Chapter 44: ✿Chapter 38✿

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"तेरी हँसी पे भी अब हक़ जताने लगे हैं,

ख्वाबों में भी गैरों से तुझे बचाने लगे हैं।

मोहब्बत है या दीवानगी की हद कोई,

हर साए से तुझे अपना बनाने लगे हैं।"

◇

Author Pov

As they reached Chennai, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement and a sense of familiarity for some, while others soaked in the change of scenery.

A convoy of sleek cars awaited them at the station, their engines humming softly in the background.

They piled into the vehicles, the journey filled with occasional chatter and the hum of anticipation. After a short drive, they arrived at their destination-a sprawling village-style house that seemed to hold generations of stories within its walls.

The house was breathtaking. Its earthy tones, red-tiled roof, and wide open spaces immediately caught everyone's attention.

A grand entrance led into a large aangan surrounded by verandahs with intricately carved wooden pillars. The scent of fresh jasmine and the faint aroma of cooking wafted through the air, adding to its charm.

Avantika stepped out of the car and paused, her hazel eyes widening in awe as she took in the sight. The beauty and simplicity of the house left her momentarily speechless.

The soft rustle of trees, the chirping of birds, and the distant hum of life around the village created an atmosphere of peace and warmth.

Avantika's gaze traveled from the sprawling courtyard to the rows of earthen pots lined along one side, to the open verandah where colorful rangolis decorated the floor.

"It's beautiful," she murmured, more to herself than anyone else, her voice tinged with wonder.

"Ji, Bhabhi. Beautiful," Shashwat said, standing beside Avantika, his gaze fixed forward.

Avantika turned to look at him, following his line of sight. He was staring ahead at a woman probably 1 or 2 yrs younger than Avantika. She was dressed in a flowing brown ghagra skirt with a matching dupatta and top.

Her hair was open, cascading down her back, and her youthful energy seemed to radiate as she moved gracefully.

Avantika nudged Shashwat lightly with her elbow. "Yeh kya kar rahe hain aap? Kisi ne dekha na toh pit jayenge," she said in a hushed tone, her eyes narrowing .

Shashwat turned toward her quickly, his face flushed. "Nahi, Bhabhi! Main toh bas... unhe... matlab-" he stammered, struggling to find the right words.

"Hn.., hn," Avantika teased, smirking as she shook her head and walked ahead to join the others.

The group entered the house, greeted by the sight of an elderly woman walking toward them with open arms.

Her face lit up as she embraced Maanyata warmly. "Enna solla? So long it's been! Welcome, welcome!"

Two other women stood beside her, smiling warmly. Anjali and Pakhi stepped forward, bending to touch their feet respectfully.

"Aree," the elderly woman said in a mix of Tamil and English, her voice full of enthusiasm. "Where is your granddaughter-in-law? Maireko bhi dekhna hai!"

"Avantika," Maanyata called, her voice soft but commanding.

Avantika stepped forward, her dupatta now draped over her head modestly. She moved gracefully toward the older woman, lowering herself to touch her feet.

"Are re!" the elderly woman exclaimed, stopping her mid-motion. "Don't do it, beta. We are all family, na."

Avantika straightened, her cheeks warming slightly as she nodded politely. "Ji," she said softly, offering a small smile.

The older woman held Avantika's hands gently, studying her face with a kind expression. "Such a sweet girl. Perfect for our family."

Avantika glanced back briefly at Maanyata, who smiled proudly before urging everyone to settle in. The warm atmosphere of the house embraced them all as they prepared for the days ahead.

"Anushree!" Maanyata said warmly to the older woman, gesturing toward Avantika.

"Best perfect girl for our Avy," Maanyata added proudly.

"Kannu pattudathu" said Poonam, another woman standing beside Anushree, her voice full of affection as she looked at Avantika.( Nazar na lage)

Avantika smiled politely but was visibly confused as the conversation flowed into a language she didn't understand.

"Yenna? Mozhi puriyalaya?" Poonam asked, noticing Avantika's confusion. (What? You don't understand the language?)

