Chapter 36: ✿Chapter 30✿

मोहब्बत दिल के दरवाज़े पे दस्तक दे रही है,

पर अंदर की उदासी अब भी वहीं है।

उसकी बाहों में मिलती है राहत,

पर दर्द की परछाई अब भी साथ है।

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Avyansh was feeling utterly drained, his body begging for rest after the whirlwind trip to Manhattan. The sleepless nights, the never-ending meetings, and the unexpected run-in with her had left him in a daze.

The memory of that encounter was still vivid, haunting him. It had felt surreal, as though time had warped for a brief moment just for the two of them. He shook his head, trying to focus, but exhaustion clung to him stubbornly.

The altercation with the guy at the mall earlier hadn’t helped. His bodyguards had handled it, of course, but the incident left a sour taste. It was Avantika who had momentarily pulled him from his irritation. She was like a quiet balm to his agitated mind.

As the car pulled up to her family home, the grand sight of servants bustling about decorating the entrance greeted them. The hum of activity felt almost foreign to him in his weary state, like he was stepping into a parallel world of energy and celebration.

A servant hurried toward them, bowing slightly before reaching for their luggage.

“Madam, to your room, right?” he asked politely. Avantika nodded wordlessly, her expression distant.

The car ride had been unusually quiet.Her gaze had been locked on the passing scenery, her eyes betraying a heaviness that she wasn’t ready to share.

Avyansh observed her with a mix of concern and frustration. Something was wrong, but she wasn’t letting him in. As they stepped toward the door, he gently offered his hand.

“Chale?” he asked softly.

She flinched, her reaction startling him. She nodded after a pause but still didn’t meet his eyes. The unspoken distance between them felt heavier than usual.

Stepping into the house, Avyansh’s sharp eyes immediately caught movement ahead.

A woman in her mid-40s appeared, her bright face lighting up as she spotted Avantika.

“Avantika! Meri bachi, kitna miss kiya tujhe!” she exclaimed, her voice dripping with affection.

The woman—Chandni, Avantika’s another aunt—hurried forward, throwing her arms around her niece in a tight hug.

Avantika stood frozen, her body stiff against the embrace. She didn’t return the gesture, her hands remaining awkwardly at her sides. Her distant demeanor was palpable, and Avyansh’s confusion deepened.

Chandni, however, seemed unbothered. She pulled back, her beaming smile aimed at Avyansh now.

“Damad ji bhi aaye hain?” she said teasingly, her eyes appraising him as though he were part of some inside joke.

Avyansh arched an eyebrow, his expression guarded. Her words hung in the air, thick with unspoken meaning. There was something almost too sweet about her tone, something that unsettled him.

He glanced at Avantika, hoping for some cue, but she kept her head down, her lips pressed tightly together.

The tension in the room was impossible to ignore. Chandni, still smiling, acted as though she didn’t notice, her laughter breaking the uncomfortable silence.

“Well, don’t just stand there! Come in, come in! It’s been too long since we had such special guests,” she said, gesturing for them to move further inside.

Avyansh felt his gut tighten. Something was off—not just with Avantika, but with the entire atmosphere of the house.

As they followed Chandni deeper into the home, he vowed to get to the bottom of it, no matter how long it took.

As they stepped inside, the warmth of the household enveloped them, but Avyansh couldn’t help noticing how Avantika’s demeanor remained cold and detached.

One by one, family members approached her, their faces lighting up with joy as they hugged her tightly, but she barely reciprocated. Her arms hung limply at her sides, her smile forced and fleeting.

Avyansh observed it all, every small detail. The distant look in her eyes, the way her shoulders tensed at every embrace, the faint hesitation in her movements—it was as if she didn’t belong here anymore. He couldn’t shake the sense that something was troubling her deeply.

Maintaining his composure, Avyansh joined his hands respectfully to greet the elders, muttering polite “Namaste” as they acknowledged him with nods and smiles. But his focus never wavered from Avantika.

As the crowd around her thinned, he leaned in close to her, his voice low and gentle.

“Avantika?” he whispered.

She turned her head slightly toward him, her expression still distant.

“Chaliye na, apke kamre mein,” he murmured, his tone tinged with concern but steady.

