12. Abhir at Poddar House

A/N : Here's a super long chapter to compensate for late update.

Keep up with me my schedule gets really tight during weekdays but I will try to post bulk updates whenever possible and weekends most certainly.

Please shower some votes and comments if you liked it.

Happy Reading! 🦋

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Abhir groaned in frustration as he looked down at his T-shirt, now stained with a large patch of coffee. His mood, which was already teetering between nervousness and excitement, took a nosedive.

He glanced back, scowling at the older man who was walking away after, spilling the steaming beverage on him and arguing with him in return.

Abhir rolled his eyes and turned toward his cab, texting Abhira as he got in:

"Running late. Had a small incident midway. Don’t worry, I’ll be there soon."

Meanwhile, at the Poddar Mansion, the family was gathered in the living room, awaiting Abhir’s arrival with anticipation.

The table was set, and excitement buzzed in the air—until Sanjay Bansal stormed in, his face a shade darker with anger.

Krish, noticing his father’s unusually agitated state, frowned. “Dad, kya hua? Why do you look so upset?”

Sanjay huffed, throwing his car keys onto the table. “Had the misfortune of running into some arrogant brat today. Koi tameez nahi thi. The audacity to argue with me after spilling MY coffee!”

The family exchanged glances, surprised by his outburst. Armaan and Rohit, who respected their Phupha Sa but were used to his short temper, shared an amused look.

Armaan smirked. “Someone actually stood up to you? Must’ve been quite the argument.”

Sanjay shot him a glare before muttering, “It completely ruined my mood.”

Charu, who had just entered the room with Ruhi and Abhira, was about to ask what happened when Abhira’s phone pinged. She glanced down, reading Abhir’s message. Her stomach twisted slightly with worry.

Ruhi noticed her expression. “Abhira? What’s wrong?”

Abhira quickly composed herself. “Nothing… just, Abhir’s running a bit late. He said he had a small incident on the way.”

A feeling of unease settled over her, though she couldn’t pinpoint why. Something about her brother’s delay made her anxious, but she shook the feeling away. He would be here soon. That was what mattered.

What none of them realized yet was that the "arrogant brat" Sanjay had just encountered… was Abhir Sharma.

Abhir quickly got some clothes from the nearby mall and climbed back into the cab, placing the flowers and sweets carefully on the seat beside him. The driver started the engine, and as they drove toward the Poddar mansion, Abhir stared out the window, his mind racing.

The truth was, he had spent so many years being alone that the concept of family felt almost mythical. And then, when he became a star, people started treating him like he was untouchable. They either wanted something from him or were too intimidated to get close.

But now, he had Abhira and Ruhi. His sisters. His family.

The one person who looked at him like he was just Abhir, not some larger-than-life persona. That thought brought a faint smile to his lips.

As the cab neared the Poddar mansion, Abhir’s nerves returned. He adjusted his mask, took another deep breath, and silently prayed. Bas, sab kuch theek se ho jaye. Koi problem na ho.

The cab stopped at the grand gates of the Poddar estate. Abhir stepped out, clutching the flowers and sweets tightly. He hesitated for a moment, staring at the large, elegant house in front of him.

This is it, he thought, taking his first step toward the gate. Time to meet Abhira’s family.

The grand gates of the Poddar mansion opened with a slight creak as Abhir stepped inside, his heart pounding harder with each step. The mansion was even more imposing up close, with its perfectly manicured lawns and luxurious façade.

It screamed wealth and opulence, and Abhir couldn’t help but feel a pang of unease though he was a celebrity he kept wandering around cities for his concerts and barely settled in a place that he can call home.

A uniformed house staff member approached him. "Aap kaun?"

Abhir hesitated for a moment before replying, "Main Abhir... Abhira ka bhai."

The man’s eyes widened slightly , then he nodded and motioned for him to follow.

As they walked through the grand entrance, Abhir felt the weight of the atmosphere settle on him.

Laughter and voices echoed faintly from the inner halls, and he could sense the life bustling inside.

The house opened into an expansive living room, where the Poddar family had gathered. Kaveri Dadi was seated on a plush armchair reading  her newspaper. Her warm, wise eyes immediately landed on Abhir, and a broad smile spread across her face.

"Arre, woh aa gaya!" she exclaimed, her voice full of affection.

Abhir stiffened slightly, not expecting such a warm welcome. His eyes darted across the room.

Armaan stood beside his father, Madhav, both of them smiling politely. Kiara and Aryan were on the couch with Ruhi and Rohit, all of them chatting animatedly, but the moment Abhir entered, the room grew quiet.

Abhira emerged from the kitchen, wiping her hands on a towel. Her face lit up when she saw him. "Bhai!" she called, rushing over to him.

Abhir managed a small smile, handing her the bouquet and sweets. "Yeh."

Abhira's smile widened as she took them. "Flowers aur mithai? Aap aur itna formal kab se hogaye!" she teased, her tone light and affectionate.

