The end
Indian short stories
Nazar Ko Nazar Ki Nazar Na Lage Koi Achaa Bhi Iss Kadar Na Lage Tujhe Dekha Hai Iss Nazar Se, Jis Nazar Se Tujhe Nazar Na Lage
After two years
Rudra's pov
I slowly opened my eyes after what felt like the longest night of my life of love making. The warmth of her body still pressed against mine, her head resting on my chest. I tried to shift, but the weight of her small frame held me in place. I smiled to myself. Avni was curled up on top of me, sleeping peacefully, her breathing soft and steady. I leaned down and kissed her forehead gently, trying not to wake her.
But she stirred at the touch, slowly opening her eyes and gazing up at me, a sleepy smile tugging at her lips.
"Good morning," she whispered, her voice barely above a breath.
"Good Morning, sweetheart," I replied, my hand moving up to stroke her hair. "How are you feeling after last night?"
Her cheeks flushed at the memory, and I couldn't help but chuckle. We spent a few quiet moments talking about our night, when a light knock interrupted our conversation.
"Mamma, baby brother is crying!" came the small but urgent voice of Driti from the other side of the door.
Avni sighed and pulled herself up, sliding out of bed carefully. She walked over to the door and crouched down on her knees, opening it just enough to peek through.
"What happened, Driti?" she asked softly, her motherly concern clear in her tone.
"Avi mamma, Dhurv poked his finger in his eye, and now he's crying," Driti explained, her little face scrunched in frustration.
Dhruv? Yes, my son.
I couldn't help but laugh at the image. My baby boy, already getting into trouble. I imagined him poking his tiny finger in his eye, wailing for attention, and buried my face in the pillow to muffle the sound of my laughter.
But before I knew it, I felt a sharp tap on my shoulder. I looked up and saw Avni standing there, her hands on her hips, staring at me with a mock scowl.
"Why are you laughing like that?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.
"I'm not!" I said, shaking my head and grinning as I tried to hold back another chuckle.
She rolled her eyes but smiled, and just then, I heard the soft patter of hands and knees on the floor. I turned my head, and there he was, my little boy, Dhruv, crawling towards us, his face red from crying. He was making his way to our room, and it only made me laugh again, though this time more from the overwhelming love I felt for both my children.
I reached down and scooped Dhruv up in my arms, holding him close as he clung to me. "Come here, champ," I whispered, feeling Avni sit down beside me, a soft smile now on her face as she watched us.
We might have been interrupted, but these moments... these were what life was really about.
As I held Dhruv close, his tiny body snuggled into my chest, the sound of his soft sniffles fading away, I glanced over at Avni. She was sitting next to me, leaning back against the bed, watching us with that same soft smile. There was something in her eyes a tenderness that made my chest tighten.
"Looks like Dhruv is already learning how to get himself into trouble," I teased, bouncing him gently in my arms.
Avni let out a soft laugh. "He takes after his father, no doubt about that."
I grinned, but before I could respond, Driti appeared by the side of the bed, her hands clasped together, looking up at us with those wide, innocent eyes. "Mamma, can I hold Dhruv?"
Avni and I exchanged a quick glance. I could see the hesitance in her face, dhruv is still so small, and Driti was still so young. But before she could say anything, I gave her a small nod. "Let her try," I said softly, shifting Dhruv in my arms.
Avni sighed but smiled, reaching out to steady Driti as she carefully sat down beside me. I gently placed Dhruv into her lap, keeping one hand under him just in case. Driti's eyes lit up as she cradled her baby brother.
"Be careful," Avni warned softly, placing her hand on Driti's shoulder for support.
"I will, avi mamma," Driti said. She looked down at Dhruv and smiled as he reached up, tiny fingers trying to grab at her hair. "He's so cute," she whispered, leaning forward to kiss his head.
I watched them, a warmth spreading through my chest. This was everything. My family, right here, in this simple moment of love and laughter. Avni looked at me again, and I saw the same realization reflected in her eyes.
Dhruv, now much calmer, cooed softly in Driti's lap, and the three of us sat there in silence for a few moments, just enjoying each other's presence.
