Morning sunlight filtered softly through the kitchen window as baby Rihan’s delighted giggles filled the air, a melody of innocence and joy that wrapped around the household like a warm embrace. Perched securely in his high chair, the little one’s cherubic face bore joyful streaks of pink gulal, evidence of his first playful encounter with the festival colors. Ninad’s laughter echoed across the room as he gently steadied his son, the powder smudged lovingly across tiny cheeks.
"Dekho, Rihan ne sabse pehle rang khela," Ninad chuckled, his eyes gleaming with pride and amusement. Niharika’s mock scolding was lighthearted, her fingers brushing away the excess powder as she smiled at the scene with affectionate eyes. "Arre, he’s too tiny for this mess!" she teased, though her voice betrayed her delight.
Avani stood nearby at the kitchen counter, carefully pouring fresh juice into tall glasses, the rhythmic sound grounding her amidst the cheerful commotion. Her gaze lingered on the family warmth, a soft smile tugging at her lips despite the flutter of nerves beneath her skin.
Niharika’s eyes sparkled mischievously as they met Avani’s, the playful challenge unspoken but clearly understood. "Avu, ab tumhari baari hai. Get ready—don’t think you can escape so easily," she teased, a sly grin spreading across her face.
Before Avani could react, Ninad reached over with a quick flick of his fingers, smearing a bright patch of yellow gulal across her cheek. "Happy Holi, chhoti!" he said warmly.
"Bhai!" Avani protested, laughter bubbling up as she stepped back, hands up in mock defense. "At least let me finish my juice first!"
The doorbell’s sudden chime sliced through their laughter, and Niharika wiped her hands on her dupatta before moving swiftly to answer. "Arre, Varun!" her voice called out, a note of surprise and welcome.
Avani’s heart tightened unexpectedly at the sound of his name. She lingered near the dining table, deliberately trying to appear nonchalant though her pulse quickened.
Varun entered carrying a box filled with tangled wires and cables, his kurta light and casual, sleeves rolled up to reveal strong, muscular forearms. His stubble-lined jaw and tousled hair caught the morning light, every detail etched into Avani’s mind with an almost painful clarity.
"Ninad, speakers ki testing karni hai," Varun declared in his calm, authoritative tone, setting the equipment down carefully. "I’ll sort it out quickly. Everything will be ready by evening. Speakers are already set up on the ground, and the DJ is on his way."
Ninad clapped him on the shoulder enthusiastically. "Perfect timing. Let’s get started."
While the two men busied themselves with the technical setup, Niharika reappeared carrying a plate of dry gulal powders, vibrant and inviting. "Varun bhaiya, nobody leaves here without a splash of color," she said, smearing a streak of green across his cheek with a playful smile.
He chuckled softly and returned the gesture, marking a gentle line across her forehead. Then, almost casually, his gaze shifted to Avani. "Aur tum? Happy Holi," he said softly, stepping closer.
Before she could withdraw, his fingers brushed her cheek, leaving a delicate streak of red powder. The color smudged onto his thumb, and for a heartbeat too long, his dark eyes held hers, searching, intense.
Avani’s breath caught like a fragile thread stretched taut. She summoned a small smile and murmured, "Happy Holi," her voice barely above a whisper. Without waiting for a response, she slipped away toward the kitchen, feigning the need to wash her hands, her heart pounding in her ears.
When she returned, Varun was already packing his gear, preparing to leave. The space he vacated felt immediately hollow, the joyful noise strangely muted without his presence.
The day stretched into a slow, lazy afternoon. Avani lounged in her room scrolling through her phone when a message from Kayra blinked onto the screen of their group chat.
Kayra: Ready for tonight? Holi blast is going to be insane this year.
Avani: Hmm... we’ll see. Bhai said it’s going to be a big one.
Sonal: Big? More like wild! Heard people from all over the city are coming. DJ’s confirmed!
Kayra: Avu, you better wear something killer. No hiding under dupattas like last time.
Avani smirked, typing carefully.
Avani: Relax. Just my usual white and sky-blue suit. Comfortable.
Sonal: Comfortable?? Babe, you look curvy in anything—even a lab coat. Boys will be fainting tonight.
Kayra: True that. You’ll have a line of admirers by the end of the night. Don’t worry, I’ve got your back from all the proposals. 😂
Avani rolled her eyes but smiled softly at the screen. Little did they know—no boy at the party could rival the heat that already simmered dangerously inside her.
