Aapke bina har pal viraana lage,
Khushi ka har lamha begaana lage.
Dil mein basa hai sirf aapka pyaar,
Aapke bina sab kuch afsaana lage.
Kho jaane ka dar, bas ek deewana lage.
â
Author Pov
The early morning air was filled with the earthy aroma of fresh banana leaves and the sound of bustling preparations.
Workers scurried around, hanging garlands and setting up for the day's two important rituals. The courtyard buzzed with activity, but amidst the commotion, Avantika stood frozen like a statue.
She was positioned next to her husband, her hands clasped in front of her, her expression carefully neutral.
However, she could feel Avyansh's intense gaze boring into her.
He stood tall beside her, his crisp white kurta doing little to conceal the red blotches scattered across his arms and neck-clear evidence of bites. The irritation on his face wasn't solely from the bites, though.
[ Bites from Mosquitoes Not Avantika..I know how dirty minded you all are ð]
His jaw tightened slightly as he recalled his night spent on the terrace. Every room in the house had been occupied due to the influx of guests, and he couldn't bring himself to announce to everyone that his own wife had locked him out of her room.
Avantika, sensing his frustration but choosing to ignore it, glanced at the decorations instead.
She bit the inside of her cheek to suppress her smile and embarrassment.
Finally, breaking the silence, Avyansh leaned closer and whispered in her ear, his tone low but teasing. "Mosquitoes were kind enough to keep me company. Maybe next time you'll reconsider locking your husband out."
Avantika's lips twitched as she tried to keep a straight face, but she turned her head slightly to glance at him. "Maybe next time you'll think twice before disturbing my sleep," she retorted softly.
Before he could respond, an elder called out to them, signaling it was time to move forward with the rituals. The couple straightened, their silent battle momentarily put on hold as they prepared to face the day ahead.
Everyone welcomed Avyansh warmly, treating him like he was the prized son of the household. Laughter and chatter filled the air as relatives swarmed around him.
Suddenly, a loud voice called out.
"Avy!!"
It was Anushree, her face lighting up with joy as she hurried over. Without hesitation, she cupped his cheeks in her hands and gave them a firm squeeze, her excitement overflowing.
"En pulla vandhutaan! Paathiya? Evlavu ozhunga thinnu irukkuran! Eppadi thinama irukkan, paavam!" (My son has come back! Look how thin he's gotten! My goodness, poor thing!)
"Anushree paati," Avyansh protested, his voice slightly muffled under her grip. He gently grabbed her hand to stop her.
"Vidunga paati! Adhu valikkuthu!" (Leave me, Grandma! It's hurting!)
He sighed and added. "Naan thin illa. Naan nallave irukken." (I'm not thin. I'm healthy, okay?)
Anushree finally let go, grumbling something about how he wouldn't admit it, while Avyansh rubbed his cheek, shaking his head in exasperation.
Avantika's eyes widened at the lively confrontation unfolding in front of her. Before she could process much, another voice rang out.
"You forget about me?"
It was Arpana, Chitra's mother, striding toward them with a beaming smile. Without hesitation, she embraced Avyansh warmly, clearly familiar with him.
Avyansh stepped back and joined his hands respectfully. "Namaste."
Arpana turned to scan the area before spotting her daughter.
"Oh, Chitra! Why are you hiding there?" she exclaimed, switching to Tamil. "Un Ansh vandhuruchu! Po, paatu paaru. En shy-a irukka?" (Your Ansh is here! Go, meet him. Why are you being shy?)
Avantika stood frozen, her thoughts running wild. "His Ansh? Eww, he's my husband!"
Before she could act on her indignation, a gentle tap on her shoulder made her turn. It was Anjali, standing beside her with a calm smile.
"Don't worry. They're always like this," Anjali said knowingly. "But as his wife, you know what you need to do, right, Avantika?"
Avantika nodded reluctantly.
Turning back, she saw Chitra standing behind her mother, still blushing furiously and sneaking glances at Avyansh.
Avantika's jaw tightened as she muttered internally, "Ugh, yeh chudail."
Her hand subconsciously clenched the edge of her saree as she stood her ground, determined not to let Chitra or her theatrics get under her skin.
