Author's Note: The song lyrics in this chapter is from "Meethi meethi batha karke" from the move Aap ki khatir.

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Siddiqui mansion was bustling with guests. If you were a somebody, you were invited to this engagement party. And why wouldn't this be such a grand affair? The youngest kids of India's top two business tycoons were getting engaged. Guests were mingling and having the time of their lives. It was no secret that any party the Siddiquis or the Hoodas held were always the talk of the town.

Arjun was dressed in a beige sherwani and looked as handsome as ever. In contrast, Aditya looked equally handsome in a baby blue colored sherwani.

"Bhai...where is Noor?" Arjun asked. They were standing side by side earlier, greeting guests until Noor had excused herself for a few moments. She didn't specify where she was going.

In that moment, Zoya approached the Hooda men. "Arre dever ji, Noor ke saath toh puri zindagi pari hai...thoda sabr rakiye." Zoya teased. Aditya looked at Zoya from head to toe, his eyes taking in her form inch by inch. She wore the sari, and as expected, Zoya looked stunning. Like...stopping the heart stunning...Qatil...

"Babhi aisa nahin chalega!" Arjun whined, "...shaadi ke badh apko mera side lena padega. Adi bhai humesha Noor ka side lete hai." he said, huffing like a little kid.

Zoya giggled and turned to say something to Aditya, but the look he was giving her stopped her words. There was nothing innocent in the way Aditya was looking at Zoya. In fact, Aditya was wondering what Zoya would do if he grazed his teeth over her milky white collar bone.

Arjun felt the sexual tension spark between Aditya and Zoya. He looked from his big brother to his sister-in-law and tried to cover his grin. It seemed like Aditya and Zoya forgot that he was standing there with them.

Arjun cleared his throat and Aditya and Zoya jolted back to reality. "Mein yahaan kya kar raha hoon? Mein jaata hoon." Arjun said in a teasing tone and turned to leave.

"No!" Zoya yelped and grabbed on to Arjun. "I know where Noor is...come with me." Zoya then turned to Aditya and said to him shyly, "You too...", and with that Zoya lead the Hooda brothers to where the elders were standing.

"Arre Zoya, why did you bring us all here?" Roshnaq asked, a little confused as to why Zoya started guided all of them to the ballroom.

The guests started gathering in the ballroom as well, whispering amongst each other wondering what was going on.

"Aap sab ke liye surprise hai." Zoya said cryptically, "Arjun...khaas kar ke aap ke liye." She said, and on cue, the lights to the ballroom went out and a spotlight was put on the grand staircase.

Meethi Meethi...Baatan Karke
Chand Mulaakataan Karke

A lady wearing a white sari had her back to the audience. When she turned, it was Noor, looking stunning...as a bride-to-be should. She sang as she came down the staircase.

Meethi Meethi Baatan Karke
Chand Mulaakataan Karke
Dilasa De Gaya
Dil Maahiya Lay Gaya

Pooja and Zoya joined Noor and all three ladies started dancing to the tune as Noor sang. She pointed at Arjun and then to her heart and did a graceful spin. Pooja and Zoya danced just as gracefully and supported Noor.

O Rabba Mera Dil Maahiya Lay Gaya
Dil Maahiya Lay Gaya...O Raaba mera

Dil Maahiya lay gaya....

Arjun gave a sweet smile as he watched his lady love dance. Aditya bumped his shoulder with Arjun, teasing his younger brother. The elders looked on at their kids, big smiles adorning all of their faces. It was so sweet to see their children so in love.

O Sili Sili Raaten Katti Nahi Hai
Yeh Duuriyan Kyon Mit Ti Nahi Hai
Nazdeekiyon Mein Bhi Faasalen Hai
Betaabiyon Kyon Katt Ti Nahi Hai

Noor reached Arjun and danced around him. Arjun had a huge smile on his face the whole time. He reached for Noor and she went into his arms, letting him hug her. The crowd applauded for the sweet couple.

O Rab Teri Meher Jo Ho Jaaye
Meri Zindadi Bhi Sanvar Jaaye
Yeh Mera Ishq Nikhar Jaaye...O mahiya...hai...

Noor then pulled away and went to the middle of the room. She was joined by Zoya and Pooja again and the ladies danced to the words of the song and the tune. They moved their hips to the beat, their movements soft...beautiful smiles adorning their pretty faces.

Meethi Meethi Baatan Karke
Chand Mulaakataan Karke
Dilasa De Gaya
Dil Maahiya Lay Gaya
O Rabba Mera Dil Maahiya Lay Gaya

Pooja and Zoya pulled Noor and sat her down next to Arjun. Aditya brought the rings and placed them in front of the couple.

