T A R A

The wedding venue had transformed into a kaleidoscope of joy, shimmering fabrics, and heartfelt laughter. The sacred rituals were complete; the jaimala had been exchanged, binding my sister Eraya di and Vidhart Jiju in a promise that lit up both their faces. Now, guests swarmed around the newlyweds, a whirlwind of congratulations and flashing cameras capturing the golden-hour glow.
And me? I was committing what was possibly the most foolish, wonderful act of my life. I was staring. Not just glancing, but full-on, utterly captivated staring at a man whose name I didn’t even know.

The man. The one from the garden. The one who had been a silent knight in the shadows, whose simple act of closing his eyes and offering his coat had somehow, inexplicably, carved a place for himself in the very rhythm of my heartbeat.

He just… took my heart without any effort, I thought, a soft, disbelieving chuckle escaping me as I continued my vigil from across the lawn. I must be going mad. How can you feel this for someone after just one encounter?

Right now, he stood beside Jiju, a pillar of calm amidst the celebratory chaos. He wore a deep navy blue achkan now, embroidered with silver thread that caught the fading sunlight, making him look devastatingly handsome—like a prince stepped out of a forgotten era. My breath hitched every time he offered Jiju a rare, small smile. He must be Jiju’s friend. I knew Vikrant, Jiju’s cousin, but this man was new, an intriguing mystery wrapped in elegance. No worries, I decided, my mind already racing. I’ll ask Siya (Vidhart's sister). She’ll know.

Lost in the depths of his distant figure, I didn’t notice the familiar presence until a warm, heavy hand landed on my shoulder, gently pulling me back to reality.

I turned, my gaze reluctantly leaving the man in blue, and found myself looking into the knowing eyes of Kavish Bhai. His smile was tender but edged with brotherly perception. I gave him a quick side hug, my attempt at nonchalance.

He raised a brow, his voice a low murmur meant only for me. "Kya hua, Tara? I’ve been noticing for a while now. You seem… lost. Distant."

I shook my head a little too quickly, plastering on a smile that felt transparent. "It’s nothing, Bhai. Just… Di is leaving. That’s all."

Kavish Bhai laughed, a soft, understanding sound that told me he saw right through the flimsy façade. I felt my cheeks warm.

"What? Why are you laughing?" I asked, feigning indignation with a pout.

He leaned closer, his eyes twinkling with mischief and insight. "Tara, I’ve known you and Eraya since you were both in pigtails. I know when you’re happy, when you’re sad, when you’re hiding something, and when you’re not."

His gaze became direct, piercing through my defenses. "And right now, my dear little sister is hiding something about her heart from me."

My eyes widened. "W-What? No, no…" I stammered, forcing a nervous laugh that sounded hollow even to my own ears.

"I don’t know what you’re talking about." I adverted my gaze, suddenly finding the floral arrangements incredibly fascinating.

He just chuckled, a low, rumbling sound. Then he spoke, and his words froze me to the spot. "He looks good. Should I go talk to him about marrying you?"

My lips parted in shock. I blinked rapidly, but no words formed, my mind blanking out completely.

He took my hand in his, his touch grounding. "Tell me. If you really like him, I’ll go and talk to him right now. And I know, No one can say no to my sister. Itni pyari ladki ko koi mna krr skta hai. Nhi."

The heat rushed to my face, a furious blush that betrayed everything. I finally looked at him, my voice barely a whisper. "B-Bhai… what are you saying? Who do I like? I don’t understand…"

Without a word, he lifted my hand and pointed it directly, unmistakably, across the crowd—straight at the man who had stolen my peace. "Him. The one your eyes have been glued to, refusing to move away from."

The jig was up. I couldn’t lie to Kavish Bhai; he had a sixth sense for these things. My shoulders slumped in defeat, my head hanging low as if I’d been caught in a mischievous act. I took a deep, shaky breath and nodded, the admission feeling both terrifying and liberating.

"Hmmmm," I mumbled, adding in a voice so quiet it was almost for myself alone, “but it’s just a crush… I think.”

He gently held my chin between his thumb and forefinger, turning my face to meet his.

