Evening had settled over the Rathore mansion, casting a golden hue across the sprawling estate. Inside, the air buzzed with the sounds of workers moving swiftly, draping garlands of marigolds and strings of fairy lights along the grand entrance. The mansion was coming alive in preparation for the wedding of the eldest son, Ekansh Singh Rathore.

Gayatri Rathore stood in the center of it all, her eyes darting around as she gave sharp instructions to the decorators. "Yeh phool yahan nahi, udhar lagao! The lights need to be perfect!" Her tone was firm, but her movements carried an elegance born of years spent managing the affairs of a wealthy household.

Despite her apparent focus, the tension in her shoulders betrayed the weight of the upcoming event. It wasn't just the wedding; it was the pressure of maintaining the family's reputation, the scrutiny of society, and unspoken but ever present the complex emotions surrounding her son, Ekansh.

In a quieter corner of the house, Dadi ji sat comfortably on a large velvet armchair, observing the bustle with a faint smile. Her three son Abhay, Vijay, and Rudra were gathered around her, deep in discussion, while Vijay's wife, Mahima, and Rudra's wife, Payal, sat close by. Ruhanika, Viyaan's wife, joined them, her usual composure tinged with faint annoyance as she watched the extravagant preparations unfold.

"Don't you think we're spending too much on Ekansh's wedding?" Mahima broke the silence, her voice low but cutting. She leaned back, crossing her arms, her sharp gaze sweeping the room.

Payal, always quick to align with Mahima, let out a small, humorless laugh. "Wahi toh, Mahima bhabhi. Aapko yaad hai? Vihaan aurViyaan ki shaadi ka milake jo kharcha kiya tha, utna to hum ab is ek shaadi par kar rahe hain!" Payal said, her voice dripping with disdain.

["Exactly, Mahima bhabhi. Do you remember how much we spent on both Vihaan and Viyaan's weddings combined? We're spending the same amount just for this one wedding!"]

Her voice carried an edge, a bitterness that hadn't dulled with time. Payal's disdain for Ekansh was no secret, and she made little effort to hide it. She resented the attention, the wealth, and the legacy that seemed to orbit around Ekansh, even though he appeared indifferent to it all.

Ruhanika, Viyaan's wife, joined in, glancing disdainfully at a pile of bridal jewelry laid out nearby. "I know, right? Look at the jewelry and clothes they've picked. Who gives this much for one wedding?" 

Abhay, who had been quiet for most of the conversation, sighed heavily. His detachment from the event had been apparent from the start. It wasn't that he didn't care, but his relationship with Ekansh had been strained for so long that the wedding felt more like an obligation than a moment of joy.

"Baat toh sahi hai tum sab ki, lekin papa ke aage koi kuch nahi bol sakta. Ye sab unki marzi se ho raha hai," he muttered, staring blankly at the ceiling as if distancing himself from the entire affair. 

[You're all right, but no one can say anything in front of Papa. Everything is happening according to his wishes.]

Vijay, sensing the tension but unwilling to stoke the flames further, added with a forced smile, "Papa toh apni zidd pe hain. Unhone jo decide kiya hai, woh hoke rahega." 

[Papa's made up his mind. Whatever he's decided, it's going to happen.]

Dada ji, who had been listening in silence, finally spoke, his voice calm but commanding. "Kharcha ho raha hai, lekin shaadi bhi toh hamare ghar ke sabse bade ladke ki ho rahi hai. Uski shaan ke hisaab se sab kuch hoga." 

[Yes, we are spending a lot, but this is the wedding of the eldest son of our house. Everything will be done according to his status.]

The room fell into an uneasy silence. None of them could argue with Dada ji. His word was law, and even though the discontent simmered just below the surface, no one dared challenge his authority.

Payal shifted in her seat, her lips pressed into a thin line, but she said nothing more. She knew, as did Mahima and the others, that no amount of complaining would change the course of events. The preparations were in full swing, and Ekansh's wedding would be nothing short of grand.

