Her phone buzzed on the bedside table. Frowning, she picked it up. A new message from her family lit up the screen:

> “Beta, your elder cousin’s wedding is next Saturday evening at our family house. Can you make it?”

Her eyes brightened instantly. She typed back quickly:

> “Yes! I’ll come. Can I bring a friend with me?”

Almost immediately, her mother’s reply came through:

> “Yes, you can bring a friend. Make sure they’re good company! Also, we’re organizing a pre-wedding party the night before—should be fun!”

Aarya’s lips curved into a smile as she picked up her phone to message Hiten:

> “Guess what! My cousin’s wedding is next Saturday evening, and there’s a pre-wedding party the night before. My family said I can bring a friend… so… would you like to come?”

Hiten’s reply came almost instantly:

> “Of course! I’d love to come. Finally, a chance to meet your family and enjoy the pre-wedding party too!”

Aarya typed again, excitedly:

> “Great! They said come tomorrow night for the pre-wedding party too, so you can enjoy with my cousin. Are you in?”

Hiten’s excitement practically jumped off the screen.

> “Perfect! Two chances—one to attend the wedding, and another for the pre-wedding fun. And of course, a chance to meet your family… maybe even charm my future father and mother-in-law a little,” he teased.

Aarya rolled her eyes with a laugh. “You really never change, huh?”

He fired back immediately:

> “Change? Me? Never. I am perfection incarnate, remember?”

She shook her head, smiling. “Fine. But we need to discuss outfits too—I can’t embarrass my family by bringing a lost school kid along.”

He smirked through the message:

> “Trust me, you’ll make any place shine. And maybe I’ll learn a thing or two about style from my expert guide.”

> “Expert guide, huh? We’ll see about that,” she replied, grinning.

The rest of the afternoon passed in a happy blur. Aarya imagined the party, the wedding, and the playful teasing that would inevitably follow between her and Hiten. Her mind buzzed with anticipation, laughter, and tiny daydreams, all while she packed a few essentials for the next day.

The next morning, they met at the station, both excited. Hiten adjusted his backpack, flashing a playful grin at her.

> “Ready for my charm offensive on your family?” he teased.

Aarya laughed. “Don’t get too confident. Remember, your ‘future father and mother-in-law’ joke better be in moderation.”

> “No promises,” he said, winking.

The train approached, and hand in hand, they boarded, settling into the seats with small smiles, hearts light, and eyes full of anticipation for the fun, teasing, and surprises that awaited them.

The wheels clattered on the tracks, and the journey had officially begun.

---

Author Note:

Volume 2 keeps heating up! Exams are behind them, a small break is here, and Hiten and Aarya are off to a wedding adventure. Expect playful teasing, a hint of romance, and fun family moments—this train ride is just the start! 😏