Chapter -26

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The evening air was filled with the sound of laughter and chatter as Aarushi sat on a wrought-iron bench surrounded by family. The lively exchange was comforting, yet she felt a tightness in her chest.

"Look at you, Aarushi. Just a simple girl from a normal middle-class family and marrying into royalty. How quaint," Abhimanyu's bua Shanti said, her voice dripping with mockery.

She leaned back, a smirk playing at the corners of her mouth. "It's not like I am taunting you or anything just want to know about your feelings. To aise bina kuch kiya Ameero ki tarah zindagi jeene kaisa lag raha hai . Or haan Mai to bas aise hi bol rahi hu beta agar bura lage to bata dena"

Aarushi's heart sank. She forced a smile, but her fingers fidgeted with the hem of her dress. "It's not like that....I am glad that I have this lovely family. These luxuries don't matter to me,"she replied, trying to sound light-hearted despite the sting of her words.

"Ab to sab kuch mil gaya na ab to aise hi bologi....Koi nahi waise ye to batao Abhimanyu ko apni baato Mai kaise laye tum. Vo to kabhi kisi ladki ki taraf dekhta bhi nahi tha. Aisa kya kiya beta-- shanti said but Navya cutted her in between.

Navya shot a sharp look at Bua " Jo bhi kiya ho aapko kyu bataye bua. Or agar aapko janna hi hai to aap bhai se ja ker puch lijiye vo aapko aaram se bata denge " she said smirking, her tone firm.

"N-no need, i was just curious and I was talking to Aarushi not you Navya" Bua countered back. Navya opened her mouth to snap back but stopped when Aarushi pressed her hand gesturing her to stop arguing.

"Enough."Badi Ma's voice sliced through the tension, powerful and unwavering. "Let's not turn this gathering into a battlefield. Stop all of this qna session and listen to me we have a pooja tomorrow for Aarushi and Abhimanyu"

Aarushi felt a wave of gratitude towards Badi Ma. Finally, someone changed the topic. It was so awkward for her when she didn't know everyone properly.

"Hamare khandan mai har naye shadi shuda jode ko ye pooja mai bhaithna padta hai. Aaruhsi beta mai abhi thodi der mai tumhe ek saree bhijwa dungi. Kal subh tumhe vo pehen ni padegi , thodi heavy hai to dikkat hogi per sambhalna padega thodi der. Bas mandir mai pooja kerke , tumhe or Abhimanyu ko sath mai kuch daan dharam kerna padega." Badi ma said ,her voice turning softer.

"Okay ,I'll be ready," Aarushi said, a touch of determination creeping into her voice.

As the conversation shifted, Aarushi's mind wandered. She pulled out her phone, glancing at the screen. The seventh message from an unknown number flashed ominously. Her heart raced, a mix of fear and confusion swirling within her. "Who could it be?" she muttered under her breath, her fingers trembling as she hesitated to open it.

Navya noticed her unusual demeanor. "You okay, bhabhi" She nodded, but the words felt hollow. "Yeah, just... thinking."

"Thinking about what?" Navya probed, a concerned frown creasing her forehead.

"Just... about tomorrow. I want everything to go well,"she deflected, hoping it would satisfy his curiosity.

"Don't worry. You will manage and inki mat suno, inka to roj ka hai "

"Thanks, Navya" She forced a smile, but her mind was elsewhere. The weight of the unknown number pressed heavily on her.

"I am feeling thirsty. I'm going to grab a drink,"Aarushi announced suddenly, her voice a touch too bright, trying to shake off the anxiety. "I'll be right back."

As she slipped inside, the cool air of the house wrapped around her like a comforting blanket. She hurried to her room, where the walls felt like they were closing in. The unknown messages were relentless, and she couldn't able to shake the feeling of constant creepiness.

Her phone again pinged with a notification. She had to know who's this. It's so frustrating for her.

With a deep breath, she dialed the mysterious number. Her heart pounded as it rang, each tone echoing her rising tension. Finally, it went to voicemail. "Great," she muttered, frustration bubbling up.

