Author's pov-
The room was back to its usual chaos. The younger clan was making sure to keep things lively, filling the space with their usual banter and playful teasing. Siara, though, had been quietly taking a few steps slowly in the room to stretch her muscles, still as ever-cold, composed, and untouched by the noise around her while mahir was keeping his eyes in her to make sure she doesn't lose her balance.
Her condition had improved, and now, she will be discharged in few hours.. But she still had that usual indifference on her face. Even as everyone carried on with their antics, she didn't show any emotion.
Just as she took a step towards the bed, the door to her hospital room suddenly flew open with a sharp, unexpected force.
Everyone froze in place for a moment, surprised by the sudden intrusion.
There stood the Mystery guy, Avi
All eyes turned to see a young boy, around eighteen years old, rushing inside like a whirlwind. His face was a mixture of panic and stress. It was clear that something was bothering him. The moment he spotted Siara, all that stress seemed to disappear.
Avi's Description
Avi is an 18-year-old boy with an infectious energy that contrasts with Siara's stoic demeanor. He stands out not just because of his age but because of his constant enthusiasm and youthful energy. With messy, untamed hair and a mischievous grin always lingering on his face, Avi has a boyish charm that makes him easy to like. His eyes are bright, reflecting the curiosity and curiosity of someone who's constantly seeking new adventures, but his sharp wit and playful sarcasm hide his deeper concerns for his only family, Siara. His dii. He lives because of siara, he can't think of living if siara is not in his life.
Despite being young, Avi has a maturity that comes from being the responsibility of someone who's had to grow up too quickly. Yet, he never loses his ability to make light of situations, using humor to deflect and keep things from getting too heavy.
He's quick with a joke or a teasing comment, always ready to brighten the mood, especially when Siara's cold demeanor makes the atmosphere feel too heavy for his liking.
Physically, he's of average height with a lean build, a bit lanky but with a surprising strength that comes from his inner resilience. His wardrobe is usually filled with casual clothes, more comfortable than fashionable, often in graphic tees and jeans, reflecting his carefree nature. He's fiercely protective of siara, even if his approach is often lighthearted and filled with humor. He doesn't hate siara's family and her in-laws.
That's the values siara taught him. She became his only parent when he was--- just surviving not living.
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Avi's face broke into a grin, and before anyone could say a word, he bolted toward siara.
"Dii!" he shouted, his voice full of relief. Without another thought, he threw himself into Siara's arms, wrapping his arms around her in a tight hug.
Siara stood still for a moment, not showing much reaction at first, but eventually, she returned the hug. It was brief, but there was something different in the way she held him. It was like a crack in her cold exterior, just for a second. Then, in the next breath, she found herself lifted off the ground as he twirled her around in excitement, still not letting go of her.
"Dii, I missed you so much! I couldn't breathe without you," he said with a dramatic flair, still holding her tightly. He was holding her so tight, almost choking her.
Siara didn't react much to the words but instead just let him finish his fun banter. "I can see that, now even I can't breathe" she replied in her usual stoic tone, her eyes still as cold as ever.
The entire Sehgal clan, who had been watching from the sidelines, exchanged confused glances. This was the first time they'd seen someone this close to siara.
Kabir, couldn't help but comment, "I didn't even know she could be twirled around like that without turning into an ice cube."
"Do you think she'll let me twirl her around like this if I gift her a stethoscope," shivay nudged myra.
"If you do so, she'll strangle you with the same stethoscope," Myra replied him.
Their whispers came to an end when avi dropped siara on her feets again.
Avi?" Siara asked in her usual cold tone, though there was a hint of something else in her voice. "What are you doing here?"
"I was worried about you, Dii! You were not receiving my calls for three days so I called Sid bhai and he told me you got into a small accident. That's why you were not receiving my calls haina?" Avi's voice cracked, and despite his usual playful and carefree nature, there was a visible strain in his voice. His panic was real. Well, he wasn't aware of the real reason of siara being hospitalized.
He looked at her from head to toe as if checking for any signs of injury. "You're alright, right?"
Siara just nodded, she didn't replied back. Avi knew the reason. She was giving him silent treatment after that bike accident.
Just when siara was about move towards her bed, Avi dropped down onto both knees in front of Siara, holding her hands tightly as if preparing for some grand declaration.
"Yrr dii plz talk to me, stop this ignorance. It's been days and I promise you, It won't happen again. Look, you can seize my bike keys for a longer time. No not just that, you can take my car keys also. I promise you I'll never drive again... Wait wait, I think I said it wrong....I promise I'll never race again. This will work I guess,"
And here comes the biggest twist, Dr. Siara, the Ice-Queen almost smiled. Almost, which did not go unnoticed by anyone in the room.
Kabir was the first to recover, his voice laced with disbelief, "Wait, did she just-was that a... twitch? Was that an almost smile?!" He turned to Myra, wide-eyed. "Myra, did you see that? The Ice Queen... almost smiled. This is monumental!"
