Chapter 35: ✿Chapter 29✿

दिल की गहराइयों में एक एहसास जागा,

हर लम्हा अब तेरा चेहरा सामने आया।

सपनों की इस दुनिया में खोने लगा हूँ,

क्या ये सच है? मैं प्यार करने लगा हूँ

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Avyansh's POV

She slept. I never thought she'd panic like this. The memories of her trembling hands and tear-streaked face were fresh in my mind. My chest ached, knowing my words-meant to tease-could trigger something so deep and painful for her.

I was tired-drained from the hours on the private jet, the endless meetings, and the suffocating work pressure. But watching her sleep, her face soft and peaceful, wiped away every ounce of that exhaustion.

She was nestled in my arms, her head resting against my chest. Her breaths were slow now, no longer the rapid, uneven gasps from earlier. My hand unconsciously brushed her hair away from her face, careful not to wake her.

How could I have been so blind? I thought I knew people well. I prided myself on reading their emotions, but with her... I failed. My wife-my Avantika-had endured something unspeakable.

Something that made her flinch at the slightest push, something that haunted her even now.

I tightened my hold on her gently, ensuring her comfort. "I never want you to feel that way again," I whispered, though I knew she couldn't hear me.

Her soft features were a contradiction to the storm she carried within. The trust she had to let herself fall asleep in my arms tonight wasn't lost on me. It was a fragile thread, and I vowed not to break it.

As her head shifted slightly on my chest, her small hand clutched my shirt. I couldn't help the faint smile tugging at my lips. She looked so vulnerable yet strong.

"Whatever it is you've faced, I'll make sure you don't face it alone anymore," I promised silently.

She stirred slightly, mumbling something incoherent. I leaned back into the pillows, careful not to disturb her sleep. Sleep could wait for me. Tonight, watching over her was all I needed.

A sudden knock broke the quiet atmosphere of the room.

"Come in," I muttered softly, careful not to wake her.

The door creaked open, and Maa peeked inside before stepping in. Her presence was always calm, always warm.

"She's sleeping?" she asked in a hushed voice, glancing at Avantika's resting form.

I nodded.

"And lunch?" she asked again.

"Thoda der baad," I replied, keeping my voice low.

Her eyes softened as she looked at Avantika. "Woh ro rahi thi?" she asked, her voice laced with worry.

I nodded again, not trusting myself to say much.

My mother-Maa-was too gentle for this world, always caring, always putting others first. She didn't see Avantika as just her daughter-in-law; she treated her as her own child, without any pretense or barriers.

Her gaze dropped slightly, and she walked closer to where Avantika lay. Placing her hand gently on Avantika's head, she said in a soft, almost pleading tone, "Dhyan rakhiye inka, Avy."

I nodded again, my throat tightening slightly.

"Bohot saha hai inhone... batate nahi, dikhate bhi nahi... par-" A single tear slipped down her cheek as she looked at Avantika's peaceful face.

I wanted to say something, to reassure her, but I couldn't find the right words. Instead, I simply watched as Maa wiped her tear away and gave a small, comforting smile before leaving the room.

As the door clicked shut behind her, I turned my attention back to Avantika. She looked so calm in her sleep, yet her slightly furrowed brows gave away the battles she fought even in her dreams.

Avantika's POV

I woke up to the faint orange glow of evening light seeping through the curtains. It felt like it was past five or maybe six.

Did I oversleep? Wait... when did I even fall asleep? I tried to trace back my thoughts but hit a blank wall. The last thing I remember is talking to him about his childhood. And then... nothing. My head felt heavy, my mind foggy.

I usually don't sleep this much. I blinked a few times, trying to shake off the grogginess.

"You awake?" His voice broke the silence as he entered the room, holding a cup in his hand-coffee, maybe?

I didn't respond. My mind spiraled into thoughts I didn't want to confront but couldn't avoid.

Everything was a mess, tangled and suffocating.

"I need to freshen up," I muttered under my breath, not meeting his gaze. My mind was ducked up, as if someone had taken all my emotions, fears, and thoughts and shoved them into a blender.