"Look at me, Tara." I lifted my gaze, my eyes meeting his serious, caring ones. "Now tell me. Is it just a crush? Or is it something more?"

I was silent for a long moment, the sounds of the wedding fading into a distant hum. Then, the truth tumbled out, raw and honest. "Bhai… I really like him. I don’t know how. How can you like someone so much in such a short time? I don’t even know him! I don’t know his name. For all I know, he could have a girlfriend already… or a wife."

Kavish Bhai nodded thoughtfully. "Don’t worry. If you like him, we’ll find out if he’s taken or not. And if he isn’t, we can talk about marriage. He’s Vidhart’s friend, so he must be a good man. Okay? Don’t overthink it. If my sister wants something, she gets it. I will make sure."

I shook my head vehemently, a new determination solidifying within me. "No, Bhai. Even if he isn’t married or committed… I don’t want that. I don’t want a marriage that happens just because I have a crush on him. I want… I want him to have feelings for me too. If he falls in love with me, then we can talk about the future."

He was about to say something, "but..."

But I cut him off before he could protest. "Bhai, I don’t want to force my love on anyone. If he doesn’t love me back, what’s the point of such a relationship?" My voice grew firm with conviction. "I like him. Maybe… I even love him already. But I don’t want my love to become a burden for him."

Kavish Bhai took a deep breath, then scoffed affectionately. "Okay. If that’s what you want, I’m fine with it. But what will you do now?"

I straightened my spine, my gaze finding my mysterious man once more across the crowd. A fire ignited in my soul. "Now," I said, my voice clear and steady, "I will draw him into my love. I will try every possible thing. Until the very last moment, until my last breath. And you watch—he will be the first to say ‘I love you’."

Kavish Bhai smiled, a real, proud smile this time. "Oh? So confident that he’ll fall for you?"

I thought for a second, then nodded. "Bhai, I have faith in my love. If Shiv Ji brought him to me, and I felt this way… then there must be something written for us in our destiny. And I will try my best to make it happen."

"And what if he doesn’t fall in love with you?" he prodded gently.

The answer came to me instantly, a bittersweet truth I had already accepted.

"Then… okay. No problem. I won’t force him. He’ll never even have to know that there exists a girl in this world who likes him so very much."

I paused, a hopeful smile touching my lips. "But… I think I will make him fall for me. I have this really strong feeling. Woh ek din mujhe khud aake I love you boolega... Aur khud mujhe shadi ke liye puchega."

Kavish Bhai now saw the serious resolve in my eyes and my tone. He placed a firm, reassuring hand on my shoulder. "Look, Tara, I’m always with you. But don’t lose yourself in this chase of love, okay? Don’t break your own heart."

"I won’t," I said, shaking my head with certainty.

"Alright, do whatever you want," he conceded, his voice full of brotherly support. "And always remember, your brother is here. Whenever you need help, just tell me."

He then lightened the mood with a joke. "Though, my option is better-just get married directly. If he says no, we’ll just kidnap him."

That made me laugh, the tension dissolving. I shook my head. "No, Bhai. If I marry him, it will only happen when he loves me too. Otherwise, it won’t happen at all. And don’t worry, my heart won’t break. Aur ager pyar ke raste mai thoda dil na toote, thoda rona na ho... tb tk love story mai mjaa bhi nhi aata... Yhe sb tho ek strong love story ka part hai... And I am ready for everything."

This time, he simply nodded, giving my shoulder a final squeeze before melting back into the crowd, leaving me with my thoughts and my mission.

My eyes sought and found him again. And then, I spotted Siya, Vidhart jiju’s sister, laughing nearby. A brilliant idea popped into my mind. That’s it!

Excusing myself, I didn’t walk—I practically floated towards Siya, a new, electric energy coursing through my veins. The game was on, and my heart was all in.
.
.
.

The air in the wedding venue had shifted from sacred serenity to pulsating, joyous energy. My plan, simple yet brilliant, was set into motion. Amidst the laughter and clinking of glasses, I’d whispered my idea to the DJ, and now, the infectious beats of Sauda Khara Khara from Good News began to thump through the speakers, calling everyone to the dance floor.

