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CLASH.

Next Day – Afternoon

Rudra entered Raghuvanshi Mansion. His eyes fell on his family, all seated comfortably on the couches, faces relaxed and glowing. But inside him, tension stirred as his father’s words echoed in his mind.

He knew what to do.

Without a word, he turned on his heel and walked to his room. The door clicked shut behind him. He placed his stuff on the nightstand, opened the closet, pulled out fresh clothes, and made his way to the bathroom.

He twisted the shower knob, letting cold water cascade over him. Standing naked under the icy stream, every sculpted muscle on his body glistened. Years of hard work were evident in the strong lines of his physique. His devilish smile curved his lips, and that dimple—sharp and deep—only enhanced his dangerously divine face.

Twenty minutes later, he stepped out, droplets still clinging to his skin. He slipped into a navy blue polo T-shirt, paired with white jeans. With practiced hands, he slicked his hair with gel, spritzed his signature perfume, fastened his Rolex watch, and finally laced up his blue sports shoes.

Rudra glanced in the mirror one last time. The man staring back wasn’t just prepared—he was ready.

Descending the stairs, he walked up to where his family still lounged and said casually,

“Chaliye, Dadi. Time ho gaya hai.”

A stunned silence followed. Gasps echoed across the hall as everyone exchanged confused glances.

Just yesterday, Rudra had rejected even the thought of marriage. But today—he stood in front of them, not only ready, but leading the way.

No questions asked, he picked up the car keys. The convoy moved toward their private airbase, where two jets stood gleaming, already prepped for departure.

One by one, the family settled into their respective seats.

Meanwhile, Rudra leaned back in his chair. His lips curved into that dangerous smile again.

His eyes… they were telling a very different story.

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Singh Mansion – Varanasi

The entire house was buzzing like a festival. Shimmers of marigold and jasmine garlands hung across the entrance, diyas glowed softly in every corner, and the fragrance of sandalwood filled the air.

Inside, Nutan Singh instructed the servants nonstop—

“Phool sahi se lagao, seedhe karo… haan, yeh rangoli ke corner mein diya rakho.”

Karnika came running from the kitchen, adjusting her dupatta. “Mummyji, sweet trays ready hain. Bas thodi hi der mein set ho jayengi.”

And then, the sound everyone was waiting for—

“Buiiiiiiii!”

Little Kian came rushing to the entrance, his small feet pattering against the marble floor. His eyes shone with mischief. Behind him, Noor finally stepped inside her home after six long years.

She wore a pastel peach anarkali, simple yet elegant, her dupatta falling carelessly over her shoulders. Her long hair cascaded like silk, and her almond-shaped eyes shimmered with emotion.

“Meri Laadooo…” Nutan’s voice cracked as she ran forward, hugging her tightly. Tears spilled down both mother and daughter’s cheeks.

“Mummy… bas karo, rona band karo,” Noor laughed softly, trying to wipe her mother’s face. “Main abhi hoon yahin, kahin jaane wali nahi.”

Nitesh Singh stepped closer, his commanding presence softened with emotion. He cupped his daughter’s face gently. “Chheh saal baad ghar roshan ho gaya hai, Noor.”

Before she could reply, a loud whistle pierced the air.

“Arre arre… madam America se aayi aur mujhe hug bhi nahi de rahi?” Karan teased, pulling his sister into a bear hug.

“Bhai!” Noor squealed, smacking his arm. “Ab bhi wahi shararat? Bade nahi huye kya?”

“Bade toh ho gaye,” Karnika interrupted, walking gracefully with a thali of aarti. “Par tumhari taraf dekh kar lagta hai tum bilkul waise hi ho jaise chheh saal pehle thi. Sirf aur bhi khubsurat.”

Noor blushed, hugging her bhabhi tightly. “Bhabhi-Maa…”

And then, the little prince tugged at her anarkali.

“Bui, main yahin hoon! Mujhe bhool gayi?” Kian pouted.

