दिल की दास्तान सुनाए, तेरे इश्क की गहराई,

पहले प्यार की धड़कन में छिपी है एक नई परछाई।

तेरा नाम लूँ जुबां से हर वक्त,

इस प्यार की खुशबू से महके हर एक रात।

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Avantika's POV

Today, we were all at home, spending time together on the terrace balcony. The view from here was beautiful, with a variety of plants adding to the charm. It was peaceful, the kind of day that felt like it should never end.

Maa and Choti Maa were taking a slow walk, talking about something while enjoying the weather. Devika sat next to me, excitedly telling me about a guy she liked-her face lit up with every word.

"And Bhabhi, he even asked Priya about my likes and dislikes, you know? To see if I'm interested in a relationship," she said, her excitement barely contained. Apparently, Priya was her best friend, which I'd just learned today.

"Phir? What happened next?" I asked, curious.

She leaned closer, her voice dropping to a whisper, "And that idiot, the way he was acting all cool! Priya told him some stuff about me because she thinks he might be a good match."

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Tumne kabhi nahi dekha usse?" I asked.

Devika grinned mischievously. "Nahi, Bhabhi, maine dekha hai! But only from a distance," she admitted. Her eyes darted toward Maa and Choti Maa, checking if anyone was paying attention to our conversation.

She was being cautious, as though spilling a secret she wasn't supposed to share.

I couldn't help but smile at her enthusiasm, wondering where this story was going next.

"What's his name?" I asked, leaning in closer.

"Akash Kashyap," she whispered, so quietly I almost didn't catch it.

My eyes widened, and I couldn't help but form an "O" with my lips in surprise.

"And guess what, Bhabhi? He even put a chocolate in my locker! With a sticky note that said 'secret admirer.' He thinks I don't know it's him because he made Priya promise not to tell me," she giggled, clearly enjoying the thrill of her little secret.

"And yet, Priya told you everything," I said, raising an eyebrow.

She nodded with a grin. "Of course! She couldn't keep it to herself for long. And he's a topper, Bhabhi, matlab so many girls are crazy about him!"

"And he's crazy about you, huh?" I teased, trying to match her excitement, even though I wasn't used to being so expressive.

Her energy was contagious, and I wanted to be supportive, even though it didn't come naturally to me as an introvert.

"Acha, leave all that, Bhabhi. You tell me now," she suddenly switched the topic, her eyes shining with curiosity.

"Apko kabhi kisi par crush hua hai?" Devika asked, her eyes twinkling with curiosity.

My smile faltered for a moment as I thought about it. Crush? Though I was the only one who truly knew the answer.

I denied."No."

"Bhabhi, apko mujhpar crush nahi hua?" Dev suddenly said, popping out of nowhere with his usual playful tone.

"Nahi," I replied, amused by his antics.

"Ouch, it hurts," he said dramatically, clutching his chest as if heartbroken.

Before I could respond, a deep, soothing voice interrupted, "Bhabhi ko toh hum pasand aayenge."

I looked past Dev, my brows narrowing in confusion as I took in the sight of the tall man standing behind him. He had a neatly trimmed beard and looked around the same age as Avyansh.

"Ruhaan Bhai!" Devika suddenly screamed in excitement and jumped on him, hugging him tightly.

He chuckled, hugging her back, then teased, "Tu abhi bhi chipkali ki tarah chipakti hai."

She fake-glared at him, but the affection between them was obvious. Dev, not wanting to miss out, dramatically shouted as he too jumped on Ruhaan, "Bhaiii!"

Ruhaan groaned in mock annoyance. Dev pecked his cheeks adding much to Ruhaan's exaggerated disgust. Dev tried to wrap his legs around Ruhaan's torso too, but failed miserably.

"Chii, dur reh, kya kar raha hai bhabhi ke samne?" Ruhaan said, pushing Dev off with a laugh.

The easy camaraderie between them brought a genuine smile to my face as I watched, momentarily distracted from my own thoughts.

