Chapter 63: ✿Chapter 56✿

So… my name is in the story itself, and it starts with "A."

Whoever guesses it right gets a shoutout.

(Ab itni aasani se kaise bata dun mai?? 🐸 And yes, I already took permission from your Author Ji.)

~Mr. Anjaan

जलन भी है, चाहत भी है,

तेरे बिना अब आदत भी है।

किसी और के संग तुझे देखूं मैं,

दिल रोए, पर शरारत भी है।

◇

Author's POV

Avyansh Raghuvanshi was a man of control. A man who thrived on discipline, precision, and strategy.

But when it came to his wife? All logic flew straight out the window.

Lying on the bed beside him, completely unaware of the effect she had on him, Avantika slept peacefully, owning not just the bed but every part of him.

Her breath was warm against his chest, soft and steady, her delicate fingers curled around his arm, holding onto his muscle like he was her personal pillow.

One leg was wrapped possessively around his torso, while the other stretched out, effectively pinning him down like a claim.

And the blanket? She didn't even bother.

It was covering only him, while she lay there, her smooth skin glowing under the dim light, completely at ease.

Her shorts?

Her striped T-shirt?

Riding up just enough to expose a hint of her waist and her thighs, her soft skin teasing him without even trying.

He exhaled slowly, fighting every single urge to wake her up.

Or maybe... not wake her up.

Her hair was a mess, a few strands sticking to her cheek, her lips slightly parted.

She had no idea how dangerously adorable she was.

He really should wake her up.

But then, as if sensing his thoughts, she shifted slightly, burying her face deeper into his chest, her grip tightening, leg brushing against his thigh.

His entire body tensed.

God. She wasn't even awake, and she was testing his patience.

A deep chuckle rumbled in his chest as he leaned closer, pressing his forehead against hers.

"Excuse me... Biwi," he whispered, his voice barely above a breath.

Nothing.

He let his fingers gently brush against her back, trailing ever so lightly, testing to see if she stirred.

Still nothing.

Just when he thought she was in deep sleep, she mumbled something under her breath and snuggled even closer.

This woman was dangerous.

His dangerous, stubborn, adorable troublemaker.

He smiled to himself, tightening his arm around her waist.

Yeah.

He was definitely not waking her up.

At least... not yet.

The Plan

They were going Mangrove Kayaking today.

Peaceful, scenic, adventurous... and unlike scuba diving, no creepy sea creatures were involved.

Avyansh had already showered and changed, adjusting his watch when his gaze fell on the bed.

Avantika was still asleep..

Sprawled comfortably across the mattress, her hand tucked under her cheek, her hair an absolute mess from all her turning at night.

Completely oblivious to the fact that everyone was probably waiting for them downstairs.

He could wake her up normally.

Maybe whisper her name.

Nudge her shoulder.

Press a soft kiss on her forehead.

But where was the fun in that?

A smirk tugged at his lips as a better idea hit him.

Step One: Kidnap the Wife

Without hesitation, he bent down and scooped her up into his arms.

She barely stirred, only mumbling something under her breath as she instinctively curled into his chest.

Cute.

Adjusting his grip, he secured her tightly before wrapping a light cloth around her waist to make sure she was properly covered.

Perfect.

Now, onto Step Two: Enjoy Everyone's Reactions.

Mission 'Kidnap My Wife' - Success

As soon as he stepped into the common area where everyone was waiting, all heads turned toward them.

There was a moment of silence.

Then-

"AWWWWWW!"

Maanyata pressed a hand to her chest, grinning widely. "Mera pota toh romantic nikla!"

Pakhi giggled, nudging Choti Mummy. "We never saw this side of him before, did we?"

Anjali smirked. "Nope. If I didn't know better, I'd say this isn't our Avyansh."

Ruhaan whistled. "Bhai, itna pyaar... laate kaha se ho? Humare pass toh nhi hai itna."

Devika clapped her hands dramatically. "Uff... Bhaiya, aapke pass BIWI hai??"

Dev snorted. "Bhabhi still hasn't woken up. She's gonna murder Bhai when she does."

Vijay laughed, shaking his head. "Beta, enjoy this admiration now. The moment she wakes up, you're doomed."

He ignored them all.

Calmly adjusting his grip on Avantika as she snuggled deeper into his chest.

They could laugh all they wanted.

Right now, he was enjoying this moment.

And as for his inevitable death when she wakes up?

Totally worth it.

The Aftermath? Silence.

He knew the moment was too good to last.

Because she woke up.

And now?

She's not talking to him.

Back at the Dining Area

The Raghuvanshi family was seated around the dining table, laughter and chatter filling the air.

Except for one person.

Avantika.

She was completely silent.

Not even sparing a single glance at her husband, who was sitting right beside her, looking way too pleased with himself.