Myra's eyes were as wide as saucers, her mouth slightly open in shock. "No way. That was a smile, wasn't it? I swear, I thought I saw the hint of a crack in the glacier!" She gestured wildly.
"Oh my god, I cracked it GUYS, that's the trick!" Shivay exclaimed dramatically, standing up with a wild look in his eyes as if he'd just discovered the meaning of life. "Look. That's what we were doing wrong all this time! We were supposed to get down on our knees instead of falling on our backs,"
"If you do that, bhai will make sure you stay on your knees only for the remaining life," devansh intervened.
"One day I'll go for a Non-Icy hangout with her, mark my words," shivay interjected.
Kabir laughed out,"And that day will be the black day of your life, I'll personally organize a national holiday in your honor."
Their laughter and antics came to an abrupt halt when Siara turned her icy gaze towards them, her piercing eyes making it clear she had heard every single word.
Kabir froze mid-laugh, his hand still raised in an exaggerated gesture. "Uh... I was just... expressing my admiration for your... calm, not at all angry demeanor, Bhabhi," he stammered, trying to salvage the situation.
She then turned to avi who was still on his knees .Her voice, calm and composed as ever, broke the tension.
"Avi," she said, her tone leaving no room for argument, "get up."
Avi sighed dramatically, slowly rising to his feet like a scolded child. "Fine, fine, but you better not pretend you didn't hear my apology. I was being heartfelt here!"
Siara released his hands and stepped back, her face as unreadable as ever. "Apology accepted. But your dramatics are unnecessary."
Avi pouted. "Dramatics? Dii, I was trying to give you a Bollywood moment. And you just-"
She cut him off with a simple glance, making him go silent mid-sentence.
The younger clan, watching from the sidelines, erupted into muffled snickers.
"Dramatics denied," Kabir quipped under his breath.
"Honestly, I think even SRK would've stood up if she looked at him like that," Shivay added.
"Shut up, all of you!" Avi groaned, turning toward them with mock indignation. "At least I got her to talk to me. What have you achieved?"
Shivay smirked. "We got to witness the Ice-Queen make you kneel. That's enough entertainment for the day."
Mahir stood at the back of the room, his arms crossed, silently observing the scene. His sharp gaze lingered on Siara as she handled Avi's antics with her usual cold composure. For a moment, he couldn't decide if he was more impressed or intrigued by her.
She had this uncanny ability to command a room without raising her voice-without even trying. The way she told Avi to get up, firm yet calm, spoke volumes. Mahir couldn't help but wonder how someone so icy could still inspire such loyalty and affection, especially from a tornado of chaos like Avi.
He noticed every detail: the slight tilt of her head as she listened, the brief flicker of annoyance in her gaze, and the way she effortlessly silenced Avi with a single glance. But what caught him most off-guard was that moment-fleeting and barely noticeable-when her lips almost curved into something resembling a smile.
Almost.
It wasn't much, but to Mahir, it was a crack in the fortress she'd built around herself.
As soon as Avi stood up, the mischievous glint in his eyes dimmed slightly, replaced by a more respectful demeanor. He greeted the elders in the room, bowing his head politely.
The elders exchanged amused yet approving glances.
Avi's demeanor shifted subtly the moment his gaze landed on Mahir. The mischievous grin that usually adorned his face faded into a tight-lipped expression. He turned to his sister who nodded her head to his silent question.
To not exaggerate the situation more, siara asked avi in her no nonsense tone,"It's your exam tomorrow as far as I remember,"
Avi's confidence faltered for a split second under her piercing eyes, but he quickly regained his composure. He scratched the back of his head sheepishly, a small grin tugging at his lips. "Uh, yeah, Di. I know. My flight back to Melbourne is in 2 hours, don't worry."
The entire room erupted in a mix of disbelief and amusement.
Kabir in a serious tone said,"If he fails, our Ice-Queen will melt him into ashes"
Myra laughed, adding, "Siara bhabhi has fans who cross countries just for her stern one-liners."
Avi ignored their banter, focusing solely on Siara. "I just wanted to check on you, that's all. You scared the hell out of me, you know." His voice softened slightly at the end, a hint of vulnerability peeking through his usual bravado.
Siara didn't reply immediately. She simply gave him a measured look before nodding, her expression unreadable as always. "Good. Now go. You can't afford to miss this exam."
Avi sighed dramatically, standing up straight and mock saluting her. "Yes, Dr. Siara, ma'am. Message received loud and clear. I'll ace it for you, don't worry."
As he moved toward the door, he threw a glance over his shoulder at the younger clan. "And don't let her bully you guys too much while I'm gone."
Just when he turned back kabir stopped him,"Bro, What's her melting point?"
Avi grinned and with a wink, he said, "You'll know it when you're not on your knees."
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