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As Akshat and Amrit settled into the car, a comfortable silence enveloped them. The air felt lighter, especially after Amrit had let out her emotions, and she now felt rejuvenated. Akshat glanced at her, noticing the faint blush still lingering on her cheeks. He reached into the cup holder, retrieving a bottle of water.

"Paani ?" he offered, his tone gentle.

Amrit accepted the bottle, unscrewed the cap, and took a long sip.

"Thank you, sir," she said, a small smile creeping onto her lips.

"You are welcome, ma'am," he replied, feigning a serious expression.

She frowned slightly, catching his teasing tone. "Sir, aap bhi aayenge na Preeti aunty ke yahan?"

"Let’s see, ma'am," he answered, keeping his expression serious but the corners of his mouth betraying his amusement.

Amrit tilted her head, trying to understand. "Aap mujhe ma'am kyun bula rahe hain?"

"Because aap mujhe sir bula rahi hain," he countered, shrugging his shoulders.

"But... because you are my professor!" she exclaimed, unable to hide her incredulity.

"Are we in college right now?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

She shook her head, a hint of frustration mixing with her amusement. "N-nahi, but..."

"Exactly. So, call me Akshat only when we’re not in college," he suggested, his tone light. "It's weird to be called ‘sir’ outside of class from your own wife. Aisa lag raha hai mai apni student pe line maar raha hun."

Amrit hesitated, biting her lip, her expression shifting from confusion to contemplation. "Lekin... Hamare yahan pati ko naam se nahi bulate."

"In which era are you living?" he asked, shaking his head. "This isn't the 19th century, Amrit! Just call me by my name."

She glanced at him, her cheeks slightly flushed. "Acha... lekin kaise bolu? I’m not used to it."

He nodded. "Just try it. It’s okay."

"Yes, sir," she muttered, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

Akshat raised an eyebrow, clearly unamused.

Amrit hesitated again, her gaze dropping. Finally, she bit her lip and whispered, "Ak... aksh..."

"Itna bura naam bhi nahi hai," he teased gently.

With a reluctant smile, she finally said, "Okay, Akshat."

His heart warmed at the sound of his name on her lips. " Much better," he replied, the atmosphere between them feeling lighter and filled with warmth.

Amrit and Akshat returned to the apartment quietly, using the back entrance to avoid any attention. As they entered the bedroom, they placed the bags on the floor beside the bed. Amrit immediately opened one of the bags and began arranging her books and notebooks, wanting to settle things quickly.

Akshat, noticing her struggling with the sheer volume of books, stood up to help. Without thinking much, he bent down and started pulling out books from the bag. Amrit’s eyes widened in shock when she realized that some of the books he had picked up were written by him. Her heart raced as she quickly snatched the book back from his hands.

"I will do it, sir!" she said, her voice laced with panic.

Akshat raised an eyebrow, confused by her sudden reaction. "Let me help you, it's fine," he said, trying to ease her worry.

"Arre, mai keh rahi hun na, mai kar lungi!" she replied, her tone more insistent now. "You should rest. Aap pareshan mat hon, please."

Akshat sighed, shaking his head at her stubbornness. "Isme pareshan kya hona? Do isse," he said calmly and reached for another pile.

But before he could take another book, the bag slipped from the edge of the bed and fell to the floor, spilling all the books in a messy heap. Amrit gasped, her hands flying to her mouth. Akshat sighed, shaking his head with a mix of amusement and frustration, and knelt down to start picking up the scattered books. Amrit also knelt beside him, hurriedly trying to hide the ones that were too personal.

But it was too late.

As Akshat reached for one of the books, his hand froze. His eyes fell on the cover. It was one of his books. The title gleamed under the light, the familiar font making him pause. He slowly picked it up, then another, and another. One after another, he saw the books he had written, books that were long out of his mind. His expression changed from surprise to something deeper—nostalgia, maybe even a little pride, mixed with disbelief.

Amrit watched him, biting her lip nervously. Her hands trembled as she tried to gather the books back, but she couldn’t stop him.

Akshat held up one of the books, running his fingers over the cover, almost as if he was seeing it for the first time in years. "These… these are all mine," he said softly, his voice almost a whisper, more to himself than to her.

Amrit shut her eyes tightly, wishing the ground would just swallow her up. She knew this would happen, but she hadn't expected him to react this way. She had been hiding these books, not wanting him to know that she owned and cherished his work. She had admired him for so long, but now she felt exposed, vulnerable.

"Amrit?" Akshat’s voice was low, questioning, as he turned to look at her, his expression unreadable. "You kept all of these?"

He was quiet for a moment, staring at the pile of books, his mind racing. After so many years, he had thought his books were forgotten. But here they were, in her hands, and apparently cherished.

"You’ve read all of these?" he asked, still not fully believing it.

Amrit nodded, unable to speak. She could feel the weight of his gaze on her, and she didn’t know how to respond. She had read all his books, some of them more than once, and each one had deepened her admiration for him as a writer.

Akshat’s expression softened, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "I never thought anyone still read them," he said quietly, almost to himself, before looking back at her.

As they began placing the books back in order, a comfortable silence settled between them. Akshat occasionally glanced at Amrit, still trying to wrap his mind around the fact that she had read and kept his books all these years. It stirred something within him, a mixture of curiosity and gratitude. He couldn’t help but wonder why his work had affected her so deeply.

After a while, he broke the silence.

"You know," he began softly, "I didn’t expect you to be the type of person who’d read my books, let alone keep them."

Amrit paused for a moment, her fingers brushing over one of his books. She smiled faintly but didn’t look up. "Why? Do I not seem like someone who reads at all, or just not someone who reads your work?" she asked with a gentle tease in her voice.

Akshat chuckled lightly, sitting down on the edge of the bed. "Nahi wo baat nahi hai. I guess it just surprises me that someone like you, who seems so full of life, so focused on your own dreams, would be interested in the words of someone like me."

Amrit turned her gaze to him, her eyes soft but serious. "Your words... they hold something," she said quietly, her voice filled with sincerity. "They’re not just stories. They’re filled with this... hope. Even when the characters go through pain or loss, there’s always this underlying sense that love is still possible. That redemption is possible."

