"ओह, मैं गिर रहा हूँ इश्क के गहरे सागर में,

तेरे बिना जैसे ये दिल तन्हा है और बेताब है।

तेरी आँखों में खोया, जैसे दुनिया की हर खुशी छुपी है,

तेरे बिना ये दिल कैसे जिए, तू ही है इसका सबब।

तू ही है इश्क की वो ख्वाहिश, जिसमें मैं बस खोया हूँ।"

◇

Author's POV

As Avantika entered the room, she placed the plate on the table, her eyes falling on Avyansh who was on the phone. She waited patiently until he ended the call with a frustrated sigh.

"Nashta kar lijiye," she said, trying to keep her tone even.

"I told the maid to bring it," he replied, sounding slightly exasperated.

"Ab maine la diya toh nahi khaayega kya?" Avantika asked, her irritation creeping into her voice. She immediately regretted her words as she saw his eyes widen in surprise.

She realized that her mood was more volatile than usual and attributed it to her periods, which were about to start. She was finding herself getting irritated far too quickly these days.

"Nahi kha lenge hum," he said quietly, resigning himself to sit down.

"Why did you give my seat to Dev?" he asked, taking a bite of chapati. His eyebrows knitted together in confusion.

"You should not speak while eating," she replied, her tone sharper than she intended.

"You even let him sit there when I told him to get up," he complained, sounding like a petulant child.

"Chup chap nashta kijiye aap pehle," she retorted, her voice firm.

He stopped speaking, his cheeks puffed out with the chapati he was chewing. For a moment, he looked almost endearing, and Avantika mentally scolded herself for the unexpected flutter in her chest.

"If you need anything, just call me, okay?" she said, turning to leave.

"Humare sath baith kr nashta khaiye," he said suddenly.

Just then, a maid entered, carrying another plate.

Avantika glanced at him, then at the maid who placed the plate on the table and left.

"Didi ji told me to bring it," the maid said before exiting.

Avyansh's POV:

She was sitting across from me, her mood clearly frazzled. I noticed her irritation more acutely today, and though I was still simmering from the earlier incident at the mall, her mood was adding to my frustration.

She seemed to be struggling with something, though I couldn't quite put my finger on it.

The way she had given Dev my seat and was now serving me breakfast with such a resigned expression made me wonder what was going on in her head.

We finished breakfast, and I glanced at her. "Let's go. I'll drop you at college," I said, standing up and grabbing my keys.

She hesitated, then replied, "I'm going with Dev ji."

I frowned slightly. "Dev might have already left. I'll drop you."

She looked a bit uncertain. "Oh, but he told me we would go together."

Just as I was about to insist, a knock came at the door. "Bhaiyaa~" Dev's voice rang out, followed by a sing-song, "Bhabhi~" as he peeked through the door with a wide grin.

She smiled at him, and I couldn't help but feel annoyed. This guy never leaves her side. "Sala picha he nahi chorta apni bhabhi ka," I muttered under my breath.

"Huh? Did you say something?" she asked, looking at me curiously.

"No," I quickly shook my head, trying to act nonchalant.

Dev walked in, his usual playful energy filling the room. "Bhabhi, let's go!" he said enthusiastically.

"Hm...," she nodded, but before she could move, I stepped in.

"She's going with me," I declared, not really giving her a choice.

Dev looked at me, puzzled. "Tum apne bike se chale jao. I'll drop her in my car," I added firmly.

Dev raised an eyebrow. "But bhabhi and I were going to by the bike together, na?" He looked at Avantika for confirmation.

She glanced at me and then back at Dev, clearly caught in the middle.

I didn't wait for any more debate. I walked over to the bed, grabbed her bag, and her phone from the charging point. Without another word, I took her hand and started walking out of the room.

She looked at me, clearly amused by my sudden assertiveness, but she didn't say anything.

Dev, however, couldn't resist a parting shot. "Arrey bhaiyaa, lagta hai aaj kuch zyada hi possessive ho rahe ho!" he teased, winking at Avantika.

I ignored his teasing and kept walking, my grip on her hand firm. She's my wife, after all, and today, I'm taking her to college.

As we reached downstairs, the entire family was gathered in the living room, chatting.