Author POV

Ruhaan looked at Avantika with a mischievous smile and gently grabbed her hand. His voice softened as he recited with a flirtatious charm:

"Haseen lamhaat mein likha tha ek afsaana,

Par kismat ka khel hai ajib, kya gajab ka bahana.

Hum rahe tamannahon mein, aur bhai ne paa liya wo nazara,

Jo sapna tha humara, wo haqeeqat ban gaya uska ishara."

Devika, caught up in the moment, clapped her hands and shouted, "Wahh Wahh!"

Ruhaan grinned, but before he could bask in his playful glory, Choti Maa quipped with a smirk, "Avyansh se maar khayega tu, abhi zyada mat ud."

Ruhaan laughed it off, while Devika and Dev teased her relentlessly.

Time passed, and after Ruhaan's introduction to Avantika, she learned that he was their cousin and a poet by profession, known for his heartfelt shayari and poetry books. His charming, playful nature made him the life of any gathering.

As the evening progressed, nightfall had settled, and everyone gathered downstairs. The cool breeze flowing through the open windows and the soft hum of conversations filled the room.

Avantika, along with Anjali and Parul, was busy in the kitchen, helping prepare dinner for everyone.

Suddenly, Ruhaan's voice echoed from the living room, "Avyansh!"

Avyansh, who had just entered and was engrossed in his phone, looked up, his expression softening as a small smile appeared on his face upon seeing Ruhaan.

They walked toward each other, and without a word, embraced like old friends reuniting after years.

"Yaar, kitne din baad mil rahe hain hum!" Ruhaan exclaimed, pulling back and giving Avyansh a playful slap on the back.

Avyansh chuckled, "Bas kaam mein busy tha, tumhare jaise fursat kaha...shayar thodi hoon," he teased, his tone light but affectionate.

Ruhaan laughed. "Haan, haan. Lekin dekh lo, shayari ka asar tumpe bhi ho hi gaya na? Bhabhi ko le aaye ghar," he winked, nodding toward the kitchen where Avantika was.

Avyansh shook his head with a smile, glancing toward the kitchen as well.

Meanwhile.

Avantika had been quietly observing Anjali, Parul, and the maids as they busied themselves with cooking.

"Why can't I cook?" she asked, her voice soft but curious.

"Beta, you're already tired after starting college-assignments and all aur aaj chutthi hai toh rest karo," Parul replied, gently smiling at her.

"We even told you to rest in your room or sit with the kids and chat, but-" Parul's words were suddenly interrupted by the sound of commotion from the living room.

"Lagta hai Avyansh agaya," Parul remarked, noticing the familiar voice.

"Jao, jao. Go meet him," Anjali encouraged her.

"Chote Papa aur Papa bhi aagaye honge," Avantika mumbled, then immediately widened her eyes in realization of what she had just said. She looked down, guilt flooding her expression. "I'm sorry, I-"

Before she could finish, Parul cut her off with a warm chuckle. "Arre, sorry thodi bolte hai! Come on, we're going too. Let's all go together."

Avantika hesitated for a moment, but Parul's reassuring tone made her feel a little lighter. She nodded, managing a small smile as they all started making their way to the living room.

Avyansh's POV

I noticed her walking in with Maa and Choti Maa. My eyes instantly found her, like they always did, and for a moment, everything else seemed to fade away.

She looked... breathtaking. That black kurti, with a slight sparkle, paired with white pajama-it was simple, but on her, it was something else. The heavy dupatta draped over her shoulders moved gracefully as she walked, and those silver earrings she wore caught the light just enough to make them shine.

But my gaze couldn't help but linger on her wrists-still covered with bangles, her sleeves hiding what I knew were faint marks underneath. There was something about her that drew me in, an unspoken strength beneath her delicate appearance.

Her hair was half tied, but a few strands had broken free, dancing across her face with every step she took. I felt an odd pull in my chest-something unfamiliar, but not unwelcome. It's strange.

I've never thought about anyone like this before. She's beautiful, yes, but it's more than that. There's something about the way she carries herself, how she speaks quietly but confidently, how she's always present even when she tries to stay in the background.