Akshat frowned slightly, surprised by her words. "Hope?" he echoed, more to himself than to her.

Amrit nodded, her fingers still tracing the cover of one of his novels. "When I first picked up your book, I didn’t know what to expect. But as I read, it felt like you understood things that most people don’t talk about. The way you write about love… it’s not just about the happy endings or the romance. It’s about how love can save a person, even if it’s messy or imperfect. It’s about how love gives people strength to keep going, even when everything seems to be falling apart."

She hesitated for a moment before continuing. "There were times when I felt like everything in my life was crumbling, that I couldn’t hold on to anything. But your words... your stories made me believe that there was something out there for me. That maybe, even if I wasn’t sure how, things would eventually fall into place."

Akshat was silent, processing what she had just said. He hadn’t thought of his books that way. For him, writing had been a way to pour out his own thoughts, his own struggles. He hadn’t realised that his words could resonate with someone so deeply. His gaze softened as he looked at her, truly seeing her in a way he hadn’t before.

"I read them when I felt like I had nowhere to turn. Your characters, despite everything they went through, found a way to believe in love, in second chances. It gave me something to hold on to, a hope perhaps."

Amrit hesitated for a moment before softly asking, "Why did you stop writing?"

Akshat's expression shifted, the warmth in his eyes dimming like a cloud passing over the sun. He looked at her, and for a moment, it seemed like he was far away, trapped in the shadows of his past.

"Sometimes,” he began, his voice low and heavy, “life has a way of tearing down everything you build, like waves crashing against a fragile sandcastle. No matter how carefully you create it, it just takes one storm to wash it all away."

He paused, his gaze distant. "I stopped writing because my hope faded, Amrit. I lost the belief that those words could save me, like they once did for others. And without hope... what’s left?"

Amrit watched him in silence, her heart aching for the man who had once written about love and second chances but now stood in the ruins of his own dreams.

"And you know," he continued softly, his eyes meeting hers, "when the light inside you flickers out, it feels like the world stops turning. You’re stuck, waiting for a sunrise that never comes."

Amrit looked into Akshat's eyes for a few lingering seconds, sensing the depth of his unspoken pain. But before she could say anything more, he quickly broke the eye contact, standing up abruptly as if escaping the vulnerability of the moment. Just then, the doorbell rang, startling them both.

“Kahin Preeti aunty toh nahi?” Amrit asked, her voice edged with slight panic.

Akshat's eyes widened, and he immediately said, “I’m hiding inside the bedroom. Tum jaa ke dekho.”

Without waiting for a response, he moved towards the bedroom, and Amrit, suppressing her own nervousness, hurried to the door. She opened it cautiously, but her eyes widened in surprise when she saw who it was.

"Vidyaa?" she exclaimed, her voice a mix of disbelief and excitement.

Vidya grinned widely and, without a second thought, pulled Amrit into a tight hug. “Kaisi hai tu?” she asked, her voice filled with warmth.

“Tu yahan kaise?” Amrit questioned, still processing Vidya’s sudden appearance.

Vidya rolled her eyes playfully. “Arre pehle hatt na! Let me see your richy-rich home!” she exclaimed, stepping inside the apartment and pushing Amrit lightly aside, her eyes growing wide as she looked around in awe.

“Yaar, ye toh mast hai!” Vidya said with admiration, her tone dramatic as she scanned the luxurious interior. Then, with a mischievous grin, she turned back to Amrit. “Mujhe apne ghar mein kaam wali bai rakh le. Saara kaam aata hai mujhe.”

Amrit chuckled and playfully hit Vidya's shoulder.

As Akshat peeped into the room and saw Vidya, he sighed in relief, stepping out slowly.

“Tujhe yahan ka address kaise pata chala?” Amrit asked, still surprised by her friend's sudden visit.

“Arre, tere pati ne diya tha,” Vidya replied with a grin, her eyes twinkling mischievously. She turned and greeted Akshat, “Hi sir!”

Akshat gave her a polite nod, then looked at Amrit. “I should leave now. Call me if you need anything.”

"Ji," Amrit replied softly, watching as he left, the room feeling a bit emptier without his presence.

As soon as the door closed behind him, Vidya leaned in, giving Amrit a pointed look. “Yaar… tum dono ke beech ye itna soft conversation toh merese hazam nahi hua. Like, kuch din pehle toh wo tereko sunate nahi thakte the aur tu sorry bolte bolte nahi thakti thi. Itne khadoos insaan se itni shanti kaise?”

Amrit, taken aback by Vidya’s words, frowned. “Khadoos kisko kaha? He is not khadoos, ok?” she said, defending him instinctively.

“Oye hoyee, pati ki side li ja rahi hai?” Vidya teased with a grin, enjoying the slight blush creeping up on Amrit’s face.

Amrit glared at her playfully. “Aisa kuch nahi hai!” she protested. “I’m just saying ki he’s not how we assumed. He is… I don’t even know how to explain!” She paused, her thoughts racing as she began to share everything Akshat had done for her recently.

She spoke softly, recounting the small but significant things: how he had comforted her during her nightmares, how he had supported her quietly without making her feel like a burden. Vidya listened intently, her teasing grin fading as Amrit’s sincerity became clear.

“Aur unko itni problem ho rahi hai because of our secret marriage, but still, he didn’t even complain once,” Amrit continued, her voice soft but firm. “He’s honestly the best man anyone could ask for.”

"Arre haan, I have to get ready for pag phera," Amrit said, realizing the time.

"Hein? Pag phera?" Vidya asked, confused.

Amrit nodded and explained about Preeti aunty and how she’s related to Akshat. Vidya's eyes widened in disbelief.

“Bhai! Tujhe sach me sab unke hi jaan-pehchan ke log mile hain? Aur ab toh tu apne sasural me hi pag phera ke liye jaa rahi hai!” Vidya said, shaking her head, amused.

Just then, Amrit's phone rang. It was Preeti aunty.

“Amrit, tu ready ho ja jaldi se… thodi der me aana hai,” Preeti aunty said over the phone.

“Ji aunty,” Amrit replied, disconnecting the call.

She turned to Vidya. “Chal, ab help me in getting ready.”

