It's okay not to be okay,
Dil ki baat kisi se keh jay.
Dukh bhi kam ho jayega,
Bas apno ka saath mil jay.
â
Avantika's POV
We quickly came back to our hotel and changed.
As soon as I was ready, I sat quietly on the edge of the bed, waiting. The others were still getting ready, but I preferred staying away from unnecessary chatter. I wasn't exactly in the mood for more teasing.
I glanced down at my outfit-a simple maroon fitted top and a flowy white skirt. Light, comfortable, nothing too flashy. My hair was loosely curled, half tied with a white ribbon.
While waiting, my gaze fell on something on the floor. His watch.
I bent down, picking it up carefully. It was a classic, sleek design, something that suited his personality perfectly. I turned it in my hands, feeling the weight of it.
Just then, the bathroom door clicked open, and Avyansh stepped out, still buttoning up his shirt.
I swallowed.
He was wearing a beige half-sleeved shirt, paired with cream-colored shorts. Simple yet effortlessly good-looking. His top three buttons were undone, exposing just a hint of his collarbones and chest.
I quickly looked away.
He stood in front of me, rolling up his sleeves slightly before his gaze dropped to my hands.
"My Watch?"
I blinked, realizing I was still holding it.
Without a word, I extended my hand, offering it to him.
But instead of taking it, he smiled slightly and leaned forward. "Pehna dijiye."
I stared at him. "Kya?"
"Aapke pass hai, Aap he pehna dijiye." His voice was casual, but the teasing glint in his eyes told me otherwise.
I huffed, rolling my eyes, but my fingers still moved to fasten the watch around his wrist.
He didn't move. Just stood there, watching me.
I ignored the way my hands slightly trembled under his gaze. Why was he staring like that?
After securing the strap, I pulled my hands away quickly and turned to grab my phone.
But before I could take a step, I felt a soft tug on my ribbon.
My breath hitched.
He was fixing my hair tie, gently pulling the strands to adjust them properly.
"Perfect," he muttered under his breath before stepping back.
I didn't dare look at him.
Because I knew-my face was already burning.
As we stepped outside, Avyansh's phone rang. He glanced at the screen, sighed, and answered it.
"Aap jaiye, I'll be there in two minutes," he said, giving me a small nod before turning away.
I nodded back and walked ahead, my fingers lightly fidgeting with the hem of my skirt.
The elders were already gathered in the outdoor seating area of the hotel, engaged in conversation. Among them sat a lady I didn't recognize. She looked around Pakhi Maa's age, maybe a little older.
Dressed elegantly in a pastel saree, her face carried an air of familiarity, yet something about her made me feel... unsettled.
As soon as we approached, Choti Mummy smiled and gestured towards the woman.
"You all came just in time," she said warmly. "Meet her-this is Sandhya. She is your grandfather's friend's daughter."
We all greeted her politely, offering respectful smiles and nods.
Pakhi Maa stood up and placed a gentle hand on my back.
"Sandhya, this is Avantika," she said with a smile, her voice soft yet proud. "Avyansh's wife. My daughter."
I wasn't expecting what happened next.
Sandhya aunt's eyes widened slightly before a bright-almost too bright-smile stretched across her lips.
"Oh my, Avyansh's wife?" she said dramatically, before suddenly pulling me into a tight hug.
I stiffened.
I wasn't the most comfortable with sudden physical affection, especially from someone I had just met. But out of respect, I didn't pull away.
Her perfume was strong-too strong-and something about her touch felt off.
"You are so beautiful," she said, stepping back just enough to hold my hands, her fingers gripping a little too tightly. "Truly, Pakhi, she is just like a doll. You got such a lovely daughter-in-law."
I forced a small smile. "Thank you," I said politely, carefully pulling my hands back.
Her gaze flickered over me for a second before she let out a soft chuckle. "You seem quiet," she noted. "A little shy, aren't you?"
I didn't reply. I didn't have to.
