Chapter-23

Thank you for completing target..😘💗 Here is the long chapter.....

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The late morning sun streamed through the slightly parted curtains, casting a warm glow across the room. Abhimanyu stood at the foot of the bed, a soft smile tugging at his lips as he watched Aarushi, her chestnut hair splayed across the pillow like a halo. He was glad that she was sleeping peacefully without any distress .

She looked peaceful, lost in a dream, but he knew it was time to wake her.

He reached out gently, brushing a lock of hair from her face.

"Baby,"he whispered, his voice low and soothing. "It's time to wake up."

She stirred slightly but didn't open her eyes, a soft moan escaping her lips.

Abhimanyu chuckled softly, knowing that she loved her sleep a lot. "Come on, sweetheart. You need to eat something."

Aarushi's eyes flew open, and she blinked, momentarily disoriented. When she glanced at the clock, her heart dropped. "Shit! I'm going to be late for work!"she exclaimed, throwing the covers off and attempting to sit up quickly.

Abhimanyu's hand shot out to gently stop her. "Hold on there....Today is Sunday, love. Just relax."

Aarushi paused, her breath hitching as she processed his words. The tension in her shoulders eased, and she let out a relieved sigh, sinking back against the pillows.

"Oh, thank God. I thought I'd slept through the week." Just as she settled, a sudden cramp hit her, and she grimaced, clutching her abdomen.

Abhimanyu noticed and his expression shifted to concern. "I talked to a gynecologist ,she suggested a safest painkiller if you can't able to endure pain, otherwise that oil will work. Freshen up and have some breakfast. After that if you want you can take one painkiller"

Aarushi smiled a little at his concern but suddenly she remembered about other family members, she bit her lip, anxiety creeping back in. "Did anyone say anything? Are they angry with me for sleeping in?" Her mother always used to taunt her saying that she couldn't sleep late like this after marriage, it's not good for a daughter in law to act reckless.

"Why would anyone be angry at you?" he replied, caressing her hand gently. "You need to sleep you will sleep ,it's your wish and I already told Badi Ma that you weren't feeling well. Or waise bhi meri jaan ko koi kuch bol hi nahi sakta "

Her heart warmed at his words, and she offered him a grateful smile before heading to the bathroom. The sound of water splashing against the tiles filled the air as she took a quick shower, the steam enveloping her in a comforting cocoon. After twenty minutes, she stepped out, feeling refreshed but still a bit vulnerable.

As she emerged, she spotted Abhimanyu setting the food on table, a plate of food carefully arranged before him. The sight made her heart flutter.

He looked up and smiled, his eyes brightening at her presence. "There you are! Come and eat."

Aarushi walked over to him, her smile growing as she took in the breakfast spread. "Did you eat yet?"Abhimanyu nodded her head at her.

"Did you have something else with coffee or not?" she asked again, as she knew that he doesn't take anything else with coffee. She already ordered him to have proper breakfast, but what if he didn't listen to her today as she was not there to check?

"Yes I had sandwiches" Abhimanyu replied with a proud tone.

"Good boy " she replied, settling into her chair. He chuckled softly as he watched her eat, her brow furrowing in concentration.

Aarushi finished her food and said in warm and teasing  "By the way thank you so much for helping me yesterday my dear bad man. I really slept peacefully without any pain"

At her teasing tone Abhimanyu felt a blush creeping up his cheeks, and he quickly averted his gaze, trying to hide his embarrassment.

Aarushi giggled, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "You can blush in front of me, you know. You don't need to hide your face."

"I'm not blushing!" he protested, but his tone lacked conviction. He passed her a tissue to wipe her hands. She was going to tease him again but suddenly Abhimanyu's phone rang, and he stepped out onto the balcony to take the call.

Aarushi watched him go, her thoughts wandering. She took a moment to gather her thoughts, the breakfast lingering on her tongue, but her heart felt restless. He was making her feel thousands of emotions. She can't able to convince her that she still hates him.

She took a deep breath and looked around thinking what she should do now . Suddenly she got an idea, and she also went towards the balcony.

