Present

The moment Janisha collapsed, panic erupted around the mandap.

"Janisha!"

Without wasting a second, Dev caught her before she could hit the floor.

Carefully scooping her into his arms, he carried her inside one of the mansion's rooms.

The hotel staff was instructed to take care of the guests while both families hurried after them.

Dev gently laid Janisha on the bed.

She looked pale. Lifeless.

As though every ounce of strength had been drained from her.

Her parents entered first, followed by the others.

Only after making sure she was comfortable did Dev slowly remove the sehra from his face.

Silence. Absolute silence filled the room.

Everyone who had been worried about Janisha now stood frozen in shock.

Except...Her parents.

Nia's eyes widened. Preet covered her mouth. Maya stared in disbelief.

Vishakha gasped audibly.

Even Shankar and Roop were too stunned to utter a single word.

Abhishek and Achint eyes widened.

But Veeranshu... His shock transformed into blinding rage.

His eyes burned crimson.

"You? How dare you..."

Before anyone could stop him, he stormed forward and punched Dev square across the jaw.

The force sent Dev stumbling sideways.

He didn't retaliate. His eyes instinctively went back to Janisha.

Veeranshu charged again. But this time, Rajeev stepped between them like a wall.

"Papa, move aside."

Veeranshu's voice shook with fury.

"I won't spare this man."

"Why?" Rajeev asked calmly.

"Because he deceived us!" Veeranshu shouted. "He married my sister without.."

"I asked him to marry my daughter."

Rajeev's words cut through the room like thunder. Veeranshu froze. His anger faltered. He stared at his father in complete disbelief.

"...Papa?"

His voice carried nothing but confusion.

Rajeev looked straight into his son's eyes.

"I was the one who requested Dev to marry Janisha. Because the groom we chose..." He paused.

"...had already run away."

The room fell silent again. Veeranshu stood rooted to the floor.

His mind refused to process what he had just heard.

"Why?" he whispered. Then his voice rose.

"Why would you do that, Papa? It's not like we couldn't keep her with us! I'm capable of taking care of my sister! Just because someone abandoned her doesn't mean you had to send her away with someone else. She isn't a burden. She's my sister. I can protect her. Why did you do that? "

Veeranshu stared at his father in shock.

Rajeev looked at him quietly before giving a bitter smile.

"She's my daughter. And I know what's best for her."

"Best?" Veeranshu laughed bitterly.

"Do you even know what this man..."

"I know everything." Rajeev interrupted firmly.

"I know how he protected her every time. And He can protect her further. He can take care of my daughter. And I should have thought of Dev long before I thought of Akash."

"My sister is not going anywhere with a man like him!" Veeranshu's voice hardened again.

Rajeev's expression darkened.

"A man like him?"

He took a step closer.

"And by what right are you deciding her future? You left her. You left all of us. If we hadn't searched for you... You would never have returned."

Every word struck Veeranshu like a blow. Rajeev didn't stop.

"This is the man who reached my daughter before you when she was kidnapped. He was there. Before you."

"You think I know nothing?"

Dev lowered his gaze. His chest tightened at the trust.

Rajeev pointed toward Nia.

"And the girl standing behind you...She protected my daughter."

"Do you know whom Janisha trusts more than anyone? Her. Because both she and Dev have always protected her. From the day they entered our lives... They have stood beside not only my daughter.....but our entire family. And you're asking why I chose this man?"

Veeranshu clenched his fists. His eyes burned with guilt. Rajeev's own voice cracked.

"You walked away from us. Did you ever think about us? Did you ever think about me? My father died... And because I didn't cry enough, you assumed I didn't love him. So you left too."

He swallowed painfully.

"If I die tomorrow... Will you not grieve for me?"

Veeranshu's eyes burnt but he stood frozen not daring to say a word.

Tears shimmered in Rajeev's eyes.

Rashi gently held his arm, silently asking him to calm down.

The atmosphere inside the room grew unbearably heavy.

After a long pause, Rajeev turned toward Shankar. With folded hands, he bowed slightly.

"Please forgive me. I made this decision without asking you. And... Thank you."

"Thank you for giving this world two precious gems. Nia and Dev have stood beside my family every single time. Thank you for raising them into such wonderful human beings."

Shankar immediately stepped forward and lowered Rajeev's folded hands.