~~"Ho lo ji saare suno suno! Start ho gaya! Tumbi da dhol de naal ishq non-stop! Yeah! Slow it down!"~~

Siya and I exchanged a conspiratorial grin before launching ourselves into the center of the space. We moved with abandon, our lehenga skirts swirling around us. The plan was to pull everyone in, to create a whirlpool of fun where no one could resist.

I started with Kavish Bhai, dragging him in with a laugh, then Aadya, Rishi, and Vani- though Vani slipped away the moment Chachu’s eyes fell on her, a glare, a warning. And I know how much she loves dance. But I didn’t force her… not tonight.

On the other side, Siya caught Vikrant and Aaradhya, forcing them to join us.
And suddenly… the dance floor turned into pure chaos and joy.

Bodies moving, hair bouncing, smiles everywhere… the beats vibrating against the floor.

The song built, its energy infecting everyone.

~~"Ho ek tere sang yaara,akh ladne lagi! Akh lad lad ke aage badhne lagi!"~~

And then, it happened. In a move that made my heart stutter, Siya grabbed his hand—my mysterious, gentleman—and pulled him into the circle. The world narrowed to the space he occupied... and my whole world, my whole heartbeat, my whole damn existence — paused.

Him.

The man whose single glance earlier had already ruined my sanity.

And God… the moment he started…

Oh. My. God.

He wasn't just dancing; he was commanding the rhythm. He moved with a powerful, effortless grace, pure Punjabi bhangra flowing from him as naturally as breath. If “hot” had a human version, he was standing right there.
He danced like he was born with rhythm inside his bones- flawless bhangra, raw energy, masculine confidence.

A wide, genuine smile was on his face, transforming his handsome features into something breathtaking. But even in that joy, even as he raised his hands and spun with the music, his eyes… they held that same distant hollowness I’d glimpsed before, a silent storm behind the smile.

And for two straight minutes… everyone danced.

But I?
I just… stared.

My heartbeat got synced with his rhythm — every thump of my chest matching every thump of the dhol.

Kavish Bhai nudged me gently with his shoulder, snapping me out of my trance.

"Are you just going to keep staring, or are you going to actually dance? Go on, move closer to him, dance with him."

I shook my head, a wave of uncharacteristic shyness washing over me. Since when do I get shy?

~~"Ho munda zidd pe adaa! Ho tere pichhe padaa! Dil dena, dil lena… Hai sauda!"~~

The lyrics felt like a personal anthem as Vidhart Jiju joined, dancing playfully around a blushing Eraya Di. We all cheered, the moment perfect. And through it all, I danced, but my gaze was a compass needle fixed true north—on him.

Again, again, and again… my gaze found him.
And something inside me whispered that maybe I had already started falling… painfully, helplessly, beautifully…

I adored the way he moved. I liked the way he laughed with Siya like a brother. And maybe, just maybe, with every beat of the drum that echoed the frantic beat of my own heart, I was starting to love him.

~~"Hai sauda khara khara..."~~

As the song finally drew to a close, one quiet observation cemented my feelings further. Throughout the entire, chaotic, joyful dance, he had never once touched a girl unintentionally not intentionally. He didn’t touch a single girl. Not by mistake. Not casually. Not even playfully.

He maintained a respectful distance.

Even with Siya, his dance was nothing but respectful- protective, like an elder brother.

And a painful, hopeful truth dawned on me: he hadn’t looked at me once. Not a single glance. It stung, a prick to my pride, but it also filled me with a strange sense of elation. He’s not a man who looks for chances with every woman. My resolve hardened.

I am so lucky… I have already decided. He will be mine.

.
.
.

Later, the mood shifted again to solemnity as the sacred pheras commenced at the mandap. We all stood around the ceremonial fire, the flames casting a warm glow on Di’s tearful, happy face. A heaviness settled in my chest. I’m going to miss Di more than I ever imagined.

My eyes, ever traitorous, swept through the gathered family, searching for the one face I had no business seeking. Or maybe, every business to seek.

A small smile touched my lips at the thought. I am definitely a gone case. But my smile faded into a pout when I couldn’t find him. Where did he go?

Just then, a soft, knowing voice whispered close to my ear, sending a jolt through me.

