Chapter 49: ✿Chapter 43✿

प्यार में गिर गए हम आपके, इन सीढ़ियों का क्या,

हर कदम पे तुझसे जुड़े हैं, ये पल भी तेरे बाद क्या।

तेरे बिना जीना अब मुश्किल सा लगता है,

तेरी यादों में खो जाना ही सुकून सा लगता है।

◇

A

uthor's POV

The family was bustling with energy, everyone preparing to head to the Vattamalai Murugan Temple for the final ritual. Avyansh, after much coaxing from the family, had reluctantly agreed to participate.

Avantika, unaware of the specifics of the ritual, thought it was just a simple puja to be performed alongside the other couples upstairs.

As everyone gathered outside, Avantika stepped out, dressed in a simple yet elegant white saree with a thin gold border.

Her hair was tied into a loose braid that fell over her shoulder, adorned with jasmine flowers that added a delicate touch. She looked radiant, her face glowing with a soft grace.

Avyansh, who had been in conversation with Ruhaan, caught sight of her as she approached. His words faltered mid-sentence, his gaze softening as it followed her every step.

Her saree fluttered slightly in the gentle breeze, and the golden bangles on her wrist jingled softly with her movements. She adjusted her pallu with one hand, her movements graceful yet unintentional.

He noticed the faint kohl lining her eyes, which seemed brighter under the lights, and the small bindi that perfectly adorned her forehead. Even her nervous glances around didn't go unnoticed.

"Bhabhi, you okay na?" Sruti's teasing voice broke through Avantika's thoughts as she joined the group. Sruti giggled, clearly referring to the previous night's haunted house event.

Avantika shot her a fake glare, trying to suppress a smile. "I'm fine," she said curtly, shaking her head.

Meanwhile, Avantika's gaze naturally wandered to Avyansh, who was now leaning casually against a car, arms crossed as he listened to Ruhaan.

He was dressed in a crisp white kurta paired with white dhoti with golden border.

The rolled-up sleeves of his kurta revealed his toned forearms, and the simple yet classic attire suited him perfectly.

Her eyes lingered on his hair, slightly tousled by the wind, and the way his sharp jawline looked even more defined under the dim lights.

He had an air of calm confidence as he listened, occasionally nodding at Ruhaan's words. But what caught her attention the most was the way his lips quirked into a faint smile when Ruhaan cracked a joke.

She quickly averted her gaze, feeling a strange flutter in her chest.

"Why does he have to look so... composed all the time?" she muttered to herself, trying to focus on anything but him. Yet, her eyes betrayed her as they darted back to him for another stolen glance.

Unbeknownst to her, Avyansh had noticed her looking and couldn't help but smile slightly. He didn't say anything, though, choosing instead to continue his conversation while stealing his own glances at her.

As Avantika and the others arrived near the cars, the atmosphere was buzzing with last-minute preparations for the temple visit. The aroma of fresh jasmine filled the air as everyone gathered, dressed in traditional attire.

Anjali and Pakhi, both holding their puja thalis, suddenly turned towards Devika and Sruti, who were standing near Avyansh and Ruhaan, whispering and giggling.

"I heard what you two planned yesterday night," Anjali said, her voice stern. "Thappad padega dono ko! Itni raat ko badmashi karne gaye the?! Haunted house aur wo sab? Kya zaroorat thi?"

Pakhi shook her head in agreement, her brows furrowed with concern. "What if something had actually happened? Yeh koi mazaak nahi tha."

Devika muttered under her breath, "Badi Maa... bas thoda masti thi bas..."

Sruti, ever the deflector, pointed straight at Avyansh. "Waise Avyansh Bhai bhi toh the humare saath."

Avyansh, who had been listening quietly with his arms crossed, just raised a brow, clearly uninterested in defending anyone.

"Chalo, chalo! We'll be late otherwise!" Anushree's voice echoed from the front as she gestured for everyone to hurry.

Avantika, still slightly hesitant, stepped closer to Pakhi, intending to ask her something when-

Click.

The car door next to Avyansh opened slightly.

Avantika blinked, watching as Avyansh, without a word, subtly pushed the door open just enough, gesturing for her to sit beside him as he sat inside on the driver seat.His eyes briefly met hers, calm and expectant.