"No. The credit belongs to Shivraj. He raised them. And please...Don't apologize."

Rajeev smiled weakly before looking back at his unconscious daughter.

"My daughter isn't strong like Nia. We loved her too much. We protected her like fragile glass. She breaks easily. She's delicate. She cannot carry all this pain alone."

His eyes turned toward Dev.

"So... Please take care of my daughter.I've entrusted her to you. I hope...You never break the trust I've placed in you."

Dev looked at Rajeev.

Then at Janisha lying silently on the bed.

His voice was calm... But unwavering.

"I promise. I never will."

The room fell silent once again.

Veeranshu stood there for a long moment, unable to breathe under the weight of everything he had just heard.

Without saying another word...He turned around and walked out of the room.

Abhishek leaned closer to Achint "I want to punch this jerk so badly!"

"Shh" Achint shushed.

"And why Uncle is praising him so much. Don't he knows about his so called son in law?" Abhishek said with gritted teeth.

"I'm worried about Janu." Achint said and Abhishek's eyes softened.

"Me too!"

They both exchanged worry glances.

"I swear I hev never seen more cunning man than this bloody jerk!" Abhishek said glaring at Dev.

"Veer bhaiya should have punched him more!" Abhishek said still glaring at him.

"Abhi stop for now!" Achint said holding his hand. And there he melted. Achint didn't notice his expression.

Nia looked at everyone once before quietly following him.

Veeranshu sat alone in the garden, his gaze fixed on the darkness stretching ahead.

The celebrations inside the mansion felt distant.

For the first time in years...he felt hollow.

Soft footsteps approached.

Without looking up, he knew who it was.

Nia quietly sat beside him. Neither of them spoke.

The silence stretched between them.

After what felt like forever, Veeranshu finally broke it.

"I failed, Nia..."

His voice was rough, strained from holding back everything inside him.

"I failed as a brother..."

He swallowed hard.

"As a son..."

"And as a man."

Nia didn't interrupt. She simply listened.

Sometimes, silence was the greatest comfort.

"When I left home..." he continued quietly, "I was just a teenager."

"I was hurt. I kept thinking I was the one suffering the most."

He laughed bitterly.

"I never once tried to understand Papa's side."

His eyes glistened beneath the moonlight.

"I love Janu..."

His voice cracked.

"I've always loved her like my own child. I could never see her as a burden."

He lowered his head.

"And after everything Papa said... I feel like an idiot. A loser. A complete failure."

Nia smiled faintly.

"You know...I've never seen Roohi Maa either. Neither has Dev Bhai. But we've always felt a mother's warmth.....through Shivraj Bhai."

A soft smile touched her lips.

"Everyone said He's our half-brother."

She shook her head.

"He's our everything. My everything."

Veeranshu silently looked at her.

"When Bhai sent me abroad for my studies, I fought with him so much."

"But he still sent me."

She chuckled through her tears.

"And once I reached there...I did every reckless thing possible."

"I broke rules."

"I caused trouble."

"I even tried to get myself expelled."

Veeranshu blinked.

"Why?"

A tear escaped Nia's eye as she smiled.

"Because I didn't want to stay away from my brother."

Her voice softened.

"And then one day..."

"He came."

"He left behind all his work just to visit me."

She looked at the stars.

"You know what he asked?"

Her smile trembled.

"Did anyone trouble my Gudiya?'"

"Do you need anything?'"

She laughed quietly.

"The entire school was shocked."

"I was the one troubling everyone."

Veeranshu couldn't help smiling.

"But that day...I changed. Not because I suddenly became a good person."

She shook her head.

"I changed because I never wanted my brother to feel embarrassed because of me."

"And after that... He kept visiting me."

"Again And again."

"No one else cared."

"But he did."

"He never made me feel small."

She turned toward Veeranshu.

"But Dev Bhai is different."

"He'll fight the entire world for the people he loves..."

"But he'll never announce it."

Her eyes softened.

"You're exactly like him. Every one has their own way to love. We can't compare love. If someone is loving different, it doesn't mean he loves less "

Veeranshu frowned slightly.

"You fought for Janu. You protected her. You loved her. But you never felt the need to show everyone."

"You cared for your parents."

"Your friends."

"Even strangers."

She smiled gently.

"Do you know when I fell in love with you?"

Veeranshu looked at her curiously.