Choti mummy smiled and wrapped an arm around my shoulder. "Avantika doesn't need to talk too much; her presence speaks enough."
There was warmth in her voice, the kind only a mother has for her child.
For some reason, that seemed to make Sandhya aunty smile falter for the briefest moment. It was quick-so quick that if I wasn't paying attention, I might've missed it.
But I didn't.
Something about this woman felt... strange.
Before I could dwell on it further, a familiar presence came.
Avyansh.
And the moment Sandhya's gaze landed on him-her entire demeanor changed.
Her smile widened, her voice grew softer, almost too sweet.
"Avyansh," she said, tilting her head slightly. "Finally, we meet."
He froze.
Or maybe he didn't. I don't know.
He didn't smile, didn't nod, didn't react. He just... looked at her. Blank. Empty. Like his mind had suddenly disconnected from everything around him.
He was fine earlier, wasn't he? Just minutes ago, before that call.
Sandhya Aunty stepped closer to him, a polite smile on her face.
But he stepped back.
It was small, barely noticeable. No one else seemed to catch it. But I did.
His expression remained neutral, but I could see the slight tension in his jaw, the stiffness in his shoulders.
And then- "Mom, I have some work. I'll be in my room."
That was all he said before turning around and walking away.
"Avyansh, at least greet her," Papa's voice carried a quiet authority as he stood up.
But Avyansh didn't stop. He didn't turn back. He just left.
I stood there, confused.
Sandhya Aunty, who had been smiling confidently just moments ago, faltered. She quickly recovered, forcing out a nervous chuckle.
"Pehle ki tarah sharmila hai," she said, shaking her head like it was nothing.
But it wasn't nothing.
I knew it.
Something had shifted in him the moment he saw her.
Why?
Before I could dwell on it, Dev, Ruhaan, and Devika arrived, chatting and laughing like everything was normal.
They didn't seem affected. They greeted Sandhya Aunty with polite smiles, exchanged pleasantries, completely unaware of the strange tension that had settled in the air just moments ago.
Then why him?
Sandhya Aunty kept talking.
About me.
About my beauty, my grace, how I carried myself. It felt excessive. Almost like she was trying too hard to make a good impression.
And then-she noticed my scars.
Her eyes lingered for a second too long, but she didn't comment on them. Instead, she smiled, saying something about how people who have been through battles wear their strength on their skin.
I didn't reply.
I didn't feel the need to.
I wasn't in the mood for polite conversation, nor did I feel like indulging in whatever she was trying to do.
Because my mind- my heart-was somewhere else.
I wanted to be with my husband.
Avyansh's reaction earlier was bothering me. That call, that look, that sudden coldness.
Something was wrong.
I leaned toward Pakhi Maa and whispered, "Maa, mai kamre mai jau? I feel tired."
She glanced at me with concern but nodded. "Jao beta, rest kar lo."
I stood up, excused myself with a polite nod, and left.
Because right now, I needed to see him.
I entered the room quietly, my eyes immediately landing on him.
He was sitting on the couch, focused on his tablet, his fingers moving across the screen. But there was something off.
His posture was stiff. His jaw was clenched.
He looked up when he heard me.
"Aap aagayi?" His voice was calm, almost too casual.
"Aap kyun aagaye waha se?" I asked back, closing the door behind me.
I wasn't going to ignore it.
Something had changed the moment he saw Sandhya Aunty, and I wanted to know why.
"I was having work," he said, his tone even, unreadable.
"Hm..." I replied, not pressing further.
"You?" he asked, his gaze lingering on me.
"Bas aise hi..." I mumbled, walking towards the bed. I sat down, leaning against the headboard, adjusting the pillow on my lap.
I picked up my phone, scrolling mindlessly. I was tired, but not the kind of tired that needed sleep. My mind was too full of thoughts.
I heard him shift. From the corner of my eye, I saw him stand up and walk toward me.
Before I could ask anything, he laid down, his head resting on my lap, his face pressed lightly against my stomach.