The sun was high, the waves crashing against the shore as the Raghuvanshi family's "adventure day" continued.

While the elders had gone for a peaceful water kayaking session, the youngsters stood near the parasailing setup, gearing up for something much more thrilling.

Parasailing.

A mix of nervous excitement and competitive energy filled the air.

Except for one person.

"I'm not interested," Avyansh said, adjusting his glasses as he stood at a safe distance from the setup. His tone was calm but final.

Ruhaan blinked. "Wait, what? Avy, you're seriously skipping this?"

"I've done it before," Avyansh shrugged, clearly unimpressed.

Devika rolled her eyes. "Uff Bhaiya, toh phir dubara kar lo na!"

"I don't repeat experiences." His reply was short, uninterested, and left no room for argument.

Dev snorted, his phone still recording. "Bhai ke liye thrill bhi limited edition hota hai."

Meanwhile, Avantika was still ignoring him.

She stood beside the female instructor, who was helping her secure the harness. Her attention was completely on the gear, as if he didn't even exist.

And then-

"I'll be going with Ethan," she said, her voice casual but pointed.

Avyansh's eyes snapped toward her.

What?

Ethan, standing beside the parasail, nodded politely. "Yes, Mam. I'll ensure your safety."

Avyansh tensed.

His wife. Flying up into the sky. With another man.

No.

He opened his mouth to argue, but before he could-

Dev, still holding his phone, suddenly turned the camera toward Devika and burst out laughing.

"YAI RAHI BANDARIYA!" Ruhaan jumped beside him, pointing dramatically at Devika.

"Bina filter ke dekhna ho toh dekho!"

Devika froze.

"What the-" She pulled out her compact mirror, flipping it open. The moment she saw her face, her eyes widened in horror.

"NOOOOO!"

She turned to the nearest reflective surface-Dev's sunglasses.

"MY SKIN!"

Dev was still recording. "LIVE REACTION OF MY BELOVED SISTER TURNING INTO A BURNT TOAST!"

Ruhaan cackled. "BREAKING NEWS! Devika ab sunscreen ka ashirwad lene wali hain!"

Devika snatched Dev's phone, shoving it into his face. "DELETE IT!"

Dev laughed, dodging her incoming slap. "It's too late, Bandariya! Teri Tasveer duniya dekh chuki hai!"

Devika was about to murder them when-

"It's not that bad."

Everyone turned toward Avyansh, who had spoken for the first time during the chaos.

He looked at his sister with his usual calm expression.

"Your skin will heal in two days. It's just sun exposure."

Devika's eyes softened. "See? At least Bhaiya is supporting me."

Devika turned to Dev and Ruhaan with a smirk. "Learn from my Bhaiya, you idiots!"

Ruhaan grinned. "Haan haan, bohot supporting Bhai hai."

Avyansh added, "But Ruhaan is right. You do look like a toast."

Silence.

Then-

"BHAIYA??!!!"

Dev and Ruhaan burst into hysterical laughter.

Devika grabbed a towel and threw it at Avyansh's face.

He caught it effortlessly, adjusting his sleeves like nothing happened.

Parasailing Begins

First Up - Dev

"LET'S GOOOOOO!" Dev shouted as he was lifted into the air, his laughter echoing.

Ruhaan, still recording, zoomed in. "Aur yeh ud gaye hamare pyaare bhai, nayi duniya ki khoj mein!"

Dev's whoops of excitement could be heard as he flew higher and higher, his parachute opening fully.

"HOW'S THE VIEW?!" Devika shouted from below.

"LIKE HEAVEN!" Dev yelled back.

Ruhaan smirked. "Kahi Heaven ke jagah Hell mat pohoch jana."

Dev flipped him off from above.

Next Up - Avantika

Avantika took a deep breath as the instructor finished securing her gear.

"You ready, Mam?" Ethan asked, his tone polite.

She nodded. "Yes."

Before she could glance at Avyansh, she was lifted into the air.

As the parachute opened, the wind rushed past her, the vast ocean stretching endlessly below.

It was... beautiful.

And she felt light.

Free.

The sun kissed her skin, the wind tangling her hair, and for a moment-just a moment-she forgot everything.

The past.

The grief.

The nightmares.

Just her, the sky, and the endless blue.

From below, Avyansh's eyes never left her.

He didn't even realize he was clenching his fists.

Ruhaan nudged him. "Bhai, chill. Ethan will bring her back safe."

Avyansh didn't respond.

Next Up - Devika

Still grumbling about her tan, Devika stepped forward.

"Alright, I'm ready," she said, adjusting her harness.

And with that, she was lifted into the sky.

Dev recorded the whole thing. "There goes our Bandariya, flying to find her lost bananas."

Devika, from the air, flipped him off.

Meanwhile, Avyansh still hadn't moved.

He stood there, watching, waiting.