I got up abruptly, avoiding his eyes, and headed for the bathroom. I needed to clear my head before I completely lost myself.

Did I have panick attack or something? Cause I couldn't remember a single thing.

It's happens whenever I get panick attack I totally forget what actually happened. But he didn't mention it maybe I just slept?.

I washed my face, trying to calm myself. But when I looked into the mirror, my eyes were still red, betraying the emotional storm I had been holding back. A soft sigh escaped my lips as I wiped my face with the towel.

Stepping out, I noticed him standing near the window, talking on the phone. His voice was cold and composed, yet it carried an air of finality.

"I would like to ask her first. Hm... Nahi," he replied curtly.

There was a brief pause. "Kal? Okay." He ended the call and turned towards me, his sharp gaze meeting mine.

Before he could say anything, my phone buzzed on the table. I walked toward it and picked it up. Samarth's name flashed on the screen.

"Di! Did that ugly woman call you?" his voice came through, brimming with frustration.

"No," I replied, slightly confused. Ugly woman? That wasn't about looks. He was referring to our so-called chachi, ugly by heart.

"Ask Jiju," Samarth continued, "she was talking about calling him."

"For what?" I asked, glancing at Avyansh, who was casually munching on some biscuits, looking unbothered.

"Arre, kal wo matam ki ghadi hai jab unhone humare ghar mein kadam rakha tha," Samarth said sarcastically.

"Kya bakwaas kar rahe ho?" I retorted, rolling my eyes.

"Di, Chachi ki 30th anniversary hai!" he clarified dramatically.

"Oh," I muttered.

"Ask Jiju now!" Samarth demanded, making me sigh.

I looked at him. "Suniye," I said hesitantly.

"Hm... kahiye," he replied, his tone even.

"Apko abhi ghar se call aaya tha kya?" I asked.

"Hm," he replied while taking another bite of the biscuit. "Samarth called; otherwise, I was going to tell you," he added, his expression neutral yet observant.

I nodded, unsure how to respond, as the tension from the earlier phone call lingered in the air.

Do I need to come? I asked, my voice low.

"It would be great if you come to meet only me and Dadu, otherwise I would say no," Samarth replied with a hint of amusement.

"Yes or no?" I asked again, needing clarity.

"Yes," he replied firmly.

"Ok," I said, "I will talk to him, then just call you back, ok?"

"Ok," he replied."Bye Di, love you."

I hummed and ended the call, my fingers lingering on the phone screen for a moment.

When I looked up, I met his gaze. His soft expression held my attention.

"Apko jaane ka mn nahi?" he asked quietly, his tone gentle.

I shook my head slightly, neither denying nor agreeing. My mind was in turmoil, unsure of what I truly wanted to do.

"Everyone is going to attend a wedding party tomorrow too in Borivali," he added casually.

"You want to attend that?" he asked, as if sensing my uncertainty.

I chewed on my lips, still standing there, contemplating.

"Avantika," he called, his voice pulling me out of my thoughts.

"Hm..." I hummed in response, finally meeting his eyes.

"Come here," he said softly.

I looked up at him, my heart racing, not quite sure why, but I agreed. My legs moved on their own, and I walked toward him. He was sitting on the bed, his legs straight and folded at the end.

He placed his phone aside, his full attention now on me as I approached him.

"Baithiye," he said, pulling his leg back and patting the seat beside him.

I sat down, a little unsure but feeling oddly comforted by his presence.

"You don't want to go anywhere, stay at home or something?" he asked, looking at me.

I hesitated for a moment before responding, "If everyone is going to the wedding, will I go alone to that party?"

He smiled softly, as if he had already anticipated my question. "No, who said that? Hum apke sath jayenge," he assured me.

I nodded, feeling a little relief wash over me. Still, a part of me lingered on the doubts.

"What if Mummy ji doesn't want me to...?" I trailed off, unsure how to finish the sentence.

Before I could even complete my thought, he cut me off with certainty. "Mom will not say anything," he said, his tone firm yet gentle.

I looked at him, grateful for his reassurance, even though there was a lingering part of me that wasn't sure everything would be that simple.