Noor bent down instantly, scooping him up in her arms. “Arey meri jaan! Kaise bhool sakti hoon main tujhe?” She peppered his cheeks with kisses as he giggled, clinging to her tightly.

The house filled with laughter, warmth, and chaos. Noor was finally home.

But in one corner, Nutan whispered to Karnika, her tone both nervous and excited—

“Shaam tak Raghuvanshi parivaar aa jayega… Noor ki kismat likhi jaane wali hai.”

Noor, overhearing the words faintly, paused. Her brows furrowed. Raghuvanshi?

She had no idea that her homecoming… was about to collide with her destiny.

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Singh Mansion – Afternoon Lunch

The long dining table was filled with love and chatter. Silver bowls of dal, paneer, kheer, and steaming rotis covered the table. The whole family gathered happily around Noor, feeding her bites, teasing her, asking about her life in the US.

“Noor, bata… sabse zyada yaad kiski aayi wahaan?” Karan teased.

“Of course meri!” Kian piped up before Noor could even answer.

Everyone burst out laughing. Noor leaned down to kiss his cheek. “Haan, bilkul meri jaan. Teri yaad sabse zyada aayi.”

The room glowed with warmth. But soon, Nitesh Singh’s tone shifted. He put down his spoon, his voice calm but serious.

“Noor, ek baat karni hai tumse.”

Noor looked at him, surprised at the sudden change in mood. “Ji, Papa?”

Nitesh exchanged a glance with Nutan, then cleared his throat. “Kal Raghuvanshi parivaar aa raha hai tumhe dekhne.”

The spoon in Noor’s hand clinked against the plate. Her eyes widened. “Mujhe dekhne? Matlab… shaadi ka rishta?”

Nitesh’s voice was steady. “Haan, beti. Ladka achha hai. Naam Rudra Raghuvanshi. Uske parivaar se main khud mila hoon. Sanskari log hain. Aur Noor… ek din toh tumhe shaadi karni hi hai.”

Noor’s heart raced. Her lips trembled. “Papa, main… abhi ready nahi hoon. Maine aapko bataya bhi tha… meri studies, mera kaam—”

Nitesh placed his hand gently over hers. His eyes softened, full of fatherly affection. “Beti, main tumhari feelings samajhta hoon. Main tum par force kabhi nahi karunga. Sirf ek mulaqat hai. Mil lo, baat kar lo. Agar pasand na aaye, toh main aage baat hi nahi badhaunga. Lekin ek baar chance toh do… apne liye, aur mere liye.”

The room was silent, all eyes on Noor. She looked at her father’s wrinkled yet strong hand over hers, and something inside her melted. She nodded slowly.

“Thik hai, Papa. Main milungi.”

Nutan exhaled in relief, Karnika smiled softly, and little Kian clapped his hands innocently, not understanding but joining the happiness.

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That Evening – Singh Mansion

The air was thick with anticipation. The Singh family sat in the decorated drawing room. Crystal chandeliers shone above, the fragrance of fresh roses filled the air. Noor sat quietly beside her mother, her palms cold, heart racing.

And then—

the heavy sound of polished shoes echoed at the entrance.

The Raghuvanshi family arrived.

Vivek Raghuvanshi in his crisp suit, Soumya elegant in her silk saree, and Dadi Maa walking with regal authority. Behind them… Rudra.

He entered like a storm in disguise—navy polo hugging his broad shoulders, white jeans sharp and neat, Rolex gleaming on his wrist. His aura was magnetic, dangerous, commanding.

Noor’s breath hitched the moment their eyes met.

Rudra’s gaze, sharp and unreadable, locked on her face. Those almond-shaped brown eyes of hers mirrored innocence and warmth… a sharp contrast to his cold intensity.

Time stilled for a heartbeat.

“Swagat hai aapka,” Nitesh said warmly, breaking the silence.

The two powerful families greeted each other, pleasantries exchanged, tea served. But the unspoken electricity between Noor and Rudra had already begun weaving its thread.

For everyone else, this was a meeting.

For Noor and Rudra… this was the beginning of destiny.

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Thank youu for Reading.