The hushed conversation in the living room lingered, each member of the family casting sideways glances at one another, careful not to speak too loudly lest they be overheard. Dadi ji, though silent now, sat in the corner of the room, her sharp eyes glinting with silent approval of the dissatisfaction being voiced by Mahima and Payal. The lavish preparations were continuing despite their objections, a reflection of her husband's influence over the family.

Gayatri, in her usual organized manner, moved about the house, instructing the workers to pack carefully. "Sab saman theek se pack karo, bags ko sambhal ke rakhna hai. Yeh sab Rajasthan time pe safe pahuchna chahiye," she reminded them, her voice steady but stressed.

[Pack everything properly and keep the bags safe. Everything needs to reach Rajasthan on time and intact.]

Outside, the night was descending, and the air around the Rathore mansion felt charged with anticipation. The wedding was fast approaching, just six days away, and soon, the entire family would be traveling to Rajasthan for the grand celebrations. The responsibility of organizing the wedding had fallen squarely on Gayatri's shoulders, and despite the undercurrents of resentment from Mahima, Payal, and the others, she pressed on.

In the midst of this, a sudden burst of energy entered the room. The sound of laughter and hurried footsteps echoed through the hall, bringing with it a warmth that contrasted sharply with the bitter conversation that had been unfolding moments before.

Sneha, Mayra, Avyaansh, and Javin Ekansh's younger siblings and cousins entered the living room, dragging their suitcases behind them. Their excitement filled the space instantly, and the air seemed lighter with their arrival.

"Sneha! Mayra! Come here!" Gayatri called out, smiling at the sight of them. "Did you pack everything? We need to leave soon.

"Maa, don't worry," Sneha replied with a grin, walking over to give her mother a quick hug. "Sab ho gaya. We've packed everything, and we're ready for Rajasthan!"

[Everything's done. We're ready for Rajasthan!]

As soon as the younger clan entered the room, the atmosphere shifted. Mahima and Payal, who had been complaining just moments before, instantly quieted down. The affection these four had for their Ekansh bhai was no secret, and no one wanted to sour the mood in front of them.

"Chalo, finally sab ready ho gaye!" Javin said, his usual playful tone cutting through the tension as he dropped his luggage with a thud. "We'll be there early to help with all the wedding functions. Ekansh bhai ki shaadi hai, and it's going to be epic!"

[Finally, everyone's ready! It's Ekansh bhai's wedding, and it's going to be epic!]

"Exactly! I can't wait," Mayra added with enthusiasm, her eyes sparkling. "We're going to make sure everything is perfect for him. After all, he deserves the best." Her voice was filled with affection for her older cousin, her loyalty to Ekansh evident in every word.

Sneha, always the leader among the younger cousins, looked around the room with a knowing smile. She could sense the tension but chose to ignore it. "It's Ekansh bhai's wedding. We've got to make sure it's the grandest wedding this family has ever seen," she declared, pulling Avyaansh into a playful side-hug. "Right, Avyaansh?"

Avyaansh grinned and nodded. "Of course! We'll make it unforgettable. We can handle everything when we get there, don't worry," he assured them, looking towards Gayatri and the elders.

For a brief moment, even the older family members had to smile at the enthusiasm of the younger generation. Their love for Ekansh was genuine, and it was a refreshing contrast to the resentment and complaints that had clouded the conversation earlier.

However, Mahima, still not fully convinced, whispered under her breath to Payal, "Inko toh bas mazaa lena hai. Hume hi sab adjust karna padega."

[They just want to have fun. We're the ones who will have to adjust everything.]

Payal, with her usual smirk, simply nodded, her eyes trailing back to the extravagant decorations. "Pata nahi kaise hoga yeh sab," she muttered, though her voice was drowned out by the joyful chatter that filled the room.

[I don't know how this is all going to work.]

The moment of bitterness passed as quickly as it had come, overshadowed by the excitement of the younger Rathores. The four cousins chatted animatedly about their plans for the upcoming functions the dance rehearsals, the mehndi ceremony, and the endless list of preparations that awaited them in Rajasthan. For them, this wedding wasn't just about tradition or societal expectations it was a celebration of their bond with Ekansh.

