7

Jo kabhi ek dusre se nafrat karte the, aaj wahi ek dusre ki mohabbat aur taqat ban gaye hain.

The next morning, Avni woke up to the soft rays of the sun streaming through the curtains. She blinked a few times, adjusting to the light, and turned her head slightly. There, right beside her, was Driti, still fast asleep, her tiny fingers gripping Rudra's hand even in her sleep. Rudra, too, was asleep. A gentle smile tugged at the corner of Avni's lips as she watched them.

For a moment, she just observed them-this little family she was now a part of, however strange and cold it still felt. But there was something peaceful in the way Driti held onto her father, something that tugged at Avni's heart. Slowly, she sat up, careful not to disturb either of them. She came out of the room, closing the door softly behind her.

Back in her own room, she sighed and moved toward the wardrobe. She had made up her mind to visit the temple today. She chose a simple yet striking red saree, its color bright against her skin. After draping it around herself, she stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the pleats and tucking them in place. Her hair was tied back neatly into a low bun, a few stray strands framing her face. She added a bindi and simple jewelry before stepping back to look at herself.

She looked... different. Not like the girl she had been a few months ago. Marriage had changed something, though she wasn't sure what yet.

Taking a deep breath, Avni left the room and made her way downstairs. The soft clinking of her bangles echoed as she descended the stairs. In the living room, she saw Rudra's mother arranging flowers in a vase, her sharp eyes catching sight of Avni almost immediately.

"Avni," she said, her voice warm as she looked her up and down, "you look so beautiful today beta. Red suits you very well."

Avni smiled softly, feeling a little shy under the compliment. "Thank you, Maa," she replied.

Rudra's mother set the flowers aside and approached her. " Itni subah tayar hokar kahan ja rahe ho?"

(Where are you going so early, dressed up like this)

"Main mandir ja rahi hoon." Avni replied, folding her hands in front of her.

(I'm going to the temple)

Rudra's mother nodded approvingly.

Just as Avni was about to step outside, Rohan, appeared from the hallway, still half-dressed in his casual morning clothes. "Good morning Bhabhi!" he called out, jogging up to her. "Aap mandir ja rahe ho? Chalo, main tumhe chhod deta hoon. Waise bhi main abhi nikalne wala hoon."

(You're going to the temple? Let me drop you off. I'm heading out soon anyway)

Avni turned to face him, offering a polite smile. "Nahi, theek hai Rohan. Main khud hi chali jaungi."

(No, it's alright, Rohan. I'll go on my own)

He raised an eyebrow, his usual teasing grin creeping onto his face. ""Pakka? Koi problem nahi hai. Waise bhi, aap yahan naye ho. Agar aap raasta bhool gayi toh? Main bhaiya ko kya bolunga?" His tone was playful, but there was a hint of genuine concern beneath it.

(You sure? It's no trouble. Besides, you're new to the area. What if you get lost? Why shoulf I tell bhaiya?)

Avni chuckled softly, shaking her head. "I'll manage, don't worry."

Rohan studied her for a second, then shrugged. "Alright, if you insist. Just take care, okay?"

"I will," Avni promised, stepping out of the house.

Within a few minutes, Avni reached the temple. The sweet scent of incense hung in the air, and the soft, rhythmic ringing of temple bells echoed around her. She slipped off her sandals at the entrance and walked barefoot inside, the cool stone floor grounding her as she made her way.

In front of her stood the idols of Lord Shri Ram and Sita, adorned with flowers, their faces radiating peace and divine grace. Avni paused for a moment, folding her hands together, she closed her eyes and bowed her head, letting her thoughts flow freely in her silent prayer.

Her lips curved into a faint smile as she prayed silently, "Shri Ram ji, maine kabhi nahi socha tha ki mera dil aise naram ho jayega. Jo kabhi bojh lagta tha, ab woh ek khoobsurat cheez ban gaya hai. Jo aadmi mujhe sabse zyada nafrat tha, ab mera pati aur mera pyaar hai. Aur main ismein ek bhi pal nahi badalna chahungi."

