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तेरी हर अदा से मोहब्बत है हमें,
तेरे हर लफ्ज़ से मोहब्बत है हमें।
हमें तो बस तेरे होने का अहसास चाहिए,
क्योंकि तेरे बिना जीना गवारा नहीं हमें। 🎀

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AVANTIKA'S POV

I felt a warmth around my waist, a comforting presence that held me securely. My heart fluttered as I felt soft breaths against my face, a steady rhythm that matched my own.

For a moment, I stayed still, relishing the unfamiliar sense of peace that wrapped around me like a protective cocoon.

Slowly, I opened my eyes, blinking against the soft morning light filtering into the room.

As my vision cleared, I found myself face-to-face with him, his peaceful expression just inches from mine.

His features, softened by sleep, looked different than they usually did-gentler, almost vulnerable.

His arm was wrapped around my waist, holding me close, and his shirt was slightly crumpled where my hand had gripped it tightly in my sleep.

The sight of him so close, his features relaxed and calm, made my heart skip a beat.

I couldn't help but admire him-the way his hair fell slightly over his forehead, the gentle curve of his lips, the strong line of his jaw. There was a sense of security in his presence, a comfort I hadn't expected.

The steady rise and fall of his chest, the warmth of his body against mine, all made me feel strangely safe, as though nothing could harm me as long as I was in his arms.

For a moment, I let myself be lost in the details of his face. He looked so different like this, so approachable and serene. It was a side of him I rarely saw, and it stirred something deep within me.

But then, like a cold wave crashing over me, realization hit. This wasn't right. We weren't supposed to be this close, this intimate. Our marriage was not one of choice, but of necessity.

We were bound together by circumstances beyond our control, not by love or affection. The reality of our situation weighed heavily on me, pulling me back from the brief moment of peace.

As I lay there, a flood of doubts and insecurities began to seep into my mind. My thoughts spiraled, taking me back to the taunts and whispers I had overheard during the wedding.

Words that had etched themselves into my mind, cutting deep and leaving scars that hadn't healed.

"She's too plain for him," one voice had said, dripping with judgment.

"She's not beautiful enough to hold his attention," another had sneered.

"So quiet, so dull-how will she ever fit into such a lively family?"

Those words replayed in my mind like a broken record, each one a sharp jab that made me shrink further into myself. I thought about the women I had seen at the wedding, their bright smiles, their confident laughter, their effortless beauty.

Women who seemed to belong in his world, who could match his charm and charisma with their own.

And then there was me. Plain, quiet, introverted me. I wasn't like them. I didn't have their grace, their poise, their ability to light up a room with their presence.

I was the opposite-someone who faded into the background, who preferred the solace of a book over the noise of a crowd.

Someone who was more comfortable in the shadows than in the spotlight.

I carefully began to untangle myself from him, trying not to wake him. My movements were slow and deliberate, my heart pounding with the fear of disturbing this delicate balance.

As I freed myself from his embrace, I felt a pang of loss, a sudden emptiness where his warmth had been.

I sat up on the edge of the bed, my back to him, and ran a hand through my hair, trying to compose myself. The room was filled with a quiet tension, the echoes of our unspoken words and unresolved emotions hanging in the air.

I wanted to stay in the warmth of his embrace, to let myself believe that everything was okay, but the reality of our situation was too overwhelming to ignore.

As I stood up, my legs felt shaky, and I made my way to the bathroom, needing a moment to gather my thoughts.

The intimacy of the moment had shaken me, bringing to the surface all the feelings I had been trying to suppress.

It was a reminder of the complexity of our relationship, the forced nature of our bond. Despite the fleeting comfort of his presence, the reality was that we were two strangers navigating a life neither of us had chosen.

I splashed some water on my face, trying to shake off the lingering emotions.

As I looked at my reflection, I saw a mix of confusion and longing staring back at me. There was no easy solution to our situation, no simple path to follow.

All I could do was take it one day at a time and hope that, somehow, we could find a way to coexist, to find some semblance of peace in this complicated arrangement.

But even as I tried to steel myself, the insecurities gnawed at me. How could someone like me ever truly belong in his life? How could I ever be enough?

Steeling myself, I stepped out of the bathroom, ready to face whatever the day would bring. But in the back of my mind, the memory of his gentle embrace and the warmth of his breath stayed with me, a reminder of the fleeting moments of connection in the midst of our tangled reality.

AVANTIKA'S POV ENDED

Timeskip
Author Pov

The car ride was filled with a thick, palpable silence. The air between Avyansh and Avantika was heavy with unspoken words and unresolved tension.

Avyansh sat in the driver's seat, his hands gripping the steering wheel tightly. He stole occasional glances at Avantika, who sat beside him, her gaze fixed out the window. Her posture was tense, her body angled slightly away from him, as if trying to create as much distance as the car allowed.