"Hn?" Avantika blinked, tilting her head slightly in confusion.

Devika leaned in, whispering with a small smile, "Bhabhi, she's asking if you don't know the language."

Avantika's cheeks flushed, and she nodded, embarrassed. "No..I don't," she said softly, looking down.

Anushree chuckled warmly, placing a comforting hand on Avantika's shoulder.

"Kavalai vendam, ma. Inga ellarum ungalai support pannuvanga." (Don't worry, dear. Everyone here will support you.)

Avantika looked up at her, the kindness in Anushree's tone making her feel a bit more at ease, even if she didn't understand the words entirely.

Tara translated quickly, "She said don't worry; everyone here will support you."

Avantika nodded, smiling shyly. "Thank you," she murmured.

"Chinna kozhandhai madhiri irukku, pa. Very cute!" (She's like a little child, so cute!) Poonam said, making everyone laugh lightly.

Avantika gave a small, sheepish smile, glancing at Maanyata, who patted her reassuringly. The warmth of the family began to make Avantika feel more at home, despite the language barrier.

"Chalo, chalo!" Anushree called out, motioning to the workers. "Suitcase ellam eduthu veedu ku kondu poi vainga!" (Grab their suitcases and take them to their rooms!)

"Sruti!" Poonam suddenly called out, her voice firm but affectionate.

The girl Shashwat had been watching earlier turned at the sound of her name. "Yes, Amma," Sruti replied obediently, placing the flower she had been holding carefully on a tray before walking toward her.

Shashwat leaned closer to Avantika, his voice low and nervous. "Bhabhi, yeh yahan kyun aa rahi hai?"

Avantika smirked slightly, glancing at him. "Aapse milne aur aapki shikayat karne," she teased, keeping her tone light.

Ruhaan, who was standing nearby, chuckled at the exchange. Shashwat shot him a glare, but Ruhaan just smirked back, clearly enjoying his discomfort.

Poonam turned to Sruti, gesturing toward the boys. "Go show Shashwat, Ruhaan, and Dev and the twins their room on the second floor, okay? Their suitcases will follow."

"Yes, Amma," Sruti replied with a polite nod.

"I'm going to the top floor to show the elders their rooms," Poonam added, turning to the rest of the group. "Don't get lost, okay?"

As Sruti led the way, Shashwat hesitated for a moment before reluctantly following, glancing back at Avantika one last time, as if silently pleading for rescue. Avantika just smiled and shook her head, clearly amused by the situation.

The bustling atmosphere of the house quieted slightly as most of the group dispersed to their rooms. The sound of soft footsteps echoed through the corridor, and a girl dressed similarly to Sruti entered the space.

Her attire was traditional-a simple, flowing skirt and blouse-but her confident demeanor stood out.

"Ellarum poittangala?" she asked, her voice curious yet slightly annoyed. (Everyone's gone?)

"Chitra! You came late," Dharani said, stepping forward. She was one of the women who had been with Anushree and Poonam earlier. "Romba velai irukku, nee late aa vandhutiye!" (There's so much work left, and you're late!)

"Where is Ansh?" Chitra asked as she walked toward Devika, a warm smile replacing her initial irritation. She gently took Devika's hands, squeezing them lightly.

"Uh... Bhai hasn't come," Devika replied hesitantly, her eyes darting toward Avantika.

Avantika, standing quietly near the verandah, noticed the subtle shift in Chitra's demeanor as the girl's gaze settled on her. Chitra's eyes narrowed slightly, curiosity flashing across her face.

"Ival yaaru?" Chitra asked, her voice sharp as she gestured toward Avantika. (Who is she?)

"Guest?" she added, her tone laced with skepticism.

"Bhabhi," Tara piped up, stepping in with a grin. "She's our bhabhi-Avy Bhai's wife."

Chitra's expression froze for a moment, her brows furrowing in disbelief. Her gaze flickered between Avantika and Tara before landing back on Avantika.

