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जिस रिश्ते में पहले थी मजबूरी,
उसमें अब दिल की हर धड़कन है,
जो शादी थी केवल रस्मों की,
अब वो हमारी सबसे प्यारी हसरत है।

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Author Pov

Avantika sat in front of the mirror, adorned in her bridal attire, a stunning red lehenga and intricate jewelry that sparkled under the soft glow of the dressing room lights.

Her reflection stared back at her, the face betraying no emotions, no hint of the turmoil that churned within her heart.

She felt the weight of the heavy garments, the weight of expectations, and the weight of her own suppressed feelings.

"This is it," she thought to herself, her voice a whisper in the silent room. "This is what they've all been waiting for."

But as she sat there, a peculiar sadness crept in, tightening around her chest like a vice. Panic threatened to overtake her, an old companion in moments of overwhelming emotion.

She reached out, clutching the chair's arm tightly, seeking solace in its cool surface.

The door creaked open, and Viransha entered, accompanied by her soon-to-be mother-in-law Pakhi and a few others whose faces were unfamiliar to Avantika.

They entered with smiles plastered on their faces, the kind meant to reassure and uplift.

"Avantika, my dear, you look absolutely radiant," Varansha exclaimed, her voice laced with a forced cheerfulness that grated against Avantika's nerves.

Avantika managed a small, strained smile in response, nodding politely as they circled around her, adjusting her jewelry, fluffing her dupatta, and checking every detail meticulously.

The room filled with chatter, a cacophony of excitement that felt alien to Avantika's ears.

She felt detached, as if observing herself from a distance, a spectator in her own life.

Meanwhile, in the mandap, Avyansh sat with a practiced blank expression, his mind racing with thoughts of the impending marriage.

He was accustomed to keeping his emotions in check, but today, amidst the swirling rituals and festive atmosphere, a flicker of apprehension gnawed at him.

This alliance was strategic, a union of families rather than hearts-a marriage of convenience.

"Pandit ji is calling for the bride," someone whispered nearby, breaking Avyansh's reverie.

He glanced up and caught sight of his siblings, who were eagerly following his mother toward Avantika's room.

His gaze shifted to the doorway, anticipation mingled with an inexplicable curiosity.

Back in her room, Avantika heard the soft murmur of voices growing louder as they approached.

She steeled herself, taking a deep breath to steady her nerves. The door swung open, and her eyes met Avyansh's briefly as she stepped into the mandap.

His gaze lingered on her, studying her with an intensity that made her uneasy.

She averted her eyes quickly, focusing on the ground as she moved to take her place beside him.

Avyansh continued to watch her, searching her face for any flicker of emotion.

He had expected nerves, perhaps even reluctance, but her composure bordered on detachment. There was no joy, no excitement-just a quiet resignation that mirrored his own feelings about the situation.

"Bhai, I know Bhabhi is looking beautiful, but you should listen to Pandit Ji," Dev's voice broke through Avyansh's thoughts, punctuated by a mischievous chuckle

Avyansh shot him a stern glance, silently willing him to maintain decorum in the solemnity of the moment.

Avantika, seated beside Avyash, felt the weight of his gaze upon her.

She sensed his scrutiny, his unspoken questions. Her mind drifted momentarily to her grandfather, whose loving smile had been a source of comfort amidst the chaos of preparations.

The memory brought a pang of longing, a reminder of the love she was leaving behind.

As the rituals progressed, Avyansh found himself inexplicably drawn to Avantika's presence.

He observed her every movement, the subtle shifts in her expression, trying to unravel the mystery of her demeanor.

She seemed lost in her own thoughts, her eyes distant yet haunted by an unseen sadness.

When the moment arrived to apply the Sindoor, Avyansh's fingers trembled slightly as he picked up a pinch of vermilion.

Their eyes met once more, and for a fleeting instant, Avyansh thought he saw a glimmer of resistance in Avantika's gaze-a silent plea, perhaps, for understanding.

He leaned forward, his touch gentle as he applied the Sindoor to her hair parting.

A small speck landed on her nose, a tiny imperfection in the meticulously planned ceremony.

A tear escaped Avantika's eye, unnoticed by everyone except Avyansh, who felt a pang of empathy stir within him.

"It's a good omen," Pandit Ji declared solemnly, his words ringing hollow in Avantika's ears.

"Their married life is going to be full of love."

Avantika couldn't help but chuckle inwardly at the irony of the statement. Love had been elusive to her, a distant dream shattered time and again by the harsh realities of life.

She had learned to bury her hopes deep within her heart, shielding them from the inevitable disappointments.

Timeskip

Avantika gazed out the window, captivated by the grandeur before her. Though her own home was sizable, it was nothing compared to the colossal estate now in front of her.

The drive from the gates was a grand spectacle—a broad stone path, bordered by lush greenery and tall, majestic trees that seemed to touch the sky.

Ornate lanterns illuminated the way, casting a golden glow over the cobblestone driveway. Fountains dotted the landscape, their water cascading in soft, shimmering arcs.