(Shri ram ji, I never imagined my heart would soften like this. What once felt like a burden has now turned into something beautiful. The person I hated most is now my husband... my love. And I wouldn't change a single moment of it)

She took a deep breath, thinking of Driti, who had unknowingly brought softness into their lives. "Please bless Driti, too" she prayed, "keep her safe and happy. Let her always feel loved, no matter what."

"Aur Rudra ko bhi aashirwad do, usse apne past se uthne ki taakat do, taaki wo apna dil poori tarah khol sake. Main usmein achhai dekhti hoon, Shri Ram ji. Usse bhi yeh dekhne mein madad karo. Wo mera Ram hai aur main uski Sita hoon, saath mein hum sab kuch ka saamna karenge jo aage hai."

(And bless rudra, give him the strength to heal from his past, to open his heart fully. I see the goodness in him, Shri ram ji. Help him see it too. He is my ram and I am his Sita, together we will face everything that's come ahead of us)

Finally, she opened her eyes and looked up at the idols once more, feeling at peace. She offered one last prayer, and turned back.

Just as Avni was about to turn and leave the temple, she heard a voice behind her. "So, you're Rudra Raishinghani's new wife?"

She turned around and saw a man standing there. It didn't take long for her to recognize him. "Aryaman Singh," she said, her tone firm.

He smirked. "Ah, you know me."

Avni kept her eyes on him, not backing down. "Sab log tumhe tumhare so-called acche kaamon ke liye jaante hain, Aryaman. Lekin main sach jaanati hoon tumhare sabhi crimes ke baare mein."

(Everyone knows you for your so-called good deeds, Aryaman. But I know the truth-about all your crimes)

Aryaman's smirk faded for a moment before he clapped his hands sarcastically. "Aap apne pati ki tarah bolne lage ho."

(You're starting to sound a lot like your husband)

Avni didn't miss a beat. "Main tumhare illegal kaam ke baare mein sab kuch jaanti hoon, Aryaman. Sab kuch."

(I know everything about your illegal work, Aryaman. All of it)

Anger flickered in Aryaman's eyes, but before he could respond, Avni calmly added, "Tumhe muskurana chahiye. Log dekh rahe hain. Agar unhe dekha ki tum ek aurat par gussa ho rahe ho, toh tumhe kuch votes kho sakte hain."

(You should smile. People are watching. If they see you get angry at a woman, you might lose some votes)

Aryaman forced a tight smile, his expression tense with barely controlled rage. "You think you know everything, don't you?" he said quietly. "Do you even know who killed Rudra's first wife?"

(Tumhe lagta hai tum sab kuch jaante ho, hai na? Kya tumhe yeh bhi pata hai ki Rudra ki pehli wife ko kisne maara?)

Avni's face didn't change. Her voice was cold and steady. "Main jaanti hoon. Woh tum the

(I do. It was you)

Aryaman's fake smile wavered, but he quickly recovered, his eyes narrowing. "Careful, Avni. Being Rudra's wife won't protect you forever."

But Avni wasn't afraid. She stood tall, looking straight into his eyes, not intimidated by his words.

Aryaman's gaze hardened as he watched Avni stand firm, unshaken by his threat. He stepped closer, lowering his voice, his tone full of menace. "You've got a lot of courage for someone who barely knows what she's gotten into. Do you really think you can go up against me?"

Avni didn't flinch, her expression calm and confident. "I don't need to go up against you, Aryaman. The truth will eventually come out, and when it does, you'll have no place to hide."

He chuckled darkly, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the temple surroundings.

"Sach? Hamare duniya mein, Avni, sach wahi hai jo hum banaate hain. Lekin mujhe ye maan-na padega, tumne mujhe suprise kiya hai. Kya karen, tumne galat taraf chun liya."

(Truth? In our world, Avni, truth is whatever we make it. But I must admit, you've surprised me. Too bad you chose the wrong side)

She took a deep breath, keeping her voice steady. "I chose my husband, and I'll stand by him no matter what. You can't scare me with your threats."

