His Unexpected Love ~ A saga of love and betrayal

Happy Reading📖 💕

Shivansh's POV

The room was quiet, except for the soft hum of the AC and the rhythmic ticking of the old wall clock. The outside world had paused—Paris glittered through the window like a secret kept just for them. And inside this dim-lit room, I had everything I ever needed lying right beside me.

I turned slightly, careful not to wake her.

Isha.

Her breaths were slow, peaceful. One hand curled under her cheek, her hair falling messily over her face like a veil. She looked like a dream—my dream. A version of peace I never thought I deserved. She murmured something in her sleep and shifted closer to me, her forehead brushing my arm. My heart thudded—how could someone be so unaware of the storm they've calmed inside me?

I used to be stone—practical, cold, efficient. The kind of man who didn't believe in fairy tales. But then came her—messy, emotional, stubborn, wild-hearted Isha—and rewrote the way I looked at the world. She didn't fix me. She didn't try to. She just... loved me until I began to see the man I could be.

And I knew it right then — this moment, this girl, this life... it was everything I never knew I needed.

Tonight, I didn't want to sleep. I wanted to watch. I wanted to remember everything—how her lashes fluttered when she dreamed, the way her foot twitched under the blanket, how even in her unconscious state, she leaned into me like I was her home. God, I wanted to give her everything. Everything she ever wished for.

I glanced down at Isha again, the soft glow from the moon light brushing against her face. My fingers moved without thought — brushing a stray hair from her cheek. She shifted slightly, a content sigh leaving her lips, and curled closer into me.

And then I remembered it.

Months ago—she had said it casually, to aviyansh and dhruv maybe even jokingly—but I had remembered every word.

"Someday… if someone ever proposes to me, I hope it's in Paris. You know, in front of the Eiffel Tower. At night. Like those cheesy movie scenes I cry at and pretend I don't."

She laughed after saying that. But I didn't. Because from that moment—I knew one day, I'd make it real for her.

At the time, I probably scoffed. Maybe I said something arrogant like "Dream smaller, Princess." But deep down, I had stored it like a secret mission.

And now, we were here.

Paris.

The city of her dreams. The city where I was going to give her the moment of her dreams. A proposal that would silence the doubts she never spoke of. A moment where she wouldn't just say yes—she would feel it, deep in her soul, that no matter how we started, no matter how broken we were back then… this was real. We were real.

I'd been planning it silently since the day we landed.

And now… here we are. In her Paris. And tomorrow night, I was going to make it ours.

While she slept peacefully beside me, I was thinking of everything. The lights, the timing, the music, the dress, the moment. I had been planning it all since the moment we landed.

When everyone laughed, joked, clicked pictures at the airport, I was on calls. When she dozed off during the drive to this pent house, I was texting decorators, confirming timings, finalizing musicians.

Only Ranveer and Dhruv knew. They had to — they were helping me arrange everything, silently like shadows. Ranveer had been handling the local setup, talking to a private event team who were arranging lights near the Tower, a violinist who could play her favorite Hindi-English mix song, and the platform where I'd go down on one knee. And Dhruv... he was covering for me — making sure Isha never suspected a thing and making sure the media don't know a single thing about this.

And even they didn't know the full picture. I had to tell them—not because I wanted to—but because I needed help in making sure everything would go perfectly. I couldn't risk this moment. Not this one. Not her.

I'd rented the spot by the river, just beside the Eiffel, where the reflections danced like whispers of love on water. The lights. The candles. The music. Even the violinist who would play her favorite old Bollywood song while I walked her down those steps.

But Aviyansh didn't know. Because if he did, Ishika would know. And if Ishika knew… well, let's just say nothing stays secret in that girl's hands.

And the dress she'd wear—I'd picked it. She didn't know it yet. But tomorrow, she would find it neatly folded with a note that said: "For the most beautiful woman in my life."

A breath escaped my lips. She stirred again. Her hand landed on my chest, and my entire body stilled as if her touch commanded the world to stop for her.

God, I love her.

The kind of love that grows quietly in your chest but one day becomes too loud to contain.

She mumbled something. I leaned in.

"Ansh…"

She was dreaming about me. Maybe she always did. I wanted to believe that. And even if not, from tomorrow onwards—I'd give her a thousand more dreams to replace every one that ever let her down.

I used to think emotions were liabilities. That love was weakness. But here I was, planning a damn fairy tale because she deserved it. Not just the ring. Not just a wedding. But a memory. A choice. A moment that made her feel like the world had paused just for her.

I ran a hand slowly down my face. Tomorrow. Tomorrow I give her the moment she deserves. Not because I have to. But because I want to—because she has given me everything without asking for a thing.

My phone buzzed on the side table. I carefully pulled it out, making sure I didn't wake her. It was Ranveer.

Veer: "Platform and lights confirmed. Violinist in position. Just need her size for the heels you ordered."

I typed back quickly.

Me: "Check the folder jaana in my laptop, which you have with you, it has every detail of isha and the one which you need also."