The moment they saw me holding Avantika's hand, their conversations paused, and all eyes turned toward us.

Choti mummy was the first to break the silence, a playful smile tugging at her lips.

"Oh ho, Avyansh holding your wife's hand so early in the morning? What's the occasion?" she teased, clearly enjoying the sight.

Avantika tried to pull her hand away, but I held on, pretending not to notice. "No occasion, choti mummy. Just dropping her off at college," I said casually, though I could feel the heat rising to my face.

"College drop-off service? Wah! Bhabhi ji, you're getting VIP treatment!" Devika chimed in, winking at Avantika.

Dev followed us down the stairs, grinning from ear to ear. "And here I thought we had plans to go together, bhabhi, but bhaiya seems to have taken over my duties," he said, mock-pouting.

I sighed, trying to maintain my composure, while Avantika finally managed to free her hand.

"Enough teasing, you all," Maa said, though her eyes were twinkling. "It's nice to see our newlyweds spending time together. Right, Avantika?"

I shook my head, realizing there was no winning with this lot. "We should get going," I said, ushering Avantika towards the door before they could start again.

As we walked out, I could hear the family's laughter behind us, their amused comments following us all the way to the car.

Timeskip

As we reached the college, Avantika got out of the car, and so did Dev. He shot me a quick glance, noticing the stern expression on my face.

I wasn't particularly in the mood to chat, so I just nodded at him, silently conveying that he should go on ahead.

"Bhabhi, I'll wait near the main entrance. Come quickly," Dev said, giving Avantika a quick smile before heading off.

She turned back to me, her eyes meeting mine for a brief moment before she started walking away. I don't know what came over me, but I suddenly felt the urge to stop her, just to see her for a little longer.

"Avantika," I called out, my voice a bit louder than intended.

She paused and turned around, and the moment our eyes met, my breath hitched. In the morning light, she looked absolutely stunning, and I couldn't help but take in every detail of her appearance.

Her face was soft and serene, framed by loose strands of hair that had escaped her braid. Her eyes were still slightly puffy from the lack of sleep, but they sparkled with a quiet strength. Her lips, slightly parted in surprise, had a natural pink hue that made them stand out against her fair skin.

What caught my attention the most was her outfit. She was wearing a light green kurti, simple yet elegant, with delicate white embroidery along the neckline and sleeves.

The color suited her perfectly, enhancing the warmth of her complexion. The kurti was paired with a matching duppata, and a sheer white dupatta draped casually over her shoulder completed the look.

The traditional attire added to her charm, making her look every bit the graceful woman she was.

There was something about the way she carried herself-humble yet dignified-that made me want to keep her in my sight just a little longer.

"Yes?" she asked softly, her eyes searching mine for a reason behind the sudden call.

I found myself struggling to find words, captivated by her simplicity and beauty. "Uh... nothing," I finally managed to say, clearing my throat. "Just... have a good day."

She blinked, slightly taken aback, but then she said."Thank you," she said, her voice gentle as she turned to leave.

I watched her walk away, her light green kurti swaying softly with each step, the sight of her lingering in my mind long after she disappeared into the college grounds.

Author POV

After a long and grueling day, Avantika finally returned home with Dev, who was practically buzzing with excitement.

Dev carried both their bags with a wide grin plastered on his face.

The reason for his cheerful demeanor was clear-his mischievous teasing had not only entertained him but had also set the college rumor mill ablaze.

Whispers of a new girl, the heartthrob's supposed crush, or even something more serious had spread rapidly, igniting the campus with speculation.

Avantika's vermillion was faint, and her mangalsutra was subtle, resembling more of a delicate pendant than a noticeable symbol of marriage.

As a result, many students hadn't even realized that she was married. Only Dev's close friends were aware of the truth, and Dev, reveling in his role, had no intention of clarifying her marital status.

This only intensified the attention on Avantika, something she had hoped to avoid.

As they entered the house, Dev was in high spirits. "Bhabhi, talk to me na," he prodded, his tone teasing. Avantika shot him a weary glance.

"Dev, can you just-" she began, but before she could finish, a voice interrupted from behind them.

"Dev, I heard what you did in college today."

Both Avantika and Dev turned to see who had spoken.