Avni turned to Driti, her motherly smile fading into a more serious expression. "Alright, young lady," she said, "time to get ready for school."
I saw the shift in Driti's face instantly. Her excitement disappeared, and a small frown took its place. I knew what was coming next. Driti never liked going to school; she cried nearly every morning, putting on her best sad face, hoping to convince us to let her stay home.
"Mamma," she whined, already reaching for Avni's arm, "can't I just stay with you and Dhruv today? I'll be good, I promise."
Avni softened for a second, then shook her head firmly. "Nice try, but no," she replied, her tone turning strict. "You're going to school, Driti. Now, go get dressed."
Driti's lip quivered, and she cast a pleading look my way, but I knew better than to interfere. Even though I held the power to make big decisions, in this moment, I was completely outmatched. When it came to handling Driti's morning school, Avni was in charge, and I knew my place.
So, I kept silent, giving Driti an encouraging smile but nodding toward her mother's orders. She looked at me with those big, teary eyes, but I just gave her shoulder a small squeeze.
"Better listen to your mamma," I whispered, trying to keep a straight face.
Driti sighed dramatically and shuffled toward the bathroom, her little shoulders drooping. Avni turned to me, crossing her arms with a knowing smirk.
"I am a minister but in this house and in my life you are my minister." I chuckled, raising my hands in surrender. "Believe me, I know. Out there, they might call me 'sir,' but in here, you're my minister."
She laughed, shaking her head. Leaning in to kiss my cheek before heading off to help Driti get ready.
As I watched her walk away, my heart swelled. I may have held power and influence in the outside world, but within these walls, my wife ruled our little kingdom, and I wouldn't have it any other way. I mean after what she have been through she deserves this.
As Avni disappeared down the hallway, Dhruv babbled in my arms, waving his tiny fist as if he knew his sister's morning routine was about to happen. I chuckled, gently bouncing him in my lap. "Your sister's going to give Mamma a hard time again, isn't she?" I whispered to him, and he responded with a little giggle, as if agreeing.
From the bathroom, I could already hear Driti's protests. Her voice was a mix of stubbornness and pleading, a daily ritual that was almost endearing, at least when I wasn't the one getting her ready.
"But, Mamma," Driti whined, "school is boring! I want to stay here with Papa and Dhruv!"
Avni's calm but firm voice replied, "You know the rules, Driti. School is important, and you're going, no excuses."
I couldn't help but grin, hearing her command the situation with her usual grace and authority. Avni was patient but unyielding, especially when it came to Driti's education. Even when Driti tried every excuse in the book, Avni stood her ground.
After a few minutes of hearing them go back and forth, Driti finally emerged from the bathroom, her face washed, and her hair slightly damp. She stomped over to me, her little face full of frustration.
"Papa," she pouted, " avi mamma's being strict!"
I gave her a sympathetic smile and ruffled her hair. "Your Mamma knows best, bacha. You'll have a great day at school, I'm sure."
Just then, Avni appeared behind her, hands on her hips, raising an eyebrow at me. "Don't encourage her, Rudra," she scolded playfully, a smile tugging at her lips. "She's already trying to convince you to side with her."
I raised my hands in surrender, glancing between the two of them. "Alright, alright! I'm on Mamma's team," I said, grinning at Driti, who crossed her arms, clearly unimpressed.
Avni bent down to Driti's level, softening as she reached out to adjust her hair. "Listen, sweetheart," she said, her voice gentle now, "I promise, you'll have fun at school today. And when you come home, we can all spend time together, alright?"
Driti's stubborn expression finally eased, and she nodded, though she wasn't exactly thrilled. "Fine," she muttered, though I could see the hint of a smile starting to break through.
She smiled back at me, her gaze warm. "It's all part of being the real minister in this house," she teased, resting her head on my shoulder for a brief moment.
And as I watched Driti reluctantly gather her things, and Avni return to guiding our family with works, I felt that familiar pride. Outside, the world may call me powerful, but here, it was Avni who held us all together.