"The day you stood up for your friends.....without caring who was standing in front of you."

She slowly wiped away the tears gathered at the corner of his eyes.

"You cared about me...Even when I was the sister of the man you hated."

"So how can you call yourself a failure?"

She shook her head firmly.

"You're brave."

"A wonderful friend."

"A wonderful son."

"A wonderful brother."

"And..."

Her cheeks turned slightly pink.

"... an amazing husband."

A tiny smile finally appeared on Veeranshu's face.

"Otherwise..."

She narrowed her eyes playfully.

"I would never have said yes to you."

That earned a soft laugh from him.

Without another word, he pulled her into a tight embrace, burying his face in the crook of her neck.

"Thank you..."

he whispered. Nia smiled softly.

One hand gently rubbed his back while the other slipped into his hair, comforting him without another word.

Sometimes...Love wasn't found in grand confessions.

Sometimes... It was simply found in the quiet assurance that someone still chose to stay beside you, even when you couldn't forgive yourself.

It was finally time for the farewell.

Janisha stood frozen, unable to process everything that had happened. Her life had turned upside down in a single day. Never, not even in her wildest dreams, had she imagined that she would end up marrying a replacement groom... and that groom would be Dev.

No tears escaped her eyes.

She simply stared at her family as though they were strangers. They hadn't told her. They hadn't asked her.

They had simply decided her future for her.

Around her, everyone was crying.

Her mother clung to her, sobbing. Her father struggled to hide his tears. Her cousins wiped their eyes, and even her best friend stood there with a tear-streaked face.

Yet Janisha felt... nothing.

Only an unbearable emptiness.

Veeranshu walked toward her.

The moment he reached her, he pulled her into a tight embrace.

"I'm sorry, Janu..." His voice broke. "I didn't know any of this. I should have protected you... I'm so sorry."

Janisha remained still in his arms.

He gently cupped her face.

"Take care of yourself," he whispered. "And remember one thing, you'll always have your brother. No matter what happens, I'll always be there for you."

She looked at him silently, her expression carrying a sadness too deep for words.

Achint and Abhishek came, they shared a group hug.

Abhishek cupped Janisha's cheek and Dev looked away. He felt his nerves tickling.

"We're always with you. I and Achint will never left your side. Remember I'm just a call away!" Abhishek said.

Achint hugged Janisha again. "May you get all the happiness meri jaan!"

They broke the hug but the sadness lingered.

When it was finally time, she walked toward the car with slow, lifeless steps and quietly took her seat.

Outside, the families exchanged emotional farewells, blessings, and heartfelt requests.

Rajeev walked up to Dev and held his hand firmly.

"Please... take care of my daughter."

Dev met his gaze and nodded with quiet determination.

"I will."

One by one, everyone settled into their respective cars.

Dev and Janisha sat together in one car.

She remained stiff, her hands resting motionlessly in her lap, her gaze fixed outside the window. She didn't look at him even once.

Nia wasn't accompanying them.

She knew Veeranshu needed her... and so did Janisha's parents.

For the first time in years, the usually cheerful girl who could fill any place with laughter sat in complete silence.

And beside her, Dev silently watched the woman he had loved for years, now finally his wife, yet somehow farther away than ever before.

Janisha wasn't happy. Nor did she feel any lighter.

All she felt was anger... and an overwhelming hatred for the man sitting beside her.

The drive to the Ranawat Mansion passed in complete silence.

Neither of them spoke.

As the car came to a halt, Dev stepped out first. Walking around the car, he opened her door and extended his hand toward her.

Janisha looked at his outstretched hand.

Then, lifting her eyes, she shot him a cold glare before stepping out on her own, completely ignoring it.

Dev pressed the inside of his cheek, stopping himself from smiling at her silent act of defiance.

Without saying a word, they walked toward the entrance.

At the doorway, Dadi welcomed them with an aarti. Janisha gently tipped over the pot of rice before dipping her feet into the alta.

Just as she was about to step inside, Preet stopped her.

Everyone looked at her in confusion.

Instead of letting Janisha walk on the floor, Preet carefully spread a pristine white cloth before her.

"Walk on this first," she said softly.

Janisha looked at her, puzzled, but quietly obeyed.

One by one, crimson footprints bloomed across the white fabric.

A gentle smile spread across Preet's face.