I shook my head, forcing myself to focus back on the conversation at hand, but my mind wandered again. Why do I keep noticing these little things about her? Why do I find myself searching for her, wanting to hear her voice even if it's just a few words? Maybe it's just...new, this whole marriage thing. Maybe that's all it is.

But somewhere deep down, I knew it wasn't just that. Something was changing, and I wasn't sure what to make of it.

I said, "Hum fresh hokr aate hain," and walked away from the living room.

As I reached the room, I put my bag on the couch and began unfastening my blazer.

I stood there, my hands still fumbling with the stubborn tie that refused to loosen.

Frustration crept in, but my attention was diverted when I heard the faint sound of anklets-the soft twinkling of her payal as she moved. I didn't turn around, but I could feel her presence behind me.

The door had opened, and she quietly stepped in, trying to remain unnoticed, like always.

I glanced to the side and caught her in my peripheral vision. She was in the middle of removing her earrings, placing them carefully on the drawer.

Her movements were quick and precise, as if she was trying to get out of the room as fast as possible, avoiding any unnecessary interaction.

"Avantika suniye," I said, my voice breaking the quiet tension in the room. My hands were still on the knot of my tie, my frustration evident.

She paused, her back slightly turned to me. "Hm?" she hummed, not looking directly at me, busying herself with tying her braid.

It was then that I truly noticed her face. She wasn't facing me fully, but from the angle I stood, I could see the faint lines of exhaustion under her eyes.

Her face looked paler than usual, and yet, there was a quiet resilience in her expression. She seemed tired, not just physically but emotionally too, yet she carried herself with such poise, hiding whatever she felt beneath the surface.

Her brows were slightly furrowed, her lips pressed into a thin line, as though she was suppressing something, maybe thoughts or emotions she didn't want to let slip.

The light from the room cast a soft glow on her skin, highlighting the curve of her cheek, the gentle flutter of her eyelashes as she blinked.

In that moment, I couldn't help but feel something stir within me again. Why did she always seem so distant? And why did it bother me that she tried so hard to be invisible?

"Can you help me with this tie?" I asked, my voice softer now, almost hesitant.

She stilled for a moment, as if debating whether to approach, before finally turning to face me.

She hesitated, her eyes flickering with uncertainty. For a moment, I thought she might refuse and slip away like she often did, retreating behind those walls she built around herself. But then, with a quiet sigh, she turned and took a small step towards me.

As she moved closer, I felt an unexpected awareness of the space between us. She was standing just inches away now, her head barely reaching my jawline.

The height difference struck me then-how small and delicate she appeared next to me. Her presence, though usually so subtle, suddenly felt intense in the proximity of this room.

I had to slightly bend down to her level, leaning forward so she could reach the knot of my tie.

I watched as she raised her hands, her fingers trembling just a bit. She focused on the tie, not meeting my gaze, her eyes fixed solely on the task in front of her.

Her brows knitted together as she carefully worked to untangle the mess I'd made. I couldn't help but notice the concentration on her face, the way her lips parted slightly as she gently tugged at the fabric.

The scent of her-something soft, a mix of soap and whatever perfume she wore-reached me as I bent down. It was subtle, like everything else about her, but it wrapped around me in a way that felt strangely comforting.

I felt my breath hitch, watching her up close like this. There was a vulnerability to her that I hadn't noticed before, something fragile that she always tried to hide behind her composed exterior.

Her hands moved skillfully despite the slight tremor, fingers grazing against the skin of my neck now and then.

Each accidental touch sent a jolt through me, and I found myself unable to look away. Her eyes, still avoiding mine, were framed by long lashes that cast delicate shadows on her cheeks. I caught a glimpse of the faint pink hue on her cheeks, likely from the close proximity and the awkwardness of the situation.

I swallowed hard, trying to keep my focus steady. But it was hard to ignore the warmth radiating from her, the closeness making me all too aware of the soft rise and fall of her breathing.