Timeskip

Everyone's attention was fixed on Dev, who was shirtless and drenched in sweat, was trudging up and down the stairs.

He had already completed fifteen rounds, his breath coming in ragged gasps. His earlier enthusiasm had faded into exhaustion, and now he was on the brink of collapse.

"Bhaii," Dev whined, his voice strained, "I can't do this anymore!"

The onlookers watched with a mix of pity and amusement, the scene a blend of humor and frustration.

"Bas bhi karo "Pakhi said to Avyansh, her tone a mix of exasperation and concern.

Avyansh shook his head, clearly unmoved, and with a firm pat on Dev's back-accompanied by a stick-he said, "Come on, 30 more left."

"Bhai, I can't," Dev pleaded, his legs trembling, almost giving way.

"You should have thought about that before you fanned the flames of the rumor mill about her being your-" Avyansh began, only to be interrupted by Dev's anxious exclamation.

"But she is my bhabhi na," Dev protested.

"Exactly. But the rumors didn't spread her being your bhabhi," Avyansh said sharply, his gaze piercing through Dev.

"Bhabhi," Dev whined again, looking pleadingly at Avantika, who stood nearby.

"It's okay, Avyansh ji. He didn't do something that bad," Avantika said, trying to calm the situation.

Avyansh glanced at Avantika, his expression a mix of hurt and frustration more than concern for Dev.

"Thank you, Bhabhi. That's why I love you so much," Dev said, smiling weakly as he made a move to sit down on the stairs.

"Who told you to stop and sit?" Avyansh's voice was firm and demanding, making Dev jolt upright.

"It must be hard for you after your first day; you should go and rest," Avyansh said, his tone softer, his eyes showing a flicker of genuine concern.

The change in Avyansh's tone didn't go unnoticed by the family members, who exchanged knowing smiles.

"He'll get sick if he keeps this up," Avantika said, her concern evident.

"We have enough doctors to cure him," Avyansh replied smoothly, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Avantika glanced at Dev, who was now giving her a sulking look.

"I told you, it's okay. He didn't commit a major crime," Avantika said, trying to ease the tension.

Avyansh raised an eyebrow, clearly not entirely convinced but relenting nonetheless.

Avyansh walked towards Avantika, his expression softening as he leaned in to whisper, "Fine, for you only." With that, he turned and headed back upstairs.

Everyone in the room looked on in awe at the exchange, their eyes shifting between Avantika and Avyansh. Avantika's eyes widened, surprised by the unexpected show of affection and concession from Avyansh.

"Thanks, Bhabhi," Dev said, coming toward her with open arms for a hug.

Avantika quickly took a step back, her expression a mix of concern and mild exasperation. "You're drenched in sweat, Dev ji," she said, her tone both caring and slightly firm. "You need to clean up before hugging anyone."

Dev pouted and nodded in agreement, clearly disappointed but understanding. He shuffled off to clean up, leaving Avantika to handle the amused and curious gazes of the family members.

Avantika, still processing the earlier events, took a deep breath and tried to focus on the positives of the situation. She hoped the day would end on a more relaxed note.

"Mai-wo abhi fresh ho kar aate hain," Avantika said, her voice slightly strained as she tried to ignore the teasing stares from everyone.

As she headed towards the room, she could hear the family members chuckling and making light-hearted comments.

As Avantika entered their room, she let out a small sigh, relieved to be away from the playful chaos downstairs.

Her mind was swirling with the events of the day-Dev's teasing, the rumors at college, and Avyansh's protective yet demanding demeanor.

She absently walked to the wardrobe, pulling out a fresh set of clothes, and sat down on the bed, lost in thought.

The sound of the shower running in the background barely registered in her distracted state.

Her cheeks heated as she recalled how the family had looked at them in awe, but she quickly shook off the feeling. It's not like that-she reminded herself.

The faint creak of the bathroom door went unnoticed as she continued staring blankly ahead. It wasn't until she sensed movement out of the corner of her eye that she snapped back to reality.

Her eyes widened as Avyansh casually walked out, water droplets still glistening on his skin, a towel loosely wrapped around his waist.

Her breath caught for a moment as he moved closer, the air suddenly feeling heavy.