But before Avantika could react-

"Thanks, Ansh."

Chitra slid into the seat smoothly, her voice soft, almost smug, as she clicked her seatbelt and settled in comfortably next to him.

Avantika's hand, which had instinctively started to lift, dropped back to her side.

She froze on the spot, her face neutral but her heart sinking slightly.

Devika and Sruti exchanged wide-eyed glances while Ruhaan, standing on the other side, narrowed his eyes at Chitra but said nothing, biting his cheek.

Pakhi and Anjali noticed it too. Their eyes met for a moment, silently reading the situation.

Without saying a word, they exchanged a knowing look and then walked toward Avantika, their expressions softening as they approached her.

Avantika's gaze remained fixed on the car where Chitra was now adjusting her dupatta, started chatting casually with Avyansh as if she belonged there.

Why do I feel like this? she thought, pressing her lips together as she tried to shake the unfamiliar ache in her chest.

Chitra had barely finished adjusting her dupatta when Avyansh, still calm but firmer this time, spoke.

"Chitra, can you go sit at the back?" His voice was steady, but there was no mistaking the authority in his tone.

The entire group went silent.

Dev, who had just taken his seat in the back, pressed his lips together, trying desperately to hold back his laughter. His shoulders shook slightly, clearly amused by the sudden turn of events.

Avantika, standing just outside the car with Devika, blinked in surprise, her gaze shifting to Avyansh.

Chitra's brows furrowed as she turned to him, her voice laced with disbelief. "Me? But there's space here. What's the problem?"

Without missing a beat, Avyansh's eyes met hers, calm but piercing.

"I want my wife to sit beside me. So... please." His voice was gentler this time, but the emphasis on wife was unmistakable.

Chitra's face fell, her lips parting slightly, as though she wanted to argue. But the way his eyes didn't waver made it clear he wasn't asking-he was telling.

Reluctantly, Chitra unbuckled her seatbelt and stepped out, her face carefully neutral but her clenched fists giving away her irritation.

As she moved to the back, Devika whispered under her breath, "Oof, burn."

Avantika, still slightly stunned, hesitated for a moment before stepping forward. She felt her pulse quicken as she slid into the seat beside him, the scent of his cologne lingering faintly in the air.

Avyansh gave her a brief glance, softer this time, before starting the engine.

Dev, from the back, couldn't resist whispering loudly to Ruhaan, "Aise kaise humare bhabhi ki seat ko.. bhai kisi Charitr- I mean kisi ko bhi baithne dete. "

Ruhaan smirked. "Bilkul. Proper king behavior."

Chitra, arms crossed, stared out of the window, silent for the rest of the ride.

But Avantika?

She felt an unfamiliar warmth in her chest, her fingers brushing against the pleats of her saree as she kept her gaze fixed outside-yet her heart couldn't stop racing.

____

"What?!" Avantika shouted, instinctively stepping back, her eyes wide in disbelief.

Avyansh raised a single eyebrow, his arms crossed as he watched her reaction, clearly unimpressed by the sudden outburst.

"Nahi. Bilkul nahi. I am not doing this," she said firmly, shaking her head, her eyes darting between him and the crowd gathering around. "I'm sorry."

Anjali, struggling to control her laughter, chimed in, "But beta, you already said yes... Pandit ji is waiting upstairs for you both."

"Par Choti Mumma-" Avantika started, trying to find a way out, but her words were cut off when Maanyata approached, her expression stern but a playful glint in her eyes.

"Ab kya ho raha hai yahan?" Maanyata's voice echoed as she placed her hands on her hips, scanning the scene. "Avyansh, Avantika, chalo jaldi. I want my grandchildren to reach there first. Anushree ke saath bet lagayi hai humne."

"Ma-" Avantika tried again, only for Pakhi to step forward. "Maa, Avantika is deny-"

But before she could finish, Avantika shot her a scared look and blurted out, "Chaliye, chaliye!"

The youngsters around burst into soft laughter, clearly enjoying her sudden change of heart.

Ruhaan whispered to Devika, "Bhabhi ko bhaari dhamki mil gayi hai, lagta hai."

Devika snorted. "Dhamki nahi, shaadi ki reality check chal raha hai."