"When I entered this house as a bride," she said warmly, "Dev preserved my footprints and had them framed. So now... I want to preserve yours too."

The room fell silent. Everyone's expressions softened at the thought.

Janisha simply looked at the cloth for a brief moment before walking inside. She also had a thought once, that Dev is a gentleman but he's clearly not.

Seeing her exhausted state, no one insisted on any further rituals.

They knew she needed time.

Shankar walked up to her and lovingly placed a hand over her head.

"My child," he said gently, "your father entrusted you to us. If Dev ever troubles you..."

He glanced toward the staircase before looking back at her.

"...come straight to me. Remember, you've got your Dad's back here."

Janisha looked at him in silence.

Before she could respond, Preet slipped an arm around her shoulders.

"And we're with you too," she said with a reassuring smile.

Maya immediately nodded.

"Always."

Dev, who had been standing nearby, raised an eyebrow at his family's open support for Janisha.

"So this is how quickly everyone has switched sides," he muttered under his breath.

With a defeated sigh, he shook his head and quietly walked upstairs, leaving Janisha behind.

The elders smile faded as they saw him leaving, but chose not to comment.

After a few moments, Preet turned toward Vishakha.

"Dadi... can Maya and I stay with Janisha for a while?"

Maya instantly joined her with an exaggerated puppy-eyed expression.

"Please?"

Vishakha chuckled softly before nodding.

"Of course."

A small wave of relief washed over Janisha.

She wasn't ready... She wasn't ready to share a room with Dev.

The three of them slowly walked upstairs toward his room.

As they entered, they found Dev standing near the wardrobe. He had already changed into a black polo T-shirt and matching trousers.

Hearing the door open, he looked over his shoulder.

His gaze shifted from Janisha to Preet.

"We're staying with Janu for a while," Preet informed him.

Dev studied Janisha's expression for a brief second before giving a silent nod. Janisha didn't even glance at him.

Without uttering a single word, he picked up his phone and walked out of the room, quietly giving her the space she needed.

Meanwhile, Preet and Maya helped Janisha remove her heavy bridal jewelry.

One by one, the necklaces, earrings, and ornaments came off. Janisha removed the extra bridal veil covering her head and washed her face before returning to the room.

Now she was dressed only in her bridal lehenga, blouse, and a delicate net dupatta. A few bangles still adorned her wrists, while the mangalsutra around her neck and the vermilion in her hairline remained, the symbols of a married woman that she couldn't remove.

She quietly sat beside Preet and Maya.

"Your luggage hasn't arrived yet," Maya said. "If you want, I can bring one of my suits for you."

Janisha smiled faintly and shook her head. "It's okay."

For a moment, silence settled between them.

Maya gently held her hand.

"I know how you're feeling. We've both gone through something similar."

She glanced at Preet, who nodded in agreement.

The three women sat together, silently sharing a pain that needed no explanation.

"But don't worry," Preet said softly. "We won't let anything happen to you."

Janisha looked at both of them, warmth finally reaching her tired eyes.

"Thank you, Bhabhi."

"Oh, stop being so formal!" Preet groaned dramatically. "You know how much we missed Nia after she got married. But now you've come, so we're three again!"

She grinned mischievously.

"We're going to have so much fun together."

"Absolutely!" Maya agreed enthusiastically.

Janisha looked at her in confusion.

"Hey, don't overthink it," Maya laughed. "I just meant food! I've hidden some snacks. Since you barely ate anything today, let's have a tiny little party."

Before either of them could stop her, she dashed out of the room.

Janisha looked after her helplessly.

"Bhabhi... it's really okay."

Preet waved her hand dismissively.

"Arey yaar tum bohot formal ho jati ho. Araam se raho, chill hokar. Kal tumko ghumane bhi le chalenge humlog don't worry!"

(There you go again, being so formal. Relax! Tomorrow we'll take you out somewhere too. Don't worry.)

A small chuckle escaped Janisha's lips.

Preet smiled in satisfaction.

That was exactly what she wanted, to make Janisha forget, even if only for a few minutes.

A little while later, Maya returned carrying a tray loaded with random snacks.

"Tada! I'm back!"

She proudly placed everything on the table.

There were a few leftover pizza slices, a packet of chips, and a bottle looking like juice.

She arranged everything neatly before pouring the juice into three glasses.

The three of them settled on the sofa around the table.

