Abhimanyu stood in the lobby, lost in deep thought after his morning workout. His mind was elsewhere, far from the familiar hustle of the house. Meanwhile, Aavyan was still at the gym, completing his intense routine, and Aranv-who usually preferred working out in his private gym-had unexpectedly joined them in the common gym today.
"Bhai! What a surprise to see you here," Aavyan said, finishing his last set and grabbing a towel to wipe his sweat.
Aranv raised an eyebrow at his younger brother's tone. "Why? Canât I come here? Or have you two set some secret rule that bans me from entering?" he replied, his voice laced with sarcasm.
Aavyan chuckled. "Of course, Bhai, you can come here. No oneâs stopping you," he said, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "But rules? Bhai, letâs not forget youâre the one who sets rules for everything around here."
The sarcasm didnât go unnoticed. Aranvâs sharp gaze landed on Aavyan, his glare enough to make anyone pause. "Exactly," Aranv shot back, his tone matching Aavyanâs. "And hereâs a new rule: Your work hours will now be extended."
Aavyan froze mid-motion, his eyes widening in disbelief. "Bhai, thatâs not fair!" he exclaimed, annoyance clear in his voice. But Aranv had already dismissed him, walking toward Abhimanyu with a purposeful stride.
"Abhi, the issue with the perfume branch has been settled," Aranv began, his tone shifting to businesslike. "But we need to ensure it doesnât happen again. I think we should talk to Ekansh personally."
Abhimanyu, however, remained silent, his posture unmoving. His gaze was distant, as though he hadnât even registered Aranvâs words.
"And about the new project," Aranv continued, frowning slightly, "itâs critical for the company. We should discussâ"
Realizing he wasnât getting any response, Aranv sighed in frustration. Aavyan, who had been observing the interaction from the side, frowned as well.
"Bhai," Aranv called again, his voice firmer this time. Still, Abhimanyu didnât react. Exchanging a glance with Aavyan, Aranv gestured for him to try.
Aavyan hesitated but eventually tapped Abhimanyu on the shoulder.
"Iâm listening," Abhimanyu finally said, his voice low, though he didnât turn to face them.
Aranvâs frown deepened. "Abhi Bhai, is something wrong?" He know something is wrong.
Abhimanyu took a deep breath before finally turning toward them. "Aranv, take care of everything for now. Whatever the company needs, handle it," he said, his tone calm but firm. "I might not be able to focus for a few days."
Aranvâs sharp eyes softened as he studied his elder brother. He didnât press for details, understanding unspoken emotions as only he could. "Just for a few days," Abhimanyu added, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Then Iâll take everything back into my hands."
Aranv nodded in agreement, and Abhimanyu walked out, leaving Aavyan looking thoroughly puzzled.
"Whatâs gotten into him?" Aavyan asked, scratching his head as he and Aranv left the gym together.
Aranv remained silent, his thoughts clearly elsewhere.
"Is it some unwritten rule among you three to act all mysterious once a week?" Aavyan asked, his tone laced with annoyance.
Aranv shot him a warning glance but said nothing.
"Forget about Ekansh Bhai-heâs still single and normal," Aavyan continued, his words dripping with mockery. "But you and Abhimanyu Bhai? Even after getting married, I thought you two would soften up a bit. Guess I was wrong. Youâre both like living, breathing icebergs." He chuckled to himself.
He sighed dramatically, pausing in the hallway for added effect. "I pity my poor bhabhis. How do they even manage to live with you two? It must feel like being married to two walking icebergs and also It must feel like being trapped in Antarctica!" Aavyan tsk with disappointment.
Aranv stopped abruptly, his expression unreadable as he turned to face Aavyan.
"Add another rule," Aranv said, his voice casual yet authoritative. "From now on, youâll work overnight, handle the new project, and work through the weekend to make up for losing the Mehta project to the Roy Group." Arnav tone left no room for arugument.
Aavyan froze, his mouth hanging open in shock. "What?! Bhai, thatâs-" he tried to protest.
But Aranv was already heading upstairs, leaving his younger brother standing in disbelief. Aavyan groaned, rubbing his face.
"Great," he muttered under his breath. "Next time, Iâll just keep my mouth shut." And he slumped to bear sofa with regret.
Aavyan sat frozen, disbelief written all over his face. For the first time, he regretted not keeping his mouth shut.
Isha leaned against the doorframe, her sharp eyes scanning Arthi from head to toe. Arthi stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the pleats of her mist-shaded saree, the soft, ethereal fabric perfectly complementing her natural elegance. She fiddled with her earrings nervously, sneaking glances at Isha, who seemed to be inspecting her like a jeweler appraising a rare gem.
"Isha, how do I look?" Arthi finally asked, breaking the silence. Her voice held a tinge of expectation and worry as she turned to face Isha fully. "Youâve been staring at me for ages now. Say something!"
