Chapter 51: ✿Chapter 45✿

इतनी सी बात है, मुझे तुमसे प्यार है,

दिल की हर धड़कन पर तेरा इख़्तियार है।

चाहे दूर रहो या पास मेरे सनम,

तेरा ही नाम मेरी हर फिज़ा में शुमार है।

◇

Avantika's POV

I looked at him, my heart sinking as the sound of the door clicking shut echoed through the silent room.

My gaze snapped toward the door, and a wave of panic surged through me. No. This can't be happening.

I hurriedly placed the papers back on the table, rushing toward the door, my fingers trembling as they fumbled with the handle.

It wouldn't budge.

"No, no, no..." I muttered under my breath, my chest tightening. My breathing grew shallow. I can't be locked in here. Not with him.

Behind me, I heard his voice-calm yet laced with confusion.

"Why are you panicking like this?"

I spun around sharply, my pulse racing. Akshat was leaning against the table, arms crossed, brows furrowed as he watched me with that infuriatingly composed expression.

"Why did you come here? And why did you remove the paper from the door?" My voice was colder than I intended, but I couldn't stop the sharpness in my tone.

He raised an eyebrow, clearly unbothered. "I came to call you. Dev is looking for you." His voice was annoyingly casual.

"And the paper?" I snapped, gesturing toward the now-locked door.

He shrugged as if it was nothing. "It was just stuck there. I removed it. What's the big deal?"

I stared at him, completely incredulous.

"The big deal is-you've locked us in!"

His frown deepened. He looked slightly concerned as he turned toward the door and tugged at the handle. It didn't budge.

"Oh," he muttered, realization sinking in as he glanced back at me.

"Wait. Let me check-move aside," he said, stepping closer.

I stepped back, arms folded, watching as he attempted to twist the knob, his movements growing slightly more forceful when it refused to budge.

The door remained shut.

He exhaled sharply, turning back toward me. "You could've told me earlier."

I scoffed, my eyes narrowing. "Pehle kyun nahi bataya? How was I supposed to know you'd be this idiotic?" My voice came out colder, sharper than before. I knew it.

But I didn't care.

His jaw clenched, but he didn't respond this time. The silence lingered, thick with tension.

"Call someone," I demanded, crossing my arms tighter.

He hesitated.

"I... didn't bring my phone."

I blinked, staring at him blankly.

Of course.

-----

I stared at him, holding his gaze as we sat across from each other, a noticeable distance maintained between us. The silence felt heavier than the room itself.

I needed a distraction.

Focus, Avantika. Breathe.

In. Out. 1...2...1...2...

But my mind was already beginning to spiral again, wandering toward those dark, negative thoughts I'd fought so hard to push away. My fingers clenched the fabric of my Kurti as I tried to anchor myself in the present.

Don't go there. Stay here.

He was still watching me, but not in the way that made my heart race-no trace of romance or softness. Just quiet observation, as though he was trying to figure me out.

His green eyes-those deep Viridian eyes-remained calm, unwavering, but unreadable.

"What were you doing here, by the way?" he asked, his voice breaking the silence, calm yet direct.

I didn't respond. I couldn't. My throat felt tight, and words seemed impossible to form.

Focus.

Breathe. 1...2...1...2...

I averted my gaze, staring at the floor instead, hoping the silence would consume whatever tension was hanging between us.

He exhaled sharply and stood up, the sudden movement breaking the heavy silence. His hands moved to adjust his jacket, giving it a sharp tug as if shaking off the tension lingering in the air.

I watched as he scanned the room, his brows furrowing slightly.

Without saying a word, he began pacing near the shelves, his sharp gaze sweeping over every corner, as though searching for something.

His fingers brushed over the edges of old files and papers, shifting a few items aside, then moving toward the desk.

The sound of objects being shifted filled the quiet room-the creak of a drawer, the soft rustle of papers.

Still, he hadn't spoken.

His face remained calm, but the way his jaw tightened slightly told me he was growing frustrated.

"What... are you looking for?" I finally asked, my voice quieter than I intended.

He didn't answer immediately, just kept searching, his back slightly turned toward me as if he was lost in thought.

"Some key... or something to break this door," he muttered, still searching through the shelves and drawers. His fingers trailed over the edges of old books, moving objects around with a growing sense of urgency.

He paused, glancing at me briefly.

"I don't think if we shout or knock loudly anyone would hear. It's the library, and the rooms here are definitely soundproof," he added, voice calmer but focused as he returned to his search.

