Anaya stepped into the bedroom, running a hand through her damp hair as she sighed softly. The warmth of her bath still clung to her skin, wrapping her in comfort. The festival of colors, Holi, was just beginning, and the air was already thick with anticipation.
But as she stood in the quiet of her room, an odd sensation prickled at her skin.
A presence.
She glanced around, her gaze flickering over the furniture, the open window, the slightly ajar wardrobe door. Everything seemed in place, yet something felt off—like someone had just been here.
Shrugging off the thought, she turned toward her dressing area, humming a soft tune as she pulled open her wardrobe. Her fingers instinctively reached for a pastel pink suit, simple yet elegant. She held it up against herself, tilting her head as she examined the soft fabric in the mirror.
But she hesitated.
Her eyes drifted to another outfit—one she hadn't initially considered. A red sari. Deep, rich, bold. It shimmered under the faint light, its intricate golden embroidery catching her eye.
A small smile tugged at her lips. Why not?
With a decisive nod, she set the suit aside and picked up the sari. Carefully, she draped it around herself, her fingers working effortlessly to perfect each pleat. The fabric hugged her frame, its color making her skin glow with a warmth she hadn't expected.
As she adjusted the pallu, her mind wandered.
"This is my first Holi with them..." she murmured, smoothing her hands over the fabric.
A soft sigh left her lips.
Holi had always been just another day for her. A day spent watching others celebrate, while she remained at a distance. She had friends, but it had never been the same as having a family—a real family—to share it with. But this year… things were different.
The Singhaniya family had given her so much—acceptance, warmth, a place to belong.
Rudra… he gave me this much. A home. A family.
Her heart clenched at the thought.
A flicker of satisfaction crossed her face as she reached for the small silver box on the dresser, opening it to reveal a pair of delicate jhumkas. She fastened them, letting the earrings sway gently as she moved.
Her eyes softened as she took in her own reflection.
"Today, I'm not just an outsider watching others celebrate. Today, I belong."
She traced the intricate gold embroidery on her sari, her thoughts drifting back to the family waiting for her outside. She could already hear the distant sounds of laughter and splashes of water balloons, the cheerful chaos of Holi in full swing.
She smiled.
Then, as if pulled by an invisible thread, her thoughts wandered back to Rudra.
She frowned slightly.
"Rudra ko family party mein koi interest nahi hai," Ria had said.
But still… wasn't today different? Would he really stay away?
Her gaze flickered to the untidy state of the room—his room.
The couch had cushions tossed haphazardly, a few files lay open on the desk, and his wristwatch was carelessly abandoned on the side table. A half-empty glass of water sat beside it, condensation trickling down its surface.
She let out a soft chuckle, shaking her head.
"Toh voh yahan aaya tha… but abhi kahaan hai?"
Her fingers played with the corner of her sari's pallu as she debated for a moment. She wasn't the kind of person to leave someone out of a celebration—especially not him.
"This is Holi, yaar. He should be here. I should find him."
Her decision made, she turned to leave the room.
But just as she reached the door, a sudden chill ran down her spine.
A presence.
Again.
Her breath hitched as she turned abruptly, her eyes scanning the room.
Nothing.
The curtains swayed gently with the afternoon breeze, casting shifting shadows along the walls. The air smelled faintly of sandalwood and something else—something unmistakably him.
Her heart stuttered in her chest.
She wasn't alone.
Her fingers curled against her palm as she stepped forward cautiously, her eyes narrowing slightly.
"Rudra?" she called out softly.
Silence.
She exhaled slowly, shaking her head. Maybe I'm overthinking…
Still, the odd feeling refused to leave her.
With one last glance around the room, she turned toward the hallway, her footsteps quickening. The celebration outside was waiting. And Rudra—wherever he was—wouldn't be able to hide from her for long.
In the Shadows
As soon as she left, Rudra stepped out from his hiding place.
His dark eyes lingered on the doorway where she had just disappeared, the ghost of a smirk curving his lips. He had been there all along, watching. Silent. Unseen.
She had been so close—just a few steps away from discovering him.