Her eyes widened slightly, and he noticed the faint flush spreading to her ears. She seemed startled by his suggestion, though she didn’t say anything. Before she could respond, someone cleared their throat loudly behind them.

“Ahem! Damad ji ko rest karne do,” a voice chimed in, laced with playful teasing. “Kuch der baad toh party bhi shuru ho jayegi!”

Avyansh turned to see an older uncle grinning at them, his eyes sparkling with amusement. The subtle cough hadn’t been accidental; it was meant to interrupt. The gathered family chuckled lightly, but Avantika’s lips remained pressed together, her discomfort evident.

Avyansh offered a faint smile in response, nodding politely, but his thoughts churned.

What was going on here? Why was she so distant, so unlike herself? And why did it feel like everyone else in the house was too cheerful, almost as though they were overcompensating for something?

He glanced at Avantika again, her face now unreadable, and decided he wouldn’t push her just yet. But he would find out—sooner or later, he would know what was weighing her down.

As Avyansh followed Avantika into the room, he couldn’t help but let his eyes wander for a brief moment. The slight curve of her waist peeked out as she moved, drawing his attention involuntarily.

He immediately scolded himself, shaking the thought away. I shouldn’t look at her like that. Stop it, Avyansh.

The room was modest but cozy, with a soft, welcoming vibe that contrasted sharply with the heavy atmosphere from earlier. Avantika paused by the door and turned to him.

“Apko bhook lagi hai? Kuch le aaun?” she asked, her voice soft, almost hesitant.

Avyansh, still trying to compose himself, nodded silently. He walked toward the bed, loosening his collar with one hand. His navy-blue shirt—sleek and sharp, with pleated detailing running vertically down one side—fit him perfectly, highlighting his lean frame.

He undid the top button, the movement casual yet inadvertently confident, as he settled down on the edge of the bed.

“Ok,” she replied simply before opening the door and slipping out, leaving him alone.

Avyansh leaned back and let out a sigh, his body sinking into the mattress. Exhaustion crept in again, pulling him toward a brief rest. But before he could fully relax, a loud knock followed by the sound of the door flying open startled him.

“Maasi! Maasi!” two small voices shouted in unison.

He bolted upright just as two tiny figures darted into the room—a boy and a girl, no older than five, dressed in matching outfits. The twins were a sight to behold, their curious eyes wide as they froze upon seeing him.

Avyansh smiled instinctively, bending slightly to their level. “Hello?” he greeted, his voice kind but curious.

The little stepped forward, puffing his chest out like he was trying to look tough. “Aap kaun?” he demanded, his childlike voice trying and failing to sound authoritative.

“And what are you doing in Maasi’s room?” the girl chimed in, placing her hands on her tiny hips with all the sass of someone three times her age.

Avyansh couldn’t help but chuckle softly. He pointed to himself, feigning innocence. “Me?” he asked, amused. “I’m Avyansh.”

Extending his hand for a handshake, he looked between the two of them. The boy hesitated, eyeing him warily, but just as he was about to take his hand, the girl stepped in, swatting her brother away.

“I’ll go first!” she announced proudly, shaking Avyansh’s hand with exaggerated enthusiasm. “I’m Kanisha, and yeh Karan hai. Mai isse badi hoon,” she added with a smug grin, emphasizing her older-sibling status.

“2 minute bas!” Karan protested indignantly, pushing her lightly by the waist. Kanisha stumbled but quickly regained her footing, shooting him a glare.

Avyansh watched them with a bewildered expression, trying not to laugh. They were like a comedy duo, constantly bickering but clearly inseparable.

Karan turned back to Avyansh, his small hands balling into fists as he demanded, “Aap yahan kya kar rahe ho?”

“And where is Maasi?” Kanisha added, her tone more accusing this time.

Avyansh Pov

“Well, who is your Maasi?” I asked, leaning forward slightly, trying to mask my amusement.

They were undeniably cute, but the mischief gleaming in their eyes warned me that they were nothing short of little troublemakers.

Karan didn’t miss a beat, crossing his arms and standing tall—or as tall as his tiny frame allowed. “The one whose room you’re sitting in right now is my Maasi,” he declared, his tone almost accusatory.

