*2:30am, Krishav's room*
"But, where the hell is this Veeransh?"
Suddenly the washroom door opened and Veeransh stepped out, water still dripping from his face. Damp strands of hair clung to his forehead. He made eye contact with Krishav. Before he could even speak, Krishav suddenly pushed and shoved him back inside the washroom. He stumbled against the marble countertop as Krishav cornered him there, one hand braced beside him.
Krishav's eyes full of anger. "Now tell me the truth," he said coldly. "What exactly are you planning for my family?"
Veeransh winced as his back hit the cold marble counter. The water droplets slid slowly down his neck onto the collar of his partially unbuttoned kurta. "You shoved me into a washroom at two-thirty in the night just to ask me that?"
Krishav ignored his question and leaned closer, forcing Veeransh to crane his neck back. His grip on his wrist was tight, almost punishing. "Don't test my patience. I'm already regretting not exposing you downstairs."
Veeransh's wet fingers gripped the edge of the counter behind him. "Then why didn't you? You could've ruined me in front of everyone. You could've told them everything you suspect." His lips curled faintly. "But instead, you married me."
"Because I wanted to expose you in my way. I'm gonna ruin you. I know you have allies with that Tamas."
Veeransh twisted his eyebrows. "What?! Me?" He scoffed, "Mr. Singhania, I didn't even know that guy existed till today."
"All lies. All lies." Krishav tightened his fingers around Veeransh's triceps. "I saw you that day talking with him."
"Which day?"
"On the night of sangeet. When you stepped off the stage."
Veeransh is confused. Because that day when he stepped away, he only met Rehaan in the corner of the hall. "I... I didn't meet him.."
"Yes you did!" Krishav pushed him a bit more.
"I only met Rehaan that day! He brought me my papa's ring... That's why I went away." Veeransh showed him the ring which he was wearing on his left hand.
Krishav wanted nothing more than to punch Veeransh right across the face. His fists had already clenched. But the moment Pawan's face flashed through his mind, he stopped himself. Pawan had been more than just his father's trusted man. He had practically been family. Krishav's closest friend growing up. And now, standing in front of him was Pawan's son. The same Veeransh who had somehow become his nemesis.
Krishav's grip loosened for the briefest second.
Veeransh noticed it and moved away to be at comfort level. He slowly raised his hand. "My father gave this to Rehaan before he died," Veeransh said quietly. "Rehaan returned it to me that night."
Krishav's eyes remained fixed on the ring. Pawan used to wear that ring all the time. "You expect me to believe all this?"
Veeransh looked directly into his eyes. "I don't care whether you believe me or not."
The washroom became quiet.
Krishav suddenly grabbed Veeransh's jaw harshly, forcing him to look up. "Then explain one thing to me. Why did you come back after all these years?"
"My father died—"
"That's not enough reason."
"It was for me. You think the whole world revolves around your suspicions, don't you?"
"And you think acting innocent will save you?"
Before Veeransh could respond, Krishav suddenly moved even closer. "You still don't have a good motive. You broke my brother's engagement with Ayesha and he fell for you in just two days?"
"Love doesn't require time."
Krishav leaned in. "You know, I hate your guts."
Veeransh scoffed, "Do you think I'll care?"
"You should." Krishav stepped even closer.
"Hahaha," Veeransh laughed. "You know what's funny?"
Krishav glared at him.
"You hate me so much," Veeransh said. "But you were still ready to ruin your own life just to stop me from marrying Kairav."
That sentence hit harder than Krishav expected. His expression changed instantly. But he composed himself. And grabbed Veeransh by the waist. "If you love my bhai.. then—"
Krishav pushed his lips onto Veeransh. Veeransh froze for a second. The kiss was messy, angry, almost reckless. It carried every ounce of frustration, jealousy, confusion, and rage Krishav had been trying to suppress all night. Krishav's lips kept pushing on Veeransh's lips and sucking on them, before bitting them slightly. None of them moved.
Then Veeransh shoved him back slightly, breathing unevenly. "Have you completely lost your mind?"
Krishav's chest rose and fell heavily. His hand still remained around Veeransh's waist. "Maybe I have," he muttered darkly.
Veeransh stared at him in disbelief. "You hate me one second and the next second you do this?"
Krishav clenched his jaw tightly. "You don't get to talk about confusion after what you've done tonight."
"And what exactly did I do?" Veeransh shot back. "You're the one who married me!"
"Because I couldn't let Kairav marry you!" The words escaped louder than Krishav thought. Silence immediately followed.
Veeransh's expression slowly changed. Krishav realized what he had admitted and looked away frustratedly, running a hand through his hair. "Damn it…"
Veeransh took a slow step closer now, studying him carefully. "So that's the truth?"
Krishav didn't answer.
"You weren't angry because you thought I was dangerous," Veeransh continued softly. "You were angry because Kairav loved me."
"That's not what this is."
"Then what is it?"
Krishav looked back at him sharply. His eyes were filled with emotions even he himself couldn't fully understand anymore. "I don't know," he admitted finally.
For several seconds, neither of them spoke.
Then Veeransh slowly removed Krishav's hand from his waist. "We're both exhausted. And tonight has already ruined enough lives. I need rest. But if you truly think I'm hiding something," Veeransh added while stepping toward the door, "then find actual proof before accusing me again."