"Whoever this is, stop all of this or I'll file a complaint against you," she typed furiously before blocking and reporting the number.

"Dimag kharab kerke rakh diya hai pata nahi kon pagal hai or ye itni number la kaha se raha hai jo bhi hai"she whispered to herself, feeling all frustrated from constant anxiety.

She took a moment to gather her thoughts, shaking her head as if to clear it. If it doesn't stop she will seek professional help ,Nothing to worry she said to herself in her mind Still, the uncertainty gnawed at her.

Aarushi returned to the garden, drink in hand, the cool liquid offering a slight reprieve. She joined the group, forcing herself to engage in the conversation.

As the evening wore on, the conversations shifted to lighter topics, filled with anecdotes of childhood mischief and family vacations. But even amidst the laughter, Aarushi's mind flickered back to the unknown number, the sense of dread creeping back in waves.

In evening ~

The dining table gleamed under the soft chandelier light, its polished surface reflecting the muted colors of the evening. A fragrant spread of steaming daal makhni, fluffy naan, and fragrant veg biryani filled the air with warmth, yet an unfamiliar chill settled over the family gathering.

Abhimanyu sat at the far end of the table, the first time in years he had joined them for dinner, and his presence cast a long shadow over the buzzing chatter that usually accompanied their meals.

Aarushi, seated beside him, was wholly focused on her plate, scooping up daal with determination. The rhythmic clinking of cutlery filled the silence. Yet, despite the food, everyone’s attention drifted toward Abhimanyu, who, with a dismissive air, seemed to ignore their curious glances.

Everyone was a little bewildered to see him here having a meal with everyone, the first time without any issue or announcement. Everyone was stealing glanced at him but he was busy in stealing glances at Aaruhsi.

Aaryan, sitting across from him, shifted uncomfortably in his seat, his eyes darting back and forth between the two. "Waise bhai" he ventured, unable to contain himself "Aajkal to aap time per ghar aane lag gaye aise kya ho gaya ” He leaned forward, mischief dancing in his eyes.

Abhimanyu's brow furrowed ever so slightly, his mouth set in a firm line. "Meri merzi ,tujhe kya dikkat hori hai or waise bhi aaj ki teri presentation bhot bekar thi , us baat ki chinta ker " His voice was low, but the weight of his words hung heavy in the air.

Abhimanyu’s tone turned sharper, slicing through the tension like a knife. Aaryan rolled his eyes, muttering under his breath, "Inse to kuch bhi puch lo ghuma phira ker kam ke bare mai daatne lagte hai "

Suddenly Abhimanyu felt a sharp jab under the table; Aarushi had pinched him, her eyes wide with a mix of warning and anger.

Abhimanyu looked at her raising his brows. Aarushi passed him an angry look, her voice gentle but firm. "Why are you scolding him? He’s your younger brother, just a child. You always seem to forget that." Her expression held a challenge, as if daring him to argue.

Aaryan’s head snapped in her direction. Finally, someone was taking his side in front of Abhimanyu.He shot Aarushi a grateful look, grinning like a fool.

Abhimanyu’s expression softened for a brief moment, and he turned his gaze to Aarushi. "I never scold him," he replied, the softness in his voice almost disarming. "I was just saying, baby…"

Aaryan’s eyes widened, his mouth agape. "No, bhabhi, he’s lying—" But he couldn’t finish before Abhimanyu shot him a glare so intense it felt like a physical blow.

With a gulp, Aaryan snapped his mouth shut, the words lodged in his throat, a mix of fear and respect filling his eyes.

He felt the air thicken as he glanced nervously at Abhimanyu, who seemed to radiate an energy that demanded compliance.

Aarushi, sensing the shift in Aaryan's mood, turned her head back to Abhimanyu, her brow slightly furrowed. Abhimanyu quickly changed her expression when she glanced at him.

Aaryan was now looking at him with  mouth agape noticing him changing his expression in seconds" Ye to girgit se bhi tej rang badalte hai, girgit bhai "he muttered to himself "

"You don’t have to be so harsh, you know. Slowly, he will learn everything. Don't pressure him. "Her tone was steady, yet there was an undercurrent of warmth that urged him to soften his demeanor.

