming his fingers on the steering wheel. Just then, something catches his eye.

A girl, standing near a little flower vendor.

Dressed in red, her long hair gently sways as she bends down to speak with the child. He can’t see her face, only the soft curve of her cheek and a glimpse of her side profile. Something about her mesmerizes him, and for a moment, he forgets to blink.

Reyansh (to himself): "Kitni sundar lag rahi hai... kiski nazar na lage."

As she turns, his phone suddenly rings. He glances away to answer it, momentarily distracted. By the time he looks back, she’s already getting into her cab.

Reyansh (muttering): "Mujhe aisa kyun lag raha hai ki maine inhe kahin dekha hai...?" ("Why do I feel like I've seen these somewhere...?"

He shakes his head, brushing off the thought. The traffic light turns green, and he drives off.

𝐕𝐢𝐤𝐫𝐚𝐦 𝐊𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐚’𝐬 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞

Guests start arriving. Vikram and Meera greet them.

Vikram: "Happy Holi! Come in, the pooja is about to begin."

Employees exchange greetings.

Sameer: "You look different today. Trying to impress someone?"

Aarvi (rolling her eyes): "Shut up."

The pooja begins. A beautifully decorated idol of Holika is placed at the center. Vikram and Meera initiate the rituals, offering prayers and taking rounds around the sacred fire. Everyone follows suit, praying for prosperity and happiness.

Meera: "Hope you all enjoyed the pooja."

Everyone nods, expressing their gratitude

As the pooja comes to a close, Vikram's house transforms into a warm and lively gathering space. The aroma of delicious food wafts through the air, and the sound of laughter and conversation fills the room. Meera, beaming with joy, makes her way around the room, ensuring everyone is having a wonderful time.

Vikram and Meera bid farewell to their guests, thanking them for coming. Aarvi, Saanvi, and the other employees exchange warm smiles and Holi wishes before departing.

𝐑𝐞𝐲𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐡’𝐬 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞

Meanwhile, at Reyansh’s house, his parents await his arrival. As he enters, his mother smiles.

Reyansh’s Mother: "Beta, jaldi ready ho jao. Sab aane wale hain."

Reyansh changes into a traditional kurta, joining his family. Vidyut arrives with his parents, and the pooja begins. The family gathers around, offering prayers. Laughter and warmth fill the air as traditions are honored.

The pooja begins. A beautifully decorated idol of Holika is placed at the center. Reyansh's parents Rajeev and Asha initiate the rituals and Vidyut parents too, offering prayers and taking rounds around the sacred fire. Everyone follows suit, praying for prosperity and happiness.

at Reyansh's house, a similar scene unfolds. Guests finish their dinner and exchange Holi wishes before leaving. Reyansh stands by the window, lost in thought, his eyes gazing out into the night.

"Aaj ka din ajeeb tha... jaise kuch baaki hai,but that girl Was it Aarvi or someone else? " Reyansh thinks to himself, his mind wandering back to the mysterious girl he met earlier.

(𝘍𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘩𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬)

(When Reyansh is talking he looks from the side mirror but then when he looks closely it is Aarvi. Was it really Aarvi Then Reyansh realized that it was Aarvi When she turned a little, Reyansh realized that it was Aarvi.)

"Who is she? Why does she seem so familiar?" He can't shake off the feeling that there's something more to their encounter.

Reyansh (muttering): "But she looked very beautiful", and a blush came on his face.

Just then, Vidyut approaches Reyansh, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Kaha dhyan hai, Rey? Kya hua? You seem lost in thought."

Reyansh shrugs, trying to brush off his concerns. "Nothing, Vidyut. Just enjoying the evening."

Vidyut raises an eyebrow, teasingly. "Enjoying the evening? Or enjoying the view?"

Reyansh's eyes narrow, his face flushing slightly. "Vidyut, stop it."

As the night deepens, the echoes of festivities linger, marking the beginning of something unexpected.

𝐀𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐢 𝐟𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐝𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐬. 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐮𝐧𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐞.

𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬: 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐯𝐞𝐢𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲? 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐰𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐧, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐬 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐰 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫, 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐝.

*So this was our Tenth chapter, if you liked it, show some love and stay tuned for the next part to see, stay happy and healthy byeee loveies .❤

And Happy Holi guys "Wishing you a blessed Choti Holi, may the flames of Holika Dahan bring joy and prosperity!"

@Author aanu_writes7

Instagram Id:@aanu_writes7

❤🦋