She set her phone aside and changed into her chosen outfit. The lightweight fabric of her white and sky-blue salwar kameez hugged her gently, the soft material draping perfectly—snug around her waist, flowing elegantly at her ankles. She studied her reflection in the mirror, braiding her hair over one shoulder, taking a slow breath before stepping out.
Evening settled over the society park, transforming the ordinary green space into a vibrant, pulsating festival ground. Strings of twinkling fairy lights shimmered overhead, casting a warm glow against the darkening sky. The DJ booth thumped with electric beats that vibrated through the air, mingling seamlessly with the deep, rhythmic pounding of traditional dhol drums.
Families mingled with young revelers, their faces streaked with every shade of the rainbow as clouds of gulal exploded in wild, exuberant bursts. The scent of sweet, spiced bhaang hung thickly, wrapping around the crowd like a tantalizing perfume.
Kayra and Sonal spotted Avani instantly, tugging her into the colorful chaos without hesitation. Within moments, her pristine white suit was smeared with bold streaks of pink, orange, and green. Laughter bubbled from her lips as she breathed in the electric atmosphere, her heart feeling lighter than it had in months.
The three friends twirled and danced beneath the fluttering lights, the dholis’ deep beats weaving perfectly with the DJ’s contemporary tracks. The crowd’s energy surged in waves, swirling around them like a living thing, lifting Avani higher with every step.
Yet, even amidst the dizzying celebration, Avani’s gaze flickered repeatedly toward the entrance, searching without admitting what she hoped to find.
And then, there he was.
Varun arrived with Ninad, carrying the final set of cables needed to complete the sound system. His kurta was a canvas of splattered colors—gulal painted across his shoulders, his hair tousled, a faint pink dusting his beard. The yellow fairy lights caught the sharp lines of his jaw, highlighting the subtle strength in his calm, measured movements.
He moved with an effortless grace, blending yet standing apart from the crowd. His focus was on the setup, coordinating with the DJ and lighting crew, but when his eyes finally swept over the dancing throng, they locked on Avani’s for a fleeting, charged moment.
The connection was electric—a silent acknowledgment that sent a thrill racing through her body. Avani quickly turned away, ducking behind Kayra’s outstretched arms as a handful of pink powder exploded near her face. She pressed a forced smile to her lips, heart pounding wildly beneath her skin.
The park grew louder as night deepened—the beats relentless, the crowd’s excitement a tangible force. The air thickened with swirling gulal, creating a haze that blurred edges and softened reality.
Kayra and Sonal, already light from multiple glasses of thandai, pulled Avani deeper into the whirlpool of celebration. "Avu, ek glass toh pee lo!" Sonal shouted over the music, pressing a plastic cup into her hand.
Avani hesitated, the familiar sweet aroma of the drink teasing her senses. "Isme... kya hai?" she asked cautiously.
"Bhaang!" Kayra grinned, her teeth stained pink with gulal. "Bas thoda sa. Don’t pretend to be so innocent."
Reluctantly, Avani lifted the cup. The cool liquid slid down her throat—sweet, with an underlying bitterness that lingered and stirred something restless inside her. She coughed softly, cheeks flushing as her friends cheered her on.
Another glass followed, the edges of the night beginning to blur and shift. The music sharpened, colors intensified, and laughter swelled around her until it felt like the world itself was spinning in a perfect, dizzying rhythm.
A carefree laugh escaped her when Kayra smeared a thick patch of purple gulal across her cheek, chasing her through the crowd with wild energy. Her dupatta slipped loosely from her shoulder, and for the first time in a long time, she didn’t bother to adjust it.
Boys watched openly, some daring enough to throw handfuls of color as she passed. Normally, Avani would have frowned or shrunk away, but tonight the bhaang dulled her inhibitions. She laughed instead, ducking behind Sonal and wiping the powder from her eyes.
Still, her eyes strayed repeatedly to the far side of the park—toward the DJ booth, toward the man she couldn’t forget. Varun.
Even at a distance, he exuded a quiet magnetism, his kurta stained and his beard dusted faintly pink by the revelers’ playful hands. Under the yellow glow of the fairy lights, his presence was commanding yet effortless.
Their eyes met once more—brief, electric, and full of unspoken words. Avani turned her face away swiftly, pressing her half-empty cup to her lips, pretending to sip even as her heart hammered with unsteady desire.
As the night deepened and the celebration reached its crescendo, Avani found herself caught between the wild colors flooding the park and the intense, forbidden heat burning just beneath the surface—knowing that this Holi, nothing would remain the same.