The house was abuzz with excitement and joy, adorned in a vibrant yellow theme that signified the Haldi Ceremony. Yellow drapes hung gracefully, and marigold flowers were strung everywhere, their golden hue adding to the festive ambiance. The air was filled with laughter and the sweet fragrance of the flowers, blending perfectly with the scent of sandalwood and turmeric.

Every guest wore yellow, the color of happiness and prosperity, creating a sea of sunshine as people mingled and chatted. The lawn was a picturesque scene, meticulously decorated with bright yellow tents and intricately designed rangoli patterns on the ground, welcoming the guests and adding to the joyous atmosphere.

At the center of the lawn were two large bowls filled with turmeric paste, symbolizing the purification and beautification process for the bride and groom. Each bowl was placed on a beautifully carved wooden stool, indicating where the bride and groom would sit for the ceremony. The stools were adorned with yellow cushions and flower garlands, making them look regal and inviting.

As the ceremony began, the guests gathered around the center stage, their faces glowing with anticipation and excitement. Traditional music played softly in the background, enhancing the celebratory mood. Children ran around with baskets of flower petals, ready to shower them on the couple once they took their seats.

The atmosphere was filled with warmth and love, as family and friends prepared to bless the bride and groom with turmeric, symbolizing their wish for a prosperous and happy married life. The Haldi Ceremony, with its rich traditions and joyful spirit, was not just a ritual but a beautiful celebration of love, unity, and the start of a new journey for the couple.

Khushi entered the beautifully decorated lawn, holding her father Aarav's hand. Aarav was visibly amazed at the transformation. The vibrant yellow theme and festive decorations brought back memories of his own pre-wedding ceremony years ago with Maya, a time marred by his stepmother's manipulations that had shattered his self-confidence. Today, however, those painful memories would be replaced by new, happier ones. Khushi led him to the wooden stool next to one of the large bowls of turmeric paste, guiding him gently as his eyes searched the crowd for Manvi.

Khushi noticed his anxious expression and couldn't resist teasing him. "Dadda, intezar nahi ho raha hai dost ka?" she asked with a mischievous smile.

Aarav smiled, but then his expression turned thoughtful as he realized Khushi had referred to Manvi as "dost" rather than "Mumma." "Khushi, aaj dost kyun bula rahi ho Manvi ko?" he asked, curious.

Khushi quickly responded, "Dadda, shaadi ke baad wo meri Mumma banegi na, tab tak meri dost."

Aarav was satisfied with her explanation, and Khushi let out a sigh of relief. The little exchange lightened the atmosphere and reaffirmed their bond, even as changes loomed on the horizon.

Just then, Manvi entered the lawn, accompanied by Sharda. She was dressed in a stunning yellow lehenga, adorned with jewelry made of delicate flowers. The ensemble accentuated her elegance, and her presence commanded attention. She walked gracefully towards the area where Aarav was sitting, her eyes meeting his with a warmth that made his heart flutter. The background music, soft and melodious, enhanced the beauty of the moment.

Aarav stared at her, his eyes filled with love and admiration. The world around them seemed to fade away as Manvi approached. She sat beside him on the second wooden stool, her presence bringing him a sense of peace and happiness.

The guests watched with smiles, witnessing the deep connection between Aarav and Manvi. The air was filled with a sense of anticipation and joy as the Haldi Ceremony was about to begin, marking the start of a new chapter in their lives.

The serene night air, the soft glow of the decorations, and the gentle hum of the music created a perfect setting. Manvi and Aarav, sitting side by side, ready to partake in the sacred ritual, represented not just a couple about to be married, but the union of two souls finding solace and strength in each other. The ceremony, rich in tradition and emotion, promised to wipe away the past sorrows and pave the way for a future filled with love and happiness.

Sharda approached with the Haldi bowl, the vibrant yellow paste shimmering under the lights. Khushi, filled with excitement, ran to her and eagerly dug her hand into the bowl. "Main lagaungi pehle dadda ko," she declared with a wide grin.

"Thik hai," Sharda agreed, her own smile mirroring the joy of the moment.

Khushi turned and approached her father, her eyes twinkling with affection. She gently applied the Haldi on his face, her touch tender and loving. Aarav looked at his daughter with immense love, his heart swelling with pride and happiness. He leaned his head against hers, closing his eyes to savor the blissful moment. The bond between them was palpable, a testament to their unbreakable connection.