He replied "Clingy king never thought you would be like" this then with a laughing emoji, and then a thumbs up.

I chuckled quietly, staring at her again. Of course I had to write all about her. It was Isha. She dreamed with details.

That made me think of the ring — a soft rose-gold band with a stone that shimmered in light like her eyes when she argued with me. I had designed it myself, secretly. Even my mother didn't know. It wasn't about money. It was about her.

Because the truth was — we had our engagement, yes. And families knew, yes. But it didn't feel like ours. That happened during pressure. Amid chaos. This? This proposal would be from me to her. From Shivansh to Isha. From her ansh to his jaana. No kingdoms. No titles. No legacies. No business. No money. Just love.

I looked at her again. She was still asleep. Peaceful. Unaware.

"I'm going to make you cry tomorrow," I whispered, my lips barely brushing her hair. "But only out of happiness."

And in that moment, I realized something I never said out loud.

Isha wasn't just the love of my life.

She was the calm. The storm.

The reason I believe in beginnings.

And tomorrow… I'd ask her to begin forever with me.

And now, it's my turn.

She turned again, this time resting her leg gently on mine. I swallowed a smile.

She was home.

Not the kind built with bricks and walls—but the kind made of heartbeat and trust. She was calm in every chaos I'd known. She was the story I never thought I'd get to tell.

And tomorrow—I'd start our new chapter.

With a ring.

With a question.

With a promise.

Forever?

The morning sunlight crept through the soft beige curtains, painting delicate golden lines across Isha's sleeping face. She stirred slightly, mumbling something I couldn't quite catch, her brows furrowing as if lost in a dream. My hand instinctively reached out, brushing a strand of hair away from her lips. God... how does someone look this peaceful, this perfect, even when half-asleep?

I held my breath for a second.

A small part of me didn't want to move. I just wanted to freeze this morning here—with her beside me, curled into the sheets, wearing my t-shirt, her arm unknowingly resting on my chest like I was hers... like I always had been.

Sometimes I think the world pauses just for her.

This morning was one of those moments. Isha lay next to me, her breath soft and steady, her lashes fluttering gently as if still caught in a dream. and her hand had found its way to my chest in her sleep, like it always belonged there. My entire existence slowed down—just watching her.

God, how did I get so lucky?

She moved a little, her lips parting as she turned onto her side, now facing me entirely. A small crease appeared on her forehead. I wondered if she was dreaming about something annoying—or maybe about me. That thought alone made me chuckle silently.

The air around her was different. Safe. Peaceful. Everything I'd ever wanted, all wrapped into one woman.

And today... today, she was going to have the moment she'd always wished for—whether she expected it or not.

But I had something to do.

Something important.

Something only she had ever dreamed of... and tonight, it was going to come true.

Carefully, I slid out from under her, tucking the blanket gently around her frame. She sighed at the loss of warmth and curled in tighter. I just stood there for a moment, staring.

Then pressing the lightest kiss to her forehead. "Sleep, jaana," I murmured. "You'll need the energy."

"You have no idea what I've planned for you, Cutie," I whispered so low only the air could hear me. "And I swear, it's going to be the moment of your life."

I tiptoed out of the room and made my way down the marble staircase of our friend's Parisian villa. Dhruv was already waiting for me at the bottom, yawning with a mug of strong black coffee in hand, and Ranveer was pacing in the living room, phone in one hand, checklist in the other.

"You're late, Your Highness," Ranveer said with a smirk.

I rolled my eyes. "Shut up and tell me everything's on track."

Dhruv nodded. "Florist is confirmed. They'll set up the arch exactly where you said—under the twinkling lights facing the Eiffel. Music team is on standby. Your customized playlist will start at 8:05 sharp. We have thirty white lanterns ready, and her heels is getting delivered by noon."

"Car?" I asked.

"Mercedes. Black. Classic."

"Ring?"

"Already in your suit's jacket," Ranveer smirked again.

"I won't mess this up," I said, more to myself than to them.

Ranveer gave me a rare serious look. "She's going to say yes, Shivansh. You already know that."

But what he didn't know was—it wasn't just about hearing a yes.

It was about seeing that sparkle in her eyes when she realized someone finally chose her with everything. It was about making sure she never felt like an afterthought again. And it was about letting her know, in every way possible, that she was my forever—even if she didn't think she was ready for one.

My heartbeat thudded louder than I wanted it to. I was calm on the outside. But inside? It was a chaos of nerves and warmth and this... ache. The kind of ache only someone completely in love would understand.

Because this wasn't just a proposal.

It was a promise to finally give her what she's always deserved.

A choice. A moment. A forever.

By 9:30 AM, we were all gathered around the breakfast table. Isha came down the stairs in a soft lavender sweatshirt and shorts, her hair slightly wet from a quick shower, her eyes still sleepy and gentle. She looked around, blinking at the noise, then smiled—that smile that always made my world pause.

