Chapter-42

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The dining room was alive with the clinking of plates, the rustle of bowls, and the soft hum of conversation. Aarushi sat at the table, surrounded by family members.

The warm glow of the overhead lights cast a comforting ambiance, contrasting with the slight tension that lingered in her chest.

Chachi ji, looked across the table, her brows furrowing slightly. "Aarushi, beta, Abhimanyu hasn't come home yet? It's already past ten."

Aarushi stirred her curry, glancing at the clock and then back at her plate. "He had an arrangement with Rudra bhai," she replied, trying to sound casual.

Everyone nodded and returned to their meal. Aaryan grinned, his mouth half-full of rice. "You know how Bhai can get when he's with Rudra. Rudra bhai probably was arguing with him about something ridiculous. He likes to piss him a lot. "

Aarushi chuckled, but it was a tight sound, as if her throat was constricting under the weight of unspoken worry.

"How's work going, Aarushi?"Bade Papa asked, breaking into her thoughts.

"It's good," she replied, forcing a brightness into her voice. "The kids are learning a lot, and we have a sports and annual function this month "

Bade Papa nodded his head, muttering a small good. They continued to eat, the conversation flowing easily around her.

The table erupted into laughter, and for a moment, the tension in Aarushi's chest eased. They continued to eat, the conversation flowing easily around her.

But as the clock ticked closer to eleven, her attention kept drifting back to the door.

"Are you sure you didn't hear from him?" Badi Ma asked as she noticed Aarushi somewhat disturbed and worried.

"Not since this afternoon, "Aarushi admitted, her heart pounding a little faster. "He just dropped a message saying that he'd be home by ten."

"Maybe he just lost track of time," Vivaan suggested, shrugging. "You know Bhai. He can get so caught up in things."

"Or he's stuck in traffic," Aaryan added, trying to sound reassuring.

"Yeah, or he forgot to charge his phone," Aarushi said, but the words felt hollow even to her.

As the dinner wound down, Aarushi helped clear the table, her mind racing with thoughts of Abhimanyu.

She could feel the weight of worry pressing down on her, the laughter of her family fading into a distant hum.

Hours later, the house was quiet except for the ticking of the clock, echoing each minute that passed. Aarushi paced the living room, her heart racing. It was now 12:00 AM, and Abhimanyu was still not home.

"Where are you?" she murmured, biting her lip as she tried his number again.

The ringing echoed in her ears, but it went straight to voicemail.

"Damn it, pick up the call, Abhi," she whispered, her anxiety spiraling. She paced, her legs shaking as she fought against the gnawing worry.

Her mind raced with worst-case scenarios. What if something happened? What if he was in trouble?

"Bhabhi, calm down," Aaryan said, watching her with concern from the couch. "He could be stuck in something. Let me call Aakash."

She barely registered his words as she continued to dial Abhimanyu's number repeatedly, each unanswered call adding to her frustration.

Aaryan pulled out his phone, frowning as he tried to reach Abhimanyu's father. "Aakash is also not picking up," he said, his tone shifting from casual to serious.

Aarushi released a long sigh, feeling the weight of dread settle heavily in her chest. She sank onto the sofa, her fingers trembling as she laid her phone on her lap.

"I don't like this," she murmured, staring at the floor, her mind racing. He always answers me. It's been more than two hours and nothing."

"Bhai is not someone who gets into trouble," Vivaan reassured, attempting to lighten the mood. "He's probably just caught up with Rudra bhai and lost track of time. You know how he is."

"But what if-" Aarushi started, but Aaryan cut her off.

"Bhabhi, listen. He's fine. It's late, and maybe they're just talking about something. You know Bhai can get really into discussions."

She nodded, but doubt gnawed at her. The clock ticked ominously in the background, each second feeling like a small eternity.

"What if he's hurt?" She gripped the couch cushion tightly, her nails digging into the fabric. Her overthinking is killing her. Her brain always focuses on negative things first.

"Nothing is going to happen to bhai," Aaryan said still calling Aakash. He knew his brother was strong enough to take care of himself.

Aarushi let out a shaky breath, trying to convince herself. "I know... I just can't help but worry."