He paused for a moment, touching his lips. "And next time," Veeransh murmured, "don't kiss someone just because you're angry."
With that, he walked out of the washroom, leaving Krishav standing alone infront of the mirror. He couldn't even face himself at that moment. Frustrated, he shut his eyes and rubbed the bridge of his nose.
* * *
The dining hall was unusually quiet today. Golden sunlight streamed through the tall glass windows, falling across the long marble dining table where breakfast had already been arranged perfectly by the servants. Every member of the family sat at the table.
Then footsteps echoed from the staircase and everyone looked up.
Krishav descended first, wearing his plain black tshirt and jeans. Beside him walked Veeransh in an ivory shirt tucked in his pants. The faint fragrance of sandalwood followed him.
The sight alone was enough to tighten Kairav's chest. His gaze remained fixed on Veeransh. Just yesterday, he was supposed to become his husband.
Lalita immediately stood up from her chair. "My son…" she said while walking toward Krishav first. "Go sit, beta."
Krishav nodded quietly and moved toward the table. Then Lalita turned toward Veeransh. "I know," she said, "you were supposed to marry my Kairav, but whatever happened…" Lalita cupped his cheek affectionately, "…you are still my child." The entire family looked toward them silently. "And now," she continued with a small smile, "as the new damaad of this house, you must do your pehli rasoi."
Veeransh spoke up, "Auntie—" He stopped himself instantly. "I mean… Mummy ji. I already prepared kheer this morning… and I also offered it for the puja."
Lalita's eyes widened instantly. "Really?" she asked excitedly. Veeransh nodded slowly. "Arre wah…" Lalita kissed his forehead warmly. "Now come. Let's all eat together."
Veeransh walked toward the table and took the empty seat beside Krishav. The moment he sat down, Prem leaned closer toward Krishav with a mischievous grin.
"Bhai," he whispered dramatically, "your choice is too good." Krishav glared at him instantly and Prem ignored it completely. "I don't think Jhanvi di could've impressed Badi Mummy this quickly the way Jiju already did."
"Shut up, idiot," Krishav muttered quietly.
Across the table, Ananya nearly choked trying not to laugh while Koustuv kicked Prem under the table. Veeransh pretended not to hear any of it, but the corner of his lips twitched slightly.
Lalita clapped softly. "Veeransh beta, go serve everyone the kheer."
"Ji."
Veeransh stood up and served the kheer in silver bowls to everyone. The sweet fragrance made them smile. Veeransh finally reached Kairav and gently placed a bowl before him. "Kheer."
Kairav looked up at him. For one painful second, their eyes met. All the memories of last night and previous times flashed him and his chest burned. Suddenly, he pushed his chair back harshly and stood up and walked away.
Krishav instinctively started standing up too, but Lalita stopped him gently. "No," she said quietly. "Let him go." Krishav hesitated, but sat back. "He's not weak," Lalita said.
The atmosphere became uncomfortable again until Prem took a spoonful of the kheer. And his eyes widened dramatically. "Oh damn. This is actually very tasty."
Rashmi tasted it next and nodded approvingly. "Very good, Veeransh."
Ganga smiled too. "The texture is perfect, beta."
Even Rajesh, despite his irritation from last night, quietly admitted, "Not bad."
"Not bad?" Lalita scoffed. "This is the best kheer we've had."
Aarav grinned. "Veeransh cooked better than half the chefs."
"True bhai," Aastha agreed. "Krishav bhai got lucky."
Krishav rolled his eyes while Veeransh sat back down beside him again. But underneath the table, Krishav suddenly placed his hand over Veeransh's, stiffening him instantly. "It is tasty." Then Krishav slowly squeezed his fingers while continuing to eat casually, as though nothing had happened. A smug smirk appeared on his face.
Veeransh shot him an irritated look."What are you doing?"
"Nothing," Krishav replied innocently.
But before either of them could continue—
"Nahi, sis! Leave me!"
Everyone turned sharply toward the hallway. Ayesha stormed into the dining hall furiously while Jhanvi hurried behind her trying to stop her. "Ayesha! Wait!"
Lalita stood up immediately. "What happened?"
Jhanvi looked distressed. "Aunty… Mom and Dad left early this morning."
"What?"
"They said they're going on a trip for some time," Jhanvi explained. "They told us to manage ourselves."
Ayesha looked furious. "Even our parents left because of this mess!" she snapped before glaring directly towards Veeransh. "Everything got ruined because of him."
Lalita sighed tiredly before walking towards both girls. "Then stay here," she said gently. "This house is still your home too."
Jhanvi lowered her eyes immediately to hide the satisfaction. Now nobody would question Yogesh and Sonia's disappearance.
Her gaze shifted toward Krishav and his hand that still rested possessively over Veeransh's.
And suddenly, something burned in her chest. Her eyes turned red for a split second and without another word, Jhanvi abruptly turned and walked away from the dining hall.
"Areh— Jhanvi!" Ayesha called confusedly. But Jhanvi had already disappeared into her room.
Moments later, the loud sound of something shattering echoed faintly from above.
Ananya blinked once before slowly looking toward Rashmi. "Mom, I think she's officially lost it. Definitely need therapy."
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Guide:
pehli rasoi - first cooking done by new spouse
kheer - sweet dish
Badi Mummy - father's elder brother's wife
Jiju - here brother's husband
Ji - here yes