As Chitra stepped in front of Avyansh, her shy demeanor and coy smile in full display, Avantika's piercing gaze shifted toward him.
Avyansh, catching her look, frowned slightly, confused by the intensity in her eyes.
Before he could say anything, Avantika jerked her head away and walked off, her steps deliberate and determined.
Stopping near Ruhaan, she spoke briskly, "Chaliye, Devar ji. We have to make rangoli."
"Bhabhi, mai? Rangoli?" Ruhaan started, clearly unprepared for the sudden responsibility.
But his words were cut short when Avantika's sharp gaze met his.
Ruhaan immediately straightened, throwing up his hands in surrender. "Haan, chaliye, chaliye! I'm so excited to make it!Chl Shashwat!" he said with forced enthusiasm, following her like a loyal soldier taking Shashwat along with him.
Avantika nodded in satisfaction, as she led him away, leaving Avyansh even more puzzled.
"What happened to her now?".
The rituals had concluded, and the house was abuzz with post-ceremony chatter and activity.
Avantika found herself in the aangan with the other women, cutting vegetables while seated on a small stool.
A few meters away, Avyansh was lounging, staring at his phone and sipping tea.
But he was far from alone. Chitra hovered around him like a persistent fly, her every movement deliberate as she found excuses to stay close.
"Do you want more tea?" Chitra asked sweetly, leaning in a little too close for comfort.
"No, I'm fine," Avyansh replied, his tone polite but detached as he set the cup aside.
Avantika's hands slowed as she cut the potatoes, her gaze narrowing into a sharp glare. She furiously watched the interaction from a distance, her grip tightening on the knife with each passing second.
"Avantika!" someone suddenly shouted, snapping her out of her trance.
Her head jerked up, startled. "Huh?" she said, realizing everyone in the aangan had turned to look at her.
"Beta, don't cut it too small," Maanyata said, walking closer and inspecting the chopped potatoes. "Yeh toh lag hi nahi raha aloo hai!"
"Oh," Avantika mumbled, glancing down at her work. She had been so engrossed in her glaring that she hadn't noticed the overly tiny pieces of potato she'd been cutting.
Embarrassed, she quickly nodded and focused back on the task at hand, her ears burning as the other women chuckled softly.
But even as she chopped carefully, her eyes betrayed her as they flickered back toward Chitra and Avyansh. Yeh ladki kabhi toh peecha chhod inka.. she thought with annoyance.
"Someone needs to bring vegetables from the market for the morning," Poonam announced as she entered the aangan, wiping her hands on her saree.
"I'll bring them," Avyansh said, standing up and slipping his phone into his pocket.
"No, beta, why you? There are others-" Poonam started, but Avyansh cut her off politely.
"No, aunty, I'm free. Let me do it." His voice was calm, leaving little room for argument.
Poonam paused before nodding. "Okay, okay, but go with someone. Don't go alone. Oh! Chitra is here, she can go with-"
Before she could finish, Avantika suddenly shouted, "No!"
The loudness of her voice startled everyone, and the chatter in the courtyard came to a halt. All eyes turned to her, including Avyansh's, whose expression was a mix of confusion and surprise.
Yaha kisi bhoot ne pakad liya hai kya inhe? he thought, bewildered by her outburst.
Realizing all the attention was on her, Avantika quickly composed herself and added, "I mean... I want to roam around too. Can't I go with him?"
Her voice was calm now, but her eyes darted briefly to Chitra, who looked visibly annoyed at being dismissed.
Poonam raised a brow but nodded with a smile. "Of course, beta. Go with him."
"Bhabhi, hum bhi chalte hain," Dev said, standing up eagerly.
"Haan," Ruhaan added, getting to his feet as well.
"Sab ja rahe hain toh hum bhi chalenge," Argya and Aarya chimed in simultaneously, grinning at each other.
"Add me too," Shashwat said, standing up from where he had been sitting with the women cutting vegetables, still holding a knife in his hand.
Poonam looked at the group, shaking her head with a mock frown. "Sab jao. Ghar khali kar do. Jao, jao!" she said jokingly in Tamil, making the others laugh.