Abhir smiled awkwardly, scratching the back of his head. "Pehli baar aa raha hoon apni behno ke ghar. Kuch toh lana banta hai."

"Waise yeh phool toh meri liye haina," Kaveri Dadi chimed in with a playful grin. "Abhir beta, yahan aao, Dadi se milo."

Abhir hesitated for a second before walking over to her and bent to touch her feet she smiled blessing him whole heartedly and patted his cheek affectionately.

She held his face gently between her hands, studying him with eyes full of warmth. "Abhira ki zindgi mein hamesha ek kami thi, jo aaj tumhare aane se poori hui hai," she said, her voice trembling slightly with emotion. "You’ve brought her so much happiness beta"

Abhir felt his throat tighten. He wasn’t used to this kind of unreserved affection. " I... uh, thank you mam" he mumbled, feeling a little overwhelmed.

Kaveri affectionately patted his cheek " Mam kya.. dadi sa bol".

Abhir smiled and nodded " J..ji dadi sa"

Armaan, who had been observing silently, walked over and placed a hand on Abhir’s shoulder. "Welcome Saale saab im Armaan" he said with a reassuring smile offering a polite handshake.

"Glad you could make it—for Abhira’s sake, and now for ours too."

The tension in his shoulders eased slightly as he looked around the room, taking in the smiles and curious glances.

Abhir clasped his hand firmly. “Happy to be here.”

Madhav stepped forward, extending his hand, his face lighting up with a welcoming smile. "So, this is the famous Abhir Sharma we've heard so much about," he said warmly, extending his hand. "Welcome, beta I'm Armaan's father Madhav Poddar"

Abhir shook his hand hesitantly, feeling a little disoriented by the genuine kindness in his tone. "Thank you, sir... I mean, uncle," he corrected himself awkwardly.

"No need of these formalities, Abhir. You're family now," Madhav said, clapping him on the shoulder.

Rohit, standing beside Ruhi, chimed in, "I'm Ruhi's husband, Rohit. Welcome to the family, Abhir."

As Abhir continued greeting the family, his eyes finally landed on Ruhi standing near the staircase, a soft smile on her lips. But what caught his attention the most was the tiny bundle cradled in her arms.

His four-month-old nephew, Daksh.

A strange warmth spread through him as he approached. Ruhi’s eyes glistened with emotion as she whispered, “Finally, you’re here Billa boy itni der lagaadi”

Abhir let out a small chuckle, rubbing the back of his neck. “Ruhi chuhi AST ke hisaab se main kaafi early hoon ”

She playfully smacked his arm. “Tu aur tera Abhir standard time.”

Abhir crouched slightly, his heart unexpectedly clenching as he looked at the little boy.

Then, stepping closer, she adjusted Daksh in her arms and said, “Meet your mamu.”

Abhir stared at the tiny face, his heart unexpectedly clenching. Daksh was adorable, his round cheeks flushed, tiny fists curled against Ruhi’s shoulder. The baby blinked up at him with big, curious eyes, as if studying him.

“Hello, champ,” Abhir breathed out, a little overwhelmed. “He’s… he’s so tiny.”

Ruhi laughed. “Well, he’s not going to stay tiny forever. Want to hold him?”

Abhir hesitated for a moment before nodding. “Y..yeah..”

With careful movements, Ruhi placed Daksh into his arms. The moment Abhir felt the baby’s warmth against his chest, something shifted inside him.

Daksh made a small noise, his tiny fingers wrapping around Abhir’s finger, holding on tight and everyone in the room cooed at the sight.

Abhir let out a soft laugh. “He’s so strong.”

Ruhi smirked. “Just like his mamu.”

For a moment, Abhir felt the warmth of belonging, something he hadn’t felt in years having Daksh in his arms to experience love in most innocent form.

Charu, who had been quietly observing from the side, couldn’t help but notice the way Abhir interacted with everyone. Despite his reserved demeanor, there was a sincerity in his actions that surprised her.

However, she couldn’t shake the memory of his sharp words the previous day.

"Bas yehi ummeed hai ki tumhare gusse ka demo yahaan koi na dekh le," she muttered under her breath, just loud enough for Kiara to hear.

Kiara who heard it nudged her, whispering back, "Charu di, give him a chance. Dekho, woh kitne nervous hai."

Charu crossed her arms but said nothing.

As he exchanged greetings with the rest of the family, his gaze unconsciously drifted across the room… and landed on Charu.

She stood near the couch, her arms folded, her expression unreadable. There was the slightest hint of annoyance in her eyes, it was so easy to read her, her face was like an open book and he understood his very presence irked her.

And yet, even in her irritation, she looked effortlessly beautiful—her deep blue kurta accentuating her sharp features, the soft strands of her hair brushing against her cheek.

Abhir chuckled inwardly. Typical. Of course, she wasn’t thrilled to see him. But before he could relish in the amusement for too long, an unwelcome memory flashed in his mind—his morning dream about her.

The way his subconscious had painted her in ways he had no business imagining…

Heat crept up his neck. He stiffened, forcing himself to look away instantly, feeling an unfamiliar nervousness settle in his stomach.