Amrit took out a stunning red saree and some jewelry, placing them on the bed.

“Woww!! This is so beautiful! Kisne diya? Akshat sir ne?” Vidya asked, eyeing the saree with admiration.

“Nahi… Preeti aunty ne. Maine itna mana kiya, par zid kar ke de di. I was feeling so weird... phir Akshat ne bhi kaha ki shagun samajh ke rakh lun,” Amrit explained.

“Akshat?? Sir se seedha naam pe aa gayi?” Vidya teased, raising her eyebrow with a grin.

“Shut up! He asked me to call him by his name,” Amrit replied, blushing slightly, throwing a mock glare at Vidya, who only laughed in response.

Vidya helped her drape the saree, the red fabric shimmering as they shared playful banter.

***************************************

Anika was stirring the tea, lost in her thoughts when a soft breath tickled her ear, sending shivers down her spine.

"How are you, Mrs. Singhania?" a familiar voice whispered, low and teasing.

"Vihaan?" she asked, startled, turning her head slightly to see him standing close, already gazing at her with that unmistakable mischievous smile.

Before she could process it, she spun around and hugged him tightly, her surprise and joy overflowing. "Aapne toh kaha tha aap next week tak aaoge?" she asked, her words tumbling out in disbelief.

Vihaan grinned, his arms circling around her as he pulled her closer. "Bas door raha hi nahi gaya," he said, his tone playful.

Anika felt the warmth of his words sink in, and a soft blush crept up her cheeks. She gave him a curious look, but before she could say anything, he added with a sly smile, "Ghar se!”

She narrowed her eyes at him, catching his teasing tone. 'Aapko kya laga?" he asked with a wink.

Anika pulled back slightly, breaking the hug. "Toh jaiye ghar se miliye," she shot back, pretending to focus on her tea, but unable to hide the smile tugging at her lips.

As she turned away, Vihaan stepped closer, his hands gently sliding around her waist, caressing her bare skin. His touch sent a spark through her, and she involuntarily shivered at the warmth of his hands.

"Apne ghar se hi milne toh aaya hun," he murmured against her ear, his voice soft and filled with affection. His thumb began tracing slow, deliberate circles on her skin, each movement sending waves of warmth through her.

Anika bit her lip, trying to suppress the sensation building within her, her heartbeat quickening. But Vihaan knew exactly what he was doing, and the smile on his face deepened as he felt her react to his touch.

"Vihaan..." she started, her voice barely a whisper, her resolve slipping as she leaned into his touch.

Just as Vihaan’s touch was starting to overwhelm Anika, they suddenly heard Vishakha’s voice coming from the hallway. They both quickly stepped apart, their movements swift but natural, as if nothing had happened.

Vihaan stood a little straighter, trying to compose himself just in time as Vishakha entered the kitchen and spotted him. Her eyes widened in surprise.

"Vihaan? Jaldi aa gaya !” she said, walking closer, her tone a mix of delight and confusion.

Vihaan gave her his trademark grin, scratching the back of his head. "Kaam tha nahi jyada.”

Anika, still holding the tea in her hands, subtly adjusted her posture, trying to calm the flush on her cheeks, hoping Vishakha wouldn't notice.

Akshat entered his home. As he walked in, he noticed Vihaan sitting on the couch, casually flipping through a magazine.

"Vihaan? Itni jaldi aa gaya?" Akshat asked with a surprised smile, immediately walking over to his younger brother and pulling him into a hug.

"Haan bhaiya, jyada kaam tha nahi aur..." Vihaan’s eyes flickered to Anika, who was sitting nearby. His lips curled into a soft smile as he continued, "Ghar ki yaad aa rahi thi... isliye chala aaya."

Akshat caught the brief glance between Vihaan and Anika, and his smile widened knowingly. Anika blushed, quickly looking down at her phone to avoid his teasing gaze. Akshat gently patted Vihaan’s shoulder, his eyes gleaming with amusement.

Just as they were about to settle in, Vishakha walked downstairs, her expression serious. She looked at Akshat with mild concern as she approached.

"Akshat, tu kuch din se jyada hi bahar nahi rehne laga hai? Is anything wrong?" Vishakha asked, her tone gentle but laced with curiosity. She had noticed his frequent absences lately and couldn't help but worry if something was bothering him.

Akshat, caught off guard, quickly composed himself. "Ah... nothing, maa," he replied with a soft smile, hoping to ease her concern. "Bas, lectures jyada ho jate hain college mein. Thoda busy rehta hoon."

"Achha, theek hai," she said, sitting down on the sofa.

Anika, who had been quietly observing the conversation, suddenly excused herself as her phone rang. "I'll just take this call," she said, smiling at Vihaan before disappearing into the hallway.

As Anika left the room, Vihaan moved closer to Vishakha and pulled out a small pendant from his pocket, holding it up for her to see.

"Maa, how is this?" he asked with a smile, his excitement barely contained.

Vishakha looked at the delicate piece of jewelry and smiled warmly. "Hmm, it's beautiful! Anika ke liye liya hai na?" she asked knowingly.

Vihaan nodded, a shy grin spreading across his face. "Haan... aapne bataya tha na ki shadi ke baad pati ko kuch gift dena hota hai patni ko... toh pehle time nahi mila, toh socha abhi de dun." He shrugged casually, but it was clear he had put thought into the gift.

Vishakha nodded and patted his hand. "Great! She will love it.”

Akshat, who had been listening quietly from the other side of the room, suddenly perked up. His brows furrowed as he spoke hesitantly, "W-why should we gift something?" He sounded genuinely confused. Even though he had been married once, no one had ever mentioned this tradition to him.

Vishakha turned to him with a patient smile. "Pati ko apni patni ko gift dena, especially shadi ke baad, ek pratha hai. Yeh ek tarah ka shagun hota hai.”

Akshat listened quietly, her words sinking in. "Oohh," he mumbled, now lost in thought.

Just then, Vishakha interrupted his thoughts. "Haa, I forgot to tell you. Aaj Preeti ne apne ghar lunch pe bulaya hai hum sabko!" she said, casually dropping the bombshell.

