Bani and Veer were walking. Twilight danced around them as their steps synced and they continued in comfortable silence. Each lost in own thoughts.

For Bani, she was confused slightly. She understood Veer had lost his mother and his relationship with his dad wasn't all rosy. She just met his clingy cousin but didn't know much apart from this. She observed him, trying to latch on to any information she could gather about him. She did not think of it as a crush. To her, it was curiosity to know about the man who she would have to marry soon and live with for a while. She admits she was scared when she first realized she was going to get forced into a marriage but meeting Veer had not been a nightmare. Yes, she thought of him as a rude fellow initially and knew from Mehek-Dehek that he was a flirt but she couldn't help but notice that they suited each other well. He could read her emotions and she could understand him too. They could be great friends, they shouldn't be awkward just because of this deal.

Veer too walked besides her. He stole glances at her. She was beautiful, nobody could deny that. However, what differentiated her from the crowd were her doe-like eyes. She definitely had a rough childhood. Veer had lost his mother and that tainted a lot of his memories as a child so he could imagine what Bani felt. He missed his mother but this girl next to him had no one except her father's friend's family. He did not know the details but it did not need a smart man to realise her aunt treated her terribly. For some reason, his heart empathized with her. He was glad that even when their association was going to be brief, she would at least get away with her terrible aunt and live life on her own terms. He would ensure she had enough financial aid to help her stand on her own feet. She would be independent, life a happy life and probably fall in love with a man who deserved her. His heart felt heavy at the thought though.

B: Its nice you know.

She spoke. This bought Veer out of his reverie. He looked at her. She was looking at the sky as they settled near the shore. Winds blew on her face, her hair flowing carelessly. This carried her sweet smell that for some strange reason still unknown, reminded Veer of home.

V: yes.

B: I have such a busy day usually. I never really enjoyed a walk like this.

Veer sat next to her. Surprised and glad that she was sharing something.

V: If you don't mind me asking Bani. I want to know you better.

B: What about me?

V: Just, I want to know you better. We'll be married soon baby.

Bani scrunched her nose at the endearment but continued.

B: I know that. I too would like to know you better. It wouldn't hurt.

V: (smiles) so tell me...

B: How about this. You ask me a question and I'll answer. You will answer your question as well. Then I'll follow suit. Sounds good?

V: You first.

B: Um .....okay. Let's start with safe questions first. Favorite color? Mine is red and pink.

V: Is it not obvious.

B: Black?

Veer nodded. Bani smiled.

V: you must be hungry. Why don't we go to a place to eat and continue there?

B: It's quite peaceful here.

Bani said but at the same time her stomach grumbled. She blushed and Veer laughed. He brought her up.

V: How about this? We eat nearby and come here to sit post dinner. You don't have to rush home after all.

Bani smiled. It felt nice to feel carefree. They went to a nearby restaurant and Veer got them a cozy corner. They ordered food and continued their questions. They spoke of school, their favorite things and family. They did not dwell deeper into emotions and both respected the fact that the other needed time to open up. Veer understood by Bani's expressions that she missed out on a lot in life and vowed to make her experience a lot of good things while Bani understood how Veer has missed on love and support. Even when he wouldn't admit it, she felt it in her gut that all this man ever wanted is acceptance, unconditional. She promised in her heart to be there for him and support him, even if it was just friendship. To both, it felt like a genuine bond after ages and both wanted to bask in its beauty.

Post dinner Veer guided her to the shore where they spoke for a while and then Veer guided her to a waiting car.

B: This?

V: I told the driver to pick us from here.

B: Okay.

They reached Bani's home.

V: Thank you for today Bani. I didn't know myself how much I needed a normal conversation until I had it with you.

B: (smiles) likewise. Good night.

V: Thank You baby (winks)

Bani scrunched her nose again. This time, Veer noticed.

V: You don't like it.

B: Yes.

V: why?

B: I hate this baby calling

V: Okay..then how about sweetheart?

B: what?

Bani was never the one for cheesy endearments but something about hearing sweetheart from Veer's mouth made her insides mushy.