For a fleeting moment, Abhimanyu’s intensity wavered. He glanced at Aarushi and said " Okay"

"Abhimanyu, there will be a pooja tomorrow for you and Aarushi as a newly wedded couple. We have to go mandir in the afternoon, so it will be good if you will take leave, " Badi ma informed Abhimanyu.

Abhimanyu frowned and asked, " Is it important?" he was not interested in all of this, but he couldn't deny it because it was for Aarushi also. Its for them as a couple.

"Yes everyone in our family performed this ritual. It's important for newly wedded couple " Badi ma urging him to agree. He looked at Aarushi and she raised his brows at him.

He reluctantly nodded his head muttering a small okay. Badi ma smiled at him and started having her dinner. Bua shoots a sharp glare at Aarushi, muttering something to herself and again focusing on her food.

After some time ~

Abhimanyu sat on the balcony, the soft breeze ruffling his hair as he focused intently on his laptop screen. The glow of the screen illuminated his face, revealing a furrowed brow and a slight frown as he went through slides for an important presentation.

He tapped a few keys, muttering under his breath about numbers that didn’t seem to add up.

"Ek kam karo laptop ke ander hi ghus jao aap " a familiar voice chimed from behind him. Aarushi stepped out onto the balcony, her eyes sparkling with the remnants of a long day at work.

She settled on the sofa next to him, crossing her arms on the table. "Are you busy " Abhimanyu glanced at her, momentarily distracted from the glowing screen. He noticed that she was up to something,like she wanted to say something or talk about something.

"Nothing important,"he replied, a slight smile breaking through. "Just random mails." He placed his laptop on the table and turned a little towards her.

Aaruhsi raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced."Pakka" He chuckled softly, nodding his head. "Yes, and I am sure my little wife is up to something, so tell me, what is it?"

Aarushi perked up , her mood shifting instantly. "You know the top three students in exams were from my class?"

"Of course they were," he said, a genuine smile spreading across his face. "They have an excellent teacher."

Aarushi leaned in, excitement bubbling within her. “You won’t believe ki aaj kya hua Mrs Ahuja  was furious when she saw how well my students performed. She couldn’t believe I’d actually managed to teach them something!"

"Is she bothering you "Abhimanyu asked , his eyes frowned into distaste.

"Oh no, she just sometimes gets a little more furious and unbearable, but she is not that bad. She has been teaching in our school for many years.." she said, sighing softly.

She paused a little and said "What was I saying yeah...you know, She stormed into my classroom, arms flailing, demanding to know my secrets. I just smiled and said, ‘Good teaching, Mrs Ahuja , good teaching.’” Aaruhsi laughed, the sound light and melodious.

Abhimanyu couldn’t help but feel a sense of peace looking at her, forgetting about anything else ."What else happened?"he said ,his voice filled with curiosity. He wants to spend his time with her as much as he can ,It's like he wants to cherish every moment with her.

"Well, the principal praised me and my class in front of everyone" she continued, her enthusiasm palpable. "He said my class had the best improvement, and I felt like I was on cloud nine! It was a great moment."

"I’m proud of you,jaan" he said sincerely. "You’ve worked hard for this."

"I think I’ll buy gifts for my students this time also,"she said, her eyes gleaming with joy. “Last time, they were so happy to receive gifts. It's like a motivation for them"

"What do you have in mind?" Abhimanyu asked, leaning back in his sofa, genuinely curious. He loved to talk to her.

"I was thinking something small but meaningful. Maybe little notebooks or fun stationery. Something to encourage them to keep learning," Aarushi said, her voice filled with warmth. "It’s nice to reward effort, don’t you think?"

"Absolutely baby," he agreed. The connection between them grows stronger with every word exchanged. "And what about you? How was your day?"After a minute Aarushi asked

"Mine was okay," Abhimanyu replied, shrugging as he glanced back at the screen, momentarily lost in thought. "Not much distress at work today. Just had to deal with some less-than-brainless persons."