"Ansh kalyanam pannitano? Enakku sollave illa!" she said, her tone incredulous as she looked Avantika up and down. (Ansh got married? He didn't even tell me!)

Avantika shifted uncomfortably under Chitra's scrutinizing gaze, her hazel eyes narrowing slightly in confusion. She didn't understand the words, but the sharpness of Chitra's tone was hard to miss.

Chitra crossed her arms, her lips pressing into a thin line. Her eyes, still fixed on Avantika, carried an unspoken challenge.

Dharani glanced at Chitra, clearly unimpressed with her tardiness. "Sari, Chitra. Neenga free irukeengale? Aparam veedu kaami idunga. Naan kelambaren. Velai irukku." she said curtly, before walking away. (Alright, Chitra. Since you're free, show them their rooms. I have work to do.)

Chitra, still standing in place, continued to eye Avantika with an expression that was impossible to read. She tilted her head slightly, her tone shifting to a Tamil-accented Hindi.

"Tumhe Tamil aate hai?" she asked, her words pointed, almost as if testing her.

"Nahi," Avantika replied softly, her hazel eyes meeting Chitra's gaze.

Chitra's lips curled into a faint smirk, and her voice carried a hint of mockery. "Ansh said he likes girls who know various languages."

Avantika's brows shot up at the comment. There was a sharpness to Chitra's tone that was hard to ignore.

"I know how to speak in English and other languages as well but not Tamil" Avantika replied calmly, her voice steady despite the slight edge of irritation building within her.

Chitra raised her hands in mock surrender. "Ok, ok. Let's not waste time," she said, her tone suddenly brisk, though her attitude toward Avantika remained unchanged. "Let me show you all your rooms. Come with me."

She turned sharply, gesturing for the group to follow, but her demeanor toward Avantika was still laced with an undefined air of superiority. Avantika held her ground, her expression neutral, though her thoughts simmered with questions.

As Chitra walked ahead with her usual air of confidence, Devika leaned closer to Avantika, her voice low but firm.

"She's Chitra.. Bhabhi," Devika began, rolling her eyes slightly. "Our neighbor.  Aunty's daughter. Full of herself but... I'll admit, she's intelligent too. She's always been clingy with Bhai, though."

Devika's lips pressed into a thin line, her irritation barely hidden. "Whenever Bhai came here on holiday during our childhood, she was always around. She's his friend, and..." Devika hesitated, her gaze sharpening.

"She likes him too. But let me tell you this, Bhabhi-I don't like her."

Avantika listened quietly, her expression calm, and gave a small nod in response.

Chitra, seemingly oblivious to their conversation, stopped at the first room.

"Devika, Tara, this is yours," she said, gesturing toward the space. The room was cozy, with two single beds neatly made and a large window overlooking the garden.

As Tara and Devika stepped in, Chitra turned to Avantika, her expression once again unreadable. "Come," she said, leading her down the corridor.

The walk was quiet at first, but Chitra's demeanor shifted subtly as they approached another room. She glanced sideways at Avantika, her lips curling into a small smile.

"Naanum Anshum pasangal irundhom. Romba close." she said casually in Tamil. (Ansh and I were so close in childhood.)

When Avantika's face remained blank, Chitra smirked. "Oops," she said, feigning innocence. "You don't know Tamil, right? Let me translate. I said that me and Ansh were so close in childhood. He even told me once that he liked me a lot."

Her tone was light, but the weight of her words was deliberate. She stopped at the door, turning to face Avantika fully, her eyes glinting with something unspoken.

Avantika kept her expression neutral, her hazel eyes steady as she regarded Chitra. She didn't flinch, didn't react, but inside, she couldn't ignore the faint sting of Chitra's words.

"Here's your room," Chitra said finally, opening the door. "Make yourself comfortable." Her tone was polite, but the lingering smirk on her face told a different story.

Avantika stepped into the room without a word, her mind turning over Chitra's comments. She might not have responded outwardly, but she had already resolved not to let Chitra's words affect her.