Avantika stood up, her cheeks tinged with a soft blush, and made her way to the washroom. Her movements were purposeful yet slightly hurried as she passed Avyansh, who was absorbed in drying his hair with a towel.

Her gaze flickered nervously in his direction, but she quickly averted her eyes, her heart racing as she focused on getting ready.

After a while, Avantika re-emerged from the washroom, her hair still damp and falling in loose waves around her shoulders. She was dressed in a loose, white kurta that flowed elegantly over her form.

The kurta, now damp, clung to her slightly, revealing the outline of her black bra straps underneath.

A few droplets of water had slipped from her hair onto her kurta, causing it to adhere to her body in a way that made her curves subtly more pronounced.

As she walked towards the dressing table, the wet fabric of her kurta occasionally brushed against her skin, creating a gentle, almost soothing sensation.

She took a towel and began to gently pat her hair dry, her movements slow and deliberate. The towel absorbed the water from her damp hair, and she twisted it around her fingers to wring out the excess.

Avyansh, who had been on a call, heard the sound of the door and turned around. His breath caught in his throat as he took in the sight of Avantika.

Her face was softly illuminated by the light, and her eyes, still slightly flushed from her earlier emotions, were framed by damp, dark lashes. Her cheeks, pink from the warmth of the room and the gentle steam of her shower, glowed softly.

Her lips, a natural, plump pink, looked particularly inviting, their fullness and softness accentuated by the subtle sheen of moisture.

Avyansh's gaze lingered on her face, captivated by the delicate beauty of her features. The way her hair fell around her face, still damp and framing her profile, made her look effortlessly elegant.

The combination of her soft, feminine appearance and the slight cling of her damp kurta accentuated her natural allure.

His heart raced, and an overwhelming urge surged through him. He found himself inexplicably drawn to her plump lips, the desire to kiss them intensifying with each passing second. He scolded himself internally, desperate to regain control.

"Stop thinking like that, Avyansh," he muttered under his breath, trying to shake off the longing that had taken hold of him.

The call he was on became a distant background noise as he struggled to focus, his thoughts scattered by the allure of Avantika's presence.

After a few minutes, Avantika finished getting ready her damp hair now loosely secured with a hairclip, allowing a few stray drops to cascade down her back.

She walked with a graceful fluidity, the soft fabric of her white kurta flowing with each step. Avyansh was seated on the couch, pretending to focus on his phone, but his attention was entirely captivated by Avantika. His eyes followed her every movement with a mix of admiration and unspoken longing.

As Avantika approached, she cast a glance at him and asked, "Aap dinner yahi karenge?" Her voice was soft yet clear, a hint of curiosity laced with the day's lingering fatigue.

"N-no," Avyansh stammered, his voice faltering as his gaze remained fixed on her. He couldn't tear his eyes away from the way her wet hair, now partially pinned up, clung to the nape of her neck. A single droplet of water traced its way slowly down her collarbone, glistening as it moved.

Avyansh's eyes followed the droplet as it descended, the sight inadvertently guiding his gaze lower, making him acutely aware of every delicate curve of her neck.

He quickly diverted his gaze, standing up abruptly to mask his flustered state. "Ye-yes, let's go," he managed to say, his voice more composed but still tinged with an undertone of distraction.

Avantika noticed his unusual stammering and furrowed her brows in curiosity, taking a step forward to approach him. But her step coincided with a slight slip caused by the water droplets that had fallen earlier on the floor.

Her foot skidded unexpectedly, sending her off balance. She tried to steady herself but stumbled forward, her arms instinctively reaching out.

In a swift and uncoordinated motion, she collided with Avyansh, who was still trying to regain his composure. The sudden force of her fall made him lose his balance as well, and they both tumbled to the floor with a soft thump.

Avantika's hands landed on Avyansh's chest as she fell, her palms pressing into his shirt, and her wet hair cascaded over his face, the strands sticking slightly to his skin. Her body rested heavily against him, the contact intimate and unexpected.

The fall left them both momentarily stunned, lying on the floor with Avantika sprawled on top of Avyansh.

The close proximity made his heart race, and the warmth of her body pressing against his only heightened the intimacy of the moment. Her wet hair created a curtain around them, adding to the closeness of their entangled positions.