At breakfast, Her hair was damp, a few strands sticking to her cheek. She looked sleepy, warm, and absolutely breakable.

"You're staring," Ritwik smirked at me from across the table.

"Shut up," I muttered, looking away.

She smiled at me once before settling into her chair between Ishika and Aviyansh. She didn't know what was coming. None of them did, except the three of us boys—and God, keeping it from her was the hardest thing I'd ever done.

She didn't know what today was.

And maybe that's what made it perfect.

After breakfast, we all decided to go exploring—like any other tourist group would. Isha and Ishika insisted we start with excitedly bringing up the Palace Garnier, the famous opera house, and Isha's eyes lit up immediately. "I've always wanted to see it. It's like... something out of a royal fairytale."

My lips twitched. Perfect.

So, our first stop became the Palace Garnier. It was majestic—golden balconies, velvet drapes, and ceilings painted like stories. Isha was completely enchanted, walking ahead with her phone, zooming into the carved angels and chandeliers. She turned to me and whispered, "If I lived here, I'd just sit on the steps and read romance novels all day."

I grinned. "If you lived here, I'd kidnap you."

"You already did," she replied under her breath, cheeks flushing.

I walked behind her, watching her twirl while the wind caught her scarf, watching her laugh at something Aviyansh said, watching her hold her phone up to click silly selfies with arav and prisha And every now and then, she'd turn, look at me, and give me this soft little glance... as if she knew something was different about today but couldn't figure it out.

After the palace garnier, we headed to the From there, we made our way to Rue Crémieux, one of the most colorful streets in Paris. Lined with pastel-painted houses, flowerpots on every window, and no cars—just people strolling with gelato or taking photos. Isha and Prisha were obsessed. They kept posing for pictures in front of every door.

At one point, she grabbed my hand and said, "Come here. I want one with you."

I froze.

"Why?"

She looked confused. "Because... you're mine?"

Those three words.

So casually said.

So simply claimed.

I blinked and nodded, pulling her close. We smiled for the photo, but my heart had already burst.

Then came the walk along the Seine River, where she fed swans and dipped her fingers into the water. There was laughter. There was teasing. And I was quiet through most of it—because I couldn't stop thinking:

In a few hours, she'll say yes. To me. Not because she has to. But because she'll want to.

The last stop before we returned was Jardin des Tuileries, where we lay on the grass for a while. She rested her head on my shoulder, eyes closed, murmuring how peaceful Paris was.

By noon, we had reached our final spot for the morning: Jardin des Tuileries. A quiet green escape in the middle of the city. Everyone spread out—some sat on the grass, others by the fountain. Isha kicked off her shoes and lay on the grass beside me.

"You're awfully quiet today," she said, turning her head to look at me.

I glanced up at the sky. "Just... thinking."

"About what?"

About how tonight is going to change your life.

I didn't say that. Instead, I just reached out and tucked a flower behind her ear. "About how you somehow make everything else seem... so small."

She blinked, her gaze softening, cheeks a little pink. And then she rested her head on my arm, the silence between us not awkward, but warm. Comfortable.

I kissed her forehead.

And whispered in my mind,

You have no idea what's coming tonight, jaan.

After the garden, our stomachs began to rumble, and we headed to a quaint vegetarian restaurant nearby called Le Potager du Marais. It had vintage lamps, green ivy hanging from the ceiling, and tables made of reclaimed wood. Very aesthetic, very French.

We ordered:

Ratatouille with herbs

Lentil and walnut pâté

Stuffed zucchini flowers

Warm crusty baguettes with truffle butter

And a round of lavender lemonade

Isha sat beside me, laughing as Ishika tried to pronounce the dishes in French and failed miserably. Dhruv stole bites from isha's plate, while Aviyansh kept clicking pictures of the food.

At one point, Isha leaned toward me, resting her hand on my knee. "You okay?"

I nodded. "I'm more than okay."

She smiled softly. "This day feels like... I don't know. Like something's about to happen."

I took her hand in mine and kissed her knuckles.

"It is," I said.

The café was buzzing with soft chatter and the clinking of cutlery, but my mind couldn't stay still. Every tick of the clock hammered against my chest.

Three hours.

Only three hours left before I would kneel in front of Isha — the girl who had turned my life upside down — and ask her to be mine forever.

I toyed with my fork, barely tasting the food on my plate. I could feel Isha's eyes on me once or twice, her sweet little glances that usually made my whole world slow down.

Today, they only made my chest tighter with guilt.

I hated lying to her... but I had no choice.

Taking a steady breath, I leaned forward and said casually, "Guys, just got a call... urgent meeting at our Paris branch. Project issues. I have to be there for a while."

I saw Isha's fork freeze mid-air. Her pretty lips parted slightly, confusion clouding her eyes.

She looked so hurt.

Damn it, I felt like the worst man alive at that moment.

She tried to mask it, looking down at her plate, but I caught it — the disappointment flickering across her face.

God, I wanted to pull her into my arms right there and tell her the truth.

But not yet. Not now.