"His name is Aryan. Aryan Singh Rathore. Bhaiya’s best friend. Just like a brother."

My eyes widened comically. I turned to find Siya standing beside me, a mischievous glint in her eyes. She gave me a slow, deliberate wink.

I forced a nervous laugh, the sound tinny to my own ears.
"Who? I-I don’t understand what you’re saying. Which Aryan?"

But the moment his name passed my lips… my heart skipped a beat.

Siya nudged my shoulder with hers. "Oh, please, Tara... I noticed. The way you were staring-sorry, let me correct myself-the way you were admiring him the entire function? Anyone could tell your heart has gotten stuck on Aryan Bhaiya."

I gulped. Oh. God.

What in the world is wrong with me? Is it that obvious? First Kavish Bhai, now Siya. God, who else has noticed?

Did everyone realize I was staring at him?

Except him.

I shook my head vehemently.

"No, no, Siya, it’s nothing like that! Actually, I have his coat. I was just looking for him to return it, that’s all!" I managed to stammer out the half-truth.

Siya frowned. "Coat? Meaning…?"

Seeing no way out, I pulled her slightly aside and narrated the entire, embarrassing tale of our first encounter—the mask, the near-fall, his closed eyes, and the borrowed blazer.

Siya listened, her expression shifting from curiosity to understanding. She nodded slowly.

"Oh... Okay. But for your kind information, Aryan Bhaiya is single. He is not married. No girlfriend. And I must say, he is such a gentleman. A genuinely good man. He helps everyone, he’s kind…" Then her tone turned teasing.

"So, your chance is wide open. And if something does happen between you two, I’d be so happy. At least someone of his own will come into his life."

Her last sentence held a weight that made my playful confusion vanish. "Wh...what do you mean?"

Siya took a deep breath, her face softening with empathy.

"Actually… he doesn’t have anyone in his family. I mean, they exist, but he doesn’t live with them. His parents and his younger sister… they passed away a long time ago, when he was only thirteen. So… Vidhart Bhai and I have always wanted him to find a really good life partner. But… he doesn’t want to get married.”

I nodded silently, my heart clenching painfully in my chest. The pieces fell into place-the hollow eyes, the composed smile that never quite reached them. This man, who looked so cheerful and untouchable, was carrying an ocean of silent grief behind his calm exterior.

Siya’s voice brought me back. "I’ll help you build your love story, don’t worry."

"Siya, there’s nothing like that," I protested weakly, my shyness returning.

"Please, Tara," she insisted. "I know what someone looks like when they like another person. And you look exactly like that right now."

I raised a brow, seizing the chance to deflect. "Oh? Why? Do you like someone too?"

Siya immediately blushed, looking down before nodding shyly.
"Yes. It’s because of him, my man. That I even understood what love is."

I nudged her shoulder, teasing. "Oho! Really? Tell me, who is he?"

She shook her head, laughing softly.

"Not now! Later. First, let’s focus on continuing your love story. By the way, Aryan Bhaiya lives in Jaipur. You should come to Jaipur for a while. You’ll get a chance to spend time together, and that’s how love stories get a chance to grow."

Her idea hung in the air, brilliant and terrifying.

Her idea made sense.
Jaipur…
Time with him…

My mind splintered. My dream art internship application- the first step on the ladder of my career. It was everything I had worked for. But now, there was him.

The man who silently took my heart without even looking at me.

I wanted to be the reason for his smiles. I wanted to soothe the pain he hid so well. I wanted to be his happiness.

I wanted to be his Solace.

A crossroads.
Two roads.
Two dreams.

one path leading to the dream I had nurtured for years, and the other leading to a man I felt I had been waiting for my whole life.

A future I have built with my efforts
vs
A future I suddenly want with him.

Who do I choose?

I don’t know.
I truly don’t know.

But one thing I do know…

I want to take his pain and replace it with happiness.
I want to be the reason behind his smile — not the mask he wears.

And that desire alone… scares me more than anything I’ve ever felt.

My mind was a riot of confusion, hope, and a terrifying, exhilarating sense of fate. The weight of the decision was a physical pressure on my chest, and for the first time, my clear path forward was beautifully, hopelessly blurred.

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