I nodded stiffly, trying to appear composed, trying to convince myself everything was fine.

I am normal.

Everything is normal.

I was happy.

I was so happy these past few days... so why?

Why was it creeping back?

The darkness. The ache. The memories.

Suddenly, my breathing shifted.

Shallow. Uneven.

My chest tightened, the edges of my vision blurring.

No. Not again. Not here.

I clutched my chest, pressing my palm over my heart as if it could stop the way it raced uncontrollably.

"Avantika?"

His voice broke through the haze. I barely registered the sound of his footsteps turning toward me.

"Hey, Tum theek ho?" he asked, softer this time, concern lacing his voice as he stepped closer.

"Stay away."

The words left my lips before I could stop them. My body instinctively shifted back, putting space between us as I struggled to control my breathing.

He froze in place, his hands slightly raised in surrender. But his expression didn't shift-it wasn't anger or confusion. It was... gentle.

He whispered the name only he called me. The name I hated but somehow, right now, felt... grounding.

"Pepper Spray..."

His voice was barely above a whisper.

Slowly, carefully, he extended his hand-palm open, not touching, not forcing-just there.

"Take your time... I'm here," he whispered, his voice steady, his eyes locked onto mine as if silently reminding me-

I wasn't alone.

But I don't need this person.

He's part of the reason why I'm like this.

When I needed him the most-he wasn't there.

He says he's here now... but no.

No, he isn't. Not really. Not when it mattered. Not when it broke me.

I felt my throat tighten, the heaviness pressing against my chest again. My fingers trembled as I clutched the fabric over my heart.

I gulped.

Stop it, Avantika. Breathe.

Remember the good times. The present.

I closed my eyes, forcing myself to shut out the overwhelming ache.

You're not alone anymore. You have family. You're safe.

I pictured their faces-

Avyansh ji, the way he protected me without question, without expecting anything in return.

Dev and Devika, their endless teasing but unwavering love.

Maa, Papa, the way they embraced me like I belonged from the very beginning.

I have everyone now.

My breath slowed slightly. Steadier.

But even as the air filled my lungs, flashes of the past still lingered-like shadows refusing to leave.

The pain wasn't fully gone.

But it didn't control me.

Not this time.

"Don't fucking pretend," I mumbled, my voice barely above a whisper.

His brows furrowed, lips parting slightly as if he hadn't heard me.

I swallowed hard, meeting his gaze despite the ache rising in my chest.

"Don't pretend to be here when you're not," I said louder this time, my voice shaking but firm.

His green eyes locked onto mine, but he didn't move, didn't defend himself-just stared, almost like he was searching for something he couldn't find.

Suddenly-

BANG!

The door burst open with a loud push, making me jump.

"Bhabhi! Are you okay?"

It was Dev. His eyes scanned me urgently before narrowing on Akshat.

"Did he-" Dev started, voice sharp as he took a protective step toward me.

I shook my head quickly, interrupting before the tension could escalate.

"No. The door was jammed. He just... came to call me since you were looking for me," I explained in a single breath, trying to sound calm. Trying to sound normal.

Dev's eyes softened slightly, but the protective edge lingered as he nodded, stepping aside for me.

I walked out, my steps steady, controlled-normal.

But as I reached the doorway, I glanced back.

One last time.

Akshat was still standing there, unmoving. His eyes met mine.

There was something there.

Something unspoken. Something I couldn't quite name.

But I didn't stay to figure it out.

Avyansh's POV

I had come back early today.

For once, work wasn't on my mind. No calls. No meetings.

I just... wanted to take her out for dinner.

But the problem?

How do I even ask her?

"Would you like to go out for dinner with me?"

"Chaliye, aaj bahar khane chalte hain?"

"A new restaurant has opened recently... let's try it together?"

I had thought of every possible way to ask her. Yet, none seemed right. They all felt... off. Too formal. Too casual. Too direct.

I exhaled, rubbing the back of my neck, still lost in thought when-

"Kya bar-bar kr rhe ho idhar yaha kbse khade hokr?"

I blinked, snapping out of my thoughts.

It was Chote Papa, standing near the hallway with a curious look, arms crossed.

That's when I realized-I hadn't even fully entered the house yet.

I was literally standing at the entrance, lost in my overthinking while the door remained half-open behind me.

I cleared my throat, straightening my posture.

"Uh... bas... aise hi," I mumbled, stepping inside properly.

Chote Papa raised a brow. Great, now he was suspicious.