Tonight was for her. A memory she would never forget.

I leaned closer to her, my voice dropping so only she could hear, "Don't be sad, jaana... Tonight, it's just you and me. A date. I promise."

I brushed her knuckles lightly under the table, needing to feel her even for a second.

Her face lit up — that tiny, innocent smile I loved the most curling on her lips.

I felt my heart damn near combust at that sight.

"And I also want to see your Paris branch." she asked shyly, like a little kid asking for more candy.

I chuckled under my breath. How could she be this cute?

"Tomorrow, promise. We'll spend the whole day there," I said softly, making a mental note to clear my schedule with this idiots for her.

Seeing her smile again gave me the strength I needed.

I turned toward Dhruv and Ranveer, giving them a slight nod. They understood immediately.

After quickly finishing the lunch, we stood up. Ranveer paid the bill swiftly while Dhruv checked his watch with an impatient sigh.

A black car was already waiting outside the café.

Dhruv opened the door, giving me a subtle smirk as I slid inside with him and Ranveer following.

"Let's move," I muttered under my breath.

As the car sped toward the Eiffel Tower, I stared out of the window, my hands fisting on my lap.

The nerves were building up so fast, it was almost unbearable.

Was everything ready?

Were the lights placed perfectly?

Were the flowers set just the way she loved?

Ranveer tapped his phone constantly, checking updates from the decorators.

"Fairy lights are almost done. No media around. We're handling security," he said, his voice steady.

Dhruv was going through the checklist again, muttering to himself.

"Roses... candles... guitar team... hidden cameras... damn, I hope the weather holds."

God, thank you for these two idiots. I couldn't have done this without them.

We reached the second penthouse — the one we have secretly for tonight's setup. It was close enough to the Eiffel Tower but private enough for our little plan.

I quickly changed into my organizing outfit — nothing too flashy — and joined them at the venue.

The Eiffel Tower stood in the background, magnificent and glowing under the afternoon sun.

The small platform we had booked near the tower was being decorated rapidly.

I walked toward the heart of it — a circular stage framed with soft pink and white roses, just the way Isha loved.

Fairy lights dangled from small trees nearby, twinkling even in daylight.

It would look magical once the sun set.

I knelt down on the wooden platform, running my hand over it, picturing Isha standing there.

In a few hours... this would be the spot.

This would be the place where my life would change forever.

"Bro, they're setting up the photo spots," Dhruv said, coming to stand beside me.

I nodded.

"Tell them to capture everything," I said firmly. "Every glance. Every smile. Every damn second."

Ranveer came over with a slight smirk.

"You're acting like a crazy man. Relax. She's already yours, idiot."

I laughed under my breath but didn't deny it.

They didn't understand.

This wasn't just about asking her to marry me.

It was about giving her a moment she would remember all her life.

The proposal she deserved.

We spent the next hour rushing around — fixing the flowers that weren't placed properly, adjusting the fairy lights, coordinating with the musicians who would play soft Indian tunes during the proposal.

Everything had to be perfect.

By the time we finished, the clock showed 5:45 PM.

Only an hour and a half left.

I checked my phone. A text from Isha blinked on the screen:

"Should I start getting ready now?"

I smiled, typing back quickly:

"Yes, princess. Your dress and everything you need will reach you soon. Be ready by 7:15. Can't wait to see you."

My hands shook a little as I sent it.

It was happening.

Tonight... I was going to ask the love of my life to be mine forever.

And nothing — absolutely nothing — could go wrong.

By the time the final rose was adjusted, the last fairy light secured, and the musicians had taken their hidden places, it was nearly evening.

I ran a hand through my hair, feeling the adrenaline still pulsing in my veins.

Everything was ready.

Everything we had spent weeks planning.

I let out a slow, shaky breath and turned toward Dhruv and Ranveer, who were already motioning to me.

"Bro, come on, you need to get ready too," Ranveer said, his voice half-serious, half-teasing.

We rushed back to the second penthouse, just a few streets away from the Tower. It was perfect — private, close enough to reach within minutes, yet hidden from any curious eyes.

Once inside, I immediately headed to the side table where we had packed everything for her.

The soft white gown, handpicked because I knew it would look like a dream against her skin.

The silver heels, delicate and sparkling under the light.

The simple pearl earrings and bracelet, matching the tiny pearls sewn into the dress.

And of course, the small fancy white purse she could carry, perfectly minimal, perfectly her.

I called the delivery guy we had assigned.

"Take everything to her room right now. Make sure it's arranged exactly like I told you. Neatly. Beautifully. No mistakes," I instructed tightly.

As soon as I ended the call, the nerves hit me — hard.

My chest tightened. My palms started sweating.

God, what if she didn't like it?

What if she thought it was too much?

What if...?

"Hey. HEY!" Ranveer clapped his hands in front of my face, snapping me out of my spiral.

I blinked.

"You're breathing like you're running a marathon," he said, smirking a little. "Relax, Romeo. She's gonna love it. Trust me."

