The Next Morning – Holi
Gauri descended the grand staircase, dressed in a stunning white-and-golden lehenga that shimmered in the soft morning light. The dupatta trailed gracefully behind her, her hair flowing loose, and the sound of her anklets echoed in the quiet hall.
She paused, noticing the emptiness of the living room. "Strange… no one's here," she murmured. A faint smile touched her lips. "Everyone must already be in the courtyard."
Stepping outside, her eyes widened at the festive sight—the courtyard was alive with colors, laughter, and music. Family members tossed gulal at one another, their faces already tinted in shades of pink and yellow.
But before she could take in more, Gauri's gaze met Vihaan's. He stood slightly apart, in a crisp white kurta, his sharp features lit by the sunlight. His eyes locked on her, and for a moment, time seemed to halt. The sight of her in the golden lehenga left him utterly spellbound.
Yug, standing beside him with Raani, noticed the way his brother was staring and smirked. Nudging Raani, he whispered loud enough for Vihaan to hear, "Look at Bhaiya, completely lost! If the colors don't hit him, Gauri bhabhi surely has!"
Raani giggled and joined in, "True! Just look at his face, he's mesmerized."
Vihaan snapped out of it, glaring at them, but before he could retort, Yug dipped his hand into a plate of red gulal. "Perfect chance! Today I'll be the first to apply color to you, Bhaiya!" he declared playfully, stepping toward him.
Vihaan quickly held up his hand to stop him. "Don't you dare, Yug. You know I don't let anyone put color on me."
Yug pouted exaggeratedly. "See, Bhabhi? Every Holi, Bhaiya avoids colors like he's allergic to them. No one dares touch him."
Gauri tilted her head, her lips curling into a mischievous smile. Her eyes flicked toward Vihaan, who looked back sternly, as if reading her thoughts.
"This year will be different," she said softly, her voice carrying a challenge.
Vihaan's jaw tightened. "Don't even think about it, Gauri. I'm warning you—color irritates me."
"Okay," she replied sweetly, nodding as though she accepted his words.
But before Vihaan could relax, Gauri suddenly snatched a fistful of pink powder from a nearby tray. With a swift flick of her wrist, she tossed it at him.
The colors burst against his chest and face, blooming like fireworks on his pristine white kurta. Gasps and giggles erupted from the courtyard.
Vihaan stood frozen, utterly shocked, his expression a mix of disbelief and outrage. Gauri laughed, her bangles jingling as she clapped her hands together.
"Happy Holi, Vihaan," she teased, her eyes glinting with triumph.
Vihaan's stunned expression still lingered as the pink powder clung to his kurta and cheek. Gauri laughed boldly, lifting her chin.
"I'm Gauri," she declared proudly, "and I do the things no one dares to do!"
Her anklets chimed as she spun lightly, throwing her arms open to the festive air. With a bright grin, she began reciting:
"Holi is the festival of hues,
It brings new bonds, old ties renews.
Those who fear, always lose,
But the brave ones—Holi they choose!"
Her voice rang out like music, playful and fearless. The family nearby clapped and cheered at her fiery spirit, while Yug and Raani whistled in delight.
As she finished her verse, Gauri flicked her dupatta back and moved to walk past Vihaan. But before she could take more than two steps, Vihaan's hand shot out, gripping her wrist firmly. In one swift motion, he pulled her close, their bodies nearly colliding.
Gauri's laughter caught in her throat as her eyes widened. His gaze was intense, molten with something deeper than irritation.
"Where do you think you're going?" Vihaan asked, his voice low, almost a growl.
Before she could answer, he tilted his face closer, brushing his cheek deliberately against hers. The pink powder smeared from her face to his, their breaths mingling as the courtyard seemed to fall into a hush. The air between them sizzled with unspoken tension, their hearts thundering in sync.
Yug's jaw dropped in exaggerated shock. "Arre wah, Bhaiya! So this is why you never let anyone put color on you—because you were saving it for Bhabhi!"
Raani burst into giggles, clapping her hands. "Such a romantic scene! Holi's colors have finally reached Bhaiya's heart!"
Gauri flushed crimson beneath the streaks of pink, her lips parting in surprise. Vihaan, still holding her close, gave a faint smirk as though he didn't regret a single move.
The courtyard erupted in playful laughter, while the two of them stood locked in a moment that spoke louder than words.
Vihaan's smirk faltered as the weight of what he'd just done settled over him. His grip on Gauri's wrist loosened, and after a beat, he let her go.
Gauri quickly stepped back, her dupatta swishing as she put space between them. Her cheeks burned hotter than the Holi colors smeared across her face. She lowered her gaze, fumbling to gather her composure.
Vihaan turned slightly away, jaw tight, as though trying to mask the storm of emotions flickering across his face. For a fleeting moment, his hardened demeanor cracked, revealing something raw—something he didn't want her to see.
Neither spoke. The laughter and teasing of Yug and Raani filled the air, but to Vihaan and Gauri, the world seemed to stand still.
Gauri pressed her palm against her chest, willing her racing heartbeat to calm. Why did it feel like every breath around him was pulling her deeper?
Vihaan clenched his fists, forcing himself to walk away. Each step carried the weight of restraint, as if turning back would unravel the wall he had so carefully built.
Both of them stood apart now, yet the heat of their shared moment lingered in the space between them—unspoken, undeniable, and unforgettable.