As they approached the mansion, Avantika’s breath caught. The estate was palatial, a blend of modern elegance and old-world charm.

The façade was made of polished white stone with towering pillars and intricately designed balconies that jutted out from every corner.

Each window was framed with delicate carvings, and the enormous arched entrance was flanked by carved marble lions, regal and fierce.

The mansion's roof was crowned with domes and turrets, lending it a fairytale-like appearance, as though plucked from the pages of a historical epic.

Avantika’s eyes were drawn to the grand staircase that led to the front door, each step perfectly aligned with precision, bordered by immaculately trimmed hedges.

It was almost too much to take in at once—the sheer scale and beauty of the place overwhelmed her senses.

While Avantika was entranced by the mansion, Avyansh found himself lost in admiration of his wife, who looked around with childlike wonder, though her expression remained composed.

Her mesmerized expression soon shifted to nervousness and then to blankness, causing Avyansh to feel a pang of frustration.

Glancing outside, he spotted his entire family eagerly awaiting them at the mansion's entrance.

Exiting the car after one last glance at his wife, Avyansh's driver moved to open Avantika's door, but he signaled for him to stop.

Walking around the car, Avyansh opened Avantika's door himself, extending his hand toward her. Lost in her thoughts, Avantika was startled when Avyansh softly called her name.

"Avantika ji...?" he gently urged, and she looked up at him with wide eyes.

Following her gaze, she noticed his family and relatives standing at the grand entrance of the mansion, their faces lit with eager anticipation.

Quietly, Avantika placed her hand in Avyansh's and stepped out of the car.

Together, hand in hand, they walked towards the entrance, where his family awaited them. Their teasing smiles were met with Avyansh's usual stoic expression, unfazed by the lighthearted atmosphere.

Anjali performed the customary rituals, warmly welcoming Avantika into the family fold.

As the rituals continued, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation. Avantika was led to a large, ornate plate filled with vibrant red ink, a symbol of prosperity and happiness in her new home.

The air was thick with tradition, and Avantika felt a mixture of anxiety and curiosity as she approached the plate. The family gathered around, their eyes glinting with excitement.

“Avantika  it’s time for the Grah Pravesh,” Pakhi announced, her voice warm yet commanding. “This ritual marks your entry into our family. Step into the ink, and let it leave your mark.”

With a deep breath, Avantika dipped her foot into the plate, the coolness of the ink sending a shiver up her spine. She lifted her foot, revealing a beautiful pattern of red that formed a stark contrast against the pristine floor.

As she stepped forward, the ink left an intricate trail behind her, symbolizing her journey into this new chapter of her life. The family erupted in cheers, their joyous claps echoing off the walls, filling the space with a sense of belonging.

Avyansh, standing slightly behind her, felt a strange urge to follow her lead. He stepped into the plate himself, mimicking her movement, his foot leaving a bold mark next to hers.

The family continued to celebrate, their laughter ringing in the air as they admired the combined patterns on the floor.As they stepped away from the plate, the vibrant marks on the floor became a testament to their unity, a blend of two lives now intertwined in the tapestry of family and tradition.

Soon, all the rituals were done, and the air in the room was thick with exhaustion. Devika, with a yawn, declared,

"All rituals for today are done. Now let the Bhaiya and Bhabhi go to their room."

"Yeah, you are right, Devika,"Pakhi chimed in, tired yet smiling.

"And although you must be tired, beta, tomorrow you have your first rasoi ceremony, so please try to wake up early. It's only for tomorrow; after that, you can wake up as per your choice."

She patted Avantika's head gently, who nodded in understanding.

Avyansh, visibly drained from the day's events, stood up to retire to his room when he was playfully halted by Dev

"Bhai, where are you going without bhabhi?" He teased.

Avyansh turned back, his brows raised in mock seriousness, causing Dev to quickly hide behind Pakhi his mother.

"Stop glaring Avy" Vijay said.

Avyansh looked at his father, surprised by the sudden turn of events. Maanyata with a stoic expression, reminded him firmly,

"Dev is right, Avyansh. If you have forgotten, then let me remind you-it's the ritual of this family for a husband to carry his wife in his arms to their room."

Avantika, lost in observing the loving dynamics of her new family, didn't quite catch Maanyata 's words until she felt herself lifted off the ground with a shriek escaping her lips.

Her arms instinctively wrapped around Avyansh's neck as he lifted her effortlessly, carrying her up the grand staircase. The cool air brushed against her face, and her heart raced with a mix of surprise and uncertainty.

Avantika couldn’t help but notice Avyansh’s focused expression, his jaw tight but eyes determined as he ascended, each step deliberate. His strength surprised her, but it was his silent resolve that unsettled her more.

Her gaze wandered, landing on the soft curve of his lips. She found herself momentarily distracted by how they seemed naturally tinted, unlike the bold shades she’d seen in the mirror.

Her thoughts drifted without her consent, fascinated by details she hadn’t thought would catch her attention.

Suddenly, they stopped, and she felt herself being gently lowered onto her feet. The shift in momentum snapped her back to the present, her mind struggling to process the quiet intensity between them.

