Abhimanyu gently laid Misha on the bed, her fragile frame sinking into the soft mattress. Her breaths were shallow, her exhaustion evident as she remained too weak to even move. He crouched beside her, his fingers brushing tenderly through her hair, the gesture uncharacteristically soft for someone as stoic as him. His sharp features softened as his eyes scanned her pale, fatigued face.
"Is she really this shaken by that nightmare?" Abhimanyu mumbled under his breath, his brows knitting in worry. A heavy sigh escaped his lips, and his expression hardened as he stood up, his usual cold demeanor returning. Without another glance at Misha, he turned and exited the room, only to find the entire family waiting outside.
"Abhimanyu beta, how is Misha? What happened to her?" Dadi Ma's voice trembled with concern, her hands clutching the edge of her shawl. Her eyes were filled with worry as she sought answers.
Abhimanyu let out another sigh, his gaze flickering over the rest of the family members. His voice was sharp, carrying a weight of frustration. "What happened to her? Why does she look so exhausted?"
Everyone exchanged uneasy glances, and Arthi stepped forward hesitantly. Her eyes darted nervously before she finally spoke, her voice barely above a whisper. "M-Misha Di hasnât eaten since yesterday noon..."
Abhimanyuâs eyes widened in disbelief, the shock quickly replaced by a simmering anger that flared to life. "And none of you cared to make sure she ate?!" His voice thundered, the accusation striking hard as his piercing gaze bore into Arthi. She flinched, her shoulders shrinking under the weight of his anger.
Before she could respond, a calm but commanding voice cut through the tension.
"Lower your tone, Bhai." Aranv stepped forward, his demeanor composed but resolute. His dark eyes locked with Abhimanyuâs, unyielding and steady. The room fell silent, the weight of his words heavy in the air.
Abhimanyuâs glare sharpened, but Aranv remained unfazed, his voice lowering into a cold, deliberate tone. "I care about my wife too, just as much as you care about Misha bhabhi. She doesnât like raised voices-neither do I. So, watch your tone."
The air crackled with tension as everyone stared at Aranv, their expressions a mix of astonishment and apprehension. Even Arthiâs eyes widened slightly, her face unreadable as she blinked at him.
Abhimanyu clenched his jaw, the flicker of defiance in his eyes dimming as he let out a heavy sigh and turned on his heel, walking away without another word.
Aranvâs gaze shifted to Arthi, who stared at him with a calm but searching expression. Without breaking his stride, he walked past her, his face as unreadable as hers.
Dadi Ma exchanged a glance with Dada Ji before they and the others quietly entered Mishaâs room. The sight of her pale, fragile figure lying motionless on the bed struck them all with a pang of guilt.
Misha sat on the bed, her knees drawn to her chest as her head leaned back against the headboard. Every family member had come by to scold her gently, urging her not to skip meals. They spoke of her fatigue, attributing her pale face and weariness to physical exhaustion. But none of them understood the truth. It wasnât her body that ached-it was her heart.
It was him. Aadhiran.
The thought of him brought a flicker of fear to her already troubled mind. His presence loomed in her thoughts, making her question her actions, her words, and even herself. Her chest tightened as she remembered shouting at Abhimanyu earlier. The memory filled her with regret, not because she raised her voice at him, but because she felt she had wasted her energy.
He never listens. He doesnât care.
Yet, as her mind raced, a sharper, more painful memory surfaced-the sight of Abhimanyu with an injury on his forehead. Her heart had nearly stopped at that moment. She didnât know what she wouldâve done if something had happened to him.
Misha⦠do you like him? Her inner voice whispered, interrupting her chaotic thoughts.
Misha blinked, startled by the question. Her lips parted in hesitation. "Does it even matter?" she muttered softly, her face a blend of exhaustion and bitterness. "Does it matter to him?"
It matters to you, doesnât it? The voice prodded again, its tone teasing.