Akshat's eyes widened in surprise. "Kyaa? Par kyun??" he asked, his voice tinged with shock. He had no idea why Preeti aunty would invite them out of the blue.

Vishakha frowned slightly, confused by his reaction. "What's wrong with you? Koi reason chahiye kya ab? Behen hai meri, isliye bulaya hai!" She rolled her eyes, dismissing his concerns.

"Kuch nahi!" Akshat quickly responded, though inside he was mentally banging his head against the nearest wall. This can’t be happening! He thought to himself, trying to maintain his composure.

***************************************

Amrit and Vidya stepped out of their apartment, walking slowly toward their destination.

“Vidya yaar, thoda awkward lag raha hai. Matlb Preeti aunty, Vikram uncle, Vedant bhaiya sab bahot ache hain, par phir bhi ajeeb sa lag raha,” Amrit murmured, her nervousness evident.

“Pagal hai kya? Unhone khud bola, tune to nahi kaha na ki unhe ye rasam ke liye karna hai. Aur abhi subah Vikram uncle ne call kiya tha na, tere favorite colour puchne ke liye? Matlab, wo log dil se ye karna chahte hain. Ab chal, overthinking band kar,” Vidya reassured her with a smile.

Amrit sighed softly, lowering her gaze. “Pagphere ki rasam pati ke sath hoti hai, par wo to hai hi nahi…” Her voice trailed off with a hint of sadness.

Vidya gave her a sympathetic look and gently nudged her. “Koi nahi yaar, situation bhi to dekh. Chal, ab zyada mat soch,” she said softly, hoping to lift her friend’s spirits.

Reaching the door, Amrit hesitated for a moment before reaching out to press the doorbell. Just as her fingers touched the button, she felt the briefest brush of warmth against her hand. Startled, she turned her head and found Akshat standing beside her, his hand lingering over hers on the doorbell. Their eyes locked in that fleeting, awkward moment, and Amrit’s heart skipped a beat. She quickly pulled her hand back, her cheeks flushing slightly as a new, unfamiliar tension settled between them.

Akshat hesitated as well, his gaze lingering on her for a moment longer before he cleared his throat and glanced away, a faint, unspoken emotion flickering in his eyes.

Before either could say anything, the door swung open, revealing Preeti with a welcoming smile on her face.

“Akshat beta, tum Amrit ke sath yahan kya kar rahe ho? Maine to sabko invite kiya tha, sab kaha gaye?” Preeti asked, confusion apparent in her voice.

“Woh… nahi masi, main Maa aur sabke sath hi aaya hoon. Amrit bhi yahin mil gayi thi raste mein,” Akshat quickly explained, trying to sound casual.

“Ohh, acha acha,” Preeti nodded, understanding. Then she turned toward Amrit with a welcoming expression. “Amrit ruko zara… Nandu baby, Arti ki thaal laana.”

Nandini quickly came to the door, carrying an aarti plate. Preeti performed the traditional welcoming ritual for Amrit, her eyes shining with affection as she finished the arti and placed a small tika on Amrit’s forehead.

Vidya watched with a satisfied smile. “Thank you Bhagwan ji, Akshat sir bhi sath me the, ab ye rasam bhi sath ho gayi,” she thought to herself.

“Baitho beta,” Vikram’s warm voice called out from inside the house, gesturing Amrit and Vidya toward the sofa.

Amrit sat down, trying to calm her nerves. As she settled in, Bulbul came running toward her.

“Amrit didi, aap bahot pretty lag rahi ho!” Bulbul exclaimed, her eyes wide with admiration.

Amrit couldn’t help but smile, leaning down to place a soft kiss on Bulbul’s cheek. “Thank you,” she said, her voice tender.

Akshat, who had been standing nearby, glanced at Amrit. He couldn’t help but admire how stunning she looked today. Her rich red silk saree, adorned with intricate gold embroidery, perfectly highlighted her warm brown skin. The saree’s golden border added a regal touch, while her magenta blouse provided a striking contrast. Her long black hair cascaded over her shoulder, and the sindoor in her hairline only deepened the sense of tradition in her look. The mangalsutra around her neck shimmered gently, resting just above her intricately designed choker. Her wrists were adorned with red and gold chooda, the soft jingling of her bangles following her every movement.

IBulbul noticed Akshat staring at Amrit and couldn't help but call him out. “AK Uncle, aap didi ko ghoor kyun rahe?” she asked innocently, her voice loud enough to capture everyone’s attention.

“Kya?” Akshat blurted out, shocked and a little embarrassed as all eyes turned toward him.

“Haan, maine dekha aapko unhe dekhte hue,” Bulbul said matter-of-factly, completely unaware of the awkwardness she was creating.

“Bulbul!” Kavya scolded, her face turning red with embarrassment. “Thappad padega abhi. Shaitani karne ko mana kiya na.”

Akshat tried to laugh it off, scratching the back of his neck. “Arre, it's fine, bachi hai,” he said, attempting to ease the tension in the room.

Vishakha aunty, who had been watching from the side, leaned forward curiously. “Beta, Amrit, tumhari shadi ho gayi?” she asked gently.

Before Amrit could answer, Rakshit uncle, who sat beside Vishakha, chimed in. “Hame to pata hi nahi tha jab Preeti ne bataya ki ye wahi Amrit hogi,” he remarked with a smile.

Amrit nodded softly. “Ji uncle, aunty,” she answered in a low voice, feeling the weight of the attention on her.

Just then, Preeti called Vishakha into the kitchen, and the two women left. Vikram and Rakshit soon got busy with their own conversation.

“Amrit, tumhare sath agar tumhare pati bhi hote to ye rasam me aur jada maza aata. Ham bhi unse mil lete,” Nandini said with a soft smile.

Akshat, who was still standing close by, mumbled under his breath, “To mil lo.”

“Kya?” Nandini asked, her eyebrows raised in confusion.

“Nothing,” Akshat quickly covered, glancing away awkwardly.

Sitting nearby, Anika looked at Amrit curiously. “Amrit, ek baat puchun? Please don’t mind,” she said, her tone cautious.

Amrit nodded. “Ji di, puchhiye.”