"Let's wait a bit longer," Aaryan suggested. "He'll be home soon. How about we put on a movie to distract you?"

"Or we could play a game," Vivaan said, brightening at the idea.

Aarushi managed a small smile, but her heart wasn't in it. "I don't think I can focus on anything right now."

They sat in silence for a moment, the tension thick in the air. Aarushi's mind kept wandering back to Abhimanyu, the way he would scowl at the television during their movie nights yet always laugh at the right moments.

"What if he really is stuck? What if-"

"Bhabhi" Aaryan said, his tone firm but gentle. "Think about it. If something were wrong, he would have called. He wouldn't just leave you in the dark."

She bit her lip again, staring at the phone screen as if willing to light up with Abhimanyu's name. "But what if he can't call?"

Aaryan and Vivaan exchanged glances, the worry etched on their faces reflecting her own.

"Let's just wait a bit longer," Aaryan said finally, his voice steady. "He'll be home soon. You'll see."

The minutes dragged on, each tick of the clock amplifying the tension in the room. Aarushi's heart raced, caught between fear and anger.

She glanced at the clock again: 12:20 AM. She was on the edge, teetering between panic and anger.

"Just ten more minutes; otherwise, I will go check on him," she whispered to herself.

On the other hand, the car vibrated gently as Aakash maneuvered through the winding streets, the dim glow of streetlights flickering through the tinted windows. In the backseat, Abhimanyu and Rudra were slumped against each other, the aftermath of their drunken escapade evident in their slurred words and loose laughter.

"Baby, my wife... where are you?" Abhimanyu mumbled, a goofy grin plastered across his face. He squinted at the dashboard lights, his eyes struggling to focus.

Rudra leaned in, leaning heavily against Abhimanyu. "Where's my darling? When will you come back" His voice was a mix of melodrama and giggles, barely coherent, yet tinged with affection.

Aakash cast a sideways glance at them, his hands gripping the steering wheel tightly. Frustration simmered beneath his calm exterior.

He had just spent the last half hour wrestling them into the car, and now, the real challenge was keeping them from arguing over their girls. "Where are we going?" Abhimanyu asked.

"Sir, I'm taking you home," Aakash announced, trying to sound authoritative despite the chaos in the backseat.

"No home," Abhimanyu protested, waving a hand in the air like a conductor. "I want to go to my wife! Stop the car" His tone was defiant, yet the childishness of his plea took the edge off.

Aakash sighed the weight of the world on his shoulders. "Sir, I am taking you to your wife."

Abhimanyu's face lit up like a child who had just been told they could have dessert. "Really?" He leaned forward, his excitement contagious.

"Yeah, really," Aakash replied, rolling his eyes.

"First take me to my darling!" Rudra interjected, raising a finger as if he were making an important point.

Aakash frowned, confusion creasing his brow. "Who is his darling?" He couldn't understand whom Rudra was mentioning from the start.

Abhimanyu, ever the opportunist, seized the moment. "No, take me to my baby first! You know she's waiting for me, she always waits for me; she is so beautiful." He swayed slightly, his head lolling back against the seat.

Rudra, undeterred, leaned closer. "No one is more beautiful than my darling, my buttercup! She's like a flower in the spring!"

"Huh! My baby is eternal!" Abhimanyu shot back, puffing his chest out as if about to deliver a grand speech "My baby is the sun! She's warm, she's bright, and she brings joy to everyone around her."

"Ha!" Rudra scoffed, his laughter echoing through the car. "Your sun? My darling is like the moon, shining brightly, illuminating my life.

You're just jealous!"

Abhimanyu leaned in, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper, "But my baby makes the best coffee Rudra. You can't compete with that!"

"Coffee" Rudra snorted. "What about the cookies? My darling bakes the best cookies! I could eat them all day long!"

"Cookies? That's nothing," Abhimanyu waved dismissively. "My baby dances like a goddess! She could sweep anyone off their feet! She just has to stand there, and the world stops to look at her. You don't even know how to dance!"

Rudra pouted, his brows knitting together. "But my darling can sing like an angel! Have you heard her voice? It's like music, like... like a symphony!"

