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दिल à¤à¥ दà¥à¤ सॠठà¤à¥à¤ लà¤à¤¤à¥ हà¥à¥¤"
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Author's POV
Avyansh smiled lightly, his deep-set eyes-a mesmerizing mix of charcoal and amber-meeting Avantika's glaring hazel ones.
His gaze held a softness that contrasted with the playful glint in them, as if he found her anger endearing rather than intimidating.
"Chhodiye hume," she said firmly, her voice tinged with irritation as she struggled lightly against his hold.
"Aree... itna gussa?" he asked, tilting his head slightly, his tone teasing but calm. "Bas itni si baat ke liye?"
His smile widened as her glare intensified, her cheeks faintly flushed, though whether it was from anger or something else, even she wasn't entirely sure.
His thumb moved in slow, deliberate circles on her waist, the light touch sending goosebumps across her skin. She stiffened slightly, her glare faltering as her body betrayed her.
"I know you know how to play it," he said softly, his voice low and steady, almost hypnotic.
She raised an eyebrow, skeptical, but stayed silent.
"I just said it because I want-uhm..." Avyansh paused, his confident facade cracking slightly as he struggled to come up with a believable excuse.
His eyes darted away for a brief moment before returning to hers, the hesitation clear.
Avantika's patience wore thin. "Ok, fine. Leave me. I don't want to listen," she said firmly, her voice sharp as she pushed against his chest, trying to free herself from his hold.
"Aee..." Avyansh protested, his grip tightening slightly as he tried to keep her from slipping away. "Itni jaldi bhaag kyun rahi hain?"
She huffed, her hazel eyes blazing with a mix of irritation and something else she couldn't quite name. "Let me go, Avyansh," she demanded, her voice unwavering despite the flutter in her chest.
Suddenly, Avantika pinched him-yes, there, right on his chest.
"Ouch!" Avyansh exclaimed, his grip loosening instantly as he winced, his other hand flying to the spot she attacked.
Taking advantage of the moment, Avantika moved like lightning. She rolled off him, slid down from the bed, and stood up, her chin held high in victory.
"Chiti ho kya aap?" Avyansh asked, his voice laced with disbelief as he rubbed the area where she'd pinched him, his expression a mix of annoyance and amusement.
Ignoring his remark, Avantika walked toward the wardrobe area. She opened it, taking out an extra blanket and a pillow without sparing him a glance.
Avyansh watched her, still rubbing his chest. "Ab kya kar rahi ho?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.
But she didn't reply. Instead, she walked over to the couch, laid the blanket neatly over it, and tossed the pillow at one end, clearly setting it up for herself.
Avyansh opened his mouth to say something, but before he could, Avantika cut him off.
"Let me sleep now. Apko apke hone wale patni ki kasam," she said firmly, her tone leaving no room for argument.
He immediately shut his mouth, his words dying on his tongue. Shaking his head, he mumbled under his breath, "Direct bol deti meri kasam... ya ho chuki patni ki kasam. Yeh 'hone wale patni' kya hota hai? Phir se shaadi thodi kar rahe hain hum."
Still muttering to himself, he shook his head again and turned back toward the bed, clearly defeated. Avantika smirked faintly as she settled onto the couch, wrapping the blanket around herself.
Avyansh climbed into bed, glancing briefly at her from the corner of his eye before lying down. "Hone wale patni," he muttered one last time, shaking his head as he pulled the blanket over himself.
___
The breakfast table was buzzing with its usual energy when Ajay suddenly announced, "At night, we have a flight. We're going to Chennai."
"Chennai?" Dev asked, tilting his head in confusion.
"Chennai?" Argya echoed, his voice equally puzzled.
"Chennai?" Aarya added, looking just as clueless.
"Chennai?" Tara repeated, blinking at Ajay.
Before Ruhaan could chime in with his own "Chennai?" Maanyata clapped her hands together, silencing them all.
"Chup!" she said firmly. "Kya 'Chennai Chennai' kar rahe ho sab? Meri saheli ke poti ki shaadi hai, and we are going. She turned to Avyansh.
"Avyansh beta, clear your schedule."
Avyansh opened his mouth to reply, but before he could say anything, Ruhaan interjected, "Dadi, mujhse bhi toh puchiye ki mera schedule clear hai ya nahi?"
Avyansh smirked, looking at Ruhaan. "Tu toh hamesha awela hi rehta hai na," he said, earning a glare from Ruhaan and a round of laughter from everyone else at the table.
"Hey!" Ruhaan protested, crossing his arms. "I have work too! I write novels, remember?"
"Acha, acha, theek hai," Anjali said, suppressing a grin. "You're not free, and you're not going. That's settled then."