Gayatri, still managing the workers, glanced over at her children and smiled softly to herself. Despite the tension brewing within the family, she knew that the love and joy of these four would carry them through the next few days.

"Alright, everyone," Gayatri called out, taking charge once more. "Let's get moving. We have a long journey ahead, and we can't afford to be late." Her voice was strong, and for the moment, it silenced the lingering doubts and complaints.

The cousins nodded, gathering their belongings, their excitement palpable. As they made their way out of the living room, Sneha turned back to look at the elders. "Don't worry about anything, Badi Maa. We'll make sure everything goes smoothly."

"Tum log wahaan jaake sab dekh lena. Yahan se toh sab theek hai," Gayatri replied, her voice softening.

[Once you're there, handle everything. Things here are under control.]

As the younger generation left the room, the elders exchanged glances. Dadi ji remained silent, her eyes following them as they exited. There was a calmness in her gaze, but beneath it, her mind was already turning calculating, planning.

The Rathore mansion buzzed on, the preparations for Ekansh's wedding moving forward, but beneath the surface, the cracks within the family were becoming more and more visible.

Time skip to evening

The mansion bustled with an air of urgency. Workers hurried around as Gayatri supervised every detail of packing, ensuring everything was neatly organized for their journey to Rajasthan. The wedding preparations were moving at full throttle, and tonight, they were all set to leave for the grand event.

In the living hall, the rest of the family had gathered. Bharat Singh Rathore, the patriarch, sat in his usual armchair.

The conversation was interrupted by Dada ji, his sharp voice cutting through the air, "Ekansh kahaan hai? Koi dikhayi nahi de raha usse."

["Where is Ekansh? I don't see him anywhere."]

The room stilled, eyes turned to each other uneasily. Dadi ji scoffed, her tone filled with bitterness. "Kaise pata chalega humein? Woh kabhi batata hai humein ki kahan ja raha hai, kya kar raha hai." ["How would we know? He never tells us where he goes or what he does."]

Mahima, sensing an opportunity, added, "Wahi to, mummy ji. Woh hum sab se baat tak nahi karta, to woh humein kyun batayega ki woh kahaan jaata hai, kyu jaata hai, aur kiske saath jaata hai?"

["Exactly, mummy ji. He doesn't even speak to us, so why would he bother telling us where he goes, why, or with whom?"]

Bharat Singh Rathore's face darkened at their words. His gaze shifted toward Mahima with an authority that silenced her immediately. "Kuch zyada hi bol rahi ho aap humare bete ke baare mein. Uske khilaaf ek shabd bhi hum nahi sunenge."

["You're saying too much about our son. I won't tolerate a single word against him."]

The room fell silent again, tension hanging in the air. Bharat Singh's temper was well-known, and no one dared to challenge him further. He turned his attention to Sneha, his voice now calm but commanding. "Sneha beta, tumhe pata hai tumhare bhai kahaan hai?"

["Sneha dear, do you know where your brother is?"]

Sneha froze, caught off guard. She exchanged a quick, nervous glance with her cousins Javin, Mayra, and Avyaansh before hesitantly answering, "Wo... wo Dada ji... bhai to Landon gaye hue hain."

["He... he's gone to London, Dada ji..."]

A stunned silence followed. The family's shock was palpable.

Abhay's face flushed with anger, his patience finally snapping. "What the hell is wrong with him?" he said, his voice rising. "He's getting married in six days and he's gone to London? I knew he was irresponsible, but this is beyond carelessness!"

Bharat Singh his calm voice commanding silence once more. "Woh kyu gaya hai Landon? Kuch bataya hai usne?"

["Why did he go to London? Did he tell you anything?"]

Javin stepped forward, trying to defuse the growing tension. "Dada ji, bhai ko urgent kaam tha, jo unki presence ke bina nahi ho sakta. But don't worry, he will be back day after tomorrow night."

["Dada ji, bhai had some urgent work that couldn't be done without his presence. But don't worry, he'll be back by the night after tomorrow."]

