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The chaos of the day was finally winding down, and Vikram found himself once again beside Alizeh, stealing a few quiet moments amidst the whirlwind of wedding preparations.

They stood near the balcony, where a soft breeze played with Alizeh's hair, making her shiver slightly. The fairy lights above cast a warm glow, making the moment feel even more magical.

Vikram smirked, tilting his head. "Cold?"

Alizeh rolled her eyes, wrapping her arms around herself. "It's just the wind."

He took a step closer, draping his arm around her shoulders. "I could warm you up."

She let out a small laugh. "How noble of you."

"Of course. Future husband duties," he teased, his fingers lightly brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. The simple touch sent a spark down her spine.

She tilted her head, amused. "You're taking these duties very seriously."

"Very." He leaned in, his voice dropping to a husky whisper. "Should I prove it?"

Before she could respond, the unmistakable sound of someone clearing their throat shattered the moment. Both of them froze, wide-eyed like kids caught sneaking out.

"Enough of this."

The authoritative voice belonged to Meera, standing beside Rose with their arms crossed. Their expressions were unreadable, but the slight arch of Meera's brow sent a clear warning.

Alizeh stiffened. "Uh-oh."

Vikram, ever the charmer, straightened up but kept his usual composure. "Ladies, what brings you here?"

Meera and Rose exchanged knowing glances before Meera delivered the news.

"From tomorrow onwards, you two are not allowed to meet."

A stunned silence followed. Vikram blinked, processing the words as if they were a foreign language. "I'm sorry, what?"

Rose nodded, confirming the statement. "No meeting. No calls. No sneaky glances."

Alizeh's mouth fell open. "What? But—"

Meera continued, her voice calm yet firm. "Tomorrow, the wedding functions start. And as per tradition, the bride and groom do not see each other except during ceremonies."

Vikram let out a scoff, running a hand through his hair. "Maa, you do realize we're getting married, right?"

Meera smiled sweetly. "Yes, dear."

"Then why aren't we allowed to see each other? That doesn't fit well."

Rose let out a small chuckle. "It's an old custom, beta. It's meant to make the wedding day more special."

Vikram groaned dramatically. "Why make the couple yearn for each other like this?"

Meera placed a firm hand on his shoulder. "Well, I should have taken you to some weddings before, so you'd know these rituals. But it's okay. You don't understand the traditions now, but you will."

Alizeh looked at her mother pleadingly. "Mom, this seems a little extreme, don't you think?"

Rose shook her head. "No exceptions."

Vikram narrowed his eyes, his rebellious streak kicking in. "What if we... ignore this rule?"

Meera gave him a dangerous smile. "Then, dear son, I will personally make sure Alizeh disappears before the wedding. And you'll just have to search for her everywhere."

Alizeh gasped. "Mom! That's so cruel!"

Vikram gaped. "Maa! You'd kidnap my bride?!"

Meera shrugged. "Rituals are rituals."

Rose nodded in agreement. "And if I see you sneaking around, trying to meet her, forget about the wedding."

Vikram crossed his arms. "This is ridiculous."

Alizeh sighed, rubbing her temples. "We don't really have a choice, do we?"

Meera and Rose smirked. "No, you don't."

With that, the two mothers walked away, their sarees swishing as they disappeared into the house, leaving Vikram and Alizeh standing there in disbelief.

Vikram turned to Alizeh, his jaw tight. "So... what's the plan?"

She gave him a dry look. "Follow the rules?"

He scoffed. "Boring."

She laughed. "Vikram, if they catch us, we're dead."

He sighed dramatically, holding his heart. "Fine. But you'll miss me."

She smirked, crossing her arms. "Oh, you wish."

He leaned in one last time, his fingers brushing hers ever so lightly. "Trust me, you will."

She blushed, quickly pushing him away. "Go before we get caught again."

With a wink, he stepped back, shaking his head. "This is going to be torture."

Alizeh laughed, shaking her head.

As they stood there, watching their mothers disappear into the house, Vikram suddenly straightened up, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"But I won't follow the rules."

Alizeh's eyes widened. "What?"

He took a step closer, lowering his voice. "We will still meet. And talk. And steal moments."

She gasped, glancing around nervously. "Vikram, no! They'll kill us."

He smirked, eyes dancing with defiance. "I can't stay away from you, Alizeh. You know that, na?"

She bit her lip, torn between amusement and worry. "They'll find out."

"They won't," he assured her confidently. "I'll make sure of it."

She crossed her arms, arching an eyebrow. "And how exactly do you plan to do that?"

He winked. "Trust me. I have my ways."

She sighed, shaking her head. "You're impossible."

He grinned, stepping even closer. "And you love it."

She tried to fight her smile but failed. "This is going to be a disaster."

Vikram chuckled, brushing his fingers along her wrist before stepping back. "Or an adventure."

And with that, the rebellion began.

Author's Note 💌

Ah, the drama never stops, does it? 😅 Just when you think Vikram and Alizeh finally get a breather, bam!—traditions, rituals, and The Separation Rule swoop in to raise the stakes. Gotta love Indian weddings, right? 😂

This chapter was all about playful resistance, forbidden glances, and planning secret rebellions—because what's love without a little defiance? 😉 Vikram being the absolute menace he is (and proud of it), refuses to play by the rules, and Alizeh... well, she's trying to be the responsible one, but we all know she won't stay away for long 🫢💘

If you're loving this pre-wedding chaos as much as I am writing it, don't forget to share your favorite moments! Your reactions, DMs, and comments genuinely keep this journey alive and buzzing for me 💌✨

Chapter 113... Let's just say, the game of hide-and-seek is about to begin. 👀💥
See you there,
Love,
Wini 🌸