Avyansh stood in front of her, his face calm but his eyes carrying an unspoken tension. Their eyes met, exchanging a fleeting connection filled with conflicting emotions neither of them voiced.

“You may change,” Avyansh said softly, his voice low but steady. Without waiting for her response, he turned away, leaving the room, the door closing quietly behind him.

Avantika stood still for a moment, taking in her surroundings. The room was lavish, its opulence subtly overwhelming.

A muted palette of rich grays and soft golds filled the space. Large glass panels acted as partitions, separating the seating area from the main sleeping quarters.

Beyond the glass, she noticed a plush seating arrangement with deep blue couches, a modern television mounted against a sleek wall, and heavy curtains shielding the room from outside light.

It was elegantly designed, a combination of luxury and understated comfort.

Moving past the seating area, she caught sight of the king-sized bed near the expansive windows, framed by delicate linen curtains that draped softly from the ceiling. Her eyes lingered on the bed for a moment, a flutter of anxiety tightening her chest.

A vase of white lilies sat on the bedside table, their scent faintly filling the room. While the flowers brought a sense of calm, her heart raced as she noticed a small glass of water beside the vase, a simple yet heavy reminder of the significance of the night.

Her mind spinning, Avantika walked over to her suitcase, pulling out a soft cotton kurti and pants. Finding the bathroom, she entered quickly, grateful for the brief reprieve from her racing thoughts.

Once changed, she looked at herself in the bathroom mirror, her reflection showing a face filled with apprehension. Taking a deep breath, she pushed back the anxiety that threatened to bubble over and stepped back into the room, feeling the weight of the night closing in around her.

She sat quietly on the edge of the bed, her heartbeat loud in the stillness. A few moments passed before the door creaked open again. Avyansh entered, now dressed in a simple black t-shirt and gray trousers, his face unreadable as he glanced in her direction.

"You're not asleep yet?" Avyansh's voice broke through the quietude, his expression weary yet unreadable.

Avantika shook her head softly, her eyes meeting his with a mix of apprehension and defiance.

He sighed heavily, his words coming out in a rush,

"I married you because I was forced into it. I'm not really into this marriage thing, and I don't think I'm ready to give this relationship a chance."

"I am really sorry, Avantika Ji," he added, his tone carrying a hint of regret.

Avantika's eyes narrowed, locking onto his with a cold intensity.

"You never asked if I was forced or not," she replied sharply.

"I asked you to deny me when we met, but you didn't. Don't you think I wouldn't have asked you to deny if I wasn't being forced?" Her voice remained steady, despite the turmoil within her.

Standing up from the bed, she grabbed a pillow and walked towards the sofa.

"I will sleep on the couch. You can sleep on the bed," she declared, her steps deliberate and firm.

Avyansh moved closer, his expression softening slightly as he walked to the cupboard and pulled out an extra blanket.

"There's no need. Aap bed par so jaiye. Main yahan manage kar lunga." he insisted, placing the blanket on the couch with a sense of finality.

"This is your home, your room. How can I sleep on the bed and let you sleep on the couch?" Avantika's voice wavered slightly, betraying the hurt beneath her facade.

"Yeh hamara ghar hai, hamara kamra hai. Aur aap meri patni, meri ardhangini, Mrs. Avantika Avyansh Singh Rajput. So, as much right as I have here, you have even more right than that."."

Avyansh declared firmly, his voice carrying a stern authority that made Avantika shiver involuntarily.

Avantika looked at him, her words caught in her throat as she struggled to comprehend the depth of his statement.

"Go to sleep now. It's late. We'll talk about this tomorrow," Avyansh said, taking a step back and turning away to settle on the couch, his back to her.

Avantika stood there for a moment, emotions swirling inside her, before slowly making her way back to the bed.

She knew sleep would elude her tonight, just as it often did in moments of turmoil. The absence of her grandfather, her pillar of strength, weighed heavily on her heart.

She glanced out at the balcony, the moonlight casting ethereal shadows across the room.

As Avantika looked out towards the balcony, her thoughts were a whirlwind of confusion and hurt.

The weight of Avyansh's words hung heavily in the air. She couldn't shake off the feeling of being unwanted in this marriage.

Avyansh, on the other hand, lay on the couch, staring blankly at the ceiling.

His mind was conflicted between the expectations placed upon him and his own doubts about commitment.

He never imagined marriage to be like this, a constant battle of conflicting emotions.

Hours passed in silence, the only sound being the occasional rustle of sheets or a distant car passing by.

Avantika tossed and turned, unable to find solace in sleep. She couldn't escape the questions that plagued her mind.

Eventually, as dawn approached, she heard a faint sound from the couch.

Avyansh had shifted uncomfortably in his sleep, his troubled dreams evident in the furrowed brow and restless movements.

Avantika's heart softened slightly at the sight. Despite everything, there was a vulnerability in Avyansh that mirrored her own.

She got up quietly, careful not to disturb him, and fetched a blanket from the cupboard. Gently draping it over him, she whispered suddenly tears falling from her eyes." I'm sorry."

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