She took some steps forward and noticed Abhimanyu leaning against the railing, he was deep in conversation, his brow slightly furrowed.

She made her way towards him and stood beside him, a cheeky grin spreading across her face.  Abhimanyu noticed her presence and he glanced over, the corners of his mouth lifting in as he noticed her grinning.

As he resumed his conversation, Aarushi smiled mischievously and slowly lifted her hand, placing it softly atop his where it rested on the railing.

The contact sent a jolt through Abhimanyu, and he faltered mid-sentence, his breath catching.She sensually started caressing his hand , goosebumps erupted along his skin as he felt her caress.

He opened his mouth to speak but couldn't find the words. The world around them faded, the distant sounds of the city muted, and all he could focus on was her touch. Aarushi caught his gaze, a playful smile breaking across her lips, and he found himself lost in her eyes. He gulped looking at her.

He was looking flustered. She was able to hear a voice from the other side of the phone, but Abhimanyu was not saying anything.

Suddenly, Abhimanyu cut the call, tossing his phone onto the nearby couch without a second thought.

Aarushi's eyes widened in surprise as he turned to face her, stepping closer with a confident smirk. Aarushi started walking backward till she was pressed against the wall.

Abhimanyu stopped an inch away from her, making sure not to make her uncomfortable , but he didn't know that she never felt uncomfortable near him.

Now she was looking flustered. "Are you seducing me baby " Abhimanyu asked , his voice dropping to a husky whisper.

Aarushi's breath hitched, and her cheeks flushed crimson. She shook her head ,not believing her voice .Her heart was already racing at the intensity of his gaze and their proximity.

"Use your words, jaan," Abhimanyu urged, leaning in closer, the air thick with unspoken tension.

She gulped, the heat rising in her cheeks. "No–no i was j–just teasing you"she managed to say, her voice barely above a whisper.

He raised her brows at her and she again said stuttering "I wa–s just playing around"

Abhimanyu chuckled, the sound low and inviting. "You should be careful playing with fire, love. It can harm you."

"I know this fire won't harm me," she replied, her voice steadier now, matching his intensity with a hint of boldness.She has already started trusting him.

Abhimanyu chuckled softly, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Oh, but this fire can make you do some nasty things . Do you want to know how?"

Aarushi eyes widened, understanding the real meaning behind his words. "N–No, I was just teasing you...Shut up," she squeaked, pushing him playfully and darting back inside the room.

Abhimanyu chuckled as he watched her running inside the room. He leaned against the wall, a mixture of emotions flooding through him.

He couldn't help but smile, his heart racing as he recalled the way she had looked at him, the way her hand felt against his. The playfulness, the allure-it all danced in the air around them, intoxicating and thrilling.

He raised his head, catching sight of Aarushi as she was peeking behind the glass slides. Abhimanyu looked at her and raised his hand smiling softly and placed a gentle kiss on the spot where her hand rested.

Aarushi's breath caught in her throat, her heart racing . She closed her mouth and locked the balcony door with force.

The tension between them was palpable, a delicate balance of  something deeper, something that pulsed just beneath the surface, waiting to break free.

In evening ~

Aarushi sat cross-legged on the living room floor, surrounded by youngers and Abhimanyu's cousins.The laughter of children echoed through the air, a lightness that filled the space with joy.

Today, Abhimanyu's bua had brought her children to visit, and the elders were away at the temple, leaving the younger generation to entertain themselves.

Navya, ever the instigator, leaned forward, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Let’s play truth or dare!" she declared, her voice bubbling with excitement.

Aaryan, scrunched his face in distaste. "Ugh, not that boring game again."

But the protests were short-lived as everyone began to murmur in agreement. Aaryan shrugged, a sly grin spreading across his face. "Where’s bhai? Let's call him; it will be fun"

Vivaan shook her head, rolling her eyes. "You known na he won’t come. Bhai doesn’t play games like this."

"Yeah, I know," Aaryan replied, his tone turning conspiratorial. "But if bhabhi asks him, he might."

Everyone knew Abhimanyu, that's why they never asked him to join them, but now something is different; their bhabhi is here to help them.