A bitter chuckle escaped her lips. "Like him?....." Her voice wavered, laced with a mix of frustration and sadness. "Itâs not just liking him,in fact......" She stopped abruptly, her words dying on her tongue. She knew if she said more, it would expose her vulnerable truth-a truth that she was too afraid to admit.
Lost in thought, Misha didnât notice the door creak open until the faint sound of footsteps drew her attention. She glanced briefly before looking away, her eyes finding refuge in the view beyond the balcony.
Abhimanyu entered the room, holding a plate of food. His eyes immediately sought her, taking in her fragile form curled up against the bed. She hadnât even acknowledged his presence, her gaze fixed on the world outside. His jaw tightened, but he forced a sigh and walked over, sitting beside her.
He cleared his throat, hoping to draw her attention. "Misha," he called softly.
She didnât budge.
"MRS. RATHORE," he tried again, his tone slightly firmer.
Still, she didnât turn, her stubborn silence testing his patience. Another sigh escaped him, this one heavier, his frustration barely contained.
"If you donât want to talk to me, fine. Donât talk." His voice dropped, cold and distant. "But at least eat." He raised the plate, holding it out to her.
"I donât want it," Misha replied curtly, her voice matching his in frostiness.
Abhimanyuâs lips pressed into a thin line, his eyes darkening. "You havenât eaten anything since yesterday noon, Misha. Eat now." He tried to sound calm, though the strain in his voice was evident.
"I said I donât want it. Whether I eat or not is none of your concern," she snapped, still avoiding his gaze.
And that was it. His patience snapped.
"Donât be stubborn, Misha," he said sharply, his voice laced with a rare edge. "Eat. Now."
Misha turned toward him, her irritation boiling over. "Donât you hear me? I said-" Her voice faltered, catching in her throat as her eyes locked onto his.
Abhimanyuâs glare was piercing, his simmering anger unmistakable. His tone lowered dangerously, sending a shiver down her spine. "Are you going to eat by yourself, or do I have to make you eat my way?"
Misha swallowed hard, her defiance crumbling under his intense gaze. Reluctantly, she took the plate from his hands, her fingers trembling slightly. The aroma of the warm food hit her, and as her stomach growled audibly, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. Abhimanyu arched an eyebrow but said nothing, watching her intently.
Under his scrutinizing gaze, she began eating, each bite mechanical and hesitant. When she finally finished, she glanced up at him, only to find his eyes still fixed on her. The intensity in his stare made her heart race, but before she could say anything, he leaned forward slightly.
Misha instinctively leaned back, her eyes widening in surprise. But Abhimanyuâs expression didnât waver. His hand reached out, his thumb brushing the corner of her lips to wipe away a stray grain of rice. The small, unexpected gesture sent a jolt through her as their eyes met, locking in an unspoken exchange.
Abhimanyuâs hand retreated as he stood up, his face once again unreadable. "Rest now," he said, his tone cool and detached as he picked up the plate and walked out without another word.
Misha exhaled shakily, her gaze following him until the door clicked shut. Left alone, her thoughts began spiraling again, pulling her deeper into the whirlpool of emotions she couldnât seem to escape.
Isha and Aavyan stood hidden near Abhimanyuâs room, both pressed against the wall as they strained their ears to hear the muffled voices from within. Aavyan stood in front, acting as a shield, while Isha nervously peeked from behind him. The sound of footsteps echoed from the corridor, growing closer with every second.
In a panicked rush, Isha shoved Aavyan forward and darted away without thinking. Aavyan stumbled, barely catching himself before falling face-first to the floor. âIsha!â he hissed under his breath, straightening himself quickly. He glanced over his shoulder in frustration, then bolted after her, muttering curses about her recklessness.
Moments later, Isha reached the hall, her chest heaving as she caught her breath. She leaned against a pillar, only for Aavyan to storm in behind her. He glanced around to ensure they were alone before glaring at her. Without a word, he flicked her forehead sharply.
"Ow!" Isha yelped, clutching her head. "What was that for, you stupid monkey?" She glared at him.