Perfect start, Avyansh. Real smooth.

I forced a nervous smile, nodding slightly at Chote Papa before quickly making my way towards my parents' bedroom, hoping to escape further questioning.

Reaching the door, I knocked gently.

"Come in," Maa's voice called from inside.

I stepped in, still in my office clothes, tie loosened slightly but not yet changed. Maa was sitting on the bed, folding freshly washed clothes, her bangles jingling softly with every movement.

She glanced up. "Kya hua, beta? Sab theek?"

I cleared my throat, suddenly feeling awkward.

"Maa... wo... dinner aaj ghar pe nahi karenge," I said hesitantly, my hands tucked into my pockets.

She paused, her hands stilling on the fabric. "Kyu? Pait mai dard hai?"

Why was this so difficult? Just say it.

"Wo... wo..." I fumbled, words getting stuck as my mind scrambled for the right way to explain.

Her brows furrowed. "Kya bol rahe ho, Avyansh? Seedha bolo."

I exhaled deeply.

"Maa... aaj wo... dinner pe... matlab... hum dono... m-main aur Avantika... bahar... jaa rahe the... I mean, abhi tak poocha nahi hai but... bas... dinner pe Mish-I mean Avantika ke saath," I finished in a single breath, my face heating slightly.

Silence.

Maa blinked. Then a slow, knowing smile spread across her face.

"Haan, haan, samajh gayi. Bas yeh kehna tha na?" she said, her tone teasing but warm.

I looked away, rubbing the back of my neck, muttering, "Maa... bas... normal dinner."

"Haan, haan... bilkul normal," she repeated, clearly enjoying my discomfort.

Great. Now I had officially made a fool of myself.

Maa shook her head, folding the last of the clothes with a knowing smile.

"Toh jaa na, usse pooch. Why are you getting so nervous, hmm?" she teased, glancing up at me.

I exhaled, shaking my head. "Bas... aise hi."

Before I could think too much, I sank onto the bed beside her, the familiar scent of freshly washed clothes filling the air.

She placed the folded dupatta on top of the pile and turned to me, her eyes softening the way only a mother's could.

She reached out, gently brushing my hair back like she used to when I was a child.

"Ajeeb ladke hai aap," she murmured with a fond smile.

I gave a small chuckle, leaning into her touch just slightly.

"Maa, woh... bas kuch alag lagta hai," I admitted, my voice softer now.

Her hand paused for a moment, then she tilted her head, studying me carefully. "Kya alag, Avyansh?"

I shrugged, struggling to find the words. "Bas... pehle kabhi aisa mehsoos nahi hua. Har baat pe sochte hai hum... ki woh khush rahe... safe rahe... Ajeeb sa darr bhi hota hai... ki hum kuch galat na kar dein."

Maa smiled knowingly, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "Ise ajeeb nahi... pyaar kehte hain."

I opened my mouth to deny it, but the way she looked at me-so certain, so calm-it made me question it too.

"Maa... pyaar... nahi... bas-" I started, but she pressed a finger lightly to my lips, silencing me like she did when I was a child trying to make excuses.

"Zyada mat socho," she said softly. "Agar tum uski khushi mein apni khushi dekh rahe ho... toh bas. It's enough. Ab jao... usse dinner pe le jao."

I nodded, her words sinking in deeper than I expected.

As I stood up to leave, she added with a playful smirk, "Aur haan... smile thodi kam karo. Warna pehle se hi sabko sab samajh aa jayega."

I rolled my eyes, but I could feel my lips curling into a smile anyway.

Mothers always know.

"Suniye..." I said softly as I stepped into the room, my voice breaking the calm silence.

She was sitting cross-legged on the bed, her focus entirely on the notebook resting on her lap. A pen was casually tucked behind her ear, a few strands of hair falling loose over her face.

At the sound of my voice, she looked up, blinking at me. Her eyes softened, but then-

She quickly pulled the pen from behind her ear, almost as if caught off guard.

"Haan...? Aapko kuch chahiye?" she asked, setting the notebook aside, her gaze curious.

I cleared my throat, suddenly feeling awkward under her steady gaze.

"Wo... aap free hai?"

She nodded, shifting slightly. "Haan, boliye?"

Okay... just ask her, Avyansh. Simple.

I opened my mouth.

"Woh... actually... mai soch raha tha... matlab... aaj na ek restaurant... nahi actually ek nai jagah open hui hai... restaurant hi hai but... bas wahi... khana waise ghar ka bhi acha hai... bas... socha tha ki bahar... par agar aapko nahi jaana toh koi baat nahi... waise bhi raat ko... matlab late ho jayega... and... haan... traffic bhi toh hota hai na... aur... uh..."

