In the serene ambiance of the gazebo, Vikram sat enveloped in the soft murmurs of Vaibhav, who was diligently listing the names of potential brides, each one carefully chosen by his mother. The gentle rustling of leaves and distant chirping of birds added to the serenity of the setting. Yet, Vikram's attention wandered, irresistibly drawn to Parwati's graceful presence nearby. Engrossed in her task of drying and crushing red chillies, she moved with an ethereal charm, her delicate motions effortlessly capturing his focus and overshadowing Vaibhav's words.

As if attuned to his gaze, Parwati glanced up, locking eyes with Vikram, causing her to momentarily falter and almost lose grip of the hefty pestle she wielded. Quick to react, Gaurav, her vigilant guardian, reached out, steadying her with a firm grip on her arm.