Aarushi feigned indifference, shaking her head. "No way. I am not calling him ,He’s in his study, busy with work." She didn't want to disturb him more as he was already taking care of her from the morning.

A chorus of playful pleas erupted around her, everyone urging her to convince Abhimanyu.

Just as Aarushi was about to dismiss them again,  Abhimanyu stepped into the living room, his presence commanding immediate attention. He brushed a hand through his hair, the tiredness in his eyes softening when he spotted Aarushi.

"You okay?" he asked, settling next to her on the sofa.Aarushi nodded, her heart fluttering. The room buzzed with anticipation as everyone gestured at her, their eyes wide with expectation.

She shook her head slightly, but they wouldn’t relent. Soon, she found herself turning toward Abhimanyu, her voice soft yet clear. "Everyone is going to play truth and dare. Would you like to join us?"

He raised an eyebrow, scanning the eager faces around them. "You want me to play?"

"Of course!" she beamed, her enthusiasm contagious."Okay then, As your wish" he said without hesitation, surprising everyone in the room.

A ripple of shock passed through the group; they all knew how reserved Abhimanyu was. Aarushi’s smile widened, and she shot a playful look at her cousins, who were now grinning from ear to ear.

In a flurry of excitement, they all shuffled outside into the garden, spreading out on a colorful mat beneath the shade of a large tree. The air was filled with the scent of blooming flowers, and laughter danced through the branches.

Abhimanyu settled beside Aarushi, their shoulders almost touching. As the group began discussing rules, Abhimanyu’s attention was solely on Aarushi. He noticed her slight wince as she shifted, trying to ease an ache in her back.

Without thinking, he placed a gentle hand on her lower back, applying a light pressure. Aarushi froze, wide-eyed, her heart racing. She glanced around, ensuring no one had noticed. “What are you doing?” she whispered, but Abhimanyu simply shrugged, his fingers continuing their soothing motion.

"It looks like you need it,"he replied, his voice low and calm.She shook her head, shifting again to subtly signal him to stop. But deep down, the warmth radiating from his hand felt good, and she didn’t want to push him away.

After a moment, she returned to the conversation, trying to ignore the fluttering feelings in her stomach.

"Alright, let’s get started!" Navya announced, clapping her hands together. "Aaryan, you’re first!"

As the game commenced, the rules were laid out: each person would take turns spinning a bottle. The person it pointed to would have to choose either truth or dare. Aaryan spun the bottle with a flourish, and it slowed to a stop, pointing directly at Vivaan.

"Truth or dare?"Navya asked, her eyes gleaming with mischief. Vivaan chuckled, brushing his hair back. "Dare."

"I dare you to eat a spoonful of mustard with vinegar !"Navya challenged, her voice dripping with glee. Vivaan’s face contorted in mock horror. “Are you serious? You know I hate mustard. It's so yucky in taste!"

"Exactly!" she giggled, watching him with delight as he reluctantly accepted the challenge. He grimaced as he took a spoonful, the collective laughter erupting around him as he chewed with exaggerated disgust.

Next, it was Aarushi's turn. The bottle spun and landed on Aaryan. "Truth or dare?" she asked, trying to keep a straight face.

"Dare!" he responded, his bravado evident.

"I dare you to serenade your sister with the best sister song!" she laughed, enjoying the spectacle.

Aaryan groaned but complied, launching into a dramatic rendition of a popular song, much to Navya’s embarrassment.

The laughter rang out again, and Aarushi felt a warmth in her chest, surrounded by the closeness of family.

Then it was Vivaan’s turn again. He spun the bottle, and it landed on Sikha (Abhimany's bua daughter).

"Truth or dare?" he asked with a mischievous grin."Truth," she replied, crossing her arms defiantly.

"Who was your first crush?" he inquired, his eyes sparkling with curiosity.

Sikha flushed a deep shade of red. “Um… it was Avinash in our neighborhood " she stammered as Sikha's brother raised an eyebrow in surprise. Avinash was his childhood friend.

The laughter settled, and the bottle spun again, landing on Abhimanyu. Aarushi’s heart raced at the prospect of him having to answer a question or take a dare.