Amid the chatter, Avantika's gaze lingered on Avyansh. He was standing a little apart, engrossed in conversation with Chitra.
His smile was faint but genuine, and he even laughed lightly at something Chitra said.
Ruhaan, noticing where Avantika's attention was, leaned closer with a smirk. "Hassi toh dekho iski, Bhabhi. Uss Charitra ke saath," he whispered, clearly enjoying the situation.
"Haan, haan," Shashwat hummed in agreement, now standing beside Avantika. He folded his arms, watching Avyansh with exaggerated scrutiny. "Ladka hath se nikal rha hai bhabhi."
Avantika's lips pressed into a thin line, her irritation barely concealed as she looked away, adjusting her shawl. "Chaliye." she said curtly, starting to walk toward the gate.
Avyansh's POV
Chitra was walking beside me, chatting animatedly about something I wasn't really paying attention to. Avantika, however, was walking ahead with my cousins, her pace brisk and her back straight.
Shashwat suddenly came up beside me, his expression smug. "Tu zyada nahi chipak raha tere friend se?" he asked, his tone laced with mischief.
I frowned, glaring at him. "Kya bakwas hai," I muttered, brushing him off.
Before I could say more, Chitra interrupted. "Ansh, listen na!" she said, her tone soft as she reached out, trying to grab my elbow.
I stopped her with my hand, holding up a finger. "Ik second," I said firmly, not even sparing her a glance.
Without another word, I walked ahead, closing the gap between me and Avantika. I grabbed her elbow gently, causing her to stop and turn around, her hazel eyes meeting mine in surprise.
The moment froze for a second before everyone around us erupted in loud hoots and teasing whistles.
One sharp glare from me, and the noise died down immediately. Silence fell, but the smirks on their faces remained.
"Aap mere saath chaliye," I said to Avantika, my tone calm but resolute. "I want to show you something on the way."
She looked at me, her eyes narrowing slightly before she pulled her arm out of my hold. "Chitra ko dikhaiye. Hume nahi dekhna," she said curtly, her voice dripping with irritation.
Then, without waiting for a response, she turned on her heel and started walking again, her posture rigid.
I stood there for a moment, watching her retreating figure, before sighing. Chitra toh yahi rehte hai na toh phir usse kyu dikhau?
I thought, running a hand through my hair.
I walked ahead, catching up to Avantika. As I fell into step beside her, I suddenly felt Chitra move to my other side.
"Ansh, you know... when-" she began, her voice light and animated as she continued talking about something I wasn't fully paying attention to.
I nodded absently, letting her words drift in and out, when I suddenly felt a sharp stare on me. I turned instinctively and caught Avantika's gaze.
She was looking at me like she was ready to kill me.
Her hazel eyes burned with irritation, and for a second, I couldn't understand why. I followed her gaze and saw it-the small pinch of my kurta that Chitra was holding. It was barely noticeable, but Avantika's sharp eyes didn't miss a thing.
I quickly jerked my kurta free, stepping slightly away from Chitra.
Turning back to Avantika, I called out softly, "Suniye toh..."
But, as expected, she didn't say anything. She just kept walking, her expression unreadable now, but the tension in her posture was impossible to miss.
The walk to the market was long and awkward, the silence stretching between us despite the chatter of my cousins behind us. By the time we reached the market, I could feel the weight of her unspoken thoughts hanging heavily in the air.
Time Skip
We were done buying vegetables, and now everyone was scattered, roaming around the market, exploring different stalls.
Avantika was beside me, her hands clasped to her chest as she quietly took in the vibrant surroundings.
"You don't want to buy anything?" I asked her, breaking the silence.
She glanced at me briefly but didn't respond. Before I could press further, Chitra appeared out of nowhere, her voice cutting through the air.
"Ansh, anga paarunga! Bangles irukku! Namma anga polaam na?" (Ansh, look over there! There are bangles! Let's go there, please?)
I turned to her, my annoyance evident. "Nee poi paaru. Enakku vendaam." (You can go and see by yourself. I don't want to.)
Chitra huffed, her lips pressing into a pout. She looked at me, then at Avantika, before flipping her hair dramatically and walking off toward the stall alone.