Aryaman's smile faded, and for a moment, something cold and dangerous flashed in his eyes. "Hum dekhenge ki woh himmat kitni der tak chalti hai. Tumhe lagta hoga ki Rudra tumhe protect rakh sakta hai, lekin is duniya mein taqat jaldi badalti hai. Tum jaldi hi samajh jaogi."

(We'll see how long that bravery lasts. You may think Rudra can protect you, but power shifts quickly in this world. You'll soon find out)

Avni met his gaze, unwavering. "Ho sakta hai. Lekin abhi ke liye, main tumhe kehna chahti hoon ki peeche hato, Aryaman. Tum Rudra se ek baar haar chuke ho. Don't make the mistake of underestimating him or me."

(Maybe. But for now, I suggest you back off, Aryaman. You've already lost once to Rudra. Don't make the mistake of underestimating him or me)

Aryaman's jaw tightened, but before he could respond, a temple priest walked by, glancing curiously at the two of them. Aryaman forced another smile, his voice low and calm. "Enjoy your prayers, Mrs. Raishinghani. Let's see how long your faith lasts."

As Aryaman started to walk away, he paused for a moment, then turned back with a sly grin on his face. "Waise, Driti kaise hai? Pyaari chhoti bachchi hai, hai na?"

(Oh, by the way, how is Driti? Sweet little baby, isn't she?)

Fear crept into Avni's chest, but she kept her face strong, not wanting to show Aryaman he had rattled her. She took a step forward, her voice sharp but trembling slightly. "Don't you dare go near Driti. If anything happens to her, I swear, I will-"

Before she could finish, Aryaman's smirk deepened. "You'll what? Kill me?" He chuckled darkly, enjoying the fear in her eyes. "I've faced much worse than threats from a new wife playing protector. But, I'll give you credit-you seem willing to go far for someone's child. That's... interesting."

Avni's voice rose with desperation as she stepped even closer, her heart pounding in her chest. "Woh kisi aur ki bachchi nahi, meri beti hai. Agar Driti ko kuch hua, toh main tumhe maar doongi. Mujhe ismein koi farak nahi padta, main yeh kar ke rahungi."

(She is not someone's child, she is my daughter. If anything happens to Driti, I will kill you. I don't care what it takes. I'll do it)

For a moment, Aryaman stared at her, studying her face, almost as if testing her resolve. Then, with a slow, mocking nod, he said, "Hum dekhenge. Lekin yaad rakhna, Avni, Rudra apni pehli wife ko nahi bachaa saka. Tumhe kya lagta hai, wo tumhe ya Driti ko kaise bachaa sakta hai?"

(We'll see. But remember, Avni-Rudra couldn't protect his first wife. What makes you think he can protect you or Driti?)

Avni's hands clenched into fists as she glared at him, her fear now turning into pure rage. "This isn't the same. I won't let you near her. Ever."

Aryaman smirked as he turned to his personal assistant nearby. "Pass me my phone," he ordered. His assistant quickly handed it over, and Aryaman began scrolling through his device.

With a smug look, he started rattling off details about Avni's life. "Avni Sharma, daughter of a middle-class family, recently completed her education. Went undercover as a fake journalist a few years ago, didn't you? Married Rudra Raishinghani, by the way it was arranged marriage right?".

Avni's eyes widened in shock. How did he know so much about her past? Her heart pounded in her chest, her mind racing. She stared at him, unable to hide her surprise.

Aryaman chuckled at her reaction. "You thought you were the only one capable of investigating people? Well, I'm not just a politician, Avni. I have resources. I can dig into your life just as easily as you've dug into mine."

Avni's pulse quickened. She could feel the walls closing in, the weight of Aryaman's threats pressing down on her. But just then, Rohan appeared out of nowhere. His voice was firm, almost commanding, as he caught her arm gently. "Bhabhi come on. Let's go home."

Aryaman raised an eyebrow, his smile widening. "Ah, Rohan, here to rescue your sister-in-law? How sweet of you."