I stiffened.
My breath hitched slightly at the sudden proximity. My hands, which were holding the phone, hovered awkwardly in the air.
I remembered the last time he had done this. That night when he was drunk.
"My head is paining. Massage it a little," he mumbled, his voice low, tired.
I hesitated for a second.
Then, slowly, I placed my hand on his head.
My fingers moved gently, hesitantly at first, threading through his soft hair.
He let out a deep breath, his body relaxing against me.
My lips parted slightly, my heart hammering against my chest.
This was new. This was different.
And I wasn't sure what to do with it.
"Kya hua tha?" I asked softly, my fingers still threading through his hair.
"Headache," he mumbled, shifting slightly, pressing his face further against my stomach on the pillow.
I swallowed. He was too close.
"Aap aise wapas kyun chale aaye?" I asked after a moment.
His body tensed slightly, but he didn't move.
"You don't like her?" My voice was quiet, careful.
For a second, he didn't respond.
Then, in a low voice, he said, "I just didn't want to stay there."
His words felt incomplete. There was something he wasn't saying.
I looked down at him. His eyes were closed, his brows furrowed slightly, as if lost in thought.
Something about the way he reacted back there... and even now, felt off.
I wanted to ask more. Push him for an answer.
But I didn't.
Instead, I let my fingers continue their slow, soothing movements through his hair.
If he wanted to talk, he would.
And if he didn't...
I'd wait.
He leaned more into my touch, his breath warm against my stomach.
For a moment, it was just us-the quiet hum of the air conditioning, the soft rustling of the sheets as he adjusted himself against me.
Then, suddenly, he lifted his head.
I blinked down at him, confused.
Without a word, he reached out and pulled the pillow from my lap, tossing it aside.
Before I could react, he wrapped his arms around my waist and buried his face into me again-this time, closer.
His grip was firm but gentle, as if he was holding onto something precious. Something he didn't want to let go of.
My breath hitched.
"Avyansh ji..." I started, my voice barely above a whisper.
"Hm?" His voice was muffled against me.
I swallowed, suddenly hyper-aware of how close he was.
His warmth seeped through my top his arms caging me in a way that felt... safe. Protected. Like I was something he needed.
"Aap thik hai?" I asked, my fingers hesitantly threading through his hair again.
He didn't answer immediately. Instead, his arms tightened around me slightly.
"Hm.." he murmured.
I exhaled slowly, my fingers moving to lightly trace the back of his neck. His hair was soft beneath my fingertips, his breathing deep and steady.
For someone who claimed he wasn't tired, he seemed exhausted.
I don't know what came over me, but I found myself relaxing too.
Slowly, I leaned back against the headboard, letting him hold me.
After a while, I felt him shift.
Before I could ask, he moved-turning slightly so that his head now rested on my chest. His arms still wrapped around me, his grip never loosening.
My heartbeat stuttered.
His head was directly over my heart.
Could he hear it? The way it pounded against my ribs?
I didn't push him away.
Didn't ask him to move.
Instead, I let my hand move on its own-gently running through his hair, my touch slow and careful.
He exhaled deeply, almost like a sigh of relief, and pressed himself further into me.
We stayed like that.
Him, wrapped around me like I was something he couldn't afford to lose.
And me, holding him back like maybe... I felt the same way.
I don't remember when I fell asleep.
One moment, I was running my fingers through his hair, listening to his steady breathing, and the next... everything faded into warmth and quiet.
But when I woke up...
I found myself trapped.
His arms were wrapped tightly around my waist, his face completely buried in my neck. His soft breaths tickled my skin, and every time he exhaled, I could feel a faint warmth spreading across my collarbone.
One of his legs was thrown over mine, locking me in place.
And his hold? Unyielding.
Like a child clutching onto their favorite pillow-or maybe something even more precious.
I blinked, my body frozen as I processed the situation.