“Tum abhi bahot choti ho… itni jaldi shaadi. To kya tumhare husband ne tumhe aage padhai karne ki permission di hai?” Anika asked her question innocently but laced with curiosity.

Before Amrit could reply, Akshat, who had been listening, jumped in. “Wo kon hota hai permission dene wala?  It should be her choice. Pati hai bhagwan nahi jo iska future decide karega!” he said, his voice a bit too enthusiastic, causing everyone to turn and look at him.

Vihaan narrowed his eyes at Akshat suspiciously.

Akshat stammered for a second before answering, “W…woh… mere students ko lekar koi restriction lagaye wo mujhe pasnd nahi isliye .”

Krishiv raised his eyebrows. “Anika bhabhi ne Amrit se pucha tha. Tu kyun beech me kood raha hai?”

Akshat, clearly flustered, muttered, “Pyaas lagi thi, paani peene ja raha hoon,” and quickly made his way to the kitchen. He gulped down a glass of water and started to walk out, but as he reached the door, he overheard Preeti and Vishakha talking about Amrit.

“Bechari Amrit, abhi itni choti hai aur shadi ho gayi. Pati pata nahi kaisa hoga. Aaj itna khaas din hai aur sath nahi aaya,” Vishakha said, her voice filled with sympathy.

Preeti shook her head softly. “Haan, didi, par socho, bechari ka koi nahi hai. Aur uske pati ne iska haath thaama, patni banaya, issi se to pata chalta hai ki wo kitna acha hoga….vaise Amrit ki shadi na hui hoti to apne Akshat ke liye achi hoti.” Preeti said.

Akshat’s lips curved into a small smile, but it quickly faded when he overheard Vishakha’s next words.

“Preeti pagal hai? Pehli baat uski shadi ho chuki hai to aise bolna nahi chahiye aur, Amrit to Akshat se bahut choti hai. Akshat to uska bada bhai lagta hai.”

Akshat’s smile vanished instantly. “What the hell!” he muttered under his breath, quickly walking away from the conversation.

As he stepped back into the room, Krishiv couldn’t resist teasing him again. “Paani peene gaye the ya dubki lagane?”

Nandini, laughing, chimed in, “Kya Krishiv, Amrit aur Vidya yahin pe hai, Akshat bhaiya ki students bhi hain. At least unke samne to izzat rakh lo inki.”

Amrit and Vidya, trying their best to stifle their laughter.

Akshat couldn't help but shake his head at the whole situation as he sat at the sofa. His mind was racing with the thought . "How do I even begin to tell them that Amrit is my wife?" he wondered.

Vedant noticed Akshat lost in thought and nudged him. “Kahan kho gaya? Kya soch raha hai?” he asked, breaking Akshat's chain of thought.

“Nothing,” Akshat replied with a small, forced smile.

Moments later, Preeti called everyone over to eat, “Chalo, khana ready hai. Sab aao.”

Nandini, Vidya, and the other women quickly made their way to the dining area, offering to help with serving. However, Preeti wasn’t having it. “Vidya, Amrit, Kavya, Anika, tum log baitho. Tum log kaam mat karo. Tumhare liye hi to ye rasam hai.”

“Mujhe kyun toda.” Nandini said, making everyone chuckle.

Vidya gently placed a hand on Preeti’s shoulder and smiled. “Aunty, ye rasam Amrit ke liye hai, hamare liye nahi. Aap baithiye, hum sab serve kar dete hain.”

Preeti chuckled and looked fondly at Vidya. “Beta, tum bahot acchi ho. Agar mera ek aur beta hota, to uski shadi tumse hi karvati.”

“Kyun, Vedant bhi to hai,” Vishakha said.

Preeti quickly chimed in, “Arre didi, Vidya ne Vedant ko Bhaiya bol diya abhi. Aur waise bhi, maine Vedant ke liye already Nandu baby ko pasand kiya hai. Cheating nahi kar sakti!”

Her teasing remark made everyone laugh, but Vedant and Nandini squirmed a bit in embarrassment. “Mom, yaar,” Vedant muttered, shaking his head.

As the food was being served, Nandini handed a bowl to Amrit. “Amrit, yeh paneer bhaiya ko serve kar do. Waise bhi tumhare side mein baithe hain.”

Amrit picked up the bowl and started serving paneer onto Akshat's plate. Just as she was about to pull her hand away, Akshat’s hand brushed hers accidentally. They both froze for a second, and then Akshat quickly let go, feeling the awkward tension.

Before he could react further, his eyes caught Bulbul staring at them intently from across the table, sitting on Krishiv’s lap. Her innocent, questioning look was too much for Akshat, and he hurriedly averted his eyes, trying to hide the awkwardness.

Once everyone was seated, Vishakha suddenly asked, “Vaise, Amrit, tumhare pati karte kya hain?”

Amrit, still feeling a bit nervous, stammered slightly. “J...ji, wo businessman hain.”

Nandini, surprised, looked at her. “Hein? Tumne to kaha tha wo professor hain.”

Caught off-guard, Amrit fumbled. “Wo... professor the, par ab nahi hain. Unhe nikal diya gaya.”

Everyone at the table turned their heads towards her in surprise. “Kya? Kyun?” Vikram asked, intrigued.

Amrit panicked “Chori karne ke liye.”

Akshat, hearing this, started coughing.

Amrit, realizing she needed to fix the story quickly, added, “Unhone ek professor ko chori karte hue pakda tha. Wo professor College ke head ka khas tha, to usne badla lene ke liye unhe nikalwa diya.”

Preeti nodded, satisfied with the explanation.

“Acha, acha, to ab kya karte hain wo?” Vishakha asked.

“Ye mera khandaan aaj KBC khelne baitha hai kya Amrit ke sath.” Akshat thought in his mind, glancing at nervous Amrit.

Amrit nervously fumbled again, then remembered only one company's name ,“Wo ab... Singhania Industries mein kaam karte hain. Pune me.”

Akshat mentally slapped his forehead. “Shitt!!”

Rakshit, sensing something was off, leaned forward and said, “Beta, Singhania Industries to hamari hai. That means tumhare pati hamare industry mein hain. Naam kya hai unka?”