I let out a shaky laugh, running a hand over my mouth.

"God, I feel like I'm gonna faint," I admitted under my breath.

Dhruv leaned against the wall with a grin.

"Well, if you faint, we're not carrying you to the Tower, just saying."

I rolled my eyes but smiled weakly.

My brothers — always finding a way to calm me down, even now.

I took a deep breath and focused.

Time was ticking.

"Listen," I said, turning serious. "When Isha leaves the penthouse — after getting ready — tell everyone else to leave right behind her. Quietly. I don't want her to see anyone. It's supposed to feel like she's going alone... but they'll be there, hidden. Waiting."

Ranveer nodded sharply. "Got it."

"And tell everyone to get ready by 7:15. No delays. No coming in front of her," I added, pointing a stern finger at Dhruv.

Dhruv chuckled, tapping his phone.

"I'll tell Raghav and the others. I'm already texting them. They'll handle the day's work quickly and be out before she even notices."

Good.

Everything was falling into place.

I finally allowed myself to breathe properly and walked into my bedroom.

Closing the door softly behind me, I sat down at my desk.

I opened the laptop.

Immediately, the live feed filled the screen — hidden cameras set in the corners of our room (with all permissions already taken for surprises — I made sure it was ethical).

And there she was.

Isha.

My world.

My woman.

She was standing in front of a full-length mirror, holding the white dress against her body, laughing and turning slightly.

Her cheeks were red from blushing as her friends — Ishika, Prisha, and even Arjun— teased her mercilessly.

"She's gonna look like a princess!" Ishika squealed.

Isha covered her face with the dress, laughing helplessly.

"Stop it! You guys are embarrassing me!"

I chuckled under my breath, my heart squeezing painfully.

I watched her brushing her hair, twirling slightly when she thought no one was looking, smiling to herself.

She was happy.

Really, truly happy.

And I felt...

I felt like the luckiest man alive.

For a few minutes, I just sat there, my hand resting over my chest, staring at her.

Committing every moment to memory.

How she kept adjusting the tiny pearl earrings with clumsy fingers.

How she bit her lip in concentration while fixing the heels.

How she giggled when ishika jokingly threw a pillow at her.

Everything about her...

God, everything about her was magic.

Outside the window, the sky was turning a soft pink as the sun prepared to set.

Inside, my heart was burning with love.

I glanced at the clock.

6:45 PM.

Only thirty minutes left.

The laptop showed Isha now slipping into the dress — my breath caught in my throat seeing how the gown hugged her figure perfectly, like it was made for her and no one else.

The heels clicked softly against the floor as she practiced walking around, her purse dangling from her fingers.

She twirled once in front of the mirror, her smile shy but radiant.

I leaned closer to the screen, whispering under my breath,

"You're beautiful, Jaana. So, so beautiful..."

Another notification blinked on my phone:

"Everyone ready. Waiting for the signal." — Dhruv.

I typed back quickly:

"When Isha leaves, follow her quietly. No mistakes."

The clock ticked louder now, matching the rhythm of my heartbeat.

6:55 PM.

Her friends finished teasing her, and she picked up her purse, checking herself one last time.

She looked nervous but glowing.

My phone buzzed again.

Ranveer:

"Car is ready downstairs for her."

Dhruv:

"Everyone hidden. Cameras set. All positions confirmed."

I flexed my fingers, trying to calm myself.

This is it.

This was everything.

Years of silent love, weeks of secret planning, days of panic and hope...

All leading to tonight.

I watched through the screen as Isha took a deep breath, smiled at herself, and headed toward the door.

7:00 PM.

The screen froze — not technically — but in my mind, everything slowed.

The world was about to change.

She was about to step out.

And I was about to make her mine — forever.

My fingers trembled slightly as I held the phone tightly against my ear.

"Isha," I said, keeping my voice calm, "there's a car waiting for you downstairs. Just go down, okay? I'll see you soon."

I ended the call before she could ask too many questions. She sounded too happy, too excited — I didn't want to ruin the surprise that awaited her tonight.

As soon as she left the penthouse, I immediately got another call — this time from the security car that was assigned to secretly follow her car at a distance.

"Sir, Miss has left the building. We're following her as instructed,"Raghav, the guard confirmed.

"Good," I replied firmly. "Keep your distance. No mistakes today."

Without wasting a second, I dialed Aviyansh.

"You have exactly five minutes. Get everyone ready and reach the Eiffel Tower. The address is pinned. No one comes in front of Isha before I say so, understood?"

Then, almost breathlessly, I called the driver driving Isha's car.

"Listen carefully," I ordered, "when you are near the location, stop the car quietly. Tie a soft blindfold over her eyes, but make sure it doesn't ruin her makeup or touch her eyebrows. She shouldn't be able to see anything, but don't make it tight. She must still feel beautiful, not uncomfortable."

Everything needed to be perfect. Every detail.

I threw my coat over my shoulders, adjusted my sleeves nervously, and rushed out of my second penthouse with Dhruv by my side.