Preet sat on one side, Janisha on the other, while Maya occupied the middle.

Soon, the room filled with the sound of wrappers opening and casual chatter.

Preet took a sip of the juice.

Her face instantly twisted.

"Maya! What on earth did you bring? Why does this taste so awful?"

Janisha gave a nervous smile.

"Mujhe bhi kadwa laga tha par bhabhi ne do glass pilwa diya"

("I thought it tasted bitter too... but Bhabhi made me drink two whole glasses.")

"What?" Maya frowned and took another sip herself.

"...Wait." She blinked.

"It is bitter."

She scratched her head.

"I didn't notice because I was busy eating the chips."

Preet picked up the bottle and examined it.

"What exactly is this?"

"Apple juice..." Maya answered uncertainly. "...I think."

Both Preet and Janisha stared at her in disbelief.

"Wait..." Maya muttered, turning the bottle around. "Let me check the expiry date."

Preet smacked her arm. "kutti nahi pata tha toh kyu lekar aayi. Ye kaha se utha kar layi hai. Aur ye kaha se apple juice lag raha hai? Humara gala jal gya ye pee kar. Upar se date bhi check kr ke nahi layi."

("You idiot! If you weren't sure, why did you bring it? Does this taste anything like apple juice? My throat is burning! And now you're checking the expiry date?")

Maya rubbed her arm dramatically.

"I was hungry!"

Janisha couldn't help laughing.

"Bhabhi, after today, I'm never eating anything you bring."

She stood up to escape the teasing.

But suddenly...The room tilted.

She blinked several times.

Everything swayed strangely before her eyes. She slowly sat back down.

Preet immediately noticed.

"Janu? What happened?"

Janisha pressed a hand against her forehead.

"My head......feels really light."

Preet frowned. Just then, her own vision blurred. She blinked hard.

The room refused to stay still.

Meanwhile, Maya was still squinting at the bottle.

"...Why is this bottle dancing?" she mumbled.

Janisha looked around with dazed eyes.

"Bhabhi.....why is everything moving?"

Maya pointed lazily at the bottle.

"It's doing belly dance..."

Preet blinked at the two blurry figures sitting beside her.

"I don't know about the bottle.....but I'm seeing four of both of you."

The three women stared at one another in complete confusion...Completely unaware of whatever they had just drunk.

"I... I think we should ask someone for help," Janisha said, trying hard to keep her words straight.

"Someone?" Preet frowned. "Who's Someone, Janu? We don't have anyone named Someone living in this house."

Janisha burst into giggles.

"bhabhi someone matlab koi some. Angreji english bhabhi."

("Bhabhi... I meant someone... like... some person! English, Bhabhi... English!")

Preet pouted dramatically. "Ohhh..."

Maya suddenly straightened.

"Okay! Let's go find this 'one some.' I'll ask them why this lapel juice tastes so weird."

She stood up, swaying slightly.

"Lapel juice?..." Preet blinked.

"Japle puce, Bhabhi!" Janisha declared proudly, convinced she'd pronounced it perfectly.

Preet stared at her for a few seconds before nodding seriously.

"Yes... exactly."

Supporting one another like three children who had just learned to walk, they waddled out of the room.

Preet kept adjusting the pallu of her saree with utmost dignity.

Maya dramatically twirled her dupatta every few steps.

Meanwhile, Janisha happily skipped beside them, her heavy bridal lehenga swishing with every tiny jump.

Finally, they reached the living room.

Maya's eyes landed on the huge television.

They grew as round as saucers.

"Peetuuuu..."

She rushed over and hugged the television. "I want to dance!"

Preet looked at the blank screen.

"But... there's no dance in it."

"Bhabhi..." Janisha explained very seriously, "wo chalegi tab na!"

Preet gasped.

"The TV can walk too?"

Janisha nodded with complete confidence.

"Then ask it to walk!"

"Okay!"

Janisha marched right up to the television.

Placing both hands on her waist, she stared at it with authority.

After a long, dramatic pause, she pointed a finger.

"TV... walk!"

Nothing happened.

Janisha frowned.

She stepped even closer. " Tv ji chalona!"

Nothing.

Folding her hands politely, she spoke again.

"Dear TV... please walk... and also play a song."

At that exact moment... The television turned on.

Janisha and Preet gasped in amazement.

"It listened!"