What the hell was wrong with him?

Luckily, a high-pitched squeal broke through his mental chaos.

“Oh my god, Rockstar Abhir Sharma in our house!!”

Abhir turned just in time to see Kiara rushing toward him, eyes shining with pure excitement.

“You look handsome today Abhir!” she gushed, practically bouncing in place. “I still can’t believe you’re here!”

Abhir couldn’t help but grin at her enthusiasm. “Glad to meet you too, Kiara.”

He extended his hand, and she immediately shook it, her fangirling genuine and endearing.

“You know I have been you're  ardent fan from last four years I never missed any of your albums, I have so many questions about your songs, your concerts, your life—” Kiara started but was cut off by a loud, dramatic sigh from Krish.

“Kiara, let the man breathe,” Krish teased. “You’re acting like he walked straight out of your dreams.”

Kiara rolled her eyes glaring at Krish.

Abhir laughed, shaking his head at the sibling banter.

Abhir took his seat in the living room with everyone, feeling a little more at ease. The conversations swirled around him as he nibbled on his plate, but his eyes kept flicking toward Abhira, who was talking animatedly to Armaan.

Suddenly, Abhira's face lit up, and she squealed with excitement. "Armaan, I want to show you something interesting!" she said, bouncing on her toes.

Armaan raised an eyebrow, curious. "What now?" he asked with a smirk.

Abhira turned to Abhir and then grinned mischievously. "AB, I've got some new words for you. Let's see if you can decode them!" she said, almost challenging him.

Abhir tilted his head, intrigued, as Abhira began tossing short, quirky phrases his way.

"BMNJ  aap hi mere fav ho?" she said with a playful glint in her eye.

Abhir's lips curved into a smirk. "Bhram mey naah jiyo, aap hi mere fav ho" he said confidently.

Abhira clapped her hands together. "Correct! Okay, next one... Bhai you're my MCI "

Abhir didn't miss a beat. "MOST CHAHITA INSAAN" he replied with a warm smile.

"Yes absolutely!"

The table burst into laughter, and Armaan looked at both of them in disbelief. "Wait, what is this language?"

Abhira giggled, clearly enjoying this little game. "Okay, okay... here's a tough one: Aap aaye ALRH?"

Abhir didn't even hesitate. " ACHA LAGRA HAI ..hmm mujhe bhi."

Everyone erupted into more laughter, and Abhira was beaming, clearly pleased with how effortlessly Abhir had cracked every one of her quirky short forms.

Armaan shook his head in disbelief, laughing at how easily Abhir had decoded the phrases. He leaned back in his chair, rubbing his chin dramatically. "Saale sahab, ab toh aap dono saath mein ek dictionary likh do taaki hum jaise saamanya log yeh bhaasha samaj paaye!"

The room broke into laughter, and even Abhir couldn't stop himself from chuckling at Armaan's comment. Abhira laughed the loudest, clutching her stomach.

"Yeh! It's not that hard, Armaan!" she teased, but her eyes sparkled with mischief. "We'll just add you to the list of people who don't get it!"

Abhir shook his head, smiling at the comfortable camaraderie between them. It was a far cry from the loneliness he had gotten used to over the years. Maybe he could get used to this after all.

The laughter continued, and for the first time in a long while, Abhir felt a warmth fill his chest, a connection to something more than just himself. It was a strange feeling, but one he was willing to embrace.

The initial awkwardness of meeting his sisters' in-laws had faded, replaced by lighthearted banter.

Krish chuckled as he nudged Abhir. “Man, I didn’t know rockstars could be this entertaining off-stage too.”

Armaan smirked. “Yeah, you sure you’re not a stand-up comedian on the side?”

Abhir smirked. “Well, I do have a talent for making people laugh… sometimes unintentionally.”

Ruhi shook her head, amused. “Don’t encourage him too much, or he’ll start charging for his  bad jokes as well”

Everyone burst into laughter, including Abhira, who was relieved to see her brother comfortable and happy. For the first time in a while, Abhir felt like he belonged. The warmth of the Poddar family—something he had never experienced before—was strangely comforting.

Just then, the moment was shattered.

Sanjay Bansal walked into the hall, his face still holding traces of annoyance from earlier.

His eyes immediately locked onto Abhir, and his expression darkened.

“You!” Sanjay’s voice boomed across the room, making everyone turn toward him.

Abhir, who had just taken a sip of his juice, raised a brow. “MPK...,” he muttered under his breath before setting his glass down.

"Meri pooti kismat..."abhira muttered looking at him in shock.

Sanjay stormed closer, his fists clenched. “YOU  arrogant brat what are you doing in my house?”

Abhir’s smirk widened, his easygoing demeanor turning sharp. “Ohhh, uncle. Didn’t recognize you without the coffee stain.”

The entire room fell silent. Charu, Krish, and Ruhi’s eyes widened in shock. Sanjay’s face turned a deeper shade of red.