“Avantika,” Kanisha added, her voice sweet yet laced with a bossy authority, as if to confirm her brother’s words.

I couldn’t help the smile tugging at my lips as I leaned back slightly, letting their boldness wash over me. “I’m her husband,” I said, my chest swelling with pride as the words left my mouth.

But my declaration was met with immediate rebellion.

“No—you’re lying!” Karan shot back, his face scrunching up with determination.

“She said she will marry me! I will be her husband!” His tiny fist thumped against his chest, as though he were ready to defend his claim at all costs.

I blinked at him, stunned for a moment before a chuckle escaped me. The audacity of this little boy!

Before I could reply, I heard a soft laugh from behind, and my eyes shifted instantly to the doorway.

There she was—Avantika. She stood there holding a tray, her smile so bright it seemed to light up the entire room. It was like watching the sun rise—radiant and free. For a second, I was caught off guard. She’s smiling so freely… I thought. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her like this before.

“Maasi!” the twins squealed, their little voices filling the room as they dashed toward her.

Avantika quickly set the tray down on the table before scooping Karan up in her arms, laughing as she called him, “Golu Molu!” Her voice was warm, playful, and filled with affection.

Kanisha tugged at her dress impatiently, demanding her turn, but Avantika only laughed, shifting Karan to her hip while reaching out to ruffle Kanisha’s hair. The sight of her so at ease, so alive in this moment, made my chest tighten.

It wasn’t just the kids who were captivated by her. It was me, too.

“Maasi, what about me?” Kanisha asked, her voice tinged with mock betrayal as she tugged at Avantika’s dress, her small face scrunching up in a pout.

Before Avantika could respond, I stepped forward, leaning down with a smile. “Come here,” I said, picking Kanisha up effortlessly.

Her little arms wrapped around my neck as she burst into a wide grin, her sweet little teeth on full display.

“I am so tall!” she declared proudly, looking down at her brother. “Look at you, Karan!”

Karan, clearly unimpressed, puffed out his cheeks before sticking his tongue out at her. “I’m with Maasi,” he said smugly, snuggling closer to Avantika. “And you’re with Mr. Stranger!”

Kanisha gasped dramatically, turning her head to look at me before declaring with pride, “He’s not Mr. Stranger! He’s Mr. Handsome! He picked me up because I’m a good girl—not you!”

I chuckled, shifting her slightly in my arms. These two were a riot. My eyes flicked to Avantika, and I saw her staring at us, her mouth slightly open, her expression caught somewhere between amusement and disbelief.

Her eyes widened even more when Kanisha’s next words left her lips.

“Hey!” Avantika said, feigning outrage as she shifted Karan in her arms. “You never call me beautiful, Molu!”

Kanisha looked at her Maasi with a cheeky grin, her eyes twinkling. “That’s because I already know you’re beautiful, Maasi,” she said, tilting her head dramatically as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

I saw Avantika pause for a moment, her expression softening as she tried to mask the emotions bubbling beneath. Her lips twitched, and then she burst into a laugh, shaking her head.

These kids had no idea how much light they brought into the room, into her life—and, if I was being honest, into mine too.

As Kanisha giggled in my arms, her mischievous smile lighting up the room, my gaze naturally drifted to Avantika. She was laughing softly, her face glowing with warmth as she held Karan close, her fingers absentmindedly brushing through his messy hair.

If I’d known coming here would make her smile like this, I would have come with her every single time she wanted.

That carefree, unguarded expression on her face—it was a rare sight. She looked… radiant, like all the weight she carried had momentarily disappeared.

My eyes lingered on her, taking in the way her lips curved just slightly more with each laugh, the faint crinkle near her eyes as she looked at the twins with affection.

Her happiness was contagious, but for me, it was something more. It felt grounding, like watching her like this was the one thing I didn’t know I needed.

She must’ve felt my gaze, because suddenly she turned her head toward me, her laughter quieting. Our eyes met, and I didn’t bother to look away.

For a moment, her expression faltered, her confidence slipping into something softer, more vulnerable.

She looked down quickly, her long eyelashes fluttering like a shield as her cheeks flushed faintly. My chest tightened, the way it always did when she let me see glimpses of the real her—the one behind the walls she put up for everyone else.