Bharat Singh leaned back in his chair, though the crease in his brow showed he wasn't fully at ease. The rest of the family remained tense, clearly unsettled by Ekansh's decision to leave for London at such a critical time.

Gayatri, still busy with her final instructions to the workers, glanced at her father-in-law with concern. Though she trusted Ekansh, she knew that his unpredictable nature was a point of constant friction within the family. She cleared her throat and tried to break the tension.

"Ab sab taiyyar ho gaye? We have to leave soon," she announced, hoping to divert everyone's focus back to the immediate task at hand.

The younger clan Sneha, Mayra, Avyaansh, and Javin gathered together, ready with their bags, bringing a fresh energy into the room. They shared a knowing look, aware that they would have to bear the weight of explaining Ekansh's absence to the rest of the family. But their love for their eldest brother was unwavering, and they wouldn't let the tension spoil their excitement for the wedding.

"Chalo, sab ready ho? Humein jaldi nikalna padega," Avyaansh said with a grin, trying to lighten the mood.

["Come on, is everyone ready? We need to leave soon."]

Sneha, always the peacemaker, added softly, "Bhai jaldi wapas aa jayenge, dada ji. Sab theek rahega." ["Bhai will come back soon, Dada ji. Everything will be fine."]

Bharat Singh gave a slight nod, still deep in thought, but he couldn't help the small smile that crept onto his face at Sneha's words. No matter the chaos around them, he trusted his family to stand strong.

After a few hours of flying in their private jet, the Rathore family landed in Rajasthan. The younger members Sneha, Avyaansh, Mayra, and Javin had spent most of the journey chatting, laughing, and planning pranks for the wedding, while the older family members rested or discussed mundane topics. Upon arrival at their palace, the wedding venue, everyone was too tired to do much and headed straight to their rooms after a quick goodnight. Dinner had already been served on the jet.

Time Skip: Two Days Later

The morning sun bathed the palace in soft light, but the Rathore palace was buzzing with activity. Wedding decorations were being finalized, the palace grounds were adorned with marigolds and roses, and the sounds of laughter and conversation filled the air as close relatives, some of whom had arrived that morning, prepared for the upcoming ceremonies. The Rajput family, Dhriti's relatives, had also reached the palace by the evening, adding to the excitement.

It was now 9:43 PM, and the much-awaited moment had arrived Ekansh was back.

As Ekansh walked through the grand doors of the palace, the hustle and bustle slowed for a moment. His tall, commanding figure immediately caught everyone's attention. Family members greeted him with warm smiles and congratulatory words, wishing him well for his upcoming wedding.

The first to rush toward him were his siblings. Sneha, Avyaansh, Mayra, and Javin ran to him, enveloping him in a group hug. Ekansh's usual serious demeanor softened, and he smiled as he wrapped his arms around them.

"Bhai, you're finally back!" Sneha exclaimed, looking up at him.

"We missed you, bhaiya!" Mayra chimed in.

Ekansh smiled and replied, "I missed you too, but you know how work is."

Just then, their mother, Gayatri, appeared with a glass of water for Ekansh. "Paani lo beta. Safar kaisa tha? Aur kaam kaisa raha wahan?"

["Have some water, son. How was your journey, and how was work there?"]

Ekansh took the glass and drank a little before replying, "Sab theek tha, Maa. Kaam bhi ho gaya aur journey bhi theek thi."

["Everything was fine, Mom. The work is done, and the journey went well."]

As Ekansh answered his mother's questions, he noticed his siblings staring at him with anticipation. Narrowing his eyes at them suspiciously, he asked, "Tum log mujhse kuch kehna chahte ho? Bolo."

["You all want to say something to me? Go on, say it."]

Sneha, nudging Avyaansh, said, "Bhai, woh jo cheezein maangi thi humne? Laye na?"

["Bhai, the things we asked you to bring... Did you get them?"]

Ekansh chuckled and replied, "Haan, sab kuch le aaya hoon. Tum sab ko mil jaayega kal."

