The village had not seen such excitement in years.After "The Great Love Letter Scandal," everyone agreed it was time to celebrate something more official — the Festival of Hearts, a yearly event that celebrated love, friendship, and second chances.
Rick, of course, was self-appointed Chief of Security and Romance Protection, walking around with a whistle and clipboard.Nancy wore a red dress so shiny that even the sun squinted at her.And Yuna? She was radiant — nervous, happy, and secretly hoping James would finally say what she'd been feeling for weeks.
The Preparation Chaos
"Rick, why are there guards at the flower stall?" Yuna asked, holding a basket of petals.
"To protect romantic assets," Rick said proudly, chest puffed."Last year, someone stole all the roses before the parade began."
"That was you, Rick," Rama said dryly, walking past with a tray of sweets.
Rick coughed. "Operational misunderstanding."
Meanwhile, Nancy was "supervising" the decorations — by arguing with every single person.
"The heart garlands must be pink, not red! Red is too obvious!""But Nancy, it's called The Festival of Hearts—""Silence! Let me handle the aesthetics!"
By noon, the village square was a colorful chaos of laughter, petals, and drums. The scent of roasted nuts filled the air. The children ran around in masks shaped like hearts. Everyone was glowing.
James and Yuna's Dance
When the drums began, James found Yuna near the fountain, arranging candles."You always end up doing the work," he said, handing her a drink.
"Someone has to make sure the village doesn't burn down," she teased.He smiled, watching her fingers tremble slightly as she tied ribbons.
"Yuna," he said softly, "may I ask you something?"
But before he could continue, Rick's voice boomed from the stage."Attention, citizens! It's time for the Couple's Dance Challenge! Whoever wins gets the Crown of Hearts!"
Yuna blinked. "Couple's dance?"
James grinned nervously. "Guess that was my question."
And before she could protest, he grabbed her hand and pulled her onto the stage.
The crowd cheered wildly.
The Dance Disaster
At first, they were graceful — or close enough.James stepped left; Yuna stepped right.Then Yuna spun beautifully, only for James to trip over Rick's clipboard that had somehow ended up on the floor.
The crowd gasped. Then laughed. Loudly.
Nancy whispered to Rama, "They're so cute it's painful."Rama smiled knowingly. "Young love always trips before it dances."
As the song played on, Yuna and James found their rhythm again.Her laughter melted his nerves. His hand fit perfectly at her waist.
The village clapped, cheering for their "chaotic couple."And when the music ended, James bowed — to Yuna, not the crowd."You make even my mistakes look perfect," he said.
Yuna blushed, eyes shining. "Then keep making them."
The Emotional Twist
The night grew quiet. Lanterns floated into the sky, each carrying a wish.Yuna's heart was full — until a stranger stepped out of the shadows near the riverbank.
"Excuse me," he said softly, voice unfamiliar yet calm. "I'm looking for Rick… and Rama."
Rick turned, suspicious. "Depends who's asking."
The man smiled faintly. "I'm from Mumbai. I… I came with news. About the old debt — and something else. About the past."
Rama froze, her eyes widening as the music faded in the background.Yuna, sensing the shift, took James's hand.
The festival lights flickered on the water as laughter slowly quieted.Something old was returning — something that could change everything.