Manvi watched the two, a bittersweet smile playing on her lips. She couldn't shake off the sting of Khushi's recent behavior, knowing it was influenced by Maya's manipulations. The pain was evident in her eyes, but she forced herself to focus on the joy of the present moment.

Khushi then moved to Manvi, her smile fading as she approached. Manvi's own smile vanished, replaced by a look of longing and sadness. Khushi applied the Haldi on Manvi's face with a forced smile, maintaining the facade for her father's sake. Manvi's heart ached at the distance she felt between them.

As Khushi turned to leave, Manvi grabbed her hand, a desperate plea in her voice. "Khushi, I love you," she said, her eyes searching Khushi's for any sign of their old bond.

Khushi smiled in return, but it was a smile that didn't reach her eyes. She gently pulled her hand away and left, leaving Manvi feeling a profound sense of loss.

The festive atmosphere continued around them, the guests chatting and laughing, unaware of the undercurrents of tension and heartache. Manvi glanced at Aarav, who was still basking in the joy of the moment, his eyes sparkling with happiness. She knew she had to hold onto this love and these precious moments, even as she prepared to confront the challenges that lay ahead.

As the ceremony progressed, Manvi tried to focus on the ritual, the feel of the Haldi on her skin, the soothing sound of the music, and the comforting presence of Aarav beside her. She reminded herself that this was just a phase, and she would find a way to mend the rift with Khushi, to protect her family from Maya's schemes, and to cherish the love that had brought her and Aarav together.

The night continued, filled with laughter, blessings, and the vibrant spirit of the Haldi ceremony. Manvi's resolve strengthened with each passing moment, knowing that love would guide her through the storms ahead.

Khushi and Sharda exchanged mischievous glances after playfully dropping buckets filled with water over Aarav and Manvi during the Haldi ceremony. The atmosphere was filled with laughter and joy as the guests cheered at the unexpected turn of events.

Sharda's smile widened as she teased, "Chalo Manvi, jaake nahalo." Her voice carried a playful tone, reflecting the loving bond she shared with Manvi.

Manvi, her yellow lehenga now glistening with droplets of water, smiled back at Sharda. Despite the initial shock of getting drenched, she couldn't help but feel a surge of happiness. The cool water felt refreshing against her skin after the warmth of the ceremony. She knew Sharda's playful act was a gesture of affection and camaraderie, a moment of light-heartedness amidst the emotional intensity of the day.

With grace and dignity, Manvi rose from her seat and made her way into the mansion. The sound of her footsteps echoed softly in the serene surroundings, accompanied by the faint strains of traditional music from the ceremony still drifting through the air. As she walked, she couldn't shake off the warmth in her heart. Despite the challenges she faced with Khushi and Maya's return, moments like these reminded her of the love and support she had within her family.

Inside the mansion, the soft glow of the lamps and the gentle fragrance of incense greeted her. She headed towards her room, her mind filled with thoughts of the day's events. The echoes of laughter and the loving gestures lingered in her memory, offering a sense of comfort and reassurance.

Manvi entered her room, her mind still filled with the echoes of laughter and joy from the Haldi ceremony. The soft glow of the lamps cast a warm ambiance, accentuating the golden hues of her lehenga and the intricate floral jewelry that adorned her. Closing the door behind her, she welcomed the solitude, relishing a moment of quiet reflection.

Standing before the mirror, Manvi gazed at her reflection. Her eyes, reflecting the happiness of the day's celebrations, held a quiet resolve beneath their softness. She ran a hand gently over her attire, smoothing out imaginary creases and adjusting the delicate jewelry that adorned her hair.

Before she could begin to change, a rustling sound caught her attention. Startled, she turned towards the window, where Aarav's silhouette appeared. Her surprise quickly turned to warmth as he entered the room with a smile that melted her heart. Without a word, he closed the distance between them and pulled her close.

Manvi was about to speak, but Aarav gently placed a finger on her lips, silencing her. "Shh... sabne haldi lagadi lekin tumne mujhe nahi lagayi aur na maine tumhe," he whispered, his voice filled with playful reproach. His hand moved to her waist, drawing her nearer as he dipped his fingers into the bowl of Haldi.

A soft blush spread across Manvi's cheeks as she watched him apply the turmeric paste on her hand. His touch was tender and affectionate, causing her heart to flutter with warmth and love. She turned to leave, but Aarav's arms around her waist prevented her escape, his eyes silently pleading for her attention.