Amrit’s face paled as she struggled to come up with something. Just as the silence became unbearable, Vidya jumped in, “Nikhil Kumar!” she blurted out.

Akshat groaned internally, barely managing to keep a straight face. “Yeh ladki mujhe phasayegi ek din,” he thought, shaking his head.

After lunch, everyone gathered in the hall once again. The evening was drawing closer, and the next ritual awaited. Preeti looked at the clock and then at the guests, her face lighting up with enthusiasm. “Raat hone wali hai, rasm poori karte hain,” she announced, signaling the start of the pag phera ceremony for Amrit.

Preeti and Vikram came forward with gifts and clothes, handing them over to Amrit with warm smiles. “Yeh tumhare liye hai beta,” Preeti said, patting her hand affectionately.

Amrit accepted them with a shy nod.

“Nikhil ko ye pasand aayega na?” Preeti asked with a gentle smile, referring to the gifts.

“Kon Nikhil?” Amrit asked, her face going blank as she momentarily forgot the name Vidya had concocted for her fictitious husband.

Bulbul, who had been observing everything keenly, piped up innocently, “Didi, aapke pati!”

“Ohh haan... haan, ji. Bahot acha hai,” Amrit quickly recovered, nodding as she realised the mistake. Her heart raced as she prayed no one noticed her confusion.

Just then, Vishakha walked over to Amrit with a warm smile on her face. “Kehte hain nayi dulhan ko muh dikhai deni chahiye. Main tumhare liye kuch nahi laa paayi, lekin…” She reached behind her neck and unclasped the gold chain she had been wearing. “Yeh tumhare liye,” she said softly, placing the chain around Amrit’s neck.

Amrit looked down at the chain, her eyes filling with emotion. “Aunty, iski kya zaroorat thi?” she said, her voice quivering. She was overwhelmed not just by the gesture, but by the thoughtfulness behind it.

Vidya, who stood nearby, leaned in and whispered, “Rakh le, teri saas ka ashirwad hai.”

Akshat, who had been watching from a little distance, overheard Vidya’s words. His lips curled into a soft smile.

But then, everyone noticed that Amrit’s eyes were welling up with tears. Her face softened as she tried to hold back her emotions, but it became too much to contain. A tear slipped down her cheek, followed by another.

“Amrit, beta, ro kyun rahi ho?” Preeti asked with concern, stepping closer to her. Anika, noticing Amrit's distress, gently placed her hand on Amrit’s shoulder. “Amrit, sab theek hai na?” she asked softly.

Amrit tried to control herself, but her emotions had become a flood she couldn’t hold back anymore. She was overwhelmed by the kindness, the warmth, the familial love that she had been missing for so long. But more than that, memories of her own mother—the one person she wished could be here—came crashing back.

Amrit’s voice trembled as she spoke, her heart heavy with loss. “Mumma ki yaad aa gayi.”

Preeti's eyes softened with understanding, and she quickly moved to sit beside Amrit. She wrapped her arms around her, offering comfort. “Beta, main samajh sakti hoon. Tumhari maa yahan nahi hain, lekin unka pyaar hamesha tumhare saath rahega. Hum sab yahan hain tumhare liye,” she said, her voice filled with maternal care.

Akshat, meanwhile, stood at a distance, his heart aching at the sight of Amrit in tears. He wanted nothing more than to rush to her side, to hold her and comfort her, but he was bound by the charade they were both stuck in. His family still didn’t know that Amrit is his wife. He clenched his fists, feeling helpless as he watched his wife crying, unable to offer her any solace.

***************************************

As the evening sun cast a warm glow in the room, Amrit sat cross-legged on her bed, enjoying a rare moment of relaxation. She scrolled her phone, when the familiar sound of footsteps caught her attention. Turning her head, she saw Akshat enter the bedroom, his expression a mix of determination and awkwardness.

"Sir... Akshat... aap iss time?" she asked, her brow slightly furrowed in surprise, as he usually returned home later in the night.

He settled beside her, the bed creaking under his weight. "Han... wo I... Maa ne... bataya tha ki... in our family, it is the ritual that a husband gifts something to his wife after marriage. I know hamari shadi different circumstances mein hui hai, but still, hui toh hai, toh rituals follow karna bhi important hai."

With a nervous glance, he pulled out a beautifully wrapped box from behind him. Amrit's heart raced with curiosity as he opened it, revealing a delicate pair of anklets, their silver sheen sparkling in the soft light.

"Ye... this is so costly," she said, hesitantly reaching out to touch the intricate design, her fingers brushing against the cool metal.

"Gifts ki keemat nahi dekhi jati, Amrit," Akshat replied earnestly, his gaze steady on her. "Just tell me if you liked it or not... ya mai aur kuch laun. I... I actually don't have any idea ki kisko kya gift dena hai. So you can tell me agar pasand na..."

Before he could finish, she interrupted him, her eyes lighting up with genuine delight. "Bahot sundar hai! I loved it."

A shy smile crept onto his face, the tension between them easing as her joy reflected in his expression.

As Akshat sank to his knees on the floor, the soft carpet cushioned him, and the air between them crackled with a mix of surprise and warmth. He reached for Amrit's feet, his movements tentative yet purposeful. She gasped, instinctively pulling her feet back, wide-eyed at the unexpected intimacy of the moment.

"What are you doing?" she asked, a hint of astonishment lacing her voice, her heart racing at the sudden closeness.

"Payal pehna raha hun," he replied, a frown of concentration on his face as he tried to navigate this new territory of their relationship.

Amrit shook her head, trying to protest ,"You cannot touch my feet, Akshat. Maa ne kaha tha ki pati devta hota hai aur devta pair chhuye toh paap lagta hai.”

He paused for a moment, contemplating her words, then retorted gently, "Aur meri maa ne kaha hai ki patni devi hoti hai, aur devi ke pair chhune se toh punya milta hai na?" His tone was light, teasing yet affectionate, as if he was trying to break down the barriers of formality between them.

With that, he gently held her foot, his fingers warm against her cold skin, and rested it on his thigh. Amrit felt a rush of sensations at his touch, a warmth spreading through her body that made her heart flutter. As he carefully slid the anklet around her ankle, she watched him, mesmerized by the sincerity in his eyes and the soft concentration etched on his face.