"Stupid monkey?" Aavyan shot back, his voice laced with irritation. "Why did you push me, huh? I nearly fell on my face!"
"I was in a hurry, okay?" Isha replied, crossing her arms in mock defense.
"Hurry for what?" Aavyan said, raising an eyebrow. "Who told you to eavesdrop on them in the first place?" Isha glared at him.
"And what about you?" Isha fired back, narrowing her eyes. "Were you cleaning the floor near the door? No! You were eavesdropping just like me." Isha said crossing her arms.
Aavyan coughed awkwardly, avoiding her accusing gaze. "Thatâs beside the point," he muttered under his breath.
Isha smirked at his reaction but quickly leaned closer, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Anyway, did you see how our brothers were acting?" she whispered, her tone filled with intrigue.
Aavyan sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Theyâre both acting like manav now before this they were beast," he muttered.
Isha nodded fervently. "But Misha Bhabhi-Iâve never seen her that angry before! What do you think happened?" Isha said with wide eyes.
"Well, what did you expect?"Aavyan said, rolling his eyes. "Bhai was hurt. You think Bhabhi would throw a party to celebrate?" His tone dripped with sarcasm.
Isha huffed, crossing her arms. "Youâre impossible." Aavyan chuckled.
Aavyan smirked, his playful side taking over. "I donât know what kind of miracle your future husband will need to survive with you," he teased, his grin widening.
Ishaâs jaw dropped in offense. "Excuse me?" Isha eyes narrowed at Aavyan with offend
"Adithya," Aavyan continued dramatically, clasping his hands in mock prayer, "may the universe bless him with the strength to endure his fate." Aavyan said with tease
Ishaâs eyes flashed with indignation. "Aavyan!" she shrieked, slapping his arm.
Aavyan burst into laughter, darting away. "Iâll be the happiest man alive when you finally get married and leave this house!" he called out over his shoulder.
"Oh, really?"Isha shot back, chasing after him. "Who said Iâm leaving, huh? Iâm staying right here to torture you, Bander Bhai!" Isha said as Aavyan chuckled.
Aavyan laughed harder, glancing back at her. "This house will finally be peaceful when you leave, meri maa! Go find your Adithya and leave me alone!" Aavyan chuckled.
The teasing smile slipped from his face as he noticed Ishaâs expression falter. She stopped in her tracks, her face clouded with sadness as she looked at him with wide, hurt eyes.
Aavyan immediately froze, guilt flooding him. "Ishaâ¦.."he began, his tone softening. He stepped closer, his hands raised in apology. "I didnât mean it like that. I was just joking, yaar." Aavyan tone was full of regret.
Isha looked down, refusing to meet his gaze.
"Alright, alright, I apologize," Aavyan said earnestly, his voice gentle as he tried to coax a response. "Really, Isha, I-". Aavyan was cutted off.
His words stopped abruptly as cold water splashed onto his face. He stood frozen for a moment, water dripping from his hair and clothes. Slowly, he wiped his face with his sleeve and glared at Isha, who stood grinning mischievously, holding an empty glass.
"I told you not to provoke me, didnât I?" she said, her laughter ringing through the hall.
"Isha," Aavyan growled through gritted teeth, his irritation reaching its peak.
"Yes, thatâs me," Isha chirped innocently. "Any problem, sir?" Isha asked with chuckles.
Aavyan clenched his fists, his eyes narrowing. "Iâm not leaving you today, stupid!" he roared, taking a step forward.
Isha yelped and darted away, giggling uncontrollably. Just as Aavyan was about to give chase, he spotted Hrudhay entering the hall. Aavyan sighed in exasperation, muttering curses under his breath as he turned in the opposite direction, vowing to settle the score later.
All of you.
I apologise
"I understand that this chapter might feel a bit quieter, but I promise the upcoming chapters will be filled with excitement and much more engaging. Thank you for your patience!"
Have a Great Day