â
By the time I came down with Dhruv in my arms, Avni was at the dining table, feeding Driti small spoonfuls of breakfast. Driti looked like she was in the middle of a crisis, her face blotchy from tears. But Avni was handling it like a pro, gently wiping her cheeks and murmuring softly, "It's just a few hours, Driti. And when you come back, Mamma will make cookies, just like you love."
That seemed to do the trick. Driti's sniffles started to fade, and a hopeful glimmer appeared in her eyes. "Promise?" she asked, her little voice shaky.
Avni smiled, nodding. "Promise, my little cookie monster."
I smiled, amused by their morning routine as I took a seat at the table, settling Dhruv on my lap. Dhruv looked up at me, his big eyes wide with fascination as he babbled away, waving his little hands as if he was giving a speech. "Ah-ba-ba... da-da... ba-ba!."
I chuckled, tapping his tiny nose. "Oh, so you're telling me about my party plans, huh? And the upcoming elections?"
Dhruv continued his serious blabbering, looking up at me with his innocent yet determined expression. To him, it seemed as if he was delivering the most critical information of the day. I played along, nodding as if he were briefing me on important matters.
Avni looked over, laughing softly. "Looks like you have a new assistant, Mr. Minister," she teased, passing me a piece of toast. "At least he's already showing interest in politics."
I smirked, bouncing Dhruv on my knee. "Oh, absolutely. Dhruv here will take over my office one day. Won't you, champ?"
"Ba-ba!" Dhruv replied with an enthusiastic giggle, clapping his little hands.
Driti, now fully invested in the scene, wiped her tears and looked over at her brother, her face lighting up. "Papa, can Dhruv come to school with me instead?" she asked with a hint of mischief, hoping for another way out.
Avni sighed, giving me a pointed look as if to say, Handle this one.
I smiled at Driti, reaching over to smooth her hair. "Your brother has his own duties here at home," I said, pretending to be serious. "But don't worry, princess. You'll be home soon, and he'll be here waiting for you and those cookies Mamma promised."
Driti nodded, reluctantly accepting her fate. She finished the last spoonful Avni offered her, wiped her face, and got up to grab her school bag. Avni gave me a knowing smile as she helped Driti get ready, her hand resting on my shoulder for a brief second. "Ready for another day, Mr. Minister?" she asked, amusement glinting in her eyes.
I nodded, glancing down at Dhruv, who was now babbling to himself with all the confidence of someone in charge. "With you by my side," I replied, squeezing her hand, "I'm ready for anything."
Just as Driti was getting ready to leave, Rohan showed up, offering to drop her off at school. But, of course, Driti wasn't ready to give up her protest so easily. She clung to the doorframe, looking back at me with pleading eyes.
"Papa, please, no school today!" she begged.
I glanced at Avni, who was clearly losing patience, and before she could give Driti another stern look, I decided to step in. Grabbing my phone, I quickly dialed the school.
"Hello? Yes, it's Rudra Raishinghani. I'd like to grant my daughter a special holiday today. So till she comes to school shut down the whole damn thing. Yes, thank you. Goodbye." I hung up and looked at Driti, a playful grin on my face. "Looks like you have a holiday, princess."
Driti's eyes widened in disbelief, and for a second, she stood frozen. Then, in a burst of joy, she stuck her tongue out at Avni and began dancing around her. "No school today! No school today!" she chanted, twirling happily.
Avni's face turned toward me, her eyes flashing with frustration. "Rudra..." she began, her voice low with warning.
But before she could say anything else, I swooped in and kissed her cheek, hoping to calm her down. "I'm the minister, remember? I can do anything," I teased, flashing her a charming smile.
Avni raised an eyebrow, trying to hold onto her anger, but I could see the corners of her lips twitching, trying not to smile. "You're impossible, Rudra," she muttered, shaking her head.
At that moment, Dhruv, still on my lap, clapped his little hands and babbled happily, clearly enjoying the energy in the room. "Ba-ba-ba!" he said, as if cheering us on.
I laughed, pulling Avni closer with one arm, still holding Dhruv in the other. "See, even our little minister here approves."
Avni couldn't help but smile, finally letting out a soft laugh. She gave me a playful glare before turning her attention to Driti, who was still dancing around. "Alright, driti," she said, crossing her arms, "since you have the day off, you can help me bake those cookies later."