Isha sighed dramatically, stepping closer with an air of authority. "Bhabhi, you look like a night snowfall-soft, serene, and absolutely stunning," she declared, her tone brimming with excitement.
Relief washed over Arthiâs face as she smiled. "Thank goodness. I thought youâd find some mistake in my dressing!" She sighed.
"Bhabhi, Iâm so proud of you," Isha said suddenly, her eyes lighting up with admiration. "The way you handled Bhai last night-wow! When you told me how you stood your ground, I thought, âThatâs my Bhabhi!" She beamed with pride, and Arthi couldnât help but chuckle.
"All thanks to your guidance, Miss Isha Rathore," Arthi replied playfully, pinching Ishaâs cheek.
"Guidance? Bhabhi, you were better than I could ever teach you," Isha said with a grin, shaking her head.
"Well," Isha added, her tone turning mischievous, "Bhai better have learned his lesson. Next time, he wonât dare raise his voice at you."
Arthi chuckled softly but then her expression turned serious. "Isha, Aranv Ji wonât be angry with me again, right? What if he gets upset with me like last time?" she asked, her voice tinged with genuine fear.
Isha rolled her eyes and crossed her arms, her expression one of exaggerated exasperation. "Bhabhi, youâre his wife! He should be scared of you, not the other way around," she said firmly.
Arthi looked at her, still unsure. "But-" Isha cut her off in between.
"No buts!" Isha interrupted, pointing a finger at her. "He deserved to be put in his place, and you did the right thing. Donât worry; he wonât be angry again. Trust me, Bhabhi."
Arthi sighed softly, her worry easing a little as Isha flashed her a reassuring smile.
As they walked down to the hall together, Isha kept talking, her tone a mix of playful mischief and serious advice. "Now, listen to me carefully. Donât forgive Bhai too easily, okay?"
Arthi frowned, glancing at Isha. "Why not?"
Isha slapped her forehead dramatically. "Bhagwan ji, how will I make this Bhabhi understand?" she muttered under her breath. Turning back to Arthi, she explained, "Bhabhi, if you forgive him too easily, whatâs the point of all this? He needs to learn his lesson!"
Arthi still looked confused. "Isha, I donât understand. I already told him Iâd think about forgiving him if he takes me out today." Her voice was soft, almost hesitant.
Isha sighed, shaking her head as though dealing with a hopeless case. "Bhabhi, if you forgive him so quickly, heâll forget the whole thing! You need to make sure he remembers not to do it again. Trust me on this."
Arthi blinked, surprised by Ishaâs logic. "Youâre..... not wrong," she admitted slowly, her tone tinged with a mix of shock and realization.
"Exactly!" Isha said, her excitement returning. "Now, donât forgive him easily. Let him work for it!"
Arthi nodded hesitantly, and Ishaâs grin widened.
"Bhai should be desperate for your forgiveness, Bhabhi," Isha said, her tone playful but her words carrying a hint of seriousness. "Let him sweat it out a little."
Arthi couldnât help but smile, finally seeing Ishaâs point. "Alright," she said softly, nodding again.
Satisfied, Isha began listing out more strategies to make Aranv realize his mistake, her voice animated as they stood in the hall. For the first time, Arthi felt a flicker of confidence about handling her husband-and it was all thanks to her sister-in-lawâs relentless determination.
Misha walked toward them, her face clouded with worry. As she approached, she saw Arthi and Isha chatting and laughing together. The carefree scene eased her tension momentarily, but the message from Aadhiran still weighed on her mind which is wanted tell to Arthi but this moment won't let her. When Misha reached them, her hesitation was evident, and Arthiâs smile faltered as she noticed her demeanor.
"Whatâs going on?" Misha asked with a smile that didnât quite hide her unease.
Isha, ever the mischief-maker, grinned slyly. "Well, Misha Bhabhi, Arthi Bhabhi is going out today with Aranv Bhai, and as the dutiful sister-in-law, Iâm just giving her some helpful advice," she said, her tone dripping with mischief. Arthi rolled her eyes but couldnât help smiling at Ishaâs antics. Misha, catching the playful mood, relaxed and let out a wide smile.
"Oh, I see," Misha said in a teasing tone, her earlier worry slipping away. Arthi blushed at Mishaâs knowing look, while Isha continued detailing her elaborate plans with a conspiratorial glint in her eyes. Misha listened intently, nodding along.
"I think Ishaâs right, Arthi. You shouldnât forgive him so easily," Misha said with a mischievous glint of her own. "Make him work for it."
Ishaâs face lit up with pride, thrilled that Misha was backing her up. "Exactly! Why let him off the hook so easily?" she added, crossing her arms smugly.
Arthi sighed, caught between amusement and exasperation. "Alright, alright. How could I possibly say no to my sister-in-law and my sister?" she said, her tone resigned but affectionate. Despite being her sister-in-law, Misha felt more like a sister to Arthi, and the bond they shared was unmistakable.