Aakash, caught in the crossfire of their drunken banter, pinched the bridge of his nose. "Sir please, can we just focus on getting home? You are distracting me"

"No, no!" Rudra protested, his voice rising. "Aakash, follow my order! I want to go to my darling first!"

Abhimanyu shook his head vigorously. "No, Aakash! You have to take me to my wife first! She needs me!"

"Sir, please, "Aakash nearly shouted, glancing back in the rearview mirror, desperation creeping into his tone. "You both need to calm down. You're making it impossible to drive!"

Rudra threw an arm around Abhimanyu, pulling him closer. "Listen, my buttercup is the best. She has the cutest laugh, and she always knows how to cheer me up."

Abhimanyu rolled his eyes dramatically. "Well, my baby is supportive! She's always there for me when I'm grumpy. You know how I get!"

Rudra nodded sagely, "True, you are grumpy. But my darling has this way of making me feel like the luckiest guy in the world!"

Grinning, Abhimanyu leaned back, contemplating. "You ever think we're just lucky, Rudra? Like, really lucky?"

"Yeah, man. But I'm still the luckiest!" Rudra declared, this time leaning dangerously close to the edge of the seat.

"No way, my baby is the best!" Abhimanyu insisted, his voice rising again. "You should see her smile! It's like... like sunshine on a cloudy day!"

Aakash struggled to maintain his composure, shaking his head. "Alright, alright! You both are the luckiest. Can we just agree on that?"

Rudra and Abhimanyu exchanged a look, their expressions serious for a moment.

"Okay," they said in unison, then burst into laughter.

"But seriously," Rudra added, wiping tears from his eyes, "you have to admit, my darling is very talented!"

"Talent?" Abhimanyu scoffed. "My Jaan can solve a Rubik's cube in under two minutes! What can your darling do?"

Rudra gasped, clutching his chest dramatically. "Wait, wait, hold up! My darling can play the guitar! She serenades me!"

"Guitar?" Abhimanyu waved his hand dismissively. "How many times have you heard her play? You know whatever my baby does, she does it beautifully! You can't even compare!She had made my life beautiful"

Rudra frowned, momentarily stumped. "Okay, that's good. But can your baby make a mean biryani?"

"Biryani? You're reaching, Rudra." Abhimanyu held up a finger, grinning. "But my baby cooks world's best food. You know she makes delicious chocolate cake"

"Chocolate cake?" Rudra threw his hands in the air. "Now you're just teasing me. You know that chocolate cake is my favorite. You win this round!"

Abhimanyu leaned back, triumphant. "See? I told you. My baby is the best!"

"Yeah, yeah," Rudra conceded, waving his hand dismissively. "But I still want to see my darling!"

"Me too!" Abhimanyu exclaimed, his eyes wide with sincerity. "I want to hug my jaan right now!"

Aakash shook his head, a chuckle escaping his lips despite the chaos.

As they continued their banter, the car rolled down the darkened street, the laughter of two drunken friends echoing through the night.

After sometime ~

Aarushi paced the living room, the soft glow of the table lamp casting long shadows on the walls. The clock ticked ominously, its hands creeping toward 12:40 AM.

Her phone buzzed for what felt like the hundredth time, but the screen remained dark-no missed calls. A knot of anxiety twisted in her stomach.

Just as her frustration threatened to boil over, the doorbell rang-a sudden, jarring sound that jolted her from her spiraling thoughts.

"Finally!" she exclaimed, rushing to the door with Aaryan and Vivaan on her heels.

Aarushi flung open the door, and her relief quickly morphed into confusion. There stood Aakash, propping up a tipsy-looking Abhimanyu and his equally inebriated friend, Rudra.

The two leaned heavily against Aakash, their laughter echoing down the hallway like a clumsy serenade.

Abhimanyu squinted, trying to focus on her face, and when he did, his expression transformed from confusion to unabashed glee.

"My baby! My love!" he exclaimed, his arms flinging around her waist, pulling her into a tight embrace that nearly toppled them both.

"Abhi" Aarushi stumbled back, caught off-guard by his weight. She quickly regained her balance, bracing herself to keep him steady. The smell of alcohol wafted over her, making her scrunch her nose in disgust.