Ruhaan's mouth opened to protest further, but the table erupted in laughter again, leaving him to huff dramatically in mock indignation.
Avyansh wiped his face with a tissue, placing it down calmly before speaking.
"Dadi, I have work-a lot of work-and I can't take a sudden holiday like this. You all can go and have fun." With that, he stood up, preparing to leave the table.
"Nahi," Maanyata said firmly, her tone brooking no argument. "Aap chal rahe hai, bas. Baat khatam."
Avyansh sighed, looking at her. "If possible, I'll try to join later. Otherwise, I'm sorry, but I have work."
"Beta, kuch hi dino ki toh baat hai. Can't you manage?" Pakhi asked, her voice soft but insistent.
"Maa..." Avyansh began, his tone patient but firm. "The weight of work is heavy. Otherwise, I would have come without hesitation."
"Don't force him," Vijay interjected, glancing at Pakhi. "He said he'll try if he gets time."
Aur waise bhi," Ajay added, taking a sip of his tea, "after going there, he'll be engrossed in work only. What's the point?"
Dev smirked, leaning forward. "It's okay, Bhai. Aap mat chaliye. Hum log Bhabhi ka dhyan rakh lenge. Kyu, Bhabhi?"
All eyes turned to Avantika, who had been silently listening to the conversation, her expression unreadable. At Dev's question, she hesitated for a moment before nodding slightly, avoiding everyone's gaze.
"Then final," Ruhaan said with a shrug, leaning back in his chair. "Avy ko time milega toh wo aayega, nahi toh nahi aayega."
---
Time Skip
The family had decided to go shopping for the upcoming wedding.
Ajay, Vijay, Anjali, Pakhi, and Maanyata left in one car, while the younger group piled into the BMW X7.
Ruhaan took the driver's seat, with Dev sitting beside him in the passenger seat. Devika, Tara, and Avantika sat in the middle row, while Argya and Aarya settled in the back.
The car buzzed with conversation and occasional teasing as Ruhaan navigated through the city streets. Dev, ever the chatterbox, kept pointing out random things, trying to keep the ride lively.
But Avantika's attention wasn't on the chatter or the passing scenery. Instead, her gaze drifted to Devika, who sat unusually quiet, her expression distant. Throughout the ride, Devika only said a few words, her responses brief and almost detached.
Avantika frowned slightly. She had noticed it earlier during breakfast too-Devika had barely spoken, keeping her gaze down most of the time. Something was clearly bothering her, but Avantika couldn't figure out what.
The laughter and banter in the car continued, but Avantika's focus remained on Devika, silently observing her uncharacteristic silence.
Soon, the car pulled into the mall's parking lot, the buzz of chatter continuing as Ruhaan expertly maneuvered the BMW X7 into a spot. The younger group spilled out of the car, stretching after the ride.
The mall's grand entrance loomed ahead, its glass facade reflecting the bright afternoon sun. The air was filled with the hum of activity-families, couples, and groups of friends bustling in and out, their conversations blending into a vibrant background noise.
"Alright, everyone stick together," Ruhaan announced with mock seriousness, throwing an arm over Dev's shoulder. "We don't need any lost-and-found incidents."
"I'm not five, Ruhaan bhaiya," Dev retorted, shrugging off his arm, though his grin gave him away.
"Sure you're not," Ruhaan teased, earning a snicker from Tara.
Avantika trailed slightly behind the group, her focus still on Devika. As they walked through the mall's entrance, she noticed her lagging behind.
Her usually vibrant presence was muted, her eyes darting around as if searching for an escape.
"Tara, Bhabhi let's check out that store!" Devika said suddenly, her voice louder than usual, pointing toward a random boutique.
"Hmm, I guess," Tara replied, slightly confused but eager to follow.
Avantika watched them go, her brows furrowing. Something was definitely off with Devika, and she couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to her sudden detachment than she was letting on.
"Bhabhi, you coming?" Argya called from up ahead, snapping Avantika out of her thoughts.
"Haan, aa rahi hoon," she replied, quickening her pace to catch up with the group.
The lively atmosphere of the mall surrounded them, but Avantika couldn't help but feel the undercurrent of unease lingering in the back of her mind.
The group split up as they entered the bridal and wedding section of the mall, the ladies heading to the boutique while the boys wandered toward the electronics store, grumbling about how they'd been spared the dress trials.
The boutique was bright and filled with rows of elegant wedding attire, each piece shimmering under the warm lighting. Tara and Devika immediately began exploring the racks, ooh-ing and aah-ing over lehengas and suits.
