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Chapter 85 - Episode 85:Holi performance

The girls—Gauri, Maira, Teju, Charvi, and Raani—exchanged mischievous glances.

Gauri's smile widened as she stepped forward. "Let's make this Holi even more interesting…"

Maira clapped, her eyes glinting. "We challenge the boys to a dance-off!"

Teju added, "Let's see if they can keep up with us!"

Raani squealed, bouncing with excitement. "Yes! We'll totally win this!"

Charvi, glowing with happiness but mindful of her condition, said with a gentle laugh, "Don't underestimate us, boys. We'll dance circles around you."

On the opposite side, the boys—Mihir, Sahir, Vihaan, and Yug—exchanged glances.

Mihir smirked. "A challenge on Holi? Perfect. Let's show them."

Sahir pushed up his sleeves. "This is going to be fun."

Yug stretched dramatically, then shot a sideways glance at Charvi. "I'm always ready." His words carried a hidden meaning, and Gauri, noticing his look, blinked in surprise—realizing her sister might be the reason behind his confidence.

Vihaan's expression stayed calm, but his eyes flickered briefly toward Gauri, almost daring her.

The girls teased in sing-song voices:

"Oh, the boys are too stiff, they can't dance! They'll embarrass themselves!"

Mihir grinned. "Big words, ladies. Let's see you back them up."

The courtyard erupted in cheers as a playful circle formed around the challengers.

---

✨ Girls' Performance – Gauri, Maira, Teju, Charvi, Raani

They twirled into the center, their colorful lehengas swirling like splashes of paint, singing with playful harmony:

🎶 "Khelan Kyun Na Jaye Tu Hori Re Rasiya,

Pooche Hain Tohe Saari Guiyan,

Kahan Hai Badri Ki Dulhania?" 🎶

Their laughter rang like bells. Charvi moved gracefully but carefully, her hand resting on Gauri's for support, while Raani added extra flair, making the crowd cheer louder.

---

✨ Boys' Performance – Mihir, Sahir, Vihaan, Yug

The boys stormed forward with swagger, singing their reply:

🎶 "Kurti Pe Teri Malun Gulaal,

Rang Bata Blue Ya Laal,

Aaja Rang Doon Dono Gaal,

Arey Sara Rara Baby!" 🎶

Mihir pulled rockstar-style moves, Sahir threw in nerdy but hilarious steps, Yug danced with energy while sneaking glances at Charvi, and Vihaan's controlled but powerful movements kept pulling Gauri's attention to him.

---

✨ Climax – Together

The beats grew faster as both groups merged, dancing in sync, teasing, laughing, and spraying colors around.

🎶 "Tujhko Bana Kar Ke Le Jayenge

Badri Ki Dulhania!

Rani Bana Kar Ke Le Jayenge

Badri Ki Dulhania!" 🎶

The courtyard roared with cheers as petals and colors showered over them.

---

When the dance ended, everyone applauded.

Urvashi clapped joyfully. "What energy! Absolutely brilliant!"

Veena tried to hide a smile but failed. "The youngsters have turned Holi into a festival of fire."

Meanwhile, Gauri, still flushed, locked eyes with Vihaan—his smirk tugging faintly before he looked away. Charvi leaned against Gauri, laughing, while Yug's gaze lingered on her with unspoken admiration.

It was more than a dance-off—it was the beginning of new bonds, blooming in the colors of Holi.

✨ Scene – The Girls

The girls—Maira and Teju—huddled around Gauri, teasing yet concerned.

"Come on, Gauri," Maira said with a sly smile, "give him a chance. Vihaan isn't that bad, is he?"

Gauri's eyes dimmed. "You don't understand. He compelled me into marrying him. He's arrogant… and rude."

Teju gasped. "What? He forced you? Gauri, why didn't you ever tell us?"

Her voice broke into a whisper. "I was trapped. And now I'm stuck in this marriage."

She swallowed hard, her voice trembling. "He insults me without even knowing my truth. He… he once threw money at me like I was some commodity."

Maira and Teju exchanged a shocked glance, then gently moved closer.

"Don't let his cruelty define you," Maira whispered. "Maybe this doesn't have to be the end of your story."

Teju added softly, "You're married now, Gauri. If either of you takes a step forward, maybe this could still be a beginning."

Gauri shook her head quickly. "No. Vihaan and I can never be close. He doesn't care about me."

But Teju pressed, "Has he never shown you another side?"

Gauri hesitated. "…He has. He protected me. More than once. He kept me safe."

Maira's eyes brightened. "See? That means something. Maybe he's not all bad."

Gauri sat silent, torn between pain and the faintest glimmer of doubt.

---

✨ Scene – The Boys

Meanwhile, in another corner, Mihir and Sahir crowded around Vihaan.

"Yaar," Mihir nudged him, "you're married to a gorgeous woman, and you're acting like an old man sulking in a corner."

Sahir smirked. "Exactly. Any other guy would be over the moon."

Vihaan's expression hardened. "She only cares about money. How can she care about love?"

Sahir frowned. "That's harsh. Maybe she just isn't used to all this yet."

But Vihaan's voice sharpened, bitterness bleeding into his words. "She's used to selling herself for wealth and fame. That's who she is."

His mind flashed to Gauri's past—her bar dancing, the brothel humiliation. His jaw tightened. "She'll never change."

Mihir exchanged a look with Sahir, then leaned forward. "You can keep saying that, but if you don't take even a small step toward her, you'll both stay stuck. Relationships don't build themselves."

Vihaan's silence was heavy, his dark eyes flickering with something unspoken

---

✨ Next Scene – Yug and Charvi

At the same time, Yug was trailing Charvi through the courtyard.

Charvi finally spun, her brows raised. "Why are you following me?"

Yug grinned sheepishly. "Because I still haven't wished you Happy Holi."

She tilted her head. "You could've said it once instead of chasing me around."

"I had to say it properly," Yug said with mock seriousness. "Straight to your face."

Charvi rolled her eyes but couldn't hide the faint curve of her lips. "You're impossible."

"And yet," Yug replied cheekily, "you haven't told me to stop."

Charvi looked away, her cheeks faintly pink as Yug beamed at her, pleased with his little victory.

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