"Truth or dare bhai "Aaryan asked, a smirk on his face. "Dare," Abhimanyu replied, confidence lacing his voice.

Aaryan’s smirk widened as he leaned back, his arms crossed. “You have to sing a song bhai "The room fell into a hush, eyes wide with disbelief.  Abhimanyu? Sing?

Vivaan shot a glance at Aaryan, he said "Bhai and song never.... I’ve never even seen him hum one!"

Aarushi, sitting cross-legged on the floor, tilted her head slightly, concern flickering across her features. "Maybe you should choose truth instead,"she whispered, her voice low and sincere as she leaned closer to him, her warmth enveloping him.

But Abhimanyu’s smirk deepened internally. He’d always been the quiet observer, but this was his moment."I’ll do it," he said, his tone laced with an unexpected confidence.

Aaryan’s eyes sparkled with delight. "Great and it’s just a game, bhai. You can sing however you want" He exclaimed in a teasing tone. He liked it; at least he finally got a chance to tease Abhimanyu.

“Bring me the guitar,” Abhimanyu instructed, his voice steady. The anticipation in the room thickened as Aaryan jumped up, practically bouncing with excitement. He retrieved his acoustic guitar from the corner and handed it over, the instrument feeling foreign yet familiar in Abhimanyu’s hands.

As Aaryan settled back down, everyone leaned in closer, curiosity etched on their faces. Abhimanyu took a deep breath, his fingers brushing over the strings.

The sound that followed was a gentle strum, a tentative beginning to what felt like a monumental moment.

With every chord, he glanced up at Aarushi, who was watching him with wide eyes, a mixture of surprise and admiration flickering across her face.

He began to sing, his voice soft but rich, filling the garden with a melody that captured everyone’s attention.

(Play Aap hamari jaan ban gaye )

🎶🎶

एहसास की जो ज़ुबान बन गए

दिल में मेरे मेहमान बन गए

आपकी तारीफ में क्या कहें

आप हमारी जान बन गए

आप हमारी जान बन गए

आप ही रब आप ईमान बन गए

आप हमारी जान बन गए......

किस्मत से हमें आप हमदम मिल गए

जैसे की दुआ को अल्फाज़ मिल गए

सोचा जो नही वो हासिल हो गया

चाहूँ और क्या की खुदा दे अब मुझे

रब से मिला एक अयान बन गए

ख़्वाबों का मेरे मकान बन गए

आपकी तारीफ में क्या कहें

आप हमारी जान बन गए

आप हमारी जान बन गए..........🎶🎶

“Oh, I can’t believe this…” Vivaan whispered, his jaw dropping as he listened in awe.

Abhimanyu poured his heart into the song, each note resonating with unspoken emotions. The lyrics were  a dedication to the very girl whose gaze held him captive, Aarushi.

He sang, his voice deep and soothing, a stark contrast to this ruthless personality. Aarushi’s breath caught in her throat, her heart racing. She felt the warmth of his gaze and the sincerity in his voice, emotions swirling around them like a tangible embrace. She could see the passion in his eyes, and it made her feel vulnerable yet cherished.

As he continued, his eyes never leaving Aarushi’s, as if she were the only audience that mattered.

Aarushi’s heart swelled, the rawness of his expression wrapping around her like a blanket. She felt warmth radiate through her, an overwhelming mix of joy and disbelief.

Everyone exchanged glances "Is bhai actually this good?" Vivaan mouthed, unable to tear his eyes away from Aaryan. Aarushi felt her cheeks heat, the realization of his feelings crashing over her like a wave.

She was having confused feeling as her mind wanted to hate him, but her heart didn't want to hate him.....Her heart wants to love him.

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So how's the chapter ?.....

I hope you liked it. Well, I didn't think that the target would be completed so soon, so thank you so much for voting everyone 💗✨

I knew it's a long chapter I thought to upload chapter around 2000 words but I think um.. let it be....

I hope you are bear this one . I will  be careful from next chapter sorryyyy😕

Next update will be on 6 feb.

Love you 💌