A beat of silence followed as they both took in the unexpected situation, the air between them charged with an unspoken tension.

Avyansh's breath came out in a slow exhale, his eyes locked on Avantika's, whose face was mere inches from his. The vulnerability and closeness of the situation left them both momentarily lost in the shared space.

His hand wrapped around her waist delicately, almost as if he were holding a fragile piece of glass that might shatter if gripped too tightly. His fingers brushed against the soft fabric of her kurta, feeling the warmth of her skin beneath it.

The sensation sent a shiver through him, heightening the intimacy of their position.

Avantika's nose brushed against his as they lay tangled on the floor. The proximity was electric, their breaths mingling in the small space between them.

His eyes locked with hers, both sets of pupils dilated with a mixture of surprise and something deeper-an unspoken connection that seemed to hum in the air around them.

His heart pounded in his chest, each beat echoing the intense awareness he felt. As their gazes met, he could see the soft glimmer of vulnerability in her eyes, mirroring his own unspoken desires.

His grip around her waist tightened just enough to anchor them both in the moment but remained gentle, mindful of the delicate balance between them.

They were caught in a cocoon of shared breaths and lingering touches, their faces so close that he could feel the warmth of her cheeks against his own.

The connection was palpable, a silent conversation between their bodies and hearts. The realization of their closeness, coupled with the intensity of the moment, left them both momentarily breathless and lost in the electric tension that surged between them.

Avantika's eyes widened in shock as Avyansh swiftly turned her around, his body now hovering over hers. His hand remained firmly on her waist, while the other supported her head against the floor.

The unexpected shift in their position left her momentarily stunned, her mind racing to grasp what was happening.

She could feel his warm breath against her face, each exhale mingling with hers. Avyansh's eyes, usually so controlled, were now intense and searching, as if trying to decipher her very thoughts. The proximity made her heart race, and the reality of their closeness hit her like a tidal wave.

"Breathe," Avyansh whispered softly, his voice a gentle command that seemed to cut through the haze of her confusion.

Her breath came out in shaky bursts, each inhale and exhale uneven as she struggled to regain her composure. The awareness of his hand on her waist and the weight of his body over hers created an electric tension that left her almost breathless.

The gravity of the moment seemed to hang between them, a delicate balance of anticipation and uncertainty.

Avantika's chest rose and fell rapidly, her breaths shallow and irregular. The realization of their intimacy was overwhelming, and she found herself caught between the urge to pull away and the pull of the unspoken connection that bound them in this fleeting, intense moment.

Avyansh stood up, extending his hand to help Avantika to her feet. As she rose, her face was flushed a deep red, resembling a tomato. Avyansh's own neck was a bright shade of red, mirroring her embarrassment.

The awkwardness between them was palpable. They both stood there, too flustered to speak, each feeling the intense heat of the moment and the aftermath of their unexpected closeness.

Avyansh, still reeling from the intensity of their encounter, tried to steady his breath, his cheeks betraying his own embarrassment. He could feel the heat in his bones from the sudden and intimate contact.

Ch-Chaliye, Avantika stammered, her voice barely above a whisper. Without waiting for a response, she hurried out of the room, her movement swift and reminiscent of a frightened kitten darting away.

Avyansh watched her retreat, his heart still racing from the unexpected turn of events.

Avyansh watched Avantika hurry out of the room, her sudden retreat leaving him alone with his thoughts.

He rubbed the back of his neck, a broad smile spreading across his face. The memory of their close contact and the warmth of her presence still lingered, making his heart flutter. Despite the awkwardness, he couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction and joy from the unexpected moment they shared.

Avyansh's POV

When I reached downstairs, I noticed she wasn't there. Frowning slightly, I took a seat and casually asked, "Wo kaha hai?"

"Kon kaha hai?" Choti mummy responded, pretending to be clueless, though the teasing tone in her voice was evident.

Before I could clarify, Chote papa jumped in with a grin. "Aree, tum samajhti nahi kya? Iski Aee ji O ji..."

My eyes widened at his teasing remark. Blood rushed to my face as I processed his playful jab. They never missed an opportunity to make fun of me about her.