["Yes, I brought everything. You'll get it tomorrow."]

Before they could continue the conversation, Gayatri interrupted, "Ekansh beta, tum thak gaye hoge. Tum fresh ho jao aur neeche aake dinner kar lo."

["Ekansh, you must be tired. Go freshen up and come down for dinner."]

Ekansh nodded in agreement. "Theek hai, Maa. Main bas fresh hokar aata hoon."

["Alright, Mom. I'll just freshen up and come."]

As he headed toward his room, everyone dispersed, returning to their respective rooms or continuing with their tasks. After freshening up, Ekansh made his way to the dining room. By now, the palace was quieter, with most of the family retiring for the night.

In the dining room, only Gayatri remained, waiting for her son. As he sat down, she served him his meal with a mother's care. Ekansh was about to start eating when his father, Abhay, entered the room.

Without any prelude, Abhay began speaking harshly, his voice dripping with disdain. "Toh tumhe London jaana zaroori laga? Tumhe pata bhi hai tumhari shaadi sirf 6 din door hai? Kitna careless ho tum, Ekansh!"

["So you thought it was necessary to go to London? Do you even realize your wedding is just 6 days away? How careless can you be, Ekansh!"]

Ekansh put down his spoon, his expression hardening. "Kaam tha, Papa. Zaroori tha. Main sirf apni zimmedari nibha raha hoon."

["It was work, Papa. It was important. I'm just fulfilling my responsibilities."]

But Abhay wasn't ready to listen. His voice grew louder, frustration evident in every word. "Zimmedari? Zimmedari apne parivar ke liye hoti hai, jo tumhe kabhi samajh nahi aayegi! Tum hamesha se unwanted the is ghar mein."

["Responsibilities? Responsibilities are for your family, which you'll never understand! You've always been unwanted in this house."]

Gayatri, sensing the conversation escalating, tried to intervene. "Abhay ji, please, abhi nahi. Ekansh abhi thak kar aaya hai. Yeh waqt nahi hai yeh sab baatein karne ka."

["Abhay ji, please, not now. Ekansh has just returned, and he's tired. This isn't the time to have this conversation."]

But Abhay ignored her. The tension between father and son had been simmering for years, and tonight it was boiling over.

Ekansh clenched his jaw, his patience wearing thin. "Main apna kaam kar raha hoon, jo aapko kabhi nazar nahi aayega. Aapko jo sochna hai, sochiye."

["I'm doing my job, which you'll never see. Think whatever you want."]

Fed up with his father's accusations, Ekansh pushed his plate away and stood up. "Maa, main apne room mein ja raha hoon."

["Mom, I'm going to my room."]

Without waiting for a reply, he left the dining room, leaving his dinner untouched a scenario that was becoming all too familiar in their household.

Gayatri sighed in frustration. She shot a sharp look at Abhay, her voice trembling with anger. "Dekha aapne? Aapki wajah se Ekansh bina khaaye sojaane jaa raha hai!"

["Did you see? Because of you, Ekansh is going to bed without eating anything!"]

Abhay, unaffected, merely waved her off and walked away, leaving Gayatri standing there, fuming.

Determined not to let her son go to bed hungry, Gayatri quickly filled a plate and went to Ekansh's room. Knocking softly, she entered and saw him sitting on his bed, clearly frustrated.

"Mujhse baat mat karo, Maa. Main bas sona chahta hoon."

["Don't talk to me, Mom. I just want to sleep."]

But Gayatri wasn't one to give up easily. She sat beside him, holding out the plate. "Thoda khaa lo, beta. Tumhe pata hai na, tum bina khaaye nahi so sakte. Main khila rahi hoon."

["Just eat a little, son. You know you can't sleep on an empty stomach. I'll feed you."]

After some emotional blackmail and coaxing, Ekansh finally relented. He took a bite, and Gayatri smiled softly, knowing she had won this small battle.

As he began to eat, Gayatri settled beside him, watching with a tender smile. "I know this is difficult for you," she said softly.