His lips were slightly parted, his usually sharp features completely relaxed. His messy hair fell over his forehead, and his brows, which always seemed slightly furrowed, were now at peace.
He looked... different like this.
Not the intimidating, reserved Avyansh ji everyone knew.
But the one who snuggled into me like a lost kitten.
I bit my lip, a strange warmth blooming in my chest.
Should I wake him up?
I tried shifting a little-just to test if I could move.
Bad idea.
The moment I stirred, his grip tightened.
A soft hum left his lips, and before I could react, he nuzzled deeper into me.
I froze.
His nose brushed against my neck, and his arms pulled me even closer.
I swear my heart skipped a beat.
I opened my mouth-to say something, anything-but all that came out was a small, flustered breath.
What is this man??
Why is he cuddling me like this??
And why... why do I not want to move?
I let out a silent sigh, my fingers twitching slightly.
Slowly, hesitantly, I lifted my hand and ran my fingers through his hair again.
Just once.
Just to test.
His breath hitched slightly, and for a moment, I thought he was waking up.
But instead...
He sighed happily and clung to me even more.
I give up.
Blushing furiously, I let my hand settle on his back, my fingers lightly tracing patterns over his shirt.
Maybe... just for a little while longer.
Maybe I'd let him hold me like this.
I felt him stir. His grip on me loosened slightly, and I thought he was finally waking up.
But instead of getting up, he shifted his face, his cheek resting against my collarbone.
Then, he turned-
And looked at me.
His eyes, still heavy with sleep, locked onto mine. A lazy, satisfied smirk tugged at the corner of his lips before he sighed dramatically and buried his face back into my neck.
Goosebumps shot down my spine.
I swallowed hard, my fingers twitching where they rested on his back.
His breath-warm, steady, teasing-fanned against my skin.
"Y-your headache..." I managed to say, my voice coming out softer than I expected. "How is it now?"
He hummed in response, his lips grazing my neck ever so slightly.
"Not okay."
I blinked. "What?"
He sighed again, this time with an exaggerated tiredness.
"Doctor told me I need a kiss from my wife to recover from headaches soon."
My breath hitched.
I pulled back-or at least, I tried.
But he didn't let me.
Instead, his grip tightened, his arms caging me in with zero intentions of letting me go.
A chuckle rumbled in his chest, and I could feel the vibrations against my skin.
I glared at him, even though my face was definitely turning red.
"You must've met a very useless doctor," I muttered.
He tilted his head, amusement dancing in his gaze. "Oh? So, you mean to say you won't help me recover?"
I pursed my lips, refusing to answer.
He smirked.
And suddenly-
His nose brushed against my jaw.
I flinched, my entire body going still.
"What are you-"
"Hm," he mused, completely ignoring my panic. "You're so warm."
"I-it's called body heat, Avyansh ji."
"But it's you body heat Avantika ji."
What is this man?
I felt like my heart was about to explode.
Gathering every ounce of sanity left in me, I pushed at his shoulder.
"Get up."
"Hm?" He blinked innocently. "But my headache-"
"Avyansh ji."
He laughed.
It was soft, warm, and just a little bit mischievous.
And finally, finally, he let go of me and stretched his arms, yawning as if he hadn't just teased the life out of me.
I immediately rolled to the side, putting as much distance between us as possible.
He glanced at me-satisfied-before smirking again.
I turned away, refusing to meet his gaze.
"Avantika."
I didn't answer.
"Hmm, are you blushing?"
I grabbed the nearest pillow and threw it at him.
He laughed louder this time, dodging easily.
This man will be the death of me.
â â¡â â¡â â¡â â¡â â¡â â¡â â¡â â¡â â¡â â¡â â¡â â¡â â¡â â¡â â¡â â¡â â¡â â¡â â¡â â¡â
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Ajay? Seriously?
My name is Akshat.
No shoutout-too many got it right.
Anyway, Mr. Anjaan just has a better vibe, right?
Updated by meâhope you still remember your author ð.
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