Avantika's POV

I sat on the bed with a huff, crossing my arms. "Ansh and I were so close in childhood," I muttered, mimicking Chitra's overly sweet tone. I scrunched my nose, shaking my head as the words replayed in my mind.

"Ughhh!" I groaned, flopping back onto the bed and punching the pillow in frustration. The memory of her smug face made my skin crawl.

But then I paused, staring up at the ceiling as I let out a long breath. "Wait... what am I even doing?" I muttered to myself. "Let them be close. I don't care."

I turned onto my side, clutching the pillow tightly, but the thought lingered stubbornly in my mind. "I really don't care..." I whispered, though even to myself, the words didn't feel entirely convincing.

I tried my best to take a nap, but sleep evaded me. My thoughts were restless, replaying the events of the day. After a while, there was a soft knock on the door.

A lady entered-she looked like one of the housemaids. She held a neatly folded outfit in her hands, similar to what Sruti had been wearing earlier.

"Anushree aama ungalukkaga indha sattai anuppinaanga, Dress" she said, her voice calm but firm. (Anushree Ma'am sent this outfit for you.)

I blinked, not understanding a word. " Dress?I already have my dresses," I said politely, gesturing toward the suitcase lying open on the bed.

She shook her head, her expression unwavering. "Anushree aama sonnanga. Idhai pottu irukkanum," she insisted, placing the outfit gently on the bed. (Anushree Ma'am said you must wear this.)

Even though I didn't understand, the mention of "Anushree" was enough for me to give in. Dadi had sent it for me, and arguing with her-even indirectly-felt impossible. With a resigned sigh, I quickly changed into the outfit with her help.

It was a traditional attire-a flowing skirt paired with a blouse in earthy tones, the embroidery subtle yet elegant. It felt unfamiliar but surprisingly comfortable.

"Idhula nalla azhaga irukkirenga!" she said with a smile as she adjusted the pleats. (You look beautiful in this.)

I managed a small smile, though I wasn't entirely sure what she'd said.

As I adjusted the sleeves, she suddenly stepped forward again. "Ungaloda mudiya konjam braid pannidaren. Idhu ellarum seyyaranga," she said enthusiastically, holding up a small box of hairpins and a strand of fresh white jasmine flowers. (Let me braid your hair. Everyone does it here.)

"What?" I asked, confused, the words flying over my head.

Before I could protest further, she had already started braiding my hair. Her fingers moved deftly, weaving the thick white jasmine gajra into the braid.

The delicate scent of the flowers wafted around me, calming yet unfamiliar.

I stared at her through the mirror, trying to make sense of her words and actions. She seemed so at ease, humming softly as she worked, completely unbothered by my confusion.

"Aachu!" she finally said with satisfaction, stepping back to admire her work. (Done!)

I looked at myself in the mirror, feeling like a different person altogether. The attire, the braid, the flowers-it all felt like stepping into someone else's life.

And yet, something about it felt... significant. Like I was slowly being drawn into a world I didn't yet understand.

As I came downstairs, I spotted Tara already ready in the same attire as mine. She looked elegant yet cheerful, her usual energy shining through her traditional outfit.

"What is happening? Which ritual is today?" I asked, feeling a little lost.

"Pandhal Kaal Muhurtham," Tara replied casually.

"Hein?" I tilted my head in confusion, not understanding the unfamiliar term.

Just then, Dev appeared, striding toward us in a bright red shirt paired with a matching red lungi. His enthusiasm was evident, but his clumsiness took over as he tripped right before reaching me.

"Wow, Bhabhi! Sundar, sundar! Bohot achhi lag rahi hain aap," he said, his grin wide despite his stumble.

I smiled warmly. "Aap bhi, Devar Ji. Bohot hi achhe lag rahe hain," I replied, teasing him slightly. Tara burst into laughter at my playful response, and I couldn't help but join in.

"Bhabhi, Pandhal Kaal Muhurtham means-" Tara began to explain, but a loud voice from the other side of the hall called her name.

"Ek minute, main abhi aayi," Tara said hurriedly, excusing herself as she rushed off.

