AUTHOR NOTE:This chapter is all about the bonds that tie us together—family, friendship, and the small moments that make them special. From learning about traditions and culture at the temple, enjoying the prasād, to playful teasing and even a hint of jealousy, it's a glimpse into how relationships grow and strengthen. I hope it reminds readers to cherish the warmth, laughter, and shared experiences that make family and friends so meaningful.
BLURB:A visit to Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple becomes a day full of laughter, traditions, and unexpected sparks. As the children explore the temple and fair, playful teasing and family bonds create warm memories—but all eyes can't help noticing a new couple quietly forming amid the ringing bells and fragrant incense.
The morning sun bathed Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple in golden light. The air was fragrant with incense, and the soft chime of bells echoed across the courtyard. Ryu, dressed in a flowing saree, adjusted the pichoda atop her head, but it slipped. Before it fell completely, Rey reached out, steadying it between the ringing temple bells. Their eyes met for a brief instant—a quiet spark passing between them amid the serene sounds of devotion.
Rey's POV:I noticed her struggling with the pichoda and instinctively reached out, catching it just before it tumbled. My fingers brushed hers, and a jolt ran through me. Her eyes met mine for the briefest moment, and my chest tightened. The soft chime of the temple bells seemed to sync with my racing heartbeat. She looked radiant, sunlight catching her saree, her faint blush making her even more beautiful.
I had to look away, pretending to adjust something on my own hands, but her gaze lingered in my mind. That fleeting contact was enough to make my pulse race, and I knew I'd be thinking about it long after the bells had quieted.
Ryu's POV:The sun spilled over the temple steps, turning the stone golden. I tugged slightly at the pichoda atop my head, trying to keep it in place, but it slipped. My hands froze before a familiar presence steadied it.
"Th-thank you," I stammered, looking up. His fingers brushed mine, holding the ornament between the softly ringing bells. My heart fluttered, heat rising to my cheeks. I quickly looked away, adjusting my saree, though I could still feel his gaze lingering. There was something unspoken in that glance, a spark that made my pulse skip.
The temple seemed to fade around me, leaving only the warmth of his hand and the echo of my heartbeat.
Maya burst into laughter, teasing me about being flustered. Kabir and Avyaan joined in with playful jibes, making me roll my eyes. I then gestured toward a quiet corner, where Arjun, my long-lost brother, and Aakash, my unknown half-brother, watched silently. Ravi, seated nearby, felt a pang of jealousy at the closeness around me.
Maya's POV:I couldn't hold back my laughter at Ryu's flushed cheeks. "Ohhh, Ryu, you're so flustered!" I teased, nudging her gently. Her attempt to act composed only made her more adorable. Kabir and Avyaan joined in, tossing playful jibes, and I grinned at how easily she tried to maintain composure.
Kabir's POV:I leaned back, smirking. "See? You can't hide that blush," I said, earning a playful glare. Avyaan chuckled beside me. Watching her brush off our comments, I felt a spark of camaraderie.
Avyaan's POV:I couldn't help chuckling at her flustered expression. "You're cute when you try to act serious," I teased, nudging Kabir. She was unaware of the effortless charm she exuded.
Ravi's POV:I sank a little lower, forcing a casual smile. Ryu… with Rey, laughing so freely, leaning close—it shouldn't affect me. Yet it did. A strange, unfamiliar pull tugged at my chest. Why do I care? Why does it hurt to see them teasing her? I shook my head, denying it even to myself. I wasn't falling for her. No, of course not.
But every time her laughter rang through the courtyard, my heartbeat betrayed me. Every glance, every small gesture… made denial impossible. And I hated it.
Ryu's laughter faded as her eyes wandered toward the corner. Arjun and Aakash stood there, watching her intently, their expressions almost scolding. Her heart beat faster—not entirely from fear. Their gaze made her feel noticed in a way she hadn't expected.