As she came through the kitchen with mummy, carrying a bowl, she gracefully placed it on the dining table and sat beside me.

"Avantika beta, tumhe koi dhund raha tha," Papa said, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

My eyes widened, immediately knowing where this was going. "Huh?" she asked innocently, unaware of the teasing that was about to unfold.

"Bhabhi, aapke pati parmeshwar," Devika chimed in, grinning widely, her playful tone making everyone chuckle.

Avantika turned to look at me, her eyes questioning. "Kya hua?" she asked softly, her brows furrowed in confusion.

I quickly composed myself, feeling everyone's eyes on us. "K-kuch nahi," I stammered, scratching the back of my neck nervously, trying to act casual.

Devika leaned in, "Kuch toh hai, bhabhi. Bhaiya apko din bhar dhundhte rehte hain."

I glared at Devika, who seemed to take immense pleasure in teasing me.

"Bachi ko kya ghoorta hai, idhar dekh," Dadi chimed in, her sharp eyes catching my glare.

I looked at her, but instead of saying anything, I just focused on my plate and started eating, hoping the attention would shift elsewhere.

The dining table was full of teasing, laughter, and stolen glances, making it harder for me to focus.

After dinner, I went back to our room and stared at the couch. A deep sigh escaped my mouth. It's uncomfortable sleeping here...* I thought, rubbing my shoulder from the previous night's discomfort.

But I didn't have any options. If anyone saw me sleeping in the guest room or the office, they would think something is wrong, and I didn't want to give them that impression.

As I contemplated my nightly dilemma, the door creaked open. Avantika entered the room, her eyes immediately noticing me by the couch. She hesitated for a moment and then spoke.

"Suniye," she said softly, catching my attention.

"Kahiye," I replied, curious about what she had to say.

She took a deep breath, fidgeting with her fingers, "Aap bed par so jaiye. It's clear you're uncomfortable sleeping there."

I shook my head, trying to brush off her concern. "No, it's fine."

But she wasn't convinced. "I know you're uncomfortable. I saw the way you kept tilting your shoulders during dinner. It's clear you're in pain."

I looked at her, a little surprised by her observation. Her eyes were genuine, and there was no trace of the teasing or hesitation from earlier. She just seemed... concerned.

After a brief pause, I nodded. "Okay," I finally agreed, not wanting to argue anymore.

She smiled softly, then went over to the bed. Without saying anything, she took a few pillows and placed them between where we'd both sleep, creating a clear divide down the center.

I glanced at the pillows but didn't ask her about them. I knew why they were there. It was her way of setting boundaries, and I respected that.

We both climbed into bed, the silence between us comfortable but slightly tense. As the lights dimmed, I turned on my side, careful not to cross the pillow line she had made.

Eventually, the exhaustion of the day overtook both of us, and we fell into a deep, peaceful sleep-each of us aware of the other's presence but giving each other the space we needed.

I woke up hearing a muffled sound beside me. It had been a few days since I noticed Avantika's nightmares, and I hadn't spoken to her about them. I wanted her to open up to me on her own. It had become my nightly routine to pull her towards me when she was restless.

Quietly, I removed the pillows that separated us. I could feel her shivering slightly, even though she was still asleep.

Gently, I wrapped my arms around her, pulling her closer to me. Her soft, labored breaths against my chest reassured me that she was still in the midst of a troubling dream.

I carefully slid my hand beneath her kurti, my touch slow and deliberate as I caressed her side, trying to soothe her.

My fingers brushed lightly over her skin, and I felt her body gradually relax against mine. Her warmth and the rhythmic rise and fall of her chest slowly brought a sense of calm over me.

As I held her closer, I could feel her snuggling deeper into my embrace, seeking the comfort I provided.

Her body fit perfectly against mine, and I gently pressed a kiss to her forehead, hoping to give her some comfort without waking her.

Despite her distress in the nightmare, she remained asleep, her breathing steadying as I continued to hold her. I could sense her fear fading, replaced by the safety of my presence.

I kept my arms wrapped around her, feeling her body gradually still as she found solace in the embrace. My heart ached for her, but for now, all I could do was be there for her, hoping that my touch would help her find some peace in her dreams.

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