Dev puffed his chest out dramatically and turned to me. "Why fear when apke favorite Devar is here!" he declared proudly.

Before I could respond, Ruhaan appeared from behind, playfully pushing Dev aside. "Hatt," he said, shoving him gently. Then he turned to me, his expression sincere, and recited:

"Ghar ka noor hain jo, unhe humne paaya hai,

Rishta rishto ka aaina banaya hai,

Kya kahe aapki adaaon ke baare mein,

Aapko dekhkar khuda ka shukr Kehlaya hai."

His words caught me off guard, and I felt a sudden warmth creep up my cheeks. The sincerity and respect in his voice left me momentarily speechless.

Ruhaan smiled softly at my reaction. "Bhabhi, Pandhal Kaal Muhurtham ka matlab hai ek shubh samay, jab pandal ka sthamb lagaya jata hai. It's about beginning something auspicious, laying a foundation with blessings."

I nodded slowly, processing his explanation and appreciating how beautifully he had put it. The ritual's importance was clear, but the warmth of the family and their respect for me made it even more special.

The Pandhal Kaal Muhurtham ritual had begun, and the atmosphere was alive with excitement. Tara, Devika, Sruti, and a few other girls stood beside me, all dressed beautifully, their laughter adding to the festive air.

The bride was radiant, her almond-shaped brown eyes and glowing skin making her look like a queen.

As the ceremony concluded, it was time for lunch. We walked toward the food area, where long tables were lined with steaming dishes. I turned to the others. "You all sit. I'll go and help," I said, making my way toward the women preparing to serve.

"Dijiye, let me help too," I offered, stepping up to one of the women bustling about.

She looked at me, surprised, but nodded and handed me a dish to arrange.

"Areeh," came a voice from behind me. I turned to see Chitra walking toward us, her eyes sharp and her tone dripping with a smirk. "She is our guest now. Mere Ansh ki wife hai. Don't let her work."

Her words made my jaw tighten. Mere Ansh ki wife? What did she mean by "mere"? He is my husband, not hers.

"It's okay. I can help," I said, my tone clipped but polite.

Chitra raised an eyebrow, then handed me a bowl of sambhar. "Lo, then," she said, her smirk still firmly in place.

The bowl was steaming hot, and she handed it to me without the cloth she'd been using to hold it. The heat hit my palm instantly, and my hand flinched in reflex. Before I could steady myself, the bowl slipped from my grasp, spilling sambhar everywhere.

"Avantika!" I heard Pakhi Maa's concerned voice as she hurried toward me, followed by other women.

Chitra clicked her tongue, her tone sharp as she muttered., "Oh dear, if you don't know how to work, at least don't mess it up!"

I looked at her, my hand stinging from the burn, slightly red from the heat. Her words stung even more than the sambhar.

"I'm sorry, Maa. I didn't mean to," I said softly to Pakhi Maa, my voice laced with guilt as I looked at the mess on the floor and my slightly red hand.

"Oh beta, koi baat nahi," she said gently, her eyes full of warmth. She placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "Chalo, utho. Tum bhi kha lo. Jao, bachon ke saath baitho. Hum yahan hain na? We'll handle it. Jao, jao."

I nodded, standing up slowly, the sting in my hand still lingering. I walked toward the dining area, where the others were already seated, and slid into a spot beside Dev.

The moment I sat down, Dev leaned closer, his tone low but laced with amusement. "Maine dekha uss bina charitr wale ne kya kiya," he said.His voice pissed

I glanced at him, confused. "Bina charitr?"

"Chitra," he clarified, his smirk widening. "I call her Bina charitr. Because she doesn't have a filter, na."

Despite everything, a small smile tugged at my lips. "It's okay," I said quietly, though my heart still felt heavy from the earlier incident.

Dev patted my shoulder lightly. "Don't let her get to you, Bhabhi."

I nodded, grateful for his words, and turned my focus to the meal in front of me, determined not to let Chitra ruin the rest of the day.

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