Chapter 45: 37. Morning 🌞

The soft yet persistent knocking echoed through the grand corridors, unsettling Avantika's thoughts. She hesitated for a moment, glancing over at Aadish, who sat relaxed, unfazed by the sound. His calm demeanor was almost maddening, as if he knew exactly who—or what—was on the other side.

"Go on," he said, his tone light yet holding an air of certainty that left no room for argument.

With a slight huff, Avantika rose and approached the massive, intricately carved door. It loomed before her, its sheer size making her feel small in comparison, yet she felt a strange pull to confront whatever—or whoever—awaited. The brass handle was cold under her palm as she twisted it, and the door creaked open, revealing...nothing.

She stepped out, her eyes scanning the empty expanse before her. The cool breeze brushed against her skin, carrying with it the faint scent of rain, but there was no sign of movement, no figure lurking in the shadows. The doorway itself was wide enough for two people to stand side by side, yet at that moment, it framed only her solitary figure, standing in quiet confusion.

"Strange," she murmured, a chill running down her spine as the silence pressed in. The stillness felt deliberate, almost calculated, and she couldn’t shake the feeling that someone—or something—was watching her.

Avantika turned around quickly, and what she saw left her speechless. Aadish was sitting calmly, completely unfazed, while a black panther-like creature stood right in front of him. Its shiny black fur gleamed under the soft lights, and its sharp golden eyes scanned the room like it owned the place.

Aadish gave the creature a small nod, almost like they were familiar with each other. The creature huffed in response and began walking through the room with slow, confident steps, moving like it was a king. Its walk was smooth and graceful, almost like a model on a runway.

As it walked, it came across a small piece of cotton lying on the floor. With an annoyed snort, it pushed the cotton out of its way with its paw, clearly bothered by the mess. Then, as if it had done this a hundred times before, it made its way to a sofa in Aadish’s room.

The sofa seemed to be specially made for it, luxurious and large. The creature climbed onto it and sat down like it belonged there, completely at ease. Avantika stood frozen, staring at the scene, her mind filled with questions. Who was this creature? And why did Aadish look so calm, like this was completely normal?

As Aadish noticed Avantika’s eyes fixed on the creature, he spoke softly, “Vani, kya hua?” (“Vani, what happened?”)

Avantika gulped, her voice shaky as fear gripped her. “Yeh… yeh panther hai? Kya aap ek panther ko pal rahe ho? Matlab… yeh kuch karta nahi kya?” (“This... is this a panther? Are you keeping a panther as a pet? I mean… doesn’t it do anything dangerous?”) Her words tumbled out in a mix of shock and nervousness, her fear reflecting in every syllable.

Before she could say more, Aadish stood up, gently taking her wrist. “Chalo,” (“Come on,”) he said firmly, leading her toward a sofa opposite the creature. Avantika followed hesitantly, her steps slow and uncertain. She sat down beside Aadish, her wide, fearful eyes darting toward the black creature, while she muttered to herself, trying to make sense of the situation.

Aadish, calm as ever, leaned forward and placed a hand on the creature’s sleek head. “Lucifer,” he said softly, his voice steady yet filled with a strange warmth.

At the sound of his name, the "panther" turned its head, and Avantika gasped as she finally realized it wasn’t a panther at all—it was a massive dog. Its coat was jet black, so glossy it gleamed like polished stone, and its piercing golden eyes gave it an almost mystical presence.

The dog, Lucifer, looked up at Aadish with a mix of curiosity and affection, its tail giving a slow wag. The emotions in its gaze—loyalty, curiosity, and affection—were unmistakable, softening its otherwise intimidating appearance. Avantika blinked, her fear giving way to surprise, as she muttered, “Yeh... yeh toh dog hai?” (“This... this is a dog?”)

Aadish smirked slightly, running his fingers through Lucifer’s fur. “Haan, dog hai. Par shayad tumhe lagta hai yeh koi jungle ka janwar hai.” (“Yes, it’s a dog. But maybe you thought it was a wild animal.”)

Avantika sighed in relief but still kept a cautious distance, her heart finally slowing down.

“Lucifer, meet your mumma, Vani... you know her, right?” Aadish said with a slight smile, his tone teasing yet warm.

At the sound of his words, Lucifer’s golden eyes shifted toward Avantika, studying her as if he was trying to understand her entirely in that one glance. Avantika, on the other hand, stood frozen, her surprise evident as she met his curious gaze. Slowly, Lucifer climbed down from his specially designed sofa, his movements calm and deliberate.

As he approached her, his eyes softened, filled with a kind of love and trust that took Avantika by surprise. He paused in front of her, his large frame towering but non-threatening, and then, without hesitation, lay down at her feet. Avantika instinctively moved her legs back in hesitation, her uncertainty clearly visible.