Ryu's POV:I froze mid-step, laughter fading. "What… did I do?" I muttered under my breath, adjusting my saree. Their eyes didn't waver, silently judging me. For a moment, the teasing from Maya, Kabir, and Avyaan seemed distant. All I could focus on was their intensity.
The children and guardians stepped into the sanctum, where flickering lamps reflected off polished stone, and the scent of incense wrapped around them like a gentle embrace. Elders guided them patiently—Ryu's grandmother folded her hands in devotion, Maya's mother guided her daughter, Kabir's father explained rituals softly, and Avyaan's parents exchanged proud smiles.
Author's Note:Even in our hectic lives, simple bonds remind us of love, warmth, and togetherness.
The children busied themselves with offerings—flowers, diyas, and small prasād plates. Maya whispered a secret wish, which Kabir overheard, teasing her, joined by Kiara, making Maya blush. Aryan guided Ishani in placing bel-patra correctly, while Anika pulled Aarav into arranging flowers, laughing at his clumsy attempts. Ryu stood quietly, her serene demeanor catching Siya di's attention, who whispered encouragement. Ravi assisted with the thali, supporting Siya di quietly.
Ryu's fingers lingered on the thali, steadying the flowers as Rey glanced at her, offering a reassuring nod. Aarav and Anika leaned toward each other, laughing softly at a tilted diya, while elders guided their hands with quiet patience.
Ryu's POV:I glanced at Rey. "Shall we?" I whispered.
Rey's POV:He nodded, voice low. "Yes… together."Heat rose to my cheeks as we moved forward, lamps reflecting off the offerings.
The soft chants of the aarti rose, wrapping around the children. Each movement—placing flowers, arranging bel-patra, lighting diyas—was deliberate yet natural. The elders' attentive guidance made the temple feel alive with devotion and quiet family warmth.
Ryu's POV:I reached out, fingers brushing Rey's as we both held the bell rope. A jolt ran through me, and my cheeks heated. "Careful," I whispered.
Rey's POV:His hand was warm against mine. "I've got it," he murmured, and together we tugged, making the bell chime with a resonant, joyful sound. My heart raced—not just from the bell—but from the fleeting brush of her hand.
Meanwhile, Maya struggled with a smaller bell at the corner.
Maya's POV:I stretched on tiptoes, wiggling my fingers. "Ugh! Too high!" I groaned.
Kabir stepped forward, a sly grin. "Need some help?" Before I could protest, he scooped her up effortlessly. "Kabir! Put me down!" she squealed, laughing triumphantly as she made the bell chime.
Ryu and Rey turned the corner, taking in the playful chaos. Maya laughed uncontrollably, Kabir sputtered, and Avyaan nudged him with a mischievous grin. The corner buzzed with energy.
Ryu's POV:I glanced at Rey, smirking at the scene. He was relaxed yet amused. They really do look like a little family, I thought, watching interactions flow naturally.
Rey leaned slightly, whispering teasingly under his breath, and my heart skipped. I focused back on the scene but noticed how my glance kept returning to him.
Rey's POV:I smirked at Kabir. "Not every day you get lifted by a girl… or was it the other way around?"
Kabir groaned. "You guys are impossible!"
Avyaan's POV:Why do they all look so… perfect together? Maya blushing, Kabir flustered, Ryu smiling naturally—it all seemed effortless.
The laughter faded as elders called everyone toward the inner sanctum. "Time for prasād," one said gently.
Ryu adjusted her saree, taking a deep breath. Rey walked beside her, hands brushing occasionally. Maya and Kabir trailed behind, giggling, while Avyaan kept a watchful, amused eye.
The priests handed out plates of prasād—soft, sweet morsels scented with saffron and sugar. Ryu accepted hers with folded hands, bowing slightly. Rey mirrored her gesture, careful to keep pace.
Ryu took a small bite, savoring the sweetness, and glanced at Rey. A quiet smile passed between them, unspoken but shared.
Outside, the temple fair burst to life. Stalls brimmed with sweets, toys, and little treasures