Driti stopped mid-dance and grinned. "Yay! Cookie!"
I leaned back in my chair, watching my girls, my heart full. Moments like this, where we could bend the rules just a little, laugh together, and make memories made everything worth it.
â
This is my life. My family. My work. I know I've done some really stupid things in the past, but now I see I'm over all that. With Avni by my side, everything feels complete. Driti and Dhruv make it even more special.
Avni is my strength, the one who keeps me grounded when life gets crazy. And with our kids, everything feels right.
In a world full of politics and pressure, they remind me what's truly important. My family is my peace, my happiness. With them, I know I can handle anything that comes my way.
As I sat there watching Driti happily bouncing around the room and Dhruv playing in my lap, I realized how far I've come. There was a time when my life was all about power, control, and winning battles that didn't even matter in the end. But now, with Avni, Driti, and Dhruv, everything feels different. When I lost Sameera I thought my life ended but then came avni who hated my at first but now she loves me more than anything. Oh, to be loved by avni.
Avni glanced at me, and in that moment, I knew she understood exactly what I was thinking. She didn't need to say anything, her presence was enough. She's the glue that holds all of this together. Without her, none of this would feel as meaningful.
I took a deep breath and leaned back in my chair, smiling to myself. This is my real success. My family, my love, and the life we've built together. Everything else is just noise.
Avni gently took Dhruv from my lap and settled him into his play area, where he immediately began to explore his toys with curiosity. I watched him for a moment, smiling at his innocent joy, before turning my attention back to Avni.
She then came over and laid her head on my lap, looking up at me with those warm, loving eyes. My heart swelled as she spoke softly, "You know how much I love you, right?"
I smiled down at her, running my fingers through her hair. "Of course I do. But it's nice to hear you say it."
She chuckled lightly, her eyes sparkling. "I love you for so many reasons. You're not just an amazing husband; you're a fantastic father. You take care of us, and you always find a way to make us smile, even when things get tough."
I felt a warmth spread through me at her words. "I try my best. But it's easy when I have you by my side."
I looked down at Avni and couldn't help but lean in to give her a quick kiss on the lips. The moment felt so warm, and I felt playful as I gently pushed her back onto the bed, hovering over her.
"Just a little something for my beautiful wife," I teased, kissing her again, enjoying the sweetness of her lips.
But before we could get lost in the moment, Driti came running into the room, her footsteps loud on the floor. "Papa! Mama! Look what I made!" she shouted, holding up a colorful drawing.
We quickly broke apart, shifting back to our normal positions and pretending nothing had happened. I couldn't help but smile as I looked at Driti, trying not to laugh.
"Wow, that's amazing, sweetheart!" I said, sitting up and focusing on her.
Driti and Dhruv joined us, and we all sat together on the bed, a cozy little group. I pulled out my phone to take a picture, wanting to capture this fun moment. Driti was in a playful mood, pouting her lips like she was trying to be cute for the camera. Dhruv, stuck his tongue out, making everyone laugh.
As I was getting ready to take the picture, Avni leaned over and gave me a quick peck on the cheek. The unexpected kiss made my cheeks flush red, and I couldn't help but smile. I clicked the photo just in time.
â
When Sameera died, I thought my life ended with her. I didn't know how to keep going, how to move past the emptiness she left behind. Every day felt like a shadow of the one before. I'd wake up, stare at the walls, and wonder, "Is this it? Is this what's left of my life?"
But then... there was Driti. My little girl, my reason to keep breathing, my anchor. I didn't just live for myself anymore, I lived for her. For her laughter, for the light in her eyes, for the way she looks at me with trust and love, like I'm her whole world. And then avni came into my life to make it more special.
This is my life, filled with laughter, love, and the simple moments that mean everything. I wouldn't trade it for anything.
The end
Vote. Comment. And let me know your review.
Thank you all for you love and support towards this short story. Hope you liked it. Will be back soon with new short story. Until then if you want me to write any short story of wish or any story you want to see you can text it in the comment box.
Virtual hugs to you all
(Pray to God that India should win ongoing test match)