I trailed off, realizing how ridiculous I sounded.

She blinked. Once. Twice.

Then tilted her head slightly, lips parting in confusion.

"Matlab... aap kehna kya chahte hai?" she asked, raising an eyebrow, clearly trying to decode whatever nonsense I had just blabbered.

I exhaled sharply, running a hand through my hair. Pull yourself together, man.

"Dinner pe chalengi? Mere saath?" I finally blurted out, the words tumbling out faster than I intended.

Silence.

She blinked again, then-

I noticed it-the faint color that crept onto her cheeks.

But more than that, I felt it-the sudden warmth rushing to my ears, my heart beating a little louder than usual.

Why was I so nervous?

"Chalengi?" I repeated, softer this time, almost unsure.

She didn't reply immediately.

Instead, she stood up from the bed, carefully placing her notebook aside. For a second, I thought she was going to refuse.

But then-

Without meeting my gaze, she turned away and walked toward the wardrobe section.

"Nahi jayengi?" I asked, my voice hesitant, already overthinking her silence.

She paused, glancing over her shoulder.

"I'm going to get ready... Aap bhi fresh ho jaiye tab tak," she said, her voice calm, but the blush deepening on her face gave her away.

Before I could say anything else, she disappeared behind the wardrobe doors.

I stood there for a moment, completely still.

And then, I smiled.

A quiet, uncontrollable smile as I rubbed the back of my neck, exhaling deeply.

Yeh kya ho raha hai mujhe?

When I stepped out of the room, the sight before me made me pause.

Devika was sitting cross-legged on the bed, surrounded by outfits sprawled all around her, some half-folded, others completely opened. Avantika sat nearby.

"Kya kar rahi ho?" I asked, frowning at the mess on the bed.

Without missing a beat, Devika replied with a grin. "Bhabhi ke liye outfit choose kar rahi hoon."

I raised a brow, suspicious. "Tumhe kisne kaha"

"Badi mummy ne," she answered with a mischievous smirk.

I glanced toward Avantika, who sat quietly, stealing glances at me. Her hands fidgeted with the hem of the dress she was holding.

Then, realization struck.

I was still standing there...in a towel.

Great, Avyansh. Real smooth.

Clearing my throat awkwardly, I mumbled, "Main...uh...change karke aata hoon."

I rushed back into the wardrobe section, quickly changing into the outfit I had planned-a cream half-sleeve textured shirt paired with beige pants and white sneakers, along with my leather strap watch.

Taking a deep breath, I stepped out again, only to feel the air get heavier.

My eyes landed on her.

She was wearing a beautiful brown dress with a matching cropped knit sweater, her hair softly curled and pinned back, making her look effortlessly elegant.

My breath caught for a moment.

Devika, of course, noticed my reaction and couldn't help but grin wide.

"Hehe, sundar lag rahi hain na bhabhi? Meri choice hai," she teased, wiggling her eyebrows.

Avantika's cheeks turned a deeper shade of pink as she looked away, adjusting the buttons on her dress unnecessarily.

I nodded slowly, my voice quieter than usual.

"Haan...bohot."

Get it together, Avyansh...

We were almost ready to leave for dinner, heading toward the door when-

"What is this behavior? What about me?!" Dev's dramatic shout echoed through the hall, making everyone turn.

I rolled my eyes, already anticipating the nonsense that was about to follow.

"Chup kar ja!" Choti Mummy said, walking in with Maa. Her tone was sharp, but there was an amused smile tugging at her lips.

"Mummy, meri bhi shaadi karwado!" Dev whined, clutching his phone dramatically as if he were in a soap opera.

Before anyone could respond, he unlocked his phone and, with an exaggerated flourish, started playing a song:

"Mummy meri shaadi karwado ~

May June July mai ~

Mummy mere dil nahi lagta college ki padhai mai ~"

Dev, undeterred, paused the song and turned to me with an exaggerated pout.

"Mai bhi apni wife ke saath dinner pe jaunga... kyunki bhai mujhe le ja nahi rahe," he said, giving me a pointed side-eye.

I shook my head, biting back a grin as Choti Mummy grabbed his ear.

"Chal, teri shaadi karwate hain hum," she said, dragging him away as he continued his over-the-top protests.