Akhh Da Ishaara Chal Kar Lay Tu
Chori Chori Dil Ki Gal Kar Lay Tu

Arjun and Noor exchanged the rings. Arjun lifted Noor's hand and kissed it, giving her a loving look. Flower petals cascaded from above and showered the new couple.

Akhh Da Ishaara Chal Kar Lay Tu
Chori Chori Dil Ki Gal Kar Lay Tu

Zoya looked up as the flower petals fell around them. It was all so beautiful. Seeing her little sister and now her brother-in-law so happy, with the flower petals falling around them...it was all so beautiful. Suddenly, Zoya felt butterflies in her stomach. She looked to the side to see Aditya gazing at her, his eyes deep...filled with hidden emotions.

Akhh Da Ishaara Chal Kar Lay Tu
Chori Chori Dil Ki Gal Kar Lay Tu

There was that look again. Not the look where you know lustful thoughts were involved. That Zoya was able to read. But this look of Aditya's, was the one she couldn't quite figure out yet. There was something deeper in his eyes as he stared at her. What was he trying to say?

O Haale Jiya Mein Kaise Bataaun
Ab Toh Bichhauda Seh Nahi Paaun

Zoya didn't have a chance to ponder long. Arjun led Noor to the dance floor and they danced. On cue, other folks joined the happy couple on the dance floor as well. Noor pulled away and started dancing to the next part of the song.

Tum Hi Tum Ho Meri Dhadkan Mein
Meri Saanson Mein Meri Tadpan Mein

At this moment, a couple of dancers came and spun around the couple. Wasim dragged Harsh to the dance floor as the dhols started playing. The party was now in full swing as the dance floor filled up.

Ho Main Na Jaanu Ki Gal Hain
Haan Pal Pal Mann Mein Hulchul Hain

Zoya watched from the side and laughed at her father and father-in-law's antics. Pooja grabbed onto Aditya and dragged him to the dance floor and they both partied to the banghra beat. Zoya's eyes fell on Aditya.

He had a huge smile on his face as he danced with Pooja. Pooja said something and Aditya laughed out loud. Zoya's breath hitched. 'Could he look any more handsome?' Zoya thought. It felt to refreshing to see Aditya laugh like that, especially after the whole adoption scandal and the added on pressure of becoming CEO.

Mere Iss Dard Ka Tu Hull Hain

Zoya felt joy in that moment...pure joy. The sheer power of it surprised her. Seeing Aditya so happy, laughing...so carefree. Zoya felt that pressure in her chest again...but it was the good kind...and there was no pain in sight. It was just joy.

O Maahiya....Hai...

The realization of it dawned on Zoya. Her broken heart was mended...and it was all because of Aditya Hooda. He was the reason she wasn't hurting anymore. He somehow...became the solution to her heartache.

Meethi Meethi Baatan Karke
Chand Mulaakataan Karke
Dilasa De Gaya
Dil Maahiya Lay Gaya

Aditya turned and his eyes locked with Zoya's. He stopped dancing and frowned a little. Zoya's eyes were filled with emotion...and a serious look on her face. Concerned, Aditya nodded his head up, asking Zoya what was wrong.

Zoya's eyes softened and a smile bloomed on her pretty face. She shook her head, indicating that nothing was wrong. Aditya looked skeptical, but couldn't inquire further because in that moment, Noor grabbed Zoya's hand and pulled her to the dance floor.

O Rabba Mera

Dil Maahiya Lay Gaya...

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Aditya saw Zoya talking to a few people across the ballroom. He maneuvered around the crowd and made his way towards her. Something happened with Zoya when he was dancing earlier. There was something in the way Zoya looked at him in that moment. Zoya may have easily brushed it off but he knew her well enough that whatever Zoya was thinking, was not nothing. Aditya felt giddy in his stomach as he approached Zoya. Was she started to fall in love with him too? Was she realizing that their relationship ran deeper than friendship and just sexual tension?

"Aditya beta!" Wasim cut Aditya's path. "Beta can you please check on the bar, make sure we aren't running low on anything?" Wasim asked.

Aditya looked passed Wasim's shoulder at Zoya. She was busy talking to a fellow college mate and did not notice Aditya trying to reach her. Wasim, completely oblivious to Aditya's dilemma, waited for Aditya to respond.

Not being able to decline Wasim, Aditya nodded and made his way to the bar.

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Once he took care of the bar situation, Aditya went in search for Zoya again. Once he spotted her, he saw Zoya walk in the direction of the ballroom doors. "Zoya!" Aditya called out to get her attention, but the music was too loud and Zoya kept walking.

Aditya fastened his pace to catch up, only to get pulled to the side. "Arre Aditya beta! Congrats on becoming CEO! Aur bata...kya haal hai?" An elderly uncle slapped Aditya's back affectionately.