I wanted to tell her something, anything, but words felt inadequate in this moment. So I stayed quiet, holding Kanisha as she squirmed excitedly in my arms, my attention still stolen by Avantika.

If this was what her happiness looked like, I’d do anything to make sure she kept smiling like that.

Avantika’s POV

I sat on the chair near the corner, quietly watching the trio—him and the kids. It was hard to miss the ease with which they had bonded.

Molu, always the talkative one, was now eating happily, her little hands gesturing animatedly as she told Avyansh something I couldn’t quite catch.

Golu, however, sat beside Avyansh with a comically serious look on his face, his lips in a slight pout.

He was still sulking about Avyansh claiming to be my husband, and Avyansh, being who he was, couldn’t help but tease him further.

“Oh, toh aisa hua tha,” Molu exclaimed, giggling at something Avyansh had said. Her sweet laughter filled the room as she reached for the bite he offered her, her little fingers grabbing the spoon.

“Feed Maasi, too,” she said suddenly, her tone authoritative yet innocent, making Avyansh chuckle. “She might be hungry!”

My cheeks warmed slightly, and I tried to focus on anything else, but then his voice pulled my attention.

“Avantika, idhar aaiye,” he said, his tone gentle but firm as his eyes locked on mine.

I froze for a moment, unsure of what to say or do. The way he looked at me—so steady, so certain—always had this unnerving effect on me. My pulse quickened as I reluctantly stood, walking toward them, my steps measured and cautious.

The moment I reached the table, Kanisha grinned up at me, her little face glowing with mischief. “See, Maasi, I told him you need to eat!” she announced proudly.

Avyansh raised an eyebrow at me, a soft smirk tugging at his lips. “It’s not polite to make your husband feed everyone but you,” he teased, offering the spoon now in my direction.

My ears burned, and I could feel Karan’s indignant glare directed at both of us. “Huh!” he muttered, crossing his arms dramatically.

I couldn’t stop the small laugh that escaped my lips. The kids were always a handful, but right now, it felt… different. Maybe it was because of him.

“Karan aur Kanisha idhar hai?” a familiar voice came from the doorway, and I turned to see a figure standing there—my cousin elder sister, Vidya.

She glanced at me briefly, then shifted her attention to the kids, who were now eating happily with Avyansh.

Avyansh, ever polite, stood up immediately and joined his hands, muttering a quiet “Namaste” as if instinctively guessing that she was older.

Vidya Di smiled politely, her gaze softening just slightly, though her composure remained intact.

She wasn’t overly warm, but she wasn’t cold either—a balanced cordiality that I’d come to expect from her. She’d always treated me decently. Not too good, but definitely not bad either.

Vidya Di was a woman of substance—a tech engineer who balanced her career with raising her energetic twins. Her husband, Raghav Jiju, was a professor.

Their marriage had been arranged, and though it worked for them, I always felt like Jiju didn’t particularly like me. He kept his distance, rarely engaging unless absolutely necessary. It never bothered me much, but his indifferent attitude lingered in the back of my mind.

“Mumma! Look at Mr. Handsome!” Kanisha suddenly chirped, pointing her tiny hand toward Avyansh with a grin so wide it could brighten the darkest room.

Vidya Di’s eyes widened, darting between Kanisha and Avyansh. Her lips parted as if to say something, but it was clear she was caught off guard.

“Kanisha—” she started, her tone sharp yet embarrassed, but Avyansh interrupted smoothly, his voice calm and reassuring.

“It’s okay,” he said, offering a small smile as he sat back down. “She can call me that.”

For a moment, there was silence, and then Vidya Di chuckled lightly, shaking her head as though brushing off the moment.

She straightened and looked at the twins. “Chalo, ab bas apni Maasi aur apne Mr. Handsome ko rest karne do.”

Karan frowned slightly but didn’t protest as Vidya Di took his hand, while Kanisha skipped happily beside her. “Bye, Maasi! Bye, Mr. Handsome!” she called out over her shoulder, her voice bubbling with excitement.

I glanced at Avyansh, who watched them leave with an amused smile tugging at his lips. When he caught my gaze, his eyes held that quiet warmth again, and for a moment, I forgot how to look away.

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