He took his time, ensuring the anklet sat perfectly, and then lifted her other foot, placing it on his thigh with the same careful reverence. Amrit's breath hitched as he adorned her other ankle, each delicate touch igniting a spark that resonated deep within her.

As Akshat stood up, the moment felt like a fleeting dream, and Amrit could hardly process the warmth that lingered in the air. "Accha, I should leave now," he said, a hint of reluctance in his voice as he stepped back, still lingering in the shared intimacy of the moment.

She nodded, a soft blush creeping across her cheeks. "Okay," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper, the echo of their earlier exchange still resonating in her heart.

He turned to leave, and as the door gently clicked shut behind him, Amrit found herself alone in the room, her gaze drifting down to her ankles.

A shy smile played on her lips, her heart swelling with emotion.

***************************************

Meanwhile, as night enveloped the city, Akshat stood by the door of his apartment, wearing his shoes, ready to leave for Amrit's place. Just then, a deep rumble echoed through the air, sending a jolt of anxiety straight to his core. The thundering voice of the rain clashed with his heart, thumping against his chest as if trying to break free. His hands trembled, memories of past storms flooding back with each flash of lightning that illuminated the night sky.

Peering outside, he saw the rain pouring heavily, the relentless drops creating a symphony of chaos that mirrored his racing thoughts. Panic clawed at him, and without thinking, he rushed to the windows, hastily shutting them and pulling the curtains tight as if to block out the fury of the storm. He squeezed his eyes shut, pressing his palms against his ears in a futile attempt to silence the overwhelming sound.

With a shaky breath, he pulled out his phone, fingers trembling as he typed a message to Amrit. "Stuck in some work tonight. You can eat Maggi for dinner. Don’t wait for me." It felt wrong to lie, but he needed her to understand that he couldn’t come tonight. The mere thought of being with her while the storm raged made him feel vulnerable.

After sending the message, he hurried to the study room, closing the door behind him as if to seal himself off from the world. The familiar scent of books and paper greeted him, offering a strange sense of comfort amidst the chaos. He sank into the couch, wearing his headphones and cranking up the volume to drown out the outside world.

The loud music pulsed through him, each beat wrapping around his anxiety, pulling him back into his safe space. This was where he could escape—where his panic felt somewhat normal, like a familiar old friend he had learned to live with. He breathed in deeply, trying to focus on the rhythm, letting the notes wash over him, hoping to find solace in the melodies that had once been his refuge.

As the storm continued to rage outside, Akshat closed his eyes and allowed himself to be consumed by the music, creating a barrier between his fears and the world beyond the study's walls.

***************************************

Krishiv was driving through the quiet streets, the city lights casting a warm glow against the night sky. He hummed softly to himself, the day's stress slowly ebbing away as he made his way home. Just then, his phone buzzed, and a small smile appeared on his face as he saw Bulbul’s name flash on the screen. He quickly answered, his voice light and cheerful.

"Haan, Bulbul?" he asked playfully.

But instead of the bubbly voice he was used to, he heard a soft sniffle on the other end. His smile faltered.

"Cheatel Uncle," Bulbul's voice wavered, thick with tears.

Krishiv's heart immediately clenched with worry. "Bulbul? What happened? Why are you crying, princess?"

There was a pause before she spoke again, her voice trembling, "Mumma is still not home. She said she will be late. And balish ho rahi hai, bijli bhi chali gayi... I am scared. Aap aaoge kya?"

Krishiv could hear the fear in her small voice, and it tugged at his heartstrings.

“Ok, ok, first of all, stop crying, hmm? Bulbul is a brave girl, right?” he said, his tone gentle yet firm, trying to calm her down.

“I am,” she whispered, but her voice still shook.

“Brave girls don’t cry, na? So wipe your tears, princess. I’m coming, okay? I’m on the way.” He quickly turned the car around, his mind solely focused on getting to her as fast as possible.

There was a moment of silence on the other end, then he heard a soft, "Promise?"

Krishiv smiled, though his heart ached for her. "Promise, sweetheart. I'll be there before you know it."

After a few more minutes, he finally pulled up outside Bulbul’s house. The rain was pouring down heavily, but Krishiv barely noticed as he dashed to the front door, ringing the bell. A small figure came running, and before he could say anything, the door swung open, revealing Bulbul in her pajamas, her eyes still red from crying but her face lighting up at the sight of him.

"Cheatel Uncle!" she cried, throwing herself into his arms.

Krishiv crouched down, hugging her tightly. "Hey, hey, I’m here now, na? See? You’re not alone anymore." He wiped the stray tears from her cheeks, giving her a reassuring smile.

Bulbul nodded, holding onto him tightly, and Krishiv scooped her up in his arms, carrying her inside.

Krishiv settled onto the sofa, and Bulbul climbed up beside him, still holding onto him tightly. Her fear of the storm seemed to have eased with his presence, and now she was her usual, curious self. He leaned back and looked at her with a soft smile.

"Did you eat anything, Bulbul?" he asked, his voice warm.

She nodded, "Haan."

He grinned mischievously and pulled a pizza box from behind him. "Pizza khana hai?"

Bulbul’s eyes lit up instantly, but just as quickly, she pouted. "I can’t… Mumma ne mana kiya hai. Iss week hi khaya tha," she said, her voice filled with disappointment.

Krishiv chuckled, raising an eyebrow. "Arre, twice in a week chalta hai! And your mummy will be late, so unhe pata bhi nahi chalega." He winked at her, his grin wide.

Bulbul’s eyes sparkled at the suggestion, and a big smile spread across her face. "Really?" she asked, unsure but clearly tempted.

"Of course!" Krishiv said with a smirk. "Come on, you deserve it after being so brave tonight."

Bulbul, with a new burst of excitement, nodded eagerly. "Okay!" she agreed.

Krishiv opened the box, and soon enough, they were both munching on slices of pizza, their earlier worries forgotten. As they ate, Bulbul began excitedly telling him about her day.

"And I got 20/20 marks in maths today! Everyone clapped for me," she announced proudly, her little chest puffed up with pride.