Rohan turned to Aryaman, his face hard and he pointed finger at him. "Stay away from her, Aryaman. If you show up again, I won't hesitate to take action. Don't test me."

Aryaman's smile didn't fade, but a dangerous glint sparked in his eyes. "Bold words. But you're in over your head, Rohan."

Without replying further, Rohan held Avni's arm firmly and started leading her away. As they walked off, Aryaman called after them, his voice dripping with sarcasm, "Enjoy your day, Avni. We'll meet again soon enough."

Rohan didn't slow down, guiding Avni away from the temple and towards his car. "Are you okay bhabhi?" he asked quietly, concern evident in his voice.

Avni nodded, though her heart was still racing from the encounter. "Yes I am okay," she whispered, her mind spinning from everything Aryaman had revealed. But she knew one thing for sure-this was far from over.

As soon as they got into the car, Rohan slammed the door shut and turned to Avni, his face full of frustration. "Bhabhi, what were you thinking? Why did you go to the temple alone? And why did you even talk to that man?" His voice was tense, filled with worry and anger. "You know what kind of person Aryaman is! I can't believe you went head-to-head with him like that."

Avni looked down, still shaken by the encounter but trying to calm herself. "Rohan, I didn't expect to run into him. I just went to pray... and he showed up."

Rohan wasn't satisfied. "Yeh baat nahi hai! Tumhe usse dekhte hi wahan se chale jaana chahiye tha. Agar usne kuch aur bura karne ki koshish ki hoti toh? Agar wo tumhe nuksan pohchane ki planning kar raha hota? Rudra ko iske baare mein pata hona chahiye. Main sab kuch usse bata rahi hoon."

(That's not the point! You should've walked away the moment you saw him. What if he'd tried something worse? What if he was planning to hurt you? Rudra needs to know about this. I'm telling him everything)

Avni's eyes widened in panic. "Nahi, Rohan! Tumhe is baare mein Rudra ko nahi batana chahiye. Please, kuch mat kaho. Tum jaante ho wo kaisa hai, wo Aryaman ke peeche pad jayega, aur cheezein aur bura ho jayengi. Main nahi chahti ki wo ismein involved ho. Wo ab normal ho raha hai, I don't want him to get into that mess again)

(No, Rohan! You can't tell Rudra about this. Please, don't say anything. You know how he is-he'll go after Aryaman, and things will get worse. I don't want him involved in this. He is becoming normal now, I don't want him to get into that mess again)

Rohan shook his head, gripping the steering wheel. "Usse pata hona chahiye, Bhabhi. Aryaman ne Driti ka zikr kiya. Yeh sirf tumhare baare mein nahi hai ab, wo parivaar ko dhamki de raha hai. Rudra ko tum dono ki protect karni hogi.'

(He needs to know, Bhabhi. Aryaman mentioned about driti. This isn't just about you anymore, he's threatening the family. Rudra has to protect you both.)

Avni's heart clenched at the mention of Driti, but she took a deep breath. "I'll talk to Rudra myself, Rohan. Please, just give me some time. Don't say anything to him yet. Let me handle it."

Rohan sighed, clearly torn between his protective instincts and Avni's plea. "Fine, but only because you asked. But if something like this happens again, I'm telling him. You can't face Aryaman alone, bhabhi. He's dangerous."

With that, Rohan started the car, driving them back home, but the tension between them remained heavy. Both knew this situation was far from over, and the storm brewing with Aryaman wasn't something they could ignore for long.

After coming home, Avni quietly entered Rudra's room, her steps soft as she saw him still lying in bed. She smiled to herself, thinking he was still asleep, but as she approached, he stirred. Without opening his eyes, he murmured, "Stand in front of me."

Surprised, she did as he asked, standing by the bed. Slowly, Rudra opened his eyes, and the moment he saw her, his expression softened, and a smile spread across his face. He was clearly awestruck by the sight of her in the red saree.

"What happened?" Avni asked, a bit confused by his reaction.

Rudra grinned lazily and said, "Rohan told me this morning that you went to the temple in a red saree. But I was half-asleep, so I didn't open my eyes until now."