"Wait a minute" she scolded, her voice a mix of worry and anger. "What have you done?"

He just grinned, that goofy, love-struck smile that always melted her heart, even now when she was fuming.

"Had a little competition," he said, his words slurred together like a drunken melody. "How much can we handle?"

Aarushi shot a glare at Rudra, who shrugged, a sheepish grin on his face.

"Who won?" Aaryan piped up, his eyes wide with excitement.

Aarushi shot him a withering look, and he quickly quieted, mumbling something to Aakash.

"Abhimanyu sir, of course," Aakash chuckled, adjusting his grip on Rudra, who was mumbling incoherently about 'darling' and 'buttercup'

"Darling came out, where are you? You know, My darling also lives here," Rudra babbled, his words a jumbled mess of tipsy affection.

"Take him to the guest room, will you?" Aarushi ordered to Aaryan, exasperated. She turned to Aaksh and then Vivaan. " Sorry for the inconvenience, Aaksh bhai, and thank you so much...Help me to take him upstairs, Vivaan "

Vivaan nodded, moving to steady Abhimanyu, who was swaying slightly.

As they moved toward the staircase, Aarushi felt a mix of irritation and concern.

"Thanks for helping," she said, her frustration softening slightly.

Aarushi took a deep breath. She had wanted to confront him about his reckless behavior, but the sight of him seated on the bed, his head lolling slightly, made her heartache.

"Abhi" she began, crossing her arms. "What's the need for these ridiculous competitions?"

He blinked slowly, his gaze dreamy as he focused on her. "You're beautiful, baby," he said, his voice thick with affection. " My beautiful, Aru"

Aarushi felt her resolve waver, but she pressed on. "That's not the point! You can't just drink until you're like this."

Abhimanyu pouted, his lips forming a perfect little 'O' that tugged at her heartstrings. "You're adorable. My wife is so cute... and sexy," he added, his words slurring together in a way that made her want to both laugh and cry.

"You're not even listening to me!" she exclaimed, throwing her hands up in frustration. "How are you going to change out of those clothes?"

"I love your voice," he murmured, his gaze soft and dreamy. " And I also love your presence."

She slapped her forehead, unable to hold back a small smile. "Abhi are you even listening to me"

"I want a kissy " he replied, his voice a childlike whine. "Kiss me?"

"No kiss for today," she said, shaking her head.

"No first kissy" his voice rose in a playful protest, eyes sparkling with mischief.

"I can't deal with this alcohol smell," she said, her nose wrinkling. "No kiss."

He pouted, his expression shifting to one of genuine disappointment. "Sorry..."

"Help me brush," he said, suddenly serious.

"Alright," she sighed, grabbing his arm to lead him into the washroom. "Open up."

Abhimanyu complied, his mouth opening wide like a child awaiting a treat. As she squeezed the toothpaste onto his brush, the scent of alcohol hit her hard, making her scrunch her nose again.

"I hate this "she muttered, scrubbing his teeth gently.

"I'm sorry," he said, his eyes wide and sincere. "Don't hate me! I won't drink ever again."

"I don't hate you, I hate this smell. I don't like it when you drink!" she exclaimed, her frustration spilling over.

"I promise, I'll never drink again. I'll be good; please don't be mad, ," he pleaded, his sincerity shining through the haze of intoxication.

Aarushi softened, brushing his teeth with care. "You're lucky that you're cute," she said, wiping his mouth with a damp towel afterward. She went outside from the bathroom and again made him sit on the bed.

"Am I cute?" he asked, his expression innocent as if he were genuinely unsure.

"Sometimes," she replied, a smile creeping onto her face. "Now, change your clothes."

He shook his head stubbornly. "No, kissy first."

Biting her lower lip, Aarushi felt the anger slip away, replaced by affection. "Fine, just a quick peck," she relented, leaning closer.

As their lips met, she felt a spark of warmth rush through her, melting away her annoyance. "Now sleep," she said, pulling back.

"No sleep. You sit," he said, tugging at her hand and pulling her down beside him on the bed. He rested his head on her lap, looking up at her with sleepy eyes.