Ekansh looked at her, his expression serious. "Will everything be alright?" he asked quietly.

"Everything will be fine, dear. You're the most sensible one," she reassured him, brushing a hand over his hair.

As she fed him, they talked about random things nothing too serious, just small conversations to lighten the mood. Soon, Sneha, Avyaansh, Javin, and Mayra appeared at the door, grinning mischievously.

The atmosphere in Ekansh's room was a blend of familiarity and warmth, despite the looming wedding preparations outside. The soft glow of the table lamp illuminated the room, casting a cozy light on the four siblings sprawled comfortably on Ekansh's bed. Their laughter echoed through the walls, a stark contrast to the tense environment surrounding the upcoming wedding.

Ekansh sat with his back against the headboard, a rare smile on his face as he listened to his younger siblings bicker and reminisce. Sneha was perched on the edge of the bed, animatedly recounting a prank they had played during their school days. Avyaansh leaned against the wall, arms crossed, a smirk playing on his lips as he interjected with his version of the story.

"Remember when we told the teacher our homework was due tomorrow? And she scolded us in front of everyone?" Sneha laughed, recalling the memory vividly.

"Yeah! And then you didn't back us up! You just kept laughing!" Mayra added, rolling her eyes playfully.

Ekansh chuckled, enjoying the light-hearted banter. "You're all grown up now; you should make your own decisions."

"Exactly! But our pranks are incomplete without you!" Javin chimed in, grinning mischievously.

As they talked, the room filled with laughter once more as his siblings shared stories about their recent college adventures.

"Remember when Sneha took a fake sick leave to hide from her professor?" Avyaansh teased, unable to hold back his laughter.

"That was so embarrassing!" Mayra chimed in, giggling.

"But it wasn't funny for me!" Sneha retorted, sticking her tongue out at them.

"You just didn't get it, Sneha!" Javin laughed, shaking his head.

"Exactly! And when the teacher found out the real reason, their face was priceless," Ekansh added, a smile breaking through his serious demeanor.

As they reminisced, the atmosphere grew lighter. The earlier tension surrounding the wedding faded, replaced by the comfort of sibling camaraderie.

"I enjoy the time we spend together the most," Ekansh admitted, his voice warm.

"We do too, bhai! Always keep laughing like this," Mayra said, her smile bright.

"Even after the wedding, you have to treat us like this!" Avyaansh added with a wink.

Ekansh chuckled, his heart swelling with gratitude. "I promise, I'll do everything."

After a while, the conversation drifted to lighter topics, and soon they found themselves planning a little gathering for the upcoming weekend.

"Let's plan a movie night!" Javin suggested enthusiastically.

"This is a perfect idea!" Sneha agreed, her eyes shining with excitement.

"We can make popcorn and snacks together!" Mayra added, her enthusiasm infectious.

"You know I'm just here for the popcorn!" Avyaansh teased, crossing his arms dramatically.

"Then we won't invite you!" Javin joked, rolling his eyes.

The siblings erupted into laughter, their playful banter filling the room. For Ekansh, these moments were a welcome distraction from the impending responsibilities that awaited him.

Gayatri stood to clear the table, but Ekansh gently stopped her. "Maa, please stay a little longer," he urged.

Gayatri smiled, sitting back down beside him. "I'm always here for you, dear."

As the night wore on, the siblings continued to share stories, jokes, and laughter, strengthening the bond that would always tether them together, no matter what challenges lay ahead.

Eventually, the time came for them to retire for the night. One by one, they bid each other goodnight, the warmth of their shared moments lingering in the air. Ekansh lay back on his bed, staring at the ceiling as thoughts of the wedding filled his mind.

Despite the joy and laughter of the evening, a heaviness settled in his chest. His mind wandered to the weight of expectations, the impending marriage, and the uncertainty of what the future held. Yet, amidst it all, the love of his siblings offered a glimmer of hope a reminder that even in the darkest of times, he was not alone.

As he drifted off to sleep, Ekansh held onto that warmth, hoping it would carry him through the challenges that lay ahead.