She shook her head, laughing lightly. "Don't say like this. It's not nice. If you are intelligent doesn't mean everyone except you are brainless" Abhimanyu smiled at her and asked "Do you think I am intelligent "

She scrunched her nose and said "Arey vo to maine aapne aap ko soch ker bol diya tha. Aap or intelligent rahne do" she teased him scoffing lightly.

"Is it "Abhimanyu said passing her a mischievous glare like he knew she was lying."Yes" Aarushi said trying to maintain her serious facced.

"Pakka, soch lo" Abhimanyu again said looking intently at her. She cleared her throat and said meekly" Acha chalo thode se ho bas , ab ghuro mat "

He chuckled softly and replied"As you say my love " They both looked at each other without saying anything. Suddenly Aarushi averted her gaze breaking their intense eye contact.

"You also owe you something for helping me with work so tell me what do you want " Aarushi asked smiling softly after few minutes. "A kiss" His subconscious mind yelled excitedly. "Shut up" Abhimanyu shouted in his mind.

"You don't need to give me anything, jaan " he said shaking his head. " No...I want to. Ask anything" Abhimanyu smirked internally and said " A hug "

Aarushi smiled flattered. She hesitated " A h–hug , ask something else " she don't want to feel those tingling sensation again which she always felt in his presence.

Abhimanyu shook his head and said " No, i want a hug nothing else " He gave her a hopeful look....Aarushi muttered something under her breath and said "You are such a bad man , come here "

Abhimanyu grinned and shifted closure to her and hugged her. Aaruhsi smiled a little and wrapped her arms around him. He tightly hugged and burying his face in her neck.

"You helped me that why i agreed , don't think high of yourself ok " Aaruhsi said in a teasing tone"Hmm" Abhimanyu hummed lost in the moment.

He got breath was fanning on her neck making a shiver run down her spine. Her face turned a little red. After ten minutes she gulped and shifted back breaking the hug. Abhimanyu opened his eyes noticing her movements and chuckled softly.

He opened his mouth to say something but Aarushi cutted him in between and said " Don't you dare to tease me otherwise I will never hug you " He quickly nodded his head and closed his mouth.

They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, the sounds of the evening enveloping them.

The distant chirping sound is car honks filled the air, mingling with the soft rustle of leaves. Abhimanyu felt a warmth in his chest, a growing appreciation for these fleeting moments with her. Aarushi had a way of brightening even the dullest parts of his day.

After a while, Aarushi stretched, yawning softly. "I should get going. I’m feeling a bit sleepy."Abhimanyu nodded his head at her.

As she stood to leave, Abhimanyu couldn’t help but notice how her presence made the balcony feel less like an ordinary space and more like a sanctuary. "Goodnight,baby"  he called after her.

"Aren't you going to sleep " she asked noticing him picking up his laptop. He shook his head and replied"Not feeling sleepy now, you go I will be there after some time "

"Oh okay Goodnight, but don't stay awake too long " she replied, her voice trailing off as she headed inside.

As she walked towards the washroom, her phone buzzed, drawing her attention. The screen lit up with an unknown number, and she frowned. It was the first time this unknown number had called her, and a wave of unease washed over her. Why was he calling now, so late?

Her heart raced as she hesitated, glancing back towards Abhimanyu, who was now absorbed in his laptop once again. Taking a deep breath, she answered. "Hello?"

"Aarushi?" a voice on the other end said, sending a chill down her spine.

"Who’s this? And why do you keep irritating me? What do you need?" She tried to keep her voice steady, but frustration seeped through.

"Aarushi, it’s me, Kabir."

She froze, her heart pounding in her chest. "What? Kabir, you?"The disbelief in her voice was palpable, mixed with confusion and a hint of dread.

Why he is calling her now after so many years and why he is behaving like a creep.Her mind swirls with many questions.........

____________________________________________________________________________

Hi......

Kuch hai nahi aaj mere pass bolne ke liye😗

Kya lagta kabir se aarushi ka kya connection hoga ?🙃

Um.....so today vote target is 54 votes, complete this for early update or update will be on 11 feb  according to the schedule.

Thank you

And love you a lot 💌