V: Haan...you have a very sweet heart. I feel like you have a very pure heart so sweetheart suits you. Haan ye sahi hai.

Bani shook her head and went inside.

V: Mtlb aiteraz to nahi hai....(then speaks louder) Good night Sweetheart.

Veer sat inside his car and sat. He had a goofy smile on his face when a phone call brought him out of his trance. He saw it was Balwant calling.

V: uff sari feeling ki hi maar di.. (picks up the phone) hey Ballu!

Ba: Sun, tu kb baaz ayega. Chandini kb se roye jaa rahi hai...kya kiya hai tune..

V: What? Dad-

Ba: mujhe kuch nahi sunna, tu jldi ghar aa.

He looked at Bani who stood near the window. She waved at him and he gave her a thumbs up.

....................

Bani stood by the window. A deep red blush on her face. Jb se hosh sambhala hai, pehli baar itna apnapan paya hai...She smiled.

B: (thinks) You are good person Veeranshu. I promise I will be your true friend. Shayad ye bhagwan ki marzi thi ki hum ek doosre se mille aur iske through apni life ke issues se deal kr sake.

R: oye maharani! Aa gayi? Ab kya aise hi yahan pr khadi rahegi? Andar aa...bartan kon saaf karega?

Ritu went away muttering about her. Bani smiled and began scrubbing. The events danced before her eyes. Few more days.

......................

Veer entered the house, completely prepared for Balwant's harsh words. Chandni was sitting with her masi at the couch with a sad face but her smirk gave her away. (C- Chandni | Ch- Chandrakala)

C:(thinks) us gawar si ladki ke liye mujhe akela chora na...ab pata chalega

To her and everyone's surprise, Balwant did not say anything. Veer was confused but Ponky gave him a knowing smile. Veer shrugged and was going to leave.

Ch: Veer beta! Ye kya baat hui...anjaan sheher me tum meri banji ko aise akele chor kr aa gaye...bechari itna dr gayi thi aur jaise taise ghar aayi hai...

Veer rolled his eyes at Chandni's stupid lies and left.

Ch: Bina jawab diye hi chala gaya! aap usse kuch kyu nahi kehte?

B: (to chandni) tum ghar kaise ayi beta?

C: Vo Masaji, vo ek bike wale ko request ki, usne thodi aachi jagah tk drop kiya and wahan se cab li maine...

B: humara ghar a driver cab kbse chalane laga?

Chandni gulped. She had always lied to get Veer into trouble whenever he rejected her advances. She had done so out of spite but never had Balwant or anyone ever questioned her white lies and believed her. She did not know what to say.

Ch: aap kya bol rahe ho? Aap Veer ko to jante hi ho...

B: Jaanta mai bohot kuch hoon pr ignore krta hoon ....lekin meri bhi limits hai.

Balwant left.

Ch: Tune jooth kaha?

C: Come on Masi! Aap aise pooch rahe ho jaise apko meri story pr yakeen tha..

Chandrakala gave her a look and left.

Meanwhile, Ponky came to Veer's room.

V: Neeche kya hua tha? I expected drama yr...

P: Vo sb apke honewali ke kamal hai..

V: Kon?

P: shaadi kisse ho rahi hai apki?

V: Bani?

P: Ji...Bhabhiji ka phone aya tha apke papa ko...

V: Kya boli vo?

P: Vo mujhe exactly nahi pata pr shyd ye kaha tha ki aap unhe ghar drop krne gaye they kyunki vo akeli thi and you had dinner with her only. Chandni ko driver ke saath bhej diya because you guys wanted to know each other better. Phir kya tha...Badepapa khush ho gaye and apna gussa bhool gaye.

Veer chuckled. He looked out at the moon.

V: Thanks Sweetheart. You indeed are the sweetest. Abhi to humari shadi bhi nahi hoon and abhi se tum mujhe protect kr rahi ho mere dad ke gusse se, not bad!

Both slept on their respective beds and homes, thinking about the other and how their lives were going to change very soon.

.................................

Precap: Veer and Bani get to know each other better. Veer feels an ugly emotion- Jealousy. He is in a fix. Bani meets Jai and Shakura.