Avantika, still flustered, avoided Avyansh's gaze as they both began walking toward the temple steps.

Avyansh leaned slightly closer, his voice low. "Dar lag raha hai?"

Avantika shot him a glare. "Aap chup rahiye."

But the warmth creeping up her neck betrayed her calm facade. And he definitely noticed.

Avantika Pov

Before I could even process what was happening, his arms slipped effortlessly around me, lifting me off the ground.

He picked me up.

Along with the other husbands carrying their wives in a bridal style, he held me close-secure, yet gentle. My breath caught as I instinctively gripped his shoulders, my hands wrapping around his neck for support.

The sun was shining a bit too brightly today, or maybe it was just him. His face seemed to glow, the sunlight catching the sharp angles of his jaw, the curve of his lips, and the slight furrow of concentration in his brows.

I looked at him-really looked at him.

"Don't... don't let me fall," I whispered softly, my heart thundering in my chest.

His eyes, calm yet intense, met mine.

"Never," he replied, his voice deep and steady, as if it wasn't even a question.

Our faces were so close now. I could feel his breath against my skin, the warmth of his presence making everything else around us blur for a moment.

Until-

"Acha, romance baad mein! Start now!" Vijay papa loud voice snapped me back to reality.

I blinked, heat rushing to my cheeks.

Avyansh's lips quirked into a soft smirk, clearly unbothered by the interruption as he adjusted his grip, holding me even closer.

And just like that, the race began.

He began climbing the temple stairs, steady and composed, each step taken with effortless strength.

300 stairs.

My gaze shifted from the towering temple above back to him. His arms held me securely, yet his focus remained unshaken, calm as always.

But my eyes lingered-on the way his jaw tightened with each step, the way his brows furrowed slightly in concentration, and the way the sunlight kissed his skin, making him look even more... radiant.

I hadn't realized how intently I was staring until his voice broke through the trance.

"If you keep looking at me like this the whole time, I might fall."

My eyes widened.

He didn't look away, his lips curling into that infuriatingly soft smirk again, his voice teasing but gentle.

I quickly averted my gaze, my cheeks burning.

"I-I wasn't looking at you," I mumbled, trying to sound convincing.

He raised a brow, still climbing without missing a beat.

"Of course not," he whispered, clearly amused.

This man...

"Can you... remove my hair a little from my face?" he asked, his voice softer this time, the strain of carrying me up the endless stairs finally showing just a little.

I blinked, surprised by the request, but nodded.

Carefully, I raised my hand and brushed back the few strands that had fallen over his forehead, my fingers grazing his skin lightly.

That's when I noticed it-the beads of sweat forming on his temples, the slight dampness clinging to his skin despite his calm demeanor.

Without thinking, I adjusted my saree pallu and gently wiped his face, dabbing away the sweat.

His steps faltered for just a moment.

Our eyes met, and for a heartbeat, everything else-the temple bells, the chanting in the background, the climb-seemed to fade away.

"Thank you," he murmured, voice deeper, his grip on me tightening just a little more.

I only nodded, unable to speak as I felt the warmth rising to my cheeks again.

We had finally reached.

After what felt like an eternity, we stood at the top of the 300th stair, the temple's grand entrance towering before us.

The cool breeze swept past, carrying the faint aroma of sandalwood and jasmine. The sound of temple bells echoed, blending with the rhythmic chanting of mantras from inside.

A few couples trailed behind us, struggling to make their way up the steep steps.

Just as I thought we were the first to arrive, Anushree Dadi's grandchildren reached moments later, breathless but triumphant smiles plastered on their faces.

Inside, the rest of the family was already gathered near the sanctum, having taken the shorter route to the temple. Their expressions were serene, their postures reverent as they prepared for the rituals to begin.

The priest, clad in a saffron dhoti and adorned with sacred ash on his forehead, gestured for us to step forward.

I adjusted my saree pallu nervously, smoothing the fabric as Avyansh gently placed me back on my feet.

My legs wobbled slightly from exhaustion, and his hand instinctively rested on the small of my back to steady me.

The priest began the puja preparations, lighting the brass lamp (diya) while chanting ancient Sanskrit verses. The deep, resonant sound filled every corner of the temple, wrapping around us like a protective shield.