Author's POV

The morning air buzzed with excitement as everyone prepared to leave. The driveway gleamed with expensive cars, each polished to perfection.

"Khud ka dhyan rakhna, ache se khana, aur time pe medicine lena," Pakhi said to Avantika, her voice laced with motherly concern.

"I wish I could go with you too, bhabhi," Dev chimed in, looking genuinely disappointed. But his gaze darted to Avyansh, who was standing tall beside Avantika, one eyebrow arched in warning.

Dev gulped. "Bu-but it's okay. Ha, it's okay," he quickly amended, smiling nervously.

Avyansh smirked, clearly enjoying his brother's discomfort.

Soon, the grand departure began.

The air quieted as the cars disappeared one by one, leaving only Avantika and Avyansh behind.

"We should leave too in an hour or two," Avyansh said, trailing behind Avantika, who was moving briskly. Whether she was walking or running, he couldn't quite tell. His eyes, however, were fixed elsewhere.

"Hmm," she replied distractedly, her voice light as she continued her hurried pace.

"Aap kyu bhaag rahi hain?" he asked, his tone mildly amused.

She stopped abruptly, turning to face him. Her saree fluttered slightly with the motion, revealing the smooth, brown curve of her waist. "We haven't bought a gift for them yet," she said, her eyes widening in eyes.

"We should leave now," she said, snapping him out of his reverie, still oblivious to his gaze.

"Y-Yes," he stammered, his usual composure faltering slightly. He could feel the tips of his ears burning as the images in his head refused to leave.

Clearing his throat, he straightened his posture, determined to focus. But as Avantika turned around, her saree swaying gently with her movement, he couldn't help the faint smile tugging at his lips.

They both entered their room, the air feeling slightly charged as they prepared to get ready.

"What should I wear?" Avyansh asked casually, glancing at Avantika as she rummaged through the cupboard for her saree.

"I don't know, whatever you want," she replied distractedly, her focus ahead.

"Avantika..." he called her name softly, his voice low yet teasing.

Before Avyansh could say anything more, Avantika disappeared into the bathroom, leaving him standing there, shaking his head with a faint smile.

He wandered to the wardrobe, pulling out a few of his outfits. Normally, he chose his clothes without much thought, but today was different. He wanted her opinion. Why? Even he wasn't entirely sure.

He laid out a few shirts and blazers, glancing occasionally at the closed bathroom door. After a few minutes, the soft click of the door opening made him look up.

Avantika stepped out, her damp hair twisted up in a towel bun, loose tendrils framing her delicate face. She wore a soft pastel saree, its fabric clinging gently to her form, accentuating her slender figure without any accessories to distract from her natural beauty.

His gaze unconsciously roamed over her, noticing every small detail. The simple, unadorned neckline of her blouse emphasized the elegant curve of her collarbones. The saree's subtle shimmer caught the light, complementing the fairness of her skin.

Her waist... smooth, unblemished, and perfectly framed by the saree's delicate drape, became the focal point of his attention.

The faint glow of her skin against the pastel fabric stirred something deep within him, an inexplicable warmth that made his breath hitch for just a moment.

The absence of any necklace or heavy jewelry drew his eyes to the natural grace of her movements.

She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, her fingers brushing against her cheek, leaving behind a faint trace of water from her still-damp hands.

For a moment, Avyansh forgot about the clothes he had been deliberating over. His mind was clouded with the image before him, the simplicity of her beauty captivating him in a way he hadn't expected.

And yet, he didn't say a word. He turned his gaze back to the bed, pretending to examine his outfit choices, hiding the small, almost imperceptible smile that tugged at his lips.

Time passed quickly, and soon, Avantika and Avyansh found themselves in the mall. It was already past 1, so they had some time before they needed to leave.

A few staff members, along with two bodyguards, trailed behind them. It was no surprise; after all, the mall was owned by him.

As they entered the jewelry store, Avyansh received a call, so he excused himself and left her to browse. Avantika, her eyes scanning the display, was lost in thought. She wasn't particularly excited about buying a gift for her uncle and aunt.