The once warm, inviting space between them now felt cold and distant.

As they drove, Avyansh couldn't help but notice her subtle movements. She kept adjusting her saree pallu, pulling it over her wrists in a seemingly unconscious effort to hide them from view.

His brow furrowed in concern, and his mind raced with questions. What was she trying to conceal? And why?

The silence in the car grew thicker, more oppressive. The only sounds were the hum of the engine and the occasional rustle of her saree. Avyansh's mind replayed the morning's events over and over, the feeling of her close to him, her warmth against his skin.

But now, that warmth was replaced by a chilling distance, a reminder of the complexities of their relationship.

As they approached a red light, Avyansh took the opportunity to glance at her again. He saw the way she fidgeted with her saree, the way her fingers trembled slightly.

His concern deepened, and he felt an overwhelming need to reach out to her, to bridge the gap that had formed between them. But he hesitated, unsure of how to break through the walls she had built around herself.

"Are you okay?" he finally asked, his voice breaking the silence. The question hung in the air, a tentative attempt to connect.

Avantika turned her head slightly, her eyes meeting his for a brief moment before she looked away. "I'm fine," she replied softly, her voice devoid of any real conviction.

Avyansh's heart ached at her response. He could see the pain she was trying to hide, the struggle to maintain her composure.

He wanted to reach out, to offer her some comfort, but the weight of their unspoken truths held him back.

As the light turned green and they continued their journey, Avyansh couldn't shake the image of her hiding her wrists. It was a small gesture, but it spoke volumes about the battles she was fighting, both within herself and in the world around her.

The forced nature of their marriage, the expectations placed upon her-it all weighed heavily on her shoulders.

He took a deep breath, resolving to find a way to support her, even if it meant navigating the delicate terrain of their relationship with care and patience.

For now, he would respect her need for space, but he silently vowed to be there for her when she was ready to let him in.

The car continued down the road, the thick atmosphere between them a reminder of the challenges they faced.

But amidst the silence and the tension, there was a glimmer of hope-a hope that, in time, they might find a way to understand each other and build a bridge over the chasm that separated them.

The house was abuzz with anticipation and excitement as Avantika and Avyansh returned from the pagphera ritual at her parents' home.

The sound of chatter and laughter filled the air, blending with the aroma of freshly prepared sweets and the warm glow of afternoon sunlight filtering through the windows.

As the car pulled into the driveway, Avyansh glanced at Avantika. She sat quietly beside him, her hands folded neatly in her lap, her saree perfectly draped.

Her face, though serene, carried a hint of apprehension. She found the spotlight overwhelming, but she knew it was part of her new life.

The moment they stepped inside, they were greeted by a burst of warmth and joy. Avyansh's mother, with a welcoming smile, was the first to step forward.

" Avantika beta! Welcome back!" she exclaimed, embracing Avantika gently. "Ghar kitna suna suna lag raha tha Apke bina!"

Avantika managed a small smile, her heart warming at the genuine affection in her mother-in-law's voice.

Next, Avyansh's grandmother, waddled over, her face lighting up with a broad smile. She was a petite woman with a mischievous glint in her eyes, her silver hair neatly tied in a bun.

"Arey wah! Hamari bahu toh itni sundar lag rahi hai!" Dadi teased, her eyes twinkling with delight.

"Dekho Avyansh, tujhe toh humne pehle hi keh diya tha, tujhe yeh pari jaisi bahu milne waali hai!"

Avantika eyes widened under Dadi's playful gaze, her cheeks turning a soft pink.

Dadi's infectious laughter filled the room as she pulled Avantika into a warm hug.

"Ab tum toh bas hamare saath baithe rehna, hum dono saath mein gossip karenge!"

Avyansh smiled, watching the lively interaction. His grandmother had a way of making everyone feel at ease, and he was glad to see Avantika relax a little in her presence.

Just then, Avyansh's aunt, entered the room with a plate of sweets.

"Avantika yeh tumhare liye hai. Tumhari pasand ke mithaiyan banayi hain," She said, offering her the plate with a kind smile.

"Aur agar kuch aur khaane ka mann ho, bas bata dena."

Though the atmosphere was lively, Avantika still felt a little out of place, like she was standing on the edge of a circle she hadn't fully stepped into yet. The laughter, the jokes, the chatter-it all swirled around her, and while it was all very warm and welcoming, it was also slightly overwhelming for someone as introverted as her.

Avyansh's mother noticed her daughter-in-law's quiet demeanor.

"Avantika, beta, agar thak gayi ho, toh tum apne kamre mein jaake aaraam kar sakti ho. Tumhari Dadi se bach ke rehna, yeh tumhe aaram karne nahi degi," she teased, winking at Dadi, who chuckled in response.