Sensing her nervousness, Aadish reached out and held her hand firmly, a silent assurance that everything was fine. Lucifer, as if understanding the moment, rested his head gently on her feet, his warm gaze never leaving hers. Avantika looked up at Aadish, her eyes full of questions, almost pleading, Should I? Should I not?

Aadish’s eyes answered her without words, his grip on her hand unwavering. After a moment of silent debate with herself—and Aadish—Avantika sighed and finally reached out, her fingers hesitating just above Lucifer’s sleek black head. Taking a deep breath, she touched him lightly, her hand brushing against his soft fur.

The texture beneath her fingers was unexpected—softer than she imagined, comforting in a way she hadn’t anticipated. As if sensing her acceptance, Lucifer lifted his head slightly and looked up at her with those golden, love-filled eyes that seemed to carry the entire universe within them. Eyes that, perhaps, only the Rajawats truly understood.

Something shifted in Avantika’s heart. The affection she had hidden for years, her secret love for dogs, began to surface. She had always adored them from afar but had never had the chance to truly connect with one. Yet here was Lucifer, breaking that distance effortlessly, as if he had been waiting for this moment.

Her lips curved into a soft smile, her hand now resting fully on his head as she whispered, “You’re not so scary after all, are you?” Lucifer huffed softly in response, content, as if he had found another piece of his family.

As Lucifer slowly stood in front of Avantika, his golden eyes gazing at her with pure admiration, it felt as though he was silently calling her "Mumma." He stood tall yet gentle, adoring her in his own quiet way.

Avantika couldn’t help but smile as she looked at him. She reached out, running her fingers through his soft fur, and said playfully, “Toh aap hai Rajawat brothers ke first baby, Lucifer… ha? Yakeen nahi ho raha, aapse bhi koi kaise dar sakta hai, Luci bachha.” ("So, you’re the Rajawat brothers’ first baby, Lucifer? Really? I can’t believe anyone could be scared of you, Luci, baby.")

As she continued talking to him in that affectionate tone, Aadish stood to the side, silently watching the scene. His usual calm demeanor softened as he took in the sight of Avantika and Lucifer bonding. But his peaceful observation was short-lived.

Snapping out of his trance, Aadish frowned and said, “Vani… aap unka naam kyu bigaad rahi hai? Woh Luci nahi, THE LUCIFER hai.” ("Vani, why are you messing up his name? He’s not Luci, he’s THE LUCIFER!")

Avantika turned her head, giving him a pointed look that clearly said, Really? She then shifted her attention back to Lucifer and, ignoring Aadish, continued, “Lekin yeh toh kitne cute hai, isliye yeh hamare Luci hai. Kyu baby? Aapko koi problem toh nahi, baby?” ("But he’s so cute, so he’s our Luci. Right, baby? You don’t have a problem, do you, baby?")

As if Lucifer understood every word she said, he turned his head toward Aadish and gave him a look that could only be described as betrayal. Then, to add insult to injury, Lucifer let out what almost sounded like a huff of amusement, walked closer to Avantika, and pressed himself against her affectionately, his tail wagging ever so slightly.

Aadish stood there, stunned, watching his fiercely loyal companion completely switch sides. “Unbelievable,” he muttered under his breath, but his lips curved into a faint smile.

Aadish shook his head in disbelief, running a hand through his hair as he muttered, “Ek mahine ki training ke baad ye ladka Barbie doll ban ke aa gaya hai. Kaha log isse dekh ke darte the… abhi koi aise dekh le toh manega hi nahi ki ye janab mere ek ishare pe kisi ka bhi postmortem kar sakta hai.” ("After a month of training, this boy has turned into a Barbie doll. People used to fear him, and now if someone sees him like this, they won’t believe he could dismantle anyone at my command.")

Avantika stifled a laugh, rolling her eyes at Aadish’s dramatic remarks while continuing to pet Lucifer, who seemed utterly content resting his head on her lap.

As time slipped away, it was suddenly morning—6 AM. The soft orange glow of dawn filtered through the windows, illuminating the room in a warm light.

Unbeknownst to them, the door to their room had been left open. After Lucifer’s grand entry the previous night, they were so engrossed in their conversation and the unexpected bond forming between Avantika and Lucifer that neither had thought to close it.

The quiet hum of the early morning filled the air as the household began to stir awake. The faint sound of footsteps echoed down the hall, growing louder as they neared Aadish’s room.

As Revti and Ansh wandered through the mansion, looking for Aadish and Avantika, they eventually reached Aadish’s room. Gently pushing the slightly ajar door open, they stepped inside, only to be greeted by a heartwarming sight that made them pause.

Aadish was fast asleep, his head resting comfortably on Avantika’s lap, his face relaxed and peaceful. Avantika, on the other hand, had dozed off sitting upright, her head tilted slightly to the side, her hand still resting where it had last stroked Lucifer.