Meanwhile, Maya looked down at the remote control in her hand whom she was pressing. She had unknowingly pressed the power button.

---

Outside, Dev had just finished an important phone call.

He slipped his phone into his pocket and walked over to where Shivraj was standing quietly in the garden. He just came back.

Without saying a word, Dev stopped a few steps behind him, his gaze lowered.

Shivraj didn't turn around.

The silence between the brothers wasn't comfortable this time. Dev wanted to share, to say something but he didn't know how to start.

Just then...Dev's phone rang again.

It was Daksh. He answered immediately.

"Yes, Bhaiya?"

"Dev, where's Maya?" Daksh asked without any greeting. "Dadi said she was in your room with Janisha."

"She was," Dev replied. "When I left, all three of them were there, ask Preet Bhabhi or Janu."

There was a pause. Then Daksh spoke again, his voice unusually tense.

"Dev... no one's here."

Dev frowned. "What do you mean?"

"I checked my room... your room... and now I'm heading toward Shivraj's room."

Another pause. "They're nowhere."

Dev's relaxed expression vanished instantly.

"Bhaiya... at least Janisha should be there."

"I know."

Daksh rubbed his forehead tiredly.

"And that's exactly what's worrying me."

He let out a long sigh.

"Every single time these girls disappear together.....they create absolute havoc."

Dev closed his eyes for a brief second.

"Oh no..."

Shivraj finally turned around, immediately noticing the change in Dev's expression.

His brows knitted together.

"What happened?"

Dev lowered the phone.

"No one's in the house."

Shivraj's jaw tightened.

Without another word, he strode into the house.

At that very moment, Daksh came downstairs from the upper floor.

He looked at both of them and shook his head grimly.

"They're not here."

For the first time that night...

All three men felt genuine panic.

Just as the three men were about to search elsewhere, a loud song echoed through the mansion.

"Tang tang tang... ho jogiya...

Tang tang tang... ho jagiya..."

All three stopped in their tracks.

They exchanged confused glances.

"Who's blasting music at this hour?" Dev muttered.

Following the sound, they reached the living room.

The moment Dev pushed the door open...

All three froze.

The television was at full volume.

And in front of it, Three intoxicated women were dancing without a care in the world.

"Jo na karna tha kar gayi...

Main bhi kit jaake mar gayi...

Achhi khaasi jattni...

Changi ghani bawri ho gayi... Mai ghani bawri ho gayi..."

Janisha dramatically slapped her forehead in rhythm with the song while swaying from side to side.

Preet had tucked the pallu of her saree around her waist like a dancer.

Maya was twirling her dupatta wildly above her head.

The moment they noticed the three men standing at the entrance...

Their faces lit up.

Without wasting a second, they rushed forward, grabbed their hands, and dragged them into the room.

The three men stumbled forward, completely stunned.

Still dancing in exaggerated bhangra steps, the girls circled around them.

"Roz savere, neem andhere...

Ghar se bhaagi main bhaagi ghar se thare vaaste..."

Maya twirled her dupatta before looping it around Daksh's neck from behind.

With a mischievous grin, she tugged him closer.

"Bina baat ke, beech raat ke...

Neend se jaagi main jaagi neend se thare vaaste..."

Preet playfully shoved Shivraj's chest.

Then she caught hold of his collar, pulled him down slightly, rested her elbow over his shoulder, and continued singing with complete confidence.

"Duniya ke bole tu jaane de...

Mere dil ki jaan le...

Main ghani bawri ho gayi..."

Janisha walked straight up to Dev.

Without hesitation, she grabbed his collar and pulled him closer until they were almost face to face.

Tilting her head innocently, she sang the lyrics directly to him.

Dev forgot how to breathe. Before any of them could recover...

The three girls burst into laughter, pushed the men away, and resumed their energetic bhangra.

"Yahan wahan se, saare jahaan se...

Laut ke aa gayi main aa gayi..."

Janisha suddenly stopped dancing.

She looked at Dev with the saddest puppy eyes imaginable. For one fleeting second... It felt as though she wasn't acting.

As she swayed unsteadily, Dev instinctively caught her before she could lose her balance.

She simply looked up into his eyes.

"Pehle jag se... phir toh Rab se...

Ban gayi bhaagi main ban bhaagi thare pyaar mein..."

Dev's chest tightened painfully.