Ranveer left first to check everything there.

Both of us were fully dressed — me in my special suit that matched the elegance of the night, and Dhruv, my constant partner in crime, looking sharp and ready.

Even though I wanted to speed, we took our time — because Isha's car was deliberately made to go slower. I had planned it that way. I wanted her arrival to be timed perfectly with everything getting ready — the lighting, the setup, the people — the moment.

While on the way, I kept asking:

"Are everyone here?"

"Did the family reach the screen site?"

"Are the lights fixed?"

"Is the security in place?"

And lastly, I reminded the man handling the Eiffel Tower lighting:

"Remember, at 7:15 PM sharp, it has to glow in golden glitter — no mistake."

Tonight, everything had to be flawless.

For her.

For my Isha.



Author's POV

At the location, everything was unfolding perfectly — just the way Shivansh had planned.

By now, one by one, everyone had arrived — Arjun, Rithvik, Ishika, Prisha, Aarav, and Aviyansh — all dressed beautifully, excitement twinkling in their eyes.

The families were already present too, but they are on the screen— a magical large screen placed carefully so that they could watch everything live without any delay.

On one side, it was Isha's parents — overwhelmed, emotional, and smiling through their tears.

And on the other side was Shivansh's family — from his regal grandparents to his proud parents, his uncle, aunt, and even Juhi parents and juhi... who was burning with jealousy, watching silently, helplessly.

Dhruv, handling all the coordination, stood quietly near the screen, giving instructions here and there. Everything was done with military precision.

The Eiffel Tower, majestic as ever, stood waiting — and tonight, it had a secret mission.

At exactly 7:15 PM, it would shimmer in dazzling golden glitter, just like Shivansh had ordered — a special tribute to Isha, who was arriving dressed in breathtaking white.

Moments before Isha's car pulled up, Shivansh — unable to wait any longer — slipped away from their friends.

He walked quickly toward her car, hiding behind a pillar as her driver gently tied the soft blindfold around her eyes.

Then, with a heart that could barely stay inside his chest, Shivansh opened the car door himself.

Carefully, gently, he reached for her hand and whispered,

"Trust me, Isha."

Not knowing what was happening, but trusting him anyway, she nodded shyly.

He guided her — her steps careful, her heart racing — toward the center of the beautifully prepared scene.

And just as the clock struck 7:15 PM, the world around them changed.

The Eiffel Tower lit up like magic — a thousand golden glitters raining down its surface, shining just like a dream.

A soft, enchanted gasp rose from everyone who witnessed it.

But for Shivansh... there was no one else in the world at that moment.

Only her.

Only Isha.

Only the promise he was about to make.

Shivansh held her hand softly, guiding her step by step onto the center of the stage — where a giant glowing heart was outlined in soft, shimmering fairy lights.

He placed her carefully inside the heart, then moved back slightly. His own heart was thudding wildly against his chest, but his hands were steady as he reached up... and untied the blindfold.

Slowly, delicately.

And when Isha opened her eyes — she forgot to breathe for a moment.

The world in front of her was nothing less than a dream.

The first thing she saw was Shivansh — standing right there, waiting for her — looking impossibly handsome in his white suit that clung to his strong frame, his eyes filled with a gentle love that made her chest ache.

Behind him, scattered around the soft stage, were all their friends — Ranveer, Ritwik, Arjun, Aarav, Dhruv, Prisha, Ishika, Aviyansh — all standing quietly, smiling warmly at her, sharing this perfect moment.

To her left, a large screen glowed softly.

The screen was split into two — on one side, she saw her parents, eyes shining with tears, smiling proudly at her through a live video call.

On the other side, she saw Shivansh's family — his dignified grandfather and grandmother, his proud parents, his aunt, and... even Juhi, whose expression was unreadable.

Everyone was watching her.

Everyone was here for her.

Her eyes shifted again — and that's when she noticed it.

A banner, sweet and simple, hanging just behind the heart:

"Will You Be Mine?"

Next to it, there stood a beautiful tree — not a real tree, but an artistic setup — its branches heavy with hanging photographs.

Their photographs.

In one, they were laughing uncontrollably, Isha tugging Shivansh's ear playfully.

In another, Shivansh was carrying her across a street, both of them looking embarrassed and happy.

In one photo, they were holding each other quietly under a blanket.

In another, she was teasing him mercilessly while he tried to look serious but failed, smiling at her fondly.

The fairy lights wrapped around the tree gave everything a soft golden glow, and beneath the tree, two delicate roses lay carefully — symbolizing their journey and the silent promises they once made without words.

In the background, soft Indian classical music played — weaving through the air like a magic spell — familiar, comforting, full of soul.

Isha's throat tightened.

She blinked, but her vision blurred with tears of happiness.

She began noticing even more — the scattered rose petals on the floor, the soft mist curling around the stage, the way her white dress shimmered like a dream under the lights.

It was all too beautiful.

Too much.

Her hands trembled slightly as she clutched her heart.