She raised an eyebrow, still not understanding. "Why?"

He chuckled softly, his voice still husky from sleep. "Because I wanted the first thing I saw today to be you, looking like this." His words sent a warmth spreading through her, and before she could respond, he gently pulled her closer and gave her a soft peck on the lips.

Just as Avni was about to smile, a small voice interrupted them. "They're kissing!" Driti said in her baby voice, standing at the door with wide, innocent eyes, looking at them in curiosity.

Both Avni and Rudra turned towards Driti, trying to hide their laughter. Avni quickly pulled away, blushing slightly, while Rudra smiled at his daughter and called her over. "Come here, princess."

Driti ran over to them, climbing onto the bed with a giggle. Avni kissed Driti's forehead, and Rudra pulled both of them into a warm hug.

■

In the afternoon, Avni and Driti were playing together on the floor, laughter filling the room. They were deep into their game when Rudra walked in, his expression serious.

"Why did you go to the temple alone?" he asked, a hint of worry in his voice. "And what did Aryaman say to you?"

Avni looked up, surprised. "Who told you all this?"

"Rohan," Rudra replied, his brow furrowed.

Avni took a deep breath, sensing the tension in his words. "Rudra, please don't be upset. I didn't mean to worry you. Aryaman just showed up. I handled it."

Rudra's eyes darkened. "Handled it? That man is dangerous, Avni. You should've told me before going out alone."

"I understand, but I'm okay," Avni reassured him, moving closer to him. "I promise, nothing happened. Just listen to me."

Rudra's expression softened, but he still looked troubled. "What did he say? Did he threaten you?"

Avni shook her head, gently placing her hand on his arm. "He tried to intimidate me, but I didn't let him scare me."

Tears started to fall from Rudra's eyes as he looked at her. "I can't let you get hurt because of politics. I won't allow it." Saying this he kissed on her forehead.

"Rudra," she said softly, wiping a tear from his cheek. "I'll be okay. I'm stronger than you think, and you're with me. That's what matters."

He took a deep breath, trying to regain his composure. "I just... I can't see him talking like that with you. Not like this. Not to someone like Aryaman."

Avni stepped closer, wrapping her arms around him. "Nothing will happen to me. We're a team, remember? I promise I'll be careful, but I need you to trust me too."

Rudra nodded, finally calming down as he hugged her tightly. "I trust you. Just know that I'll do everything to protect you and Driti. Always."

■

Rudra and Avni sat cross-legged on the living room floor, surrounded by colorful toys and stuffed animals. Driti, clapped her hands enthusiastically as they sang playful rhymes.

"Twinkle, twinkle, little star, how I wonder what you are!" Rudra sang with a dramatic flair, his voice rising and falling in pitch, making Driti giggle.

Avni joined in, her voice light and melodic. "Up above the world so high, like a diamond in the sky!" She smiled at Driti, who clapped her tiny hands, her eyes shining with delight.

Just then, Rohan barged into the room. Rudra! You need to see this!" he said, waving his phone in the air.

Rudra paused mid-verse, glancing up at Rohan. "What's going on?"

Rohan hurried over, his face serious now. "Check out these news clips. It's about Aryaman Singh." He swiped on his phone, and a video began to play, showing Aryaman at a press conference.

"I will do everything in my power to stop Rudra from becoming the next chief minister!" Aryaman declared confidently.

The mood in the room shifted instantly. Rudra's playful smile faded, replaced by a look of concern. He took a deep breath, trying to maintain his composure for Driti's sake.

"Great, just what I needed," Rudra muttered, frustration creeping into his voice. He rubbed the back of his neck, processing the news. "Does he really think he can intimidate me like this?"

Avni looked at him, her brow furrowed with concern. "Rudra, don't let him get to you. You know how he is. This is just his way of trying to fight with you."

"I know, but he's serious," Rudra replied, running a hand through his hair. "He's not going to back down easily. And the media loves a good rivalry. They'll make this a bigger deal than it is."