Ruhaan leaned closer. "Avy, pachta toh nahi rahe? Bhabhi ke saath jaate toh achha hota."

Avyansh simply shrugged. "She's enjoying. That's enough."

Ruhaan smirked. "Aur tum?"

Avyansh glanced at him, expression unreadable. He turned back to the sky, eyes locked on Avantika.

The woman who had once been trapped in her fears, now flying freely.

And even if he wasn't up there with her...

She was still his.

After a long, thrilling round of parasailing, the group finally settled down at a small beachside café. The salty breeze carried the scent of fresh seafood, and the sound of waves crashing against the shore created a soothing backdrop.

Everyone was exhausted but satisfied, stretching their legs and sipping on fresh coconut water.

Ruhaan, never missing a chance to tease, leaned back in his chair, smirking at Avyansh.

"Avy, I must say... you were looking very romantic just now, watching Bhabhi fly across the sky with such intensity."

Avyansh shot him a look. "Shut up, Ruhaan."

Ruhaan ignored him completely and turned to Avantika, grinning. "Bhabhi, didn't you feel his eyes burning into your back the whole time?"

Avantika, still not acknowledging Avyansh properly, simply continued sipping her coconut water.

Ruhaan smirked. "Or maybe I should've been the one parasailing with you instead? After all, Bhai wasn't interested-"

Before he could finish, Avyansh cut in smoothly.

"Should I inform your future wife about this behavior?" He raised an eyebrow, his voice casual but threatening.

Ruhaan, unfazed, shrugged. "Go ahead, tell her. Oh wait-" He tapped his chin thoughtfully. "I don't have a wife. And guess what? I don't plan on having one either, bro."

Everyone chuckled at Ruhaan's dramatic response, but Avyansh simply shook his head.

Meanwhile, Avantika, still pretending to be mad at Avyansh, sat beside him, slightly leaning against his arm as she absentmindedly munched on some chips.

She didn't even seem to realize how naturally she had gravitated toward him.

After finishing her chips, she reached for her glass of water-except, in her distraction, she accidentally picked up Avyansh's glass instead.

Still engrossed in Ruhaan and Avyansh's banter, she took a sip, not noticing the mistake.

It was Devika who caught it first.

Her eyes widened in amusement as she smirked. "Bhabhi, Apko pta hai jootha pine se pyaar badhta hai?."

Avantika froze mid-sip.

She quickly pulled the glass away, her brows furrowing. "Pyar badhne ke liye pyar hona bhi chahiye." She shot a glare at Avyansh before placing the glass down.

The entire table erupted into laughter.

"Kya pata, Ab ho jaye?" Devika added with a teasing smile, winking.

Avantika's eyes widened, and she immediately started choking on her drink which she just picked.

But the real surprise?

Avyansh-silent, controlled, unreadable Avyansh-turned red.

A blushing mess.

Ruhaan nearly fell off his chair laughing. "Bro! Tu toh tamatar ban gaya"

Devika giggled, nudging Avantika playfully. "Bhabhi, I think Bhaiya is thinking something romantic~"

Avantika, still coughing, shot Devika a deadly glare.

Before anyone could tease them further, a sudden ringtone interrupted the laughter.

It was Ajay's call to Dev.

Dev, still grinning from the teasing, picked up the call. "Hello, Papa?"

Ajay's voice came through calm. "Put it on speaker."

Dev raised an eyebrow but did as told. "Okay, done."

Ajay's voice filled the air.

"Bachon, hum sab wapas aa rahe hain. Tum log bhi freshen up quickly. We have a guest arriving soon with us."

The table, once full of chatter, suddenly went silent.

Everyone turned to look at each other. "A guest?"

Vijay's voice followed. "Yes. Someone we all know."

The playful atmosphere shifted instantly.

A guest? Who could it be?

Ruhaan, always the first to break the silence, leaned forward, eyes narrowing. "Wait, wait, wait. This isn't some random guest, is it?"

Avyansh was thinking.

A guest they all knew. Someone the elders decided to bring along, without informing them in advance. Someone important enough that they were asked to freshen up quickly before meeting them.

Who could it be?

Dev, still holding the phone, glanced at the others. "Papa, at least give us a hint."

Ajay chuckled lightly. "You'll find out soon enough. Bas time waste mat karo. Get ready."

And with that, the call ended.

Ruhaan huffed. "Great. A mystery guest. Just what we needed."

Avyansh's jaw ticked slightly. He had a feeling.

A strong one.

But instead of voicing it, he simply stood up, brushing his hands on his jeans. "Let's go."

"Where?" Dev asked.

Avyansh looked down at Avantika, his gaze holding something she couldn't quite read. "To get ready. We're meeting this guest soon."

And with that, the Raghuvanshi family began preparing for an arrival that none of them had been expecting.

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Guess the guestt?? Positive or Negative Character???