🎵 Song: Khaabon Ke Parindey – Instrumental Version

"Sometimes...

the destination is beautiful.

But the person waiting beside you...

makes the journey unforgettable."

The private jet continued gliding peacefully through the clouds.

Outside...

The snow-covered mountains of Shimla looked breathtaking.

Inside...

Most of the passengers had begun preparing for landing.

The pilot's voice echoed softly through the cabin.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we'll be landing in Shimla in approximately ten minutes. Kindly fasten your seat belts."

Reyansh looked down at the girl sleeping on his shoulder.

"My sleeping Ocean..."

He smiled softly.

"I guess it's time."

Very carefully...

He leaned a little closer.

Not wanting to scare her.

"Ocean..."

His voice was barely above a whisper.

"Hmm..."

She shifted slightly.

"We're about to land."

Aarohi slowly opened her eyes.

For a few seconds...

She looked completely confused.

Still half asleep.

Then...

She realized something.

Her head...

Was resting on Reyansh's shoulder.

Her eyes widened.

She immediately sat upright.

"Oh my God!"

"I-I'm so sorry!"

Reyansh laughed softly.

"For what?"

"I slept on your shoulder!"

"So?"

"So?"

She looked completely embarrassed.

"I must've been so heavy!"

He raised an eyebrow dramatically.

"You?"

"Heavy?"

He shook his head.

"Ocean..."

"I barely felt anything."

Her cheeks immediately turned pink.

"I didn't even realize..."

"I know."

"You should've woken me."

"I tried."

"You looked too peaceful."

"So I let you sleep."

Aarohi tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

"I'm really sorry."

He smiled.

"If you apologize one more time..."

"I'll start charging you."

She blinked.

"Charging me?"

"Hmm."

"One chocolate for every unnecessary apology."

She laughed.

"You're impossible."

"I know."

Just then...

Kabir's voice echoed from behind.

"Finally!"

"Our Sleeping Beauty is awake!"

Aarohi immediately turned around.

Kabir and Anaya were both trying very hard not to laugh.

"W-What?"

Kabir grinned.

"Nothing."

"You just had a very comfortable journey."

Anaya covered her mouth to hide her smile.

"Didi looked so peaceful."

Aarohi looked suspiciously at both of them.

"You two know something."

Kabir shrugged innocently.

"We know nothing."

Anaya nodded dramatically.

"Absolutely nothing."

Reyansh looked out of the window to hide his own smile.

A few moments later...

The aircraft touched down smoothly.

The wheels kissed the runway.

The trip had officially begun.

Shimla

As soon as everyone stepped outside...

A cool mountain breeze welcomed them.

The fresh air carried the scent of pine trees.

Snow-covered peaks surrounded the landscape.

Everything looked like a postcard.

Aarohi wrapped her shawl around herself.

"It's so beautiful..."

Meera smiled.

"Wait until you see the farmhouse."

Kabir excitedly added,

"You'll never want to leave!"

Luxury SUVs were already waiting outside the private terminal.

The luggage was loaded.

Within minutes...

Everyone began the drive toward the Malhotra family farmhouse.

The roads curved through beautiful valleys.

Tall deodar trees lined both sides.

Small wooden cottages appeared here and there.

Every turn revealed another breathtaking view.

Aarohi couldn't stop looking outside.

"This place is magical..."

Reyansh looked at her instead of the scenery.

"It is."

"But..."

He smiled.

"I've seen something prettier."

She looked at him.

"What?"

He casually looked out of the window.

"Nothing."

She narrowed her eyes.

"You always do that."

He laughed.

"I know."

The Farmhouse

Nearly forty-five minutes later...

The SUVs finally stopped.

Aarohi stepped out...

And stood completely speechless.

Before her stood a magnificent wooden farmhouse.

It was built in a luxurious mountain style with large glass windows, stone pathways, and wide balconies overlooking the valleys.

Colorful flowers surrounded the entrance.

A huge garden stretched across the front.

Behind it...

Snow-covered mountains completed the breathtaking view.

"Oh..."

Aarohi whispered.

"It's beautiful."

Rajeev smiled proudly.

"No wonder Vikram loves this place."

Vikram laughed.

"It's our favorite vacation home."

Everyone carried their bags inside.

The farmhouse was just as beautiful from within.

Wooden interiors.

A grand fireplace.

Warm lighting.

Elegant furniture.

Everything felt cozy despite its size.

Meera clapped her hands.

"Alright."

"Let's decide the rooms."

Everyone gathered in the spacious living room.

"There are plenty of guest rooms."

Meera smiled.

"So everyone can have their own room."

Kabir immediately raised his hand.

"I want my own room!"

Anaya copied him.

"Me too!"

Everyone laughed.

Meera began assigning rooms.

"Kabir..."

"Third room on the right."

"Yay!"

"Anaya..."

"Second room upstairs."

"Okay!"

Then she looked toward Aarohi.

"Aarohi beta..."

"The first guest room on the upper floor."

"It's the one with the valley view."

Aarohi smiled politely.

"Thank you, Aunty."

Before anyone could continue...

Reyansh spoke casually,

"Mumma."

"Hmm?"

"I'll take the room next to hers."

Everyone looked at him.

He shrugged naturally.

"It's closer to the balcony."

"I like that room."

Meera smiled.

"Alright."

"You've stayed there before anyway."

"Fine."

Kabir looked at Anaya.

Anaya looked at Kabir.

The two younger siblings slowly turned toward Reyansh.

Then toward Aarohi.

Then back at each other.

A silent conversation took place.

Room next to Aarohi's.

Interesting.

Very interesting.

Kabir leaned closer to Anaya and whispered,

"That wasn't about the balcony."

Anaya nodded confidently.

"Definitely not."

"It's about someone with blue eyes."

Both of them quietly giggled.

Aarohi, meanwhile, was completely unaware of their little discussion.

She picked up her suitcase.

"I'll just freshen up."

Meera smiled warmly.

"Take your time, beta."

As everyone headed toward their rooms...

Reyansh deliberately slowed his pace.

Until he was walking beside Aarohi.

He looked at her with his usual teasing smile.

"What?"

She asked.

He pointed toward the two doors.

"Looks like..."

He paused.

"...my Ocean is going to be my next-door neighbor for the next few days."

Aarohi smiled shyly.

"You planned this, didn't you?"

Reyansh placed a hand dramatically over his heart.

"Ocean..."

"I'm deeply offended."

"I simply appreciate a room with a nice balcony."

She laughed.

"You're a terrible actor."

"I know."

"But admit it..."

He leaned just a little closer.

"...you're not completely unhappy about it."

Aarohi looked away immediately.

"I..."

"I should unpack."

She hurried toward her room before he could tease her any further.

Reyansh watched her disappear behind the door.

A satisfied smile spread across his face.

Mission accomplished.

From the opposite end of the hallway...

Kabir and Anaya had witnessed the entire exchange.

Kabir folded his arms proudly.

"Our work is becoming easier."

Anaya grinned.

"I told you."

"They're doing half the job themselves now."

The two little cupids bumped their fists together.

The trip had only just begun.

And already...

The mountains were about to witness a love story neither of them would ever forget.

End of Chapter 44 🏔️🌊❤️