Aditya gave him a polite smile and stretched his neck to see Zoya walk out the ballroom doors. Sighing at another missed opportunity, Aditya turned to the elderly man and answered his questions politely.

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Zoya walked out with a tray of sweets and started arranging them on the dessert table. "Zoya!" She turned at her name being called and saw Aditya approach her.

"Finally! Yaar mein kab se try kar raha hoon tumse baat karne ke liye." Aditya huffed out and stood next to Zoya.

Zoya continued to arrange the sweets in swift, efficient, movements. "Aditya bohut kaam hai. Can we talk later?" Zoya said, not looking up as she concentrated at the task at hand.

Acting like a stubborn kid, Aditya grabbed the sweet tray from Zoya's hand, "No. This can't wait."

"Aditya! Come on!" Zoya responded and made a grab for the sweet tray, only to have Aditya move it further from her reach. Zoya let out a frustrated breath and glared at Aditya.

Aditya glared back, being just as stubborn. They glared at each other until finally Zoya sighed in defeat. "Fine....tell me what's wrong." Zoya said.

Aditya placed the sweet tray on the table and opened his mouth to speak...when Pooja's voice interrupted them.

"Zoya! Hurry, Noor needs help with her sari." Pooja approached the couple and without waiting, Pooja started pulling Zoya towards the staircase that led to Noor's bedroom. "Arre..." Aditya began to say something, but was cut off.

"Sorry Aditya! But it's a bride-to-be emergency!" Pooja yelled back as she dragged Zoya away from Aditya. Aditya smacked his hand on his forehead, frustrated. He has the worst luck.

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After dealing with Noor's sari situation, Zoya exited Noor's room, and felt a hand grab her own.

Turning, Zoya came face to face with Aditya. Irritation clearly evident on his face; Aditya dragged Zoya down the hallway so they would no longer be interrupted.

"Aditya!" Zoya gasped, trying to keep up with Aditya's fast pace. Aditya stopped in a random hallway, let go of Zoya's hand, and turned to face her.

"Aditya! What's the matter with you!?" Zoya asked, a little annoyed at being dragged like that without a warning.

Frustrated at the constant interruptions, Aditya combed a hand through his hair and gave Zoya an irritated look. "I'm trying to ask you something...and we keep getting interrupted every five minutes! Arre...aur koi nahin hai kya kaam karne ke liye? Sab log sirf tumhe dhoond rahe hai." Aditya said, aggravated.

Zoya's eyebrows drew together as she frowned. Seeing passed the irritation, Zoya was able to tell that Aditya did want to speak to her about something important. Forgetting her own annoyance, Zoya took a step closer to Aditya and placed a hand on his arm. "Aditya...what did you want to ask me?" Zoya asked, patiently this time.

Aditya let out a breath and took Zoya's hand, the one on his shoulder, into his own large ones. "Zoya...when we were downstairs dancing...what were you thinking? And don't pretend that it was nothing." Aditya said quickly when he saw Zoya getting ready to brush it off again.

Aditya held on to Zoya's hand tighter, preventing her from pulling away. "Zoya...I know you...tum mujhse kabhi jhoot nahin bol sakti." Aditya encouraged. When Zoya looked into Aditya's eyes, his heartbeat increased with anticipation.

Zoya didn't know how to put what she was feeling into words. How can she express to Aditya that he was the reason behind her happiness? How do you explain to someone that they were the solution to all your sorrows...all your heartbreak? How do you tell someone...that you may never fall in love again...but they were the closest person to your heart now?

Aditya caressed the inside of Zoya's wrist with his thumb and patiently waited. Zoya's eyes were sparking with unsaid emotions. Aditya could tell that Zoya was trying to put her thoughts into words. What was she trying to say? What was it that her eyes were expressing to him?

Just as Zoya opened her mouth to speak, Roshnaq's voice interrupted the couple.

"Zoya! Aditya! You guys are here and I am searching the whole house for you!" Roshnaq scolded. Aditya and Zoya stepped away from each other, like they were caught with their hands in the cookie jar.

"Jaldi neeche chalo...it's time to serve dinner to the guests." Roshnaq said, completely obliviously to what she interrupted. The moment Roshnaq turned to leave; Aditya put this thumb and index finger on the center of his forehead, annoyed at being interrupted...again.

When he looked at Zoya, she stared back apologetically. Not saying anything, she turned to leave. But before she got too far, Aditya grabbed her hand and stopped her.

"Zoya...tonight." That was all Aditya said, his tone low...his voice deep. Zoya felt goose bumps scatter across her body. Those words were so simple, but they held an immense amount of promise.

Zoya's eyes locked with Aditya's and she replied, "Yes. Tonight." And with that said, Zoya and Aditya made their way down to the engagement party, anticipation in both their hearts for what might happen between them.

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