"Abhi you need to change," she said, trying to sound firm, but her heart was racing, feeling his warmth against her.

"No change, just you," he murmured, intertwining their fingers and drawing lazy circles on her palm.

"Fine," she sighed, her resolve crumbling as she caressed his hair absently. "But you can't do this again."

"Love you," he muttered, his eyes fluttering shut. He pressed a soft kiss against her palm, making her heart flutter.

"I love you too," she whispered, feeling the warmth spread through her chest as she looked down at him, his face relaxed in sleep.

After a few moments, Aarushi realized he had drifted off completely. She carefully lifted his head and placed it on the pillow, her heart swelling with affection. She moved to his feet, struggling slightly as she kicked off his shoes and loosened his tie.

"Why are you so heavy?" she complained playfully, trying to maneuver him into a more comfortable position without waking him.

Finally, once he was settled, she stepped back to admire her handiwork. Abhimanyu lay sprawled across the bed, a peaceful look on his face that made her heart ache with love.

With a deep breath, she released the tension that had built up over the night, knowing they would have a conversation about this in the morning. For now, she was just grateful he was home, safe and sound.

As she turned off the lights, she couldn't help but smile, feeling his warmth lingering even in the dimness of the room. "Goodnight, bad man" she whispered, brushing a soft kiss against his forehead before slipping into bed beside him, ready to face whatever tomorrow would bring.

Abhimanyu stirred awake, his head pounding with a relentless throb that felt like a jackhammer against his temples. He squinted against the sunlight streaming through the curtains, trying to remember where he was.

As he stretched his arm, reaching for Aarushi, his fingers brushed against cool sheets, empty on her side. Panic gripped him, and he bolted upright, groaning as the movement sent another wave of pain through his skull.

"Ugh," he muttered, running a hand through his disheveled hair. Pushing the remnants of sleep from his mind, he took a moment to collect his thoughts.

A hazy recollection of the previous night crept in, bits and pieces of laughter and clinking glasses. He winced as he recalled the competition with Rudra-a foolish challenge that had spiraled out of control.

"Did I really drink that much?"he muttered to himself, grimacing.

With a sudden jolt, he glanced at the clock. "Oh shit!" He shot out of bed, his heart racing. It was 8:30. Aarushi would be furious about him drinking that much.

He quickly moved towards the washroom and freshened up and jogged downstairs, his stomach churning with guilt and anxiety.

The house was unusually quiet as he tiptoed into the dining area, scanning for any sign of his wife. "Ah, bhai, you're here!" Aaryan's voice rang out, laced with mischief. "Now the drama will begin."

Abhimanyu shot him a glare, but it was half-hearted. Aaryan was practically vibrating with excitement at the impending confrontation.

"Where is she?" Abhimanyu asked, his voice low, dread creeping in.

"In the kitchen," Vivaan replied, barely able to suppress a chuckle.

Abhimanyu inhaled deeply, releasing a sigh that felt like a last resort. The thought of Aarushi's cold look didn't settled well with him. He could almost picture her arms crossed, a frown firmly in place.

Just as he braced himself, Aarushi emerged from the kitchen, her expression as frosty as a winter morning.

"Good morning, Jaan," he said, forcing a grin that faltered under her icy gaze.

She placed a glass of lemonade on the table with a thud. "Drink this."

He took the glass, his heart sinking. The hangover lemonade. He gulped it down, the sourness biting at his throat.

"Jaan" he started, but she held out her hand expectantly.

"I'll take that."

"No, I'll-"

"Hand it over."

He surrendered the glass, watching her retreat to the kitchen, the tension thick in the air.

The rest of the family observed him like a hawk, some trying unsuccessfully to hide their amusement. Aaryan leaned closer, a grin plastered across his face.

"Bhai,ab pata laga hume kaisa lagta hai "

"Shut up,"Abhimanyu grumbled.

"Bhabhi is really angry bhai" Aaryan teased, eyes twinkling with mischief.

"Baby, I'm sorry,"Abhimanyu called out, his voice echoing in the kitchen as he followed Aarushi. She ignored him, her back turned as she meticulously arranged breakfast on the table.

