They reached the venue.

Aarav stepped out first.

For a brief second, he hesitated—

Then walked around and opened the car door for her.

Siya stepped out quietly.

No eye contact.

No words.

Just distance.

His parents’ car arrived behind them.

Kavita stepped out, smiling warmly.

But when her eyes fell on Aarav—

Kavita noticed it.

The silence.

The hurt in his eyes.

She didn’t say anything.

Not now.

They walked inside together.

The house was lively, decorated beautifully for the wedding functions.

Laughter echoed through the hall.

Just then, a cheerful voice called out—

“Kavita!”

A middle-aged woman approached them with open arms.

Kavita smiled brightly. “Rekha Didi!”

They hugged.

Paakhi leaned closer to Siya and whispered,

“She’s Rekha Bua.”

Siya nodded softly.

“Rekha Bua, right I remember?”

Paakhi’s eyes widened. “Wow, Bhabhi, you remember!”

A small smile appeared on Siya’s lips.

Rekha Bua turned toward them.

“So this is our new daughter-in-law?”

Siya stepped forward respectfully and touched her feet.

“Namaste, Bua.”

“Jeete raho,” Rekha Bua blessed her, observing her carefully.

They all moved toward the living room and sat down.

Conversations resumed.

Relatives gathered.

Tea was served.

But Siya wasn’t really listening.

Her eyes slowly scanned the room.

The people.

The faces.

The walls.

The photographs.

She wasn’t just attending a wedding.

She was searching.

For something.

For someone.

For a connection she still couldn’t see clearly.

And across the room—

Aarav noticed.

Even in silence.

He noticed.

After some time, a tall, cheerful young man entered the living room.

Rekha Bua smiled proudly.

“Kartik, come here.”

Paakhi leaned toward Siya and whispered,

“He’s Kartik. Bua’s son. It’s his wedding.”

Siya nodded politely.

Kartik greeted everyone and sat down.

Soon, Kavita said,

“Paakhi, take Siya with you. Let her meet the girls.”

Paakhi happily nodded and pulled Siya along.

Aarav’s eyes followed her.

Unconsciously.

Rekha Bua noticed.

“Aarav, you go too.”

“Yes, Bua,” he replied.

Just then Kartik stood up again.

“Aarav bhai, come with me.”

The two walked away together.

Paakhi brought Siya to a group of cousins.

“This is our new Bhabhi,” Paakhi announced proudly.

One of the cousins smiled.

“Oh wow… Bhabhi is very beautiful.”

Siya gave a soft smile. “Thank you.”

She stood gracefully among them, calm and composed.

Just then—

Kartik returned with Aarav.

Kartik clapped his hands dramatically.

“Attention everyone! Paakhi, be ready. Tonight is my bachelor party. Everyone has to come.”

Cheers erupted.

Then he turned to Siya.

“And Siya Bhabhi… you too.”

She raised an eyebrow slightly.

“Fine,” she replied with a small smile.

“But,” Kartik added mischievously, “my bride has decided the dress code.”

“Dress code?” Siya asked.

“Yes,” he grinned. “Western.”

The cousins squealed excitedly.

“This will be fun!”

Siya smirked slightly.

For a brief moment—

She forgot the investigation.

Forgot Raj.

Forgot the tension.

Her mind was already planning what to wear.

Across the room, Aarav noticed that spark in her eyes.

And for the first time that day—

He felt lighter too.

Kartik concluded dramatically,

“Tonight. Novelty Palace. Don’t be late!”

The energy in the room rose instantly.

Music.

Laughter.

Excitement.

But somewhere beneath it—

Something was waiting.

Siya stood in front of the bed, staring at the dress laid out before her.

A black western dress.

Elegant. Bold. Striking.

She picked it up—

Then placed it aside again.

Just then, the door opened.

Aarav walked in.

“So,” he said casually, leaning against the door, “what are you going to wear?”

She didn’t look at him.

“Why should I tell you?”

He smiled. “Fine. I’ll see for myself.”

She shot him a glare.

He only smiled wider.

“Okay then,” he said, walking further inside. “At least tell me what I should wear.”

She folded her arms.

“Wear whatever you want. I know you won’t look good anyway.”

He placed a hand dramatically on his chest.

“Oh really? You know, I was the heartthrob of my college.”

She burst out laughing.

“Nice joke.”

“I’m serious!” Aarav protested.

She shook her head, still smiling.

He stepped closer.

“You know… I look very handsome in a burgundy suit.”

“Oh really?” she said teasingly.

“Yes. Today I’ll wear that.”

She smirked.

“Don’t wear it Aarav. You’ll ruin the color.”

He narrowed his eyes playfully and walked toward her until they were standing close.

“Enough, Mrs. Goenka,” he said softly. “Just wait and see me tonight.”

She looked straight into his eyes.

“We’ll see.”

There was challenge in her tone.

And something else.

Something neither of them acknowledged.

But both felt.

Evening arrived.

Siya stood in front of the mirror wearing a black bodycon dress.

It flowed down to her ankles, elegant and fitted.

The back was bare — held together by thin threads she had to tie herself.

She tried once.

Then again.

It slipped from her fingers.

She sighed in frustration.

Just then—

The door opened.

Aaray stepped inside.

He was wearing a burgundy suit.

And he froze.

For a second, he simply stood there.

Because she looked breathtaking.

Siya saw him through the mirror.

And deliberately ignored him.

“Do you need help?” he asked quietly.

“No,” she replied. “I’ll manage.”

He walked closer.

She turned slightly. “What?”

“Let me.”

Before she could protest, he gently took the thread from her hand.

She went still.

His fingers brushed lightly against her bare back as he tied the knot carefully.

A chill ran down her spine.

Her breath hitched.

In the mirror—

Their eyes met.

Neither looked away.

He finished tying the thread but didn’t step back immediately.

“You’re looking very beautiful,” he said softly.

Her heart skipped.

And she hated that it did.

Hated that her body reacted before her mind could control it.

She turned to face him.

“Thank you,” she said quickly.

But he didn’t move.

They were too close.

His breath warm against her face.

For a moment, the world outside the room didn’t exist.

Then he stepped back slowly.

“Now tell me,” he said lightly, adjusting his cuff, “how do I look?”

She looked at him properly.

The burgundy suit fit him perfectly.

Sharp. Confident. Striking.

She went quiet.

He noticed.

A smirk tugged at his lips.

“I’m looking handsome, right?”

She looked away first.

“No. You’re not.”

And she walked out of the room before he could respond.

He watched her leave.

Smiling.

Because her silence had already answered him.