"Nahi, nahi! Hum toh ab isse chhodne waale nahi," Dadi said with mock seriousness, making everyone laugh.

But there was an understanding in her tone, a recognition of Avantika's reserved nature.

Avantika smiled gratefully, nodding her head.

As the family continued their animated conversation, Avantika quietly observed, her heart swelling with a mix of emotions.

She had left her own home behind and entered this new one, where the people were welcoming and kind.

But she still felt the distance, the slight disconnection that always came with being in a crowd when you're more comfortable in solitude.

Avyansh, ever attentive, noticed her quietness. He knew how overwhelming all this must be for her and decided to subtly divert attention away from her.

"Dev aur Devika where are they?," Avyansh asked, steering the conversation toward his younger siblings.

His mother smiled. "They both will be back till evening Dev has some work in his college and Devika went with her Friend."

The room erupted into laughter again, giving Avantika a chance to relax as the focus shifted.

Later, after more warm interactions and a meal, Avantika excused herself to freshen up. As she made her way to the bedroom, she couldn't help but feel a slight sense of relief.

This family was kind, and their warmth was undeniable, but the noise, the constant attention-it was all a lot to handle. She knew it would take time to find her place here, to blend her introverted nature with the bustling dynamics of this lively household.

When Avantika entered their bedroom, she took a deep breath, savoring the quiet. Her gaze fell on the large wedding frame hanging above the bed-a symbol of her new life. She stood there for a moment, absorbing the weight of it all.

Meanwhile, Avyansh lingered in the hallway, talking to his grandmother, but his thoughts were on Avantika. He knew she needed time, and he was ready to give her as much as she needed.

Back in the living room, Dadi watched Avyansh's retreating figure with a knowing smile. "Pehle din se hi apni biwi ke liye itna concern? Mujhe lagta hai humare Avyansh ne dil se shaadi kari hai."

The family shared a quiet moment of understanding before returning to their lively chatter, content in the knowledge that, while new beginnings were often challenging, they were also filled with the promise of something beautiful.

The room returned to its quiet state as Avantika resumed her task, her mind both heavy with thoughts and somewhat lighter with the knowledge that her studies would soon be on track.

There was something comforting in the fact that, despite the distance and formality, they were beginning to find a rhythm-two introverts navigating the shared space of their new life.

The evening sun was setting, casting a warm, golden glow through the windows of the house.

Avantika was in the kitchen, her hands covered in flour as she kneaded the dough for parathas. The process was calming, and it helped her focus amidst the whirlwind of changes in her life.

She was still adjusting to the new dynamics of living with Avyansh's family, a place where warmth and affection seemed to be the order of the day.

Just as she was lost in thought, the front door burst open, and loud, excited voices echoed through the hallway.

"Bhabhi!!" Dev's enthusiastic voice rang out, followed closely by Devika's equally energetic shout.

Before Avantika could even process what was happening, Dev came rushing into the kitchen, his face lit up with joy.

Without any hesitation, he wrapped an arm around her in a side hug, completely oblivious to the flour on her hands.

Avantika's eyes widened in surprise. She was not used to such physical affection, especially not so suddenly.

The unexpected hug made her freeze for a moment, her heart racing, but she didn't say anything. She didn't want to dampen the excitement that was so clearly bubbling over in him.

"Bhabhi, kya bana rahi hain aap? It smells amazing!" Dev exclaimed, leaning in to peek at the dough she was working on.

Before she could respond, his mother, who was standing beside her, gave Dev a playful glare. "Chl dur hath apne bhabhi se! Bahar se aaya hai ,Na fresh hua hai na kuch." she scolded lightly, reaching out to tug his ear.

"Ouch, Maa! Theek hai, theek hai, I'm going!" Dev protested, rubbing his ear with a sheepish grin, but he didn't let go of Avantika right away.

Devika, who had just entered the kitchen, burst into giggles at the scene.

The sound was contagious, and before she knew it, Avantika found herself laughing too-a light, airy sound that felt strange to her, but also surprisingly good.

Dev finally stepped back, still grinning from ear to ear. "Kya yaar, Bhabhi, Maa bhi na... always spoiling the fun!" he joked, earning another playful swat from his mother.

Avantika couldn't help but smile, a warm feeling spreading through her as she watched the family's playful banter.

"Fresh hone jaa raha hoon. Par Apke hatho se banne parathe ka wait karunga" Dev declared, his tone teasing as he and Devika headed off to freshen up.

Their mother turned to Avantika, her eyes soft with affection.

"Bachche hai na, kabhi kabhi bas mazaak mein beh jaate hai," she said with a smile, as if to reassure Avantika that it was all in good fun.

Avantika nodded, still smiling as she returned to her dough, but there was a lightness in her heart that hadn't been there before.

The kitchen was filled with the scent of flour and warmth, a reflection of the home she was slowly becoming a part of.

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