I sighed, shaking my head as I turned my attention back to Avantika, who was now staring intently at a small display of handmade earrings at a nearby stall.
"Chaliye," I said softly, reaching out and grabbing Avantika's hand, clasping it firmly between my fingers.
She stiffened for a moment but didn't pull away this time. I glanced at her, catching the faintest hint of surprise in her eyes before she looked down, avoiding my gaze.
We walked toward the small stall where she had been looking at the earrings. The shopkeeper, an elderly man with a kind smile, greeted us warmly.
"Ange irukra earrings kaaminga, anna," I said in Tamil, gesturing toward the display. (Show the earrings, Anna.)
He nodded eagerly and began pulling out a variety of earrings-delicate gold jhumkas, vibrant glass earrings, and intricate silver designs.
Avantika's eyes sparkled slightly as she scanned the collection, though she tried to mask her interest. Her fingers hesitated over a pair of small silver earrings with a subtle floral design.
"You like these?" I asked, my voice low but steady.
She glanced at me, then at the earrings, before shaking her head lightly. "Nahi... bas dekh rahi thi."
"Bas dekhne ke liye nahi hote," I said, picking up the earrings and holding them up to her. "Try these."
She blinked, taken aback. "Yahan? Sabke saamne?"
"Kyun? Kya farq padta hai?" I said handing them to her.
Reluctantly, she took them and tried them on, her hands trembling slightly. When she turned back to face me, I couldn't help but stare. The earrings suited her perfectly, adding a delicate charm to her already beautiful face.
Just then, my phone rang. I took a step back, answering .
The call was about some pending work I had paused for the day. I'd planned to handle it at night so I could come her.
I turned around after finishing the call, but instead of Avantika, Chitra was standing there.
My brow furrowed as I looked at her. "Avantika enga?" (Where is Avantika?) I asked my tone sharp with concern.
"Therila." (I don't know,) she replied casually, before holding up a pair of earrings. "Paru, idhu eppadi irukku?" (Look, how are these?) she asked, completely unfazed.
I stared at her, annoyed, my mind already drifting to where Avantika might have gone. She didn't know this place well, and the thought of her wandering alone unsettled me.
I rubbed my temple lightly, frustration bubbling up as I pulled out my phone and dialed Ruhaan's number.
After a few rings, he picked up. "Hello?"
"Is Avantika with you?" I asked, my voice clipped.
"No, Bhabhi nahi hai. Hum toh abhi ek hotel mein hain, we're eating," he replied.
"What happened?" he asked, his tone turning serious.
"I don't know," I said, trying to keep calm. "She was looking at accessories, and I stepped away to take a call. When I came back, she wasn't there."
"Ask Chitra," I heard Shashwat's voice in the background. The phone was on speaker, I realized.
"She said she doesn't know," I replied, glancing at Chitra, who was still engrossed in the bangles.
"Wait, we're coming," Ruhaan said immediately. "Where are you?"
I quickly told him the location, my mind racing with possibilities as I ended the call.
I turned to the shopkeeper, trying to mask the rising panic in my voice. "Anna, nee avalai enga poi-nnu paartha?" (Brother, did you see where the women who were with me earlier went?) I asked, showing him Avantika's photo on my phone.
The shopkeeper squinted at the screen, then shook his head. "No, sir. I was busy with other customers. I didn't notice."
I clenched my jaw, frustration bubbling up. Before I could ask again, Chitra chimed in, her tone casual and dismissive.
"Enna Ansh, indha alavukku worry pannra? Aval kuzhandhai illa." (Why are you worrying this much? She's not a child.)
Her words made my blood boil, but I bit my tongue, unwilling to waste time arguing.
Moments later, Ruhaan, Shaswat, and Dev and the twins arrived, their faces etched with concern. I quickly briefed them about what had happened.
"Shashwat, take everyone home," I said firmly, glancing at Chitra, who looked ready to protest.
"Naan Ansh-oda thaan varen." (I will come with Ansh only,) she said, crossing her arms defiantly.
I fixed her with a cold stare, my voice steely. "Go home with him."
For once, she didn't argue and left with Shaswat and the others.
As soon as they were gone, I turned to Ruhaan and Dev. "We'll split up and check every corner. Show her photo to the shopkeepers. She couldn't have gone far."