Her head was just beneath my chin now, so close that if I tilted my head even slightly, my jaw would brush against her hair.

She finally managed to loosen the knot, pulling the tie free with a small, relieved breath. Her hands dropped away, and for a fleeting second, she glanced up at me.

Our eyes met-hers wide and uncertain, mine probably giving away more than I intended. There was a brief, silent exchange in that look, something unspoken and tense that neither of us seemed ready to address.

"There," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. She took a small step back, immediately creating space between us again.

I straightened, the cool air rushing back in to fill the void where she had been. For a second, I almost regretted letting her go, the warmth of her presence replaced by the cold, empty space.

"Thanks," I said, my voice coming out a bit more strained than I intended. She gave a brief nod, not looking at me again, and turned to leave the room.

As she walked away, her footsteps light and hurried, the sound of her anklets softly echoed in the silence. She opened the door, pausing just for a fraction of a second, then she stepped out, closing the door gently behind her, leaving me standing there alone.

I let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding, staring at the closed door. The room felt emptier without her, the air still carrying the faint scent of her presence.

I turned to look at the tie now draped over the chair, a simple piece of fabric, but it seemed to hold more weight than before. Her touch still lingered on my skin, a memory of the brief, close moment we had just shared.

I ran a hand through my hair, trying to shake off the strange heaviness that settled in the pit of my stomach. It was just a tie, just a simple interaction.

Yet, the way she had looked at me, the way she had so carefully handled even the smallest of tasks-it all left me feeling... unsettled.

I took a moment to compose myself before freshning up heading downstairs, where everyone was gathered. But even as I walked out of the room, I couldn't shake the image of her standing there, the height difference between us, the way her eyes had briefly met mine.

There was something in those eyes, something I couldn't quite grasp, but it drew me in, making me want to understand her more.

Shaking my head, I moved down the hallway. She had gone downstairs to join the others, to blend back into the family atmosphere, as she always did. And yet, for some reason, a part of me longed to have her back in the room, just the two of us, sharing that quiet, intimate space again.

As I walked downstairs, the sight in the living room made me pause. Avantika was seated between Ruhaan and Dev.

They were all laughing, the sound of their joy filling the space. But what caught my eye was the way Ruhaan leaned slightly toward Avantika, his gaze focused solely on her as he spoke with a teasing yet admiring tone.

"One more poetry for my Swarg se bhi zyada sundar Bhabhi," Ruhaan declared, his eyes shining with mischief , while everyone around urged Ruhaan to continue. His words made something twist inside me, a feeling I wasn't ready to acknowledge.

Ruhaan cleared his throat, his voice taking on a softer, more serious tone as he began:

"Swarg se bhi sunder hai teri muskurahat,

Jab bhi dekhu tujhko, bhool jaun apni chaahat,

Tere chehre ki roshni se hai ye sansaar roshan,

Tu hai vo chandni jo andhere ko kare ujagar.

"Bohot sundr.."Chote Papa said.

Teri aankhon mein hai ek samundar ki gehrayi,

Aur dil hai tera, jaise phool ki tarah narmayi,

Swarg bhi sharma jaye, teri khubsurti ko dekhkar,

Tu hai vo pari, jo dharti par utar aayi asmaan se."

Everyone clapped, some whistled, while Devika shouted, "Wah wah!".

I looked at her as She tried to hide her smile, but it was there, that small curve of her lips that made my chest tighten.

Ruhaan smiled broadly, clearly pleased with his words and the reaction they elicited. My fists clenched at my sides almost unconsciously. I felt a surge of something intense, something sharp and hot that twisted inside me. Jealousy.

What was Ruhaan doing, throwing around poetry like that? And why was Avantika sitting so close to him, laughing with him so freely? It was infuriating. She was my wife, not someone for Ruhaan to flirt with or tease in this way.

Ruhaan's eyes flicked over to me, catching the expression on my face. For a brief moment, a knowing smirk played on his lips before he turned back to Avantika, continuing to engage her in conversation as if I wasn't even there. It made the feeling inside me boil over.

