Bhoomi clapped her hands gently, a mischievous smile on her face. "Come, you two! Stand together, now!" she exclaimed, nudging Kiara and Yuvaan into position.
Kiara shot Yuvaan a sideways glance, her lips twitching in a mix of annoyance and amusement, while Yuvaan smirked, his usual air of villainous charm intact. Side by side, they faced the awaiting guests, ready to greet the Shetty family.
At that moment, the grand doors of the mansion opened, and the Shetty family made their entrance. Vikram walked with measured steps, his presence commanding yet filled with pride, and Varun followed closely, his eyes immediately locking with Kiara's. Mishka appeared beside them, her new appearance as a Shetty catching Angad's attention. He blinked, startled. How did Mishka become a Shetty? he wondered, excitement and curiosity warring in his expression.
The Pratap Singh family moved forward to welcome the Shettys properly. Vinod, Susheela, Riddhi, and Aakash each offered polite, if slightly reserved, smiles, the earlier disdain giving way to the formalities of the evening.
Kiara and Yuvaan stepped forward together, and with a deep, respectful bow, they sought Vikram's blessings. Vikram's eyes softened at the sight of his daughter beside Yuvaan, and despite the complicated history, he placed his hand over hers. "Blessings to you both," he said warmly.
Kiara immediately turned to Varun, embracing her brother tightly. "I've missed you so much," she whispered through tears. Varun hugged her back, holding her as if to reassure her that despite everything, some bonds were unbreakable.
Yuvaan observed quietly, his eyes on Kiara, noting the tender connection between siblings. Though his usual smirk lingered, there was a subtle, almost imperceptible softness in his gaze.
The reception had begun, but beneath the grandeur and formalities, hearts were quietly reconnecting, alliances forming, and the complex web of relationships growing ever tighter.
Yuvaan's hand found Kiara's, his grip firm yet tender, as he led her onto the stage. The glimmering lights of the reception hall reflected off her black-golden lehenga, making her seem ethereal. With a subtle nod to the DJ, soft music filled the hall, the familiar strains of a romantic melody beginning to play.
Mujhko itna bataye koi
Kaise tujhse dil na lagaye koi…
Kiara's eyes widened, the lyrics resonating with the chaos and emotions swirling within her. She glanced at Yuvaan, who gave her a sly, almost teasing smile. Despite herself, her fingers interlaced with his, her heartbeat quickening.
Rabba ne tujhko banane mein
Kardi hai husn ki khaali tijoriyan
Kajal ki siyahi se likhi
Hai tune jaane
Kitno ki love storiyan…
Yuvaan pulled her close, guiding her movements with ease, their dance a graceful blend of romance and unspoken tension. Every step, every turn seemed to narrate the story of their tumultuous bond—love, betrayal, and the undeniable connection neither could fully deny.
Kesariya tera ishq hai piya
Rang jaaun jo main hath lagaun
Din beete saara teri fikr mein
Rain saari teri khair manaun…
From the side, Vikram's jaw tightened, his arms crossed as he watched Yuvaan twirl his daughter effortlessly. Varun's gaze, sharp and protective, flicked between the couple and the crowd, his fists clenching slightly. The sight of Yuvaan—his calculated charm, his effortless hold on Kiara—ignited a storm of worry and frustration in both father and brother.
Patjhad ke mausam mein bhi
Rangi chanaron jaisi
Jhanke sannnaton mein tu
Veena ke taaron jaisi…
Yet, as Kiara's laughter mingled with the soft melody, her head leaning subtly against Yuvaan's chest, even Vikram couldn't deny the relief that the girl he had feared for was, in this moment, unharmed. Still, the protective fire in his eyes blazed bright.
Chanda bhi deewana hai tera
Jalti hai tujhse
Saari chhakoriyan…
Every twirl, every synchronized step with Yuvaan made Kiara feel the conflicting whirlwind of emotions—love, anger, betrayal, and an undeniable attraction. As the final refrain of "Kesariya tera ishq hai piya" echoed through the hall, Yuvaan held her close for one last turn, their eyes locked in an intensity that silenced even the murmuring guests.
Vikram's hands clenched into fists while Varun's teeth gritted. Both silently vowed: this warlock might hold Kiara in his arms now, but they would not let him have their daughter's heart—or her life—without a fight.
Meanwhile, Yuvaan whispered softly in Kiara's ear, almost teasingly, "See? Nothing in this world can come between us tonight… not even your father's glare."
Kiara's lips twitched with a mix of exasperation and begrudging acknowledgment as the music faded, leaving a charged silence in the grand hall.
Meanwhile, Angad walked up to Mishka, his brow furrowed in curiosity. "Hey… why have you not been picking my calls these past few days?" he asked, trying to sound casual but failing to hide the hint of worry in his voice.
Mishka's expression was icy, her gaze sharp as she replied, "Angad… we can't… we shouldn't be in any kind of relationship." Her words were like a sudden gust of cold wind, leaving him stunned. Memories of Yuvaan forcefully marrying Kiara flashed in her mind, the chaos and danger surrounding that night, and she added firmly, "You… stay away from me."
Angad's heart skipped a beat, shock and confusion battling within him. "M-Mishka… I… what do you mean?" he stammered, but she gave no more explanation, turning her attention elsewhere.
A few steps away, Riddhi held Varun's hand, her playful smile masking her inner excitement. "Look at them, Varun… Kiara and Yuvaan… they really do look good together," she whispered, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "But we… we look better, don't we?"
Varun forced a tight, polite smile, squeezing her hand in return. Inside, his mind was a whirlwind—protective thoughts of Kiara, worry over Yuvaan's unpredictable nature, and the constant tension of his sister being caught in a war between dark forces and human emotions. He nodded, his fake smile hiding the storm brewing behind his eyes.