We both knelt before the idol of Lord Murugan, the divine presence humbling and overwhelming at the same time.

The deity, adorned with a garland of fresh flowers, seemed to glow under the flickering flames of the diya.

The priest handed us a sacred thread, which he tied around our hands, binding them gently but firmly together-a symbol of unity and strength in marriage.

"Offer the flowers together," he instructed, passing us a handful of fresh jasmine petals.

As we held the petals together, our fingers brushed lightly, the warmth of his touch lingering longer than it should have.

My heart quickened, each beat loud and unsteady. I closed my eyes, bowing my head as I whispered a silent prayer, wishing for his happiness, for his health... for us.

Beside me, I heard him murmur something under his breath, his voice low and reverent. The sincerity in his tone stirred something in my chest-a feeling I couldn't quite name.

The priest then applied a small mark of kumkum on both our foreheads and handed the sindoor to Avyansh.

"Apply this to her maang," he said, his voice calm yet firm.

I tilted my head slightly, my heart thudding in my chest as Avyansh leaned closer. My breath hitched as I felt his steady fingers, soft yet deliberate, gently filling the parting of my hair with the sindoor.

My eyes fluttered shut for a moment, memories rushing back unbidden-the day we got married. The circumstances, the tension, the unfamiliarity of it all.

I remembered the weight of the rituals then, how everything had felt like an obligation. But now... now it felt different.

I opened my eyes, meeting his gaze. His dark eyes held an intensity that made my heart skip. Something raw and unspoken lingered in them, something that made the world around us blur.

For that brief moment, it wasn't about the temple or the ritual. It was about us.

The priest's voice broke the spell as he tied a red and yellow sacred thread around both our wrists, sealing the blessings.

"May your bond grow stronger with each passing day. Face life's challenges together with faith and love," he blessed us softly.

As we stood up, his hand remained on my lower back, steady and protective, guiding me gently.

For the first time, I allowed myself to acknowledge it-this felt right. It felt like I belonged here, beside him, and for a fleeting moment, I allowed myself to hope that he felt the same.

Avyansh's POV

The wedding was beautiful, and now, just like that, it was over. We were on our way back, flying high above the city lights in my private jet.

Ruhaan and Tara were seated together, laughing about something, while Argya and Aarya were busy scrolling through their phones.

Everyone seemed relaxed, but I could sense the exhaustion from the last few days settling in.

I sat a few seats away from Avantika, typing away on my laptop. There were emails to answer, tasks to manage-work didn't stop just because there was a wedding. Still, my attention kept drifting to her.

She was sitting by the window, her gaze fixed outside. She looked tired but calm, her hands clasped in her lap. It wasn't the usual anxious Avantika I was used to seeing. Something had changed during this trip.

"Bhabhi," Ruhaan called out to her. "The wedding was amazing, wasn't it? Did you enjoy it?"

I watched as she gave him a soft smile. "Yes, it was beautiful."

Ruhaan, of course, wasn't going to let it go at that. "Itni soft smile? Haayee.." he teased.

Avantika rolled her eyes, her smile widening slightly.

I looked back at my screen, trying to focus, but the moment stuck with me. Seeing her blend in with my family like this-laughing, talking, even teasing back-it felt... right.

"Avy, stop working, yaar," Shashwat said suddenly, dropping into the seat beside me. "We just wrapped up a wedding. Take a break for once."

I sighed, closing my laptop with a click. "Fine. But if I fall behind on work, it's on you."

"Deal," he said with a smirk, leaning back.

The chatter around the cabin grew louder as everyone relaxed. I leaned back in my seat, glancing at Avantika again. She was still looking out of the window, her fingers now playing with the edge of her saree.

I didn't know what was going through her mind, but I hoped she was okay. She'd handled everything so well these past few days, blending in with my family in ways I hadn't expected.

Bas bhi kar, Avyansh. Kitna dekh raha hai? Shashwat's voice broke my thoughts.

Watching her now, I couldn't help but feel a quiet sense of pride. She'd come a long way-from the shy, hesitant woman I married to someone who now stood confidently among my family.

And yet, something told me she was still holding back a part of herself. I'd wait. I wasn't in a hurry.