I knew Ruhaan was doing this on purpose. He caught on to my jealousy and was enjoying every second of it. What kind of brother was he? Annoyance bubbled inside me, and I struggled to keep a neutral expression as we moved toward the dining table.

"Arrey, Avyansh aa gaya! Chalo, chalo, ab dinner kar lete hain," Papa announced, snapping me out of my thoughts.

Everyone started to settle around the dining table. I took my usual seat, trying to focus on the food and not the irritating smirk on Ruhaan's face. Avantika walked over to sit beside me, her face calm and composed. But, of course, Ruhaan had to take the seat on her other side, leaning in slightly as if he was about to tell her a secret.

As the dinner began, Ruhaan didn't miss a beat. He leaned closer to Avantika, his shoulder nearly touching hers. "So, Bhabhi," he began, deliberately using a tone that made my blood boil, "aapne kabhi bataya nahi, aapko poetry kaise lagti hai?"

Avantika raised an eyebrow, glancing at him sideways. "Achhi lagti hai," she replied simply, taking a bite of her food. "But I prefer the ones that actually mean something, not just flowery words."

Ruhaan chuckled, undeterred by her response. "Touche, Bhabhi," he said, clearly enjoying himself. "Lekin aapko khush karna ho toh, mujhe shayari thodi aur achi karni padegi. After all, aap toh Swarg se bhi sundar hain," he added dramatically, quoting his own earlier poetry.

I clenched my jaw, my grip on the fork tightening. He was pushing his luck. He knew exactly what he was doing-flirting right in front of me, using the most exaggerated charm possible.

Avantika shot him a look, unimpressed. "the whole 'Swarg se sundar' line is a bit overused, don't you think?"

Ruhaan feigned a wounded expression, putting a hand over his heart. "Ouch, Bhabhi, dil tod diya aapne," he said dramatically, glancing sideways at me with a sly grin.

I could feel my patience wearing thin. I knew he was doing this on purpose, taunting me, testing how far he could push me. And Avantika, she was playing right along, not the shy girl I had expected but someone who could handle his banter with ease.

"Avantika suniye," I said, my voice calm but firm, trying to draw her attention away from Ruhaan, "can you pass the salad?"

She turned her gaze to me, her eyes studying my face for a moment, as if she could sense the tension bubbling underneath.

Without a word, she picked up the bowl and handed it over. Her fingers brushed mine briefly, a small, electrifying touch that made me feel slightly more grounded.

As Avantika passed me the salad, the room was filled with the casual chatter of dinner. Suddenly, Dadi's voice cut through the conversation.

"Tu Avantika ko uske naam se bulata hai?" she asked, her tone curious.

"Ha, Avyansh, you haven't given your wife a name yet?" Chote Papa teased, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

"Hum sabne apni patni ke liye unhe dekhte hi naam soch kar rakh liya tha," Papa said with a grin, joining in the light-hearted banter.

"Tere Dada ji kitne pyar se mujhe Babli bulate the," Dadi said nostalgically, her smile warm.

"Babli khikhikhi," Devika giggled, earning a mock glare from Dadi.

"Anju, it's a nickname from mine to Anjali," Chote Papa said, his tone playful.

"Pakku, it's from me," Papa said with a shrug, clearly enjoying the conversation.

"Toh Bhaiya, apne bhi toh rakha hoga Bhabhi ke liye nickname?" Dev asked, his tone full of expectation.

"Avy... Yai mat kehna tune kuch naam nahi rakha," Choti Maa said, adding to the teasing atmosphere.

I looked at Avantika. Her eyes widened in surprise, and she stared at me with a mix of curiosity and mild embarrassment. I glanced around the room, trying to come up with a nickname on the spot, but my mind was a blank slate.

"Bol bhi le, sharma kyu raha hai," Ruhaan urged, his voice filled with mischief.

I took a deep breath, trying to think quickly. "Uh... it's..

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Comment down some unique funny nicknames for Avantika guys..and the best one will be her nickname.

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