And then — slowly, gracefully — Shivansh knelt down.

On both knees, on the ground before her.

He held out a small velvet box.

Inside, the most beautiful ring sparkled up at her, catching the golden lights.

Shivansh's eyes never left hers — deep, earnest, vulnerable.

The whole world seemed to fall away in that moment.

It was just her.

Just him.

And the question that would change their lives forever.

Shivansh knelt there, ring in his hand, looking up at her — and for a moment, he forgot everything else.

It was just her.

Just them.

He took a deep breath, his voice trembling slightly — not with fear, but with the intensity of what he was feeling.

"Isha..." he whispered, as if even her name was a prayer on his lips.

"I don't even know where to start," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "You came into my life... and everything changed. Everything."

"I used to think my world was complete... I had everything. Money, name, power... but there was always something missing. I just didn't know it until I met you."

Isha's hands flew to her lips, trying to hold back the sobs escaping her. Tears streamed down her cheeks, glistening like diamonds under the soft lights.

"You made me realize what it feels like to really live," Shivansh continued, his eyes locked onto hers, as if she was the only light he could see.

"You showed me what love is... what peace is. You taught me that happiness isn't in big things — it's in small moments, your laughter, your anger, the way you tease me, the way you look at me like I'm your whole world."

His voice cracked slightly.

"I never knew... I could love someone this much," he whispered. "So much that it scares me sometimes. So much that it feels like if you're not with me, nothing else matters."

Isha shook her head slowly, her lips trembling, her heart aching in the most beautiful way.

"I love you, Isha," Shivansh said, his voice breaking open, raw and real. "I love you with everything I am, with everything I have. And I promise... I will love you like this for the rest of my life."

"You are my dream, my reality, my forever. You are the reason I wake up and the reason I breathe."

He lowered his head for a second, as if overwhelmed himself, then looked back up at her — and in that gaze, she saw every unsaid promise, every sleepless night he must have spent planning this moment.

"I can't promise that life will always be easy... but I can promise you one thing, Isha — I will never leave your side. I will fight for you, protect you, make you smile, make you believe in love every single day."

Isha let out a soft, broken laugh, nodding, her hands still pressed to her lips, her body shaking with sobs — but not out of sadness.

It was happiness.

Pure, golden, magical happiness.

"And today," he said, his voice was tender, "in front of everyone who matters to us... I want to ask you —"

He held the ring a little higher.

"Will you let me spend the rest of my life loving you?"

"Will you be mine, Isha?"

The world seemed to stand still.

It was just the sound of her soft crying, the glittering Eiffel Tower behind them lighting up like a golden miracle, the fairy lights swaying, their friends and family holding their breaths...

And two souls, standing on the edge of forever.

For a moment, Isha stood frozen, her heart pounding so wildly that it felt like the world had gone completely silent, except for the sound of her own breath.

Tears blurred her vision, but even through them, she could see him — Shivansh, down on his knees, looking up at her with eyes so full of love that it shattered every wall she had ever built around her heart.

A soft, trembling laugh escaped her lips, and then she nodded — once, twice — a little helplessly, as if the word wasn't enough, as if the nod alone could express how much she wanted this too.

"Yes," she whispered at first, her voice cracking.

Then louder, stronger, with all the love she held in her heart, she said,

"Yes! Yes, Shivansh... I will! I will always be yours, only your. !"

In a heartbeat, cheers and claps erupted around them.

Their friends — Aarav, Ritwik, Dhruv, Aviyansh, Ranveer, Arjun, Ishika, Prisha — were clapping, hooting, laughing with joy, some even wiping tears from their eyes.

On the giant screen to the side, her parents could be seen — her mother covering her mouth in happiness, her father smiling so widely it lit up his entire face.

And on the other side of the screen, Shivansh's whole family stood watching — his grandmother with shining eyes, his parents smiling proudly, even Juhi standing stiffly, jealousy burning in her gaze but unable to deny the magic unfolding in front of her.

But none of it mattered to Isha.

In that moment, it was only him.

Only them.

Shivansh slowly slipped the ring onto her trembling finger, his hands lingering, his touch gentle as if she were something too precious, too delicate.

And then, he stood — pulling her softly, carefully, into his arms.

Isha threw herself at him, wrapping her arms tightly around his neck, burying her face into his chest. He held her back just as tightly, as if he never wanted to let her go. Kissinh her head again and again with love.

She was crying, laughing, whispering something that only he could hear — something about dreams coming true, about never letting him go, about loving him more than words could ever say.

Above them, at the exact moment, the Eiffel Tower behind them exploded into golden glittering lights — just as Shivansh had planned — making the whole night look like it had been touched by magic itself.

Fairy lights twinkled around them, roses lined the pathway, their photos hanging from the trees swayed gently in the soft breeze, capturing every memory, every laugh, every touch that had led to this moment.

Their friends rushed forward after a few seconds, surrounding them, pulling them into a big, joyful, emotional group hug.