They nodded and went in different directions while I walked briskly to another shop.
"Anna, indha ponna paarthiya?" (Brother, have you seen this girl?) I asked, holding up her photo again.
The shopkeeper leaned forward, adjusting his glasses. "Sorry, sir. I didn't see her."
I moved to the next shop, sweat forming on my brow despite the cool evening air. "Please, just take a look. She was wearing a light blue saree. "
The shopkeeper shook his head apologetically. "No, sir. I didn't notice."
Panic clawed at my chest as I walked further down the street, my eyes scanning the crowd frantically.
"Dei, indha photo paaru. Aval enga irukkalam-nnu theriyuma? (Hey, look at this photo. Do you have seen her?) I asked another vendor, my voice trembling slightly.
He frowned and shook his head.
I ran a hand through my hair, my heart racing as worst-case scenarios flashed through my mind. "Avantika, where are you?" I whispered to myself, my throat dry.
I moved to another corner, asking anyone who looked like they might have noticed something. My vision blurred slightly as my eyes burned with unshed tears.
"What if something happened to her? What if she's in trouble?" The thought alone was unbearable.
I dialed Ruhaan, my voice strained. "Any sign of her?"
"Not yet, We're still looking. Don't worry, we'll find her," he said, though his voice betrayed his own worry.
I hung up and pressed forward, determined not to stop until I found her.
Avyansh's POV
In the midst of the chaos, my eyes landed on a familiar figure far ahead of me. My heart leapt-it was her. Mishti.
Without a second thought, I ran, bumping into a few people along the way, ignoring their irritated remarks. My sole focus was on reaching her.
But when I got there, the spot was empty. She was gone.
I stopped in my tracks, breathing heavily, trying to calm the frantic beating of my heart. The tension, the worry-it was too much. My vision blurred with the tears I had been holding back.
"Where are you, Mishti?" I muttered under my breath, my voice trembling with desperation.
A light tap on my shoulder made me turn around abruptly, and there she was.
Author's POV
Avantika had been browsing through the earrings stall when she heard soft sobbing nearby. She turned and noticed a little girl standing alone, tears streaming down her cheeks.
Concerned, Avantika walked up to her and knelt down. "Where are your parents? Why are you crying?" she asked softly, but the girl didn't seem to understand English.
Realizing this, Avantika thought for a moment and then tried the few Tamil words she had learned.
"Amma? Appa? Where?" she asked, gesturing with her hands to indicate "mother" and "father."
The little girl sniffled, pointing toward a direction further down the market.
Avantika smiled gently, taking the child's small hand in hers. "Come on, let's find them," she said, walking with her toward where the girl had indicated.
The little girl sniffled again, wiping her nose with the back of her hand as she clung to Avantika's fingers. Her big brown eyes glistened with tears, her small frame trembling.
Avantika knelt down, her heart softening. "Don't cry," she said gently, though she wasn't sure if the girl understood her. She tried again, slowly: "Amma? Appa? No. Call?"
The girl whimpered, pointing down a crowded alley. But her tears didn't stop, and Avantika could see the panic in her small face.
"Wait," Avantika said, glancing around for something that might help. She spotted a street vendor selling bright, colorful bangles just a few steps away.
"Come," she said softly, guiding the girl toward the stall. "See these? Pretty, na? Which one do you like?"
The girl's teary eyes widened slightly at the sight of the bangles, her sniffles quieting. She pointed to a shiny green set.
Avantika smiled. "Okay, let's get these for you-" She reached for her purse and her smile faded. Oh no. I didn't bring any money.
Panic bloomed in her chest, but she forced herself to stay calm. "Uh... one second, okay?" she told the girl, gently steering her away from the vendor, who had already started to frown.
The girl's tears threatened to return, so Avantika quickly crouched beside her again. "Don't worry! I'll find your Amma, hmm? No need to cry, promise."
The girl hesitated, staring at Avantika for a moment, then nodded reluctantly.
Avantika sighed in relief and held her hand tightly. They walked down the alley the girl had pointed toward earlier. After a few steps, Avantika called out, "Amma? Appa? Anyone looking for their child?"