He let out a low breath, shaking his head slightly.
She had chosen the red sari. Interesting.
His fingers traced the edge of his watch where it lay on the side table. He hadn't meant to leave so many clues behind, but maybe—just maybe—he had wanted her to notice.
And she had.
Holi or not, she wouldn't stop until she found him.
And a part of him… wanted her to.
______+______+_______+______+______+_______+______+______+_______
Anaya hurried down the hallway, the soft rustle of her sari accompanying her steps. The scent of freshly bloomed marigolds filled the air, mingling with the distant aroma of sweets and colors. The courtyard was alive with laughter and playful shouts, the festival in full swing.
But her mind was elsewhere.
"Rudra kahaan ja sakta hai?" she muttered to herself, scanning the area as she reached the staircase.
Just as she stepped down the first stair, her gaze landed on a familiar figure near the main door.
Janvi.
A bright smile spread across her face as she called out, "Janvi!"
Janvi, who had been speaking to Aarav, turned at the sound of her name. Her brown eyes lit up as she spotted Anaya, and in the next second, she was rushing toward her.
"Anaya!"
The two women embraced warmly, Anaya squeezing Janvi's shoulders as she pulled back.
"I'm so happy you're here!" Anaya beamed, her eyes twinkling.
Janvi chuckled, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Me too! It wouldn't have felt like Holi without you."
Anaya's heart swelled at the words. This—this was what she had always wanted. A family, a home, a place where she belonged.
But before she could respond, Janvi glanced around and frowned. "By the way, where's Ria?"
Anaya let out a small laugh. "Mujhe bhi nahi pata. She was here a while ago, but knowing her, she's probably covered in colors by now."
Janvi shook her head with an amused sigh. "That girl never changes."
Anaya smiled, but her mind kept circling back to one name. Rudra.
Her eyes wandered over the crowd, searching.
Aarav, who had been standing nearby, caught the look on her face and raised an eyebrow. "Kisse dhoond rahi ho?"
Anaya blinked, caught off guard. "Main? N-nahi toh…"
Aarav smirked. "Liar."
Janvi giggled. "It's Rudra, isn't it?"
Anaya's cheeks warmed, but she crossed her arms defiantly. "Main bas… I was just wondering where he is. That's all."
Aarav snorted. "Good luck finding him. Bhai usually avoids family gatherings, especially ones as loud as Holi."
Anaya rolled her eyes. "Haan, haan, mujhe pata hai. But this is different."
Aarav shrugged. "If you think you can convince him to join, then go ahead. But I wouldn't get my hopes up if I were you."
Anaya lifted her chin stubbornly. "Dekhte hain."
With that, she turned on her heel and started toward the inner part of the house. If Rudra thought he could disappear, he clearly underestimated her determination.
He was here somewhere.
And she was going to find him.
💖.______.💖.______..______..______.💖
Aarav was about to make a quiet escape when he cleared his throat and muttered, "Main bhi chalta hoon—"
Before he could take another step, something cold and wet exploded against his back.
"Happy Holi, twin!"
Aarav's eyes widened as the icy chill of water seeped into his shirt. He turned sharply to see Ria standing a few feet away, laughing like a troublemaker caught in the act. The bright pink color of Holi powder was already smudged across her face, and in her hands was a small bucket of water balloons, one already missing.
"Ria!" Aarav growled, shaking his wet back.
Ria, grinning mischievously, took a step back.
"Ruk! Abhi batata hoon Dadi ko! Vo khabar legi teri!" Aarav declared as he lunged forward.
Ria squeaked in mock fear and bolted in the opposite direction, barely dodging a grab from Aarav. Her laughter echoed in the large hall as she sprinted toward the sofas, seeking an escape. But just as she reached the other side, her eyes fell on Janvi, who was watching the scene unfold with amusement.
With a swift move, Ria ducked behind Janvi, using her as a shield. Aarav skidded to a stop as soon as he noticed Janvi standing there.
His playful scowl faltered, his expression quickly shifting into something more composed. He cleared his throat and ran a hand through his wet hair, suddenly aware of the way his clothes clung to him.