The hall quieted again, and I turned to Avantika. She stood beside me, her expression calm but amused as she watched the scene unfold.

"Chale?" I asked softly.

She nodded, her gaze meeting mine briefly.

I opened the car door for her, stepping aside as she prepared to sit.

But before she could, I caught the faintest flicker of surprise on her face as her eyes landed on the bouquet of fresh tulips waiting for her.

Tulips-her favorite flower. I knew that from my quiet research into the things she liked.

She picked up the bouquet, her fingers brushing over the petals, and slid into the seat without a word.

I bit back a smile, pleased with myself. But as I got into the driver's seat and glanced at her, my confidence faltered.

She wasn't smiling.

"You didn't like it?" I asked, trying to keep my tone light, though the question carried an edge of uncertainty.

She didn't reply immediately, her gaze fixed on the tulips. Her fingers traced the delicate petals, and for a moment, I thought she wasn't going to answer.

Finally, in a quiet voice, she said, "My grandmother loved tulips."

Her words hit me like a punch. Her grandmother... I closed my eyes briefly, guilt washing over me. How could I forget that her grandmother was no longer alive?

"It's beautiful," she said, her voice softer now. "Thank you. I've seen them after a long time."

Her words were genuine, but there was a wistful note in them that made my chest tighten.

I nodded, gripping the steering wheel as I started the car. I'll do better next time, Mishti, I thought. For now, I just hoped this small gesture had brought her some comfort, even if it also brought a touch of sadness.

"Can you open it." I hesitated, gesturing toward the glove compartment.

She raised an eyebrow but leaned forward, pulling it open.

Inside was a small, neatly wrapped box. She glanced at me, her expression curious, before picking it up.

"Open it," I said, trying to sound casual, though my fingers gripped the steering wheel tighter than necessary.

She carefully unwrapped it, revealing a delicate bracelet-silver with tiny charms shaped like stars and moons.

"Uhm-Shashwat suggested it," I said quickly, rubbing the back of my neck. My words tumbled out awkwardly, betraying my usual calm. "I mean, I thought it looked nice too, but he said... you might like it."

God, I sound like an idiot.

She smiled then, a genuine, soft smile that instantly eased the tension in my chest.

"It's beautiful," she said, her voice light, but there was something in her tone-something warm.

I exhaled, the nervous energy melting away. "I'm glad you like it," I said, my lips quirking into a small smile of my own.

Avantika Pov

We reached the restaurant, its grandeur almost overwhelming. The towering glass windows reflected the city lights, and the elegant chandeliers inside cast a warm, golden glow over the pristine interiors.

I stepped out of the car, clutching the tulips in one hand but put it back in the car., and felt a slight flutter in my chest-a strange mix of happiness and unease.

As we walked in, three assistants immediately greeted us with polite smiles.

"Good evening, sir, ma'am," they said in unison, bowing slightly. One led us to the private dining area, another held the door open, and the third walked ahead, guiding us to our reserved table.

The dining area was secluded, the lighting soft and intimate. The table was set with fine china and crystal glasses, and a vase with fresh white roses stood in the center.

Everything about this place screamed luxury, and yet, it felt almost too much for me.

I followed quietly, unsure of what to say. I felt out of place in this world, yet the effort Avyansh had made for this dinner tugged at something in my chest.

"Your table, sir," the assistant said, pulling out a chair for me.

I nodded politely, sitting down and smoothing my saree. As Avyansh settled across from me, I glanced at the menu, grateful for the distraction.

"Is this okay?" he asked, his voice calm but curious.

I looked up, meeting his gaze briefly. "It's... beautiful," I said softly, offering a small smile.

The waitstaff served us in synchronized precision, presenting dishes that looked more like art than food.

Each course was explained in detail, but I barely heard the words. My focus kept shifting to him-how he leaned back, relaxed, his eyes occasionally darting to me as if to check if I was okay.

I took a small bite of the starter, the flavors bursting in my mouth. I couldn't help the small smile that tugged at my lips. For a moment, I let myself enjoy it, let myself feel the lightness this evening brought.

But then...

"Good evening," a voice interrupted, cutting through the warmth.

I froze, my fork pausing mid-air. Slowly, I looked up, my breath hitching.

There he was.

The man I thought I'd left behind. The man I never wanted to see again.

My fingers tightened around the fork as my heart pounded in my chest.

Raghav Singhania.

The name echoed in my mind, each syllable laced with the memories I'd tried so hard to bury. He stood there, his posture exuding authority, his presence as suffocating as it was commanding.