Rohan chimed in, trying to lighten the mood. "Hey, you've faced tougher challenges before, right? Remember the last election? You came out on top. This is just another hurdle."

Driti, sensing the tension, looked up at her father with wide eyes. "Pappa sad?" she asked innocently, her small hands still clapping.

Rudra softened at the sound of her voice, kneeling down to meet her gaze. "No, bacha, I'm not sad. He reassured her, forcing a smile. "But I promise I'll make everything alright."

Avni reached over, placing a comforting hand on Rudra's arm. "We're a team, Rudra. Whatever comes our way, we'll handle it together."

Rudra took a deep. "You're right. I can't let Aryaman's threats distract me. I need to focus on what really matters-my family and my vision of my party."

As Rudra watched Driti's joyful face light up the room, he felt a wave of warmth wash over him.

"Hey, sweetheart," he began, reaching down to scoop Driti into his arms. The little girl squealed with delight, wrapping her tiny arms around his neck. "How about you go play with your grandmother for a bit? Pappa has something to talk about with mamma."

Driti's eyes sparkled with excitement at the idea of spending time with her grandmother. "Okay, pappa!" she chirped, wriggling in his arms as he set her down gently.

Rudra pointed toward the kitchen, where his mother is working. "Go on, sweetheart. Grandma has some fun games for you!"With a bright smile, Driti ran towards her grandmother, who greeted her with open arms. "There's my little princess!" her grandmother exclaimed, kneeling to embrace her. "Come on, let's make some cookies together!"

As Driti eagerly ran off, Rudra turned back to Avni, his expression shifting to one of concern. He took a step closer to her, the playful atmosphere now feeling distant. "Avni, I need to talk to you about Aryaman," he said, his voice lower and more serious.

He hesitated for a moment, collecting his thoughts before speaking. "Avni," he began, his voice steady but serious, "did you do any investigation on Aryaman, like you did on me?"

Avni paused for a moment and lost in her thoughts. "I did look into him a bit," she said. "But I didn't dig too deeply like I did on you."

"Why?" Rudra pressed, intrigued yet anxious.

"Because you were someone I wanted to know more about personally, to understand who you really are. With Aryaman, it's more about his political moves and connections," Avni explained. "But I did gather some information. I can show you what I found."

"Please do," Rudra replied, a hint of urgency in his voice. "Any detail could help us prepare. This guy is unpredictable."

"Just a second," she said, moving toward her desk where her laptop is. She quickly opened it, her fingers flying over the keyboard as she searched for the files she had compiled.

A few moments later, Avni pulled up a document labeled "Aryaman Singh - Profile." She turned the screen so Rudra could see. "Here it is. This is everything I could find, including his background, political ties, and recent activities."

Rudra leaned closer, scanning the information. "Looks like he's doing sone new illegal studf" he noted, his brow knitting in concern. "And he's got some powerful people supporting him."

"Exactly," Avni agreed, pointing to a section of the document. "He's been engaging himself with some influential people and there are rumors of him receiving funding from questionable sources. He might have more resources than we initially thought."

Rohan also came there because rudra told him to. Rohan crossed his arms, deep in thought. "This could complicate things. If he's doing things like this, we need to act fast. We can't let him paint rudra as the villain."

Avni scrolled through the document, her eyes narrowing as she highlighted the more troubling information she had uncovered about Aryaman. "Look at this," she said, her voice steady yet filled with urgency. "He's been linked to several illegal activities-money laundering."

Rudra leaned in closer, studying the details on the screen. "This is huge," he murmured, his mind racing. "If I can bring this to light, it could completely expose him. We could use this information to not only defend my reputation but also to turn the public against him."

"But you have to be careful, Rudra. Exposing him could lead to more danger than we thought." Rohan said.

"I know," Rudra replied, his tone serious as he processed his warning. "But I can't let him continue to spread lies and manipulate the truth. The people deserve to know who they're really dealing with. This isn't just about my campaign anymore; it's about the integrity of our community."

He turned to Avni, his expression softening. Without thinking, he leaned over and kissed her gently on the cheek. "Thank you for doing this, Avni. I don't know what I'd do without all this investigation."