Krishiv stopped mid-bite and looked at her in amazement, then started clapping dramatically. "Wow, Bulbul! That’s amazing! Bulbul is so smart!"

She beamed at him, pleased with the praise. "Really?" she asked, her eyes wide and hopeful.

Krishiv tilted his head and said with a mock-serious expression, "No, I was joking."

Bulbul’s jaw dropped, and she glared at him, her tiny fists balling up in playful anger. "Cheatel Uncle!" she exclaimed, and Krishiv burst into laughter.

"Okay, okay, sorry! Really, you’re super smart, princess!" he said, still chuckling.

Bulbul crossed her arms, pretending to be mad, but her smile betrayed her. After finishing their pizza, Krishiv pulled out a ludo board from the cupboard.

"Alright, time for the real challenge. Ready for ludo?" he asked, wiggling his eyebrows.

Bulbul’s eyes narrowed with determination. "I’ll win!" she declared, picking up the dice confidently.

Krishiv grinned. "Let’s see about that."

As they played, the sound of the storm outside faded into the background, replaced by Bulbul’s giggles and the lighthearted teasing between them.

"You were cheating! You always cheat," Saumya said, pouting and crossing her arms as she glared at Krishiv.

Krishiv laughed at her indignant expression. "Oyee, cheater Bulbul, don’t start! Last time you cheated when you started losing the game," he shot back playfully.

"I am not! You were cheating this time! Cheatel uncle!" she accused, her voice filled with mock frustration as her little fists tightened.

Krishiv grinned widely, shaking his head. "Cheater Bulbul! Now play seriously, okay? No more cheating."

But Saumya was already pouting, clearly upset because she was losing. All of their pieces had already made it home except for one each. She only needed a two to win the game, and she was determined.

She threw the dice, scrunching her eyes shut as tightly as she could, and began muttering under her breath, "Two two two two!"

Krishiv glanced at her, amusement shining in his eyes. He then peeked at the dice, which had rolled a five. Without a second thought, he quickly and secretly flipped the dice to show two.

Saumya opened her eyes and glanced down at the board, her face lighting up with pure excitement as she saw the number. She squealed, jumping to her feet. "Yaaayyyyy! I wonnn! Looser uncle!!" she shouted, giggling and doing a little victory dance on the couch.

Krishiv smiled softly, watching her celebrate with uncontainable joy. He leaned back, enjoying the moment. "Okay, okay. Looks like Cheater Bulbul won again," he teased, shaking his head.

Saumya stuck her tongue out at him. "You’re the looser uncle, not me!" she declared, her face bright with happiness.

Krishiv chuckled, ruffling her hair affectionately. "Alright, Bulbul, you win. But remember, it was only because you had some divine intervention," he said, his eyes twinkling.

She wasn’t paying attention to his words, too busy parading around with her imaginary trophy. "I’m the best! Looser uncle loses, I win! Again!" she sang out, dancing around the living room.

Krishiv leaned back into the couch, watching her with a smile that grew softer as he admired her carefree happiness.

Just as Saumya was finishing her victory dance, the doorbell rang.

“Mumma! Gayi kaam se!” Saumya gasped, her eyes widening in panic.

Krishiv raised a brow, confused by her sudden worry. “Kyun? What happened?”

“She’ll scold me! I disturbed you, and I ate pizza too!” she said in a hushed whisper, eyes darting towards the door as if she were preparing for a scolding.

Krishiv chuckled and patted her head. “Okk okk, don’t worry. I’ll handle it. Let me open the door.”

He walked over to the door and pulled it open, revealing Kavya, who stood on the threshold looking surprised to see him there.

“Sir, aap?” Kavya asked, her brows furrowed in confusion as she glanced between him and the inside of her apartment.

“Bulbul ki mummy! Yeh koi time hai ghar aane ka?” Krishiv asked playfully, crossing his arms and giving her a mock-serious look.

Kavya blinked, still taken aback. “Sir, mai toh—” she began, but Krishiv cut her off.

“Kya ‘sir mai toh’? You should’ve told Vihaan that Bulbul was scared, staying home alone in this storm! Do you know how worried she was? Tsk, tsk.” His teasing tone belied the genuine concern he had for the little girl.

Kavya looked even more confused now, glancing at Bulbul. “Scared? Bulbul, why didn’t you call me?” she asked, her expression softening as she crouched down to her daughter’s level.

Krishiv stood up from the sofa, stretching his arms, and gave a mock-stern look to Kavya. "She tried calling you, but aap phone uthaye tab na!" he said, his tone teasing.

"Kab?" Both Kavya and Saumya asked at the same time, looking at him with confusion.

Krishiv glanced at Saumya, then winked at her before answering. "Arre, you told me na ki mumma ka phone lag nahi raha because of network problems?"

Saumya caught on immediately. “Haan haan! I called you, Mumma,” she said, nodding enthusiastically.

Kavya sighed, playfully narrowing her eyes at Krishiv. "Very bad, Bulbul ki mummy!" he teased, shaking his head in faux disappointment.

Kavya chuckled softly and held up her hands in surrender. "Okk okk, I am sorry, Bulbul baccha! Now, may I come inside?" she asked, turning to her daughter.

Krishiv stepped aside dramatically, gesturing towards the living room. “Haan, aaiye,” he said with a playful bow.

Kavya stepped inside, glancing around. “Thank you so much, sir,” she said, sincerity in her voice.

Krishiv waved it off casually. "No issues at all," he replied before turning to Saumya. Leaning down, he whispered, “Bach gayi na?” with a mischievous wink.

Saumya giggled, nodding enthusiastically. "Good night, Cheatel Uncle!" she said, wrapping her small arms around him in a hug.

Krishiv grinned and hugged her back. "Good night, Bulbul," he said warmly, before standing up and turning to Kavya. "Good night, Bulbul ki mummy."

Kavya smiled softly, watching their interaction. "Good night, sir," she replied as he headed toward the door.

“Next time, just let me know or ask Vihaan to arrange something if you’re working late.” Krishiv said as he opened the door, giving one last wave before stepping out. As he disappeared into the night, Kavya found herself still standing at the door, her eyes lingering on where he had just been.

She closed the door softly and smiled to herself.

________________________________________________

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