There was laughter, more tears, endless congratulations — and somewhere, a musician began playing a soft, romantic Indian tune that floated through the night air, wrapping around them like a blessing.

Shivansh didn't let go of her hand even for a second.

Neither did Isha.

Because somehow, both of them knew —

this was just the beginning.

The beginning of forever.

After that unforgettable hug, when Isha finally pulled back slightly from Shivansh's arms, their friends couldn't hold themselves anymore.

Aarav and Prisha were the first to rush forward, clapping, laughing, pulling them into another tight group hug.

"Finally!" Aarav teased, ruffling Shivansh's shoulder playfully while Prisha threw her arms around Isha.

Isha laughed through her tears, wiping her cheeks, her heart feeling so full that it could burst.

Soft music started floating in the background — a perfect blend of Indian romantic tunes mixed with a little Parisian magic. And instinctively, everyone turned towards Shivansh and Isha.

"Go on, King and Queen of the night," Dhruv teased, winking.

Shivansh chuckled, bowing dramatically, offering his hand to Isha like a true gentleman.

"My lady," he whispered.

Isha blushed, her cheeks burning, but she placed her hand into his without hesitation.

He led her to the center of the fairy-lit stage, where the petals on the ground danced in the soft night breeze. He gently pulled her into his arms, one hand on her waist, the other clasping her hand, and they started swaying.

It was slow, intimate, magical.

Isha rested her head lightly against his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart — the same heart that beat only for her.

Soon, Aarav and Priya joined in, laughing as Aarav spun Priya dramatically.

Ishita and Aviyansh grinned at each other and stepped onto the floor too, their steps clumsy but full of happiness.

Ritwik even pulled Dhruv into a mock dance, making everyone burst into laughter.

The garden was filled with the soft sound of laughter, music, teasing, and heartfelt emotions — it felt like the stars themselves were celebrating with them.

After dancing and twirling with all their hearts, breathless and giddy with happiness, Shivansh announced,

"Alright, everyone! Dinner is waiting for us!"

A cheer went up among the group.

They all knew what that meant.

Their private Indian restaurant — their own little piece of home in Paris — had been beautifully prepared for this moment. The place was lit with soft golden lights, Indian embroidered decor, and the aroma of spices already filled the air, promising comfort and love.

Laughing, joking, teasing each other, they all made their way to the restaurant.

As they sat down around a big round table, steaming dishes began to arrive.

There was creamy, rich Dal Makhni, the smell alone making everyone's mouth water.

Paneer Butter Masala gleamed with its buttery tomato gravy.

Malai Chaap — creamy and perfect.

Paneer Tikka — sizzling hot from the tandoor.

Butter Naan — soft, fluffy, and dripping with butter.

Isha's eyes widened in happiness.

"Are we sure this is Paris?" she laughed, "Or did you teleport me back to Delhi?"

Everyone burst into laughter.

As they dug into the delicious food, teasing began — as naturally as breathing.

"So, tell us, Shivansh," Ritwik said dramatically, pretending to hold a mic,

"Since when was this top-secret mission going on?"

Shivansh just smirked, wiping his mouth slowly with a napkin.

"Classified information," he said smugly.

Everyone groaned.

Isha blushed, hiding her face in her hands, but that only made it worse.

"Look at her!" Arav teased loudly,

"Already acting like a shy bride!"

"Ayye haye!" Prisha teased,

"Blushing so much that we don't even need extra lights here!"

Isha turned even redder, shooting Shivansh a playful glare, but he just leaned closer and whispered near her ear,

"You're mine now, officially. Blush all you want. I'm not going anywhere."

Her heart did a somersault, and she smiled shyly, stealing glances at him from under her lashes.

The whole dinner was filled with such laughter, teasing, and endless love. They shared bites from each other's plates, fed each other sweets, and fought over extra gulab jamuns like children.

Later, after finishing their dreamy dinner, everyone decided to return to their penthouse — their "love penthouse" as they fondly called it — a grand, luxurious place they all shared during their Paris stay.

Everyone… except Shivansh and Isha.

Shivansh, with a mischievous twinkle in his eye, caught her hand under the table as they were standing up.

"Isha," he whispered, so only she could hear,

"Come with me... I have one more surprise."

Before she could ask anything, he gently pulled her towards a different car.

"Arre, where are you two disappearing?" Aarav called out, laughing.

"Bas bas, ab dono ja rahe hain honeymoon pe," Dhruv joked.

( Enough, enough, now both of them are going on their honeymoon.)

Everyone hooted and whistled.

Isha, now completely red, hit Shivansh lightly on the arm, but he just laughed and opened the car door for her.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

How was the Chapter??

So, how was the proposal? I literally cried while writing it.

My babies grow together faster.

Aage kya hoga? Hmm?

Share your thoughts and don't forget to click on the star button below.

Follow me on inkitt and pratilipi book app also And follow me on Instagram for spoilers.

🔗link in bio of all my accounts.

Love you all, bye

Ish💗