Caught in his gaze, Manvi couldn't help but smile back at him. She knew what he wanted a reciprocation of their playful gesture. With a shy glance, she took a small handful of Haldi and rubbed it gently on his cheek. Her touch was light and teasing, yet filled with the same affection he had shown her.

Aarav closed his eyes briefly, relishing the intimate moment they shared. His hands moved to cup her face, his touch gentle yet possessive. Manvi could feel the love and desire in his touch, and she leaned into his embrace, her heart swelling with love and contentment.

As they stood together in the soft glow of the room, their laughter mingled with the quiet music playing in the background. The air around them seemed to shimmer with the promise of their love, untouched by the challenges that awaited them outside their sanctuary.

Manvi looked into Aarav's eyes, her own filled with tenderness and adoration. They stood together, enveloped in each other's presence, finding solace and strength in the intimate bond they shared. In that moment, all worries and uncertainties melted away, leaving only the profound connection between them that transcended words.

Outside, the night continued with its own rhythm, but inside their sanctuary, time seemed to stand still. Their love, expressed through simple gestures and silent glances, was a testament to the depth of their commitment and the resilience of their bond.

Together, they embraced the fleeting moments of peace, knowing that whatever challenges they faced, their love would be their guiding light.

Maya sat in her dimly lit room, a faint smile playing on her lips as she clutched Aarav's photo printed on a cushion. The room itself seemed to exude an air of calculated intent, with shadows dancing ominously around her.

"Aarav, tum sirf Maya ke ho!" she whispered softly to herself, her voice carrying a chilling certainty. "Agar tum kisi aur ke hue toh tumhari Khushi tumhare paas nahi rahegi..." Her words dripped with possessiveness and determination, a stark contrast to the love and warmth shared by Aarav and Manvi.

With a slow, deliberate movement, Maya placed the cushion back on the bed, her eyes narrowing as a plan formed in her mind. Her smile widened into a smirk, reflecting the sinister satisfaction she felt at the prospect of revealing herself to Aarav.

"Ab waqt aa gaya hai ki main tumhare saamne aaun," Maya declared, her voice low and filled with purpose. She knew that the time had come to execute her schemes, to weave her manipulative webs around Aarav once more. In her mind, there was no room for hesitation or remorse—only the relentless pursuit of her desires, no matter the cost.

With that chilling resolve, Maya rose from her seat, the room seeming to darken further as she moved towards the door. Her steps were silent, but her mind raced with plans and strategies, each calculated to achieve her ultimate goal—to reclaim Aarav, no matter the consequences for those caught in her web of deceit.

The soft glow of her phone illuminating her face as she dialed Khushi's number. The air around her seemed charged with anticipation, a sinister smile playing on her lips as she waited for Khushi to pick up.

After a few rings, Khushi's voice answered on the other end of the line, filled with warmth and affection, "Haan Maa."

"Beta, kaisa hua Haldi ka function?" Maya inquired, her tone smooth and controlled, masking the scheming thoughts beneath.

"Bahut acha... Dadda was so happy," Khushi replied, her voice tinged with happiness from the recent festivities.

Maya's smile widened at Khushi's words. "Acha! Kal main tumse mil nahi paungi beta, mujhe jail jaana hai apna monthly routine ke liye," she said casually, her words dripping with a mix of feigned regret and dark humor.

Khushi, ever understanding and accommodating, agreed without hesitation. "Koi baat nahi Maa... Hum padso milenge," she reassured Maya, her affection for her mother evident even over the phone.

Maya's smile turned into a smirk as she heard Khushi's understanding tone. She nodded to herself, satisfied with the control she exerted over Khushi's emotions and actions.

With a quiet chuckle, Maya disconnected the call, leaving a lingering sense of unease in the air. The room fell into silence once more, the shadows seeming to deepen around her as she contemplated the events to come.

"Khushi, kal milenge Sangeet mein," Maya said cryptically, her mind already planning the next move in her intricate game.

Maya's laughter echoed faintly in the room, a chilling sound that spoke of her determination and the lengths she would go to achieve her goals.

Outside, the night continued its tranquil march, oblivious to the calculated manipulations unfolding behind closed doors. Maya's presence loomed ominously, casting a shadow over the delicate bonds of trust and love that Khushi held dear, her actions setting the stage for the next chapter of her intricate plan.