Lucifer, however, was nowhere to be seen—he had quietly left the room earlier, no doubt to attend to his morning duties, his regal sense of responsibility unwavering.

Revti clasped her hands together, her eyes softening as a warm smile spread across her face. “Nazar na lage mere bacchon ko kisi ki,” she murmured, her voice filled with motherly affection. (“May no one cast an evil eye on my children.”)

Ansh stood beside her, equally captivated by the serene tableau in front of them. “yr toh bilkul ek picture-perfect moment lag rahe hain,” he whispered with a grin. (“its  look like a picture-perfect moment right now.”)

Revti chuckled softly, her gaze lingering on the duo. “Haan, sach mein. Aadish ke chehre par itni shanti maine kabhi nahi dekhi thi,” she said, her voice tinged with emotion. (“Yes, truly. I’ve never seen this kind of peace on Aadish’s face before.”)

They both stood there for a moment longer, letting the quiet beauty of the scene settle in their hearts, before gently stepping back to let the two rest a little longer.

Ansh, who typically wasn’t the type to openly express his emotions, stood there silently admiring the peaceful scene in front of him. His hand gently clasped Revti’s, and he couldn’t help but smile, his heart filled with warmth.

"Inhone toh hume humari shaadi ke pehle din ki yaad dila di, biwi sahiba..." he said softly, looking at Aadish and Avantika with a mix of admiration and affection. (“They’ve made me remember the day before our wedding, my dear wife.”)

With that, he leaned in and kissed Revti on her temple, the gesture filled with deep affection.

Revti, her heart swelling with emotion, responded with a soft chuckle. “Bas, ye aise hi humesha saath rahe, hukum...” she said, her eyes reflecting the warmth of the bond between them. (“Just like this, may they always stay together, my command.”)

Ansh’s expression softened, a knowing smile tugging at the corner of his lips as he replied, “Biwi, ye ek dusre mein pure lagte hain... Humare is gadhe bete ko bhi kabhi pyaar hoga, ye socha na tha humne...” (“Wife, they seem complete in each other... We never thought our foolish son would ever experience love, did we?”)

As the two of them stood at a distance from the bed, their conversation continued in the quiet morning light, their love for their family was palpable, but their thoughts now resting on the unspoken future and the changing dynamics of their loved ones.

The soft whispers from Revti and Ansh or perhaps the discomfort in her legs caused Avantika to slowly open her eyes. Realizing their presence, she quickly composed herself and wished them, "Good... good... gooood morning."

As she completed her sentence, her gaze fell on Aadish, who was still peacefully resting on her lap. The realization of the scene made her feel utterly embarrassed.

Revti, noticing her flustered expression, burst into laughter. Avantika’s awkwardness only added to her amusement.

Ansh, observing the moment, gently asked Revti to leave with him, but she refused. With a slight shake of his head, Ansh left the room, leaving Revti behind.

As Revti’s laughter echoed through the room, Aadish stirred slightly, pressing himself closer to Avantika’s waist. In a sleepy voice, he mumbled, "Biwi… mat jao na..."

Avantika’s eyes widened in surprise, and she leaned down to softly whisper in his ear, "Mr. R, maa hai…"

Without opening his eyes, Aadish lazily replied, "Haan, mai hoon na… woh soye honge. Ab aap bhi so jao."

Before Avantika could respond, Revti stepped closer, holding Aadish’s ear gently but firmly. “Beta, uth ja ab. Janti hoon dil-o-dimaag se toh tu biwi maan chuka hai meri beti ko. Ab humare liye shaadi bhi kar le," she teased while lightly twisting his ear. (“Son, wake up now. I know you’ve already accepted my daughter as your wife in your heart and mind. Now get married for us too.”)

Still half-asleep and shamelessly cheeky, Aadish replied, "Ji maasa," before relaxing again.

But as a moment passed, and he slowly awakened from his beauty sleep, realization hit him like a bolt of lightning. His face turned beet red, and without daring to look at anyone, he shot up from Avantika’s lap and darted straight into the bathroom, shutting the door behind him with a bang.

Revti chuckled, crossing her arms as she turned to Avantika, who sat there equally flustered, unsure of what to say.

While Avantika tried her hardest to suppress her laughter, her cheeks flushed crimson as she battled the embarrassment washing over her. She instinctively lowered her gaze, attempting to hide her face behind her hands, but the warmth on her face betrayed her emotions.

The sheer absurdity of the situation, combined with the fact that it was only the start of their married life, made it all the more overwhelming. She stole a quick glance at Revti, who was still smiling knowingly, only to bury her face further into her hands, silently wishing the ground would swallow her whole.

SUkriya ji 😌

Love you all ❤️