"Seriously, I was going to call you, but my phone died," he continued, desperation creeping into his voice. "Rudra said it was just a little competition. He forced me, and I didn't think it would get out of hand."

Aarushi placed a bowl on the table, her jaw set. "Aaryan, tell your brother that Rudra left saying he was the one who forced you into that competition."

"Bhai," Aaryan chimed in, his voice dripping with amusement , "Rudra bhai said you were the one who forced him."

Abhimanyu cursed Rudra silently, frustration bubbling to the surface. "He's lying!" he defended. "He practically shoved the drink down my throat."

"Really?" Aarushi turned to him, eyebrows raised. "What are you, a child? You'll do anything if someone tells you?"

"Baby it's not like that..." Abhimanyu protested in a low voice.

"Sure," she said, clearly unconvinced. "Aaryan, tell him he doesn't need to drink to have fun."

Aaryan nodded sagely. "Bhai, you really should listen to bhabhi. She's right."

"Ugh," Abhimanyu groaned, rubbing his temples. "I'm sorry, I promise I won't drink again. Please, just let me make it up to you."

Aarushi's expression softened slightly, but she didn't relent. "You weren't answering my calls, Abhi. I was worried sick."

"I know, I know,"he said, his heart heavy. "My phone switched off. I didn't mean to worry you."

Aarushi narrowed her eyes, crossing her arms again. "That's not a good enough excuse. You scared me."

Aaryan, unable to resist, chimed in, "Bhai, Bhabhi is not talking to you, so you better watch it."

"Cut it out, Aaryan,"Abhimanyu snapped, his patience wearing thin. "If you say that one more time, you're doing overtime for a week."

Aarushi turned to Aaryan, a sly smile creeping onto her face, "And if he makes you do overtime Aaryan , he won't be sleeping in his room for a week."

"Wait, what? That's not fair! You can't do this" Abhimanyu exclaimed, his eyes wide with disbelief.

"I can and I will,"Aarushi said, the corner of her mouth twitching upward in satisfaction.

Abhimanyu sighed in frustration ,turning away. "Okay do whatever you want, I'm going."

"Abhi, come here and sit down,"she ordered, her voice firm. "Have your breakfast quietly."

He grumbled, sulking back to the table and taking a seat.

"Fine," he muttered under his breath, cursing himself for drinking so much the night before.

As they ate in silence, the tension lingered, thick and palpable. Aarushi glanced at him occasionally, her gaze sharp.

After breakfast, Aarushi retreated to their room, dragging her feet. Abhimanyu followed closely behind, his presence a constant reminder of his blunder.

"Are you still mad?" he asked as he stepped into the room , his voice barely above a whisper.

"Just a little," she replied, her tone teasing.

"Biwi ker do na maaf ,please," he said, looking up at her. "I didn't mean for any of this to happen."

She crossed her arms, tilting her head. "You think a little drink is okay?"

"Sometimes" he admitted, his expression earnest. "But not like last night. I promise, I'll never touch a drop again."

Aarushi's gaze softened, her anger slowly dissipating. "I was worried Abhi. You shouldn't do something like this again"

"Of course! I'd never want to put you in that position again."

She sighed, her shoulders relaxing. "Okay, I forgive you. But..."

"But?" he asked, hopeful.

"If you give me a kiss, I'll really forgive you," she said, a playful smile breaking through.

"Is that all?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yep," she said, leaning closer.

Abhimanyu grinned, shaking his head in disbelief. "You're impossible"

"I know," she replied, her eyes sparkling.

He leaned forward, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead, then her cheeks, and finally landing on her lips.

She giggled, the sound light and free, a balm to his troubled soul.

"See? Not so hard, was it?"

"Not at all" he said, pulling back slightly.

"Just remember, a little fun is okay, as long as I'm not worrying about you," she said, her tone turning serious for a moment.

"I promise,"he said, sincerity in his voice. "No more late nights and ridiculous competition without telling you."

"Good" she said, her expression softening once more and pressed a kiss on his forehead.

With that, the remnants of their earlier tension melted away, leaving behind a warmth that filled their hearts.

____________________________________________________________________________

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