Her relationship with them had never been ideal, filled with taunts and subtle insults over the years. But she couldn't bring herself to tell Avyansh.

It felt petty, and she knew he'd only want her to ignore it. So, she decided to pick something simple, something neutral-minimal yet meaningful.

She wandered through the store, her gaze settling on a small golden Goddess Laxmi statue displayed in the corner. The gleam of the gold caught her attention, and she approached the staff.

"Can you show me that one?" she asked softly, pointing at the statue.

The staff, ever so polite, immediately stepped forward. "Of course, ma'am," they said, their voice warm.

They carefully picked it up and placed it in front of her. "This is one of our finest. The detailing is exquisite, and it's said to bring prosperity and blessings to the home."

Avantika's fingers gently traced the edges of the statue as she examined it. "It's beautiful," she murmured. "Do you think it would be a good choice for... an older couple?"

"Absolutely," the staff member replied with a smile. "Laxmi Ji is a symbol of wealth and good fortune. It's a perfect gift for someone who values tradition and blessings."

Avantika nodded thoughtfully, her mind drifting slightly. Despite her personal feelings toward her uncle and aunt, this gift was a simple gesture, one that spoke of respect.

Avantika looked up briefly, half-expecting to see Avyansh return, but he was still occupied on his call.

For now, she was content with her choice, trying to block out the tension of old family wounds and focusing on the present moment.

A few moments later, Avyansh entered the shop again, but his gaze was no longer on his wife. Instead, he was focused on the man who was eyeing her from across the store.

The man, still unaware of Avyansh's watchful gaze, had not taken his eyes off Avantika.

Avantika, noticing him, turned around to ask Avyansh if the gift was good or not.

"Wait, let me ask him too," she said to the staff, unaware of the tension building around her.

She was about to say something when she noticed Avyansh's intense gaze. Following it, she turned to look at the man who was still staring at her. He gave her a wicked smile, one that made her feel uncomfortable.

Avantika rolled her eyes, her expression bored as she looked back at Avyansh, hoping he'd move on. But the man's gaze didn't waver, and his eyes seemed to follow her every move. Then, his gaze shifted to Avyansh as their eyes locked.

The moment their eyes met, the intensity between them was palpable. Avyansh's stare was cold, sharp, and almost menacing, as if he were ready to do anything to protect his wife.

The man's confident demeanor faltered, and he abruptly stood up, his smile fading as he realized the situation had shifted.

Avantika couldn't help but feel the tension that filled the air, but she said nothing, waiting for the moment to pass.

She knew better than to interrupt whatever was going on between the two men.

Avyansh walked toward the man, his posture calm yet imposing, his hand resting in his pocket in a confident manner. The man, sensing the tension, hesitated and turned as if preparing to leave.

"Wait," Avyansh said in a low, firm voice.

Avantika, noticing the tension in the air, approached him gently. "Let's go, I want to show you something," she said, her voice soft but insistent, trying to divert the situation before it escalated.

Avyansh's gaze remained fixed on the man, whose nervousness was palpable. Avantika sensed the growing tension and didn't want things to get out of hand-at least, not now.

"Avyansh ji?" she said, her voice a little higher in pitch, trying to capture his attention.

She lightly grabbed his elbow, a small gesture, but enough to make him look at her. The shift in his eyes softened when they met hers, the tension in his gaze easing just slightly.

He made a sound through his fingers signaling his bodyguards to step forward.

The men moved quickly, their presence commanding the man's attention, but Avyansh didn't need to say a word. His eyes alone made it clear.

With a final glance at the man, Avyansh turned his focus back to Avantika. He walked with her, his steps steady, yet there was an undeniable softness in his demeanor now.

Avantika didn't notice the tension that had remained between them, as she was focused on leading him to wherever she wanted to show him. She could feel his presence beside her, strong and steady, but no longer radiating the same cold intensity.

Their surroundings seemed to fade for a moment as they walked, and Avantika couldn't help but wonder just how much she had yet to learn about the man beside her.

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The picture was send by my friend from pinterest about Avantika Outfit.