After all, some things were worth the wait.

We reached home late at night, and the house was unusually quiet. Everyone was clearly exhausted from the long day, and most had already retreated to their rooms.

I noticed Devika walking past, her steps slower than usual. Something about her seemed off. Her dark circles were prominent, and her usually vibrant demeanor seemed dulled.

She was fine one moment, laughing and teasing, but the next, she looked lost in thought, almost as if she was carrying a burden.

I've been noticing this since I came here. Devika was someone who cared deeply about her appearance-she once cried because her face mask didn't work as she wanted. But now, she seemed unconcerned, her usual sparkle missing.

Did something happen? I wondered. Did she tell anyone? Or am I just overthinking this?

My thoughts were interrupted by a sudden thud.

I turned to see Avantika placing her suitcase on the bed with a little more force than necessary.

"You should've told me. Hum kar dete," I said, walking toward her.

She glanced at me briefly before opening the suitcase, her movements calm .

"The maids will arrange it. Leave it," I added, my tone softer.

"Nahi," she replied without looking at me. "Hum khud kar sakte hai toh."

She paused for a moment, smoothing out the clothes she was unpacking. "Waise bhi, I slept during the flight, toh abhi neend nahi aa rahi. Aap jakar so jaiye."

Her words were simple, her tone even.

Instead, I watched her, the way her hands moved over the fabric, her brows furrowing slightly as if she was deep in thought. She was here, in front of me.

I sat down beside the suitcase, leaning slightly as I watched her unpack.

"Aapne kuch notice kiya?" I asked, my voice calm but pointed.

She glanced at me briefly, her brows furrowing in confusion. "Kya?"

"Devika," I said simply, my eyes steady on her.

Her hands stilled for a moment, gripping the fabric she was folding. It was subtle, but I caught the flicker of hesitation in her movements.

She quickly composed herself, continuing to fold the clothes as if nothing had happened. "Hm," she replied nonchalantly, not meeting my gaze.

I looked at her, waiting for her to explain.

"I was going to tell you about it," Avantika said softly, finally meeting my gaze.

I nodded, urging her to continue.

"Devika had a breakup," she said, her tone cautious.

I blinked, stunned. "She had a boyfriend? I didn't even know about it."

"Not for long," she clarified. "Just about a month and a half."

I frowned, the realization sinking in. Why didn't she share it with me?

As if reading my thoughts, Avantika added, "She didn't want to disturb you, so she didn't tell you. And you were... busy too."

I stared at her, feeling a pang of guilt. She didn't want to disturb me? My sister, who shared everything with me-from her first period to her first crush-had kept this from me?

"She always tells me things," I muttered, more to myself than Avantika.

"She didn't want to burden you," she said quietly. "And... he cheated on her. With her best friend, Priya."

The words hit me like a punch. I stood up abruptly, the anger coursing through me like fire.

How dare he? How dare he cheat on my sister?

My fists clenched as I paced the room. "Who is he?" I demanded, my voice low but seething.

"Avyansh-" Avantika started, her tone firm but gentle, but I didn't let her finish.

"No," I interrupted, my mind already racing. "She's my sister. How dare someone treat her like that?"

Avantika stood too. "She doesn't need anger right now," she said, her voice steady. "She needs you to listen."

Her words made me pause, the fire in me flickering but not extinguishing. I nodded slowly, knowing she was right. But one thing was certain-whoever this guy was, he would regret ever hurting my sister.

"Ask her. She'll tell you in detail," Avantika said, her voice calm but firm. "I just wanted to inform you about it."

She looked at me for a moment, then went back to unpacking the suitcase.

I sighed deeply, running a hand through my hair.

This wasn't what I expected to hear tonight. The thought of Devika going through something so painful-and not telling me-stung more than I wanted to admit.

"Thank you," I said softly, looking at Avantika. She didn't respond, but the faintest nod told me she understood.

I sat back down on the edge of the bed, my thoughts racing. I needed to talk to Devika, to understand what she'd been through. But first, I needed to figure out how to approach her without making her feel like I was prying or blaming her for keeping it from me.

For now, all I could do was prepare myself for the conversation-and for the anger I knew I'd feel once I learned the full story.

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