She received a few curious glances but no answers. She frowned, glancing at the girl. "Are you sure it's this way?"
Just then, a frantic voice broke through the noise.
"Sandhya! Sandhya!"
Avantika turned, spotting a woman running toward them, her saree slightly disheveled and her face pale with worry. The girl's eyes lit up, and she dropped Avantika's hand to run toward her mother.
"Amma!"
The woman dropped to her knees, pulling the child into a tight embrace, her relief palpable. She murmured soothing words in Tamil, tears streaming down her face as she checked her daughter over.
Avantika's chest loosened, a wave of relief washing over her. She watched the emotional reunion with a small smile.
The woman looked up at Avantika, her eyes filled with gratitude. "Thank you," she said in broken English, folding her hands.
Avantika shook her head. "No need. I'm just glad she's safe."
The woman nodded, taking her daughter's hand and disappearing into the crowd.
As the pair left, Avantika sighed in exhaustion. Then her eyes widened. Oh no! I forgot to tell Avyansh ji!
Her head snapped up, scanning the area. She spotted a familiar figure standing nearby, his back to her, his posture tense. Her heart skipped a beat.
She hurried toward him, tapping his shoulder lightly. "Avyansh ji," she began, her voice shaky.
He turned around swiftly, his eyes red-rimmed as though he'd been holding back tears. The moment his gaze met hers, relief flooded his face, and without a word, he pulled her into a tight embrace.
"Thank God," he muttered, his voice thick with emotion. His arms wrapped around her as though he feared she might vanish again.
Avantika froze for a moment, her eyes wide. Slowly, she raised her hands her heart pounding against her ribcage.
"Why didn't you stay where I left you?" he asked softly, his voice a mixture of anger and relief.
"I-I was helping a little girl find her mother," she replied, her voice muffled against his chest.
He sighed, pulling back just enough to look at her, his hands still on her shoulders. "You scared me," he admitted, his voice quieter now.
Avantika swallowed hard, feeling an unfamiliar warmth in her chest. "I'm sorry," she whispered, her gaze meeting his.
He didn't reply, just nodded slightly before letting her go, though the weight of his worry lingered in his eyes.
"Sorry? Sorry?" Avyansh's voice cracked, his usual composure breaking entirely. "I was scared to death! Agar apko kuch ho jata toh? What would I have done?"
Avantika stared at him, her lips parting in shock as his words rushed out, heavy with emotion.
"Ek baar bata dete toh kya ho jata apka?" he continued, his voice rising slightly. His hands ran through his hair in frustration before his gaze locked onto hers, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Don't you know I was so tensed?"
A single tear escaped, rolling down his cheek, and he quickly wiped it away, as if embarrassed by his vulnerability.
Avantika stood frozen, her heart tightening as she watched him, utterly speechless. She had never seen him like this before-so unguarded, so openly worried.
"I-I'm sorry," she stammered, guilt weighing down her voice. But her words felt small compared to the storm of emotions she saw in his eyes.
He took a deep breath, trying to regain control of himself, but the intensity of his concern lingered in the air between them. Avantika couldn't look away, her chest filling with a strange mix of guilt and something softer-something warmer.
She had always seen him as composed, and distant. But here he was, breaking down, because he had been so worried for her. For her.
"Main... main bas-," she tried to explain, her voice barely above a whisper.
He sighed, shaking his head slightly, his shoulders sagging in defeat. "Aap samajhti kyun nahi?" he murmured, his voice quieter now, the frustration giving way to exhaustion.
For a moment, neither of them spoke. Avantika wanted to say something, anything, but words failed her as she looked into his eyes and saw the depth of his concern.
â â¡â â¡â â¡â â¡â â¡â â¡â â¡â â¡â â¡â â¡â â¡â â¡â â¡â â¡â â¡â â¡â â¡â
Thanks for Reading
Do vote and follow me.
Bhai 4000 se bhi zyda words hai so I need more than 480 votes..and 150+comments.
Share your thoughts on this chapter below because last chapter mai aaplogo ne comment kiya but utna masale daar nhi lga..aisa comment karo ki read krke..mza aaye..
The best comment gets a SPECIAL SHOUTOUT in the next chapter!