Janvi, noticing the change, arched an eyebrow. "Bas? Abhi toh tum bhag rahe the?"
Ria, hiding behind her, giggled. "Dekha? Bas yeh hi zaroori tha—Aarav bhai ko thoda tameez sikhaane ke liye ek hi chehra kaafi hai."
Before Aarav could retort, a firm but affectionate voice cut through the room.
"Singhaniya ki generation, sab idhar aao!"
All heads turned toward the grand entrance of the living room, where Komal Singhaniya stood, dressed elegantly in a deep purple saree with a golden border. Her silver hair was neatly tied back, and despite her age, her eyes held the sharpness of someone who missed nothing. Beside her, Rakhi Singhaniya stood, looking every bit the matriarch she was, adorned in a red and beige silk saree.
The moment Komal spoke, the room fell into a respectful hush. Even Aarav and Ria paused their playful battle.
As everyone gathered, Komal's gaze landed on Janvi. She tilted her head slightly, her experienced eyes observing the unfamiliar face.
"Beta, tum?" she asked gently.
Before Janvi could answer, Ria stepped forward, grinning. "Dadi, yeh humari dost hai. Janvi."
Janvi immediately lowered her gaze slightly in respect and bent down to touch Komal's feet, only for the elderly woman to step back.
"Nahi beta," Komal said, shaking her head with a soft chuckle. "Tum Laxmi ho. Aur humare ghar mein Laxmi ke pair nahi, dil chhua jaata hai."
Janvi hesitated for a moment, looking at Anaya and Ria for reassurance. They both smiled at her warmly, encouraging her silently. Gathering courage, she straightened up and instead accepted the hug that Komal offered.
"Jeevati raho," Komal blessed her, patting her back.
Rakhi, who had been watching silently, stepped forward. Her gaze was thoughtful as she looked at Janvi. "Beta," she said gently, "Holi sirf rangon ka nahi, rishton ka bhi tyohaar hota hai."
Then, without hesitation, Rakhi reached forward and pulled Janvi into an embrace as well. "Humare ghar mein aane waale mehmaan nahi hote. Sirf apne log hote hain."
Janvi, touched by the warmth, smiled as she softly whispered, "Shukriya."
As the heartfelt moment settled, a new voice entered the space—deeper, authoritative, yet filled with warmth.
"Ab rang bhi hona chahiye."
All eyes turned toward the entrance again as Dev Singhaniya strode in. He carried a silver platter filled with bright powdered colors. Clad in a crisp white kurta, his presence was as commanding as ever. His eyes first found his mother.
Walking up to Komal, he bent down and respectfully touched her feet before taking a pinch of color and gently applying it to her cheeks.
"Happy Holi, Maa," he said, his voice soft but firm.
Komal, touched by the gesture, smiled and took some color herself, brushing it against Dev's cheek. "Khush raho, beta."
Next, Dev turned to his wife.
Rakhi smiled, already knowing what was coming. But before she could step back, Dev dipped his fingers into the red sindoor-colored powder and reached out.
With slow, deliberate movements, he applied a streak of red to Rakhi's forehead, just along her hairline where a married woman's sindoor would be.
The gesture was intimate, an unspoken vow of love and devotion, even in the presence of family. Rakhi's cheeks flushed slightly, but she didn't look away.
Dev smiled softly. "Happy Holi, Rakhi."
Rakhi, regaining her composure, took a pinch of color and gently ran it along his jawline. "Tumhe bhi, Dev."
The moment was broken when Aarav, still dripping slightly from Ria's prank, groaned dramatically.
"Dadi, dekho na! Aapki pyaari poti ne kya kiya!" He gestured to his wet clothes, still clinging to his form.
Komal laughed heartily. "Beta, behna bhi toh tumhari hi hai. Tum par hi gayi hai!"
The room erupted in laughter. Even Dev, usually reserved, chuckled at his son's plight.
As the festival's spirit took over, the entire family found themselves engulfed in laughter, colors, and the undeniable bond that tied them all together.
Holi had begun, not just with colors, but with love.