Misha and Isha chuckled at her response, their laughter echoing softly in the room.
As they spoke, the sound of footsteps drew their attention. Aranv appeared at the top of the stairs, descending with his usual confident stride. Isha immediately nudged Arthi, who turned to look at him, her smile brightening instinctively. She took a step toward him, but Misha and Isha quickly grabbed her arms, holding her back.
"Donât make it easy for him," Misha whispered, her tone low but firm. Arthi glanced at her, then nodded, her expression turning serious.
Isha gave her a thumbs-up before dragging Misha to a nearby spot where they could hide and watch the scene unfold.
Arthi took a deep breath, her heart fluttering at the sight of Aranv. Yet, she straightened her shoulders, determination hardening her gaze. If her sisters insisted she make him earn her forgiveness, she wasnât going to disappoint them. Meanwhile, Misha and Isha exchanged excited glances, ready to witness their plan in action.
Aranv descended the stairs, his fingers deftly adjusting the cuff of his wrist sleeve. His steps slowed as his gaze landed on a figure standing at the bottom of the staircase. She was dressed in a lime-green saree, the soft fabric draping her form elegantly. Aranvâs eyes traveled upward, taking in her posture-rigid, with an air of annoyance etched into her expression. Her bold act of anger was almost convincing, but Aranv could sense the underlying vulnerability she was trying to mask.
For a moment, he was mesmerized. The way the soft light reflected off her saree, the delicate earrings that framed her face, and the fire in her eyes made his breath hitch. Clearing his throat, he broke the spell, his lips curling into a teasing smile.
"Sweetheart, looks like someone is all ready for our little outing," he drawled, his tone light and playful.
Arthiâs eyes narrowed, her expression hardening. She had been waiting for him to say something about how she looked, perhaps a compliment, but no-here he was, teasing her as if it were a game. Her lips pressed into a thin line, her irritation bubbling beneath the surface. Does he even know how to tease properly? she thought with exasperation.
Aranv noticed her sigh, the subtle shift in her demeanor. He knew exactly what she was waiting for, but he wasnât about to give her the satisfaction so easily.
"Shall we leave now, sweetheart?" he asked, his tone calm, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
Arthiâs frown deepened. Her mind raced. Is he not going to say anything? Donât I look good? The question echoed in her thoughts, and her heart sank a little. She had spent extra time choosing this saree, perfecting every detail, and yet here he was, acting as if he hadnât noticed at all.
"Alright then, letâs go," Aranv said with a smirk, brushing past her without another glance.
Arthi stood frozen, her shoulders sagging slightly as disappointment crept in. Her lips formed a small pout as she glanced down at herself, smoothing the fabric of her saree. Did I pick the wrong outfit? Is something wrong with how I look? she wondered, her fingers fidgeting with her bangles.
"Sweetheart," Aranv called casually from the doorway, his voice laced with feigned impatience. "What are you doing? Donât you want to go? Come on now, be quick."
Startled, Arthi looked up and met his gaze. There was something about his tone-too casual, too controlled. She nodded, brushing away her insecurities, and walked toward him, her steps quick and determined. But Aranv noticed the slight flush on her cheeks, the glint of frustration in her eyes, and he had to suppress a grin. He knew exactly what she was thinking, what she wanted, but he wasnât about to give in so easily.
As she approached, he smirked inwardly, pleased with his little game. He turned and led the way out of the mansion, where the driver was already waiting beside the car.
"Sir," the driver greeted, opening the door.
"Iâll drive myself," Aranv said curtly, his voice cold and commanding. The driver hesitated for a moment before stepping back with a nod.
Arthi slid into the passenger seat, her movements stiff, her annoyance still evident. Aranv walked around to the driverâs side and got in, the leather seat creaking slightly as he settled. Starting the car, he stole a glance at her from the corner of his eye. Her arms were crossed, her gaze fixed firmly out the window, but the slight twitch of her lips betrayed her irritation.
The car pulled away from the mansion, the hum of the engine filling the silence. Aranv smirked to himself, his fingers gripping the wheel. He knew her too well-she was overthinking, wondering why he hadnât said anything about her appearance. And he was enjoying every second of it.
"Not yet, sweetheart. Youâll have to wait", he thought, the corners of his mouth curling into a subtle grin.
All of you
This chapter may be short, but the next one will be the longest yet!
What do you think of Aavyan's punishment?
Will Arthi forgive Aranv after their outing?
And finally, will Abhimanyu ji ever give their marriage a chance?
What about Aadhiran?
ShrimaaShrivastava Thank You Dear Reader, and best of luck for your exam and I wish that result to be great
Hayden_04 Abhimanyu Will Grovel more than anyone so don't worry dear,
teddybearsmile I do have Insta ID
Its Bluewrites7
I havenât uploaded reels for this story due to low interest, and I don't have many followers, but I can start if youâd like!
Have a great day