Even in this drunken state... She looked heartbreakingly beautiful.

Before he could say anything,nShe pushed him away. Then happily returned to dancing with Preet and Maya.

A moment later, Preet suddenly stopped.

"Change the song!"

Maya and Janisha immediately agreed.

The three of them huddled around the television, poking random icons on the screen with immense concentration.

After several failed attempts... A new song finally began.

The men stood dumbfounded.

"Bhaiya ask Maya bhabhi to stay away from my wife."

Dev said and Daksh immidiately glared.

"Stop blaming my wife. It's not like she's drunk alone."

"Exactly she also made drunkard to others too," Dev said. Daksh glared at him. "Shut the duvk up Dev!" He hissed but deep down he knows how naughty his wife can be.

"Stop arguing!" Shivraj said and they sighed.

Meanwhile girl's eyes sparkled.

The opening beats of 'Laila Main Laila' filled the room.

Without hesitation, all three began swaying their hips dramatically.

"Laila main Laila...

Aisi hoon Laila...

Har koi chahe mujhse milna akela..."

The men exchanged horrified looks.

"Jisko bhi dekhu, duniya bhula doon...

Majnu bana doon... Aisi mai laila "

The girls gracefully ran their hands along their waists as part of the choreography.

The three men immediately looked anywhere but at them.

Preet's saree shifted slightly as she danced, revealing a glimpse of her waist.

Maya tossed her hair over one shoulder, exposing the elegant backless design of her suit.

Janisha dramatically threw her dupatta into the air. It landed squarely on Dev's face.

He silently pulled it away.

"Ho... ye kaise hain lamhe... Jo itne haseen hai.

Meri aankhein mujhse ye kya keh rahi hai..."

The girls danced toward the men together.

With synchronized timing, They pushed them backward.

The three brothers landed on the sofa.

Before any of them could react...

The girls stood before them, swaying gently with the music.

"Tum aa gaye ho... yakeen kaise aaye... Ye dil keh raha hai...

Tumhe chhu ke dekhu..."

Then, To the complete horror of the men, Each girl settled onto her husband's lap.

Three sharp breaths echoed through the room.

Janisha slowly traced a finger across Dev's jaw.

Preet's fingertips glided from Shivraj's shoulder to the center of his chest.

Maya leaned close enough for Daksh to feel her breath before trailing her nose lightly from his cheek down toward his neck.

The dance had officially become torture.

Every ounce of the men's self-control was hanging by a thread.

Then, as suddenly as they had come close...The girls jumped off their laps and resumed dancing as though nothing had happened.

The three brothers simultaneously ran a hand down their faces.

"This is getting out of hand..."

Just then....The commotion attracted the elders.

Shankar, Roop, and Vishakha entered the living room.

They stopped dead in their tracks.

Their eyes slowly moved from the wildly dancing girls.....to their equally miserable sons.

Shankar's jaw tightened.

"What exactly have you boys done to my daughters?"

"Dad!" Dev protested immediately. "We don't even know what's going on! I think... they accidentally got drunk."

"Drunk?" Shankar repeated sternly.

"Who gave them alcohol?"

The brothers looked at one another.

No one had an answer. Silence filled the room.

Finally, Shankar spoke. "Enough."

His tone left no room for argument.

"Take them to their rooms."

The brothers didn't waste another second. In one swift motion, each scooped his wife into his arms.

"I want to dance more!" Maya protested, kicking her feet dramatically.

"No." Daksh's voice came out strained.

His jaw was locked so tightly that the muscles visibly flexed as he carried her away.

"I still want to change songs!" Preet complained.

Shivraj adjusted her comfortably in his arms.

"Kiddo," he said in a dangerously calm voice, "you've danced enough for one night. We'll go to our room... and do whatever you want there."

His expression remained composed.

Only the veins standing out on his forearms betrayed how desperately he was trying to stay calm.

Meanwhile, Dev carried Janisha upstairs.

She continued squirming in his arms.

He looked dow

n at her with narrowed eyes.

"Not."

He climbed another step.

"A."

Another step.

"Single."

Another.

"Word."

Janisha simply blinked at him innocently, a pout forming on her lips.

Behind them, Vishakha sighed deeply, worry written all over her face as she watched Janisha disappear upstairs.

Shankar rubbed his forehead.

Tonight...The mansion had survived absolute chaos.