He was the biggest reason for my pain, my fear. The scars he left behind had faded but never disappeared. And now, here he was-right in front of me.

"I'm the owner of this restaurant," he said smoothly, his voice calm but sharp, each word calculated. "I was passing by when I heard you were here, Mr. Raghuvanshi... with your-"

His gaze shifted to me, his expression unreadable but tinged with something mocking, something I couldn't quite place. Then, he turned back to Avyansh.

My heart clenched painfully, fear and unease creeping up my spine. Why now? Why here?

I couldn't bring myself to look at him again, so I kept my gaze firmly on Avyansh.

He greeted him with a polite smile. "My wife-Avantika," he said, his voice steady as he gestured toward me.

He glanced at me then, his smile softening slightly as his eyes met mine. I tried to return the gesture, forcing a small smile onto my face, but it felt hollow.

My heart felt unbearably heavy, the weight of old memories pressing down on me. I wanted to disappear, to run away from the moment, but I couldn't.

I stayed rooted to my chair, clutching the napkin in my lap tightly, my only anchor in a storm I thought I'd left behind.

"Oh, Mrs. Raghuvanshi," Raghav said, his voice dripping with sweet venom. The way he said it made my heart skip a beat-not in a good way.

My hands clenched the napkin under the table, my mind racing. It's okay. Calm down. He's here. My husband is here. No one will harm me. No one.

Raghav's gaze lingered on me for a moment too long before he turned back to Avyansh, his tone casual but with an edge I couldn't ignore.

"It's good to see you, Mr. Raghuvanshi and Mrs. Raghuvanshi," he said, his words smooth, his posture composed. "I wasn't expecting you here tonight. It's rare to see someone like you in my restaurant."

Avyansh, ever calm and poised, gave him a polite nod. "It's a beautiful place. Compliments to you and your team."

Raghav smiled, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "We do try to make it exceptional. I'm glad you and... Mrs. Raghuvanshi are enjoying it."

I swallowed hard, keeping my gaze on my plate. I could feel his presence, his words, and even his silence pressing down on me.

"Well," Raghav said after a moment, adjusting the cuffs of his tailored suit. "I won't intrude on your evening any further. Do enjoy the rest of your dinner."

With that, he gave a slight nod, his eyes flickering toward me one last time before he turned and walked away.

As soon as he was gone, the air seemed lighter, but my chest still felt tight. I let out a shaky breath, trying to steady myself.

"Are you okay?" Avyansh's voice broke through my thoughts, gentle yet firm.

I nodded quickly, forcing another smile. "Yes. I'm fine," I said, though the weight in my heart told me otherwise.

Suddenly stood up and walked toward me, his movements calm yet deliberate. The faint screech of the chair as he pulled it beside me sent a shiver down my spine.

The restaurant was nearly empty, offering plenty of privacy with its partitioned walls. Yet, I felt exposed-like all my fears were laid bare before him.

I looked at him hesitantly. "Aap theek ho?" he asked, his voice soft but laced with concern.

"Hn," I nodded, forcing a smile that I knew didn't reach my eyes.

"Avantika," he said again, his tone firmer this time, as if he could see through my facade. "Are you not comfortable here? Should we go to another restaurant?"

"Nahi," I said quickly, shaking my head. "Sab acha hai."

But my breath came out hollow and uneven, my chest tightening with every second. I could feel it creeping up on me-the overwhelming rush of anxiety that I hadn't felt in so long.

My hands began to tremble, and I clenched them tightly, trying to hide the shaking. My mind raced. I need my medicine. My injections... but they're at home. Are they even usable now? I haven't needed them in so long.

The thought only made my hands shake more, and I pressed them against my lap, hoping he wouldn't notice.

"Avantika," he said again, his voice cutting through the storm in my mind.

I looked up at him, my eyes betraying the calm I was trying so hard to project. My chest felt heavy, my breaths shallow and shaky. I wanted to tell him, but the words wouldn't come out.

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The next chapter will be more exciting and thrilling and the past will be unravel slowly.

Thanks for Reading

Hope it had satisfied you.

I am lil disappointed about this chapter but I tried my best to improve it.

This is Avantika's outfit and I am busy from few days so shayari likhne ka time nhi and chapter ko  recheck krne ka time nhi.. music add krne ka time nhi new chapters likhne ka bhi time nhi... and as I am this much I don't even have time to read comments.. but tbhi comment kardena.. as soon as I get time I will give shoutout again. OK bye