The dinner time, all Singhanias were sitting at the table. Daksh had ensured that Veer ate with them and Meera too dragged Bani out of the kitchen, her safe haven during meal times to avoid Veer.

M (thinks): Look how she is acting to avoid dinner with others. Oh god! How do they stay in the same room?

She rolled her eyes and dragged Bani and made her sit next to Veer.

Pawan: Bani? Veer?

Vani (together): Ji? (yes)

They stare at each other and Pawan coughs to reclaim the attention.

Pawan: We have planned a surprise for you both..

Vani (again together): Why?

Everyone smiles at the embarrassed Vani.

Pawan: You have fought a lot to protect us all and the two realms these past months and we think you deserve a break.

Bani: You are family and we don't want anything in return of it, It was our duty.

We, Our... Bani thought of how she addressed them as same. Veer noticed it too.

Pawan: Family hai na? So don't say no!

Before Bani could protest more, Ponky drags her away.

B: What happened Ponky? This is rude! We were talking.

P: Please bhabhi, don't refuse. Veer Bhai wants it desperately but is only refusing because he thinks you don't want this.

Bani thought for a while. She thinks, okay Veer, but only for you. Unknown to her, Daksh said the same reason to Veer who agreed for her happiness.

Pawan: Okay so, you both leave tomorrow?

Bani: Leave? Kyu? Surprise kya hai?

Pawan: Vo, we guys are giving you a trip, a late honeymoon!

Vani stared at each other and were about to protest.

Pawan: Don't say know, you both agreed. Your wedding, post marriage rituals weren't done properly and even after marriage there was so much happening. If this is the least we can do, please

T: We have paid for everything. It is non-refundable.

M: Tujhe meri kasam Bani. (My swear! Bani)

Daksh: You consider us family right? And you already agreed.

P: Yay!

Vani slumped their shoulders in defeat but then looked at each other and gave nod. For you! They thought.

....

The next day, Veer and Bani were bidding adieu to the family when Tapish came to Bani's side.

T: Bani, please, one second listen.

He takes her to a corner.

T: It is not my place to say Bani but a few days ago, Veer got really drunk. He drank so much that he, a man with great tolerance, was high and he revealed some things to me. I respect you both and will never share it to anyone.

B: What did he say Bhai?

Bani asked worried that maybe Veer has had enough of her.

T: He feels guilty Bani. He thinks he has trapped you into this marriage..

B: But I told him I want to stay with him.

T: But he is not sure if you love him Bani. And he feels guilty for taking, um, advantage of you when you were drunk!

B: What?!

Tapish just patted her head and left. Bani sat shocked at the revelation. So this is what he felt? Guilty? She smacked her head. She had thought so many negative reasons behind his cold behaviour but had never thought that he was actually feeling guilty! He was so pure! If only he knew what she felt.

Just wait Veeranshu! I will give you a surprise of my own!

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

(the car)

Bani was smiling to herself. She felt a weight was off her shoulders. Veer had not been thinking to break things off with her and nor was he bored. She was stupid, his love for her was boundless and she should have never questioned this but her heart had thought of the worst when things got awkward. She knew the things that were troubling him and resolved to set things right. Humesha tum jhukte they na, is rishte me dhalte they, ab tumhari gharwali ki baari (You always bent to accommodate and adjust in this relationship, it is your wife's turn now)

Veer saw her smile. He automatically felt happy but then remembered what Daksh had said to him last night and told himself that she was just excited to be on this trip.

B: Veeranshu, where are we going?

This was their first direct conversation in days and it felt great to both of them.

V: I don't know Bani. Mera to luggage bhi Tapish bhai ne pack kiya tha. You should know, It is favourite place right? (Tapish Brother had packed my suitcase)

B: My favourite? But, You wanted this trip so I thought you picked the place too. My luggage was packed by Meera di as well

Vani stared at each other and then realized that they had been played.

V: Let's go back Bani.

B: No Veer, Let us go. All plans are made so let us just enjoy for a while. It will feel nice to do something other than make plans to save ourselves and family.

Veer agreed. This is not for you, Veer, Don't kid yourself! He told himself.

.........

At the Airport,

Vani got their tickets and figured that they were going to Finland. They checked in the flight. Bani tried to strike a conversation.

B: Finland? An unusual pick right?

V: You don't want to go?

B: Uff, Veer, when did I say this? I am just asking.

V: It is great place to visit during Holiday season- Christmas. I don't much myself but Daksh had been there on a trip once, he even had friends there if I am not wrong.

Bani just nodded and asked if he had been there himself and he said no.

A while later, an airhostess arrived and asked if they were comfortable. Bani noticed her more than friendly demeanour while talking to Veer and sent her to get water.

B: Utho Veer (Get up Veer!)

V: why?

B: Do as told!

Veer gulped at her angry expressions. He got up and Bani went out after him, she pushed him to the window seat and sat in his place. The airhostess came and her expressions dropped when she noticed that Veer had moved away near the window. Bani took the water and gave her the fakest smile. Veer bit his lips to stop a smile of his own to form. Jealously suits you, sweetheart! He thought. Maybe all was not lost.

New hope flickered in his heart while Bani's heart sank at the all the woman eyeing her man. It is going to be long flight! She groaned.