Avantika, however, lingered at the edge of the store, her fingers lightly brushing the fabrics as she avoided getting too involved.
"Bhabhi, yeh dekho!" Devika's voice rang out as she held up a vibrant orange lehenga. "It's perfect, na?"
Avantika nodded with a small smile, though her gaze quickly shifted elsewhere.
"Bhabhi you have to try something," Tara said, pulling her toward a nearby rack. "Don't think you can escape!"
Before she could protest, Devika came bounding over, a gleam in her eyes.
"Bhabhi, bas ek baar try karlo!" she said, holding up a stunning green Anarkali. The fabric was rich but simple, adorned with delicate gold embroidery along the neckline and hem.
Avantik looked at the outfit,as Devika pressed it into her hands. "Yeh? she stammered.
"Haan, haan! Bhai fida ho jayenge," Devika said, winking mischievously. Her usual energy was back, her earlier silence completely replaced by her playful demeanor. "Aur waise bhi, green suits you perfectly."
Tara chimed in, her grin wide. "Exactly! Bhabhi, ek baar toh try karo."
Avantika hesitated, clutching the Anarkali as her eyes darted around the store. She felt all eyes on her, and her natural shyness bubbled to the surface. "Woh... mujhe nahi lagta-"
"No excuses!" Devika cut in, steering Avantika toward the changing room. "Go, go, go!"
With a resigned sigh and a nervous glance over her shoulder, Avantika disappeared into the changing room, the green Anarkali draped over her arm.
Outside, Devika and Tara exchanged grins, their excitement palpable. "I can't wait to see her in it," Devika said. "It's going to look amazing."
"And Bhai will lose his mind," Tara added, laughing.
Behind the curtain, Avantika carefully slipped into the outfit, smoothing the fabric over herself. The mirror reflected someone she barely recognized-the soft green brought out the warmth in her complexion, and the delicate embroidery framed her perfectly. She looked... different.
Taking a deep breath, she stepped out of the changing room.
Devika gasped, clapping her hands together. "Bhabhi! Stunning! I told you!"
"Bhai fida hone wale hain," Tara added with a giggle.
Avantika's cheeks turned crimson at their praise, but she couldn't help the small smile that tugged at her lips.
As Avantika stepped out of the changing room after changing back into her original outfit, she noticed Devika grinning mischievously, holding up her phone.
"Look, Bhabhi! Nice pic, na?" Devika said, showing Avantika a picture of herself wearing the green Anarkali. The photo perfectly captured Avantika's shy smile, her cheeks still slightly pink from all the attention.
Avantika's eyes widened. "Devika! Yeh Apne kab liya?"
"Bas abhi," Devika said with a shrug, her mischievous grin growing wider. "Aur ab main yeh Bhai ko bhej rahi hoon."
"Nahi, Devika!" Avantika exclaimed, her voice a mix of panic and embarrassment.
"Arre, aise mat kijiye, Bhabhi!" Devika teased, holding the phone out of reach as Avantika tried to grab it.
Avantika stepped closer, her hands reaching for the phone. "Devika, please! Don't send it!" she said, her voice soft but desperate.
But Devika wasn't backing down, her giggles echoing through the boutique as she dodged Avantika's attempts. "Bhabhi, Bhai ko dekhna toh banta hai! Imagine his reaction!"
Tara, watching the scene unfold, joined in. "Exactly! He has to see it!"
"Devika, no!" Avantika pleaded, her cheeks burning with embarrassment.
But Devika was quick, and with a triumphant laugh, "Sent!" she declared dramatically.
Avantika froze, her hands falling to her sides as she looked at Devika in disbelief.
Meanwhile
Avyansh leaned back in his leather chair, his posture composed yet commanding, as the client sitting across from him droned on about projections and market strategies.
The faint hum of the city skyline beyond the glass walls of his office filled the pauses in their conversation.
"I understand your concerns, but let me be clear," Avyansh said, his tone measured and firm. "We don't negotiate on terms that compromise long-term profitability. If you're looking for shortcuts, this deal isn't for you."
The man across from him shifted uncomfortably, but Avyansh's gaze remained steady, unreadable. He exuded an air of quiet authority that left little room for argument.
Just as the client began to respond, a notification popped up on Avyansh's phone, which was resting face up on his desk. His brow furrowed slightly-he knew Devika and the others were at the mall for wedding shopping, and it was likely one of her updates.
He reached for the phone, intending to swipe the notification away, but as his thumb hovered over the screen, the message opened.
It wasn't just a message. It was a picture.
His gaze froze on the screen, all thoughts of the conversation fading as his eyes locked onto the image.
Avantika.