Avni felt a blush creep up her cheeks.

Rohan, who had been quietly observing them, couldn't help but smile at them. "Well, I'm glad to see you two are working well together," he teased lightly. "But I need to get to the office. I'll be working from there with some party members to strategize and gather more support."

Rudra nodded. "Okay. We'll need all the help we can get. Let me know if you come across any more information that could be useful."

"Will do," Rohan replied, giving a thumbs-up before heading for the door.

■

The clock ticked past midnight, and the soft glow of Avni's laptop illuminated the dimly lit room. She sat at her desk, focused on the presentation she was preparing for Rudra.

Hours passed, and Avni finally stretched, realizing how tired she had become. She glanced at the washroom door, noticing that Rudra had been inside for quite a while. Concerned, she got up from her chair and walked over to knock lightly on the door. "Rudra? Is everything alright in there?"

There was a brief pause before the door swung open, revealing Rudra, his hair still damp from a recent shower. The corners of his mouth curled into a mischievous smile as he stepped aside and pulled her in, pinning her gently against the wall of the washroom.

Avni's heart raced in surprise. "What are you doing?" she asked making her eyes wide.

Rudra leaned in closer, his breath warm against her skin. "I'm protecting you," he replied, his voice low and serious. "You've been working so hard, and I can't let you get lost in all of this. You deserve to know just how important you are to me."

"What do you mean?" she asked, her breathe quickening as she felt the intensity of his gaze.

"I'm going to mark you as Rudra Raishanghani's wife," he said. He stepped back slightly, looking deep into her eyes as he continued, "You're not just my life partner; you're my everything. I want everyone to know that you belong to me and I belong to you."

Avni felt her cheeks flush, she thought to hide it. Rudra, you don't have to-"

He cut her off with a teasing grin, leaning closer again. "But I want to. You've stood by me through thick and thin, and it's time I made it clear. You're my wife, and I want the world to see that."

Avni felt a rush of affection and pride swell within her. "You really mean that?" she asked, searching his eyes for sincerity.

"Of course," he replied, his expression softening.

With that, he leaned in and kissed her, the warmth of his lips sending shivers down her spine.

When they finally pulled apart, Avni couldn't help but smile. "Okay, then. Let me also mark my husband," she said, playfully raising an eyebrow at him.

She looked in his eyes and kissed on his neck. With a deep breath, he slowly lifted her dress, revealing her bare skin beneath. Her cheeks flushed crimson, a mix of excitement flooded in her.

Rudra's eyes widened, his breath hitching at the sight infrong him."Wow," he murmured, his voice low and filled with admiration. He stepped closer, closing the distance between them, and gently placed a hand on her shoulder, his touch warm and reassuring.

As he leaned down, Rudra pressed a soft kiss on her shoulder, sending a shiver down her spine. "You're breathtaking sweetheart," he whispered against her skin, his breath warm.

He smiled, a playful glint in his eyes. "I told you I'm going to mark you as my wife, and this is just the beginning. What I have in mind might make you shy even more." His tone was teasing, and Avni could feel her breathe quickening at his words.

"What do you mean?" she asked, as curiosity dancing in her expression.

Rudra chuckled softly, leaning in closer, his lips brushing against her ear as he spoke. "I want to remind you of how much you mean to me, in every way possible. I want you to feel cherished and adored, and I plan to show you just how much you're desired."

Avni's breath caught in her throat as she processed his words, her cheeks burning hotter.

"Are you sure about this?" she asked, her voice trembling.

"More than ever," he replied. "I want to create a moment we'll never forget, to celebrate our love and this life we're building together."

With that, he wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her closer as he pressed another kiss to her shoulder, trailing soft kisses up her neck.

Rudra moved even closer towards avni and started to take her clothe off, just then he heard driti voice from the room. "Pappa I am here."

To be continued

Tike phata phat vote karo, comment Karo.

I know driti came right time par agayi kya karenge 🙃

Agle chapter mein dhekenge