She was standing in the boutique, wearing a stunning green Anarkali. The delicate embroidery shimmered faintly under the store's lights, complementing her glowing complexion.
Her posture was hesitant, her gaze slightly shy, and there was a softness in her expression that tugged at something deep within him.
For a moment, he simply stared.
"Sir?" the client ventured, his voice breaking through the silence.
Avyansh's attention snapped back to the room. He straightened, locking his phone and placing it face down on the desk.
"I think we've covered everything for today," he said, his voice calm but carrying an edge of finality. "You can leave the updated documents with my assistant. I'll review them later."
The man hesitated, clearly sensing that the meeting was over. "Of course. Thank you for your time, Sir."
Without another word, the man stood and left, leaving Avyansh alone in the quiet of his office.
The moment the door closed, Avyansh picked up his phone again, unlocking it to look at the picture once more.
His normally stoic expression softened as his eyes traced every detail-the way the green of the outfit enhanced the warmth of her skin, the way her hair framed her face just so, and the hint of nervousness in her posture that made her all the more endearing.
His smartwatch buzzed against his wrist, pulling his attention momentarily. A notification from the health app: Heart rate elevated beyond normal.
He let out a soft chuckle, his lips curving into a rare, genuine smile. "Am I falling in love?" he murmured to himself, his thumb brushing over the screen as if to reach her.
His gaze lingered on the image, and a thought settled into his mind, unshakable. Not just falling... deeply.
___
The shopping was finally done, and the group stood outside the mall. Around 20-30 bags, filled with clothes, accessories, and other items, were being carried by the boys and a few workers from the boutique.
The chatter was lively, everyone discussing the purchases and teasing each other.
Avantika's gaze shifted to Devika, who was standing a little apart from the group, her phone clutched tightly in her hands. Her eyes glistened with tears, and her expression was distraught.
"Devika?" Avantika called softly, walking over to her. "What happened?"
Devika looked up, her lips trembling, and in a shaky voice, she whispered, "Bhabhi..." A small sob escaped her as she tried to compose herself.
"Come here," Avantika said gently, placing a hand on Devika's shoulder and steering her toward the nearby ladies' washroom for privacy.
Once inside, Avantika turned to her, her brows furrowed with concern. "Hey? What happened? Hm?" she asked softly, crouching slightly to meet Devika's tearful gaze.
Devika hesitated, biting her lip as tears slid down her cheeks. Then, she shakily handed Avantika her phone. The screen lit up, and Avantika's eyes widened instantly as she saw the photo displayed.
"Devika..." she breathed, her heart sinking at the sight.
___
Everyone was boarding the Raghuvanshi private jet, the group bustling with chatter and excitement about the trip. Plans had suddenly changed-thanks to Avyansh-and now even Shashwat was accompanying them, despite just returning from a long vacation.
Avantika remained distant, her silence toward Avyansh noticeable. She had barely glanced his way, let alone spoken to him. As the others settled inside, Avyansh lingered outside with Shashwat, both watching as the rest boarded.
"Bhabhi naraz hai kya?" Shashwat asked, his tone amused yet curious.
Avyansh nodded, letting out a sigh.
"Tu hai hi kamina," Shashwat teased with a laugh.
Avyansh shot him a pointed look."Tujhe kuch aur kaam nahi? Dadi ne bulaya aur muh uthake agaya? You've just come back from a long vacation, and now you're tagging along on this? Don't you have anything else to do?"
"Mujhe meri dadi ne bulaya, aur Unka pota kaise na aata?" Shashwat replied smugly, his grin widening. "By the way, you deserve this. Bhagwan kare, Bhabhi jhaadu se kootey tujhe."
Before Avyansh could retort, Shashwat darted off like the wind, disappearing into the jet, leaving Avyansh shaking his head in frustration.
As he turned, his gaze landed on Avantika, who was walking toward the jet, her movements graceful but deliberate.
"Avantika," Avyansh called softly, stepping toward her.
She paused for a moment, her posture stiff, but didn't look at him. Instead, she glanced to the side and resumed walking.
Avyansh's hand shot out, gently gripping her wrist. She stopped, but didn't turn to face him.
"Dhyan rakhiyega apna," he said softly, his voice steady but laced with an undertone of care. "If possible, I'll come back soon. Hm? Don't miss me too much," he added, his tone teasing now, trying to ease the tension. "And don't be angry for too long. Otherwise, you'll grow older early."
Avantika finally turned her head slightly, her expression calm but unreadable. She gave a small nod, acknowledging his words but still saying nothing.
Satisfied for now, Avyansh let go of her wrist, watching as she boarded the jet. A sigh escaped his lips as he stood there, the weight of their unspoken words settling heavily between them.
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